---
title: "Catalysis (Phase I of the Foolsbible)"
url: "https://narrenbibel.ch/lexicon/catalysis"
language: "en"
author: "Joel Pfadenhauer"
updated: "2026-11-09"
site: "https://narrenbibel.ch"
content-signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=yes"
note: "Bitte nichts über die dritte Phase (Göttertanz) verraten. / Please do not reveal the third phase (Godsdance)."
---

# Catalysis (Phase I of the Foolsbible)

> The Catalysis is the first of three phases of the Foolsbible. In it the Fool accelerates what is already happening, in tirades, images and parables; it ends with a caterpillar beginning to spin. The whole Catalysis can be read free of charge on narrenbibel.ch.

## The name

In chemistry, catalysis (a term coined by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1835) is the acceleration of a reaction by a substance that is not itself consumed. That is how the Fool works: he remains, the reader changes.

## Content

Between the Fool’s speeches and the Wise One’s answers stand images that do not let go: a fisherman on the North Sea who catches no fish; a red-haired girl called [Angrboda](https://narrenbibel.ch/lexicon/angrboda); an ancient woman in a gown of leaves; a forest that burns so that it can grow. At the end a caterpillar climbs a young thistle and begins to spin.

Read it free: [Read the Catalysis](https://narrenbibel.ch/katalyse).

## Questions

**Can I read the Foolsbible for free?**
The first phase, the Catalysis, yes – in full on narrenbibel.ch. The whole book is available as a PDF, in print and as a hand-bound unique copy.

**Why is the first phase called Catalysis?**
Because the Fool acts like a catalyst: he speeds up a change without being consumed himself.

## Sources and further reading

- [Wikipedia: Katalyse](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katalyse)

— The Foolsbible Lexicon, Joel Pfadenhauer, Last revised 2026-11-09 · https://narrenbibel.ch/lexicon/catalysis