Questions About The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, #1-3)

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Answered Questions (3)

When I first read The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (The First 6 Volumes) I was transported, elevated even. Almost 40 years later, as I re-read them, the final trilogy, and capstone, I still enjoy the story, but often find his use of language pretentious and tedious, even. Anybody else with me here?

Wil Harper

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)[I am so glad it is not just e. I first read these when I was 14 and absolutely loved them. I reread them around 4 times in 4 years. I have had them on my shelf ever since and finally got around to rereading decades later. I am struggling through book 2 at the moment, the language reads like my 14 yr old self's attempts at making people sound important, the 'stirring speeches' are frequently cringeworthy in the extreme. Let's take this example, this is said by people who are basically the premier academics and loremasters of the entire world on greeting TC "Hail, white gold wielder! - you who are named ur-Lord Thomas Covenant, Unbeliever and Ringthane"
Ouch, even at 14 I would have known that was shudderingly bad.

Many of the interactions with TC follow this type of pattern which actually undermines the central question of the book, whether the Land is real or a dream. If it is real then people don't speak like this, if it is a dream then of course they will react as if TC is a demigod/messiah figure.

There is a heavy religious overtone to the way everyone reacts to TC which isn't supported by the characterisation of the land and its people either. There is no organised religion and not everyone believes in the myth of the creator even, but they behave like religious fanatics - compltee with clunky prose and overly earnest motivation. They often behave as if members of some hippy cult, wafting around in robes, worshipping trees, having these long drawn out celebrations and group hug gatherings. Even the famed hunters of the plains worship horses and wear flowers in their hair.

The issue of the challanging actions of TC seems to get glossed over as well. I admire SD idea to include it, and at first it seems to really bring out the crises and challange in the concept of the unbeliever. THis is a pretty crappy excuse for a human being, he is rude, distrustful, sneering and a rapist. And yet, everyone basically adores him and forgives the brutal rape of a 16 yr old girl by a man over twice her age. As an adult I become profoundly uncomfortable not only with the way casual characters respond to TC, but specifically by male characters (other than Troy) who know the full story. Lord Mhoram and Saltheart Foamfollow are the two worst examples. They are both in different ways held up as ideal males, people we are supposed to like and respect. And yet both of them refuse to censure the actions of a rapist.
TC emotional turmoil is deemed a good enough excuse for raping a girl.

To make it worse, in the second book his daughter of that rape, knowing exactly what he did, seduces him. The whole series is a male fantasy, rape without consequences, seduction by a powerful and beautiful woman who wants you so badly they will break social taboos for you, people heaping praise and treasure on you even when you are rude. Its just plain boring after a while.
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what age group is this for - could a young teen who is an avid reader be OK, is there anything really disturbing in it? Not being a fantasy reader myself I am unsure as to how much adult content there may be.

Michael Owen There's a rape of a child as a major plot event.…moreThere's a rape of a child as a major plot event.(less)

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So how many people think "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant" was a rebuttal of "The Lord of the Rings"? I think the major rebuttal concerns the relationship between guilt, innocence, and power.

Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) I wouldn't call it a rebuttal, since that means a refutation of some sort. Derivative, yes. I'd call it that.…moreI wouldn't call it a rebuttal, since that means a refutation of some sort. Derivative, yes. I'd call it that.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

What are each of the worth? I have all three in very good/excellent condition. Never read.

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