The Snake and the Bull
The narrative unfolds in a mythic landscape where the protagonist grapples with themes of power, desire, and transformation. The central figure, a man associated with the Snake, possesses a potent charm that draws women irresistibly to him. This ability, however, comes with a burden, as it leads to a cycle of seduction and betrayal, culminating in a mother’s shame. The protagonist learns the art of love theft from the Snake, becoming embroiled in a world of enchantment and manipulation. This leads to a confrontation with Fessé, a jungle deity who embodies vengeance against the misuse of lust. Fessé's ambush of the Bull, a figure of authority and passion, results in a violent and symbolic act of retribution, showcasing the consequences of unchecked desire. In the aftermath, the protagonist undergoes a radical transformation, shedding his former identity and embracing a new existence among a tribe of women who reject traditional notions of masculinity and procreation. This tribe, characterized by their coldness and independence, raises children not of their own but from other tribes, reflecting a departure from conventional family structures. The young men of this tribe are introspective, eschewing physical prowess for celestial contemplation. They believe that true virtue is lost through physical connection, leading to a life devoid of traditional relationships, possessions, and rituals. The protagonist, now distanced from his past, finds solace in observing the cosmos, tracing the movements of celestial bodies and contemplating existence. However, the peace is shattered when the Bull, symbolizing primal power and rage, reasserts itself. The protagonist feels the weight of this resurgence, as the Bull's roar and the Serpent's fiery gaze signal a return to chaos and desire. The narrative culminates in a tension between the protagonist's newfound detachment and the inescapable pull of his origins, leaving him caught between two worlds. The work explores the complexities of identity, the nature of desire, and the struggle for autonomy in a world governed by primal forces.
By Robert Graves · First published 1964 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Fantasy · 822 words
First lines
Snake Bull, my namesake, man of wrath, By no expense of knives or cloth, Only by work of muttered charms Could draw all woman to his arms; None whom he summoned might resist Nor none recall whom once he kissed And loosed them from his kiss, by whom This mother-shame had come.
The power of his compelling flame Was bound in virtue of our name, But when in secret he taught me Like him a thief of love to be, For half his secret I had found And half explored the wizard ground Of words, and when giving consent Out at his heels I went.
What this Textopian page supports
The Snake and the Bull is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1964 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1964 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mythology, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 822 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Mythology — The themes and characters draw heavily from mythological elements, exploring archetypes and ancient narratives.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural beings and magical elements indicates a fantasy genre.
- Literary Fiction — The work features complex themes and character development, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
mythology · poetry · love · betrayal · sacrifice · transformation · nature · violence · power · identity · ritual · feminism