Gods of Riverworld is a science fiction novel by American author Philip José Farmer, first published in 1983. It is the second novel in his acclaimed Riverworld series, which explores the mystery of humanity's resurrection on a vast, artificial planet-long river.
Overview
The Riverworld series posits a scenario where every human who has ever lived is simultaneously resurrected on the banks of a single, immense river on an unknown planet. They are provided with new, ageless bodies and an unending supply of food, but no explanation for their new existence. The core mystery of the series revolves around identifying the beings responsible for this mass resurrection, often referred to as the "Ethicals" or "Gods."
Gods of Riverworld continues the narrative from the first novel, To Your Scattered Bodies Go. The protagonist, Sir Richard Francis Burton, an English explorer and linguist, persists in his quest to reach the headwaters of the River, believing that the creators of Riverworld reside there and hold the answers to humanity's predicament. His journey involves navigating the complex political and social structures that have emerged among the resurrected humans, as well as overcoming technological challenges to travel upstream.
Plot Summary (Spoiler Warning)
The novel focuses on Burton's continued efforts to build a technologically advanced airship, having previously failed in The Fabulous Riverboat (the first half of which was published separately as a novel, with Gods of Riverworld incorporating the second half and new material). He eventually succeeds with the help of various historical figures, including Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), who designs a magnificent steamboat, and other engineers and scientists. Their goal is to bypass the dangers and obstacles of the River and reach its source, where a tower, believed to be the control center for Riverworld, stands.
Upon reaching the tower, Burton and his companions discover some of the "Ethicals"—the alien beings responsible for the Riverworld project. They learn about the true nature of Riverworld: it is a grand scientific experiment designed to study human behavior and spiritual development. However, not all the Ethical beings are benevolent or in agreement about the project's ethics. The climax involves confrontation and revelation regarding the Ethicals' motivations and the underlying purpose of Riverworld. The novel concludes with some of the secrets of the Riverworld project being unveiled, though many mysteries remain, setting the stage for subsequent novels in the series.
Publication History
Gods of Riverworld is a fix-up novel, meaning it incorporates material previously published as novellas or shorter works, combined with new content to form a longer novel. It draws heavily on the second part of the novella "The Fabulous Riverboat" (the first part having been expanded into the novel of the same name) and further expands upon the narrative.
Themes
The novel, like the rest of the Riverworld series, explores themes of:
- Existentialism: The meaning of life, death, and resurrection.
- Human Nature: How humans adapt, survive, and form societies under extraordinary circumstances.
- Spirituality and Religion: The concept of an afterlife, gods, and the search for ultimate truths.
- Exploration and Discovery: The journey to uncover the mysteries of an unknown world.
- Technology and Progress: The development of advanced technology in a primitive setting.
Reception
Gods of Riverworld was well-received by critics and readers, continuing the success of the Riverworld series. It cemented Philip José Farmer's reputation as a master of ambitious, high-concept science fiction, admired for his imaginative scope and ability to weave intricate plots with philosophical depth. The series as a whole is considered a classic of the genre.