American Gods

The old gods and the new gods go to war in Rock City on top of Georgia’s Lookout Mountain. The location provides a view of seven states, and the caves below the mountaintop resemble “some strange hell” (316) filled with dolls. Rock City is a powerful place, drawing together the gods from across the country. They gather in groups organized by origin, race, species, and other demographic similarities. The new gods arrive. In contrast to the weak, unsure old gods, the new gods are confident and aloof.

Laura visits the three women and asks for water. When “a brown earthenware jug of water” (319) is fetched, Laura drinks the whole jug, but the water makes her vomit. She regurgitates insects and bile. Laura’s whole life appears before her as her body convulses. She passes out, and when she comes to, the women are gone. Laura notices an open wound on her hand, and after seeing a mountain in her mind, she knows that she must go to Rock City.

The new gods arrive in “long limousines and in small sports cars” (320). Technical Boy, feeling worried, searches for Mr. World. Elsewhere, Mr. Town follows Mr. World’s orders and cuts a branch from the tree where Shadow’s dead body is hanging.