The Gods of Pegāna · Chapter
Of How Imbaun Met Zodrak explained
The prophet Imbaun, resting by a river and pondering the sorrow in the Worlds despite the goodness of the gods, encounters an old man who reveals himself as Zodrak, a former shepherd who was brought before the gods in a mirthful mood and, c
What happens
The prophet Imbaun, resting by a river and pondering the sorrow in the Worlds despite the goodness of the gods, encounters an old man who reveals himself as Zodrak, a former shepherd who was brought before the gods in a mirthful mood and, claiming the right of one who has looked upon them, demanded and received the power to bestow riches, love, and wisdom—only to bring poverty, grief, and despair instead. Zodrak, now a fool among the gods, seeks Imbaun's forgiveness, which Imbaun grants, acknowledging that a god may sin against men.
Themes in this chapter
The Absurdity of Divine Games
The gods call up a man for their amusement, and his well-intentioned gifts cause unintended harm.
Suffering and Death
Zodrak's gifts of gold, love, and wisdom bring poverty, grief, and despair, highlighting sorrow in the Worlds.
The Limits of Human Knowledge
Zodrak, a mere shepherd, could not foresee the consequences of his divine gifts, and wisdom only reveals ignorance.
Characters to notice
- Imbaun
The prophet of the gods, resting by the river, who forgives Zodrak.
- Zodrak the Fool God
Former shepherd turned god, who bemoans his gifts that brought sorrow.
- Hoodrazai
One of the gods who acknowledges the law that a man who sees the gods may demand a gift.
Key passages
“I said: 'I will make men rich.' And the gods said: 'What is rich?'”
Zodrak declared his intention to grant wealth, but the gods did not understand the concept.
Illustrates the gap between mortal and divine understanding.
“And I, who would make men happy, have made them sad, and I have spoiled the beautiful scheme of the gods.”
Zodrak's attempts to bring happiness only resulted in sorrow, disrupting the gods' perfect plan.
Zodrak's regret over his unintended consequences.
“Men have sinned not against the gods as the gods have sinned against men since I came into Their councils.”
The harm gods have done to men exceeds any wrong men have done to gods.
Zodrak's confession of divine error.