# V: The Jewel-Folk explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Henry Kuttner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters/v-the-jewel-folk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_27_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters