Untitled story (. . . that is, the artistry is but a symbol for the thought!)

Introduction

500 words, fragment.

In the untitled and unfinished narrative “…That Is, The Artistry,” Robert E. Howard explores themes of cultural wisdom and its preservation, set against a backdrop of religious and philosophical conflict. The protagonist reflects on the limitations and biases of religious dogma, particularly within his own Moslem heritage, and the universal struggle to safeguard ancient knowledge.

Summary

The story is conveyed through the musings of a narrator who deeply values the hidden and often misunderstood wisdom of ancient cultures, particularly that of Hinduism. He critiques the narrow-mindedness of the Moslem priests and wise men of his time, who judge wisdom solely based on its alignment with Islamic teachings. The narrator asserts that true wisdom transcends religious boundaries and should not be dismissed nor destroyed out of ignorance or fear.

He makes a poignant comparison between the misunderstood elements of ancient knowledge and modern inventions such as electricity and the telephone, which would have been considered magical or heretical in earlier times. The narrator warns of the dangers of such powerful knowledge falling into the wrong hands, mentioning Iskaneder Akbar as an example of someone who could misuse it for personal gain and potentially catastrophic results.

Despite the cautionary stance on the dissemination of knowledge, he condemns the historical acts of cultural destruction, such as the burning of books and libraries by those in power, drawing a parallel with the infamous burning of the library at Alexandria. He argues that destroying books does not eliminate the knowledge they contain but instead shows the folly of trying to control intellectual inheritance.

The narrator also introduces his personal background, coming from a noble house in Scindh and being a descendant of the Prophet. Traditionally destined to be a priest or mullah, he instead embraced the path of a warrior, which was instrumental in his survival and acquisition of wisdom. His mastery in arms, especially swordsmanship, not only defined his youth but also shaped his journey in acquiring and protecting the sacred knowledge he now seeks to share cautiously.

Characters

  • Narrator – A nobleman from Scindh and a descendant of the Prophet, trained as a warrior with expertise in swordsmanship. He serves as the philosophical voice of the story, reflecting on the preservation of ancient wisdom and criticizing the narrow perspectives of his contemporaries.
  • Iskaneder Akbar – Referenced as an example of someone who might misuse ancient wisdom for personal and destructive ends.
  • Mullahs and Rulers – Represent the conservative and dogmatic forces within the narrator’s society, intent on suppressing any knowledge that contradicts Moslem teachings.

Published in: