# XVIII explained — The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

> Chapter companion for The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám by Omar Khayyám.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the transience of power and glory, using the imagery of Jamshýd's courts now inhabited by a lion and lizard, and the great hunter Bahrám lying in an eternal sleep beneath the hooves of a wild ass.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Transience

The chapter contrasts past glory with present decay, emphasizing the inevitable end of all power and life.

## Character check-ins

### Bahrám

Referenced as the great hunter now sleeping eternally, his head trampled by a wild ass.

## Key lines

> They say the Lion and the Lizard keep The Courts where Jamshýd gloried and drank deep

It is said that wild animals now inhabit the once magnificent courts of the legendary king Jamshýd.

_Illustrates the decay of worldly splendor._

> And Bahrám, that great Hunter—the Wild Ass Stamps o’er his Head, but cannot break his Sleep.

Even the mighty hunter Bahrám lies dead, undisturbed by the wild ass stamping above his grave.

_Highlights the finality of death, which no power or skill can overcome._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters