# Metzengerstein explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Edgar Allan Poe.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the ancient feud between the houses of Berlifitzing and Metzengerstein, rooted in a cryptic prophecy. Young Baron Frederick Metzengerstein, a cruel and debauched heir, is suspected of setting fire to the Berlifitzing stables. While brooding in his palace, he becomes transfixed by a tapestry depicting a giant horse, which seems to come alive. A real horse, identical to the one in the tapestry and branded with the initials of his rival, is brought to him. During a storm, the horse carries Frederick into his own burning castle, and a cloud of smoke forms the shape of a horse, suggesting supernatural retribution.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Supernatural and the Gothic

The animated tapestry horse, the prophetic curse, and the supernatural events surrounding the fire and the horse's behavior embody Gothic and supernatural elements.

### Duality and the Double

The horse in the tapestry and the real horse are identical, suggesting a doubling or supernatural connection. The Baron's shadow also mirrors the murderer in the tapestry, reinforcing duality.

### Ambition and Pride

The Baron's arrogance and cruelty, his disdain for the prophecy, and his reckless actions reflect pride and ambition leading to downfall.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator recounts the story of the Metzengerstein and Berlifitzing feud, providing background and describing events.

### Roderick Usher

Not present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> The families of Berlifitzing and Metzengerstein had been at variance for centuries. Never before were two houses so illustrious, mutually embittered by hostility so deadly.

The Berlifitzing and Metzengerstein families had been enemies for hundreds of years, with a hatred as intense as their noble status.

_Establishes the ancient feud central to the plot._

> A lofty name shall have a fearful fall when, as the rider over his horse, the mortality of Metzengerstein shall triumph over the immortality of Berlifitzing.

A great family will suffer a terrible downfall when a Metzengerstein, riding a horse, defeats the undying Berlifitzing.

_The prophecy that drives the conflict and foreshadows the climax._

> To his extreme horror and astonishment, the head of the gigantic steed had, in the meantime, altered its position.

He was horrified to see that the huge horse in the tapestry had moved its head.

_Key supernatural moment where the tapestry comes to life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_14_se/chapters/metzengerstein
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_14_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_14_se/chapters