Sunday, 16 July 2023

Armageddon And Ys

In some works of fantasy, magicians influence a supernatural realm and must then deduce the consequences of their interventions. I continue to find parallels between Poul and Karen Anderson's The King of Ys and James Blish's Black Easter. In the latter work, knowing that a powerful black magician plans to release a host of major demons, the College of white magicians tries to summon and consult the seven Celestial Princes/Olympians but only four appear and the fourth, inexplicably headless, causes uproar. We learn why. The black magician's conjuration will unleash Armageddon which the demons will win.

Similarly:

"'We do not know what this portends. I fear 'tis a war between Gods, but we do not know.'"
-Dahut, IX, 2, p. 191.

A war between Gods could render the Pact between the Three of Ys and Their city null and void. The situation is already volatile. When a young Christian enquires about Mithraic initiation, Gratillonius advises him to stand by the God that he already has. Carsa, another Christian, has sworn before God to kill Gratillonius if he consummates his marriage with his daughter, Dahut. Gratillonius thinks that maybe Ys should become Christian. That would end a lot of problems and there are worse Gods. Dahut curses Christ.

Who will win? We know who will win but meanwhile we appreciate the human and supernatural drama.

1 comment:

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

I think comparing THE KING YS with Anderson's two OPERATION books would also be apt. I recall mention being made in OPERATION CHAOS of how both the Highest and His Adversary did not wish to bring on an early Armageddon.

Ad astra! Sean