Jupiter And The Thunderbolts (Prose Fable)

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
    One day, as Jupiter seated on high looked down upon the world, he was incensed at the faults committed by mankind. "Let us," he said, "have some other occupants in the regions of the universe in place of these present inhabitants who importune and weary me. Go you to Hades, Mercury, and bring hither the cruellest of the furies. This time, O race that I have too tenderly nurtured, you shall perish."     After this outburst the temper of the god began to cool.     O ye sovereigns of this world, to whom it has been given to be the arbiters of our destinies, let a night intervene between your wrath and the storm which follow!     Mercury, light of wing and sweet of tongue, descended to the abode of the dread sisters Tisiphone, Megra, and Alecto, and his choice fell upon the latter, the pitiless one. She, feeling proud of the preference, grew so arrogant as to swear by Pluto that the whole of the human brood should soon people his domains. But Jupiter did not approve of the vow this member of the Eumenides had sworn, and he sent her back to Hades. At the same time he launched a thunderbolt upon one particularly perfidious race of men. This, however, being hurled by a father's arm, mercifully fell in a desert, causing less ruin than alarm. What followed from this was simply that the wicked brood took heart at such indulgence and did not trouble to mend their ways. Then all the gods in Olympus complained, until he who controls the clouds swore by the Styx that further storms should be sent and that they should not fail as the other had.     The Olympians only smiled at this. They told Jupiter that as he was the father it would be better if he left in other hands the making of thunderbolts. Vulcan undertook the task. Soon his furnaces glowed with bolts of two kinds; one that hits its mark with a deadly unerring - and that is the sort which any of the Olympian gods will hurl; whilst the other sort was that which becomes scattered on its course and does damage only to the mountain tops, or perchance is even lost on the way. It is this kind of thunderbolt that Jupiter sends. His fatherly heart permits him to use no other.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a narrative that explores the themes of divine wrath, mercy, and the moral character of mankind. The tone is somewhat ironic and reflects a criticism of mankind's flaws and a critique of divine indulgence, while also maintaining a strong narrative drive and a tangible sense of tension and suspense.

Jupiter, as the king of gods, is depicted as a weary ruler frustrated by the continuous failings of mankind. Mercury and Alecto’s roles, as messengers and executors of divine punishment, add to the dynamic character interplay and narrative tension. The poem employs the classic literary device of deus ex machina, as Jupiter intervenes to direct the course of events, initially with wrath, but later with a display of mercy, suggesting a complex, multifaceted divine character.

The structure of the poem, with its narrative progression from divine wrath to mercy, underscores the theme of divine justice. The ending, with the gods suggesting Jupiter let others make the thunderbolts, introduces an element of irony and foreshadows a continuation of the cycle of divine wrath and mercy. This is emphasized by the two types of thunderbolts – one deadly and unerring, the other less harmful and potentially lost on its way, reflecting the dual nature of divine justice.

The poem effectively employs mythological allusions and vivid imagery, creating a world where godly and human actions are intertwined. However, it also suggests a critique of divine intervention in human affairs, as it seems to lead to a lack of human accountability and change. This poetic critique of divine and human nature makes the poem resonate with contemporary concerns about responsibility, justice, and the potential for change.

Understanding Fables

A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.

Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.