Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
VI explained
Zarathustra speaks to his brethren about the nature of firstlings, who are always sacrificed.
What happens
Zarathustra speaks to his brethren about the nature of firstlings, who are always sacrificed. He laments that they are all bleeding on secret altars to ancient idols, and that the old idol-priest still dwells within them, consuming their best. He declares his love for those who do not seek to preserve themselves but instead go under and go beyond.
Themes in this chapter
Death of God and Revaluation of Values
The chapter depicts the lingering influence of ancient idols and the need to overcome the old idol-priest within.
Pity and Contempt
Zarathustra expresses love for the down-going ones who sacrifice themselves, contrasting with pity for those who cling to preservation.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Addresses his brethren as firstlings, speaking of sacrifice and the old idol-priest within.
- The Priests
Referenced as old idol-priests who broil the best of the firstlings for their banquet.
Key passages
“O my brethren, he who is a firstling is ever sacrificed.”
My brothers, the firstborn is always offered up as a sacrifice.
Zarathustra introduces the theme of inevitable sacrifice for those who are first or pioneering.
“Our best is still young: this exciteth old palates.”
What is finest in us is still fresh, and that stirs the appetites of the old.
The vitality of the new generation tempts the old powers that seek to consume it.
“In ourselves dwelleth he still, the old idol-priest, who broileth our best for his banquet.”
The ancient priest of idols still lives inside us, roasting our finest qualities for his feast.
Zarathustra points to the internalized authority of tradition that sacrifices our potential.
“I love those who do not wish to preserve themselves, the down-going ones do I love with mine entire love: for they go beyond.”
I love those who do not seek self-preservation; I love those who descend and perish, for they transcend.
Zarathustra affirms his love for those who embrace sacrifice and downfall as a path to surpassing themselves.