# LXXII: The Supper explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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