# Jurgen — Jurgen character guide > Jurgen in Jurgen by James Branch Cabell. **Role:** major **Also known as:** King Jurgen, Master Jurgen, young Jurgen, Duke of Logreus, Duke Jurgen of Logreus, Logreus, King Jurgen of Eubonia, Prince Jurgen, Emperor Jurgen, Pope Jurgen **First appearance:** 0004-jurgen ## Snapshot A middle-aged pawnbroker with a poet's itch and a philanderer's conscience, Jurgen talks his way through myth after myth in search of the wife he half-regrets losing. ## Who they are Jurgen is a respectable tradesman of Bellegarde, forty-something, married to the formidable Dame Lisa, and privately convinced he was meant for finer things than pawning other people's treasures. When Lisa vanishes into a cave, he follows her less from devotion than from a sudden, self-congratulatory notion of doing the manly thing — and promptly finds himself among witches, goddesses, and worse. His charm, his shameless self-justification, and his habit of narrating his own virtue make him both an irresistible guide and an unreliable one through the book's early wonders. ## Relationships ### [Dame Lisa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/dame_lisa) _family_ Dame Lisa is Jurgen's wife, a practical and nagging presence who represents his mundane domestic life. ### [Stella](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/stella) _romantic_ Stella is Jurgen's idealized first love, a pure and unattainable figure he constantly seeks to recapture. ### [Koshchei](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/koshchei) _rivalry_ Koshchei the Deathless is a supernatural antagonist who opposes Jurgen's quest and represents death itself. ### [Mother Sereda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/mother_sereda) _psychological_ Mother Sereda is a personification of Wednesday, a cryptic figure who manipulates Jurgen's journey through time. ### [Horvendile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/horvendile) _friendship_ Horvendile is a mysterious, recurring figure who acts as a guide and companion to Jurgen across different worlds. ### [Heitman Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/heitman_michael) _rivalry_ Heitman Michael is a pompous poet and rival who competes with Jurgen for literary and romantic success. ### [Florimel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/florimel) _romantic_ Florimel is a beautiful enchantress who tempts Jurgen with love and magic in his fantastical journey. ### [Coth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/coth) _friendship_ Coth is a loyal companion and fellow traveler who accompanies Jurgen on parts of his quest. ### [Madame Dorothy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/madame_dorothy) _romantic_ Madame Dorothy is a former lover of Jurgen, representing a past romantic entanglement and unresolved feelings. ### [Grandfather Satan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/grandfather_satan) _psychological_ Grandfather Satan is a devilish figure who tempts and tests Jurgen, embodying moral and philosophical challenges. ### [Queen Dolores](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/queen_dolores) _romantic_ Queen Dolores is a sorrowful queen with whom Jurgen shares a brief, melancholic romantic encounter. ### [Yolande](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/yolande) _romantic_ Yolande is a beautiful woman Jurgen meets and courts, representing another of his many romantic interests. ## In the story ### [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/epigraph) Mentioned as the subject of the epigraph, an old man who regained youth and obtained a bright shirt but never fulfilled his desire. ### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/dedication) Referenced as the titular figure who 'travels content to compromise' and sighs, embodying the poem's theme of resigned acceptance. ### [A Foreword: Which Asserts Nothing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/a-foreword-which-asserts-nothing) Defends himself against the tumblebug's accusations, asserting his identity as a poet and maker of literature. ### [Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/jurgen) The protagonist, a pawnbroker dissatisfied with his mundane life and marriage. ### [Why Jurgen Did the Manly Thing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/i-why-jurgen-did-the-manly-thing) A pawnbroker and former poet who speaks well of the Devil and later follows his wife into a cave. ### [II: Assumption of a Noted Garment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/ii-assumption-of-a-noted-garment) Enters the cave, meets Nessus, accepts the shirt, and rides westward seeking justice. ### [III: The Garden Between Dawn and Sunrise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/iii-the-garden-between-dawn-and-sunrise) Jurgen enters the garden between dawn and sunrise with Nessus, recognizing it as Count Emmerick's garden from his youth. He observes the young couples and reflects on the nature of illusions and life's compromises. ### [IV: The Dorothy Who Did Not Understand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/iv-the-dorothy-who-did-not-understand) Appears as a staid, paunchy pawnbroker in his forties, confronting his younger self's lost love. ### [V: Requirements of Bread and Butter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/v-requirements-of-bread-and-butter) Reflects on his past love for Dorothy and the nature of illusion, and confronts the coming changes to the garden. ### [VI: Showing That Sereda Is Feminine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/vi-showing-that-sereda-is-feminine) The pawnbroker protagonist, seeking his wife and using flattery and cleverness to negotiate with Mother Sereda. ### [VII: Of Compromises on a Wednesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/vii-of-compromises-on-a-wednesday) Returns to his youth, kills Heitman Michael, and embraces Dorothy, wrestling with guilt and the desire to seize the moment. ### [VIII: Old Toys and a New Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/viii-old-toys-and-a-new-shadow) Reflects on his past loves and mortality as he explores the cave; disturbed by his unnatural shadow. ### [IX: The Orthodox Rescue of Guenevere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/ix-the-orthodox-rescue-of-guenevere) Rescues Guenevere from Thragnar's enchantment, takes Caliburn, and poses as the Duke of Logreus. ### [X: Pitiful Disguises of Thragnar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/x-pitiful-disguises-of-thragnar) Jurgen suspects Thragnar's disguises, slays the apparent Lisa and a black knight, and begins to feel affection for Guenevere. ### [XI: Appearance of the Duke of Logreus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xi-appearance-of-the-duke-of-logreus) Arrives in Cameliard as the Duke of Logreus, asks for Guenevere's hand, discovers his youth restored, and resolves to challenge King Arthur. ### [XII: Excursus of Yolande's Undoing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xii-excursus-of-yolande-s-undoing) Self-appointed Duke of Logreus, he kills Graemagog, seduces Yolande, and remains fixated on Guenevere. ### [XIII: Philosophy of Gogyrvan Gawr](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xiii-philosophy-of-gogyrvan-gawr) Engages in a philosophical discussion with King Gogyrvan, expressing horror at the King's pragmatic views on honor and love. ### [XIV: Preliminary Tactics of Duke Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xiv-preliminary-tactics-of-duke-jurgen) Now Duke of Logreus, he is amorously pursuing Princess Guenevere at the court of Glathion, composing verses and employing tactical romantic advances, yet feels emotionally detached and troubled by a shadow only he can see. ### [XV: Of Compromises in Glathion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xv-of-compromises-in-glathion) As Duke of Logreus, he conducts a secret nightly affair with Guenevere, delighting in his own cleverness and the secrecy, yet grows troubled by her lack of remorse and his own misery over her impending marriage. ### [XVI: Divers Imbroglios of King Smoit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xvi-divers-imbroglios-of-king-smoit) Visited by ghosts of King Smoit and Queen Sylvia Tereu; learns Smoit is his biological grandfather; agrees to impersonate Smoit's ghost. ### [XVII: About a Cock That Crowed Too Soon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xvii-about-a-cock-that-crowed-too-soon) Pretends to murder Anaïtis with Caliburn, comforts Queen Sylvia, and later converses with Anaïtis about the night's events. ### [Why Merlin Talked in Twilight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xviii-why-merlin-talked-in-twilight) Summoned by Merlin; receives a token and advice; ends his affair with Guenevere. ### [XIX: The Brown Man with Queer Feet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xix-the-brown-man-with-queer-feet) Jurgen confronts the brown man and insists on his own importance and the existence of justice, despite the disturbing vision he has witnessed. ### [XX: Efficacy of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xx-efficacy-of-prayer) Spends the night in prayer for his dead kindred and Lisa, then questions the bishop about Christ, and finally leaves with Anaïtis for Cocaigne. ### [XXI: How Anaïtis Voyaged](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxi-how-ana-tis-voyaged) Accompanies Anaïtis on a voyage to Cocaigne, asking many questions about the strange surroundings and crew. ### [XXII: As to a Veil They Broke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxii-as-to-a-veil-they-broke) Performs the ceremonial Breaking of the Veil with Anaïtis, wielding a blood-tipped lance and declaring himself life and giver of life. ### [XXIII: Shortcomings of Prince Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxiii-shortcomings-of-prince-jurgen) Expresses dissatisfaction with Cocaigne and his marriage, philosophizes about belief and nothingness, and criticizes the mythological guests. ### [XXIV: Of Compromises in Cocaigne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxiv-of-compromises-in-cocaigne) Lives with Anaïtis in Cocaigne, feeling discontent and questioning his desires; plays with the Eumenidês and studies the Library's pleasures. ### [XXV: Cantraps of the Master Philologist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxv-cantraps-of-the-master-philologist) Confronts the Master Philologist, is defeated by words, and discards his sword Caliburn. ### [XXVI: In Time's Hourglass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxvi-in-time-s-hourglass) Feigns indifference to manipulate Anaïtis, but is captivated by the vision of Queen Helen in Leukê. ### [XXVII: Vexatious Estate of Queen Helen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxvii-vexatious-estate-of-queen-helen) Arrives on Leukê seeking Queen Helen, but after seeing Achilles, he turns his attention to the hamadryad Chloris. ### [XXVIII: Of Compromises in Leukê](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxviii-of-compromises-in-leuk) Marries Chloris, builds a cabin, and reflects on the customs of Leukê, finding them stifling but choosing to compromise. ### [XXIX: Concerning Horvendile's Nonsense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxix-concerning-horvendile-s-nonsense) Reflects on the sea and encounters Horvendile and Perion; dismisses the meeting as a dream. ### [Economics of King Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxx-economics-of-king-jurgen) Enters Pseudopolis using gray magic, confronts his past and desires, and ultimately chooses not to awaken Queen Helen. ### [The Fall of Pseudopolis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxi-the-fall-of-pseudopolis) Remains in Leukê with Chloris, refuses to flee to the Woods or be turned into a boar-pig, and decides to face the Philistines. ### [Sundry Devices of the Philistines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxii-sundry-devices-of-the-philistines) Argues his reality and kingship before the Philistine judges, engages in mathematical discourse with Queen Dolores, and refuses to compromise with Philistia. ### [XXXIII: Farewell to Chloris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxiii-farewell-to-chloris) Bids farewell to Chloris, rejects Queen Dolores's pardon, and submits to his doom in the Hell of his fathers. ### [XXXIV: How Emperor Jurgen Fared Infernally](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxiv-how-emperor-jurgen-fared-infernally) Enters Hell alive, claims the title Emperor of Noumaria, and negotiates with devils before demanding to see Grandfather Satan. ### [XXXV: What Grandfather Satan Reported](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxv-what-grandfather-satan-reported) Visits Grandfather Satan to complain about Hell's unfairness and seeks assistance to leave. ### [Why Coth Was Contradicted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxvi-why-coth-was-contradicted) Visits his father Coth in Chorasma, argues about the nature of sin and conscience, and tries to manipulate Coth's beliefs to secure his own release. ### [XXXVII: Invention of the Lovely Vampire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxvii-invention-of-the-lovely-vampire) Meets and comforts the vampire Florimel, using his wiles to gain her trust. ### [XXXVIII: As to Applauded Precedents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxviii-as-to-applauded-precedents) Marries Florimel, advises Satan on harsh governance, and asserts his unique nature to Florimel. ### [XXXIX: Of Compromises in Hell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxxix-of-compromises-in-hell) Emperor Jurgen, seeking his wife Lisa, finds Hell's democracy and methods crude, and engages in a flirtation with Phyllis and a relationship with Florimel, though he feels misunderstood. ### [XL: The Ascension of Pope Jurgen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xl-the-ascension-of-pope-jurgen) The protagonist, masquerading as Pope John the Twentieth, ascends into Heaven using Jacob's Ladder and confronts his younger self. ### [XLI: Of Compromises in Heaven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xli-of-compromises-in-heaven) Confronts the God of his grandmother, expresses his lack of faith and search for justice, and ultimately accepts the compromise of Heaven as an illusion for believers. ### [XLII: Twelve That Are Fretted Hourly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlii-twelve-that-are-fretted-hourly) Leaves Heaven through a private door, discusses his mother Azra and his lost cross, and decides to return to Amneran Heath. ### [XLIII: Postures Before a Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xliii-postures-before-a-shadow) Returns to Amneran Heath, confronts Mother Sereda, loses the gift of youth and becomes old again. ### [In the Manager's Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xliv-in-the-manager-s-office) Journeys through the cave, confronts Koshchei, and requests his wife Lisa back. ### [XLV: The Faith of Guenevere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlv-the-faith-of-guenevere) Jurgen is troubled by Guenevere's lack of recognition and reflects on his lost youth, faith, and a past disillusioning love. He ultimately bids her farewell. ### [XLVI: The Desire of Anaïtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlvi-the-desire-of-ana-tis) Now a man of forty and something, Jurgen resists Anaïtis's temptations, reflecting on his past and feeling weary and uncertain. ### [XLVII: The Vision of Helen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlvii-the-vision-of-helen) Kneels before Helen, confesses his failed quest and transformation into a lackey of prudence, and bids her farewell. ### [Candid Opinions of Dame Lisa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlviii-candid-opinions-of-dame-lisa) Reflects on aging and his past adventures, decides to return to his wife Lisa. ### [XLIX: Of the Compromise with Koshchei](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xlix-of-the-compromise-with-koshchei) Negotiates with Koshchei for Lisa's release, reflects on his marriage, and is left uncertain about the reality of his experiences. ### [L: The Moment That Did Not Count](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/l-the-moment-that-did-not-count) Returns home after his adventures, reflects on his past love for Dorothy and the compromises of age, and resumes his life with Lisa. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters/jurgen - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jurgen_se/characters