Bearing an Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Piers Anthony's Bearing an Hourglass, the second book in the Incarnations of Immortality series, continues the story of the Incarnations, immortal beings representing various aspects of humanity's existence. This installment focuses primarily on the Incarnation of Time, known as Hourglass, and her complex relationship with the other Incarnations, particularly the Incarnation of Love, who is now married to the Incarnation of Death.

The main plot revolves around the discovery of a temporal anomaly, a "whirlpool" in time, threatening to unravel the fabric of reality. This anomaly is subtly manipulated by various forces, both benevolent and malevolent, all vying for control over its power. Hourglass, burdened by the weight of her responsibilities and her own emotional turmoil, is central to resolving this crisis. Her power over time, however, is not absolute, and she's constantly battling against the unpredictable nature of temporal manipulation.

Key characters include Hourglass herself, a character wrestling with the loneliness of her immortality and the burden of her duties. Her relationships with other Incarnations, especially Death (now happily married, to her surprise) and Love, are crucial to the narrative. Death, while initially seemingly cold and detached, shows unexpected depths of compassion and understanding. Love, dealing with the complexities of a marriage to an immortal being, provides a counterpoint to Hourglass's isolation. Other Incarnations appear but play less central roles in this particular installment. The antagonist, though not clearly defined as a single entity, embodies the chaotic and unpredictable nature of uncontrolled time itself, manifested in the temporal whirlpool.

The overarching themes explore the nature of time, mortality, and the consequences of immortality. Anthony delves into the psychological toll of eternal existence, contrasting Hourglass's struggles with the relative stability (even within its own complexities) found in the relationships of other Incarnations. The story examines the paradox of change within the context of unchanging eternity. Furthermore, it questions the balance of power and the delicate equilibrium required to maintain the fabric of reality. The temporal anomaly serves as a powerful metaphor for the potential dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of understanding the consequences of actions, particularly when dealing with forces as fundamental as time. Ultimately, Bearing an Hourglass explores the responsibilities that come with immense power and the enduring strength found in unexpected connections.