The Sun and how it was Made by Divine Will
The narrative explores the celestial significance and divine creation of the Sun, portraying it as a majestic entity far larger than its appearance suggests. It is adorned with royal garments and a crown, attended by a multitude of angels who prepare it daily. As the Sun sets, the angels remove its regal attire, placing it upon the Lord's throne, signifying a cyclical process of honor and reverence. The Sun's journey from East to West is accompanied by mythical creatures, such as fiery phoenixes, which protect themselves from its scorching rays by bathing in ocean waters. This act symbolizes renewal and the struggle against the destructive power of the Sun. The cock emerges as a prophetic figure, heralding the dawn and the resurrection, linking the Sun's rise with divine light and life. The work intertwines themes of creation, reverence, and the interplay between celestial bodies and earthly beings, emphasizing the Sun's role as a source of light and life, while also highlighting the fragility of existence in the face of its overwhelming power. The narrative culminates in a celebration of the Sun as a divine creation, reflecting the glory of its Creator and the joy it brings to the world.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1876 · Genre: Mythology, Religious, Fantasy · 368 words
First lines
The Sun is thirty times the size it appears: looks very small because it is very high up from the earth.
The Sun has an apparel and a crown which would befit a Tsar, and fifteen thousands of angels of the Lord accompany him and deck him every day. And when the Sun wanes to the West, then the angels strip off from him that garb and crown which would befit a Tsar, and lay it on the throne of the Lord.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sun and how it was Made by Divine Will is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Religious, Fantasy, Poetry, Allegory
- Length: 368 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sun and how it was Made by Divine Will by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sun and how it was Made by Divine Will?
- How does this short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mythology first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mythology — The narrative explores the creation and significance of the Sun through divine intervention, aligning with mythological themes.
- Religious — The text incorporates elements of Christian symbolism and references to God and angels, reflecting religious themes.
- Fantasy — The depiction of angels, phoenixes, and divine garments introduces fantastical elements to the narrative.
- Poetry — The lyrical style and rhythmic descriptions evoke a poetic quality in the storytelling.
Tags
Mythology · Slavic Mythology · Russian Folklore · Cosmogony · Creation Myth · Divine Will · Sun God · Solar Deity · Ancient Cosmology · Folkloric Texts · Sacred Storytelling · Indigenous Knowledge