The Tomb of Pan by Lord Dunsany

Name: The Tomb of Pan
Author: Lord Dunsany

In a world where the ancient deity Pan is considered dead, the enlightened populace decides to construct a grand tomb to commemorate him, aiming to remember and avoid the dark worship associated with his legacy. The builders, undeterred by mixed sentiments from the community—some mourning Pan, others denouncing him—persevere in their task. The tomb, a magnificent structure of white marble, gradually takes shape, reflecting the sun's rays as it rises. Upon completion, the tomb resembles a towering sea-cliff, adorned with a depiction of Pan, his head bowed in humility, beneath the feet of angels. The community gathers to witness the final product, expressing sorrow for Pan's demise and condemning the era of his influence. While many lament, a few individuals quietly mourn the loss of the god. As night falls, Pan, unseen by the crowd, emerges from the forest. He observes the tomb and, rather than feeling sorrow, he laughs at the monument erected in his memory. This reaction underscores the tension between the reverence of the people and the irreverence of the deity himself, highlighting the complexities of memory, legacy, and the nature of divinity. The narrative explores themes of worship, the passage of time, and the dichotomy between enlightenment and the primal instincts represented by Pan. The tomb, intended as a symbol of closure and reflection, becomes a site of irony, as the god remains unbound by the constraints of human perception and judgment.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction · 261 words

First lines

"Seeing," they said, "that old-time Pan is dead, let us now make a tomb for him and a monument, that the dreadful worship of long ago may be remembered and avoided by all."

So said the people of the enlightened lands. And they built a white and mighty tomb of marble. Slowly it rose under the hands of the builders and longer every evening after sunset it gleamed with rays of the departed sun.

And many mourned for Pan while the builders built; many reviled him. Some called the builders to cease and to weep for Pan and others called them to leave no memorial at all of so infamous a god. But the builders built on steadily.

What this Textopian page supports

The Tomb of Pan is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Allegory
Length: 261 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features mythical elements, including the character of Pan, and explores themes of ancient worship and the supernatural.
Mythology — The narrative draws heavily on mythological themes, particularly the figure of Pan from Greek mythology and the cultural implications of his worship.
Philosophical Fiction — The text reflects on the nature of memory, worship, and the passage of time, prompting deeper contemplation on societal values.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and evocative, focusing on the beauty of language and the exploration of complex themes.