When reading chapter 113, “The Forge” I came across the part in Latin and was confused. After some investigation online, I found out that “Ego non baptizo te in nomine patris, sed in nomine diaobli” means “I do not baptize you in the name of the father, but in the name of the devil”. I found this part of the plot to be quite interesting. There has been quite a strong focus on religion, specifically Christianity, and this seems to be sending the boat, led by Ahab, in quite a dark place in a Christian context. Just before this part, Stubb even says “What’s that bunch of lucifers dodging about there for?”. He says this while the weapon is being forged, and it does make me think of the implications of fire and that which burns–associated with hell. Is the Pequod having its fall from Heaven? Was it even there in the first place? 

Another very important part of this passage is that Ahab uses Tashtego, Queequeg, and Daggoo to put out the weapon after its been forged. Usually, its cooled using water, but Ahab literally brands the three men instead, and then says the verse in Latin. Water is used in baptism when one is dunked beneath it, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and new life in Christ, and instead the blood of three men not in power is being used by a man in power. They are in a position where they can’t say no, and the hierarchy of this ship is being violently reinforced, as it was in previous chapters as well. To me, baptizing a weapon in the name of the Devil seems to be an ill omen filled with ill intent, especially when it comes at the price of harming another. It also shows how out of touch from reality Ahab is becoming in his power and obsession.