Zarathustra
Zarathustra is a sage and prophet. Practically no personal details are given about him in the novel; his identity consists of his teachings and his travels among his disciples. At age 30, he retreats to…
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The Old Saint
Zarathustra meets the old saint in the forest when he first comes down from the mountain. The saint has dwelt in the forest for many years, praising God in solitude. He tries to discourage Zarathustra…
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Tight-rope Walker
When Zarathustra descends from the mountain, the townspeople are gathered in the square to watch the tight-rope walker’s performance. During the performance, a buffoon chases him, causing him to lose his balance, fall, and suffer…
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The Ugliest Man
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the ugliest man is “the murderer of God.” He killed God because God pitied his misfortunes, prompting the…
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Minor Characters
Buffoon
During the tight-rope walker’s performance, the buffoon appears and chases and mocks him, causing the tight-rope walker to fall to the ground and suffer fatal injuries. The buffoon also warns Zarathustra to flee the town, because the townspeople hate him and regard him as dangerous.
Zarathustra’s Animals
In his mountain cave, Zarathustra lives with an eagle (symbolizing pride) and a serpent (symbolizing wisdom). They are sentient creatures that keep Zarathustra company, bring him food, comfort him in his solitude, and sometimes discuss his teachings with him.
The Prophet
A gloomy prophet visits Zarathustra’s cave and tempts him to have pity on the Higher Men. The prophet symbolizes Arthur Schopenhauer, a pessimistic philosopher who influenced Friedrich Nietzsche.
Two Kings
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the two kings are traveling with their donkey in an attempt to escape the masses.
The Scientist
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the scientist studies leeches and is so committed to his work that he almost bleeds to death in the course of his research.
The Sorcerer
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the sorcerer is a wily, deceptive, self-pitying old man. He symbolizes (and satirizes) Nietzsche’s youthful friend Richard Wagner. The sorcerer briefly succeeds in tempting the rest of the Higher Men into melancholy.
The Old Pope
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the old pope no longer believes in God. He explains to Zarathustra how God “died” through the decline of Christianity.
The Beggar
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the beggar, symbolizing the Buddha, has retreated from ungrateful humanity in order to preach to cows instead. Zarathustra is especially fond of him.
The Shadow
Among the group of Higher Men whom Zarathustra finds in the forest and invites into his cave, the shadow is a wandering freethinker who has lost sight of his ultimate goal.
