Vril, The Power of the Coming Race

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Vril, The Power of the Coming Race

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Edward Bulwer-Lytton's classic speculative fiction explores an underground civilization, the Vril-ya, who harness mysterious energy to achieve longevity and peace. This tale of discovery and moral contrast introduces themes of superior evolution and the dangers of unchecked ambition, captivating readers with its blend of science-fantasy and Victorian adventure.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edward Bulwer-Lytton's *Vril, The Power of the Coming Race*, an American engineer and his friend descend into a deep mine shaft in search of mineral wealth. Their exploration leads them to a hidden valley beneath the earth, inhabited by the Vril-ya, a superior race living in isolation. Unlike the surface world, which relies on the sun, the Vril-ya dwell in a realm illuminated by artificial light, free from seasonal changes. They possess advanced technology, including winged flight and the ability to manipulate 'vril,' a vital energy that grants them longevity, health, and immunity to disease. Their society is governed by reason rather than passion, fostering a serene existence where death is rare and life is celebrated. The narrator, initially terrified by the Vril-ya's superior power and the decree of death against him, finds solace in the love of Zee, a Vril-ya woman. However, the Vril-ya leadership decides that the surface world must be destroyed to prevent conflict and the spread of their own moral decay. Taë, a Vril-ya child, is tasked with killing the narrator, but he hesitates, recognizing the narrator's humanity. Zee, realizing the impending doom for the surface world and her inability to save it, makes a selfless sacrifice. She uses her vril powers to reopen the chasm connecting the two worlds, allowing the narrator to escape. Before departing, Zee reveals that the path will soon close permanently, sealing the Vril-ya away from humanity once more. The narrator returns to the surface, carrying a profound warning: unless humanity evolves morally and spiritually, it faces inevitable destruction at the hands of the Vril-ya. The story concludes with the narrator reflecting on the virtues of the subterranean race and praying that their emergence into the sunlight is delayed until humanity is ready to coexist peacefully. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement without corresponding moral progress.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/edward-bulwer-lytton_vril-the-power-of-the-coming-race.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-78b1f0789747861c.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-01 20:07 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Science Fiction