and then we'll be okay

Summary

In a desolate world, Tao embarks on a quest to avenge his father's death by the mythical snake, guided by a mysterious old woman. They climb a mountain, collecting relics of past civilizations, and Tao learns profound truths about life, death, and the human condition. The journey reveals that the 'snake' symbolizes the complex, inevitable hardships of existence, teaching Tao to find strength in acceptance and love, rather than futile revenge.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ The story revolves around Tao's quest to avenge his father's death by seeking out and confronting a metaphorical 'snake' on a mountain.
• 🌾 Tao's village is depicted as the last of its kind, isolated by a 'death barrier', suggesting a broader context of loss and isolation.
• 🐍 The 'snake' symbolizes various forms of evil, chaos, and death, which Tao believes he must confront to bring peace to his village.
• 👴 Tao's father's death is a pivotal event that sets Tao on his journey, but it's later revealed that his father's death was an accident, not the snake's doing.
• 🚶‍♂️ Tao's journey is filled with surreal encounters and revelations, including meeting an enigmatic old woman who guides him.
• 👵 The old woman represents wisdom and possibly a divine or higher consciousness, challenging Tao's perceptions of reality and his quest.
• 🔭 Tao is given '31st-century science' tools like glasses that alter his perception, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
• ⚔️ The sword Tao wields is a symbol of power and the potential for destruction, which he contemplates using to end the world's suffering.
• 🍺 The mead from the tankard represents indulgence and the fleeting nature of joy, which Tao experiences during a dance of nihilism.
• 🤔 Tao's existential crisis is highlighted by the old woman's teachings about the complexity of life and the futility of searching for a single cause of suffering.
• 🏡 In the end, Tao is encouraged to return to his village, to live a decent life, and to find meaning in the everyday rather than seeking external solutions to life's problems.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on Tao's birthday?

On Tao's birthday, he found his father lying beyond the 'death barrier,' not breathing, which led to the discovery that his father was dead.

Why did Tao's father go beyond the 'death barrier'?

Tao's father went beyond the 'death barrier' to find a meteorite for Tao as a birthday gift, which ultimately led to his death.

What is the 'death barrier' and why is it significant?

The 'death barrier' is a boundary of the village that separates the villagers from the wilderness and the dangers beyond, including the snake that brought disease and death to the village.

Who is Samuel and what role does he play in the story?

Samuel is Tao's friend who alerts Tao about his father's situation, prompting Tao to run to the 'death barrier.'

What does Tao dream about and what does it signify?

Tao dreams about the snake that killed his father, symbolizing his anger and desire for revenge against the creature that caused his father's death.

Why does Tao decide to cross the 'death barrier'?

Tao decides to cross the 'death barrier' to seek revenge on the snake he believes is responsible for his father's death.

Who is the old woman that Tao encounters and what does she offer him?

The old woman is a mysterious figure who offers Tao guidance, knowledge about the snake, and eventually, powerful relics from the New Gods to aid him in his quest.

What are the relics given to Tao by the old woman and what are their purposes?

The relics include glasses that allow him to see the true essence of things, a sword to kill the snake, a tankard of mead for indulgence, armor that grants him immortality, and a necklace with a locket containing his father's picture to remember.

What revelation does Tao receive about the snake at the end of the story?

Tao learns that the snake is not a literal creature but a metaphor for the misery, chaos, and death that humans bring upon themselves, and that it does not physically exist.

What lesson does the old woman impart to Tao about happiness and existence?

The old woman teaches Tao that happiness is not found in material possessions or eternal life, but in accepting the complexities of life and choosing to be a good human despite the challenges.

What does Tao ultimately decide to do with the relics given to him?

Tao decides to leave behind the glasses, sword, tankard, and armor, choosing to keep only the necklace with his father's picture as a reminder of his journey and the lessons he learned.