The Hierophant

The Emperor’s Lament

Gilgamesh was a man to whom many things were known; a king that knew the countries of the world. He made magnificent buildings and towering walls. Though he was called the shepherd of his people, he became a corrupt ruler.

Enkidu lived alone in nature. He embodied chaos, freedom, and disorder. The citizens of Gilgamesh’s city tamed Enkidu and brought him into the city in hope of change. When Enkidu learned of Gilgamesh’s ways, he challenged him. They fought and Gilgamesh eventually won after a long battle, but afterward, they became great friends.

Enkidu and Gilgamesh achieved fame through great accomplishments together, which ought to etch their names in history forever. After one such feat, Enkidu died unexpectedly, not only shattering Gilgamesh’s heart but his whole concept of permanence.

Visiting the Hidden Past

The death of Enkidu provoked Gilgamesh to journey to find an immortal man who has lived since before the great flood. In honor of Enkidu, Gilgamesh left civilization to enter into chaos and nature alone. Gilgamesh hoped that this man might teach him how to avoid death. After passing through a passage of total darkness, he arrived at a beautiful garden by the sea. A woman, who hosts guests there, tells him that seeking immortality is futile, and rather he should just enjoy the pleasures of the world. He tells her he still wishes to learn the secret of living beyond death, and so she points the way to the immortal man.

The immortal man meets Gilgamesh and shares secret knowledge of the great flood. He then tells Gilgamesh that as an individual Gilgamesh will not live forever, but mankind will. Hearing this, Gilgamesh decides to return to his city with the intention of being a better leader and sharing what he has learned.

Visions of the Future

After recovering knowledge of what has come to pass, the Hierophant looks outward and forward to see the potential that chaos has to destroy once again. He warns of things that can be avoided and for the inevitable, he tries to provide some comfort through compassion and seeing a bigger picture.

What has been, might be again.

What has come to be, will also come to pass.

Squaring the Circle

Throughout history, few have attempted the seemingly impossible: the unification of spirit and matter. Can they share the same space, be seen with the same respect, at the same time? What will happen if the infinite and the perishable meet? Is the importance of the possibilities worth the journey, even if there may be no solution?

The Creed

The past whispers its tales and the future makes its promises. He believes he has found the keys to a more valuable existence. He feels himself to be a pillar between worlds, holding everything together delicately. To do otherwise seems dangerous. He does not see that the force that binds his heart and mind could be dogma.

The Lovers Quarrel

The chaos of the past and future overwhelm the Hierophant and he is struck by the significance of the present moment. He stops focusing on what might be and starts experiencing more of what is. The apocalyptic darkness transforms into a childlike light.