Events on Aeneas seem to be moving away from historical and into mythic time. Ivar Frederiksen's fiancee, Tatiana Thane, is visited by a colleague whose first name is Gabriel. This Gabriel speaks of:
"'Signs, tokens, precognitions...'" (p. 172)
He is sure that the fugitive, Ivar, is still alive although there is no evidence for this. Then he says:
"'And you are [Ivar's] bride who will bear his son that Builders will make more than human.'
"Belief stood incandescent in his eyes." (ibid.)
A lot of people are getting carried away. Aycharaych uses psychic technology to control Jaan. Does he also use some such technology to heighten Aenean belief levels? There does not seem to be any other specific explanation for this accelerating millenarianism.
Beyond this point, the novel could have taken two directions. The direction that it did not take would have been further into mythic time with Gabriel's premonitions being gradually fulfilled. The irony is that the manipulator, Aycharaych, is the last surviving member of the Ancient race.
6 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
And I think Anderson wanted some readers to be reminded of how the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the BVM in Luke's gospel.
Correct, Aycharaych was manipulating the various faiths Aeneans had to further his own goals.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Gabriel is an obvious reference. I wondered whether his surname, "Stewart," was also significant.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I can see some, esp. in the UK, being reminded of "Stuart" because of that "Stewart." And then then thinking of Jacobitism and rival claims to legitimacy.
Ad astra! Sean
Right on.
Peoples who've suffered an unanticipated and deeply resented loss in war tend to be receptive to millenarianism.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Or any other kind of fanaticism, like the mix of socialism, "Aryan" racism, antisemitism, and extreme nationalism peddled by the Nazis in Germany.
Ad astra! Sean
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