Of Ood by Lord Dunsany (1917)
The narrative unfolds in a mythical landscape where a journey to a sacred temple is described. This temple, dedicated to a singular deity, is situated in a remote region known as the land of forgotten hills. The protagonist is urged to undertake a perilous climb through treacherous peaks and valleys, emphasizing the significance of the journey over the destination. At the temple resides a prophet named Ood, who embodies a profound stillness and inactivity, surrounded by a lethargic priesthood. The temple's atmosphere is one of eternal rest, where work and prayer are prohibited, reflecting a state of divine slumber. The priests, in their idleness, symbolize a disconnect from the active worship of their god, Māna-Yood-Sushāī. The narrative suggests that Ood's power surpasses that of any earthly prophet, hinting at the potential consequences of awakening the deity through collective prayer. The text implies that such an awakening could lead to the annihilation of worlds, underscoring the weight of divine slumber and the precarious balance between existence and non-existence. The journey to the temple is fraught with danger, as the protagonist must navigate the harsh elements of nature, symbolizing the trials one must endure to reach enlightenment or divine understanding. The choice between the treacherous path and a safer, more straightforward route serves as a metaphor for the pursuit of truth and the sacrifices required in the quest for spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, the work explores themes of divinity, the nature of worship, and the existential implications of awakening a slumbering god, inviting readers to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the divine. The journey to the temple becomes a profound exploration of faith, the consequences of prayer, and the essence of existence itself.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Adventure · 295 words
First lines
Men say that if thou comest to Sundāri, beyond all the plains, and shalt climb to his summit before thou art seized by the avalanche which sitteth always on his slopes, that then there lie before thee many peaks. And if thou shalt climb these and cross their valleys (of which there be seven and also seven peaks) thou shalt come at last to the land of forgotten hills, where amid many valleys and white snow there standeth the "Great Temple of One god Only."
Therein is a dreaming prophet who doeth naught, and a drowsy priesthood about him.
These be the priests of Māna-Yood-Sushāī.
What this Textopian page supports
Of Ood is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Adventure, Mythology, Literary Fiction
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements, a dreamlike setting, and a focus on a prophet and a god, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore existential questions about divinity, purpose, and the nature of prayer, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Adventure — The journey to the land of forgotten hills involves climbing peaks and crossing valleys, indicative of an adventurous quest.
- Mythology — The story incorporates elements of myth, such as gods and prophets, reflecting mythological themes.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Adventure · Magic · Realism · Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · Philosophy · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Influential Work