Author Biography: David Eddings
David Eddings (1931–2009) was an American fantasy writer best known for The Belgariad and its sequel series, The Malloreon. Born in Spokane, Washington, he studied at Reed College and later worked in various fields, including military service and teaching. His writing career began with High Hunt (1973), but he gained fame with Pawn of Prophecy (1982), the first book in The Belgariad. Eddings frequently collaborated with his wife, Leigh Eddings, who was later credited as co-author. Their works are celebrated for their engaging characters, witty dialogue, and traditional yet compelling fantasy storytelling.
Plot Summary of The Belgariad
The Belgariad is a five-book epic fantasy series following Garion, a young farm boy thrust into a quest to reclaim the stolen Orb of Aldur, a magical artefact central to a millennia-spanning prophecy. The series comprises:
- Pawn of Prophecy (1982)
- Queen of Sorcery (1982)
- Magician’s Gambit (1983)
- Castle of Wizardry (1984)
- Enchanters’ End Game (1984)
Raised by his Aunt Pol on Faldor’s farm, Garion discovers she is Polgara the Sorceress, a powerful guardian hiding him from dark forces. Guided by Polgara and the immortal sorcerer Belgarath, Garion journeys across kingdoms, confronting kings, thieves, and gods. He ultimately embraces his destiny as the Child of Light, destined to battle the fallen god Torak to determine the world’s fate.
Main Characters
- Garion (Belgarion): The protagonist, an orphan who awakens to royal lineage and latent magical power.
- Polgara the Sorceress: Garion’s fiercely protective aunt, whose wisdom and sorcery shield him.
- Belgarath the Sorcerer: Polgara’s ancient, mischievous father, mentor to Garion.
- Ce’Nedra: A fiery Tolnedran princess who evolves from a pampered royal to Garion’s steadfast ally.
- Silk (Prince Kheldar): A cunning spy with razor-sharp wit and loyalty.
- Barak: A hulking Cherek warrior prone to berserker rages.
- Durnik: A humble blacksmith whose integrity anchors the group.
- Torak: The antagonist, a god twisted by ambition and hatred.
World Overview
The series unfolds across diverse realms:
- Sendaria: A pragmatic, peaceful kingdom where Garion is raised.
- Alorn Kingdoms (Cherek, Algaria, Drasnia, Riva): Warrior cultures united by prophecy.
- Tolnedra: A bureaucratic empire driven by trade and politics.
- Maragor: A cursed land haunted by grief-stricken spirits.
- Cthol Murgos: A harsh realm loyal to Torak.
- Ulgoland: Home to reclusive, mystical beings.
Prophecy governs the world, framing the eternal struggle between Light and Dark. Divine beings like Aldur and Torak shape events, blurring the lines between fate and free will.
Symbolic Weaponry
Swords in The Belgariad transcend mere weapons, embodying destiny, heritage, and cosmic power:
- The Sword of Riva
- Significance: Forged to wield the Orb of Aldur, it confirms Garion’s identity as the Rivan King and Child of Light.
- Abilities: With the Orb embedded in its pommel, it cuts through magical barriers and channels divine will.
- Symbolism: Represents kingship, duty, and the inevitability of prophecy.
- Torak’s Sword (Cthrek Goru)
- Significance: A cursed, flaming blade symbolising Torak’s tyranny.
- Fate: Defeated by Garion’s sword, underscoring the triumph of light over corrupted divinity.
- Barak’s Sword
- Role: A massive weapon reflecting Cherek’s warrior ethos and Barak’s role as the “Bear” of prophecy.
- Symbolism: Embodies brute strength and the honour of mortal combat.
- Silk’s Dagger
- Contrast: Prefers a dagger to swords, highlighting his agility and cunning over brute force.
These weapons underscore themes of legacy, power, and identity, grounding cosmic struggles in tangible artefacts.
Notable Quotes
- Polgara to Garion: “You don’t have to be brave, you just have to do what needs to be done.”
- Silk’s wit: “Some people learn by words, some by experience, and some just have to pee on the electric fence.”
- Belgarath’s wisdom: “Age doesn’t always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.”
- Ce’Nedra: “I am not a child, I am a princess, and you will listen to me!”
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Praise:
- Lauded for humour, character dynamics (e.g., Belgarath and Silk’s banter), and accessible world-building.
- Polgara and Ce’Nedra are standout figures, blending strength with emotional depth.
Criticism:
- Relies heavily on “chosen one” tropes and prophecy-driven plots.
- Female characters, though compelling, occasionally adhere to archetypes (e.g., the nurturing sorceress).
Legacy:
- Inspired The Malloreon sequel and prequels (Belgarath the Sorcerer, Polgara the Sorceress).
- Influenced modern fantasy’s blend of epic stakes and character-driven humour, though less mainstream than The Lord of the Rings.
Final Thoughts
The Belgariad remains a cornerstone of classic fantasy, balancing grand prophecy with intimate character growth. Its swords, sorcery, and wit continue to enchant readers, cementing Eddings’ place in the genre’s history.
Further Reading Recommendations:
- The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
- The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay
- Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams
