The Revolt of the Home Gods
In a mythical landscape, three rivers—Eimēs, Zānēs, and Segástrion—emerge from ancient mountains, embodying the essence of life and nature. Eimēs nurtures livestock, Zānēs serves humanity by transporting timber, and Segástrion reminisces about his youthful adventures. However, these rivers, personified as home gods, rebel against the divine order, claiming superiority over the gods of Pegāna. Their rebellion leads to catastrophic flooding, devastating the land and its inhabitants. The cries of the suffering people reach the gods of Pegāna, who, enraged by the home gods' defiance, seek to restore balance. Yet, the home gods are immortal and beyond the reach of divine punishment. In response, Mung, a god of Pegāna, enlists Umbool, a creature of drought and desolation, to confront the rebellious rivers. Umbool's presence instills fear in Eimēs, Zānēs, and Segástrion, causing them to withdraw their influence over the waters. As Umbool grins menacingly, the rivers recede, and the home gods retreat into obscurity. Eimēs, Zānēs, and Segástrion suffer the consequences of their hubris, becoming weak and forgotten. The gods of Pegāna declare their supremacy, reaffirming that no being can rival their power. Ultimately, Mung sends Umbool back to his desolate domain, and the rivers resume their natural roles, but with a newfound respect for the boundaries set by the gods. The home gods return to their former ways, but they no longer dare to challenge the divine order, recognizing the limits of their power.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1928 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction · 858 words
First lines
There be three broad rivers of the plain, born before memory or fable, whose mothers are three grey peaks and whose father was the storm. There names be Eimēs, Zānēs, and Segástrion.
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The Revolt of the Home Gods is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1928 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lord Dunsany
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Literary Fiction
- Length: 858 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements, gods, and a fantastical setting, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Mythology — The story incorporates themes of gods and creation, resembling mythological tales and legends.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores themes of power, existence, and the relationship between gods and mortals, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Allegory — The characters and events symbolize broader concepts, such as rebellion against authority and the nature of divinity.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Philosophy · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Allegory · Fable · Mystery · Supernatural · Realism