# XX: Efficacy of Prayer explained — Jurgen

> Chapter companion for Jurgen by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

Jurgen spends the night in terrified prayer at the Cathedral of the Sacred Thorn in Cameliard, pleading for his dead kindred and for his wife Lisa, though he forgets Guenevere. The next morning, he observes a mundane flirtation between a merchant's wife and a young esquire, then questions a bishop about the truth of Christ, receiving a bewildering array of theological speculations. As Guenevere rides past to her bridal with King Arthur, Jurgen is approached by Dame Anaïtis, who invites him to accompany her to Cocaigne, and he accepts, leaving Guenevere behind.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Search for Meaning and Desire

Jurgen's desperate prayer and his questioning of the bishop about the truth of Christ reflect his search for certainty and meaning in a world of conflicting doctrines.

### Illusion vs. Reality

The contrast between the idealized public perception of Guenevere and Jurgen's private knowledge of her, as well as the bishop's list of contradictory theological possibilities, highlights the gap between appearance and truth.

### Compromise and Conformity

Jurgen's consideration of entering the priesthood as a 'delectable exercise' for his mind, and his subsequent decision to go with Anaïtis, suggests a willingness to conform to new roles and opportunities.

## Character check-ins

### Jurgen

Spends the night in prayer for his dead kindred and Lisa, then questions the bishop about Christ, and finally leaves with Anaïtis for Cocaigne.

### Dame Lisa

Jurgen prays for her, hoping to be reunited and forgiven.

### Dame Guenevere

Rides past the cathedral on her way to marry King Arthur, not noticing Jurgen.

### Queen Anaïtis

Appears beside Jurgen after the procession, invites him to Cocaigne, and he agrees to go with her.

### Messire de Logreus

Jurgen is addressed by this title by the bishop and by Anaïtis.

### Lancelot

Mentioned as the young knight in blue armor who drank a stirrup-cup with Guenevere, and is favored by Anaïtis.

## Key lines

> If one could only know, what really happened in Judea! How immensely would matters be simplified, if anyone but knew the truth about You, Man upon the Cross!

Jurgen wishes he could know the historical truth about Jesus, believing it would make everything clearer.

_Reflects Jurgen's desire for certainty in religious matters._

> Why, then you must come with me into Cocaigne, and see if you cannot discover wherein lies that difference. For it is not a matter I would care to leave unsettled.

Anaïtis invites Jurgen to Cocaigne to explore the mystery of her unique eyes, implying a playful challenge.

_Sets up Jurgen's departure with Anaïtis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xx-efficacy-of-prayer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters