Literature Review: "The Quest of Iranon" (1921)

This week, in honor of H. P. Lovecraft's birthday on August 20th, I wanted to give a shout out to another classic yarn by the greatest of Weird Fiction authors, "The Quest of Iranon":

"Long have I missed thee, Aira, for I was but young when we went into exile; but my father was thy King and I shall come again to thee, for it is so decreed of Fate. All through seven lands have I sought thee, and some day shall I reign over thy groves and gardens, thy streets and palaces, and sing to men who shall know whereof I sing, and laugh not nor turn away. For I am Iranon, who was a Prince in Aira."

Written on February 28, 1921, and first published in the July/August 1935 issue of Galleon magazine, "The Quest of Iranon" is a mythic and romantic fantasy tale written in the style of HPL's literary hero, Lord Dunsany.  In this short story, the titular character, a golden-haired youth, wanders far and wide, singing and telling wondrous tales of the lost city of Aira, where he was prince.

However, few truly appreciate his stories, and Iranon moves on from place to place.  In his travels, the bard meets another disenfranchised lad, Romnod, who joins the party.  Years pass and Romnod ages normally, while Iranon remains exactly the same.  

More years go by and Romnod passes away from sleep apnea.  Iranon continues on his quest alone, finally encountering an old shepherd who reveals the truth of his past.

For those who only know Lovecraft for his Cthulhu Mythos, "The Quest of Iranon" is quite a departure.  Like "The Doom That Came to Sarnath," this story is part of HPL's Dream Cycle, a pre-history/alternate dimension that can be entered via dreams.  As such, it is a heartbreaking story about an earnest but possibly naïve search for perfection and for a place where people truly understand and appreciate beauty, song and art.

Consequently, this tale is somewhat autobiographical, as Iranon's quest mirrors Lovecraft's own situation: the outsider filled with childish dreams and unrealistic fancies who never truly managed to grow up, despite growing old.  In addition, Iranon, like Lovecraft, is never acclaimed or recognized during his lifetime.

So, if you are a fan of Lovecraft, and are keen to read a beautiful, tragic and poignant tale with a  mythical and dreamlike narrative, check out "The Quest of Iranon"!