Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Character

The Ass

A donkey worshipped by the Higher Men in a parody of religious ritual.

minor

The Ass's tie to Zarathustra is one of the pressures that moves Thus Spoke Zarathustra—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned metaphorically when Zarathustra laughs at 'asses drunken' and night-watchmen doubting God.

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With Zarathustra (social): The Ass, a silent and stubborn beast, becomes a mock object of worship for the Higher Men, highlighting their…

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Character Web

12 connections

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Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

This is the dramatic climax because Zarathustra achieves the ultimate psychological peak of the *Yes-saying* p…

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Zarathustra
social · ambivalent
The Ass, a silent and stubborn beast, becomes a mock object of worship for the Higher… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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The Ass appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Apostates
Mentioned metaphorically when Zarathustra laughs at 'asses drunken' and night-watchmen doubting God.
LV: The Spirit of Gravity
Mentioned as the creature that only says 'Yea'—a symbol of uncritical acceptance.
II
Mentioned as the creature that only says 'Yea-A,' symbolizing uncritical acceptance of all things.
LXIII: Talk with the Kings
The ass is driven before the kings and brays 'Ye-a' during Zarathustra's rhyme, symbolizing stubbornness or folly.
I
The laden ass driven before the kings; it brays 'Ye-a' at the end of the chapter.
LXXII: The Supper
Brays 'Ye-a' in response to the king's remark.
LXXVII: The Awakening
Worshipped by the higher men, it responds with braying 'Ye-a' to each line of their litany, symbolizing uncritical affirmation.
I
The ass brays (Ye-a) and joins the noise of the higher men, contributing to the chaotic jubilation.
II
The object of worship, repeatedly braying 'Ye-a' in response to the litany.
III
Central figure of the ass-festival devised by the higher men.
The Drunken Song
Mentioned as possibly dancing after being given wine by the ugliest man.
I
Reportedly danced after being given wine by the ugliest man, though the narrator suggests this may not be certain.
II
Listens along with the others in the cave.

Chapter companion notes

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