Pegāna by Lord Dunsany (1905)

Name: Pegāna
Author: Lord Dunsany

The narrative unfolds in a mythical realm where a prophet seeks to understand the nature of existence and the divine. He addresses the gods, questioning the fate of humanity after death, particularly in relation to the enigmatic figure of Māna-Yood-Sushāī, the supreme deity. The gods, however, remain cryptic, suggesting that the secrets of the divine are beyond mortal comprehension. In a dialogue with a god named Yoharneth-Lahai, the prophet grapples with the futility of seeking knowledge that is inherently unknowable. The god challenges the prophet's desire for understanding, emphasizing the insignificance of human concerns in the grand scheme of eternity. The prophet fears losing his status if he admits ignorance, leading him to fabricate a message from the gods. The fabricated revelation describes Pegāna, a paradisiacal afterlife where souls reside in eternal bliss, free from earthly toil and sorrow. It is depicted as a land of beauty, with mountains, gardens, and music that evoke nostalgia and joy. The inhabitants of Pegāna are promised comfort and solace, with reminders of their earthly lives transformed into a serene existence. The narrative explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of divinity. The prophet's struggle reflects humanity's quest for understanding in the face of the unknown. Ultimately, the gods convey a message of forgiveness, suggesting that even enmity is transcended in the divine realm. The work presents a rich tapestry of myth and philosophy, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity and the divine.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1905 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia · 1,154 words

First lines

The prophet of the gods cried out to the gods: "O! All the gods save One" for none may pray to Māna-Yood-Sushāī, "where shall the life of a man abide when Mung hath made against his body the sign of Mung? -- for the people with whom ye play have sought to know."

But the gods answered, speaking through the mist:

What this Textopian page supports

Pegāna is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia, Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 1,154 words
Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative is set in a mythical realm, Pegāna, populated by gods and explores themes of existence, the afterlife, and divine interaction.
Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into profound questions about life, death, and the nature of existence, reflecting philosophical inquiries.
Mythopoeia — The work creates an elaborate mythology with its own gods, cosmology, and narratives, characteristic of mythopoeic literature.
Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the nature of gods and the afterlife, presenting alternative realities and existential themes.