Vanity's ridiculous, but we all fall prey to it from time to time

Vanity's ridiculous, but we all fall prey to it from time to time

David Eddings, the renowned fantasy author, is no stranger to the concept of vanity. In his works, characters often grapple with their own egos and desires for recognition and power. Eddings himself has been known to exhibit moments of vanity, as all humans do. It is a universal trait that we all fall prey to from time to time.

Vanity, by definition, is excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements. It is a natural human tendency to seek validation and approval from others, and this can often manifest in behaviors that are self-centered and egotistical. In Eddings' novels, characters such as Belgarath and Polgara struggle with their own vanity, as they grapple with their own desires for power and recognition.

In "The Belgariad" series, Belgarath, the ancient and powerful sorcerer, is a prime example of a character who falls prey to vanity. Despite his immense power and wisdom, Belgarath often seeks validation from others and craves recognition for his achievements. His vanity can sometimes cloud his judgment and lead him to make decisions that are not in the best interest of those around him.

Similarly, Polgara, Belgarath's daughter and fellow sorceress, also struggles with vanity in the series. Polgara is known for her beauty and intelligence, and she often uses these traits to manipulate others and get what she wants. Her vanity can sometimes blind her to the needs and feelings of those around her, leading to conflict and discord within the group.

Eddings himself has been known to exhibit moments of vanity in his personal life. As a successful author with a large fan base, Eddings has undoubtedly received praise and recognition for his work. This validation can sometimes feed into his ego and lead him to seek even more recognition and approval from others.