The Subterranean World of "The Coming Race" (Vril)

 

The Subterranean World of "The Coming Race"

Basics

• Name: The Subterranean World (Unnamed in the novel)
• Aliases: None
• Universe/World: Edward Bulwer-Lytton's "The Coming Race"
• Notable Inhabitants: The Vril-ya
• Notable Landmarks: Central city, underground lakes, vril-powered machinery
• First Appearance: "The Coming Race" (1871)
• Creator: Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Snapshot

Deep beneath the Earth's crust lies a realm of enigma and wonder: a vast underground world, illuminated by a surreal ambient light and populated by the Vril-ya, a superior and advanced humanoid race. This luminous subterranean expanse, dotted with grand cities and surrounded by untamed wildernesses, operates using the power of "vril," a mysterious and potent energy source that can both heal and destroy.

Background

In "The Coming Race," an unnamed narrator discovers a vast subterranean world after venturing into a mine. This underground realm is inhabited by the Vril-ya, descendants of the Atlanteans who sought refuge below the Earth's surface to escape a global deluge. Over the millennia, the Vril-ya evolved and developed advanced technologies powered by vril, a universal energy force they can harness and manipulate. It's both a tool and a weapon, and they believe it to be the essence of divinity. The Vril-ya society is hierarchical, peaceful, and sophisticated, with the potential to ascend to the surface world when they deem it necessary.

Characteristics

The subterranean environment of "The Coming Race" is a marvel. Illuminated by an unknown light source, it supports both sprawling cities and diverse ecosystems. The world feels otherworldly, with flora and fauna adapted to underground life. The Vril-ya have used vril to shape this environment, crafting architecture and infrastructure that reflects their advanced state of evolution and their harmonious relationship with the energy of vril.

Notable Locations

• Central City: The heart of the Vril-ya civilization, filled with grand structures and public spaces.
• Underground Lakes: Massive bodies of water that nourish the ecosystems of the subterranean world.
• Vril-powered Machinery Locations: Areas where the potent vril energy is harnessed and put to various uses, from healing to construction.

Role in the Narrative

The subterranean world serves as the primary setting of "The Coming Race." The narrator's exploration of this realm and his interactions with the Vril-ya form the core of the narrative. As he learns about the Vril-ya's history, culture, and the power of vril, he realizes the potential threat they pose to the surface world due to their superior capabilities.

Appearances

The subterranean world is unique to "The Coming Race" and hasn't appeared outside of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel. However, the concept of vril has influenced other works and spawned various myths and conspiracy theories.

Notes

"The Coming Race" and its concept of vril had a significant cultural impact. The idea of vril inspired various esoteric and occult groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some even believed in the real existence of subterranean vril-powered civilizations. The novel is an early example of science fiction, blending social commentary, speculative concepts, and adventure narrative.

References

• Bulwer-Lytton, Edward. The Coming Race. 1871.
• Godwin, Joscelyn. Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival. Adventures Unlimited Press, 1996.
• McCully, C.B. Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Fiction of New Regions. University of Georgia Press, 1976.