The narrative unfolds in a mystical realm where the protagonist embarks on a journey to a distant valley, rumored to be a sanctuary for the years that have passed. This valley, hidden from the world yet visible to the moon and dreamers, serves as a resting place for lost time. The protagonist, filled with sorrow for these bygone years, seeks to honor them with a delicate wreath made of daisies, symbolizing fragility and remembrance. Upon arriving in the valley, the protagonist searches for remnants of the dead years but finds nothing. Instead, they encounter colossal figures, the Immortals, who embody the essence of all past and future time. These beings are depicted as timeless and unyielding, overshadowing the stars and commanding reverence from all of existence, including kings and nations. The protagonist learns from a voice that these Immortals are the very essence of the years that have passed, shaping all that is and will be. They are the creators of joy and sorrow, the architects of history, and the source of all earthly power. The protagonist realizes that the years they mourn are not lost but are part of a greater continuum, with the Immortals standing as guardians of time. Ultimately, the protagonist departs the valley, transformed by the understanding that the dead years are not merely to be mourned but are integral to the fabric of existence. The journey concludes with a sense of comfort, as the protagonist recognizes the interconnectedness of all time and the enduring legacy of the Immortals.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1914 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Poetry