Majipoor series
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The Majipoor series is a series of novels and stories by Robert Silverberg, set on the planet Majipoor. The setting is a mixture of elements of science fiction and fantasy. The works in the series are as follows, in internal chronological order, with first publication dates in parentheses:
- The Book of Changes (novelette, 2003)
- Sorcerers of Majipoor (1997)
- Lord Prestimion (1999)
- King of Dreams (2000)
- Lord Valentine's Castle (1980)
- Majipoor Chronicles (short stories, 1982)
- Valentine Pontifex (1983)
- The Seventh Shrine (novella, 1998)
- The Mountains of Majipoor (1995)
Majipoor is a planet much larger, though far less dense, than the Earth. It has been settled by humans, Ghayrogs, Skandars, Vroons, Liimen, Hjorts and other alien races for many thousands of years. These races live in an unstable truce with the shape-changing aboriginal inhabitants of the planet, the Piurivar. The planet is ruled by an unusual tetrarchy: the Coronal rules in a highly visible and symbolic manner from his palace atop Castle Mount; the previous Coronal retires to become the Pontifex, the head of the bureaucracy in an underground Labyrinth; the Coronal's mother becomes the Lady of the Isle of Sleep, promoting the morals of Majipoor by sending dreams to its inhabitants; while the mysterious King of Dreams on the distant continent of Suvrael punishes wrongdoers by visiting them with nightmares. The post of King of Dreams is created at the end of King of Dreams, while Valentine Pontifex ends with the creation of a fifth Power, representing the Piurivar.
It is referenced that Majipoor receives the occasional starship, but is generally considered a backwater planet. Metals of all sorts are scarce, since the planet has a very light crust. Technology is both pervasive and rare at the same time. For example, draft animals are used for farming and transport, but the animals used (called "mounts") were genetically created in the distant past. Many great engineering works are referenced, but these were created in the past also. Many modern technologies, such as TV and Radio, seem to be nonexistent or of very limited use. The average Majipooran lives a peasant lifestyle, and agriculture is a common occupation.
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[edit] Races of Majipoor
There are several races which inhabit Majipoor in the millions, not counting the reclusive Piurivar (aka Metamorphs/Shapeshifters) and various aliens visiting from off-world. Ancient laws dictate that no race may exclusively occupy a given district, so most races can be found in some numbers virtually anywhere. On the village level, there are monocultures, however. Some areas also have a handful of other intelligent beings visiting from off-world. Their numbers are small enough as to be irrelevant. There are also indigenous sea dragons, discovered to be highly intelligent.
[edit] Humans
The primary inhabitants of Majipoor. Apparently, the ruling hierarchy are drawn exclusively from Human families and Humans were the first race to colonize the planet (then occupied only by a few million Shapeshifters). In the various Majipoor books, Humans are also the primary economic force. The vast majority of nobles, wealthy merchants and landowners are Human. The Coronal, Pontifex, Lady of the Isle (of Sleep), and King of Dreams are all humans as are the bulk of their respective staffs. Occasionally a Vroon or Su-Suharis will become a key advisor to a Coronal or Pontifex, however.
[edit] Vroons
A smallish, somewhat Octopus-like race. Many are wizards, and they are known for the direction-finding and healing arts. Some can see the future in a limited way.
[edit] Hjorts
A squat, bipedal race with bulging eyes and grey lumpy skin. While unattractive in appearance, they provide the bulk of the bureaucracy that keeps the vast and complex society of Majipoor operating.
[edit] Skandars
A four-armed, shaggy, tall and very strong race. They can be found as cargo-handlers, teamsters and sailing ship crew. A few Skandars take up juggling -- and with four arms they are unparalleled at this art. Skandars are known to be obstinate and hot-headed.
[edit] Liimen
A three-eyed race of lesser intelligence that work as fishermen or selling grilled meats at market.
[edit] Su-Suheris
A mysterious folk with two small heads on a single neck. Through an unknown mechanism, both heads share a single consciousness. Some are great sorcerers or advisers to men of power in the government. Some Su-Suheris have psychic powers and are capable of seeing the future. They tend to be fairly aloof, and perhaps consider themselves better than the other races.
[edit] References
- Majipoor Chronicles, Robert Silverberg, 1982, Victor Gollancz (later PAN ISBN 0-330-28117-8)
[edit] External links
| Books: | The Book of Changes • Sorcerers of Majipoor • Lord Prestimion • King of Dreams • Lord Valentine's Castle • Majipoor Chronicles • Valentine Pontifex • The Seventh Shrine • The Mountains of Majipoor |
| The planet: | Geography • Inhabitants • Cities • Government • History • Characters |
