An Egyptian Hornet
"AN EGYPTIAN HORNET" is a short story by Algernon Blackwood, first published in 1909. The story follows the journey of a man who becomes obsessed with an Egyptian hornet he finds in his garden. As he watches the hornet, he becomes increasingly entranced and begins to see visions of ancient Egypt and the mythical creature known as the "Egyptian Hornet." The story explores themes of obsession, fascination, and the power of nature to captivate and inspire.
By Algernon Blackwood · First published 1908 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Adventure · 3,404 words
First lines
The word has an angry, malignant sound that brings the idea of attack vividly into the mind. There is a vicious sting about it somewhere even a foreigner, ignorant of the meaning, must feel it.
A hornet is wicked; it darts and stabs; it pierces, aiming without provocation for the face and eyes. The name suggests a metallic droning of evil wings, fierce flight, and poisonous assault. Though black and yellow, it sounds scarlet. There is blood in it. A striped tiger of the air in concentrated form! There is no escape if it attacks.
What this Textopian page supports
An Egyptian Hornet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Algernon Blackwood, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Algernon Blackwood
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
- Length: 3,404 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Egyptian Hornet by Algernon Blackwood
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Egyptian Hornet?
- How does this short story by Algernon Blackwood fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Wood Of The Dead by Algernon Blackwood
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- A Desert Episode by Algernon Blackwood
- The Damned by Algernon Blackwood
- Llewellen Powell by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — The book has a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere, which is a common element in horror literature. The hornet is often used as a metaphor for looming dread or danger.
- Supernatural — The work extensively deals with elements of the supernatural, involving mystical creatures and otherworldly events typical of this genre.
- Adventure — The plot of the book involves encounters with strange creatures and exploration of exotic landscapes that contribute to an adventure-driven narrative.
- Fantasy — Given the mystical creatures and otherworldly events, the book can be classified under fantasy literature, where fantastical elements are often the key driving force of the plot.
Tags
gothic horror · supernatural fiction · mystery · thriller · psychological horror · classic literature · vintage horror · British literature · 19th century literature · ghost story · haunting · spooky