Discover Dan Simmon’s hyperion
exciting concepts
The shrike
Central to the story is the enigmatic and fearsome Shrike, a time-traveling creature with a penchant for violence. Its mystery and the terror it inspires drive much of the novel’s intrigue.
Multiverse theory
“Hyperion” explores complex themes such as time travel, the nature of time, and multiverse theory. The concept of a far-future universe where different dimensions and timelines intersect adds layers of complexity and excitement.
The pilgrimage structure
The novel is structured as a pilgrimage, with each character recounting their personal story and their connection to the Shrike. This episodic format allows for diverse perspectives and deep character development.
Why this book?
“Hyperion” is set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy and developed a vast interstellar civilization. The story unfolds through the journey of seven pilgrims who travel to the distant world of Hyperion, a planet at the center of a mysterious and deadly conflict.
Themes of Faith and Destiny: The novel delves into themes of faith, fate, and the search for meaning. Each pilgrim’s story reflects different aspects of these themes, creating a rich tapestry of philosophical and existential questions.
The Pilgrims: Each character has a unique backstory and personal connection to the Shrike, a powerful and malevolent entity that haunts the world of Hyperion. Their stories are interwoven to reveal the broader narrative of their pilgrimage.
The Time Tombs: The pilgrimage’s destination is the Time Tombs, ancient structures on Hyperion that are connected to the Shrike and are said to be moving backward in time. This setting is key to the novel’s exploration of time and destiny.
quotes from the book
“I now understand the need for faith—pure, blind, fly-in-the-face-of-reason faith—as a small life preserver in the wild and endless sea of a universe ruled by unfeeling laws and totally indifferent to the small, reasoning beings that inhabit it.”
― Dan Simmons
“Barbarians, we call them, while all the while we timidly cling to our Web like Visigoths crouching in the ruins of Rome’s faded glory and proclaim ourselves civilized.”
― Dan Simmons
“Belief in one’s identity as a poet or writer prior to the acid test of publication is as naive and harmless as the youthful belief in one’s immortality… and the inevitable disillusionment is just as painful.”
― Dan Simmons
