Swedenborg's Devils
The narrative revolves around a fictional biography of Swedenborg, an 18th-century theologian and mystic. The story explores the intersection of Swedenborg's spiritual writings with the concept of hell in his cosmology. It delves into the idea that hell is not a physical location but rather a state of being, where individuals are trapped by their own desires and fears. The narrative also touches on the theme of the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds, as well as the nature of reality and perception. Through Swedenborg's writings, the story examines the concept of correspondences, which posits that there is a hidden connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Ultimately, the narrative presents a complex and nuanced exploration of Swedenborg's ideas, raising questions about the nature of truth, morality, and the human condition.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1949 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Theological Fiction · 229 words
First lines
In the works of the famous eighteenth-century Swedish visionary, we read that Devils, like angels, are not a species apart but derive from the human race. They are individuals who after death choose Hell. There, in that region of marshlands, of desert wastes, of tangled forests, of towns levelled by fire, of brothels, and of gloomy dens, they feel no special happiness, but in Heaven they would be far unhappier still. Occasionally, a ray of heavenly light falls on them from on high; the Devils feel it as a burning, a scorching, and it reaches their nostrils as a stench. Each thinks himself handsome, but many have the faces of beasts or have shapeless lumps of flesh where faces should be; others are faceless. They live in a state of mutual hatred and of armed violence, and if they come together it is for the purpose of plotting against one another or of destroying each other. God has forbidden men and angels to draw a map of Hell, but we know that its general outline follows that of a Devil, just as the outline of Heaven follows that of an angel. The most vile and loathsome Hells lie to the west.
What this Textopian page supports
Swedenborg's Devils is listed on Textopian as an essay by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1949 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Jorge Luis Borges
- Date: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Theological Fiction, Allegory, Horror
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Swedenborg's Devils by Jorge Luis Borges
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- The Flight To Lucifer by Harold Bloom
- Swedenborgs Angels by Jorge Luis Borges
- The Barometz by Jorge Luis Borges
- Legend by Jorge Luis Borges
- Of The Making Of The Worlds by Lord Dunsany
- The Eastern Dragon by Jorge Luis Borges
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores existential themes and the nature of good and evil through allegorical narrative.
- Fantasy — Depicts a supernatural realm with devils and angels, incorporating fantastical elements.
- Theological Fiction — Engages with religious concepts and the afterlife, reflecting on spiritual beliefs.
- Allegory — Uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper moral and philosophical meanings.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Mystery · Occultism · Paranormal · Psychological Thriller · Literary Horror · Existentialism · Absurdism · Symbolism · Mythology · Esotericism · Theology