Brood of the Witch-Queen · Chapter
XXI: The Magician explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Cairn and Robert Cairn discuss the threat posed by Antony Ferrara, who uses ancient Egyptian sorcery and a hellish incense. They lament their helplessness as Ferrara visits Mr. Saunderson's house, where Myra Duquesne stays, and they fear using her as a lure. Dr. Cairn reveals Ferrara obtained his incense from the Pyramid of Méydûm and that he is a true magician. They resolve to watch night and day.
Themes in this chapter
Sorcery vs. Science
Dr. Cairn contrasts modern scepticism with Ferrara's proven magical powers, highlighting the conflict between rational knowledge and ancient black arts.
Good vs. Evil
The Cairns position themselves as protectors against Ferrara, whom they describe as supernaturally wicked and a murderer using black magic.
The Occult and Ancient Egypt
Ferrara's power derives from ancient Egyptian incense and rituals, specifically from the Pyramid of Méydûm, linking his sorcery to Egypt's occult heritage.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Bruce Cairn
Stands looking out the window, discusses Ferrara's sorcery and the need to watch Myra.
- Robert Cairn
Agitated, clenches fists, questions Ferrara's origins and expresses despair over Myra's safety.
- Antony Ferrara
Referenced as the magician who uses black arts, incense from Méydûm, and visits Saunderson's house.
- Myra Duquesne
Described as pale and worn, unaware of Ferrara's true nature, staying at Mr. Saunderson's house.
- Mr. Saunderson
Mentioned as the orchid-obsessed host who is unsuspicious and cannot be told the truth.
- Sir Michael Ferrara
Referenced as Ferrara's adoptive father and possibly his first murder victim.
Key passages
“Had you asked me prior to that occasion if any of the hellish stuff had survived to the present day, I should most emphatically have said no ; I should have been wrong. Ferrara had some. He used it all—and went to the Méydûm pyramid to renew his stock.”
Dr. Cairn admits he was mistaken in believing the ancient incense no longer existed; Ferrara possessed it and traveled to the Méydûm pyramid to obtain more.
Reveals Ferrara's source of power and the survival of ancient Egyptian sorcery.
“He is what the benighted ancients called a magician. He is what was known in the Middle Ages as a wizard. What that means, exactly, few modern thinkers know; but I know, and one day others will know.”
Dr. Cairn defines Ferrara as a true magician or wizard, a classification dismissed by modern thought but understood by him.
Establishes Ferrara's identity as a practitioner of ancient black arts.
“We know that Antony Ferrara visits Mr. Saunderson’s house; we know that he is laughing at our vain attempts to trap him. Crowning comedy of all, Saunderson does not know the truth; he is not the type of man who could ever understand; in fact we dare not tell him—and we dare not tell Myra.”
The Cairns are frustrated that Ferrara openly visits Saunderson's home, mocking their efforts, while Saunderson and Myra remain ignorant of the danger.
Highlights the irony and helplessness of the protagonists.