The Belgariad is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings.
Garion, protaganist of the Belgariad, draws the Sword of the Rivan King in an iconic moment in the series
The series tell the story of the recovery of the Orb of Aldur and coming of age of Garion, an orphaned farmboy. Garion is accompanied by his aunt Polgara and her father Belgarath as they try and fulfill an ancient prophecy that will decide the fate of the universe. Along the way, various "instruments", or helpers, of the prophecy join their quest.
Works in the series
Belgariad One
Volumes include:
- Pawn of Prophecy (1982)
- Queen of Sorcery (1982)
- Magician's Gambit (1983)
- Castle of Wizardry (1984)
- Enchanters' End Game (1984)
A deluxe edition of the Belgariad
The title of each book combines a chess term with a fantasy term. The concept of a Game of Destiny is a significant motif in the story. Eddings himself saw the work as a triology, with the titles Garion, Ce'Nedra, and Kal Torak. However the realities of publishing dictated the book be divided into five parts, and Lester Del Ray came up with the chess-themed titles. Eddings wanted the fifth book to be titled In the Tomb of the One-Eyed God but Del Ray pointed out that large a title would leave no room for a cover painting.
The series has been reprinted as a two-volume set, titled The Belgariad Volume One, containing the first three books of the series, and The Belgariad Volume Two, which contains the last two books. This does not have the original map in Pawn of Prophecy by Chris Barbieri, only Shelly Shapiro's map. Similarly, the maps at the beginning of the book's parts are replaced by Shapiro's.
The Malloreon is a five-book sequel that continues the story started in the Belgariad. Belgarath the Sorcerer (1995) and Polgara the Sorceress (1997) are prequels that share the setting and most characters. The Rivan Codex (1998) features annotated background material.
See also
- David Eddings
- The Malloreon
- Characters in The Belgariad and The Malloreon
- Races in The Belgariad and The Malloreon
- Deities in The Belgariad and The Malloreon
External links
- A Timeline for the Belgariad and the Malloreon
- Glossary of Characters
- A MUSH set in the world of the Belgariad and the Malloreon
- A MUD set in the world of the Belgariad and the Malloreon
Template:David Eddings
| Garion novels | The Belgariad • The Malloreon • Belgarath the Sorcerer (prequel) • Polgara the Sorceress (prequel) • The Rivan Codex (supplement) |
|---|---|
| Sparhawk novels | The Elenium • The Tamuli |
| Other fantasy novels | The Dreamers (series) • The Redemption of Althalus |
| Other works | Regina's Song • High Hunt • The Losers |