Short Fiction · Chapter
V: The Jewel-Folk explained
Arnsen awakens to find O'Brien transformed, having been enlightened by the living crystals.
What happens
Arnsen awakens to find O'Brien transformed, having been enlightened by the living crystals. O'Brien explains that the crystals are super-machines from another galaxy, created by an ancient race, and that Deirdre (Circe) is an immortal goddess who uses them. Circe sacrifices O'Brien into a flame-pillar, transforming him into a sentient crystal. Arnsen, overwhelmed by Circe's alien power, is nearly enslaved but in a moment of clarity thrusts her into the flame, transforming her into a crystal he now holds.
Themes in this chapter
Forbidden Knowledge and Curses
O'Brien's enlightenment about the crystals and Circe's true nature represents forbidden knowledge that leads to his transformation and loss of humanity.
Alien Enslavement and Rebellion
Circe enslaves beings by transforming them into crystals; Arnsen's act of thrusting her into the flame is a rebellion against this enslavement.
Obsession and Madness
Arnsen's overwhelming obsession with Circe, driven by her alien power, nearly drives him to madness and loss of self.
Characters to notice
- Steve Arnsen
Wakes to find O'Brien changed; learns the truth about the crystals and Circe; is nearly enslaved by Circe's power but ultimately thrusts her into the flame.
- Douglas O'Brien
Now at peace, explains the crystalline life and Circe's nature; is sacrificed into the flame-pillar and transformed into a sentient crystal.
- Circe
Revealed as an immortal goddess from another galaxy; uses the crystals to enslave beings; is thrust into the flame by Arnsen and transformed into a crystal.
- Tex Hastings
Mentioned as having been taken by Circe and transformed into a crystal, though not present in the chapter.
Key passages
“They’re alive, Steve. The ultimate product of evolution, perhaps. Crystalline life. Perfect machines. They can do almost anything.”
O'Brien explains that the crystals are living, perfect machines capable of incredible feats.
O'Brien reveals the nature of the crystals to Arnsen.
“She isn't human. She is a goddess.”
O'Brien tells Arnsen that Circe is not human but a divine being.
O'Brien's realization of Circe's true nature.
“I'm not dead. I'm alive, Steve, more alive than I ever have been.”
O'Brien, now a crystal, communicates that he is more alive than before.
O'Brien's transformed state as a sentient crystal.