The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales

"The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales" by Richard Garnett is a collection of short stories that examines the meeting point of mythology and philosophy through the lens of forgotten gods and the mortals who once revered them. Starting with the story of Prometheus, who finds freedom from his chains only to discover a world where belief in the gods has waned, and focuses on his meeting with Elenko, the last priestess of Apollo, running away from those who wish to destroy what's left of their ancient faith. As they talk, a world of lost divinity and changing human beliefs is brought to light, questioning Elenko's own identity and the abandoning of the gods she once served. With Prometheus now mortal and disillusioned, he thinks about the fate of humanity and their part in the downfall of the gods, laying the groundwork for complex philosophical discussions throughout the stories. The unusual bond between Prometheus and Elenko hints at a deeper connection between the immortals and humanity that moves beyond belief, setting up a journey through faith and legacy.