Chapter 5 Summary

Sinclair finds a note in a book on his desk with the words: "The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas." He knows that Demian has received the painting and interpreted it. Sinclair's teacher startles him by saying the name "Abraxas." He goes on to describe this godhead as one whose task is to unite godly and devilish elements.

Sinclair begins to day dream about a woman who seems to be a combination of his mother rand Demian. He is alternately ecstatic and horrified. He senses a link between this image and Abraxas. Other students have begun to treat Sinclair with respect, and he has discovered he can read people's thoughts as Demian once did.

On his walks...