The Pilgrim’s Progress

Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence accompany Christian down the hill toward the Valley of Humiliation, since it’s a challenging descent for someone like him. Then they give him some refreshments and send him on his way. Christian has only journeyed a short distance, however, when he encounters a fiend named Apollyon. Since he has no armor for his back, Christian resolves to stand and face the fiend.

Apollyon, a hideous, scaly, winged creature, interrogates Christian. He observes that Christian used to be his subject and promises to give Christian rewards if he will submit to Apollyon again. Christian explains that he has sworn allegiance to a different Prince, who is far better. Apollyon points out that most of that Prince’s servants come to an unhappy end, and that the Prince never delivers them from their sufferings. Christian argues that the Prince’s servants expect a future reward.

Apollyon tries a different approach. He reminds Christian of all his mistakes and failings thus far, like sinking in the Slough of Despond, cowering at the lions, and secretly craving recognition for everything he does. Christian admits these things, but explains that the merciful Prince has pardoned him for them. At this, Apollyon flies into a rage and declares his hatred of that Prince and his servants. He attacks Christian with fiery darts, wounding him in several places. Christian resists for half a day, growing weaker and weaker.

Apollyon knocks Christian to the ground, but just before he crushes Christian to death, Christian manages to grasp his sword and give the fiend a deadly blow, declaring that “we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us.” The wounded Apollyon flies away. Christian gives thanks to God for delivering him from the fiend. Then a hand appears, giving Christian some leaves from the Tree of Life, which heal his wounds. Christian continues on his journey, sword in hand.