The Mercy of Gods

A research assistant on Tonner Freis’s biology research team, Dafyd Alkhor is the novel’s primary protagonist. Through foreshadowing, the novel indicates that Dafyd is the “he” mentioned in the epigraphs from Ekur-Tkalal’s final statement. These epigraphs, along with other instances of foreshadowing in the novel, hint that Dafyd will somehow orchestrate the downfall of the Carryx but may betray many humans in the process.

Dafyd is the lowest ranked member of the research team. Nevertheless, he earns authority in the team through his political savvy, insight, and ability to understand the Carryx’s behavior. He often allows people to underestimate him, a strategy that allows him to observe and gather information behind the scenes. He describes his personal “pathological move” as an impulse to gain greater understanding and influence over others by imagining how he would behave in their circumstances. However, this tactic often fails in the case of the Carryx because of the fundamental differences of biology and philosophy. By the end of the novel, however, Dafyd has gathered enough information to gain insight into Carryx behavior, which he plans to use against them.

Dafyd’s decision to betray the resistance and his disagreement with Urrys contribute heavily to developing