Questions and Answers
What was considered to be a 'great sin' after entering a dead house in By the Waters of Babylon?
What is given as the only reason for anyone to be permitted to go to any of the Dead Places?
What did the priest's son think were the most dangerous animals in the Place of the Gods?
Wild Dogs
What sign appeared first as the priest's son waited for a sign following his purification ceremony?
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Which direction is forbidden in By the Waters of Babylon?
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What kinds of places are forbidden to visit unless it is to search for metal?
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From what work by what author is the quote 'We are not ignorant like the Forest People...' taken?
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What vision does the narrator see when he looks into the smoke of the fire?
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What signs does the narrator receive that he should travel East?
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After the narrator sees the great river and the Place of the Gods, what does he feel he should do?
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What does the narrator decide to do instead of going home?
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What does the narrator say about both banks of the river?
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What does the narrator realize about some of the things he has heard said about the Place of the Gods?
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What does the narrator say about what the gods used to eat?
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What had the narrator done once when he was a child exploring a Dead Place?
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Why was it forbidden to eat the food of the gods?
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Describe the narrator's dream/vision. What does he believe he is seeing?
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What does the narrator conclude about the beings he encounters in his vision?
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Study Notes
By the Waters of Babylon Key Concepts
- Sin of Touching Bones: Entering a dead house and touching bones is considered a "great sin."
- Purpose of Visiting Dead Places: The only reason permitted for visiting Dead Places is to search for metal.
- Dangerous Animals: The priest's son views wild dogs as the most dangerous animals in the Place of the Gods.
- Sign from Eagle: An eagle flying east is the first sign the priest's son receives after his purification ceremony.
- Forbidden Direction: The east is explicitly forbidden for the people in the story.
- Access to Dead Places: Only priests or sons of priests may access Dead Places, strictly for the purpose of searching for metal.
- Distinction from Forest People: The narrator emphasizes the civilization of his people compared to the Forest People, highlighting their skills and knowledge.
- Vision of the Place of the Gods: The narrator sees a vision of a great river and a Dead Place, envisioning gods walking within it.
- Signs of Travel: The narrator receives signs including an eagle, a white fawn, and a panther killing the fawn, indicating he should travel east despite it being forbidden.
- Narrator's Decision: Instead of returning home, the narrator feels compelled to cross the river to explore the Place of the Gods, influenced by the signs he has seen.
- Condition of God-Roads: The narrator notes that god-roads across the river are now broken and fallen, likening them to broken vines.
- Reality of the Dead Place: Upon arriving at the Place of the Gods, the narrator realizes that many tales about it are untrue, although there are remnants of the Great Burning.
- Food of the Gods: The narrator describes how the gods sourced their food from enchanted boxes and jars, consuming fruits and drinks from glass bottles.
- Childhood Exploration: He recalls a childhood incident where he opened a jar of the gods' food and tasted it, which led to strict punishment from his father.
- Forbidden Consumption: It is forbidden to eat the food of the gods because it is often lethal.
- Vision of the Gods' City: In a dream, the narrator believes he sees the city of the gods alive, feeling as though his spirit is disconnected from his body.
- Nature of the Gods: The narrator reflects that the gods were actually men, not divine or demonic beings.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts from 'By the Waters of Babylon'. This quiz covers important themes such as the significance of touching bones, the dangers of Dead Places, and the distinctions between civilizations. Challenge yourself and explore the deeper meanings behind the text.
