Lord Juss
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In Eric Rücker Eddison's fantasy The Worm Ouroboros Lord Juss is the main hero, the chief lord of Demonland and the main actor of much of the narrative.
Lord Juss is described as follows
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Turn thy gaze first on him who walks in majesty in the midst, his tunic of olive-green velvet ornamented with devices of hidden meaning in thread of gold and beads of chrysolite. Mark how the buskins, clasping his stalwart calves, glitter with gold and amber. Mark the dusky cloak streamed with gold and lined with blood-red silk: a charmed cloak, made by the sylphs in forgotten days, bringing good hap to the wearer, so he be true of heart and no dastard. Mark him that weareth it, his sweet dark countenance, the violet fire in his eyes, the sombre warmth of his smile, like autumn woods in late sunshine. This is Lord Juss, lord of this age-remembering castle, than whom none hath more worship in wide Demonland. Somewhat he knoweth of art magical, yet useth not that art; for it sappeth the life and strength, nor is it held worthy that a Demon should put trust in that art, but rather in his own might and main. (page 13) |
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Lord Juss has two brothers, Goldry Bluszco and Lord Spitfire. However he has no named parents, nor any wife or children. Lord Juss's residence is called Galing Castle and it is described in remarkable style at the start of Chapter 1 of the book.
Lord Juss leads a mad expedition to the capital city of Witchland, Carcë where he is captured by King Gorice XII. He is freed from Carcë by the visiting king of Pixyland, La Fireez and returns to Demonland. He then leads an expedition to rescue his brother Goldry Bluszco. His army and fleet is destroyed by the army of Witchland and he himself is nearly killed in a battle with a terrible manticore. After some months being nursed back to health by his noble companion and fellow lord of Demonland, Brandoch Daha, he is able to continue his quest. After scaling Mount Koshtra Pivrarcha he then meets with a demi-goddess named Queen Sophonisba. With her aid, after further adventures, he is able to rescue his brother from the enchanted prison at the top of Zora Rach.
He leads the armies of Demonland in a final battle with Witchland. In the battle he mortally wounds the great hero of the Witchland army, Lord Corund though Juss is struck senseless at the end of their duel.
With the war won and all the leaders of Witchland dead, Lord Juss finds a life of peace and quiet has no appeal. He tells Queen Sophonisba that "We have flown beyond the rainbow. And there we found no fabled land of heart's desire, but wet rain and wind only and the cold mountain-side. And our hearts are a-cold because of it." (page 392) She grants him his wish and the world is returned to what it was at the start of the story.
