'Metzengerstein' by Edgar Allen Poe
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Pestis eram vivus - moriens tua mors ero.
Martin Luther
HORROR and fatality have been stalking abroad in all ages. Why then give a date to this story I have to tell? Let it suffice to say, that at the period of which I speak, there existed, in the interior of Hungary, a settled although hidden belief in the doctrines of the Metempsychosis. Of the doctrines themselves- that is, of their falsity, or of their probability- I say nothing. I assert, however, that much of our incredulity- as La Bruyere says of all our unhappiness- "vient de ne pouvoir etre seuls."*
* Mercier, in "L'an deux mille quatre cents quarante", seriously maintains the doctrines of the Metempsychosis, and J. D'Israeli says that "no system is so simple and so little repugnant to the understanding". Colonel Ethan Allen, the "Green Mountain Boy", is also said to have been a serious metepsychosist.
But there are some points in the Hungarian superstition which were fast verging to absurdity. They- the Hungarians- differed very essentially from their Eastern authorities. For example, "The soul," said the former- I give the words of an acute and intelligent Parisian- "ne demeure qu'un seul fois dans un corps sensible: au reste- un cheval, un chien, un homme meme, n'est que la ressemblance peu tangible de ces animaux."
The families of Berlifitzing and Metzengerstein had been at variance for centuries. Never before were two houses so illustrious, mutually embittered by hostility so deadly. Indeed at the era of this history, it was observed by an old crone of haggard and sinister appearance, that "fire and water might sooner mingle than a Berlifitzing clasp the hand of a Metzengerstein." The origin of this enmity seems to be found in the words of an ancient prophecy- "A lofty name shall have a fearful fall when, as the rider over his horse, the mortality of Metzengerstein shall triumph over the immortality of Berlifitzing."
To be sure the words themselves had little or no meaning. But more trivial causes have given rise- and that no long while ago- to consequences equally eventful. Besides, the estates, which were contiguous, had long exercised a rival influence in the affairs of a busy government. Moreover, near neighbors are seldom friends; and the inhabitants of the Castle Berlifitzing might look, from their lofty buttresses, into the very windows of the palace Metzengerstein. Least of all had the more than feudal magnificence, thus discovered, a tendency to allay the irritable feelings of the less ancient and less wealthy Berlifitzings. What wonder then, that the words, however silly, of that prediction, should have succeeded in setting and keeping at variance two families already predisposed to quarrel by every instigation of hereditary jealousy? The prophecy seemed to imply- if it implied anything- a final triumph on the part of the already more powerful house; and was of course remembered with the more bitter animosity by the weaker and less influential.
Wilhelm, Count Berlifitzing, although loftily descended, was, at the epoch of this narrative, an infirm and doting old man, remarkable for nothing but an inordinate and inveterate personal antipathy to the family of his rival, and so passionate a love of horses, and of hunting, that neither bodily infirmity, great age, nor mental incapacity, prevented his daily participation in the dangers of the chase.
Frederick, Baron Metzengerstein, was, on the other hand, not yet Mary, followed him quickly after. Frederick was, at that time, in his fifteenth year. In a city, fifteen years are no long period- a child may be still a child in his third lustrum: but in a wilderness- in so magnificent a wilderness as that old principality, fifteen years have a far deeper meaning.
The beautiful Lady Mary! How could she die?- and of consumption! But it is a path I have prayed to follow. I would wish all I love to perish of that gentle disease. How glorious- to depart in the heyday of the young blood- the heart of all passion- the imagination all fire- amid the remembrances of happier days- in the fall of the year- and so be buried up forever in the gorgeous autumnal leaves!
Thus died the Lady Mary. The young Baron Frederick stood without a living relative by the coffin of his dead mother. He placed his hand upon her placid forehead. No shudder came over his delicate frame- no sigh from his flinty bosom. Heartless, self-willed and impetuous from his childhood, he had reached the age of which I speak through a career of unfeeling, wanton, and reckless dissipation; and a barrier had long since arisen in the channel of all holy thoughts and gentle recollections.
From some peculiar circumstances attending the administration of his father, the young Baron, at the decease of the former, entered immediately upon his vast possessions. Such estates were seldom held before by a nobleman of Hungary. His castles were without number. The chief in point of splendor and extent was the "Chateau Metzengerstein." The boundary line of his dominions was never clearly defined; but his principal park embraced a circuit of fifty miles.
Upon the succession of a proprietor so young, with a character so well known, to a fortune so unparalleled, little speculation was afloat in regard to his probable course of conduct. And, indeed, for the space of three days, the behavior of the heir out-heroded Herod, and fairly surpassed the expectations of his most enthusiastic admirers. Shameful debaucheries- flagrant treacheries- unheard-of atrocities- gave his trembling vassals quickly to understand that no servile submission on their part- no punctilios of conscience on his own- were thenceforward to prove any security against the remorseless fangs of a petty Caligula. On the night of the fourth day, the stables of the castle Berlifitzing were discovered to be on fire; and the unanimous opinion of the neighborhood added the crime of the incendiary to the already hideous list of the Baron's misdemeanors and enormities.
But during the tumult occasioned by this occurrence, the young nobleman himself sat apparently buried in meditation, in a vast and desolate upper apartment of the family palace of Metzengerstein. The rich although faded tapestry hangings which swung gloomily upon the walls, represented the shadowy and majestic forms of a thousand illustrious ancestors. Here, rich-ermined priests, and pontifical dignitaries, familiarly seated with the autocrat and the sovereign, put a veto on the wishes of a temporal king, or restrained with the fiat of papal supremacy the rebellious sceptre of the Arch-enemy. There, the dark, tall statures of the Princes Metzengerstein- their muscular war-coursers plunging over the carcasses of fallen foes- startled the steadiest nerves with their vigorous expression; and here, again, the voluptuous and swan-like figures of the dames of days gone by, floated away in the mazes of an unreal dance to the strains of imaginary melody.
But as the Baron listened, or affected to listen, to the gradually increasing uproar in the stables of Berlifitzing- or perhaps pondered upon some more novel, some more decided act of audacity- his eyes became unwittingly rivetted to the figure of an enormous, and unnaturally colored horse, represented in the tapestry as belonging to a Saracen ancestor of the family of his rival. The horse itself, in the foreground of the design, stood motionless and statue-like- while farther back, its discomfited rider perished by the dagger of a Metzengerstein.
On Frederick's lip arose a fiendish expression, as he became aware of the direction which his glance had, without his consciousness, assumed. Yet he did not remove it. On the contrary, he could by no means account for the overwhelming anxiety which appeared falling like a pall upon his senses. It was with difficulty that he reconciled his dreamy and incoherent feelings with the certainty of being awake. The longer he gazed the more absorbing became the spell- the more impossible did it appear that he could ever withdraw his glance from the fascination of that tapestry. But the tumult without becoming suddenly more violent, with a compulsory exertion he diverted his attention to the glare of ruddy light thrown full by the flaming stables upon the windows of the apartment.
The action, however, was but momentary, his gaze returned mechanically to the wall. To his extreme horror and astonishment, the head of the gigantic steed had, in the meantime, altered its position. The neck of the animal, before arched, as if in compassion, over the prostrate body of its lord, was now extended, at full length, in the direction of the Baron. The eyes, before invisible, now wore an energetic and human expression, while they gleamed with a fiery and unusual red; and the distended lips of the apparently enraged horse left in full view his gigantic and disgusting teeth.
Stupefied with terror, the young nobleman tottered to the door. As he threw it open, a flash of red light, streaming far into the chamber, flung his shadow with a clear outline against the quivering tapestry, and he shuddered to perceive that shadow- as he staggered awhile upon the threshold- assuming the exact position, and precisely filling up the contour, of the relentless and triumphant murderer of the Saracen Berlifitzing.
To lighten the depression of his spirits, the Baron hurried into the open air. At the principal gate of the palace he encountered three equerries. With much difficulty, and at the imminent peril of their lives, they were restraining the convulsive plunges of a gigantic and fiery-colored horse.
"Whose horse? Where did you get him?" demanded the youth, in a querulous and husky tone of voice, as he became instantly aware that the mysterious steed in the tapestried chamber was the very counterpart of the furious animal before his eyes.
"He is your own property, sire," replied one of the equerries, "at least he is claimed by no other owner. We caught him flying, all smoking and foaming with rage, from the burning stables of the Castle Berlifitzing. Supposing him to have belonged to the old Count's stud of foreign horses, we led him back as an estray. But the grooms there disclaim any title to the creature; which is strange, since he bears evident marks of having made a narrow escape from the flames.
"The letters W. V. B. are also branded very distinctly on his forehead," interrupted a second equerry, "I supposed them, of course, to be the initials of Wilhelm Von Berlifitzing- but all at the castle are positive in denying any knowledge of the horse."
"Extremely singular!" said the young Baron, with a musing air, and apparently unconscious of the meaning of his words. "He is, as you say, a remarkable horse- a prodigious horse! although, as you very justly observe, of a suspicious and untractable character, let him be mine, however," he added, after a pause, "perhaps a rider like Frederick of Metzengerstein, may tame even the devil from the stables of Berlifitzing."
"You are mistaken, my lord; the horse, as I think we mentioned, is not from the stables of the Count. If such had been the case, we know our duty better than to bring him into the presence of a noble of your family."
"True!" observed the Baron, dryly, and at that instant a page of the bedchamber came from the palace with a heightened color, and a precipitate step. He whispered into his master's ear an account of the sudden disappearance of a small portion of the tapestry, in an apartment which he designated; entering, at the same time, into particulars of a minute and circumstantial character; but from the low tone of voice in which these latter were communicated, nothing escaped to gratify the excited curiosity of the equerries.
The young Frederick, during the conference, seemed agitated by a variety of emotions. He soon, however, recovered his composure, and an expression of determined malignancy settled upon his countenance, as he gave peremptory orders that a certain chamber should be immediately locked up, and the key placed in his own possession.
"Have you heard of the unhappy death of the old hunter Berlifitzing?" said one of his vassals to the Baron, as, after the departure of the page, the huge steed which that nobleman had adopted as his own, plunged and curvetted, with redoubled fury, down the long avenue which extended from the chateau to the stables of Metzengerstein.
"No!" said the Baron, turning abruptly toward the speaker, "dead! say you?"
"It is indeed true, my lord; and, to a noble of your name, will be, I imagine, no unwelcome intelligence."
A rapid smile shot over the countenance of the listener. "How died he?"
"In his rash exertions to rescue a favorite portion of his hunting stud, he has himself perished miserably in the flames."
"I-n-d-e-e-d-!" ejaculated the Baron, as if slowly and deliberately impressed with the truth of some exciting idea.
"Indeed;" repeated the vassal.
"Shocking!" said the youth, calmly, and turned quietly into the chateau.
From this date a marked alteration took place in the outward demeanor of the dissolute young Baron Frederick Von Metzengerstein. Indeed, his behavior disappointed every expectation, and proved little in accordance with the views of many a manoeuvering mamma; while his habits and manner, still less than formerly, offered any thing congenial with those of the neighboring aristocracy. He was never to be seen beyond the limits of his own domain, and, in this wide and social world, was utterly companionless- unless, indeed, that unnatural, impetuous, and fiery-colored horse, which he henceforward continually bestrode, had any mysterious right to the title of his friend.
Numerous invitations on the part of the neighborhood for a long time, however, periodically came in. "Will the Baron honor our festivals with his presence?" "Will the Baron join us in a hunting of the boar?"- "Metzengerstein does not hunt;" "Metzengerstein will not attend," were the haughty and laconic answers.
These repeated insults were not to be endured by an imperious nobility. Such invitations became less cordial- less frequent- in time they ceased altogether. The widow of the unfortunate Count Berlifitzing was even heard to express a hope "that the Baron might be at home when he did not wish to be at home, since he disdained the company of his equals; and ride when he did not wish to ride, since he preferred the society of a horse." This to be sure was a very silly explosion of hereditary pique; and merely proved how singularly unmeaning our sayings are apt to become, when we desire to be unusually energetic.
The charitable, nevertheless, attributed the alteration in the conduct of the young nobleman to the natural sorrow of a son for the untimely loss of his parents- forgetting, however, his atrocious and reckless behavior during the short period immediately succeeding that bereavement. Some there were, indeed, who suggested a too haughty idea of self-consequence and dignity. Others again (among them may be mentioned the family physician) did not hesitate in speaking of morbid melancholy, and hereditary ill-health; while dark hints, of a more equivocal nature, were current among the multitude.
Indeed, the Baron's perverse attachment to his lately-acquired charger- an attachment which seemed to attain new strength from every fresh example of the animal's ferocious and demon-like propensities- at length became, in the eyes of all reasonable men, a hideous and unnatural fervor. In the glare of noon- at the dead hour of night- in sickness or in health- in calm or in tempest- the young Metzengerstein seemed rivetted to the saddle of that colossal horse, whose intractable audacities so well accorded with his own spirit.
There were circumstances, moreover, which coupled with late events, gave an unearthly and portentous character to the mania of the rider, and to the capabilities of the steed. The space passed over in a single leap had been accurately measured, and was found to exceed, by an astounding difference, the wildest expectations of the most imaginative. The Baron, besides, had no particular name for the animal, although all the rest in his collection were distinguished by characteristic appellations. His stable, too, was appointed at a distance from the rest; and with regard to grooming and other necessary offices, none but the owner in person had ventured to officiate, or even to enter the enclosure of that particular stall. It was also to be observed, that although the three grooms, who had caught the steed as he fled from the conflagration at Berlifitzing, had succeeded in arresting his course, by means of a chain-bridle and noose- yet no one of the three could with any certainty affirm that he had, during that dangerous struggle, or at any period thereafter, actually placed his hand upon the body of the beast. Instances of peculiar intelligence in the demeanor of a noble and high-spirited horse are not to be supposed capable of exciting unreasonable attention- especially among men who, daily trained to the labors of the chase, might appear well acquainted with the sagacity of a horse- but there were certain circumstances which intruded themselves per force upon the most skeptical and phlegmatic; and it is said there were times when the animal caused the gaping crowd who stood around to recoil in horror from the deep and impressive meaning of his terrible stamp- times when the young Metzengerstein turned pale and shrunk away from the rapid and searching expression of his earnest and human-looking eye.
Among all the retinue of the Baron, however, none were found to doubt the ardor of that extraordinary affection which existed on the part of the young nobleman for the fiery qualities of his horse; at least, none but an insignificant and misshapen little page, whose deformities were in everybody's way, and whose opinions were of the least possible importance. He- if his ideas are worth mentioning at all- had the effrontery to assert that his master never vaulted into the saddle without an unaccountable and almost imperceptible shudder, and that, upon his return from every long-continued and habitual ride, an expression of triumphant malignity distorted every muscle in his countenance.
One tempestuous night, Metzengerstein, awaking from a heavy slumber, descended like a maniac from his chamber, and, mounting in hot haste, bounded away into the mazes of the forest. An occurrence so common attracted no particular attention, but his return was looked for with intense anxiety on the part of his domestics, when, after some hours' absence, the stupendous and magnificent battlements of the Chateau Metzengerstein, were discovered crackling and rocking to their very foundation, under the influence of a dense and livid mass of ungovernable fire.
As the flames, when first seen, had already made so terrible a progress that all efforts to save any portion of the building were evidently futile, the astonished neighborhood stood idly around in silent and pathetic wonder. But a new and fearful object soon rivetted the attention of the multitude, and proved how much more intense is the excitement wrought in the feelings of a crowd by the contemplation of human agony, than that brought about by the most appalling spectacles of inanimate matter.
Up the long avenue of aged oaks which led from the forest to the main entrance of the Chateau Metzengerstein, a steed, bearing an unbonneted and disordered rider, was seen leaping with an impetuosity which outstripped the very Demon of the Tempest, and extorted from every stupefied beholder the ejaculation- "horrible."
The career of the horseman was indisputably, on his own part, uncontrollable. The agony of his countenance, the convulsive struggle of his frame, gave evidence of superhuman exertion: but no sound, save a solitary shriek, escaped from his lacerated lips, which were bitten through and through in the intensity of terror. One instant, and the clattering of hoofs resounded sharply and shrilly above the roaring of the flames and the shrieking of the winds- another, and, clearing at a single plunge the gate-way and the moat, the steed bounded far up the tottering staircases of the palace, and, with its rider, disappeared amid the whirlwind of chaotic fire.
The fury of the tempest immediately died away, and a dead calm sullenly succeeded. A white flame still enveloped the building like a shroud, and, streaming far away into the quiet atmosphere, shot forth a glare of preternatural light; while a cloud of smoke settled heavily over the battlements in the distinct colossal figure of- a horse.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Dark and Twisted World of Metzengerstein by Edgar Allen Poe
Edgar Allen Poe, the master of horror, has left a lasting impression on the world of literature with his tales of terror and mystery. One such tale, "Metzengerstein," is a prime example of his ability to craft a story that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
The Plot
In "Metzengerstein," Poe introduces us to the wealthy and arrogant Baron Frederick von Metzengerstein. The young baron is known for his cruelty and debauchery, and he seems to revel in his status as the most powerful man in the region. One day, he becomes obsessed with a beautiful horse, which he believes represents the spirit of his deceased rival. He becomes fixated on the animal, and his obsession ultimately leads to his downfall.
The Characters
The character of Baron Frederick von Metzengerstein is a classic example of the wealthy aristocrat who believes himself above the law. He is cruel and selfish, taking pleasure in the suffering of others. He is also deeply flawed, as his obsession with the horse reveals. This obsession seems to stem from a fear of death and a desire for power and control.
The horse, which is never named, is also a central character in the story. It represents the spirit of the baron's rival, and its presence seems to haunt him. The horse is beautiful and powerful, and it is clear that the baron is drawn to these qualities. However, its presence also seems to have a sinister aspect, as it is associated with death and destruction.
The Themes
One of the central themes of "Metzengerstein" is the danger of obsession. The baron's fixation on the horse ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes more and more reckless in his pursuit of it. His obsession blinds him to the consequences of his actions, and he ultimately pays the price for his arrogance.
Another theme of the story is the power of guilt. The baron is haunted by the memory of his rival, and he seems to believe that the horse represents the spirit of the dead man. This guilt drives him to madness, as he becomes more and more obsessed with the animal. In the end, his guilt consumes him, and he is destroyed by his own actions.
The Symbolism
Poe is known for his use of symbolism, and "Metzengerstein" is no exception. The horse is a powerful symbol in the story, representing both beauty and danger. It is associated with death and destruction, and it seems to have a supernatural quality. The horse's presence seems to indicate that something dark and dangerous is at work in the world of the story.
The castle where the baron lives is also a symbol in the story. It represents the power and privilege of the aristocracy, as well as the isolation and loneliness that can come with such privilege. The castle is a place of darkness and gloom, and it seems to reflect the twisted world of the baron's mind.
The Writing Style
Poe's writing style is unique and powerful, and "Metzengerstein" is a prime example of his ability to create a dark and twisted world. His use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and he is able to create a sense of dread and foreboding that is unparalleled in literature. His prose is rich and evocative, and it draws the reader into the story with its vivid descriptions and haunting imagery.
The Legacy
"Metzengerstein" is a classic example of the horror genre, and it has left a lasting impression on literature. Its themes of obsession and guilt have been explored in countless other works of fiction, and its use of symbolism and imagery has inspired generations of writers. The story is a testament to Poe's skill as a writer, and it remains a powerful and haunting work of literature to this day.
In Conclusion
"Metzengerstein" is a classic tale of horror and madness, and it serves as a prime example of Edgar Allen Poe's skill as a writer. The story is filled with haunting imagery and powerful symbolism, and it explores themes of obsession and guilt that continue to resonate with readers today. As a work of literature, "Metzengerstein" remains a powerful and important work, and it stands as a testament to Poe's enduring legacy as a writer of horror and mystery.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edgar Allan Poe is a name that resonates with the literary world. His works have been studied, analyzed, and celebrated for over a century. One of his most famous short stories is "Metzengerstein," which was published in 1832. This classic prose is a masterpiece of Gothic literature, and it is a perfect example of Poe's unique style.
The story is set in Hungary, and it revolves around the Metzengerstein family. The family is known for its wealth, power, and arrogance. The protagonist of the story is Wilhelm, the last of the Metzengerstein family. Wilhelm is a cruel and selfish man who is obsessed with horses. He spends most of his time in his stables, and he treats his horses with great cruelty.
The story begins with a fire that destroys the Metzengerstein castle. The fire is caused by a mysterious horse that appears out of nowhere. The horse is black and has a white spot on its forehead. Wilhelm is convinced that the horse is a demon, and he becomes obsessed with it. He orders his servants to capture the horse, but they fail.
The horse appears again, and this time it leads Wilhelm to a hidden room in the castle. In the room, Wilhelm finds a portrait of his ancestor, Berlifitzing, who was killed by a Metzengerstein ancestor. The portrait is of a beautiful woman who is holding a white horse. Wilhelm becomes obsessed with the portrait, and he starts to believe that the woman is calling him.
Wilhelm's obsession with the horse and the portrait leads him to a series of strange events. He starts to see the black horse everywhere, and he becomes convinced that it is a supernatural being. He also starts to see the woman from the portrait in his dreams. The woman tells him that she will come to him on a white horse.
One day, Wilhelm sees a white horse in the distance. He becomes convinced that it is the horse from his dreams, and he chases after it. The horse leads him to a cliff, and Wilhelm falls to his death. The white horse disappears, and the black horse is never seen again.
The story of "Metzengerstein" is a classic example of Gothic literature. It is full of supernatural elements, dark imagery, and psychological horror. The story is also a commentary on the dangers of obsession and arrogance. Wilhelm's obsession with horses and his belief in his own superiority lead to his downfall.
One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the symbolism of the horses. The black horse represents evil and darkness, while the white horse represents purity and light. The horses also represent the duality of human nature. Wilhelm is torn between his cruel and selfish nature and his desire for redemption.
The story also has a strong feminist undertone. The woman in the portrait is a symbol of female power and independence. She is holding a white horse, which represents her purity and strength. Wilhelm's obsession with the portrait and his belief that the woman is calling him is a reflection of his fear of female power.
In conclusion, "Metzengerstein" is a masterpiece of Gothic literature. It is a perfect example of Poe's unique style, and it is full of symbolism and psychological horror. The story is a commentary on the dangers of obsession and arrogance, and it has a strong feminist undertone. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Gothic literature and psychological horror.
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