Z is for Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander

I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because...

...of Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander.

Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series is one of my all-time favorite epic fantasy tales. It tells of the Seeker of Truth, the Confessor who loves him and the wizard who protects him.

Each of these characters is rich with backstory and uniqueness. Each has his own strengths, weaknesses and character arcs. Even the secondary characters are fascinating, Shota, the Mord-Sith and Darken Rahl.

But Zed is perhaps the most eccentric wizard there is. Wizard's First Rule? Take your pick. Zed quoted many rules, and not always in the same order. And Bruce Spence portrayed this aspect of Zed's character wonderfully in the two seasons of Legend of the Seeker.

In almost every tale of fantasy that has a wizard, there is a preeminent purpose for his existence. Dumbledore's was to ensure Voldermort's demise. Gandalf's was to see the One Ring and Sauron destroyed. Even the Wizard of Oz attempted to take Dorothy home.

Zed was no different. His purpose was to name the Seeker and make sure he fulfilled the prophecy.

Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander is one reason why I love science fiction and fantasy.

W is for Wizards

I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because...

...of Wizards.

Who doesn't love a little wizardry? A flash of light. A whispered enchantment. A thrown voice. An optical illusion. So many possibilities.

Wizards are handy to have around. Questing without one isn't wise. Angering one isn't either. You never know when they might turn you into something...unnatural.

They have a way with dragons. They have a way with weather. They have a way with just about everything.

From Gandalf to Zed, from Merlin to Dumbledore, from Middle Earth to Oz, they cast their spells upon us all.

Their magic ensnares imagination, quickens the pulse and fills us with wonder.

Wizards are wondrous reasons why I love science fiction and fantasy.