The Gondarian Man
Introduction
The Gondarian Man is a speculative story about the discovery and revival of an ancient preserved being, raising questions about forgotten civilizations and the deep history of humankind.
Summary spoilers
The story begins with a group of workers in Gondar, led by Amser Ram, unearthing an ancient metal case that is speculated to have originated from another planet due to its unfamiliar material. Upon opening the case, they encounter a monstrous being which they initially assume is long dead. However, to their horror, the creature shows signs of life, reviving due to the exposure to air.
This being, unlike any known form of human, stands upright and has a terrifying appearance, including long talons and unusual jointed limbs. The story describes a chaotic and deadly confrontation between the creature and the workers, leading to multiple deaths before the creature itself is killed by Ram using a ray projector.
The narrative then shifts to a report by the Lord of Science, which speculates on the origins and implications of the Gondarian Man. The report suggests that the creature might have belonged to a highly advanced civilization capable of preserving life for millennia. This civilization is presumed to have existed long before contemporary human history began, indicating that multiple advanced societies have risen and fallen on Earth without leaving any trace.
The Gondarian Man, standing over six feet tall with unique physical characteristics distinct from modern humans, presents a blend of human and alien features that confound contemporary scientists. The discovery prompts a reconsideration of human ancestry and the cyclical nature of civilizations on Earth.
The report concludes with reflections on the existential and philosophical implications of the discovery, suggesting a continuity of life that sees civilizations rise and fall, with each leaving behind scant evidence of their existence.
Textual states
Shown in a practical developmental order where possible: synopsis/outline, numbered drafts, submission states, then published or posthumous states. This display order does not itself assert exact chronology or textual authority.
Characters in this Work
Counts are across exact Textual Versions currently represented. Additional textual research may add further appearances.
Publication appearances
Fantasy Crossroads #6Graceland College Comic ClubNovember 1975↗
The "New" Howard Reader #4Joe & Mona MarekJanuary 1999 January 1999 ( 2nd state)↗
Adventures in Science FantasyREH Foundation PressMay 2012↗
La isla de los eones y otras historias de mundos perdidos (The Isle of the Eons and Other Stories of Lost Worlds)La Hermandad del Enmascarado (Spain)2014 November 2022 (2nd revised edition, See Notes)↗
Пески веков (Peski vekov) (Sands of the Ages) Covers and p ublication information courtesy of the Russian website Laboratory of Fantasy .Северо-Запад (Severo-Zapad) (North-West)September 2016↗
Пески веков (Peski vekov) (Sands of the Ages) Cover and publication information courtesy of the Russian website Laboratory of Fantasy.Подсолнухи (Sunflowers)August 2019↗
Zothique 7Dagon PressApril 2021↗
Adventures in Science Fantasy - Ultimate EditionREH Foundation PressJanuary 31, 2025↗
Almuric y otras historias de ci-fi (Almuric and Other Sci-Fi Stories)La Hermandad del Enmascarado (Spain)March 2025↗