Our True Essence
At the end of Phantastes, Anodos says, “Yet I know that good is coming to me—that good is always coming; though few have at all times the simplicity and the courage to believe it.” Think about how many times we all have not had the courage or simplicity to believe good things are coming. This is why the dreamt explorations of Anodos were so important in Phantastes. Dreams often symbolize deeper thoughts, feelings, and desires that may not be readily apparent in waking life. In Anodos’ case, his dream in Phantastes allowed him to explore his subconscious mind and gain insights into his own character and the world around him. It served as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Another powerful statement at the end of the book from Anodos was, “Thus I, who set out to find my Ideal, came back rejoicing that I had lost my Shadow.” Anodos was looking for the “Ideal” of beauty, truth, and goodness in Phantastes. He sought to find meaning and purpose in his life, as well as a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. The journey he embarked on in Phantastes allowed him to explore and discover these ideals in a magical and mystical realm.
George MacDonald used the metaphor of Anodos’ shadow to represent his inner and negative emotions. He was glad to lose his shadow because it symbolized letting go of his past traumas and struggles, allowing him to move forward with a sense of lightness and freedom. Losing his shadow enabled Anodos to embrace personal growth and transformation. In Phantastes we learned the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves, even the parts we may want to hide or ignore. It serves as a reminder to always stay connected to our inner selves and not let external influences cloud our true essence.
Byron's Babbles 
[…] blogged about shadows before in Our True Essence. That post was inspired by George MacDonald, who in Phatastes, used the metaphor of Anodos’ […]
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[…] George MacDonald I have always been intrigued by his use of shadows as metaphors. Last year I wrote Our True Essence about MacDonald’s use of the metaphor of Anodos’ shadow to represent his inner and negative […]
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