Eldoninan the Elder is a character from the licensed expanded universe of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
About Eldoninan[]
Emperor Eldoninan the Elder holds the distinguished record as the longest-lived Galactic Emperor in the history of the Empire. His remarkable reign spanned centuries, a testament to both advanced imperial medical science and his own robust constitution. What made his longevity particularly notable was that he remained the only member of his clan to achieve death through natural aging, as all his predecessors and relatives met their ends through various forms of violence, assassination, or political intrigue that typically shortened the lives of those in imperial power.
Beyond his extraordinary lifespan, Eldoninan was known for his philosophical insights and keen understanding of imperial politics and public perception. His most famous observation,
"Fame is the accumulation of misunderstandings around a well-known name"
Demonstrated his profound understanding of how historical figures become distorted through myth, legend, and public interpretation. This aphorism has been widely quoted in imperial philosophical texts and reflects his cynical yet accurate view of how power and reputation function within the vast bureaucratic structure of the Galactic Empire. His reign was marked by relative stability, possibly owing to his extensive experience and deep understanding of the mechanisms of imperial governance.
Appearances[]
- Foundation's Fear - Details his longevity and unique status within his clan
- Foundation and Chaos - Features his famous aphorism about fame
- Foundation's Triumph - Discusses his philosophical contributions