mythic-sacrifice-cycle
The chapter uses Upanishadic metaphor to depict the world and human existence as a continuous fire of sacrifice, where gods offer libations and new powers or beings are born.
1 chapter across 1 book
Lord of Light (1967)Roger Zelazny
This chapter introduces a complex mythic and theological framework centered on the figure known as Maitreya or Lord of Light, exploring cycles of sacrifice and rebirth through Upanishadic imagery. It also presents a tense dialogue between Nirriti the Black and Olvagga, a sea captain and Christian, discussing the weakening power of the gods, the rise of scientific progress, and plans to challenge the divine order through force. Meanwhile, the Rakasha lord Taraka contemplates his past defeats and future alliance with Nirriti to destroy the gods' temples and bring about a cataclysmic confrontation with the divine.