End as a Hero by Keith Laumer (1967)
The novel follows the story of a man who is sent back in time to ancient Greece and becomes embroiled in the events leading up to the Battle of Thermopylae. He must navigate the complexities of ancient politics and warfare while also dealing with his own personal demons. As he becomes more deeply involved in the conflict, he begins to see parallels between the struggles of the past and those of his own time. He realizes that the same forces of oppression and tyranny are at work today as they were then. The protagonist's ultimate goal is to prevent the Battle of Thermopylae from occurring, but this proves to be a difficult task. He must use all of his skills and knowledge to outwit the Persian army and its leaders, while also confronting his own personal weaknesses and limitations. Throughout the novel, themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the nature of time itself are explored in depth. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as he comes to terms with his own place in the world and the role that he must play in shaping its destiny. Ultimately, the novel builds towards a climactic conclusion in which the protagonist faces off against the forces of oppression in a final, desperate bid for victory. The outcome is far from certain, and the reader is left wondering whether the protagonist will emerge victorious or fall to the enemy.
By Keith Laumer · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 7 chapters · 15,263 words
First lines
Granthan's mission was the most vital of the war. It would mean instant victory -- but for whom?
In the dream I was swimming in a river of white fire and the dream went on and on. And then I was awake -- and the fire was still there, fiercely burning at me.
What this Textopian page supports
End as a Hero is listed on Textopian as a novel by Keith Laumer, dated 1967 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Keith Laumer
- Date: 1967 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Drama
- Length: 15,263 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 408 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for End as a Hero by Keith Laumer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic concepts, advanced technology, and speculative scenarios.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey or quest, featuring challenges and exploration.
- Fantasy — Elements of magic or supernatural occurrences are present, blending with the science fiction aspects.
- Action — The story includes dynamic sequences and physical confrontations that drive the plot.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Opera · Humor · Satire · Adventure · Action · Military Science Fiction · Alien Invasion · Time Travel · Alternate History · Parody · Social Commentary