Shardik

Shardik is the title of a fantasy novel written by Richard Adams, published in 1974. It is set in a fictional world based on the medieval period and explores themes of faith, power, responsibility, and the nature of divinity.

The story centers around Kelderek, a simple hunter in the Beklan Empire, who witnesses a giant bear, Shardik, and believes it to be the physical manifestation of the power of God, known as "Shardik" or "The Power." Kelderek's conviction sparks a religious revival and plunges him into a complex and dangerous political landscape.

The novel follows Kelderek and a group of characters as they navigate the consequences of Shardik's presence and attempt to understand the true nature of the Power. The bear itself is presented as a powerful but ultimately wild and untamed creature, raising questions about the interpretation of divine signs and the dangers of fanaticism.

Shardik is known for its richly detailed world-building, its complex characters, and its exploration of philosophical and theological themes. It is considered a departure from Adams's previous work, Watership Down, due to its more mature themes and darker tone.