Asulon, the name itself feels natural rolling off the tongue. Gentle, but strong, the name seems to inspire confidence, strength, refuge, even hope and true justice. Where have we heard of this before? Well, although the name is different perhaps one might be thinking of the enchanted kingdom of Camelot. There are similarities between the two. Both are kingdoms ushered into existence through the help of someone greater than it's kings. The idea of the Round Table is also used in both works. For those who aren't aware of Arthurian lore, the reason for the Round Table, which some experts claim was not round at all, was to put all members on the same level. Even the king came down from his throne and sat, equal to all others at this table.
What is the legends of Arthur, but the retelling of the battle of good against evil. It begins with a promised child who later becomes the king of a new kingdom, Camelot. Here also we see similarities, for in Asulon we have the prophecy of a prince who would overcome the evil that threatens to destroy it. Daniel was of noble birth and hunting in the wilds as the book begins. We learn soon enough that the king of Asulon has died without leaving an heir. This has placed Daniel's father on the throne of Asulon, and in doing so finds himself in a history that has already been written. When Daniel's father is assassinated he strikes out for Logres with Master Moor, Simon the priest, and Princess Rachel.
Rachel's presence causes problems for Moor because he too knows the prophecy, and although not one to believe in such things he does understand the political implications of joining with Logres by marrying one of Anak's daughters. The life of Daniel's children seem held in the balance. For should Daniel marry a mortal woman his children would live to be only 60 or 70 years of age. Being a son of one of the Anakim he knows that he will live at least twice that, unless killed. Yet his heart is awakened to this woman, and hers to him. This can cause social as well as political problems. If memory serves me correctly there was a bit of trouble with Arthur and his Guinevere.
Yet I find the more moving parts of this story are those things that align themselves up with Scripture. Again there is the prophecy of a child becoming king. The trouble Jesus has with His Bride is not the same. Yet in ASULON there seems to be a leaning towards a union between the Abramim woman and Daniel. She, like the Church has gifts given her by the Lord. Her love causes her pain, and I've often wondered how Jesus must have wept over me, over my laziness and ingratitude. So I hide myself in Him and His righteousness that I may be found worthy. This Daniel must learn, to hide himself in the Creator.
Now think of the title of this book and ask yourself, "What is the sword of fire?" You have seen it, but it has yet to be mentioned. Of this I am quite sure.
For more be sure to check out the CFRB site at http://cfrblog.blogspot.com You can also find links to other member sites as well as where you can purchase this book.
2 comments:
As always, you find such interesting content. I really like yur comparisons to the Arthurian legend, which I also thought about but not in the detail that you did. And I totally agree about the parts that align with scripture. Tht's what really makes the book so good in my opinion
I should have referred to it more in the CFRB posts. It would have kept me on track and kept me away from spoilers. Alas, but hindsight is better than foresight. Most people don't realize that the story of Arthur and Camelot is a Christian story, just as is THE LORD OF THE RINGS. While some have said that Bill has been a lot like C.S. Lewis, I think he has carved out his own niche, different from Lewis, as well as different, although similar, to Tolkien's Middle Earth series.
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