Los (Blake)

Los is a prominent character in the prophetic books of William Blake, often considered the embodiment of the prophetic imagination and the spirit of poetry and artistic creation. He is central to Blake's complex mythology and represents the human capacity to perceive and combat the errors of reason and societal constraint.

Los is eternally struggling against Urizen, the embodiment of reason and law, and Orc, the spirit of revolution. His role is to maintain the furnaces of creation, forging the human form divine through imagination and art. He is the eternal prophet who sees the truth and works to reveal it, even in the face of opposition.

Los is frequently depicted as a blacksmith or artist, wielding hammer and anvil to shape and mold the human spirit. His work is arduous and often painful, mirroring the struggle inherent in artistic creation and the effort required to maintain imaginative vision.

He is associated with fire, representing passion and inspiration, and often appears in fiery landscapes. His consort is Enitharmon, who represents the beauty and limitations of mortal existence. Their complex relationship reflects the tension between the eternal and the temporal, and the constant need for imaginative renewal.

Los's efforts are ultimately aimed at the redemption of humanity and the restoration of Eden. He represents the hope that through imagination and artistic creation, humanity can overcome the limitations of reason and experience the fullness of its potential. He is a crucial figure for understanding Blake's philosophy and the importance he placed on the power of imagination to transform the world.