The Devil Is Dead by R. A. Lafferty
"The Devil Is Dead" is a narrative that intertwines elements of mythology, existential inquiry, and complex character dynamics. The story follows Finnegan, who struggles with amnesia alongside an eccentric millionaire named Saxon X. Seaworthy. Their journey begins aboard Seaworthy's boat, the Brunhilde, where they encounter a mermaid named Anastasia Demetriades and the ominous figure known as Papadiabolous, who is revealed to be a manifestation of the Devil. As the characters engage in an enigmatic transatlantic voyage, they grapple with tall tales, a mysterious corpse, and various manifestations of classical mythology.
Tension escalates with the arrival of the malevolent Marie Courtois, leading to violent confrontations and the eventual death of Papadiabolous. His demise appears to release the darker instincts of Seaworthy and his associates. Throughout the narrative, Finnegan and new allies, including Dolores "Doll" Delancy and an enigmatic Mr. X, navigate a chaotic landscape filled with myth and identity struggles. The story culminates in the revelation of twin brothers, one evil and one good, and explores themes of heroism and self-discovery against the backdrop of an ancient human legacy. Ultimately, "The Devil Is Dead" presents a rich tapestry of characters and ideas that challenge traditional narrative structures, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of good and evil.
On this Page
Subject Terms
The Devil Is Dead
First published: 1971
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—mythological
Time of work: The indeterminate past
Locale: Primarily the ship Brunhilde and the island of Naxos
The Plot
Finnegan who cannot remember his true name or nature) meets the eccentric millionaire Saxon X. Seaworthy, who is similarly afflicted with amnesia. They have a drink together, served by Anastasia Demetriades (who is a mermaid, although that is not immediately obvious). They are joined by another person, whom Anastasia addresses as Papa-D. Later, Anastasia recruits Finnegan and other crew members for a voyage on Seaworthy’s boat, the Brunhilde, seemingly against the wishes of Papa-D, whose full name is Papadiabolous. Anastasia tells Finnegan that Papadiabolous is the Devil.
On the transatlantic voyage, several tall tales are told and heard, a mysterious corpse turns up, and there is much enigmatic talk. Finnegan remembers that he and Seaworthy once buried someone who looks exactly like Papadiabolous and realizes that Seaworthy believes his present companion is the same person. Another passenger, the evil Marie Courtois, kills one of Finnegan’s shipmates.
When the ship reaches the island of Naxos, various manifestations of classical mythology begin to intrude on the action and dialogue. A fight breaks out at the ship’s mooring, and Finnegan returns there to find Papadiabolous dead. This demise apparently serves to liberate the evil inclinations of Seaworthy and his associates, which previously had been held in check.
Finnegan encounters Mr. X, who otherwise is left unidentified (no comment being made on the fact that X is also Seaworthy’s middle initial). Mr. X offers an explanation of recent events that does not make matters any clearer. Finnegan then meets Dolores “Doll” Delancy. These three become a team of “outlaws,” on the run from Seaworthy and other vague threats. More tall tales are told and heard, mingling mythological sources with other materials in increasingly chaotic fashion. Many new characters are introduced for this purpose, while Finnegan’s alleged pursuers fade into the background, seemingly forgotten.
In the final chapter, Mr. X tells one last tale, which offers an explanation of the curious case of the two identical Papadiabolouses. They were twins, one evil and one “comparatively good.” It was the evil twin whom Seaworthy killed, before he and Finnegan buried the body; the good twin had been quick to take the other’s place. Mr. X and Finnegan then tell Doll that all these contending parties (including themselves but excluding her) are members of an older human race. She calls them gargoyles, although the prefatory notes attached to many of the chapters identify them as Neanderthal men, intent on dispossessing the race that has succeeded them. Finnegan, in turning against his own kind, has become a heroic renegade fighting on behalf of “hopeless” people who are unable to fight for themselves, being merely “sheep.” Doll demands a climax for the story, but X tells her that “it is only regular people who believe in climaxes” and leaves her to provide her own—which she does, after a fashion.