Allegory
In the city Mansoul, there are three esteemed men, who have lost their authority due to admitting Diabolus into the city. The mayor's understanding is hidden from the light. The recorder has become a madman, sinning at times and condemning the sin of the city. But worst of all is "Lord Willbewill," who no longer desires to serve his true Lord, but desires to serve Diabolus instead. With the fall of these three men, Mansoul will need to turn back to Shaddai of his own free will, which seems impossible. Salvation can only come if Emmanuel is victorious.Characters
Main Characters: *Boanerges: One of the four first Captains Shaddai sent to Mansoul *Carnal-Security: An entrapping Diabolian, who convinces Mansoul to break their fellowship with Emmanuel after He saved the city *Charity: Seventh Captain *Conscience: The Recorder of Mansoul, who forgets Shaddai's law due to sin, at times, and other times laments the sin of the city *Conviction: Second Captain *Credence: Fifth Captain *Diabolus: The deceiver who prompts the fall of Mansoul with lies, and fights against Emmanuel's conquest *Emmanuel: Son of Shaddai and leader of the campaign to reclaim the city Mansoul *Execution: Fourth Captain. *Forget-Good: The recorder who works for Diabolus and despises the laws of Shaddai *Good-Hope: Sixth Captain. *Ill-Pause: A servant of Diabolus who slays Lord Innocency with foulness *Incredulity: Friend of Diabolus and one of the two mayors during his rule. Incredulity escapes execution after the recapture of Mansoul and leads the army of Doubters against it. *Innocence: Eighth Captain. *Judgement: Third Captain. *Lord Wilbewill: Servant of Shaddai at first but shifts allegiances to Diabolus when the city is captured *Lusting: A Diabolian Mayor during the rule of Diabolus *Patience: Ninth Captain *Shaddai: The Sovereign of the Universe, as well as the creator and builder of Mansoul (Locations
Some of the main places are listed below. *Mansoul: The town, built for the glory and enjoyment of Shaddai, who in its wickedness forsakes their King for Diabolus. *Eye-Gate: One of the most significant of the five gates entering into Mansoul. *Ear-Gate: Also one of the most significant gates entering into Mansoul, it is the one which is first assaulted by Diabolus. *Mouth-Gate: The Gate where proclamations are read and petitions sent. *Feel-Gate: A weakly guarded gate where Diabolus sends the Doubters to attack after Emmanuel had reclaimed the city. *Nose-Gate: The least of the five gates of Mansoul. *Hell-Gate Hill: The place where Diabolus initially flees after losing possession of Mansoul.Reception
Critical reception to ''The Holy War'' has been mixed. Only two editions were published during Bunyan's lifetime, indicating that the work was much less popular than his earlier ''References
External links
* Online text of ''The Holy War'':