The Sacrifice of Er-Heb
In a valley called Er-Heb, the people suffer from a devastating sickness sent by Taman, the chief god, as punishment for their neglect of him. The narrative centers on Bisesa, a maiden betrothed to Armod, the Chief in War. As the sickness claims lives, Bisesa realizes that the only way to save her tribe is to offer herself as a sacrifice to Taman. Bisesa confronts the priests, who have failed to appease the gods, and declares her willingness to sacrifice her life for the tribe's salvation. Despite the Chief's love for her, the priests prevent him from intervening. Bisesa discards her jewelry and prepares to approach the Unlighted Shrine, where she believes she can bargain with Taman. As she makes her way to the shrine, she is followed by the ominous presence of the Red Horse, a symbol of the sickness. Bisesa struggles with her emotions, torn between her love for Armod and her duty to her people. Ultimately, she enters the shrine, praying for the tribe's deliverance in exchange for her life. The next morning, the villagers discover Bisesa's lifeless body within the shrine, surrounded by decay and neglect, symbolizing the consequences of their forsaken faith. The story concludes with the villagers bearing witness to the truth of Bisesa's sacrifice, which serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of divine neglect and the power of selfless love.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1918 · Genre: Mythology, Tragedy, Fantasy · 2,467 words
First lines
Er-Heb beyond the Hills of Ao-Safai Bears witness to the truth, and Ao-Safai Hath told the men of Gorukh. Thence the tale Comes westward o'er the peaks to India.
The story of Bisesa, Armod's child, -- A maiden plighted to the Chief in War, The Man of Sixty Spears, who held the Pass That leads to Thibet, but to-day is gone To seek his comfort of the God called Budh The Silent -- showing how the Sickness ceased Because of her who died to save the tribe.
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The Sacrifice of Er-Heb is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1918 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Tragedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Poetry
- Length: 2,467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Mythology — The narrative centers around gods, sacrifices, and the interplay between divine and human actions, reflecting mythological themes.
- Tragedy — The story involves significant loss, sacrifice, and the suffering of characters, characteristic of tragic literature.
- Fantasy — The presence of gods, supernatural elements, and an imagined setting aligns with the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot includes a journey and the challenges faced by characters, typical of adventure narratives.
Tags
sacrifice · mythology · adventure · courage · betrayal · redemption · heroism · fantasy · moral dilemmas · cultural themes · ancient traditions · spirituality