# VI explained — The Jewels of Aptor

> Chapter companion for The Jewels of Aptor by Samuel R. Delany.

## What happens

The party explores a ruined temple, discovering tombs and ancient rituals. They encounter a necrophage creature, which they befriend, and find parallels between the rituals of Argo and Hama. Geo and Iimmi, both former students at the University of Olcse Olwnh, discuss the connections between the old religions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Knowledge and Understanding

Geo and Iimmi's scholarly analysis of the temple's rituals reveals connections between the religions of Argo, Hama, and Aptor.

### Religion and Mythology

The discovery of parallel rituals and poems suggests a shared mythological origin among the different cults.

### Transformation and Change

The necrophage, a creature from legend thought extinct, is encountered alive, indicating the changing nature of the world.

## Character check-ins

### Geo

Leads the exploration of the temple, interprets the rituals, and befriends the necrophage.

### Urson

Grumbles about the scholarly discussions and focuses on practical needs like food.

### Snake

Uses the jewel to provide light in the dark temple.

### Iimmi

Reveals his background as a pupil of Welis at the University of Olcse Olwnh and helps decipher the rituals.

## Key lines

> Sink the bright dead with misgiving from the half-light of the living⁠ ⁠…

Bury the dead with the trappings of life, such as food, even though it is done with reluctance.

_Geo explains the meaning of the ritual inscription to Urson._

> It only eats dead things

The creature is a necrophage, feeding only on carrion.

_Geo identifies the nature of the apelike beast._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters