Search for the Orb of Aldur
A young orphan's destiny to find the ancient weapon that can defeat the Dragon of Darkness.
The Search for the Orb of Aldur serves as the central narrative engine driving the early saga of The Belgariad. It is a perilous quest undertaken by a young orphan named Garion and his guardians, Polgara and Belgarath, across the vast continent of Earth. This artifact was originally forged by the Elder God Aldur to counterbalance the dark power of Torak, but it vanished from history millennia ago. The search defines the journey of the protagonists as they navigate political intrigue, magical dangers, and ancient prophecies. Finding the Orb is not merely about retrieving a physical object; it requires awakening Garion's latent potential as the Chosen One capable of wielding its immense power against the forces of darkness threatening to consume the world.
- Primary Protagonist
- Garion (The Belgarath)
- Key Guardian
- Polgara
- Mentor Figure
- Belgarath
- Antagonistic Force
- Torak and his Followers
- Artifact Origin
- Forged by Aldur
- Quest Status
- Completed in the Saga
Lore & Background
The Orb was created during the First Age when the Elder Gods walked openly among men. Aldur, representing light and order, crafted it to ensure that if Torak ever rose again, there would be a means to destroy him. However, knowing humanity's tendency toward corruption, the artifact was hidden away using powerful sorcery, its location known only to those sworn to protect it. For centuries, the Sisters of Polgara guarded the secret while waiting for the specific bloodline required to activate the Orb without being consumed by its energy. This lineage traces back through Belgarath and Polgara directly to Garion. The search is complicated because Torak's agents are constantly hunting for the same artifact, believing it can be twisted to enslave all of creation under their dark dominion.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the barren plains, carrying the scent of rain that refused to fall. Garion tightened his grip on the reins, looking back at the old man walking beside him. Belgarath did not speak; he simply pointed toward the distant mountains where shadows seemed deeper than they should be. Polgara stood silent by the fire, her golden eyes reflecting the flames as she sensed the pull of the artifact drawing closer. It was a heavy silence, the kind that precedes a storm or a battle. Garion felt it in his bones—a hum beneath the earth, whispering that he was not just a traveler anymore, but the key to everything.
Reader's Guide
The quest begins when Belgarath reveals Garion's true heritage and the prophecy surrounding him. They must travel from their home village to the capital of Cherek to avoid political threats while gathering allies. As they journey through Drasnia and into Mallorea, the group faces assassination attempts by Torak's spies. Polgara uses her magic to shield them, but they realize that finding the Orb requires navigating ancient ruins guarded by magical wards only Garion can pass. The climax of the search occurs when they finally locate the hidden sanctuary. However, retrieving it triggers a confrontation with Torak's forces. The quest concludes not just with possession of the Orb, but with Garion mastering its power to seal away darkness permanently.
Did You Know?
- Garion is actually the reincarnation or spiritual heir of Belgarath, making him the only one safe enough to handle the Orb's energy.
- The Orb was not just a weapon; it represented the balance between Aldur and Torak, restoring order when activated correctly.
- Torak believed that if he controlled the Orb, his victory over humanity would be absolute and unchallengeable.