Zelazny’s Kaleidoscopic Vision
In the pantheon of science fiction and fantasy authors, Roger Zelazny stands as a colossus, a literary alchemist who transmuted the base metals of genre conventions into pure storytelling gold. Born in 1937 in Euclid, Ohio, Zelazny burst onto the scene in the 1960s with a supernova-like brilliance that forever altered the landscape of speculative fiction. His prose, at once lyrical and incisive, wove tapestries of myth, technology, and human emotion with a dexterity that left readers spellbound.
Among his myriad masterpieces, “This Immortal” (also published under the title “…And Call Me Conrad”) holds a special place. First serialized in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1965, it went on to share the Hugo Award for Best Novel with Frank Herbert’s “Dune” in 1966—a testament to its groundbreaking nature and enduring appeal.
A Kalliope’s Song: The Novel’s Essence
“This Immortal” is not merely a novel; it’s a siren’s call echoing across the ages, beckoning readers to a post-apocalyptic Earth where the ghosts of ancient myths dance with the spectres of a possible future. At its heart, the story is a love letter to the indomitable human spirit, a paean to the power of storytelling, and a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions on a cosmic scale.
Zelazny’s masterpiece is a genre-defying odyssey that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology into a heady cocktail of ideas and emotions. It’s a work that challenges readers to question the nature of identity, the cyclical nature of history, and the role of humanity in a universe that seems both indifferent and intimately connected to our fate.
The Tapestry Unraveled: A Synopsis
Our guide through this labyrinthine tale is Conrad Nomikos, a man of many names and even more mysteries. Ostensibly a mere civil servant in charge of Earth’s Historic Preservation efforts, Conrad is revealed to be far more—possibly an immortal being who has walked the Earth for millennia, shaping its history from the shadows.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a Earth ravaged by nuclear war, its population decimated and scattered. Many humans have fled to the colony worlds of the alien Vegans, leaving their homeworld a patchwork of radioactive wastelands and pockets of rebuilt civilization. The Vegans, blue-skinned and possessed of advanced technology, view Earth as a potential real estate investment, a fixer-upper on a galactic scale.
Enter Cort Myshtigo, a Vegan on a tour of Earth to assess its value. Conrad is assigned as his guide, but suspicions abound that Myshtigo’s true purpose is far more sinister. Is he here to facilitate the complete Vegan takeover of Earth? Or is he an assassin sent to eliminate Conrad, whose true nature and influence are feared by the aliens?
As Conrad leads Myshtigo on a journey across a transformed Greece—now an irradiated archipelago teeming with mutant creatures—we are treated to a kaleidoscopic view of this new Earth. We encounter the Karaghiosis, shape-shifting creatures born of radiation; the Returnists, humans fighting to reclaim their ancestral home; and the Radpols, radical terrorists determined to drive off the Vegans at any cost.
The journey is fraught with danger, from assassination attempts to battles with mythical beasts that may or may not be products of mutation. Throughout it all, Conrad’s past is slowly revealed through tantalizing glimpses and cryptic references. Is he truly Konstantin Karaghiosis, the legendary hero of the Last War? Is he, perhaps, the mythical Karaghiosis itself, a being of legend given flesh?
As the plot hurtles towards its climax, the lines between myth and reality blur. Conrad’s true nature and the real purpose of Myshtigo’s visit converge in a revelation that shakes the foundations of this new world order. The fate of Earth hangs in the balance, with Conrad at the fulcrum, forced to confront his own nature and the weight of his long existence.
A Siren’s Call to Wonder: A Review
“This Immortal” is a novel that defies easy categorization, much like its enigmatic protagonist. It’s a work that rewards multiple readings, each pass revealing new layers of meaning and connection. Zelazny’s prose is a thing of beauty, effortlessly shifting from lyrical descriptions of a transformed Earth to sharp, witty dialogue that crackles with tension and humor.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its seamless integration of Greek mythology into a far-future setting. Zelazny doesn’t simply name-drop gods and heroes; he reimagines them, weaving them into the fabric of this new world in ways that feel both fresh and eerily familiar. The result is a story that feels timeless, bridging the gap between our ancient past and a possible future with effortless grace.
Conrad Nomikos is a fascinating protagonist, a man (or being) of contradictions who serves as both our guide and the central mystery of the novel. His wry observations and complex motivations make him a compelling narrator, one whose true nature keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The supporting cast is equally well-realized, from the inscrutable Myshtigo to the fierce and loyal Hasan. Each character feels fully formed, with their own motivations and secrets that add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Zelazny’s world-building is top-notch, painting a vivid picture of a Earth transformed by catastrophe yet still hauntingly familiar. The blend of high technology and mythical elements creates a unique atmosphere that sets “This Immortal” apart from more conventional post-apocalyptic tales.
If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that the novel’s non-linear narrative and dense mythological references can sometimes be challenging to follow. However, this complexity is also one of its greatest strengths, rewarding attentive readers with a rich, multi-layered experience.
A Timeless Odyssey
In the end, “This Immortal” is more than just a science fiction novel. It’s a meditation on the nature of humanity, on our capacity for both destruction and renewal. It’s a story about the power of myths and the ways in which they shape our reality. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a testament to the enduring nature of the human spirit, our ability to find hope and purpose even in the face of cosmic indifference.
Zelazny’s masterpiece continues to resonate with readers nearly six decades after its initial publication. In an age of climate crisis and global uncertainty, its themes of resilience and renewal feel more relevant than ever. It stands as a beacon of literary imagination, a reminder of the power of speculative fiction to illuminate the human condition and inspire us to imagine better futures.
For those who have yet to experience “This Immortal,” a raucous adventure awaits. For those returning to its pages, new mysteries and insights beckon. Like Conrad Nomikos himself, this novel seems to possess a kind of literary immortality, forever young, forever challenging us to see our world—and ourselves—in a new light.
In the vast cosmos of science fiction literature, “This Immortal” shines as a star of the first magnitude—a radiant testament to Roger Zelazny’s unparalleled imagination and his profound understanding of the human heart. It is, in every sense, a classic that has earned its immortality.
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