Ursus of Ultima Thule

Ursus of Ultima Thule is a fantasy novel first published in 1973. Set in the ancient, now ice-covered land of Ultima Thule, the story follows Arnten, a young man ostracized by his tribe due to his inquisitive nature and his lineage as the son of the exiled were-bear, Arntat. After a disastrous hunting expedition, Arnten is blamed for the misfortune and, on his shaman uncle's advice, flees to find his father. Throughout his journey, Arnten uncovers his own shapeshifting abilities and becomes entangled in a quest to heal the kingdom's ailing iron supply-a malady that also afflicts the health of King Orfas. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, exile, and the struggle between tradition and change.