Alone the Immortals by Lord Dunsany

Name: Alone the Immortals
Author: Lord Dunsany

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 · 600 words

First lines

I heard it said that far away from here, on the wrong side of the deserts of Cathay and in a country dedicate to winter, are all the years that are dead. And there a certain valley shuts them in and hides them, as rumor has it, from the world, but not from the sight of the moon nor from those that dream in his rays.

And I said: I will go from here by ways of dream and I will come to that valley and enter in and mourn there for the good years that are dead. And I said: I will take a wreath, a wreath of mourning, and lay it at their feet in token of my sorrow for their dooms.

What this Textopian page supports

Alone the Immortals is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1914 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Poetry, Mythology, Literary Fiction
Length: 600 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Fantasy — The narrative explores dreamlike realms and mythical themes, characteristic of fantasy literature.
Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential themes regarding time, memory, and the nature of existence.
Poetry — The lyrical style and use of imagery reflect poetic elements throughout the prose.
Mythology — The story incorporates mythological elements, particularly in the depiction of immortals and the passage of time.