From: James Jordan <jbjordan@gnt.net>
Subject: Re: (whorl) Quadrifons
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 12:59:20 

	Quadrifons is a cherub. (Ezekiel chapter 1). Also, thus, a sphinx.
	The cherubim guard the gate of Eden, which is now the Church. Passing into 
the Edenic garden, we pass by the cherub Quadrifons. It is Olivine's 
garden, the Garden on Mount Olivet, where Jesus so often met with His 
disciples.
	Then we have a full liturgy. We must wash ourselves, a symbol of 
cleansing, so Horn takes a bath, removing his old soiled clothing and 
receiving new ones. We have the opening of the word (the writings) and a 
sermon. Then we have holy communion. Also, since we are  present with all 
the saints, living and departed, we have reflections on Horn's encounter 
with his father, whom he had thought was dead. Finally, moved and 
transformed a bit by the liturgy, Olivine is enabled to make a sacrifice of 
her own as a response.
	Now, who or what is a Quadrifons? Well, there are two basic theories 
regarding the cherubim. The first is that they are mighty angels, and this 
is the majority read. But a minority maintains that the cherubim are 
theophanies of God, and not creatures. Wolfe says that Quadrifons is an 
aspect of the Outsider, so it seems he is using this second theory.

Patera Nutria


*This is WHORL, for discussion of Gene Wolfe's Book of the Long Sun.
*More Wolfe info & archive of this list at http://www.moonmilk.com/whorl/
*To leave the list, send "unsubscribe" to whorl-request@lists.best.com
*If it's Wolfe but not Long Sun, please use the URTH list: urth@lists.best.com