Sword of Truth/Fridge

Fridge Brilliance

• I've always been a fan of the Sword of Truth series, but looking back on the series, I came to a realization that (while almost certainly unintentional on Goodkind's part), adds a new dimension that the bashers might find interesting. As has been bandied about (and without getting into an argument about it), Richard's broad rationale for doing things like killing noncombatants is because they are either evil and deserve it, or are supporting evil by doing nothing to stop it. Then, we get Pillars Of Creation, and a good look at what makes Jagang tick, and it turns out... he has the exact same rationale. He's acting on very, very similar justification to Richard, except Jagang believes he answers to God rather than "moral clarity." While this won't erase the real Wall Banger moments, it makes Jagang and Richard Not So Different, and I think it puts a good spin on the whole thing. - Mr Death
  • The problem is, the bashers know this; it's discussed on every chatroom where the Hatedom gathers. That's one of the reasons we hate it: the author doesn't realize what he's written. Goodkind is perfectly fine with torture and random acts of killing and mind control, but only when Objectivists do it. Well, it's all for the (real) greater good, I guess.
    • I don't recall there was ever a time when the protagonists mind control anyone. But the torture I can glean as the aftermath of the death of one of my favorite characters, how would you feel if the person you loved was brutally murdered? Would you want justice served? I certainly would. I might not go as far as to torture someone, but it is war at that point in time in the books, and in wars, people die in horrible ways. It demoralizes the enemy. Psychological warfare is just as effective as physical warfare.
      • That view has been mentioned in the first book when Richard was named Seeker. The problem with the sword is that it will only kill when the wielder thinks that person is a threat. It is also stated that "no army will go into the battlefield thinking that the Creator is on the enemy's side." So everyone thinks that they are right when going into battle, even if they are willing to do what they think is wrong for the purpose of their greater good.