# XXVII: The Sword of God explained — The Slaves of the Padishah > Chapter companion for The Slaves of the Padishah by Mór Jókai. ## What happens The chapter opens with a description of ominous natural phenomena—a thick mist, a hurricane, and a comet—that the people interpret as divine signs. The Prince's chaplain, Magyari, delivers fiery sermons, one of which directly condemns Michael Teleki and Ladislaus Vajda for their role in the war, while a Szekler mocks them. Teleki remains unperturbed, even as the crowd insults him. Later, Teleki converses with Princess Apafi, who accuses him of causing the deaths of her enemies, including Feriz Beg's madness. Teleki dismisses her accusations, attributing events to fate and his own agency, and even claims he could hurl the comet itself. An earthquake strikes, and Teleki calmly reassures the Princess. ## Themes in this chapter ### Religion and Fanaticism Magyari's sermons whip up public fear and condemnation, using religious rhetoric to attack Teleki and the war, while the people interpret natural disasters as divine judgment. ### Power and Corruption Teleki's unapologetic admission of his role in the downfall of his enemies, and his claim to control even the comet, illustrates the corrupting influence of unchecked power. ### Fate and Death The chapter explores the interplay between fate and human agency, as Teleki invokes his motto 'Gutta cavat lapidem' and the Prince's 'Fata viam inveniunt', while death and madness claim many characters. ## Character check-ins ### Michael Teleki Endures public humiliation from Magyari's sermon and a Szekler's insults with stoic calm; later defends his actions to Princess Apafi, attributing his enemies' downfalls to fate and his own hand. ### Ladislaus Vajda Accompanies Teleki to the sermon, is provoked by the Szekler's taunts, and is restrained by Teleki from responding. ### Princess Apafi Confronts Teleki, accusing him of orchestrating the deaths of Denis Banfi, Paul Béldi, and others, and expresses grief over Feriz Beg's madness. ### Dean Magyari Preaches fiery sermons against the war and Teleki, calling him a traitor and predicting divine judgment. ### Feriz Beg Mentioned as having gone mad with grief over the death of Béldi's daughter, a victim of Teleki's machinations. ### Michael Apafi The Prince is present at the sermon and is so affected that he orders a fast for his household. ## Key lines > It is raining blood from Heaven! The people cry out in terror as red pollen from the storm leaves blood-like stains on walls, interpreting it as a divine omen. _The natural phenomenon is misinterpreted as a supernatural sign, heightening the atmosphere of fear._ > The sword of God! The people whisper in fear, seeing the comet's shape as a divine weapon. _The comet is seen as a portent of war and destruction._ > It may be so, but we shall pursue our course all the same. Teleki acknowledges the truth of Magyari's accusations but remains resolute in his political path. _Teleki's stubbornness in the face of moral condemnation._ > I will hurl it forth, and strike the earth with it so that all its hinges shall be out of joint. Teleki boasts that he could wield the comet as a weapon, implying his control over destiny. _Teleki's hubris and self-perceived omnipotence._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxvii-the-sword-of-god - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters