Quest for Power

The quest for power is an overriding theme in this book. The most obvious is the Mule's quest for domination of the entire galaxy. The Mule is a mutant and is grotesque in appearance. He tells Bayta his life story. His mother died in childbirth and he never knew his father. He says that he grew up "haphazard," indicating that he had no real home. When he was young, he realized that he had the power to control emotions but thought everyone had that same ability. When he realized otherwise, he began to use his power to suit his own purposes. That misuse grew until he'd sought out the warlord on Klagon, controlling his mind and making him among the Mule's faithful followers. He wasn't happy with any victory and said he planned to take control of the galaxy.

It's noteworthy that the Mule never actually...