Zelazny's protagonists are almost always extraordinarily gifted individuals. In addition to immortality they enjoy unusual intellectual, physical or psychic powers and a measure of sociopolitical power or wealth. Sam for instance is one of the "First," an original crewman, a warrior who helped conquer the energy creatures native to the planet. He is, by right and invitation, one of the "gods" entitled to rule over the rest of humanity, but he rejects that role. Indeed Sam can be best described in mythic terms. He is, like so many of Zelazny's heroes, a Promethean figure, one of the immortals who renounces his privileged position in order to steal for humanity the power of the gods. And like Prometheus he is punished and imprisoned (before his final victory) for his rebellion. Sam is also a Protean figure. He.....
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