# Herod — Short Fiction character guide

> Herod in Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** King Herod

**First appearance:** 0051-bethlehem-s-children

## Who they are

The biblical king appearing in a Christmas legend.

## In the story

### [The Emperor's Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/the-emperor-s-vision)

King in Jerusalem at the time of the holy night, mentioned in the opening of the chapter.

### [Bethlehem's Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/bethlehem-s-children)

King Herod orders the massacre of Bethlehem's children to eliminate the infant 'Prince of Peace.'

### [The Flight Into Egypt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/the-flight-into-egypt)

Mentioned as the king who ordered the slaughter of male children, prompting the flight.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/herrod
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters