That Hideous Strength - Ch 15 - The Descent of the Gods

Lewis titles this chapter "The Descent of the Gods," but as you read it, it's clear he's not promoting multiple gods (polytheism), but instead referring to the chief angels of each planet, which the ancient world considered gods (which Lewis clearly rejects).  Instead, in this chapter, Lewis, a medieval scholar, brings out the medieval beauty and majesty view of the cosmos.

Medieval planet names 

This chapter begins with the chief angel (oyarsu) of each world known to the medieval age descending to St. Anne's.  Though they specifically descend to the Blue Room where the Director (Ransom) and Merlin await them alone, still their descent affects all others at the household. First descended Viritrilbia (Mercury, also known as Thoth or Hermes), accompanied by the doubling, splitting, and recombining of thoughts, which they only endured with some knowledge of poetry. Second Perelandra (Venus, also known as Aphrodite) descended, accompanied by a summer breeze England never had and Charity such as no one on Earth had ever experienced.  Third Malacandra (Mars, also known as Ares, Mavors, and Tyr) descended accompanied by a sense of the ordered rhythm of the universe, sharing in a processional pomp, and a readiness for action.  Fourth Lugra (Saturn) descends accompanied by incredible pressure, freezing cold, and sorrow.  Finally, Glundandra (Jupiter, also known as Jove and Zeus) descended accompanied by Kingship, power, festivities, and music, which dispelled the sorrow of Lurga.  These Oyarsus (often confused by men with the "gods") empowered Merlin for his task.  Finally, clean shaven, MacPhee drove Merlin down near Belbury and dropped him off.

Merlin appears at Belbury responding to their ad for someone familiar with obscure languages (so they can speak with the tramp they believe to be Merlin).  Frost and Withers mistake Merlin for a priestly type wearing a rusty cassock and a wide brimmed black hat.  Merlin speaks to the tramp in a strange language which the tramp recognizes and responds to (likely a language empowered by Viritrilbia - the master of languages).  Thus, Merlin can control Frost and Withers, since they are eager to please engage Merlin, whom they believe to be the tramp, and they believe Merlin to be a true interpreter of whom they believe to be Merlin.  Though privately and when alone, they have their doubts, they do not wish to challenge, and risk the displeasure of Merlin (the tramp) or the interpreter (the real Merlin).

Merlin says the tramp demands a tour of Belbury by Withers, and demands robes.  Withers dresses him with robes as a Doctor of Philosophy and begins the tour.  Mark remains with Frost, who demands that Mark trample a large crucifix on the floor and otherwise insult it.  Frost hopes this will confirm Mark is with them.  Though Mark does not believe in Christianity, the demand disturbs him, and after much consternation, he emphatically states he will not do so.

The NICE figurehead Director, Jules, shows up for a scheduled dinner party.  However, Jules does not know he is a figurehead, and believes he directs affairs.  He wonders why Withers (the Deputy Director) is not in attendance.  Withers soon shows up with the tramp (as Merlin) and Merlin (as his interpreter) in tow.  Jules is unimpressed with their appearance.  Mark tries to speak to Jules, but Withers and Frost interfere.  Jules expresses his displeasure at how things are being run.  Withers sympathizes and introduces the tramp (Merlin) as Dr. Ambrosius.  Jules doesn't like him, and even more dislikes his interpreter (the real Merlin).

Ch 14 - Real Life is Meeting

Ch 15 - Banquet at Belbury

Overview of That Hideous Strength

Character List