The Darkness That Comes Before Part IV: The Warrior – Kellhus, Cnaiür & the Road to the Holy War

August 1
1h 14m

Episode Description

Warning: This discussion contains major spoilers for the entire Second Apocalypse series, including The Aspect-Emperor novels.

Our spoiler-filled reread of The Second Apocalypse continues with Part IV: The Warrior from The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.

This section marks the return of Kellhus to center stage as he begins his uneasy journey alongside Cnaiür. Looking back after finishing the entire seven book series, these chapters reveal countless layers of foreshadowing that are easy to overlook on a first read.

In this episode, we discuss Kellhus' reunion with Cnaiür, Moënghus' lasting influence over both father and son, and the complicated relationship that begins to form between Kellhus, Cnaiür, and Serwë. We also explore the brutality of the northern wilderness, the nature of the Sranc, the first hints surrounding Kellhus' mysterious halos, and several fascinating clues that point toward revelations much later in the series.

Along the way, we examine Bakker's incredible prose, the philosophical ideas hidden beneath the action, and some of our favorite passages from Part IV: The Warrior.

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