RIVERWORLD Meaning and
Definition
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Riverworld is a noun that refers to a fictional world or setting that has been created in various novels, stories, and works of fiction. It is characterized by a landscape dominated by rivers, often forming a vast interconnected network, spanning across vast territories. The term can also refer to a specific series of novels, known as the "Riverworld" series, written by the science fiction author Philip Jose Farmer.
In this series, Riverworld is portrayed as an afterlife or an alternative reality where all deceased humans from different time periods are inexplicably resurrected. The world is abundant with rivers, forming a complex maze that is navigable, allowing individuals to sail from one river to another to explore the vast landscape. The riverbanks serve as the primary habitable areas, as the land is often seen as dangerous and inhospitable due to unpredictable nature and hostile creatures.
Riverworld is often depicted as a paradoxical place, where the resurrections are made possible by unknown beings or forces and individuals lead a perpetual existence, harboring both hope and despair. The concept of Riverworld often explores philosophical, moral, and existential questions, reflecting upon the nature of human existence, humanity, and the meaning of life.
Outside of the specific "Riverworld" series by Philip Jose Farmer, the term can also be used more broadly to describe any fictional world or setting that heavily revolves around rivers, their exploration, and the dynamics of life within such landscapes.
Etymology of RIVERWORLD
The term "Riverworld" was coined by the American science fiction writer Philip José Farmer in 1971. The word is a combination of "river" and "world", referring to a fictional setting where a vast river serves as the central element of the landscape and is inhabited by an immense population of resurrected humans from different historical eras. The concept of a river as a central feature of the world is present in various mythologies and religious beliefs, and Farmer's choice of "Riverworld" draws upon this universal symbol while creating a unique and imaginative setting for his novels.
