The Cloud of Hate
The serpent-like fog coming from the underground Temple of Hate is symbolized by the title “The Cloud of Hate.” In other words, the title represents death. The underground Temple of Hate has thousands of believers led by masked priests. During the sermon, the underground Temple emits a killer fog that flows into the city streets to carry away the minds of men and kill them instantly. For instance, when the fog rising from the Temple of Hate mixes with the city fog, it kills an innocent girl and takes the minds of four criminals.
The symbolism of optimism
Optimism is symbolized by the undying hope of Issek in “Learn Times in Lankhmar,” who is determined to get followers in his church in the end. Issek of Jug is the god of peace worshipped by Fafhrd. Issek has no worshipers, but by recruiting Fafhrd, he believes the number of followers will eventually increase. True to his beliefs, Fafhrd effectively uses his singing talent to attract numberless followers to worship the god of peace. Therefore, unlike many cults in the Streets of Gods, Issek gets many followers because of his faith, determination, and optimism.
The magical tent of air
The magical tent of air in “When the Sea-King Awa” symbolizes the king's power. The numberless obstacles visitors have to cross to see the king symbolizes the power of the king's palace. For instance, visiting people must pass through a magical tent of air in the passage and walk over dangerous creatures, dead fish, and the corpses of sailors. Beautiful scaly women and slender girls welcome whoever makes it to the king.
