Là-Bas · Chapter
V explained
Durtal, Des Hermies, and Carhaix continue their discussion of Satanism, focusing on the black mass, the use of consecrated hosts for sacrilegious acts, and the historical continuity of diabolical practices from the Middle Ages to the presen
What happens
Durtal, Des Hermies, and Carhaix continue their discussion of Satanism, focusing on the black mass, the use of consecrated hosts for sacrilegious acts, and the historical continuity of diabolical practices from the Middle Ages to the present. Des Hermies details modern Satanist societies, the role of defrocked priests like Canon Docre, and the hypocrisy of perverse clergy. Carhaix shares anecdotes about the astrologer Gévingey's bell experiments. The chapter ends with a meal in Carhaix's tower, where the conversation returns to Gilles de Rais and the persistence of Satanism through the centuries.
Themes in this chapter
Satanism and Evil
The chapter is dominated by a detailed discussion of Satanic practices, including the black mass, sacrilegious use of hosts, and historical continuity of diabolism.
Religion and Blasphemy
Focus on the perversion of Catholic rituals, such as consecrating hosts for infamous acts and the hypocrisy of clergy who practice Satanism.
History and Truth
Des Hermies and Carhaix cite historical documents and cases (e.g., Guibourg, the Albigenses) to argue for the uninterrupted reality of Satanism.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Engages in the discussion about Satanism, expresses curiosity about the black mass and sacrilegious practices.
- Des Hermies
Leads the exposition on Satanism, citing historical and contemporary examples, including Canon Docre and the Re-Theurgistes-Optimates.
- Carhaix
Hosts the dinner, shares his disagreement with Gévingey over bell experiments, and contributes anecdotes about Satanist scandals.
- Mme Chantelouve
Mentioned indirectly as Durtal's obsession, though not present in the chapter.
- Canon Docre
Described by Des Hermies as a defrocked abbé and a genuine monster of Satanism.
- Gévingey
Mentioned as an astrologer and friend of Carhaix who conducted bell experiments; proposed as a future dinner guest.
- Guibourg
Cited by Des Hermies as a historical example of a priest who celebrated black masses on women's abdomens in the 17th century.
- Gilles de Rais
Referenced as a key figure in the history of Satanism, marking the end of the 15th century.
Key passages
“These priests, in their baseness, often go so far as to celebrate the mass with great hosts which then they cut through the middle and afterwards glue to a parchment, similarly cloven, and use abominably to satisfy their passions.”
Priests sometimes cut consecrated hosts in half, glue them to a split parchment, and use them for depraved sexual acts.
Des Hermies reads from Görres' Mystik to illustrate extreme sacrilege.
“The celebrants of Deicidal masses dissemble and declare themselves devoted to Christ. They even affirm that they defend Him by exorcising the possessed.”
Priests who perform black masses pretend to be devout Christians and claim to exorcise demons, while actually causing or exploiting possession.
Des Hermies criticizes the hypocrisy of Satanist clergy.
“The biggest of these societies founded as long ago as 1855 is the society of the Re-Theurgistes-Optimates. Beneath an apparent unity it is divided into two camps, one aspiring to destroy the universe and reign over the ruins, the other thinking simply of imposing upon the world a demoniac cult of which it shall be high priest.”
The largest Satanist society, founded in 1855, has two factions: one seeks to destroy the world, the other wants to establish a global demon-worshipping cult.
Des Hermies describes the organization of modern Satanism.
