The Gods of Pegāna · Question
How does The Gods of Pegāna develop the theme of Fate vs Free Will?
Answer
The Gods of Pegāna by Lord Dunsany develops Fate vs Free Will across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The god Dorozhand represents destiny, driving all beings toward predetermined ends, while characters like the prophet Imbaun and the fool Zodrak struggle against or question the fixed scheme of things.
Mung explains that the path each man takes is fixed by the Scheme of Things, leaving no room for alternative choices.
Dorozhand's dominion over destiny reduces all beings, even gods, to instruments of his unknowable will.
Yadin is doomed by the gods and his prayer to Trogool is denied, illustrating the dominance of fate over individual will.
Evidence in the book
- The Deeds of Mung
Mung explains that the path each man takes is fixed by the Scheme of Things, leaving no room for alternative choices.
- Of Dorozhand
Dorozhand's dominion over destiny reduces all beings, even gods, to instruments of his unknowable will.
- Of the Thing That Is Neither God nor Beast
Yadin is doomed by the gods and his prayer to Trogool is denied, illustrating the dominance of fate over individual will.
- The Sayings of Imbaun
Imbaun teaches that all that is was to be, and that men are driven by Dorozhand, emphasizing the dominance of fate.
