The Pilgrim’s Progress: Part 2: The Valley of the Shadow of Death Summary & Analysis

Next, they enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, where they hear groanings and feel the earth shake. They see a fiend in the distance, but they draw near to Great-heart, and no sooner does the fiend draw near than it disappears. They remember the words, “Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you.” When a lion roars after them, it, too, disappears as soon as Great-heart prepares to fight it.

A short time later, they come to a huge pit, and a great darkness settles over them. They hear the noises and see the fires of Hell. Christiana pities Christian having had to face this Valley alone in the dark, realizing that nobody understands this journey until they pass through it for themselves. They pray for deliverance, and God grants light to help them through the rest of the Valley.

After carefully picking their way through some snares, they see a man named Heedless cast into the ditch, his flesh torn. Great-heart says that many pilgrims are killed in this valley because they foolishly venture through it without a guide. If Christian had not been so strong and received help from God, he wouldn’t have made it, either.

Then the giant Maul comes out of his cave and confronts the group, accusing Great-heart of kidnapping the women and children from his own kingdom. Great-heart and Maul end up fighting with sword and club, and after more than an hour and much prayer, Great-heart succeeds in beheading the giant with his sword. Rejoicing, they mount Maul’s head on a pillar for passersby to see.

They sit and rest and discuss the fight. Great-heart has a small wound, but he says the scar will be a reminder of his love for God. He says that when Maul fought with him, it was his duty to trust in God’s strength instead of his own ability, and he also remembered that Christ suffered cruel blows himself, triumphing in the end.