This short story shows that reason had no place in the ancient world, only blind belief and superstition. In some cultures, there were no answers to rational questions nor the knowledge of countering an argument. The man expected the boy to believe the myth of the edge of the world. But the kid proved smart and thoughtful.In a way he shattered the myth and this seems to have enraged the father. I think this is the same thing that happened in a big way in the Greek culture. Socrates was given poison because he encouraged thinking and reasoning, which frightened the rulers. Leaders of great revolutions met with the same kind of fate. How this happens is shown in this cameo like story.
In many cultures, rivers and mountains are worshiped and they are given symbolic names as well.

Write on!