# XIII explained — The Created Legend

> Chapter companion for The Created Legend by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

As evening falls, Trirodov is tormented by sadness and half-dreams. He and his son Kirsha witness a bonfire on St. John's Eve, and Kirsha speaks of the dead rising. They walk through the garden, past quiet children on swings, and call Grisha to join them. They proceed along the Navii footpath, where a procession of the dead passes by, including a governor, Cossacks, soldiers, a merchant, a nobleman, and various other figures. Kirsha sees a radiant apparition of his mother, who whispers 'I will come.' Trirodov protects Kirsha from a threatening muzhik, and the dead continue their march.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mysticism and the Supernatural

The chapter is steeped in supernatural elements: the dead rising, the Navii footpath, and the apparition of Kirsha's mother.

### Death and Resurrection

The dead walk and speak, blurring the boundary between life and death; Kirsha's mother appears as a radiant spirit.

### Duality of Human Nature

The dead exhibit both malice and tenderness, reflecting the dual aspects of human nature even beyond death.

## Character check-ins

### Trirodov

Tormented by sadness, he walks with Kirsha along the Navii footpath and commands the dead.

### Kirsha

Speaks of the dead rising, insists on joining his father, and sees his mother's apparition.

### Egorka

Mentioned as 'Grisha,' a quiet boy who joins them from the swings.

### Nadezhda Vestchezerova

Referenced as the sad-faced Nadezhda, resembling Grisha.

## Key lines

> The dead will soon rise from their graves.

Kirsha predicts that the dead will come back to life.

_Kirsha's foreboding sets the supernatural tone of the chapter._

> The dead have already risen, they are already walking upon the Navii footpath, towards the Navii town, they are already speaking Navii words about Navii affairs.

Trirodov confirms that the dead have already risen and are moving along the spirit path.

_Trirodov acknowledges the supernatural event as already occurring._

> Mamma, come to me! Mamma, come to me!

Kirsha calls out desperately for his mother to appear.

_Kirsha's longing for his mother culminates in her apparition._

> I will come.

Kirsha's mother promises to return to him.

_The apparition reassures Kirsha with a promise of reunion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se/chapters