Akedah by Zdenka  

Akedah

Mahal said: “If thou biddest me, I will destroy them.” He lifted his hammer and wept.

And the Holy One called to him: “Mahal, Mahal!”

Mahal said, “I am here.”

The One said, “Do no harm to them, thy beloved children. They too are part of the Forging of the World.”

And it is well that the One bade him hold his hand; for if he had been forced to strike through flesh and bone, destroying the children he loved, would the Smith of the Heavens ever have been able to lift his hammer again in the delight of creation?

Chapter End Notes

Mahal - the Dwarves' name for Aulë.

Akedah - the Jewish name for the (averted) sacrifice of Isaac.