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