Of Yoharneth-Lahai by Lord Dunsany
The narrative unfolds in a mythical realm where a deity, responsible for sending dreams to humanity, operates from a celestial domain known as Pegāna. This god, who caters to both the impoverished and the powerful, is depicted as overwhelmed by the sheer volume of dreams he must distribute before dawn. The dreams serve as a source of comfort and distraction for mortals, allowing them to escape the harsh realities of their lives. The text explores the dichotomy between dreams and reality, questioning the nature of existence and perception. It suggests that the experiences of the day may be illusory, while the dreams could hold a deeper truth. This philosophical inquiry is underscored by the presence of Māna-Yood-Sushāī, a silent figure who possesses knowledge of the ultimate truth but remains voiceless, adding an element of mystery and intrigue. As the night progresses, the god's role becomes increasingly significant, as he provides solace to cities and individuals alike. However, with the arrival of dawn, the dreams dissipate, and the gods return to their playful interactions with humanity, suggesting a cyclical nature of existence where dreams and reality continuously intertwine. The work delves into themes of existentialism, the nature of divinity, and the human condition, ultimately leaving readers to ponder the significance of dreams in their lives and the blurred lines between what is real and what is imagined. The narrative invites contemplation on the power of dreams to shape perceptions and the inherent uncertainty of life itself.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction · 183 words
First lines
Yaoharneth-Lahai is the god of little dreams and fancies.
All night he sendeth little dreams out of Pegāna to please the people of Earth.
He sendeth little dreams to the poor man and to The King.
He is so busy to send his dreams to all before the night be ended that oft he forgetteth which be the poor man and which be The King.
What this Textopian page supports
Of Yoharneth-Lahai 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, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction, Poetry, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 183 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of Yoharneth-Lahai 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 Yoharneth-Lahai?
- 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
- Alone The Immortals by Lord Dunsany
- The Return Of Song by Lord Dunsany
- Of Roon The God Of Going by Lord Dunsany
- Concerning Sish by Lord Dunsany
- Of Skarl The Drummer by Lord Dunsany
- The Messengers by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative revolves around a mythical god and the realm of dreams, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Mythology — The story incorporates elements of creation and divine beings, resembling mythological themes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores the nature of reality and dreams, prompting philosophical contemplation.
- Poetry — The writing style is lyrical and evocative, akin to poetic expression.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Adventure · Magic · Realism · Symbolism · Philosophy · Mystery · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · High Fantasy