Eaters of the Dead

Intellect is greater and mightier than the sword.

This line is proven to be correct in the novel entitled Eater of the Dead. The theme of the novel revolves around the idea of the essentiality of intellect and knowledge. During AD 922, where the setting of the story takes place, people gave too much importance to physical strength especially in times of battle. However, the plot of this novel shows that mere physical strength is not enough to achieve success. More so, if an individual’s identity is at stake.

The story is narrated by Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, the emissary that was sent by the Caliph of Baghdad. He was sent on a mission to the King of Bulgars. On his way, he encountered various tribes of Turks and Northlanders. He could not help but get disgusted by these people’s way of life because it was completely different from his (Crichton, 1998). In his perspective, the conflicting communities of the Turks and Northlanders are barbaric. He describes the men as warriors while the women were considered as sexual objects.

The men are either at war or they are engaging in sexual activities with as many women as possible. Ahmad Ibn Fadlan obviously disapproves of these practices but he still continued with his mission (Crichton, 1998). He reaches a tribe that was lead by Buliwyf. He stayed in with this tribe for a few days and when he was already preparing to leave, he was surprised when he found out that he was appointed as the thirteenth member of a war mission.

According to the Northlanders tradition, the number thirteen plays a vital role and a foreigner gives them luck in their mission.These are the reasons Ahmad Ibn Fadlan was selected to be part of the tribe (Crichton, 1998). The Buliwyf’s mission is at the land of King Rothgar wherein they have to protect the kingdom from the cannibalism of the Eaters of the Dead also known as the Wendols. Ahmad Ibn Fadlan was fearful for his life as he was no warrior himself.

Eventually, the Northlanders defeated the Wendols. Even though the Wendols excels in physical strength as well as the number of their warriors, the Northlanders still managed to reign over them because they used their intelligence and knowledge.The theme of the novel that gives utmost attention and importance to intelligence and knowledge is seen in the various incidents in the novel as well as the traits of the characters. The main event that depicts this idea is when the Northlanders won over the Wendols by employing strategic decisions and actions that enable them to maximize their resources and capacity to defeat the enemy. Comparing the two warring characters in the story, it could be seen how their qualities and attitudes tend to differ from each other.The Northlanders were portrayed in a much better light as compared with the Wendols.

Northlanders were seen as intelligent, wise people who would analyze their every move. On the other hand, Wendols are perceived as impulsive that would act without even thinking about the consequences that it might bring. Wendols tend to depend more on their physical strengths rather than developing their analytical and critical thinking skills. The most important incident that happened in the story wherein the concept of the novel’s theme is greatly applicable is with the narrator himself, Ahmad Ibn Fadlan.During the beginning of his mission, he was disgusted by the way of living of the Turks and the Northlanders. However, as he became the thirteenth member of the Northlanders war tribe he slowly acquired the practices and lifestyle of these people.

This only shows that Ahmad Ibn Fadlan lacks the necessary knowledge of the world. Before he went on a mission he had never experience travelling in another part of the world aside from his native land. As such, he experienced a sense of culture shock when he interacted with other people that are entirely different from him.Nevertheless, Ahmad Ibn Fadlan’s ignorance has also been the caused as to why he easily foregoes of his own culture and adapts the ways of the Northlanders. The Eaters of the dead is the kind of novel that emphasizes the importance of mind rather than mere physical strength. It points out that an individual’s intellect is essential for him or her not to lose oneself.

Having the necessary knowledge to hold on into one’s belief and values is necessary in order to maintain a person’s identity and not to easily give in to other people’s influence.