Legend is old-school fantasy. Published in 1984, it does not feel like any other fantasy novel I have read in recent times. David Gemmell, the author, never finished school.
His father was absent and the stepfather he gained encouraged him to take up boxing to fend for himself; there was no place in life for running and hiding. This philosophy influenced David’s mindset and the stories he would eventually tell. So, where does Legend enter the picture? David’s first novel, The Man from Miami, had been abysmal.
Legend, which came after, was initially called The Siege of Dros Delnoch and it was largely unplanned. You see, the author was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This is important because Legend, the novel, explores an epic conflict between the Drenai and their greatest enemy, a nomadic race known as the Nadir.
The Drenai were once a violent people. They built a vast empire through wanton bloodshed and savagery. But then years of peace sapped their military of its strength.
Now, the sun is rising on a new empire, ruled by Ulric, a young, passionate warrior. Having united the warring tribes of the North, Ulric is ready to march against the Drenai.
Legend tells the stories of the men and women occupying Dros Delnoch, the one fortress standing between Ulric and the Drenai Empire. If Dros Delnoch falls, the Drenai fall with it. David Gemmell wrote Legend because he needed a distraction from the news of his impending death. The siege in the novel was a representation of his struggles.
The Nadir were a metaphor for his cancer, an unstoppable horde smashing against the walls of Dros Delnoch which, in this case, represented his health.
David wrote the novel in 1976. It took him two weeks to complete the manuscript, but left the ending open. David chose to leave the fate of Dros Delnoch in the hands of his doctors. If his condition deteriorated, he would destroy Dros Delnoch, giving victory to the Nadir. If his medical situation improved, he would write a happier ending of victory over the Nadir.
Of all the novels I have read in 2020, Legend easily secures a spot in the top three. The book is categorized as ‘heroic fantasy’, basically the polar opposite of grimdark. Grimdark authors spend a lot of time constructing the bleakest scenarios imaginable. Legend is an action-packed novel. The violence is not necessarily visceral or vivid.
But Gemmel is not shy about letting bad things happen to good people. This is the most optimistic novel I have read all year. Gemmel’s protagonists are human; flawed and weak.
And yet, that does not keep them from striving to be better. And that sets the book apart. The author goes to great lengths to build his characters up, elevate them, show that for all their frailties, human beings have plenty of endearing qualities.
I would compare this novel to a rousing speech. Druss the legend is like so few heroes in modern fantasy. This book exceeded all my expectations. It deserves all the hype it gets.
Through [email protected] Videos and pictures can be sent to +256 726071828 on WhatsApp. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us
