Poul Anderson's heroes are distinct individuals. When we first see Dominic Flandry, he is experienced with women - to Persis d'Io's surprise - whereas, when we first see Ivar Frederiksen, he has had very little experience. He thinks:
"...I hope I've honor not to seduce [Fraina] and leave her cryin' behind, when at last I go." (8, p. 133)
No fear of that. Fraina is a tineran. She will take charge of all of Ivar's cash, then cast him out - a learning experience. And Ivar learns how he might help the tinerans when he becomes Firstman of Ilion. A head of state who has spent time among the subcultures is an obvious asset to a planet.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
The first chapters of THE DAY OF THEIR RETURN shows us Ivar Frederiksen when he was irritatingly naive and priggish. And Fraina was a con woman!
As the story advances we see Ivar painfully learning some wisdom and being disabused of many illusions. A bildungsroman, IOW.
Ad astra! Sean
The destined prince who has to wander in disguise is a figure in many cultures' mythologies.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I should have remembered that as well, not just of Ivar having his nose rubbed in the hard facts of real life.
Ad astra! Sean
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