The Lost Continent · Chapter
IX: Phorenice, Goddess explained
Phorenice formally declares herself a goddess and performs a sacrificial ceremony, defying the old gods.
What happens
Phorenice formally declares herself a goddess and performs a sacrificial ceremony, defying the old gods. The narrator, one of the Seven Priests, emerges from a secret underground passage and encounters Ro, a faithful but disillusioned priest, who recounts the decline of the old religion and a recent attack by a giant bird during a sacrifice.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion and Revolution
Phorenice's declaration of divinity and the public ceremony represent a rebellion against the established religious order.
Gender and Authority
Phorenice, as a female ruler, asserts supreme authority by declaring herself a goddess, challenging traditional male priestly power.
Decay and Destruction
The temple is in disuse, the city is under siege, and the old religion is crumbling, symbolizing decay.
Tradition vs. Change
The old priestly traditions are being replaced by Phorenice's new order, as seen in the altered sacrifice and the people's shifting loyalties.
Characters to notice
- Phorenice
Declares herself a goddess and performs a sacrifice, displaying her charm and authority.
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator, a member of the Seven Priests, travels through secret passages and observes the city's excitement.
- Ylga
Daughter of Zaemon, appears troubled and heavy-hearted during Phorenice's ceremony.
- Ro
A faithful but slovenly priest who informs the narrator of Phorenice's declaration and the decline of the old religion.
- Zaemon
Referenced as Ylga's father and chief minister of the Sun, whose authority is being defied.
- Deucalion
Addressed by Ro as a fellow priest; the narrator is mistaken for Deucalion.
- The Priests
Some priests have apostatized and joined Phorenice's ceremony, while others remain faithful.
- The Gods
The old gods are being defied by Phorenice's declaration and the people's neglect.
Key passages
“But life was cheap in the city of Atlantis now, and no one heeded the fallen.”
In Atlantis, human life had become worthless, and the dead were ignored.
Highlights the devaluation of life amid the siege and social decay.
“She lifted up her voice, sweet, tuneful, and carrying, and though the din of the siege still came from over the city, no ear there lost a word of what was spoken.”
Her voice was clear and melodious, cutting through the noise of the siege so that everyone could hear her.
Emphasizes Phorenice's commanding presence and the significance of her declaration.
“That impious Phorenice has declared herself Goddess, and declares that she will light the sacrifice with her own divine fire.”
The blasphemous Phorenice has proclaimed herself a goddess and intends to ignite the offering with her own power.
Ro's bitter description of Phorenice's act of defiance against the gods.
