The Pygmies by Nathaniel Hawthorne
In a distant land, a giant named Antaeus coexists with a community of Pygmies, who are remarkably small in stature. Despite their size difference, they share a bond of friendship and mutual respect. Antaeus, towering over the Pygmies, often assists them, providing shade and helping with their windmills. The Pygmies, in turn, view him as a protector and friend, engaging in playful antics around him. The Pygmies face a constant threat from cranes, with whom they engage in battles. Antaeus often intervenes to help them during these skirmishes, showcasing his strength and reinforcing their alliance. The Pygmies celebrate their victories, attributing their success to their own bravery, while Antaeus remains a steadfast ally. One day, while resting, Antaeus is approached by Hercules, who is on a quest for golden apples. Initially dismissive, Antaeus soon realizes Hercules is a formidable opponent. The two giants engage in a fierce battle, with Antaeus growing stronger with each touch to the ground, thanks to his connection to Mother Earth. However, Hercules, understanding Antaeus's weakness, lifts him off the ground, causing him to lose his strength. As Antaeus falls, the Pygmies are devastated by the loss of their friend. They rally together, vowing to avenge him. A Pygmy orator passionately addresses the crowd, urging them to confront Hercules and defend their honor. The Pygmies devise a plan to attack the sleeping Hercules, gathering materials to create a fire around him. When Hercules awakens, he is surprised by the tiny warriors. A brave Pygmy challenges him to combat, but Hercules, amused by their courage, opts for peace instead. He acknowledges their bravery and offers to leave their territory peacefully, promising to tread carefully. Ultimately, Hercules departs, leaving the Pygmies to continue their lives in their homeland, where they remember their fallen friend and the day they stood up to a giant. The story concludes with the Pygmies living on, maintaining their traditions and history, forever marked by their encounter with Hercules and the loss of Antaeus.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1854 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 8,420 words
First lines
A great while ago, when the world was full of wonders, there lived an earth-born Giant, named Antaeus, and a million or more of curious little earth-born people, who were called Pygmies. This Giant and these Pygmies being children of the same mother (that is to say, our good old Grandmother Earth), were all brethren, and dwelt together in a very friendly and affectionate manner, far, far off, in the middle of hot Africa. The Pygmies were so small, and there were so many sandy deserts and such high mountains between them and the rest of mankind, that nobody could get a peep at them oftener than once in a hundred years. As for the Giant, being of a very lofty stature, it was easy enough to see him, but safest to keep out of his sight.
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The Pygmies is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Allegory, Mythology
- Length: 8,420 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Pygmies by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- The Threefold Destiny by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Thrushs Nest by J. M. Barrie
- The Maiden Of The Yellow Rocks by Frank Hamilton Cushing
- The Butterfly That Stamped by Rudyard Kipling
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story features fantastical elements such as a giant and tiny people, creating a whimsical and imaginative world.
- Adventure — The narrative includes battles, interactions between the Pygmies and the Giant, and the arrival of Hercules, which drives the plot forward.
- Children's Literature — The tone, style, and themes are suitable for a younger audience, focusing on friendship, bravery, and humor.
- Allegory — The story can be interpreted as a commentary on strength, community, and the dynamics between the powerful and the weak.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Adventure · Romance · Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Social Commentary · Cultural Critique · Colonialism · Imperialism · Ethnography