Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
VI explained
The rope dancer performs in the marketplace but is fatally tripped by a buffoon.
What happens
The rope dancer performs in the marketplace but is fatally tripped by a buffoon. Zarathustra remains beside the dying man, denies the existence of devil and hell, and promises to bury him with his own hands.
Themes in this chapter
Death of God and Revaluation of Values
Zarathustra's denial of devil and hell to the dying man challenges traditional religious beliefs and affirms a this-worldly perspective.
Pity and Contempt
Zarathustra shows pity by kneeling and comforting the dying rope dancer, yet also honors his dangerous calling without contempt.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Remains standing as the crowd flees; kneels beside the dying rope dancer, denies devil and hell, and offers to bury him.
- The Superman
Implied as the 'better one' the buffoon claims the rope dancer blocks; the rope dancer's fall contrasts with the Übermensch ideal.
Key passages
“On mine honour, my friend, there is nothing of all that whereof thou speakest: there is no devil and no hell. Thy soul will be dead even sooner than thy body: fear, therefore, nothing any more!”
I swear to you, there is no devil or hell. Your soul will die before your body, so you have nothing to fear.
Zarathustra rejects traditional afterlife punishments, affirming a mortalist view.
“Thou hast made danger thy calling; therein there is nothing contemptible. Now thou perishest by thy calling: therefore will I bury thee with mine own hands.”
You chose a life of risk, which is honorable. Since you die by that choice, I will personally bury you.
Zarathustra honors the rope dancer's commitment to his perilous vocation.