We give them different names, those nights lit only by fire and the moon, depending on the country and the calendar, but we know what they are. They call up the world that was before the Lord came down among us; the world where good and evil were not so certain, so fixed as they are today, where the known and the unheard-of could mingle as they chose...where truth had its doubts, do you see?{By Moonlight}
In "We Never Talk about My Brother," Peter S. Beagle reflects on the nature of nights illuminated by firelight and moonlight, emphasizing their significance across different cultures and times. These nights serve as a reminder of a world that existed before the divine presence altered the perception of good and evil. They represent a time when moral certainty did not dominate reality, allowing for a more fluid understanding of truth and existence.
The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for a past where boundaries between the known and the mysterious were less defined. Beagle's exploration highlights the profound impact that the divine has had on humanity's understanding of morality and truth, suggesting that the beauty of the uncertain world still calls to those who recognize its value amidst the rigid structures of contemporary life.
