The Unpasturable Fields
The narrative unfolds in a mythical landscape where mountains, personified, reflect on their eternal existence and the passage of time. They observe the ephemeral nature of clouds and cities, asserting their own permanence against the backdrop of change. The mountains engage in a dialogue with the clouds, who, despite their transient nature, boast of the magical presence of Pegasus, a symbol of inspiration and creativity. Pegasus roams the unpasturable fields, embodying the essence of artistic aspiration. His presence signifies the connection between the divine and the earthly, as he draws from the songs of larks and envisions future conflicts among gods. The mountains, while steadfast, acknowledge the beauty and significance of fleeting moments, represented by the clouds and Pegasus. As the story progresses, the themes of time, permanence, and the interplay between the mortal and the divine are explored. The mountains serve as a metaphor for stability and wisdom, while Pegasus represents the fleeting nature of inspiration and the creative spirit. The narrative invites contemplation on the relationship between the eternal and the transient, urging readers to appreciate the beauty in both. The work ultimately reflects on the cycles of existence, the inevitability of change, and the enduring power of imagination. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, it captures the essence of a world where the majestic and the ephemeral coexist, inviting readers to ponder their own place within this grand tapestry of life.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1928 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Philosophical · 289 words
First lines
Thus spake the mountains: "Behold us, even us; the old ones, the grey ones, that wear the feet of Time. Time on our rocks shall break his staff and stumble: and still we shall sit majestic, even as now, hearing the sound of the sea, our old coeval sister, who nurses the bones of her children and weeps for the things she has done.
"Far, far, we stand above all things; befriending the little cities until they grow old and leave us to go among the myths.
"We are the most imperishable mountains."
What this Textopian page supports
The Unpasturable Fields is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Philosophical, Mythology, Literary Fiction
- Length: 289 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Unpasturable Fields by Lord Dunsany
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Unpasturable Fields?
- How does this short story by Lord Dunsany fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The presence of mythical elements like Pegasus and the exploration of timeless themes align with the fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The lyrical and evocative language, along with the rhythmic quality of the prose, reflects poetic characteristics.
- Philosophical — The text contemplates existence, time, and the nature of reality, which are central themes in philosophical literature.
- Mythology — The references to gods and mythical creatures suggest a connection to mythological themes.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Short Stories · Classic Literature · Symbolism · Allegory · Philosophy · Mystery · Adventure · Coming of Age