Shardik
Shardik by Richard Adams, published by Penguin Books in 1976, is a fantasy novel that unfolds in a far-off world. This first edition, comprising 525 pages, presents a tale centered on the reincarnation of the gigantic bear Shardik, whose arrival among the half-barbaric Ortelgan people sets off a transformative series of events. The narrative explores the profound impact of Shardik on the lives of those who encounter him, particularly focusing on Kelderek, a hunter whose journey intertwines with the bear’s divine significance.
Readers will find a richly woven story that delves into themes of belief, destiny, and the complexities of power. As Kelderek evolves from a devoted follower to a ruler and priest-king, the novel examines the layers of meaning behind his faith in Shardik’s divinity. This edition invites exploration of the intricate dynamics between the characters and the mythical elements that shape their destinies, making it a notable addition to the fantasy genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
Richard Adams’s Watership Down was a number one bestseller, a stunning work of the imagination, and an acknowledged modern classic. In Shardik Adams sets a different yet equally compelling tale in a far-off fantasy world. Shardik is a fantasy of tragic character, centered on the long-awaited reincarnation of the gigantic bear Shardik and his appearance among the half-barbaric Ortelgan people. Mighty, ferocious, and unpredictable, Shardik changes the life of every person in the story. His advent commences a momentous chain of events. Kelderek the hunter, who loves and trusts the great bear, is swept up by destiny to become first devotee and then prophet, then victorious soldier, then ruler of an empire and priest-king of Lord Shardik–Messenger of God–only to discover ever-deeper layers of meaning implicit in his passionate belief in the bear’s divinity.
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