In "The Heart of What Was Lost," Tad Williams reflects on the contrast between darkness and light through the voices of elders reminiscing about the Garden. They describe a time of pure, everlasting light, suggesting a more hopeful existence that stands in opposition to the shadows characterizing their current reality. This juxtaposition prompts a deep contemplation on how life transitioned from a state of bliss to one marked by darkness.

The quote evokes a sense of longing for a lost paradise, raising questions about the choices and events that led to the present state of despair. It underscores a poignant human experience, exploring how comfort can be found in darkness even as one yearns for the light that once illuminated their lives.