The Secret of Sarek · Chapter
XIII: “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani!” explained
Vorski, in a state of manic exaltation, declares Véronique dead after her death-agony, shouting the biblical cry 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' A supernatural column of fire erupts from an old oak tree, which Vorski interprets as a sign fr
What happens
Vorski, in a state of manic exaltation, declares Véronique dead after her death-agony, shouting the biblical cry 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' A supernatural column of fire erupts from an old oak tree, which Vorski interprets as a sign from destiny. He and his accomplices, Otto and Conrad, discover a hidden staircase leading to a series of ancient crypts with menhirs and horse skulls. They find a sleeping druid-like figure, whom Vorski reveres as a priest of old, but Conrad suspects may be an enemy. Vorski attempts to wake the old man, who grumpily responds 'Oh, rats!'
Themes in this chapter
Evil and Manipulation
Vorski's grandiloquent speech and playacting manipulate Otto and Conrad, using fear and superstition to control them as he orchestrates Véronique's death and the discovery of the crypt.
Superstition vs. Reason
The chapter contrasts Vorski's belief in supernatural signs (the column of fire, destiny) with Conrad's skeptical, practical objections (attributing Vorski's behavior to rum, recalling Maguennoc's fate).
Fate and Prophecy
Vorski claims destiny has spoken at his bidding, interpreting the column of fire as a sign that he is master of fate. The discovery of the crypt and the druid reinforces his sense of a preordained path.
Characters to notice
- Count Alexis Vorski
In a manic state, Vorski theatrically proclaims Véronique's death and interprets the column of fire as a sign from destiny. He leads the exploration of the crypts and discovers a sleeping druid, whom he treats with reverence.
- Otto
Otto is frightened by Vorski's ranting and later helps with the excavation. He questions the safety of entering the tree and expresses caution about the druid.
- Conrad
Conrad is skeptical of Vorski's claims, attributing his behavior to rum. He refuses to enter the tree first, recalling Maguennoc's fate, and later suggests killing the sleeping druid.
- Véronique d'Hergemont
Véronique is the victim in her death-agony, with Vorski proclaiming her dead after she cries out 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'
- Maguennoc
Maguennoc is referenced by Conrad as a warning: he tried to touch the God-Stone and had to cut his hand off, and he spoke of the gate of hell.
- The Druid
An old man dressed in a linen robe with a string of sea-eggs is found sleeping in the crypt. Vorski identifies him as a priest from the time of the Druids and tries to wake him, but the old man grumpily responds 'Oh, rats!'
Key passages
“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”
Vorski mockingly quotes Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross as Véronique dies, treating her suffering as a theatrical spectacle.
This biblical quotation underscores Vorski's cruelty and his manipulation of religious imagery to heighten the drama of Véronique's death.
“It's the old rotten oak, the one which has already been struck by lightning.”
Otto explains the column of fire as a natural phenomenon—a lightning-struck tree—rather than a supernatural sign.
This rational explanation contrasts with Vorski's mystical interpretation, highlighting the theme of superstition vs. reason.
“Have you forgotten Maguennoc? Have you forgotten that he tried to touch the God-Stone and had to cut his hand off?”
Conrad warns Vorski by recalling Maguennoc's fate, suggesting that the God-Stone is dangerous and that entering the tree might lead to harm.
This reference to Maguennoc's past reinforces the theme of superstition and the peril associated with the God-Stone.
