Of Dorozhand explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Fate vs Free Will

  Dorozhand's dominion over destiny reduces all beings, even gods, to instruments of his unknowable will.

• Cosmic Cycles and Creation

  The chapter describes a cycle of creation and destruction, culminating in Māna-Yood-Sushāī's awakening and the end of the gods.

• The Search for Meaning

  The purpose of life and the worlds is questioned, as all existence serves Dorozhand's hidden end.

Characters to notice

• Dorozhand

  The god of Destiny, whose eyes regard the end; he drives all beings toward his hidden goal.

• Māna-Yood-Sushāī

  The creator god who rests; he will awaken at the end of Dorozhand's purpose and unmake the gods.

• Kib

  Mentioned as the one who will tiptoe to awaken Māna-Yood-Sushāī at the destined time.

Key passages

• “Upon whom have looked the eyes of Dorozhand he goeth forward to an end that naught may stay; he becometh the arrow from the bow of Dorozhand hurled forward at a mark he may not see⁠—to the goal of Dorozhand.”

  Anyone seen by Dorozhand is fated to move unerringly toward an unknown end, like an arrow shot toward a hidden target.

  Illustrates the inescapable power of destiny over individuals.

• “But when the end of Dorozhand hath been achieved there will be need no longer of Life upon the Worlds, nor any more a game for the small gods to play.”

  Once Dorozhand's purpose is fulfilled, life and the gods' activities will cease to be necessary.

  Foreshadows the ultimate cessation of existence as known.

• “Then shall the Times that were be Times no more; and it may be that the old, dead days shall return from beyond the Rim, and we who have wept for them shall see those days again.”

  Time itself will end, and perhaps lost eras will return from beyond the edge of the world, bringing comfort to those who mourned them.

  Suggests a merciful possibility of restoration after the end.