
Step into a realm where myth and reality blur, guided by a voice that beckons the weary to leave the familiar streets of London for lands that pulse with ancient wonder. The story opens with a centaur, Shepperalk, who, after centuries of guarding his mountain’s treasure, decides to venture beyond his cavern home. He dons an heirloom amulet and lifts a silver horn that once summoned armies, setting the stage for an odyssey that feels both timeless and freshly imagined.
As Shepperalk gallops across unfamiliar plains toward the legendary city of Zretazoola, his journey is a tapestry of vivid landscapes—glittering valleys, roaring torrents, and whispering winds that celebrate his newfound freedom. Along the way, humans confront the awe‑inspiring sight of a creature from forgotten wars, their fear and fascination echoing old fables told at hearths. The narrative blends lyrical description with a playful sense of adventure, inviting listeners to share in the centaur’s search for beauty and mystery beyond the mountains he once knew.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (123K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Charles Bidwell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. HTML version produced by Chuck Greif.
Release date
2005-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1878–1957
A pioneer of modern fantasy, this Anglo-Irish writer filled his stories and plays with dreamlike kingdoms, invented gods, and a sense of wonder that later inspired generations of fantasy authors. He also lived an unusually varied life, serving in war, spending time at Dunsany Castle, and writing across many forms.
View all books