Yug the Prophet by Lord Dunsany
In a world where the absence of a prophet leaves humanity yearning for knowledge, a figure named Yug is chosen to fulfill this role. The people, desperate for answers about existence and the universe, turn to Yug, who claims to possess all knowledge. Initially, the populace is satisfied with Yug's declarations, which center around the concepts of beginnings and endings, both of which he attributes to himself. As Yug's influence grows, he becomes increasingly self-absorbed, leading to a disconnect between him and the people who once revered him. His proclamations, while grand, lack substance and depth, causing the populace to gradually forget the essence of his teachings. The narrative explores themes of hubris, the nature of knowledge, and the fleeting nature of human attention. The turning point occurs when Yug witnesses Mung, a figure representing a different power or truth, making a sign behind the hills. This moment signifies a shift in Yug's identity and purpose, suggesting that true understanding may lie beyond his self-proclaimed omniscience. The story culminates in Yug's realization that he is not the ultimate source of knowledge, leading to a profound transformation in his character and the dynamics of his relationship with the people. Ultimately, the work reflects on the limitations of human understanding and the dangers of self-deification, illustrating how the quest for knowledge can lead to both enlightenment and disillusionment. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of those who claim to possess wisdom and the inevitable search for deeper truths that lie beyond individual perception.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1935 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory · 126 words
First lines
When the Years had carries away Yonath, and Yonath was dead, there was no longer a prophet among men.
And still men sought to know.
Therefore they said unto Yug: "Be thou our prophet, and know all things, and tell us concerning the wherefore of It All."
And Yug said: "I know all things. " And men were pleased.
What this Textopian page supports
Yug the Prophet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Yug the Prophet by Lord Dunsany
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical elements and a prophetic figure, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of knowledge and belief.
- Allegory — The story serves as an allegorical representation of human desire for understanding and the transient nature of memory.
- Speculative Fiction — The work speculates on the role of prophets and the search for meaning in a fictional context.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mythology · Prophesy · Magic · Mystery · Coming of Age · Self Discovery · Quest · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Loyalty