The River by Lord Dunsany (1916)
A river flows in a realm called Pegāna, distinct from conventional rivers, characterized by silence rather than water or fire. This river, born from the drumming of a deity, traverses the skies and worlds, ultimately reaching the Sea of Silence beyond the known universe. It is a place devoid of sound, where echoes cease to exist. In a desert, the narrator observes this silent river as night overtakes day. A dream-crafted ship, belonging to the god Yoharneth-Lahai, sails upon this river. The ship is constructed from ancient dreams and the aspirations of humanity, with rowers made up of figures from stories and memories, all moving silently. Each night, Yoharneth-Lahai embarks on a journey to collect the dreams and hopes of people, weaving them into new dreams to return to the world. As dawn approaches, Yoharneth-Lahai returns up the river, leaving behind the sleeping worlds. Those weary of the noise of cities find solace in his ship, drifting into the River of Silence, where their burdens are lifted. The ship is guided by Mung, who signifies their passage into this tranquil realm. At the gates of Pegāna, the lord of Forgetting, Sirāmi, awaits. He gazes into the faces of the weary, causing them to forget their memories, except for a few that remain significant. It is foretold that when the drumming ceases and the gods awaken, they will embark on golden galleons, journeying down the river to the Silent Sea, where they will exist as gods of nothingness, while Time, personified as a hound, seeks to rend them. The narrative explores themes of memory, dreams, and the quest for peace away from the chaos of existence, emphasizing the contrast between the noise of life and the profound silence of the river. The journey along the River of Silence symbolizes a retreat into the subconscious, where forgotten hopes and dreams can be rediscovered.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1916 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia · 807 words
First lines
There arises a river in Pegāna that is neither a river of water nor yet a river of fire, and it flows through the skies and the Worlds to the Rim of the Worlds, a river of silence. Through all the Worlds are sounds, the noises of moving, and the echoes of voices and song; but upon the River is no sound ever heard, for there all echoes die.
The River arises out of the drumming of Skarl, and flows forever between banks of thunder, until it comes to the waste beyond the Worlds, behind the farthest star, down to the Sea of Silence.
What this Textopian page supports
The River is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Mythopoeia, Poetry, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 807 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Little City by Lord Dunsany
- The Deeds Of Mung by Lord Dunsany
- Of Skarl The Drummer by Lord Dunsany
- The Unpasturable Fields by Lord Dunsany
- The Three Tall Sons by Lord Dunsany
- Of Yoharneth Lahai by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements, gods, and a surreal river that embodies silence, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore concepts of memory, dreams, and the nature of existence, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Mythopoeia — The work creates a unique mythology with its own gods and cosmology, fitting the mythopoeic genre.
- Poetry — The lyrical and evocative language resembles poetry, emphasizing rhythm and imagery.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mythology · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Short Story Collection · Symbolism · Imagery · Poetic Prose · Dreamlike Quality · Enchanted World