Section I

Zarathustra has spent ten years in solitude living as a hermit in the mountains. One morning, he rises with the sun. He proclaims, “You great star! What would your happiness be if you had not those for whom to shine?” (3). He imagines that, without him, the sun would have tired quickly of its routine. It is Zarathustra who has blessed the sun with his presence each morning. Weary of his wisdom, like a bee who has gathered too much honey, Zarathustra concludes that he must enlighten mankind. He likens himself to the sun saying, “For this I must descend into the depths, as you do evenings when you go behind the sea and bring light even to the underworld, you super-rich star!” (3). Zarathustra begins his travels down the mountain towards the village.

Section II

Zarathustra encounters an old man on his journey down the mountain. The old man recognizes Zarathustra from when he went up the mountain ten years ago. He thinks to himself, “Zarathustra is transformed, Zarathustra has become a child, an awakened one is Zarathustra. What do you want now among the sleepers?” (4). Zarathustra tells the old man that he is returning to the village because he loves mankind and wants to teach it.