Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
LXXII: The Supper explained
The soothsayer interrupts Zarathustra's greeting, demanding wine and food.
What happens
The soothsayer interrupts Zarathustra's greeting, demanding wine and food. Zarathustra organizes a meal with the help of the kings, preparing lambs, roots, fruits, and nuts. The voluntary beggar objects to the flesh and wine, but Zarathustra affirms his own law of strength and joy. The repast begins, focusing on the higher men.
Themes in this chapter
Solitude and Companionship
Zarathustra gathers the higher men for a communal meal, balancing his solitary nature with fellowship.
The Body and the Earth
The emphasis on food, wine, and physical enjoyment reflects the affirmation of earthly life.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Hosts the supper, organizes the meal, and declares his law for his own.
- The Soothsayer
Demands wine and food, interrupting the greeting.
- The Voluntary Beggar
Objects to the flesh, wine, and spices, preferring moderate poverty.
- The Higher Men
The subject of conversation during the supper.
- The Ass
Brays 'Ye-a' in response to the king's remark.
Key passages
“I am a law only for mine own; I am not a law for all.”
Zarathustra declares that his teachings are not universal but apply only to those who belong to him.
Zarathustra emphasizes his individualistic philosophy.
“The best belongeth unto mine and me; and if it be not given us, then do we take it:—the best food, the purest sky, the strongest thoughts, the fairest women!”
Zarathustra asserts that his followers deserve the best and should take it if not offered.
Reflects the will to power and self-assertion.