User:DoctorWho42/The Death of Malygris
| "The Death of Malygris" | |
|---|---|
| Short story by Clark Ashton Smith | |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy |
| Publication | |
| Published in | Weird Tales |
| Publication type | Pulp magazine |
| Publisher | Popular Fiction Publishing Co. |
| Media type | |
| Publication date | April 1934 |
| Series | Poseidonis |
"The Death of Malygris" is a short story by American author Clark Ashton Smith as part of his Poseidonis cycle, and first published in the April 1934 issue of Weird Tales with illustrations from the author.[1]
Publication history[edit]
According to Emperor of Dreams: A Clark Ashton Smith Bibliography (1978) by Donald Sidney-Fryer, "The Death of Malygris" was first published in the April 1934 issue of Weird Tales. It was included in the books Lost Worlds (1944), The Magic of Atlantis (1970), and Poseidonis (1973).[2]
Plot[edit]
King Gadeiron gathers several sorcerers to consult them on the dark wizard Malygris. Among them is the king's councillor Maranapion. While they confirm what he already knew, Gadeiron admits that Malygris might be dead but uses magic to deceive visitors he still lives. While the sorcerers dare not test this, two brothers Nygon and Fustules are entranced by the treasures in Malygris's abode. They plan that if Malygris is still alive they will ask them about an oracle. Otherwise, they'll steal his riches. They ask and receive no answer. Thus, they begin to their theft. However, a low voice from the body of Malygris admits that their oracle is death. The room then takes gigantic proportions as Nygon and Fustules try to escape the way they came in. A viper chases them to their doom. Meanwhile, the sorcerers use a homunculus to test their aging spell. The homunculus dies of old age, and they plan to the do the same with Malygris. When they meet Malygris, he counters their spell with one of his own: in an hour, all of them will decay and die. the snake also leaves the castle.
Reception[edit]
Robert Weinberg noted Smith's illustrations "extremely detailed and probably his best work for the pulp."[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Weinberg, Robert (1999). The Weird Tales Story. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Wildside Press. p. 85. ISBN 1587151014.
- ^ Donald Sidney-Fryer (1978). Emperor of Dreams: A Clark Ashton Smith Bibliography. Hampton Falls, New Hampshire: Donald M. Grant, Publisher. p. 165. ISBN 0-937986-10-0.
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- The Death of Malygris title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- Text of "The Death of Malygris"
Category:Short stories by Clark Ashton Smith
Category:Fantasy short stories
Category:1934 short stories
Category:Works originally published in Weird Tales