Abtu and Anet by Jorge Luis Borges

Name: Abtu and Anet
Author: Jorge Luis Borges

The story revolves around a man who is obsessed with the idea of immortality and the concept of time. He becomes convinced that he has discovered a way to achieve eternal life by manipulating his own perception of time. As he delves deeper into his research, he begins to experience strange visions and hallucinations, which blur the lines between reality and fantasy. His obsession with immortality ultimately leads him to question the nature of existence itself. The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth in time as the protagonist's perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted. The story raises questions about the human condition, the meaning of life, and the consequences of playing with the fundamental fabric of time.

By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1920 · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Short Story · 68 words

First lines

As all Egyptians knew, Abtu and Anet were two life-sized fishes, identical and holy, that swam on the lookout for danger before the prow of the sun god's ship.

Their course was endless; by day the craft sailed the sky from east to west, from dawn to dusk, and by night made its way underground in the opposite direction.

What this Textopian page supports

Abtu and Anet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Jorge Luis Borges
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Short Story, Symbolism
Length: 68 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mythology — The narrative centers around Egyptian mythological elements, specifically the sacred fishes Abtu and Anet and their role in the sun god's journey.
Fantasy — The story involves fantastical elements such as divine creatures and a celestial journey, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Short Story — The work is concise and focuses on a singular mythological event, fitting the structure of a short story.
Symbolism — The narrative uses symbolic elements, such as the fishes and the sun god's ship, to convey deeper meanings about protection and the cycle of day and night.