Kabok the Prophet by Lord Dunsany
In a time when the divine and mortal realms intersected, a figure named Kabok emerged, revered for his wisdom. He claimed to interpret the will of Mung, a powerful deity, asserting that he could influence Mung's signs based on human actions. Those who offered gifts to Kabok were assured protection, while those who sinned faced Mung's wrath. As Kabok indulged in the offerings of his followers, he became increasingly aware of Mung's presence, which manifested as ominous footsteps in his garden during the stillness of night. Initially dismissing these sounds as mere cattle, Kabok's confidence waned as Mung's shadow loomed closer, instilling fear in him. Despite his self-proclaimed omniscience, Kabok was haunted by the unknown nature of Mung, which he had never fully comprehended. On successive nights, Mung's presence grew more palpable, culminating in a confrontation where Kabok, overwhelmed by terror, fled from his home to face the deity. Mung, in a silent yet powerful gesture, indicated the inevitability of fate. In that moment, Kabok's fears were quelled, and he accepted the finality of his existence, realizing that both he and his anxieties were now part of the past. The narrative explores themes of power, fear, and the limits of human understanding in the face of divine will.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1920 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia · 585 words
First lines
When Alhireth-Hotep was among the Things that Were, and still men sought to know, they said unto Kabok: "Be thou as wise as was Alhireth-Hotep."
And Kabok grew wise in his own sight and in the sight of men.
What this Textopian page supports
Kabok the Prophet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia, Allegory, Literary Fiction
- Length: 585 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Kabok the Prophet by Lord Dunsany
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Kabok the Prophet?
- How does this short story by Lord Dunsany fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Deeds Of Mung by Lord Dunsany
- Of How Imbaun Became High Prophet In Aradec Of All The Gods Save One by Lord Dunsany
- Yug The Prophet by Lord Dunsany
- Compromise by Lord Dunsany
- The Messengers by Lord Dunsany
- The Worm And The Angel by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements, gods, and a fictional world, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story explores themes of knowledge, fear, and the nature of existence, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Mythopoeia — The work creates a mythological framework with its own deities and cosmology, akin to mythopoeic literature.
- Allegory — The characters and events symbolize deeper moral and existential themes, functioning as an allegory.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Prophetic Fiction · Adventure · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Mystery · Symbolism · Allegory · Philosophy · Spirituality