# The Three Horses explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The narrator dreams of three different horses and their riders, each representing a different approach to life and righteousness: a black horse for knightly combat against evil, a dapple-gray horse for preaching justice, and a snow-white mare for bearing a message of holy mirth and the birth of a child. Ultimately, the narrator humbly acknowledges his own inadequacy and offers himself as a servant to Jesus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Grace

The narrator's final turn from self-reliance to humility and service to Jesus highlights the theme of redemption through grace.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The message of 'holy mirth' and the birth of a child emphasizes love as the driving force for transformation and renewal.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Addressed directly at the end of the chapter as the one whose message the narrator feels unworthy to bear, and to whom he offers himself as a thrall.

### Unknown

The speaker who dreams of riding the three horses and ultimately humbles himself before Jesus.

## Key lines

> For to us a child, a child is born, Unto us a son is given!

A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us.

_This echoes the biblical prophecy of the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the theme of redemption._

> Let me wash the hoofs, let me be the thrall, Jesus, of thy white steed!

Allow me to wash the hooves and be your servant, Jesus, of your white horse.

_The narrator humbly offers himself as a servant to Jesus, acknowledging his own unworthiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/the-three-horses
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters