Hypatia · Chapter
III: The Goths explained
Philammon continues his journey down the Nile, torn between his spiritual calling and worldly curiosity.
What happens
Philammon continues his journey down the Nile, torn between his spiritual calling and worldly curiosity. He encounters a band of Goths hunting a hippopotamus, is capsized by the beast, and is rescued by Wulf, who claims him as his man. The Goths debate whether to continue up the Nile or turn back to plunder Alexandria, with Amalric advocating for the latter. Pelagia, a former actress, interprets for the Goths and tries to mediate. Philammon, though not understanding their language, is taken aboard and given an oar, beginning his unexpected association with the barbarians.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Disillusionment
Philammon's naive expectations of the world are challenged as he encounters the brutal and chaotic reality of the Goths.
Cultural Decline
The Goths' disregard for Roman civilization and their desire to plunder Alexandria reflect the decline of the Roman Empire.
Hypocrisy of Institutions
The monks' advice and the Church's authority are questioned as Philammon doubts whether his call is spiritual or carnal.
Characters to notice
- Philammon
Continues his journey down the Nile, wrestling with doubts about his calling, and is rescued by the Goths after his canoe is capsized.
- Wulf
Old grizzled warrior who claims Philammon as his man, seeing potential in him despite his apparent cowardice.
- Amalric
Giant Goth who advocates turning back to plunder Alexandria, mocking the idea of continuing up the Nile.
- Pelagia
Interprets for the Goths, tries to calm Amalric's temper, and expresses a preference for Alexandria over the desert.
- Smid
Goth warrior who initially torments Philammon but later praises him for his rowing skill.
Key passages
“Was his call of the spirit or of the flesh?”
He questioned whether his decision to leave was motivated by divine purpose or worldly desire.
Philammon's internal conflict about his vocation.
“Let's burn and plunder Alexandria: forty of us Goths might kill down all these donkey-riders in two days, and hang up that lying prefect who sent us hereon this fool's errand.”
Amalric proposes to attack Alexandria, confident that a small force could overcome the locals and punish the prefect who misled them.
Amalric's aggressive and opportunistic attitude toward the Roman city.
“A coward grips sharply at first, and loosens his hand after a while, because his blood is soon hot and soon cold. A brave man's grip grows the firmer the longer he holds, because the spirit of Odin comes upon him.”
Wulf explains that true courage is shown by sustained determination, not initial aggression, and that bravery is inspired by Odin.
Wulf's reasoning for sparing Philammon and seeing potential in him.