Shardik

Brief Overview

The novel «Shardik» by Richard Adams is set in a fictional world where a giant bear named Shardik becomes the central figure of a religious cult. The story begins with the bear's appearance in the forests of the island of Ortelga, which is seen as a sign from God. The main character, Kelderek, a hunter and slave, becomes Shardik's prophet and embarks on a journey to free his people from tyranny. As the plot unfolds, Kelderek faces internal and external conflicts, exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature. The novel raises questions about how religion and power can be used for both good and evil, and how personal beliefs can shape the destinies of entire peoples.