TST :: Chapter VIII :: Zarathustra's demons

This chapter is seems to symbolically represent Z carrying the burden of this failed superman and the demons that torment him as a result. Upon taking up this burden he is first approached by the devil [also detailed as the fool perhaps because such ideas are foolish?].

In entertaining this fool Z is advised that many hate him including the righteous because his words demonstrate contempt for conventional morality. The orthodox hate Z because he represents a challenge to the establishment; a danger to the herd. The fool maintains that only his self humilliation in identifying with the dead saved him and that if he wishs to avoid his own demise he will skip town. This dialogue seems indicative that to carry the burden of the failed superman is to risk the same pitfalls of superearthly hopes and fears

The grave diggers [last men perhaps that hold greatness in contempt] Z meets at the gates suggest they are too pure for those such as the rope dancer. They accuse Z of taking the bite from the devil [death was of no consequence for the rope dancer because of Z's words].they stipulate how the devil will overtake both Z and his burden if the devil is greater. This here is a deamon of Z's because Z has left his place of greatness to actualise his potential; Now he faces total rejection by those he came to reveal the superman.

Z continues on his journey but is hungry [perhaps in need of that which will sustain him on the journey to actualise his potential]. He arrives at the home of the anchorite who feeds animal and man without distinction. Z explains to the anchorite that he was attacked by hunger in the night [perhaps weakened when he least expected]. He is told that those that feed others feed themselves (as though by giving they recieve; inconsistent with Z's own experience). The anchorite implores that the dead man eat evidently blind to the rope dancers condition. The anchorites response then to Z's explaination reveals the motivation behind his charity. He gives food for his own benefit.

Z moves on following the path but looses his way to discover he is in a forrest [the thick of it]. He finds a hollow place in which he might relieve himself of this burden. Physically exhausted but much lightened by the removal of his burden he rests at last.