# The Divine — Gitanjali character guide > The Divine in Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Thou, thee, thy, Lord, God **First appearance:** 0003-gitanjali ## Who they are The beloved addressed as Thou—present in conch shells, July rain, and a lute-player drifting in a boat, yet never fully possessed. ## In the story ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/ii) The divine is addressed as the king who enters the heart unbidden and presses the signet of eternity on fleeting moments. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/iii) Referenced as the 'playmate of the empty days' who draws the poet's heart to him. ### [Gitanjali](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/gitanjali) The recipient of the poet's offerings and the object of his devotion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/i) The eternal source that fills and empties the poet's vessel, breathing melodies through the poet. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/ii) The one who commands the poet to sing, takes pleasure in his singing, and is addressed as both lord and friend. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/iii) The master whose music fills the world and captivates the poet's heart. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/iv) The addressed 'thee' and 'thou' whose touch sanctifies the body, whose truth lights reason, whose seat is in the heart, and whose power enables action. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/v) The beloved presence the poet longs to sit face to face with. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/vi) The recipient of the flower offering, addressed as 'thy' and 'thy hand'. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/vii) The master poet and beloved whose whispers are sought and whose music fills the poet's life. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/viii) Addressed as 'Mother,' the divine is the one who imposes the bondage of finery. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/ix) Implied as the one who can bear all burdens and offers gifts through sacred love. ### [The Footstool of the Divine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/x) The one whose feet rest among the poorest, lowliest, and lost. ### [Leave This Chanting and Singing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xi) Described as being present among laborers, bound with creation, and covered with dust. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xii) Addressed as 'thyself' and 'thou,' the ultimate destination and innermost shrine. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xiii) The unseen presence whose footsteps are heard and whose arrival is awaited. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xiv) Acts as the source of hard refusals and strong mercy, hiding and granting gifts. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xv) The master who owns the hall and commands the poet's singing. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xvi) The one whose face the poet longs to see and to whom he offers silent salutation. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xvii) The beloved 'his hands' into which the poet wishes to give himself up. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xviii) The beloved who is absent, leaving the poet in longing and darkness. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xix) The silent presence whose voice is anticipated. ### [The Unheeded Bloom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xx) The unseen presence symbolized by the blooming lotus and the sweet fragrance in the south wind. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxi) Addressed as 'you' in the poet's questioning about the thrill of the faraway song. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxii) The silent, secret wayfarer walking through the rainy July shadows. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxiii) The beloved friend journeying through the storm. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxiv) The addressed 'thou' who wraps the earth in sleep and tenderly closes the lotus petals. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxv) The one trusted to renew the poet's sight through rest. ### [The Missed Divine Encounter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxvi) The Divine comes and sits by the poet's side, playing the harp and filling dreams with melodies, but the poet fails to awaken. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxvii) The wakeful lord who calls the poet to the love-tryst through the night. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxviii) Addressed as the source of priceless wealth and best friend, yet the poet hesitates to fully surrender. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxix) The one enclosed by the poet's name, weeping in the dungeon of the poet's self-constructed identity. ### [The Tryst and the Shadow Self](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxx) The lord to whose door the poet wishes to come, representing the sacred tryst. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxii) Keeps the poet free and waits for his love, unseen but ever present. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxiii) The deity whose altar is desecrated by the hypocrites. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxiv) The beloved presence to whom the poet offers his love and will. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxv) Addressed as 'thee' and 'my Father,' the guiding force toward freedom. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxvi) The recipient of the prayer, addressed as 'thee' and 'thy will'. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxvii) Thy will is revealed as endless, bringing renewal and revelation. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxviii) The sole object of the poet's desire and love, addressed as 'thee'. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxxix) The addressed entity, invoked as lord of silence, king, and holy one. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xl) Implored to send an angry storm or call back the silent heat; the source of grace. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xli) The hidden lover who stands in shadows, promised to come but still absent, causing the poet's painful wait. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlii) The Divine is the silent companion in the imagined pilgrimage, listening as the poet's songs swell. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xliii) Entered the poet's heart unbidden, left the signet of eternity, and continues to echo from star to star. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xliv) Implied as the source of the promised vision and the unknown skies from which messengers come. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlv) The ever-coming presence that arrives silently in every moment and season. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlvi) The ever-coming presence whose messenger calls secretly within the poet's heart. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlvii) The lord whose coming is anticipated and whose touch and smile will awaken the poet. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlviii) Appears standing by the poet after his surrender and sleep. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xlix) The Divine descends from the throne, stands at the cottage door, and offers a flower as a prize for the poet's song. ### [The Beggar's Gift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/l) The king who descends from the golden chariot and asks for a gift. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/li) The king who arrives in the night, representing the divine presence coming unexpectedly. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lii) Leaves a mighty sword instead of a flower or perfume, symbolizing strength and the call to strife. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/liii) Addressed as 'lord of thunder,' possessor of the beautiful yet terrible sword. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/liv) The thirsty traveler who accepts the poet's offering. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lv) The friend sitting alone in the country of virgin solitude, waiting. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lvi) The lord of all heavens who descends to the poet as a partner and lover. ### [Light, My Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lvii) Addressed as 'my darling,' the source of the world-filling light and joy. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lviii) Implicit presence as the source of the joy that permeates all aspects of existence. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lix) The beloved whose love manifests as golden light, clouds, and breeze, and who bends from above to meet the poet's gaze. ### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lx) Implied as the eternal presence underlying the endless worlds and the sea. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxi) Implied as the source of the mysterious beauty and love pervading the mother's heart. ### [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxii) Implied as the recipient of the poet's offerings, the child addressed as 'my child' and 'my darling'. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxiii) The one companion of endless life who brings the distant near, makes a brother of the stranger, and abides in both old and new. ### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxiv) Implied as the ultimate recipient of the maiden's lamp offerings. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxv) Addressed as 'my God' and 'my poet,' the divine takes delight in experiencing creation through the poet's senses and giving itself in love. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxvi) The recipient of the poet's final gift, the one for whom the hidden presence has been waiting. ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxvii) Addressed as 'thou,' the beautiful one who is both the encompassing sky and the loving nest. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxviii) The recipient of the poet's offerings, who transforms them into a misty cloud and adorns the divine's starry breast. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxix) Implicitly present as the source of the life stream that runs through all. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxx) Implied as the source of the rhythm and fearful joy that drives all things. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxi) The one who sets a barrier in its own being and calls the severed self in myriad notes. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxii) Identified as the innermost one who touches, enchants, and weaves the web of maya. ### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxiii) The source of delight, pouring wine of various colors and fragrance into the poet's earthen vessel. ### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxiv) The 'unknown man' playing the lute at the fording may symbolize the divine presence encountered in the twilight. ### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxv) The recipient of all gifts and the ultimate destination of all offerings. ### [Face to Face with the Divine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxvi) Addressed as 'lord of my life' and 'King of kings'. ### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxvii) Addressed as God, father, brother, and comrade, yet the poet does not fully embrace this closeness. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxviii) Implied as the source of the unbroken perfection that transcends the search. ### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxix) The absent yet longed-for presence that the poet fears missing in this life. ### [LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxx) Addressed as 'O my sun ever-glorious'; the poet awaits the divine touch to merge with light. ### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxi) Holds every moment of the poet's life and nurtures growth from seeds to fruitfulness. ### [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxii) The lord in whose hands time is endless and who waits patiently. ### [LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxiii) Addressed as 'Mother', the recipient of the poet's offering of sorrow and the source of grace. ### [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxiv) Implicitly present as the object of separation and longing. ### [LXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxv) Implied as the master whose hall the warriors serve and return to. ### [LXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxvi) The divine sends Death as a servant to the poet's home, calling the poet to a final offering. ### [LXXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxvii) The lord whose infinite mansion offers hope and the possibility of regaining what is lost. ### [LXXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxviii) The deity of the ruined temple, unworshipped and neglected. ### [LXXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/lxxxix) Referred to as 'my master' and 'playmate of the empty days,' who draws the poet's heart toward him. ### [XC](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xc) Implied as the guest (death) who knocks at the door. ### [XCI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xci) Addressed as 'Death' and the 'last fulfilment of life,' the divine presence is the ultimate beloved. ### [XCII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcii) The poet sees the divine world through the light of death. ### [XCIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xciii) Implied as the one who summons the poet for the journey. ### [XCIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xciv) Implied as the King whose gateway marks the end of the voyage. ### [XCV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcv) Referred to as the inscrutable without name and form, taking the poet in its arms in the form of the mother. ### [XCVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcvi) The formless one whose touch the poet has felt and whose sight he has caught. ### [XCVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcvii) Addressed as 'thee'; once a comrade in play, now revealed in majestic silence. ### [XCVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcviii) The silent summoner from the blue sky, the recipient of the poet's surrender. ### [XCIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xcix) The silent lord who is invited to take the helm and sit in the poet's space. ### [C](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/c) The silent presence at whose feet the poet lays his harp. ### [CI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/ci) The ultimate destination of the poet's journey, addressed as 'thee'. ### [CII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/cii) Sits smiling as the poet struggles to explain the secret that gushes from his heart. ### [CIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/ciii) The recipient of the poet's salutation, addressed as 'thee' and 'thy'. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/characters/divine_presence - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gitanjali_se/characters