The Moon Pool · Chapter
XXIX: The Shaping of the Shining One explained
Lakla recounts the history of the Silent Ones and the creation of the Shining One, explaining its origins from the ether, its growing independence and pride, and its eventual rebellion against the Three.
What happens
Lakla recounts the history of the Silent Ones and the creation of the Shining One, explaining its origins from the ether, its growing independence and pride, and its eventual rebellion against the Three. She describes how the Taithu split over the Dweller, leading to the rise of the Murian civilization with its sun and moon kings, and sets the stage for a crucial question the Three will pose to Larry and herself.
Themes in this chapter
Forbidden Knowledge and Pride
The Three's pride in creating the Shining One and their refusal to destroy it despite its turn to evil, leading to dire consequences.
The Power of Light and Energy
The Shining One is shaped from the ether and light, drawing consciousness from the universe; its power grows through the seven orbs.
Duality of Human Experience
The Shining One contains both joy and woe, good and evil, reflecting the dual nature of consciousness and experience.
Characters to notice
- Lakla
Serves as the narrator, relaying the history of the Silent Ones and the Shining One as commanded by the Three.
- Larry O'Keefe
Present in Lakla's boudoir, listening to the history; he is to be asked a question by the Three.
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
Also present, observing and reflecting on the scientific parallels to Lakla's account.
- The Shining One
Described as a creation of the Three, formed from ether and consciousness, which grew in will and pride, eventually rebelling and leaving the Three.
- The Silent Ones
The ancient race that created the Shining One; they are the Three, who loved their creation despite its rebellion.
- The Taithu
The race of the Silent Ones, split into factions over the Shining One; some worshipped it while others clung to the old ways.
Key passages
“Yet as the tides of consciousness flowed through it they left behind shadowings and echoes of their burdens; and the Shining One grew stronger, always stronger of itself within itself.”
As consciousness passed through the Shining One, it absorbed the shadows and burdens of that consciousness, becoming increasingly self-willed and powerful.
Describes the Shining One's growing independence and pride.
“We crowned the Shining One with the seven orbs of light which are the channels between it and the sentience we sought to make articulate, the portals through which flow its currents and so flowing, become choate, vocal, self-realizant within our child.”
The Three placed seven orbs of light on the Shining One to act as channels for sentience, allowing it to become self-aware and articulate.
Explains the function of the seven orbs in the creation of the Shining One.
“All the ecstasies of the countless worlds and suns and all their sorrows; all that ye symbolize as gods and all ye symbolize as devils—not negativing each other, for there is no such thing as negation, but holding them together, balancing them, encompassing them, pole upon pole!”
The Shining One contains all joys and sorrows, all concepts of gods and devils, not canceling each other out but coexisting in balance.
Highlights the dual nature of the Shining One's consciousness.