Short Fiction · Chapter
VII: The Grave-Digging explained
Jaeger and the narrator dig a grave for the seven victims of the Flying Horned One.
What happens
Jaeger and the narrator dig a grave for the seven victims of the Flying Horned One. Jaeger explains his plan to bury them without public inquiry, reflecting on the wildness of the land and the nature of demons as beings from another sphere. He suggests the narrator might settle down with Susan Dole.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural Evil and Occultism
The Flying Horned One is described as a demon from another sphere, and the cult's actions are attributed to his spell.
The Power of Belief and Ritual
Jaeger discusses how a careless ceremony opened a trapdoor to another sphere, and he plans a sermon on the dangers of increasing knowledge.
Isolation and Otherness
The wild, unwatched country and the idea of beings from another universe emphasize isolation and otherness.
Characters to notice
- Sergeant Jaeger
Directs the grave-digging, plans to read a prayer for the dead, and explains the nature of demons and the Flying Horned One.
- Susan Gird
Mentioned as having made breakfast; Jaeger suggests she is beautiful and helpful.
- Peter Dole
Referenced as having been flogged to death by the cult.
Key passages
“Make the grave wide, but not too shallow. Seven must go into it. I wonder if I can spare blankets enough to wrap them all.”
Jaeger instructs the narrator to dig a grave large enough for seven bodies and considers using blankets to wrap them.
Jaeger's practical approach to burying the cult members.
“Wrestlings with demons do not court publicity.”
Jaeger notes that conflicts with demons are best kept secret from the public.
Reflects the theme of secrecy and isolation.
“He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
Jaeger plans a sermon based on Ecclesiastes, warning that gaining knowledge can lead to sorrow.
Highlights the theme of the dangers of forbidden knowledge.