Significance of Magnus's Maps

Magnus’s maps, carved onto the backs of his warriors, are a symbol of the value of information. Magnus knows that all the military strength, all the technology, and all the time-travel magic in the world cannot grant him the wealth and power he wants without simple knowledge. He uses those other powers as a means to gain knowledge in the form of maps. Once back in the late medieval period, he will no longer need magic or modern technology: armed with knowledge, he will have the power to wreak havoc on the world, amass great wealth, and attack previously unimaginable continents. Knowledge is thus more valuable than any other form of power, because it enables the use of the others.