Of how Imbaun Became High Prophet in Aradec of a

Name: Of how Imbaun Became High Prophet in Aradec of all the Gods Save One
Author: Lord Dunsany

Imbaun is chosen to be the High Prophet in Aradec, a city dedicated to all gods except one. The High Prophets from various lands gather to guide him to the Hall of Night, where the Secret of Things is inscribed faintly in an unknown language on the dome. Despite their encouragement, Imbaun sees nothing in the darkness and admits his ignorance. The High Prophet of Eld confirms that this lack of knowledge is common among them, and thus Imbaun is deemed worthy of his new role. Imbaun records his experiences in a book for the people, recounting a mystical encounter with the god Dorozhand. After performing rituals, he falls asleep and is awakened by Dorozhand, who reveals visions of the future. Imbaun witnesses a cycle of violence among men, where slaying exceeds even the plagues sent by the gods. He sees cities rise and fall, deserts reclaiming their land, and the relentless nature of human conflict. As he journeys through time, he observes the evolution of humanity, noting a shift from using animals for labor to creating machines. Eventually, a peace emerges, but it is born from the very violence that once dominated. Imbaun senses an impending end, marked by a stirring in the heavens and the ominous presence of Time, which threatens the gods themselves. Dorozhand, fearing the revelation of this end, leads Imbaun back to safety. Upon returning, Imbaun finds himself back in the temple, where dawn breaks, illuminating the space. He performs the morning rites, reflecting on the knowledge that the ultimate fate of the gods is hidden from mortals. He concludes that no man should witness the end, as it is a secret that must remain concealed. The narrative explores themes of prophecy, the cyclical nature of history, and the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1934 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction · 1,023 words

First lines

Imbaun was to be made High Prophet in Aradec, of All the Gods save One.

From Ardra, Rhoodra, and the lands beyond came all High Prophets of the Earth to the Temple in Aradec of All the gods save One.

What this Textopian page supports

Of how Imbaun Became High Prophet in Aradec of all the Gods Save One is listed on Textopian as a novella by Lord Dunsany, dated 1934 CE.

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

Work type: Novella
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Allegory
Length: 1,023 words
Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Of how Imbaun Became High Prophet in Aradec of all the Gods Save One 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 Of how Imbaun Became High Prophet in Aradec of all the Gods Save One?
How does this novella by Lord Dunsany fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative involves gods, mystical rites, and a fictional setting, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Mythology — The story incorporates elements of myth, including the concept of prophets and divine beings, reflecting mythological themes.
Philosophical Fiction — The text explores profound themes about knowledge, existence, and the nature of the divine, typical of philosophical literature.
Speculative Fiction — The narrative speculates on future events and the nature of time, aligning with speculative fiction elements.