Foreword
It has been my pleasure once again to get a sneak preview of
a Reluctant Hero novel. This third book in the trilogy brings
together characters and themes from the earlier books for an exciting and
satisfying conclusion.
The story
is based around the idea of Ragnarok – the final destiny of the gods – from
Norse mythology. As in the previous
novels in the series, the Norse/Germanic gods play a central role, interacting
with and supporting the action on the human plane. Among the human characters there are heroes
and villains. The heroes, especially,
are far from simplistic cardboard cutouts; some of the most endearing are also
fatally flawed. And the gods themselves
are mortal – limited in their knowledge and power; they are subject to their
fates as are men.
While the
story is based around tales and values from Germanic heathenry, its themes are
relevant to other world-views as well.
If you are familiar with the concept of karma, for example, you will see
it played out in this story. Ideas and
ideals that are common to many cultures – such as justice and loyalty – are
portrayed. The chilling potential consequences
of ignoring those ideals are also portrayed, sometimes graphically.
As with the
previous books in the trilogy, this is a novel, a work of fiction. It is not a retelling of the Norse myth, and
deviates from the pre-Christian lore at times.
But the basic framework from the lore is there, fleshed out with the
sort of how-it-might-happen detail that brings it to life. What would happen if there was an extended
winter? How would men react?
There are
subtle warnings about what could happen if the earth’s balance is lost, and
there are observations on the dangers of complacency in happy, well adjusted
societies, as well as about the consequences of overweening pride and
greed.
Like the
first and second novels in the trilogy, while Ragnarok has a moral point, explores philosophical themes, and
brings in some interesting bits of real history, it is above all a lively and
entertaining read.
Karen M. P. Carlson
