H. P. Lovecraft
The Tree
Published: 1921
Language: English
Estimated Reading Time: ~30 minutes hours
In The Tree by H. P. Lovecraft, two sculptors compete to carve a statue of Tyche. Years later, olive roots pry apart the marble of a tomb.
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About the Manuscript
An old beekeeper tells the story of Kalos and Musides, friends so gifted that the ruler of Syracuse asks them both to carve the same goddess. When Kalos falls ill, his last wish is to have twigs from the olive grove buried beside him.
To the people of Arcadia, the tree above the grave is kin to the spirits of Pan. The beekeeper's account points to a more human fear. The Tree never quite settles what passed between the two friends.