Book Title: The Belgariad (Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit, Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game)
Author: David Eddings
Publisher: Random House USA Inc. (2002)
Being unemployed during the first four weeks of January gave me ample time to read through this five-book series. Though I have long planned to write a reflection about it, it didn't happen until now, when my irritation and disappointment towards reality kicks in, and I need to remind myself of what I have learned from the series.
(Spoiler alert) The story plot is no novelty to any readers who read fantasy stories. In fact, the author himself verified so in the preface of the book. The innocent hero was taken out from his comfort zone and embarked on a long journey to complete quest(s). He gathered companions along the way, acquired skills, met challenges, received help, fought and defeated the evil, and finally lived happily ever after with his beloved.
Despite the rudimentary storyline, Eddings did a great job in engaging his readers with witty dialogues and detailed descriptions about the places, the cultures, and the people with distinct and complex personalities. Besides, kudos to Eddings for including a section of the story which clearly aims to highlight women empowerment.
For me personally, the biggest charm of The Belgariad series lies in how successful Eddings illustrated the theme of the story: coming of age. As Garion struggled to accept his fate and to do what was required of him, the young lad talked frequently to voices in his head. He often asked, "Why me?" His fear of the future caused him to do many silly things and to complain, A LOT.
He yearned for Aunt Pol's attention, but he received very little validation from her.
Whiny, young Garion is no doubt my least favorite character. Yet, I think all of us can agree that we see a bit of ourselves in him. At least I do. I often fixate on getting validation from my loved ones. Sometimes, not getting the comforting words I want causes me so much pain and bitterness that I don't even care that the Creator has a plan for me to fulfill.
The uncertainty and the unfamiliarity were no fun to deal with. Thankfully, being in harmony with himself and the fate/Creator, Garion refused to let the fear in his heart blew out of proportion. He took active steps and faced it boldly. However, even after he decided to do so and was on the way to face his enemy, there were still times when he doubted himself and questioned fate repeatedly.
A brave main character inspires the readers; yet a realistic, slightly 'cowardly' main character humbles us. It reminds us that bravery is not an impulse. Bravery is the commitment to stick through a right decision made, no matter how many times we second-doubt and loathe ourselves. At the end of the day, the faster we give up whining and accept our destiny/purpose in life, the faster we get to doing the thing required of us, and as a result, the faster we can get out of it and go on with what we want. Moreover, since we are at it, there is really no point in doing it grumpily, so we might as well rejoice in it.
As a female reader, I pay close attention to the development of Ce'Nedra too. The love story between Garion and Ce'Nedra might fulfill some readers' fantasy, as the two young ones were destined to be joined in marriage. But for me, Ce'Nedra's love story is no fantasy; it's every bit of the reality.
Women, including me, often wish that we will find soulmate and lover who reciprocate our love with tenderness, undivided attention, and firm leadership. The truth is, only few will find love like that. As for the rest of us, our lovers are just a tiny fraction in the grand scheme of things the Creator has installed for us. In fact, Ce'Nedra was not even in Garion's top five priorities: facing Torak (career), mastering sorcery (talents), getting Aunt Pol's attention (self-worth), taking care of Belgarath's health (family), and facing fear (self-discovery).
Ce'Nedra's burning desire for her lover was then channeled into her motivation to advance in career. Similarly, in real life, women need to find peace with the Creator and seek out other things the Creator has installed for us.
