《Season of Mists》摘要

Neil Gaiman's "Season of Mists," the fourth collected volume of his seminal *Sandman* series, catapults its protagonist, Dream of the Endless, into an existential crisis of cosmic proportions. The narrative opens with a rare gathering of the Endless siblings, where Death pointedly reminds Morpheus of his millennia-long imprisonment of his former lover, Nada, in Hell. Driven by a complex blend of ancient duty, growing remorse, and a desire to atone for past wrongs, Dream resolves to descend into the infernal realm to free her. Upon his arrival, however, Dream finds Hell radically altered. Lucifer Morningstar, its erstwhile ruler, has grown weary of his domain and dramatically abandons it, emptying its denizens and locking its gates. He bestows the Key to Hell upon Dream, creating an unprecedented power vacuum in the cosmos. This unexpected act sets the stage for the book's central, distinctive framework: a celestial bidding war for the immense responsibility of Hell's stewardship. Dream is now burdened with the ultimate authority over damnation and must decide which of the myriad pantheons and supernatural factions is most worthy of inheriting the vacant dominion. What follows is a series of compelling diplomatic encounters, as representatives from nearly every mythological and divine tradition imaginable—including Norse gods, Egyptian gods, angels, demons, the Lords of Order and Chaos, and the Faerie folk—each present their intricate arguments for why they should inherit the empty realm. This grand succession dispute forces Dream to confront not only the overwhelming weight of cosmic governance but also his own nature, his capacity for forgiveness, and the true meaning of justice and punishment. "Season of Mists" thus becomes a profound exploration of identity, responsibility, and the shifting landscape of power, all framed by Gaiman's characteristic blend of myth, philosophy, and deeply personal character arcs within a vast cosmic tapestry.