The narrator, John, is a young priest of his tribe, and these names represent the lost knowledge and technology of the Old Ones. He discovers their names inscribed on broken, rusted objects in the ruins of their city. The narrator views these names with a mix of awe and fear, as they represent a lost civilization far beyond his understanding.
Here's why the confusion might arise:
* The story uses biblical language: The narrator and his tribe are reminiscent of ancient Israelites, and the Old Ones are presented as a "fallen" civilization. This makes it easy to associate them with biblical figures and concepts.
* The names themselves: "Lincoln" is a well-known American name, and "Biltmore" evokes the grand mansions of the Gilded Age. This connection further fuels the sense of them being powerful beings.
However, it's essential to remember that Lincoln and Biltmore Moses are not gods in the story. They are merely names from a forgotten past, representing the lost power and knowledge of the Old Ones.