# IX: Phorenice, Goddess explained — The Lost Continent

> Chapter companion for The Lost Continent by C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters/ix-phorenice-goddess
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters