 | |
| Author | David Eddings |
|---|---|
| Cover Artist | Geoff Taylor |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Del Rey Books |
| Publication date | 1999 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| Pages | 480 pp (paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-345-43586-9 |
The Rivan Codex is a collection of background material to the Belgariad and Malloreon fantasy saga by David and Leigh Eddings. It consists of two bodies of material used in writing the novels, one for each series, with three informal essays by David Eddings. Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress do not have dedicated sections, but are referred to in Eddings' discussions, and drew on the material of the first ten books. In particular, one text presented in the background to the Belgariad forms the basis for the first chapter of Belgarath the Sorcerer.
The Rivan Codex also contains the holy writings of the various religions in the world and the economic diversities of the different countries.It includes many interior black and white illustrations by Geoff Taylor.
One of the essays also lists the following formula for epic fantasy:
- 1. The Underlying Theology
- 2. The Quest
- 3. The Magic Talisman
- 4. The Hero
- 5. The Resident Wizard
- 6. The Heroine
- 7. The Villain
- 8. The Companions
- 9. The Romantic Interests for 8.
- 10. The kings, queens, emperors, generals, courtiers and such, who make up the governments of the world.
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