# Fate and Prophecy in The Secret of Sarek

> Theme guide for The Secret of Sarek by Maurice Leblanc.

The narrative is driven by the ancient prophecy of the thirty coffins and four crucified women, which characters like Maguennoc and Vorski believe is destined to unfold in 1917, shaping events and justifying horrific acts.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Secret of Sarek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/the-secret-of-sarek): The prophecy of the thirty coffins drives the plot and Véronique's quest for truth.
- [The Deserted Cabin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/i-the-deserted-cabin): The prophecy about Vorski's death and Véronique's crucifixion hangs over the narrative, influencing events.
- [II: On the Edge of the Atlantic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/ii-on-the-edge-of-the-atlantic): Maguennoc's prophecy of his own death and the master's, and the recurring motif of the four crosses, suggest an inescapable fate.
- [Four Women Crucified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/v-four-women-crucified): The discovery of the dolmen's inscription reinforces the prophetic elements of the story, linking to the God-Stone and the fate of the island.
- [VIII: Anguish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/viii-anguish): The prophecy of the thirty coffins dominates the chapter, with Maguennoc's prediction that 1917 is the fateful year.
- [XIII: “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/xiii-eloi-eloi-lama-sabachthani): Vorski claims destiny has spoken at his bidding, interpreting the column of fire as a sign that he is master of fate. The discovery of the crypt and the druid reinforces his sense of a preordained path.
- [XVI: The Hall of the Kings of Bohemia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/xvi-the-hall-of-the-kings-of-bohemia): The chapter centers on Brother Thomas's prophecy, which Vorski interprets as a predetermined destiny, driving his actions.
- [Cruel Prince, Obeying Destiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/xvii-cruel-prince-obeying-destiny): The entire chapter revolves around the fulfillment of Brother Thomas's prophecy, with Vorski believing himself chosen by destiny.
- [The God-Stone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/chapters/xviii-the-god-stone): Don Luis references the prophecy that Vorski would be killed by a friend, and the group observes that only one passenger escaped the boat, suggesting the prophecy's fulfillment.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/themes/fate_and_prophecy
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_sarek_se/themes