The Twilight of the Gods and Other Tales by Richard Garnett
"The Twilight of the Gods and Other Tales" is a collection of stories that delves into themes of human corruption, the pursuit of eternal life, and the complexities of divine figures across different cultures. Initially published in 1888 with sixteen stories, the collection expanded posthumously to include additional tales that reflect on various historical incidents. The narratives often illustrate the failures of individuals who seek divine knowledge or power through unethical means, revealing the darker aspects of human nature.
One of the focal points of the collection is the title story, where the Titan Prometheus, after being freed from his tormentor, encounters a Christian sect that oscillates between reverence and envy. Another notable tale, "The Demon Pope," explores the rise of Gerbert, a man who, in alliance with Lucifer, ascends to the papacy only to face the consequences of his choices. Additionally, "The Potion of Lao-Tsze" presents a narrative from ancient China, highlighting the emperor's desperate quest for immortality and the tragic outcomes of his actions. Through these stories, the collection offers a rich tapestry of philosophical and moral reflections, inviting readers to contemplate the nuances of power, divinity, and the human condition.
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The Twilight of the Gods and Other Tales
First published: 1903
Type of work: Stories
Type of plot: Fantasy—alternate history
Time of work: Various times between antiquity and the early 1800’s
Locale: Various locations in Europe, Asia, and the United States; and different versions of Heaven and Hell
The Plot
The Twilight of the Gods (1888) was originally published containing sixteen stories. After the author’s death, twelve stories published in various magazines were added to the collection. Most of the stories in this collection portray human corruption from various periods in human history. Some are based on actual historical incidents, some of which are identified in the notes at the back of the book. Many of the stories describe failed human attempts to obtain eternal life, divine knowledge, or supreme power through violence, deceit, or manipulation. Other stories portray corruption in supernatural figures from the Greek and Christian traditions. Several stories will serve as examples.
The title story in the collection describes how the Greek Titan Prometheus is freed from his chains upon the death of the eagle that Zeus has sent to torment him each day. Prometheus descends from the mountain and encounters a Christian sect, the members of which first try to stone him and then revere him as a saint, with the dead eagle as one of his relics. Prometheus’ beauty awakens envy and jealousy in the congregation, and he flees a plot to murder him. He lives an ideal life with a former priestess of Apollo and is visited by the neglected Greek gods and goddesses, who bore him with their pettiness.
In “The Demon Pope,” Lucifer makes a deal with Gerbert, a young student, that he will help Gerbert succeed provided that, after forty years, Gerbert will give Lucifer anything within his power to give, other than his soul. Gerbert becomes, in succession, abbot, bishop, archbishop, cardinal, and pope. After forty years, Lucifer asks to be made a cardinal, but Gerbert instead makes him pope because a group of cardinals is coming to kill the pope. When the cardinals find out that the pope is Lucifer, they revere him and ask him for favors.
“The Potion of Lao-Tsze” is set in the Tang dynasty of China. The emperor has been trying to exterminate the religious sect of Lao-Tsze. When he learns that it has a potion that will provide eternal life, he tries to locate the last remaining members of the sect. He learns of an old woman and a young woman, mother and daughter, who sit in a trance in a secret cave. The daughter alone knows the secret of eternal life. The emperor kills the old woman and brings the young woman to his palace, mistakenly thinking the young woman is the daughter.
In “The City of the Philosophers,” the Greek philosopher Plotinus establishes a utopian city. His extreme joy at founding the city throws him into a trance. When he finally wakes, he finds that his city of philosophers has degenerated.