Sometimes, in sf, human beings are noticeably superior to other intelligent species. See a blog search result for human superiority. (Scroll down.) But see also More Ishtarian Superiority.
Can this also happen in fantasy? A dwarf tells Skafloc:
"'Let me tell you, boy, that you humans, weak and short-lived and unwitting, are nonetheless more strong than elves and trolls, aye, than giants and gods. And that you can touch cold iron is only one reason...'" (p. 33)
So what are the other reasons? Maybe we will be told. More generally, human beings ourselves are aware of our ambiguous status, weak and short-lived but able to reason and comprehend. In Indian philosophies, neither animals nor gods but only human beings can practice the way to liberation. The Buddha teaches gods and men.
What will come of this theme that human beings are stronger even than gods in Anderson's narrative about Skafloc?
(BTW, I have returned to rereading Stieg Larsson later in the evening when I want to stop blogging. Anderson and Larsson: what a combo! Larsson shows us how much can be done without venturing into history, the future or alternative histories. Here and now can be enough.)
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Tolkien's elves differed from those seen in THE BROKEN SWORD in that the former are not troubled by the Sun and can handle and work with iron.
In "Strangers" humans stranded on an alien planet are treated like elves by the natives of that world, being very long lived while these natives are short lived. These humans are unable to endure that world's sun, needing to stay indoors till after sunset.
I was also reminded of Kipling's poem "Cold Iron."
Ad astra! Sean
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