# LXXI: The Greeting explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

Zarathustra returns to his cave to find all the higher men he encountered during the day gathered inside, including the two kings, the magician, the pope, the voluntary beggar, the shadow, the conscientious in spirit, the soothsayer, the ass, and the ugliest man. He greets them with love and mischief, offering them security and hospitality, but then speaks plainly that they are not the ones he truly awaits—they are only bridges and steps for higher ones, his children, the laughing lions, who are yet to come.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Übermensch and Self-Overcoming

Zarathustra tells the higher men they are only bridges and steps, and that he awaits 'laughing lions'—a symbol of the Übermensch who will surpass them.

### Solitude and Companionship

Zarathustra's cave becomes a gathering place for the despairing, yet he remains solitary in his longing for his true children, not the present company.

### Will to Power and Creation

Zarathustra speaks of his will and highest hope for his children, a 'living plantation' and 'life-trees' of his will, emphasizing creative power.

## Character check-ins

### Zarathustra

Returns to his cave and finds the higher men assembled; he greets them warmly but declares they are not his true heirs.

### The Higher Men

All the despairing ones gathered in Zarathustra's cave, including the kings, magician, pope, beggar, shadow, conscientious one, soothsayer, ass, and ugliest man.

### The King of the Isle

The king on the right speaks on behalf of the guests, praising Zarathustra's will and comparing him to a pine tree.

### The Ugliest Man

Sits with a crown on his head and purple girdles, disguising himself as handsome.

### The Soothsayer

Makes signs with his hands and gestures when Zarathustra stops speaking, overcome by longing.

## Key lines

> Ye are only bridges: may higher ones pass over upon you! Ye signify steps: so do not upbraid him who ascendeth beyond you into his height!

You are merely bridges and steps for those who are greater; do not resent the one who climbs beyond you.

_Zarathustra tells the higher men they are not the final goal but transitional figures for the Übermensch._

> For higher ones, stronger ones, triumphanter ones, merrier ones, for such as are built squarely in body and soul: laughing lions must come!

I wait for those who are higher, stronger, more triumphant, and more joyful—laughing lions who are whole in body and spirit.

_Zarathustra describes the kind of beings he truly awaits, symbolizing the Übermensch._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxi-the-greeting
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters