Revelations of the “Son of Light”: The Apocalyptic Imagery in the Book of Febrônio Índio do Brasil

Abstract

This article examines the apocalyptic imaginary in As Revelações do Príncipe do Fogo, written by Febrônio Índio do Brasil, an enigmatic figure from the early 20th century who was marginalized and labeled as "mad" in his time. Published in 1926, the book intertwines biblical references, apocalyptic imagery, and the author’s personal experiences, which he claimed were revealed to him through a divine vision during his imprisonment on Ilha Grande. This study emphasizes how Febrônio reinterpreted symbols from the Book of Revelation to craft a unique mythopoetic narrative, blending elements of collective fear provoked by the Spanish flu pandemic and the trauma of World War I. Additionally, it investigates the interplay between the text and the cultural and religious context of early 20th-century Rio de Janeiro, characterized by vibrant popular religiosity. The article positions As Revelações do Príncipe do Fogo as a symbolic bricolage and an expression of identity construction, revealing the tensions and anxieties of a period marked by profound social and historical transformations. By situating Febrônio’s work at the intersection of individual delusion and collective dynamics, this study offers insights into the relationships between literature, "madness," historical context, and apocalyptic imagination.