The homage is to Eric Satie, who's surrealistic music I have loved all my adult life. It floats above some of my animated work, including this short film. There is a serene atmosphere, which does not overwhelm the moving visuals. And yet I feel there is an opening where anything can happen.
As the boy reads to his grandfather, we see the story unfold:
First, Cyrus, entering a conquered city, and Moses destroying the golden calf.
Later, we see Sennacherib sane slain by his sons, and Samson betrayed. We see Agag slain and David feigning madness.
Saul dies, and finally we see the death of Abel, slain by his brother Cane, whence sprang the races of Arabs and Jews, who have been at war ever since.