The Created Legend · Chapter
XXXIII explained
Prince Davidov visits Trirodov, engaging in a philosophical debate about faith, miracles, and the transfiguration of the world.
What happens
Prince Davidov visits Trirodov, engaging in a philosophical debate about faith, miracles, and the transfiguration of the world. Trirodov rejects Davidov's comforting theories, asserting his own path. Later, Piotr and Rameyev discuss war and the struggle between Christian and Buddhist worldviews with Trirodov. Kirsha senses a distant visitor, and Davidov's arrival stirs Trirodov's fears about Elisaveta.
Themes in this chapter
Mysticism and the Supernatural
Prince Davidov's discourse on faith, miracles, and transfiguration, and Kirsha's hallucinatory vision of a distant visitor.
Duality of Human Nature
Trirodov's internal conflict and his description of bearing a dual soul, uniting two worlds.
Death and Resurrection
Discussion of triumph over death and resurrection, central to Davidov's preaching and Trirodov's rejection.
Characters to notice
- Trirodov
Receives Prince Davidov with agitation and irritation, debates faith and miracles, and later discusses war and philosophy with Piotr and Rameyev.
- Prince Davidov
Celebrated author and preacher, visits Trirodov to discuss faith, miracles, and the transfiguration of the world; leaves after Trirodov rejects his path.
- Kirsha
Agitated and sensitive, senses the arrival of a distant visitor and shows apprehension.
- Matov
Arrives with Rameyev at Trirodov's, engages in philosophical discussion about war and worldviews.
- Rameyev
Accompanies Piotr to Trirodov's, participates in debate about war and the struggle of classes.
- Grisha
Quiet boy who serves tea and cakes, is affectionately drawn by Prince Davidov.
- Elisaveta
Mentioned in Trirodov's thoughts; he fears Davidov might take her away, and she experiences passionate dreams of Queen Ortruda.
Key passages
“Why has he come to me? What does he want of me? And why should he suddenly think of me? Our roads have diverged so much, we have become such strangers to one another.”
Trirodov wonders why Prince Davidov has visited him, feeling that their paths have grown apart.
Trirodov's internal questioning upon Davidov's arrival.
“His flaming speech poured itself out—about faith, miracles, about the likely and inevitable transfiguration of the world by means of a miracle, about our triumph over the fetters of time and over death itself.”
Prince Davidov passionately spoke about faith, miracles, and the eventual transformation of the world, including victory over time and death.
Description of Davidov's fervent discourse.
“I will leave you alone, if you wish it. But you will regret that you have rejected the path I have shown you—the only path.”
Davidov tells Trirodov he will leave if asked, but warns that rejecting his path will lead to regret.
Davidov's parting words to Trirodov.
“There will be a synthesis. You will accept it for the devil.”
Trirodov predicts a synthesis of opposing forces, which Piotr interprets as diabolical.
Trirodov's response to Piotr about the future of worldviews.
