(urth) The Wizard - do not read until Jan 1
Andrew Bollen
abollen at internode.on.net
Mon Jan 3 04:22:27 PST 2005
Don writes:
> First the generalities: I think Wolfe erred in making Able a modern kid
> from America.
Arnthor is surely shamed by Able's knighty prowess (and presumably isn't
totally thrilled that Able killed his brother). But I believe that Able's
role as far as the Aelf were concerned was certainly to be a messenger, and
for this role Able as modern American kid isn't completely arbitrary. The
Aelf wished to deliver a message to the rulers of their "Gods" saying, "Rule
better!" An American in the court of King Arnthor doesn't seem inappropriate
for this, whereas a "local" kid would probably find criticizing a king
inconceivable, not least because he would have no other model.
When Able delivers the message to Arnthor, the first part is from the Aelf,
with rather naive and general adjurations towards justice and mercy. Then
Able, speaking for himself, gives practical examples of better rule - fair
taxation and self-determination. Well within the political background
knowledge of a modern American kid who listened in class!
This might seem a bit hokey, but personally I didn't mind it. I was hoping
formore flashes of the story of the "real" Able, in our world.
Questions Wizard left me with:
- Who rules after Arnthor? My guess: Beel (or perhaps Idnn). There is
discussion towards the end of the book about why Gaynor, Morcaine and Marder
are all unsuitable. Beel & Idnn are close to the line of succession and it
would be a nice happy ending for Beel, to finally get what he has wanted for
so long.
- What did Able say to Lothur to change the "sons of the Dragon" enemies to
"Lothurling" allies? Presumably it had to with a revelation o Able's slaying
of Grengarm (the "Dragon") and Lothur taking over the role of tutelary
deity.
- What did Kulili show to Able which he will only talk about with one
"greater than the Valfather"?
- Like Able, I can't think of any reason why Berthold appeared as Ben when
Able wore the magic helm at the end of the story. The Valfather as bright
shadow seems more straightforward - there is one True God, and the powers
between us and Him protect us from the full glare of His love etc etc. When
Able breaks his oath and chooses Disiri over the Valfather, he is acting in
accordance with a higher will (as the Valfather recognizes).
- The lowest God. Clearly he is the source of the theological inversion
poisoning the worlds, and presumably the "great secret" of the heresies is
the Highest = Lowest lie he tells Able, and the claim that God is
Janus-faced. But is he your normal fallen angel, or another kind of being;
and why does he have wounds on his back? Plucked wings?
- We get creation stories down to Aelfrice, for worlds and inhabitants, but
not for Muspel and Niflheim, as I recall. Are we supposed to make up our
own? Perhaps the Dragons are discarded parts of Kulili, grown monstrous.
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