The Elder Gods. David Eddings

PREFACE ^*

      The Land of Dhrall, if we are to believe the sometimes fanciful legends of the region, has existed in its present location since the beginning of time. Father Earth is unstable, and other continents move hither and yon across the face of Mother Sea, wandering, ever wandering, in search of new places in which to abide. But the Land of Dhrall, we are told, was firmly anchored to its present location by the will of the gods of Dhrall, and it shall remain ever so until the end of the world.

      Now, from whence this world came – and why – is far beyond human comprehension. But the legends of Dhrall maintain that it is the work of ancient gods, and the making of it was a task so enormous that the gods, immortal and omnipotent though they be, oft-times wearied of their labor.

      Now there were younger gods abroad in the land at this time, and great was their pity for their exhausted elders,and they urged their kin to rest while they themselves took up the burden of creation. And grateful beyond measure were the old ones, for they had labored well-nigh unto death. And so they slept while creation continued uninterrupted in the hands of the younger gods.

      So it was that the elder gods slept for twenty-five eons and then they awoke, refreshed and ready to resume their