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.
Kaor, Paul!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteKaor, Mr. Stirling!
ReplyDeleteI should have remembered that as well, not just of Ivar having his nose rubbed in the hard facts of real life.
Ad astra! Sean