“Tough Traveling” is a weekly Thursday feature created by Nathan at Review Barn where participants make a new list each week based on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones. This hilarious little book cheerfully pokes fun at the most prevalent tropes in fantasy. All are welcome to take part, and there is a link up over at his site. Join in any time!
This week’s topic is MIDDLE AGE HEROES:
This hero stuff is usually a young person’s game. And, occasionally, a grizzled old veteran can get involved. It is a true rarity for someone to join the good fight for Fantasyland living in that in between ground.
A tougher topic this week! I tried to zero in on characters who were central to the narrative, or at least a prominent secondary character.
 Dag – The Sharing Knife by Lois McMaster Bujold
Dag is definitely a hero, and he is definitely older than Fawn, a young woman whom he rescues on the road one day. While I can’t remember his exact age, I believe he’s in his late thirties. Proof that an older dude can be not only a badass, but a viable (and hot) love interest for a younger protagonist. |
 Roland – The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
At least a decade older than his…er, compatriots, Roland is not only fighting the good fight – he’s doing so as the number one name in the game. An amazing gunslinger and a very capable hero, definitely not someone you want to be fighting against. |
 Kelsier – Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Yet again, another middle aged guy who we’re not totally sure how old he is, but we’re led to understand that he is considerably older than the young scamp Vin. Kelsier has seen some shit, and he’s got a lot of experience breaking the rules. But unfortunately some people never completely mature… |
 Claire – Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
So clearly it’s a bit of a stretch to include Outlander for an SFF meme, but there’s a smattering of time travel so…I’ll allow it because Claire is too awesome to exclude! She’s smart, she’s tough, she’s compassionate, she’s lusty – and she’s middle aged. A truly great protagonist! |