The Illearth War
Chapter 10: TEN: Seer and Oracle
by R, Donaldson, StephenThe chapter “Seer and Oracle” depicts a tense conversation between Lord Mhoram and Thomas Covenant, who arrives at Mhoram’s quarters exhausted and troubled. Covenant questions Mhoram’s relentless dedication to studying the krill of Loric and Kevin’s Lore, probing the Lord’s motivations and the risks of their quest for power. Mhoram, though uncertain of Covenant’s underlying distress, responds patiently, explaining the necessity of mastering the Earthpower responsibly to avoid catastrophic misuse. The krill, an enigmatic artifact, symbolizes both potential and peril, as the Lords grapple with its purpose and the legacy of Kevin Landwaster.
Covenant’s agitation grows as he challenges Mhoram’s faith in Kevin’s Lore, accusing the Lords of blindly following a path that once led to the Ritual of Desecration. He sarcastically questions whether they will repeat history’s mistakes when faced with ultimate crisis. Mhoram defends their adherence to the Oath of Peace, emphasizing the need for wisdom and restraint in wielding power. He cites Atiaran’s tragic fate as a cautionary tale, underscoring the dangers of unchecked ambition. Covenant, however, remains unconvinced, his words masking deeper personal turmoil.
The dialogue reveals Covenant’s internal conflict, as he projects his fears onto Mhoram’s leadership. His sarcasm and urgency suggest a struggle with guilt or despair, though he avoids direct confrontation with his own emotions. Mhoram, perceptive yet cautious, senses Covenant’s unspoken distress but focuses on answering his challenges. The krill, glowing between them, becomes a metaphor for the unresolved tensions—both in their conversation and in the broader struggle against the Despiser.
Ultimately, the chapter highlights the moral and philosophical divide between Covenant’s skepticism and Mhoram’s steadfast commitment to the Land’s preservation. Mhoram’s calm rationality contrasts with Covenant’s erratic intensity, reflecting their differing roles as seer and outsider. The exchange underscores the precarious balance between power and responsibility, leaving unresolved whether the Lords’ path will lead to salvation or repetition of past failures.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the krill of Loric in this chapter, and how does it reflect the Lords’ relationship with power?
Answer:
The krill of Loric serves as a central symbol in this chapter, representing both potential power and the Lords’ limitations. Embedded in a stone table, the krill cannot be removed without breaking the stone—an act the Lords avoid due to their reverence for natural materials. Mhoram admits they do not understand its purpose or how to use it safely, highlighting their cautious approach to power. This reflects their broader philosophy: they seek to master knowledge (like Kevin’s Lore) before wielding power, fearing reckless use could harm the Land. The krill thus embodies their dilemma—possessing a tool of great power but lacking the wisdom to use it.2. How does Mhoram justify the Lords’ reliance on Kevin’s Lore instead of seeking new ways to harness Earthpower?
Answer:
Mhoram argues that Kevin’s Lore offers a tested, safer path to mastering Earthpower. He contrasts this with the risks of untested experimentation, using Atiaran Trell-mate as an example of someone destroyed by dabbling in powers beyond her understanding. The Lords’ Oath of Peace compels them to avoid actions that might endanger others or the Land. Mhoram acknowledges that Earthpower exists independently but emphasizes that without proper mastery (as provided by Kevin’s Wards), wielding it could lead to disaster. His stance reflects a tension between urgency and caution—they need power to resist Lord Foul but cannot justify reckless methods.3. Analyze Covenant’s emotional state during his conversation with Mhoram. What underlying concerns drive his aggressive questioning?
Answer:
Covenant exhibits distress, fatigue, and unresolved guilt. His physical exhaustion (“inanition”) contrasts with his brusque refusal of rest, suggesting emotional turmoil. His questions—particularly about the krill and Kevin’s Lore—mask deeper anxieties: he feels responsible for unintended consequences (e.g., “something else I did to you without any idea what in hell I was doing”). His critique of Kevin’s Lore reflects his own fear of repeating past failures, projecting his self-doubt onto the Lords. The ritualistic nature of his questioning implies he seeks validation or absolution from Mhoram, though he avoids directly confessing his fears.4. What critical flaw does Covenant point out in the Lords’ dependence on Kevin’s Lore, and why is this significant?
Answer:
Covenant highlights the paradox of relying on Kevin’s Lore, given that Kevin himself ultimately failed and enacted the Ritual of Desecration. He challenges Mhoram: if the Lords uncover all Seven Wards, might they too resort to Desecration in desperation? This critique questions cyclical history and blind faith in past wisdom. Covenant implies that the Lords’ adherence to Kevin’s methods may doom them to repeat his mistakes, a theme resonant with his own struggles as an “Unbeliever.” The exchange underscores the chapter’s tension between tradition and innovation in facing existential threats.5. How does Mhoram’s role as a “seer and oracle” influence his perspective on the Lords’ challenges?
Answer:
Mhoram’s gift of foresight burdens him with glimpses of possible futures, some terrifying (“whether they make you scream in your sleep or not”). This shapes his cautious, pragmatic approach—he balances hope with grim awareness of potential outcomes. His visions likely reinforce his insistence on mastering power methodically, as impulsive actions could trigger disasters he has foreseen. However, his humility (“you surpass me”) shows he recognizes the limits of his sight. The krill’s unresolved mystery mirrors his own incomplete understanding, making him both a guide and a fellow seeker in the Lords’ quest.
Quotes
1. “I am not a Bloodguard… I need sleep like other men.”
This simple yet profound statement from Lord Mhoram highlights the human limitations of even the most dedicated leaders, contrasting with the supernatural endurance of the Bloodguard. It reveals his humility and self-awareness amidst Covenant’s accusations of overwork.
2. “The Earthpower is here, regardless of our mastery or use. The Land is here. And the banes and the evil—the Illearth Stone, the Despiser—are here, whether or not we can defend against them.”
Mhoram’s eloquent explanation captures the fundamental dilemma of the Lords - the constant presence of both power and peril in the Land. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s central theme about responsibility and the careful balance required when wielding power.
3. “At times, my friend, the most simple, clear matters are the most difficult to utter.”
This insightful observation speaks to the paradox of wisdom and communication. Mhoram’s struggle to articulate basic truths reflects the deeper philosophical challenges the characters face throughout the chapter and the novel as a whole.
4. “How could we, the Lords—we who have sworn to uphold all health and beauty—how could we justify such hazards?”
This rhetorical question reveals the moral core of the Lords’ philosophy. Mhoram’s emphasis on their Oath of Peace demonstrates the ethical framework that guides their cautious approach to power, contrasting with Covenant’s more reckless tendencies.
5. “No matter how great our courage, or how imposing our need, the Land will not be saved that way again.”
This sobering statement acknowledges the uniqueness of past miracles while emphasizing the need for different solutions in the present crisis. It reflects Mhoram’s pragmatic wisdom about learning from history without expecting to repeat it.