In Stephen R. Donaldson’s epic fantasy series, Mordant’s Need, the seemingly ineffectual King Joyce of Orison employs a masterful strategy of appearing as a “doddering old fool” to expose and ultimately vanquish his enemies. [1][2] This tactic of feigned weakness is not a novel invention but rather a powerful stratagem with deep roots in classical works of military and political theory, most notably Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and, in a more nuanced way, Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince.
King Joyce’s approach is a textbook example of the principles of deception advocated by the ancient Chinese general and strategist Sun Tzu. Throughout The Art of War, Sun Tzu repeatedly emphasizes the advantage of misleading the enemy about one’s own strength and intentions. One of his most famous dictums is, “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.” [3] The core of this philosophy is to lull the adversary into a false sense of security, encouraging arrogance and overconfidence that can be exploited. [4][5] Sun Tzu elaborates on this, stating, “Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” [6]
This is precisely the game King Joyce plays. Faced with internal and external threats, with political factions vying for control and rogue Imagers wreaking havoc, he presents a facade of a monarch lost in senility, seemingly more interested in a game of checkers with his mad Imager, Havelock, than in the dire state of his kingdom. [2] This apparent weakness emboldens his enemies, such as the ambitious Imager Eremis, to reveal their treachery, believing the path to power is clear and unobstructed. [7][8] Joyce’s feigned incompetence acts as the ultimate bait, drawing out the conspirators and allowing him to observe their plots unfold.
The connection to Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince is more complex. Machiavelli famously warns against a ruler being perceived as weak, as it can lead to contempt and ruin. He argues that it is “safer to be feared than loved” and that a prince must avoid being despised. [9] However, Machiavelli’s work is also a profound study in the use of deception and the management of perception. He posits that a ruler must be a “great pretender and dissembler” and that “men are so simple…that a deceiver will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived.” [3]
While Machiavelli advocates for a projection of strength, his emphasis on strategic deception can be interpreted to include the feigning of certain characteristics, including a misleading appearance of harmlessness, to achieve a greater political end. He distinguishes between being virtuous and appearing virtuous, suggesting the appearance is often more politically expedient. [10] In this light, King Joyce’s strategy aligns with a Machiavellian understanding of power, where the perception of weakness is a tool to be wielded. [3][11] He is not truly weak, but rather uses the appearance of weakness to manipulate his foes, a subtle but crucial distinction that Machiavelli, the ultimate political realist, would likely appreciate. King Joyce’s actions are not born of true weakness, which Machiavelli cautions against, but from a position of hidden strength and strategic patience. [4][11]
The strategy of feigning weakness or incompetence is not confined to these theoretical works and has numerous precedents in history and literature. Historical accounts are replete with examples of leaders who used deception to gain the upper hand. The Mongols, for instance, were masters of the feigned retreat, a tactic that lured their enemies into devastating ambushes. In literature, characters who initially appear foolish or harmless only to reveal their true capabilities later are a common and effective trope, serving to build suspense and highlight the theme of underestimation.
Ultimately, King Joyce’s gambit in Mordant’s Need is a sophisticated and well-executed application of ancient strategic principles. By embracing the appearance of a “doddering old fool,” he masterfully embodies Sun Tzu’s teachings on deception, encouraging his enemies’ hubris and leading them to their own destruction. While seemingly at odds with Machiavelli’s warnings against weakness, a deeper reading reveals a shared understanding of the power of perception and the strategic value of misleading one’s adversaries. King Joyce’s reign in Orison serves as a compelling fictional testament to the enduring power of these classical strategies.
