Preston Grissom

Dr. Redick

Philosophy 451

December 2, 2014

Till We Have Faces: The Judgment Seat

            Welcome Orual,

My name is Subpono and I have been asked to preside over your case.  I am the god of placements and I am the writer of all happenstances of life.  Most other gods must go through me in order to hurt or please one of the humans.  Many times I am angry, and allow for pain and suffering.  Few times I am gracious and allow for freedom and delight.  All things happen according to my purpose and this trial will be the same.  Know that I am not, by any means, unqualified for such a matter as this.

I have been watching over your life from the time you psychotic father and your mother conceived you.  In fact, it is I who allowed for their actions to create life.  I saw, as you grew into a young woman unsure of your role in the city of Glome.  I was there as you cried because of your face, which I myself allowed to look this way.   I was there as your father slayed many men in your sight. 

I was watching as you allegedly devised a plan to ensure your own well being to the detriment of others, including your sister.  I was there when you were captivated by the beauty of Psyche to the neglect of Redival.  It was I who allowed for your rise and your fall and it is I who allowed for your rule as Queen.  I saw the pain in your eyes, as you understood your failures in writing.

All this time you have been trying to justify yourself with the gods.  You tried to show yourself to be the righteous one as we all do.  You wanted to state your case and you have.  You have exited the world of myth in order to expel yourself.  Unluckily for you dear Orual “behind the fantasy real wills and powers exist, independent of the minds and pursposes of men” (Tolkien, On Fairy-Stories).  What you meant for evil will turn out for good.  Unfortunately for you, your purposes were evil  and selfish.  You used myth correctly as it has been set up from the gods throughout eternity.  You humans would not know how to handle the truths of life had it not been for myths.  They must hint to the reality of that which is.  You understand this in part you see.  “Stories are a net to catch something else” (Lewis, On Stories).  As I have seen it you attempted to catch the reality of your heart you never knew.  You wanted to be pitied and in that pity you wanted to rule.

Your selfishness and jealousy of your half-sister have been covered by intrigue.  Too bad for you dear Orual, I Subpono can see past your outward showing of emotion.  You may have fooled the humans in your charm and power but it is I you must convince now and the evidence testifies against you.  You are found guilty of treason against the gods. 

However, I am the god of placements.  It was I too who rescued the beautiful Psyche and it is I who shall save you now.  I will take my punishment from the gods and stand guilty in your place.  I will lose my place among the high and mighty so that you may go free.  Many times I am angry, few times I am gracious.  At this time I am both.  Go in peace.