The Lost Pyx: a Mediæval Legend
The narrative unfolds in a medieval setting, centered around a priest who experiences a supernatural event. One stormy night, he hears a call urging him to attend to a dying man. Despite the treacherous conditions, he hesitates, ultimately falling asleep. In his dream, he perceives a divine visage that compels him to act. Awakening in a panic, he sets out into the tempest, only to discover that he has lost the Pyx containing the Blessed Sacrament. This loss fills him with dread, as he realizes the gravity of his failure. He retraces his steps, consumed by shame, until he notices a radiant light illuminating a spot on the ground. Approaching the light, he finds the Pyx surrounded by various animals, all kneeling in reverence. The chaotic winds that ravaged the landscape are inexplicably calmed within this sacred circle. The priest, filled with gratitude, thanks God and the saints before retrieving the Pyx. He successfully reaches the dying man in time to perform the necessary rites, ensuring the man's passage into the afterlife is blessed. In recognition of the miraculous event, the priest later erects a stone to commemorate the site of the midnight miracle, signifying the intersection of the divine and the earthly in a moment of profound spiritual significance. The tale reflects themes of faith, redemption, and the sanctity of the sacrament, illustrating the priest's journey from doubt to divine affirmation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction · 776 words
First lines
SOME say the spot is banned; that the pillar Cross-and-Hand Attests to a deed of hell; But of else than of bale is the mystic tale That ancient Vale-folk tell.
Ere Cernel's Abbey ceased hereabout there dwelt a priest, (In later life sub-prior Of the brotherhood there, whose bones are now bare In the field that was Cernel choir).
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Pyx: a Mediæval Legend is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Legend, Moral Tale
- Length: 776 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around a priest and themes of faith, sacrifice, and the sacred, reflecting religious elements.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a medieval context, the story incorporates historical elements and settings relevant to the time period.
- Legend — The title and content suggest a legendary tale, incorporating folklore and mystical elements.
Tags
medieval · legend · fantasy · historical · mythology · adventure · mystery · quest · chivalry · knights · romance · folklore