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Beyond belief Quote by H.P. Lovecraft

“Down through this verdant land Carter walked at evening, and saw twilight float up from the river to the marvelous golden spires of Thran. And just at the hour of dusk he came to the southern gate, and was stopped by a red-robed sentry till he had told three dreams beyond belief, and proved…” quote by H.P. Lovecraft
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““Down through this verdant land Carter walked at evening, and saw twilight float up from the river to the marvelous golden spires of Thran. And just at the hour of dusk he came to the southern gate, and was stopped by a red-robed sentry till he had told three dreams beyond belief, and proved himself a dreamer worthy to walk up Thran's steep mysterious streets and linger in the bazaars where the wares of the ornate galleons were sold. Then into that incredible city he walked; through a wall so thick that the gate was a tunnel, and thereafter amidst curved and undulant ways winding deep and narrow between the heavenward towers. Lights shone through grated and balconied windows, and, the sound of lutes and pipes stole timid from inner courts where marble fountains bubbled. Carter knew his way, and edged down through darker streets to the river, where at an old sea tavern he found the captains and seamen he had known in myriad other dreams. There he bought his passage to Celephais on a great green galleon, and there he stopped for the night after speaking gravely to the venerable cat of that inn, who blinked dozing before an enormous hearth and dreamed of old wars and forgotten gods.””

H.P. Lovecraft

About This Quote

Source Book: The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H.P. Lovecraft, 1926

A wandering dreamer navigates a fantastical city, confronting surreal guardians and recalling past dream encounters, illustrating the blend of adventure and memory in a mythic landscape.

In simple terms: A dreamer explores a strange city and meets old friends.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity and trust your inner guide.

Themes

adventure myth memory exploration dreams

Mood

wonderful enigmatic reflective

Type

literary fantastical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • nighttime travel
  • city exploration
  • meeting old companions
  • boarding a mystical ship

Key Concepts

Surrealism heroic quest nostalgia

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the city represent in your inner life?
  • How do recurring dream figures guide you?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may idealize dream logic, making real‑world application ambiguous.

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