Pages 169-200 Summary

Brutha notes that Didactylos, who carries a darkened lantern, is blind. Now in the library, Didactylos gives a quick rundown of everything that the other philosophers have written on the subject of gods, seeming none to impressed by the body of work even though he clearly reveres the idea of the library. Though he cannot read the words, Brutha is awed by the artwork among the scrolls.

Brutha balks at Didactylos's book, which depicts the world as flat, situated atop elephants, who are themselves standing atop a giant turtle. Didactylos points out that many sailors, having been to the rim of the world, have actually seen the turtle. When Brutha directly asks the philosopher if it's true, however, Didactylos admits, surprisingly, that he doesn't know with absolute certainty. Considering the Omnian certainty to which he is accustomed, Brutha is staggered by...