The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen · Character
Sphinx
A mythical creature that the Baron meets and converses with.
minor
Also known as the Sphinx
First appearance: volume i xii the frolic
Sphinx's tie to Gog is one of the pressures that moves The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
A magnificent animal from the Emperor of China, harnessed to tow the boat and balloons for the Baron's new voyage.
Sphinx first appears in 0016 volume i xii the frolic.
With Gog (rivalry): Gog and the Sphinx have a competitive or antagonistic relationship, often engaging in contests of wits or strength.
In XXIV: A magnificent animal from the Emperor of China, harnessed to tow the boat and balloons for the Baron's new voyage.
Later, in XXV: The monstrous creature that throws Count Gosamer, is later steered by Gog and Magog, and leads the procession.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Sphinx sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Mythical and Noble Companions
- Protagonist
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the Baron’s ultimate psychological and emotional peak…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Gog
rivalry · negative
Gog and the Sphinx have a competitive or antagonistic relationship, often engaging in… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Sphinx in volume i xii the frolicIn the story
Sphinx appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XXIV
- XXV
- XXVI
- XXVIII
- XXIX
- A Litigated Contention and the Chase of the Wauwau
- The Baron makes a speech to the National Assembly, and drives out all the members—Routs the fishwomen and the National Guards—Pursues the whole rout into a Church, where he defeats the National Assembly, etc., with Rousseau, Voltaire, and Beelzebub at their head, and liberates Marie Antoinette and the Royal Family.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Sphinx unlock in the free preview.
See Sphinx in volume i xii the frolic