A True History: Analysis of Major Characters
"A True History: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intriguing figures created by Lucian, an author known for his satirical and fantastical storytelling. At the center is Lucian himself, who embodies a blend of a curious Greek intellectual and the legendary Odysseus, embarking on a journey filled with self-discovery and exploration. His rational observations contrast sharply with the outlandish tales he critiques, allowing readers to engage with themes of truth versus fiction.
Among the notable characters is Endymion, the King of the Moon, who represents kindness and hospitality, despite his ongoing rivalry with the Sun King, Phaethon. Endymion’s character symbolizes the immortal soul's journey, while Phaethon, initially portrayed as an impulsive youth, becomes a clever general in their philosophical duel, embodying the light of knowledge. Additionally, Scintharus, a resourceful figure rescued from a whale, adds depth to the narrative as a wise old man archetype and a guide for Lucian and his companions. Together, these characters navigate a landscape rich in philosophical debate, humor, and allegory, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling and belief.
A True History: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lucian
Genre: Short fiction
Locale: The universe
Plot: Satire
Time: Second century
Lucian, the author and narrator, who says in the introduction that readers should not believe a word of what follows. He is going to make fun of historians and travel writers who tell fantastic tales about exotic places and unbelievable peoples and creatures. He then becomes the narrator of his own fantastic story and strives to convince readers that he is telling the truth. He reports events and details in a matter-of-fact manner, presenting himself as a curious yet rational observer. The narrator is a typical Greek intellectual: He wants to discover the unknown and to understand it. He is well versed in Homer and the literary tradition, and he has more than a passing interest in philosophy. Although occasionally vulnerable to fear and feelings of homesickness, he is resolved to continue his journey to the continent on the other side of the ocean, and beyond. Lucian is also a reincarnation of Odysseus: His voyage is a process of discovery and self-knowledge. The relationship between Lucian the author and Lucian the narrator is like that between Homer and Odysseus; in each case, the storyteller manages to outdo the author in imagination and fabrication.
Endymion (ehn-DIH-mee-ehn), the King of the Moon, a human being who, as a handsome young shepherd, was carried off while asleep by the moon goddess, Selene. She gave him eternal sleep. He is hospitable and kind to the travelers. Endymion has been at war with his rival Phaethon ever since Phaethon tried to thwart Endymion's attempt to colonize the Morning Star. In the battle, Endymion's army is initially victorious but is unexpectedly routed at the last minute. Endymion agrees to a peace treaty that gives Phaethon equal participation in the colonization. The King of the Moon is eager to get the travelers to stay with him, even offering Lucian his own son in marriage. When Lucian insists that they must return to the sea, he sends them off with an escort and gifts of tunics and armor. Endymion represents the immortal soul, in accordance with the belief that the moon was a resting place for souls on their way to reincarnation.
Phaethon (FAY-eh-tehn), the King of the Sun, a more shadowy figure than Endymion, described only in secondhand reports. He is the son of Helios, the Sun god, and is depicted in mythology as an impetuous youth. In this story, he is a skilled general, clever enough to defeat Endymion by building a wall of clouds that cuts off the sunlight from the moon. Phaethon probably represents the light of knowledge, which the Greeks frequently symbolized as the sun. Phaethon and Endymion represent opposing positions in philosophical arguments: the battle of the solar and lunar forces is, on one level, a satirical depiction of the contentious disputes between different philosophical schools.
Scintharus, an old man whom the travelers encounter in the belly of a whale. He escapes with Lucian and his friends and becomes their new helmsman. Scintharus is a resourceful man and apparently is a good soldier. He has a son, Cinyras, who carries off Helen from the Isle of the Blessed: They are in love with each other. Scintharus is bald, but he magically acquires long hair after the encounter with the giant king-fisher in the second book. His name may be connected with Spintharos, one of Socrates' disciples. He represents the type of the “wise old man”—like Homer's Nestor—or the spiritual guide.