The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison is a classic work of high fantasy that has captivated readers for nearly a century. Set in a world that is part medieval and part Norse saga, the book tells the story of the protracted war between the domineering King Gorice of Witchland and the Lords of Demonland. The novel is known for its archaic language, which is a mixture of modern and Middle English, and its vivid descriptions of battles, romance, and intrigue.
While many readers have enjoyed The Worm Ouroboros simply as a thrilling adventure story, others have seen deeper meaning in the book. Some have interpreted it as an allegory for the struggles of humanity, with the Demons representing the forces of good and the Witches representing the forces of evil. Others have seen it as a commentary on the nature of power and the corrupting influence it can have on those who wield it.
Whatever interpretation one chooses to take, there is no denying that The Worm Ouroboros is a masterpiece of fantasy literature. Its richly imagined world, complex characters, and intricate plot have earned it a place among the great works of the genre. Whether one is a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of high fantasy, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.
E.R. Eddison and ‘The Worm Ouroboros’ Overview
E.R. Eddison was a British writer known for his contributions to the fantasy genre. One of his most famous works is “The Worm Ouroboros,” a novel first published in 1922. The book is set in a fictional world, mainly medieval and partly reminiscent of Norse sagas, and tells the story of a prolonged war between the domineering King Gorice of Witchland and the Lords of Demonland.
Eddison’s writing style is often described as majestic and Shakespearean, with a focus on grandiose themes and epic battles. “The Worm Ouroboros” is no exception, with its sweeping narrative and larger-than-life characters. The novel has been praised for its vivid world-building and intricate plot, as well as its exploration of themes such as power, honor, and loyalty.
Despite its age, “The Worm Ouroboros” remains a beloved classic of the fantasy genre, and has influenced many writers and works of fiction in the years since its publication. Eddison’s legacy as a pioneer of fantasy literature continues to inspire readers and writers alike, and his contributions to the genre are still celebrated today.
What Is Allegory?
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, objects, and events to represent abstract ideas and themes. In an allegory, the characters and events are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as representations of something else. For example, a character in an allegory may represent an idea or a virtue, while an object may represent a concept or a belief.
Allegories are often used to convey moral or political messages in a subtle way. They can also be used to explore complex philosophical or theological concepts in an accessible way. Allegories can be found in many forms of literature, including fables, parables, and myths.
In “The Worm Ouroboros” by E.R. Eddison, the story is not an allegory, but rather a tale to be read for its own sake. However, the book does contain elements of symbolism and metaphor that can be interpreted in different ways. For example, the characters in the book may represent different aspects of human nature, while the events in the story may symbolize the struggles and conflicts that people face in their lives.
Major Themes and Symbols in ‘The Worm Ouroboros’
The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison is a fantasy novel that explores various themes and symbols. One of the major themes of the book is the concept of heroism. The novel portrays the heroic journey of the Demons against their age-long foes, the Witches. The Demons led by Lord Juss, his brothers, and their companions, are portrayed as courageous and honorable, fighting for the greater good of their world.
Another significant theme in the book is the idea of power and its corrupting influence. The villainous King Gorice of Witchland is obsessed with power and is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his hold over his subjects. His actions are often cruel and ruthless, leading to the suffering of many innocent people. The novel also explores the idea of fate and destiny, as the characters are often driven by their predetermined roles in the conflict between the Demons and the Witches.
The Worm Ouroboros also makes use of various symbols throughout the story. One of the most prominent symbols is the Ouroboros itself, a mythical serpent that appears in various forms throughout the book. The serpent is often associated with the Witches and their desire for power and control. The novel also makes use of other symbols such as the sword, which represents honor and bravery, and the crown, which represents power and authority.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
The characters in “The Worm Ouroboros” can be seen as allegorical figures that represent different aspects of human nature. For example, King Gorice of Witchland can be interpreted as a symbol of tyranny and oppression, while Lord Juss of Demonland can be seen as a representation of courage and heroism.
Other characters, such as the Lady Mevrian and the Lady Sriva, can be viewed as allegories for love and beauty, respectively. The character of Lord Brandoch Daha, with his quick wit and sharp tongue, can be seen as a symbol of intelligence and cunning.
The Ouroboros Symbolism
The Ouroboros is a symbol that appears throughout E.R. Eddison’s “The Worm Ouroboros.” The symbol is represented by a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. This symbol is often interpreted as representing the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. In the context of the novel, the Ouroboros symbolizes the eternal conflict between the forces of good and evil.
The Ouroboros is first introduced in the novel when the Lords of Demonland are discussing the nature of their conflict with the Witches of Witchland. Lord Juss, the leader of the Demons, describes the conflict as a cycle that has been repeating itself for centuries. He says that the conflict will continue until the Ouroboros “eats his own tail.”
Throughout the novel, the Ouroboros appears as a recurring motif. It is mentioned by various characters and is even depicted on the cover of some editions of the book. The symbol is used to represent the never-ending struggle between the forces of good and evil, and the cyclical nature of life.
Allegorical Interpretations of the Plot
The Worm Ouroboros has been interpreted in various ways, including as an allegory of World War I and as a representation of the myth of creation and destruction. One interpretation is that the characters in the book represent different nations involved in the war, with Witchland representing Germany and Demonland representing England. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the book was written shortly after World War I and that Eddison himself served in the war.
Another interpretation is that the book represents the myth of creation and destruction, with the characters representing various gods and goddesses. For example, Gorice represents the god of destruction, while Lord Juss represents the god of creation. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the book contains many references to Norse mythology and that Eddison was interested in mythology.
However, it is important to note that Eddison himself stated that the book was not intended to be an allegory or fable, but rather a story to be read for its own sake. Therefore, while these interpretations are interesting, they should be taken with a grain of salt and not seen as the definitive meaning of the book.
Style and Literary Devices
E.R. Eddison’s writing style in “The Worm Ouroboros” is unique and distinct. He uses a faux-Elizabethan style that is reminiscent of Shakespearean language. The language is complex and ornate, which can make it difficult to read for some readers. However, it is also part of the charm of the book.
The author also employs various literary devices to enhance the story’s impact. For instance, he uses allegory to represent the struggle between good and evil. The Demons represent good, while the Witches symbolize evil. The book’s title, “The Worm Ouroboros,” is also an allegory for the cyclical nature of life and death.
Additionally, Eddison uses vivid imagery to create a rich and immersive world. The descriptions of landscapes, creatures, and battles are detailed and imaginative. The author also uses foreshadowing to build tension and suspense throughout the story.
Historical and Philosophical Influences
The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison draws heavily on historical and philosophical influences, particularly Norse mythology and medieval literature. The novel is set in an imaginary world that appears mainly medieval and partly reminiscent of Norse sagas. Eddison’s interest in medieval literature is evident in his use of archaic language and his incorporation of medieval literary conventions such as the epic style and the use of alliteration.
The novel’s philosophical influences are also apparent in its exploration of themes such as fate, free will, and the nature of power. Eddison’s use of allegory allows him to explore these themes in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel’s portrayal of the struggle between the domineering King Gorice of Witchland and the Lords of Demonland can be seen as an allegory for the struggle between the forces of good and evil.
In addition to its medieval and Norse influences, The Worm Ouroboros also draws on the works of other authors such as William Shakespeare and John Milton. Eddison’s use of language and his incorporation of literary conventions from these authors help to give the novel its unique style and tone.
Comparisons to Other Allegorical Works
When it comes to allegorical works, “The Worm Ouroboros” by E.R. Eddison stands out as a unique piece of literature. Unlike other allegorical works, Eddison’s novel is not an allegory at all. It is a story that is meant to be read for its own sake, without any hidden meanings or messages.
In contrast, works like George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” are both well-known allegories that use animals and children to represent human society and its flaws. These works are often taught in schools as examples of allegory, and their messages are clear and straightforward.
Another famous allegorical work is Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy,” which uses a journey through the afterlife to represent the human soul’s journey towards God. The allegory is rich and complex, with many layers of meaning that can be explored and interpreted in different ways.
Reader Interpretations and Discussions
Readers of “The Worm Ouroboros” have offered various interpretations and discussions of the novel. Some readers view the book as a straightforward adventure story, while others see it as an allegory for the human condition.
One common interpretation of the novel is that it represents the cyclical nature of history and the futility of war. The never-ending battle between the Demons and the Witches is seen as a metaphor for the endless cycle of violence and conflict that has plagued human history.
Another interpretation is that the novel is a commentary on the nature of power and the corrupting influence it can have on those who possess it. King Gorice, the ruler of Witchland, is often seen as a symbol of tyranny and oppression, while Lord Juss, the leader of the Demons, represents the struggle for freedom and justice.
Some readers have also noted the complex relationships between the characters in the novel, particularly the romantic entanglements between Lord Juss and Lady Mevrian, and between Brandoch Daha and the Witch Queen.