How the Enemy Came to Thlūnrāna by Lord Dunsany

Name: How the Enemy Came to Thlūnrāna
Author: Lord Dunsany

The narrative unfolds in the mystical realm of Thlūnrāna, a cathedral of wizardry shrouded in secrecy and dread. It is prophesied that an enemy, divine yet dwelling among men, will bring about the doom of this enigmatic place. The architecture of Thlūnrāna is imposing, with narrow, high windows that seem to watch over the valley, instilling fear in those who dare approach. As the foretold night arrives, a man from a nearby cottage, driven by curiosity and a sense of impending doom, ventures into Thlūnrāna. Despite his trepidation, he ascends the marble stairway, passing through dark chambers filled with magicians engaged in arcane rituals. The atmosphere is thick with an unsettling gloom, and the presence of rats fleeing the building adds to the sense of foreboding. Upon reaching the innermost chamber, the man encounters a silk pavilion, the heart of Thlūnrāna's mystery. Compelled by an overwhelming urge, he draws back the curtain, revealing the inner secret. Instead of a fearsome entity, he finds something unexpected that provokes laughter. This act fulfills the prophecy, leading to the collapse of Thlūnrāna's terror over the valley. The magicians, confronted with the power of laughter, abandon their dark practices, wailing and lamenting as they flee. The story concludes with the revelation that the true enemy was not a malevolent force but the simple, joyous act of laughter, which ultimately dismantles the fear that Thlūnrāna had instilled in the hearts of men.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Gothic · 692 words

First lines

It had been prophesied of old and foreseen from the ancient days that its enemy would come upon Thlūnrāna. And the date of its doom was known and the gate by which it would enter, yet none had prophesied of the enemy who he was save that he was of the gods though he dwelt with men. Meanwhile Thlūnrāna, that secret lamaserai, that chief cathedral of wizardry, was the terror of the valley in which it stood and of all lands round about it. So narrow and high were the windows and so strange when lighted at night that they seemed to regard men with the demoniac leer of something that had a secret in the dark. Who were the magicians and the deputy-magicians and the great arch-wizard of that furtive place nobody knew, for they went veiled and hooded and cloaked completely in black.

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How the Enemy Came to Thlūnrāna is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Gothic, Adventure, Allegory
Length: 692 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements, wizards, and a mythical setting, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Mythology — The narrative incorporates themes of prophecy and divine beings, aligning it with mythological storytelling.
Gothic — The dark, mysterious atmosphere and the presence of a foreboding setting contribute to a gothic tone.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey to confront the enemy involves elements of adventure and exploration.