Exploring the Concept of Time in Fiction
The concept that some fictional characters might be older than the universe is not confined to a single genre or a specific set of stories. From the ancient myths of Greek and Nordic mythology to the modern works of literature and science fiction, creators often explore this theme to question our understanding of the passage of time.
Gods and the Age of the Universe
Many fictional characters are described as being older than the universe itself, particularly in Religious and Mythological Contexts. In many traditions, gods are often said to be eternal or to have existed before the known world. For instance, in the Tolkien universe, Eru Ilúvatar (also known as the One) is the supreme creator and is described as existing beyond the boundaries of time.
In Hindu Mythology, Indra, the king of the gods, is said to have existed even before the creation of the world. Similarly, in Norse Mythology, the gods like Odin and Thor are often described as existing in a pre-creation state, often referred to as the Yggdrasil, the cosmic tree that supports the Nine Worlds.
Speculative Fiction and Time Travel
Within the realm of speculative fiction, characters who time travel or are ageless can transcend the age of the universe. A notable example is the protagonist in Douglas Adams' “Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy”. Themarvin, the main companion ship, has experienced multiple iterations of the universe and is, in fact, several times older than any universe it has encountered. Marvin is often described as being his planet's equivalent of the "once and only" despair."
Another example is the character in Isaac Asimov's short story "The Gods Themselves," where the three gods mentioned in the story are eternal, existing outside the traditional concept of time. Their significance lies in their ability to reset and restart the universe, underscoring the theme of infinite patience and eternity.
Challenges and Certainties
The exploration of characters older than the universe often leads to philosophical and epistemological questions. For instance, the concept of time and our perception of it can be challenged. In many fictional narratives, characters who have experienced vast spans of time often gain a unique understanding of the nature of existence, often leading to profound and almost invariably wise insights.
It is essential to note that while these characters and their attributes are powerful narrative tools, their existence in the narrative context does not necessarily imply their reality. As Isaac Asimov himself suggested in his story, the idea of characters older than the universe can be used to explore the limitations and vastness of the universe in a story, but it does not necessarily align with scientific or metaphysical certainties.
Conclusion
The question of whether there are fictional characters that are older than the universe is one that can be both intriguing and thought-provoking. From gods and deities in mythological and religious contexts to time-traveling characters in speculative fiction, this theme serves as a powerful narrative tool to explore the vastness and mystery of the universe. While we may never know the true age of characters beyond our own universe, exploring such concepts can enrich our understanding of the stories we create and the world they represent.