# Grandfather Satan — Jurgen character guide

> Grandfather Satan in Jurgen by James Branch Cabell.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Satan

**First appearance:** 0038-xxxiv-how-emperor-jurgen-fared-infernally

## Snapshot

Hell's urbane ruler and Jurgen's grandfather, whose cynical wisdom about human nature and Hell's malleable truths shapes Jurgen's underworld stratagems.

## Who they are

Satan receives Jurgen in the underworld with the ease of a host who has seen every guest before, and his remark that whatever Coth believes will be the truth in Hell becomes the lever Jurgen uses against his father. He is less a tempter than a connoisseur of human folly, offering Jurgen the run of a realm whose only law is belief. His presence turns the underworld from punishment into a mirror, and his indulgence of Jurgen's schemes sets the comic machinery of the middle chapters in motion.

## Relationships

### [Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/jurgen)

_psychological_

Grandfather Satan is a devilish figure who tempts and tests Jurgen, embodying moral and philosophical challenges.

### [Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/jurgen)

_psychological_

Grandfather Satan is a devilish figure who tempts and tests Jurgen, embodying moral and philosophical challenges.

### [Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/jurgen)

_psychological_

Grandfather Satan is a devilish figure who tempts and tests Jurgen, embodying moral and philosophical challenges.

## In the story

### [Why Jurgen Did the Manly Thing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/i-why-jurgen-did-the-manly-thing)

The black gentleman who thanks Jurgen for his kind words and is implied to be responsible for Lisa's disappearance.

### [XXXV: What Grandfather Satan Reported](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxv-what-grandfather-satan-reported)

Describes the creation of Hell by Koshchei to humor the pride of Jurgen's forefathers; mentions his wife does not understand him.

### [Why Coth Was Contradicted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxvi-why-coth-was-contradicted)

Referenced by Jurgen as having told him that whatever Coth believes becomes truth in Hell.

### [XXXVIII: As to Applauded Precedents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxviii-as-to-applauded-precedents)

Ruler of Hell who heeds Jurgen's advice to enforce stricter laws and suppress rebellion.

### [XXXIX: Of Compromises in Hell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxix-of-compromises-in-hell)

The jealous husband of Phyllis, with enormous horns, who keeps her locked away.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/grandfather_satan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters