Kneeknock Rise

The Megrimum, a central element of the narrative, evidences How Folklore Shapes Communities. Described as a creature that “moaned on stormy nights like a huge and anguished something chained forever to its own great tragic disappointments” (5), the Megrimum is a symbol of human loneliness and sorrow, even as it inspires awe, terror, and communal pride. The creature’s mysterious presence perpetuates the town’s superstitions, with the townspeople collectively believing in its existence despite the lack of evidence. Egan, eager to prove himself, even imagines that killing the Megrimum would make him a hero, reinforcing the connection between myth and personal ambition. As Uncle Ott reveals, the Megrimum is nothing more than a creation of folklore, inspired by the “moan” attributed to a sulphur spring projected onto a mythical beast. The uncovering of this truth exposes the contrast between truth and belief—the myth offers the townspeople a kind of comfort, even if it is rooted in deception. Although Egan discovers the truth and proclaims it for all to hear, nobody wants to believe him— they would rather continue living in a sort of mystical reality.

Annabelle, the dog that belongs to Uncle Ott, plays an important role as a symbol of loyalty and the philosophical connection between Egan and Uncle Ott, both of whom grapple with the pain of knowledge versus the comfort of ignorance. The detailed description of Annabelle’s appearance—“around her neck a thick roll of extra flesh fanned out soft fur into a deep, inviting ruffle and her ears drooped like rich brown velvet triangles”—emphasizes her role as a companion and a symbol of warmth and security (21). Her deep bond with Uncle Ott defines Annabelle’s character. She is content to simply be herself, without needing to impress anyone. Egan, upon meeting Annabelle, feels an immediate connection and describes being “enchanted” by her presence. This instant bond between Egan and Annabelle symbolizes Egan and Ott’s connection. Uncle Ott’s poem further reinforces Annabelle’s importance, celebrating her loyalty and her ability to be herself in a world full of expectations.

Stormy nights act as a motif in the story, emphasizing the need for mystery in everyday life. The sound of the Megrimum, described as a “mumble of thunder complained from far away,” remains linked to storms throughout the narrative, reinforcing the sense of mystery and thrilling unease that pervades the town of Instep. On one such stormy night, as lightning illuminates the sky, Egan and Ada see “a dim shape coming down the rocky side of Kneeknock Rise” (31), heightening the tension and mystery surrounding the mountain and its mythic creature. 

The storm not only intensifies the fear but also serves as a catalyst for action, driving Egan to take risks and challenge the unknown. The storm’s personification as a “mumble of thunder [that] complained from far away” (76) adds to the atmosphere of foreboding and emphasizes the storm as an active and influential aspect of the story’s plot. The repeated storms throughout the story heighten the sense of unpredictability, mystery, and fear, mirroring Egan’s internal struggles and his growing desire to uncover the truth behind the Megrimum. When Egan ascends the mountain, the storm grows more intense the higher he climbs, but when he reaches the top, it subsides, just as the myth is replaced by the reality of Uncle Ott’s reappearance and the explanation of the sulphur spring.