The Lost Continent · Chapter
XV: Zaemon’s Summons explained
The narrator describes the perilous, volcanic wilderness of Atlantis bordering Europe and Africa, where he has lived in exile.
What happens
The narrator describes the perilous, volcanic wilderness of Atlantis bordering Europe and Africa, where he has lived in exile. Zaemon appears and summons him back to the Sacred Mountain to lead the defense against Empress Phorenice, who has besieged the mountain. The narrator bargains for Nais's safety as his reward, and Zaemon reluctantly agrees. Zaemon departs supernaturally, leaving the narrator to follow.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
Phorenice's siege of the Sacred Mountain and her demand for absolute submission exemplify tyrannical overreach, countered by the narrator's reluctant return to lead resistance.
Love and Sacrifice
The narrator's love for Nais drives his bargain with Zaemon, prioritizing her safety over duty. Zaemon's willingness to sacrifice his own daughter for Atlantis highlights conflicting loyalties.
Tradition vs. Change
Zaemon represents the ancient priestly order and its dogmas, while the narrator admits his humanity and evolving values, signaling a shift from blind adherence to personal conviction.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Describes his harsh exile in the volcanic lands, his physical suffering, and his longing for Nais. He negotiates with Zaemon for Nais's safety in exchange for his service.
- Zaemon
Appears as an old, feeble priest on the mountain, carrying the Symbol of the Sun. He summons the narrator to save Atlantis from Phorenice and reluctantly promises Nais as a reward.
- Nais
Mentioned as being held unharmed beneath the granite throne by Phorenice, used as a potential weapon against the narrator. Zaemon reveals he is her father.
- Phorenice
Referenced as the wanton Empress who has besieged the Sacred Mountain, stolen ancient knowledge, and keeps Nais captive. She is the antagonist the narrator must fight.
- Tob
Mentioned briefly as the companion the narrator parted with before his exile.
- The Gods
Invoked as the High Gods and Lord the Sun, whose Symbol Zaemon carries. The narrator trusts in their fostering care during his exile.
Key passages
“The common people avoid it, because of a superstition which says that the spirits of the evil dead stalk about there in broad daylight, and slay all those that the more open dangers of the place might otherwise spare.”
Locals shun the region due to a belief that malevolent ghosts roam by day, killing anyone who survives the area's natural hazards.
Describes the superstitious fear surrounding the volcanic borderlands.
“It could have taken Phorenice’s mammoth into its belly, and even a mammoth in full charge could not have harmed it.”
The lizard was so huge it could swallow Phorenice's mammoth whole, and a charging mammoth would be powerless against it.
Emphasizes the monstrous scale of the lizards in the exile region.
“Promise me Nais—and your arts I know can snatch her—and I will be true servant to the High Council of the Priest, and will die in the last ditch if need be for the carrying out of order.”
Guarantee Nais's rescue using your mystical powers, and I will faithfully serve the priestly council, even to the death.
The narrator's conditional offer to lead the defense in exchange for Nais's safety.
“But let me see Nais given over to the fury of that wanton woman, and I shall have no inwards left, except to take my vengeance, and to see Atlantis piled up in ruins as her funeral-stone.”
If Nais is handed over to that cruel Empress, I will be consumed by vengeance and will destroy Atlantis as her tomb.
The narrator's threat to turn against Atlantis if Nais is harmed.
