"[The Zacharians] actually liked the idea of bringing [Targovi's] party to their island. What would come of that, only the gods knew, and maybe not they either. Javak the Fireplayer might once again take a hand in what would otherwise have been the working out of fate." (p. 364)
7 Whence this creation has arisen – perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not – the one who looks down on it, in the highest heaven, only he knows – or perhaps he does not know.
-Rig Veda.
"That god who sees in highest heaven, he alone knows, or perhaps he knows not." (Another translation.)
Targovi's reflection about gods, Javak and fate is a perfect expression of pagan thinking. Some believe in literal gods. Others refer to them as literary characters. They alone know - or might not. I think that what happens is a mixture of Fate and Fortuna. We are responsible for responding to our circumstances and for the consequences of our actions.
2 comments:
History is a series of low-probability accidents bouncing off each other. This is a reason for caution.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
And I'm stunned by the stupefyingly implausible "coincidences" leading to the Sarajevo Assassination in 1914. With all its baleful consequences!\
Ad astra! Sean
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