Posted by teaser on March 08, 1998 at 15:22:16:
In Reply to: Re: Vance Heroes posted by Terry on February 10, 1998 at 07:13:31:
: The question I ask is what do you think makes a Vance hero? What qualities make one similar (or different) to another? Do you have a favorite Vance hero. I'd put Sklaar Hast up as candidate for unique and interesting among them.
Trying to create a brief, coherent reply appears impossible. I'll list three virtues that I believe apply and help define my favorite type of 'Vance hero,' yet I am cognizant that these qualities are necessarily vague.
1) An immediate sense of Purpose. Adam Reith must find a way off of Tschai. Gersen has his own Demons to slay. Aillas desires to bring a sense of peace to his kingdom, and indeed all of Lyonesse. Cugel, aside from his enlightened self-interest, seeks revenge in the Laughing Magician (remember Frix.) I believe that this is different from the treasure- or adventure-seeking exploits of many fictional heroes, and different as well from the often vague let's-all-get-together-and-save-the-world plots of most major fantasy series. Their motivation is personal, and inform all of their actions.
2) Personal ethos. This aspect is difficult to describe - I also mean a sense of self. Reith will not kill Woudiver in cold blood. Aillas can not kill Father Umphred or Casimir when they are at his mercy. Gersen will not 'take advantage' of Jerdian Chanseth's virtue (without her permission.) Yet, they all have their quirks and flights of fancy. Aillas' pursuit of Tatzel, Reith reading to Doirdolio the inscription on his scan scope, Gersen pressing the button at the end of The Face (and his subsequent call to Adario Chanseth,) perhaps my favorite single moment in Vance's work. They are complex, diverse, essentally virtuous.
3) Perhaps, above all, Resourcefulness. Gersen's 'epic looting' of Interchange (while incarcerated there) is remarkable; Adam Reith's success in the Carabas is unprecedented. Aillas overcomes all sorts of odds, both on an individual level, and in political and military terms. Cugel's journeys resonate with the unknown, and he must adapt to picaresque situations on the fly. They all have a variety of personal resources - mental, emotional, physical, in a balance. All work together to help each hero resolve his situation. All have received training from respected authority figures dedicated to providing this balanced resourcefulness. I am referring to the description of Paul Waunder and Adam Reith as scouts in City of the Chasch, Gersen's training with his grandfather, and Aillas' upbringing by his much-loved father, while shown only in glimpses, is telling as he begins to assert himself. Glawen Clattuc's father is another example. What of Cugel and Sklar Hast? I don't know.
Cugel may lack the physical prowess of the others, but he knows his own limitations and responds accordingly. Recall his bizarre 'swordfight' with Nissifer. On a less grandiose scale, he is resourcefulness personified.
I believe this template may apply to many of Vance's epic heros, including Glawen Clattuc and Sklar Hast, but not necessarily all of his main characters.
Pardon the length of my perspective.