『Preludes & Nocturnes』要約

"Preludes & Nocturnes," the seminal first collected volume of Neil Gaiman's *The Sandman* comic book series, introduces readers to Dream, the enigmatic Lord of the Dreaming and one of the seven Endless. The narrative begins in 1916 when Dream, also known as Morpheus, is inadvertently captured during an occult ritual by the human sorcerer Roderick Burgess, who intended to imprison Death. Held captive for 70 years, Dream finally escapes into a world drastically altered by his absence and his own weakened state. Upon his return, Morpheus discovers his realm, the Dreaming, has fallen into disrepair, and his three essential totems of power—a helm, a ruby, and a pouch of dream sand—have been stolen or lost. The core of this volume follows his perilous quest across various planes of existence to reclaim these artifacts and restore his dominion. This journey takes him from the desolate corners of the waking world, where he encounters John Constantine and a horrifying serial killer powered by his ruby, to the very gates of Hell. In a particularly memorable chapter, Morpheus descends into Lucifer's domain to retrieve his helm, engaging in a chilling battle of wits against the demon Choronzon. A significant arc involves his confrontation with Doctor Destiny, who wields Dream's ruby to unleash a nightmarish, mind-altering reality upon the patrons of an unsuspecting diner, a chapter renowned for its disturbing psychological horror. The volume culminates in a profoundly introspective encounter with his elder sister, Death, a meeting that redefines Dream's understanding of his own purpose and the cyclical nature of existence. "Preludes & Nocturnes" masterfully blends elements of mythology, horror, and philosophical inquiry, laying the intricate groundwork for the entire *Sandman* saga and establishing Morpheus as a complex, often aloof, protagonist whose journey is both deeply personal and cosmically significant.