Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 4
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 4, Gregor learns about the ominous “Prophecy of Bane,” which foretells the death of a baby—likely his sister Boots—as a key to the rats’ power. Ares, his bat bond, reveals the prophecy but refuses to elaborate, leaving Gregor frustrated and fearful. The chapter opens with Gregor’s shock at the directive to kill the baby, recalling Luxa’s earlier mention of the prophecy. His dread intensifies as he remembers the devastating consequences of the first prophecy he was involved in, which led to war and countless deaths. Gregor berates himself for ignoring the warning signs and endangering his family by returning to the Underland.
Upon arriving in Regalia, Gregor reunites with Vikus, who attempts to ease tensions between Gregor and Ares. Vikus explains that Boots is safe for now, escorted by roaches and a rescue party including Luxa. Gregor, however, is in no mood for pleasantries and demands answers about the prophecy. Vikus leads him to Sandwich’s prophecy room, where the words of “The Prophecy of Bane” are carved into the walls. The cryptic verses speak of a rising threat, a white rat, and the dire consequences of the baby’s death. Gregor fixates on the line “Die the baby,” realizing Boots is central to the prophecy’s dark implications.
Vikus and Gregor analyze the prophecy line by line, with Vikus emphasizing its ambiguity until events unfold. The first stanza references Gregor’s past actions—his leap and Henry’s fall—highlighting how prophecies only become clear in hindsight. Vikus explains that the “something rising from the gloom” is already present, hidden by the rats. The next stanza introduces a white rat, a rare and deadly figure cloaked in evil, whose actions could destabilize the Underland. Gregor struggles to grasp the full meaning but senses the urgency of understanding the prophecy to protect Boots and prevent further catastrophe.
The chapter ends with Gregor and Vikus delving deeper into the prophecy’s implications, though many questions remain unanswered. Gregor’s fear for Boots’ safety drives his determination to decipher the cryptic verses, while Vikus underscores the inevitability of prophecy in shaping their fates. The tension between Gregor’s anger, Ares’ reticence, and Vikus’ measured explanations sets the stage for a looming confrontation with the prophecy’s dark forces. The chapter masterfully blends suspense, foreboding, and the weight of destiny, leaving readers eager to see how Gregor will navigate the impending danger.
FAQs
1. What is “The Prophecy of Bane” and why does it cause Gregor such concern?
Answer:
“The Prophecy of Bane” is a foretelling carved into the walls of Regalia by its founder, Bartholomew of Sandwich. It predicts the rise of a deadly threat to the Underland, specifically a white rat (“Rat of long-forgotten snow”) that could bring destruction. Gregor is deeply troubled by the line “Die the baby,” as he fears it refers to his sister Boots. Having experienced the deadly consequences of the first prophecy (“The Prophecy of Gray”), which led to multiple deaths and war, Gregor recognizes the potential danger this new prophecy poses to his family and the Underland.2. How does Vikus explain the difficulty in interpreting prophecies before events unfold?
Answer:
Vikus explains that prophecies are only clear in hindsight. Using the first two lines of “The Prophecy of Bane” as an example, he notes that terms like “Under” and “Over” could have multiple interpretations—referring to people, creatures, or abstract concepts. For instance, “Over” might have meant Gregor’s father, and “Under” could have symbolized the Underland itself rather than Henry specifically. This ambiguity makes it nearly impossible to predict exact outcomes until after the events have occurred, as seen with Henry’s unexpected death despite Ares being his bond.3. Analyze the relationship between Gregor and Ares in this chapter. What tensions exist, and why?
Answer:
Gregor and Ares have a strained relationship in this chapter due to miscommunication and unresolved conflict. Ares is frustrated with Gregor for interrupting him and for not taking the prophecy seriously earlier, while Gregor is angry with Ares for withholding information about the prophecy’s contents. Their silence during the flight to Regalia and their refusal to acknowledge Vikus’s comment about their bond highlight this tension. Both feel responsible for putting Boots in danger, but instead of working together, they withdraw, showing the fragility of their partnership at this stage.4. What does the stanza about the white rat reveal about the current threat to the Underland?
Answer:
The stanza describes a hidden but growing danger: a white rat (“evil cloaked in coat of white”) that has been concealed by the gnawers (rats) themselves. This rat is portrayed as a legendary or ancient threat (“long-forgotten snow”), suggesting it possesses unusual power or significance. The line “Will the warrior drain your light?” implies that this rat could weaken or destroy the Underland’s protectors. Vikus confirms that this threat is already present, indicating that the rats are strategically keeping it secret until it can be used to gain dominance (“Gnawers have their key to power”).5. How does Gregor’s reaction to the prophecy demonstrate his character growth since his first visit to the Underland?
Answer:
Gregor shows increased awareness and responsibility compared to his first adventure. Initially, he tried to ignore the possibility of returning to the Underland by avoiding the laundry room, but now he recognizes his mistake in underestimating the prophecy’s danger. His immediate demand to “go through this whole thing” reflects a proactive approach, contrasting with his earlier passive acceptance of vague explanations. Additionally, his concern for Boots and anger at himself for not anticipating the risk reveal a deeper sense of accountability, showing he has matured from a reluctant hero into someone who confronts threats head-on.
Quotes
1. ““It is foretold by ‘The Prophecy of Bane,’” said Ares.”
This quote introduces the central conflict of the chapter—the ominous prophecy that drives the Underlanders’ actions. It sets the tone for Gregor’s growing dread and the high stakes involving Boots’ life.
2. ““Die the baby, die his heart, die his most essential part. Die the peace that rules the hour. Gnawers have their key to power.””
These chilling lines from the prophecy reveal the dire threat to Boots and the Underland’s stability. They represent the chapter’s turning point, as Gregor realizes the gravity of the situation and his sister’s role in it.
3. ““No, Gregor, it is clear only in hindsight. ‘Under’ could have referred not only to Henry, but to any other Underland creature, or the Underland itself.””
Vikus explains the ambiguous nature of prophecies, highlighting how interpretations are often only obvious after events unfold. This insight into the Underland’s reliance on cryptic prophecies adds depth to the story’s mythological framework.
4. ““Because he would have expected me to catch him,” Ares said bluntly.”
Ares’ blunt admission about Henry’s death reveals the complex bond between bats and riders, and how trust can be tragically misplaced. This moment adds emotional weight to the backstory while demonstrating Ares’ character.
5. ““The color of long-forgotten snow, for we do not get snow in the Underland.””
This poetic description of the white rat introduces the chapter’s primary antagonist in a memorable way. The imagery emphasizes the exotic, almost mythical nature of this threat to the Underland.