Pabo, the Priest: in Ogofau
The narrative unfolds in a medieval Welsh setting, centering on Pabo, a priest, who is embroiled in a quest for a hidden treasure believed to be located in an ancient mine. The story begins with Goronwy, a young boy, who is tasked by Rogier, a Norman lord, to keep watch over Morwen, a woman who has sought sanctuary in the church. Rogier's interest in Morwen is driven by a mix of desire and possessiveness, as he believes she cannot escape him. Pabo, having returned to the area, seeks to communicate with Morwen and enlists Goronwy's help to find her. He reveals his intention to enter the mine, a place steeped in legend and danger, and requests a consecrated taper from the church to light his way. The mine is associated with the Five Saints, who are said to have entered it long ago, and Pabo is determined to uncover its secrets. As Pabo descends into the mine, he navigates through a series of tunnels and chambers, reflecting on the craftsmanship of the Roman miners who excavated the site. The atmosphere is tense, filled with the echoes of bats and the oppressive darkness that surrounds him. Pabo's determination grows as he recalls the directions to the treasure, despite the fear that creeps in as he encounters obstacles, including a deep pit that he must leap over. In his pursuit of the treasure, Pabo's taper extinguishes, plunging him into complete darkness just as he discovers the glint of gold ingots. This moment encapsulates the themes of ambition, the quest for wealth, and the intertwining of faith and peril. The narrative explores the complexities of human desire, the struggle against fate, and the consequences of one's choices in a world where the sacred and the profane collide. The story ultimately raises questions about the nature of treasure—both material and spiritual—and the lengths to which individuals will go to attain their desires.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious · 2,278 words
First lines
In the darkness, Goronwy was lurking about the church. He was the first to communicate to Rogier that Morwen had taken sanctuary. The Norman, angry, bade him watch and not suffer her to leave without informing him whither she had betaken herself. She could not remain there indefinitely. It was a custom that sanctuary held for seven days and nights, and that if the clergy could not send away a refugee during that time, the right of protection afforded by the sacredness of the precincts ceased in that particular case.
Rogier was wounded in his vanity, but not greatly concerned. He was certain that she could not escape him eventually.
What this Textopian page supports
Pabo, the Priest: in Ogofau is listed on Textopian as a novella by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious, Fantasy, Drama
- Length: 2,278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pabo, the Priest: in Ogofau by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pabo, the Priest: in Ogofau?
- How does this novella by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Pabo The Priest A Hwyl by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest Nest by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Covenant by Charles Kingsley
- Pabo The Priest Careg Cennen by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest It Must Be Maintained by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest Griffith Ap Rhys by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring themes of sanctuary, religious customs, and Welsh culture.
- Adventure — The protagonist, Pabo, embarks on a perilous journey into a mine, seeking treasure and facing various dangers.
- Religious — The story involves significant religious elements, including sanctuary, prayer, and the sacredness of church spaces.
- Fantasy — The presence of legends, supernatural elements, and the mystical setting of the mine contribute to a fantasy atmosphere.
Tags
priest · religion · faith · rural life · Wales · historical fiction · community · spirituality · tradition · conflict · identity · morality