Annotation - Chapter 15, Page 163

• (163:11) "Stoan"

This is the last story with a title in the book. Riddley started the book by repeating shared myths about humanity; this is something very different. In fact, the progression of stories throughout the book follows a familiar literary trend, moving from the cosmologic/epic (prehistoric myth) to the heroic (classical myth) to the personal and then the internal (modernist fiction):

"Hart of the Wood": the fall of humanity in the distant past. Everyone knows this story.

"Why the Dog Wont Show Its Eyes": the fall of humanity, continued. Everyone used to know this story, but now only Lorna does.

"Eusa Story": the fall of humanity as played out in the life of one special man.

"The Lissener and the Other Voyce Owl of the Worl": a mythic fragment without time or place, with Lissener (who may be the author) in a central role.

"The Bloak As Got on Top of Aunty": a tall tale about a man in a familiar place. Made up by a showman without any particular intentions.

"Stoan": A fragment without time, place, or characters, which came to Riddley from nowhere.