River of Fundament

A wake is held in honor of the late author Norman Mailer, drawing together friends and key figures from New York City's cultural scene. The event is marked by musical performances that create a melancholic yet celebratory atmosphere, paying tribute to Mailer's literary legacy.

From the mystical River of Feces, the spirit of Norman I rises to attend his own wake. He is greeted by his Ka spirits, who guide him through the ethereal realm while he surveys the mourners below.

In a vivid flashback, a unique ritual unfolds at a Chrysler dealership in Los Angeles. A battered 1967 Chrysler Imperial symbolizes Norman I, culminating in a ceremonial procession as the vehicle is prepared for its final resting place in a showroom.

Unable to communicate with his widow Joan La Barbara, Norman I connects with Ptah-Nem-Hotep, a Pharaoh who expresses envy over Norman's past encounters with Usermare. Their discussion reveals their shared reliance on mystical practices for wisdom.

Norman I meets Hathfertiti, who aids him in accessing a portal that will lead him back to the River of Feces. This encounter rekindles his spirit and sets him on the path of rebirth, emphasizing themes of transformation.

As an adult, Norman II emerges as a powerful shamanistic sorcerer from the River of Feces. He is welcomed by Hathfertiti in their home, and the somber atmosphere of their surroundings amplifies the weight of the legacy he carries.

In another flashback, the narrative takes us to Detroit, where Norman II is symbolized by a golden 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Here, a reenactment of the myth of Isis and Osiris unfolds, showcasing the struggle between divine forces.

The mythological conflict between Nephthys and Set plays out amidst domestic turmoil in the Detroit setting. Isis and her sister face numerous challenges as they endeavor to reclaim Osiris's body, weaving together themes of struggle and resilience.

Usermare returns to the Mailer House to find a nearly empty wake, with only Hathfertiti remaining. Their meeting reveals her identity as his daughter, intertwining familial ties with themes of abandonment and loyalty.

As the wake continues, Norman II makes preparations to rise from the River of Feces. The atmosphere thickens with anticipation and existential contemplation, tied deeply to the family's legacy.

The spirit of Norman III takes the form of a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, signaling the next evolution of the Norman lineage. He grapples with his identity as he prepares for his own ascension.

A climactic confrontation unfolds between Horus and Set within the lively atmosphere of Brooklyn. The conflict serves as a pivotal moment that tests family allegiances and the essence of their legacy.

Hathfertiti confronts her mortality and makes a profound decision, choosing the earth's supernatural energies over her royal lineage. Her final sleep symbolizes the closing of one chapter and the continuation of mystical connections.

In a moment of devastation, Usermare succumbs to despair after Hathfertiti's rejection of her lineage. This turn of events deeply shapes the narrative, indicating a tragic severing of connections.

Ultimately, Norman III finds himself ensnared within the portal, cementing the end of the Norman lineage. This haunting conclusion reflects the cyclical nature of loss and identity as the narrative drifts away to Idaho's Sawtooth Mountain Range.