# Chapter XVII explained — Phantastes

> Chapter companion for Phantastes by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Anodos descends into a deep chasm and wanders through an underground realm. He encounters mocking goblin-like creatures who taunt him about the white lady, and a shape-shifting woman who briefly reveals a beautiful face before laughing at him. Despite the torment, Anodos resolves to let the white lady go to a worthier man, singing songs of renunciation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Discovery and Identity

Anodos grapples with his own worth and renounces his claim to the white lady, asserting a nobler self.

### Love and Longing

Anodos's songs express deep longing for the white lady and the pain of letting her go.

### The Heroic Journey and Self-Sacrifice

Anodos willingly descends into the abyss and sacrifices his desire for the white lady's sake.

## Character check-ins

### Anodos

Descends into the chasm, encounters goblins and a shape-shifting woman, and sings songs of renunciation regarding the white lady.

### The Woman

A little elderly woman who transforms into a beautiful face briefly, then mocks Anodos with laughter.

## Key lines

> First, I thought, almost despairing, This must crush my spirit now; Yet I bore it, and am bearing— Only do not ask me how.

At first I nearly gave up, believing I could never endure it, but I have endured—just don't ask me how.

_Heine epigraph sets the tone of suffering and resilience._

> I saw at once that this was my path; and without a moment's hesitation, glad to quit the sunlight, which stared at me most heartlessly, I commenced my tortuous descent.

I recognized the spiral staircase as my way forward and eagerly left the unfeeling sunlight behind to begin the difficult descent.

_Anodos chooses to descend into the chasm, rejecting the daylight._

> If a nobler waits for thee, I will weep aside; It is well that thou should'st be, Of the nobler, bride.

If a worthier man awaits you, I will step aside and weep; it is right that you become his bride.

_Anodos sings a song of renunciation, accepting the loss of the white lady._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phantastes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phantastes_se/chapters