"The Death of the Gods (Christ and Antichrist)" by Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky is a profound and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the timeless struggle between the forces of good and evil. Merezhkovsky's masterful storytelling unfolds a narrative that not only captivates the imagination but also stimulates profound philosophical contemplation. Through intricate character development, readers are drawn into a world where the very essence of humanity is explored, and the eternal questions of morality, spirituality, and the nature of existence are examined. Merezhkovsky's work transcends mere storytelling; it serves as a profound exploration of the human condition, leaving readers with a lasting impression and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of the eternal battle between Christ and Antichrist.

Exploring the theme of the 'two truths', those of Christianity and the Paganism, and developing Merezhkovsky's own religious theory of the Third Testament, it became the first in "The Christ and Antichrist" trilogy. The novel made Merezhkovsky a well-known author both in Russia and Western Europe although the initial response to it at home was lukewarm. The novel tells the story of Roman Emperor Julian who during his reign (331-363) was trying to restore the cult of Olympian gods in Rome, resisting the upcoming Christianity. Christianity "in its highest manifestations is presented in the novel as a cult of an absolute virtue, unattainable on Earth which is in denial of all things Earthly," according to scholar Z.G.Mints. Ascetic to the point of being inhuman, early Christians reject reality as such. As the mother of a Christian youth Juventine curses "those servants of the Crucified" who "tear children off their mothers," hate life itself and destroy "things that are great and saintly," the elder Didim replies: a worthy follower of Christ is to learn to "hate their mother and father, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and their very own life too.

The Death of the Gods (1895) is a novel by Dmitriy Merezhkovsky. Having turned from his work in poetry to a new, spiritually charged interest in fiction, Merezhkovsky sought to develop his theory of the Third Testament, an apocalyptic vision of Christianity’s fulfillment in twentieth century humanity. The Death of the Gods the first work in the trilogy, is followed by Resurrection of the Gods (1900) and Peter and Alexis (1904). Well received internationally, The Christ and Antichrist Trilogy was largely ignored by Russian critics at the time of its publication, but has since been recognized as his most original and vital literary work. “‘Julian!’ a voice cried; ‘Julian, Julian! Where in the world is he? Eutropius is looking for you to go to church with him.’ The boy shivered, and nimbly hid his handiwork inside the altar of Pan. He smoothed his hair, shook his clothes, and when he came out of the grotto had resumed an expression of impenetrable Christian hypocrisy.” In The Death of the Gods, Emperor Julian, recognizing the increasing popularity of Christianity among the Roman people, makes a final attempt to plant the Olympian Gods at the center of spiritual life. Opposed to the asceticism of early Christians, Julian views the emerging religion as a sacrifice of worldly existence and human connection in favor of a metaphysical ideal. Despite his idealism, the inexorable current of history dooms him from the beginning. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Dmitriy Merezhkovsky’s The Death of the Gods is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

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