Richard Adams — Shardik

Penguin Books Ltd 1976 Paperback, 526pp. 'Shardik' is a fantasy of tragic character, centered on the long-awaited reincarnation of the gigantic bear Shardik and his appearance among the half-barbaric Ortelgan people. Mighty, ferocious, and unpredictable, Shardik changes the life of every person in the story. His advent commences a momentous chain of events. Kelderek the hunter, who loves and trusts the great bear, is swept on by destiny to become first devotee and then prophet, then victorious soldier, then ruler of an empire and priest-king of Lord Shardik - Messenger of God - only to discover ever-deeper layers of meaning implicit in his passionate belief in the bear's divinity. A gripping tale of war, adventure, horror and romance, 'Shardik', on a deeper level, is a remarkable exploration of mankind's universal desire for divine incarnation. (ISBN: 9780140040999). Good.