Questions About The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy, #1)

by Katherine Arden (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (88)

Is Morov (Frost) an authentic deity in the pantheon or pagan Russian Gods? If so does the average Russian know of their pagan past.

Katherine Arden So, Morozko is the name of the Russian Jack Frost, a winter demon who is sometimes benevolent and sometimes cruel. He features in multiple fairy tales…moreSo, Morozko is the name of the Russian Jack Frost, a winter demon who is sometimes benevolent and sometimes cruel. He features in multiple fairy tales. What I found interesting about this character though is he has his mythical roots in slavic paganism, as a dark god of winter and death called Chernobog. He evolved over the years from a pretty powerful deity to sort of a wicked fairy-tale creature, and finally (after some European influence) to Ded Moroz, the Russian Father Christmas. I found this journey (from wicked pagan god to giver of treats to children) absolutely fascinating, and I wondered what would go through such a character's mind as he was making that transition over the centuries. Anyway. Um, do Russians know of their pagan past? I certainly can't speak for the country as a whole. I know there are historians and casual enthusiasts who know a great deal about it, and there are definitely practicing pagans in Russia today. I would venture to say that the average Russian knows more fairy tales and fairy tale characters than they do Slavic deities and practices. If that helps :)(less)

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I loved The Bear and the Nightingale. Is there any chance you will write a sequel? I would especially like to know more about Sasha!

Katherine Arden Hi Anne, Love that question. The Bear and the Nightingale is the first of three. The second one is being edited now; it is pretty much done. And yes! …moreHi Anne, Love that question. The Bear and the Nightingale is the first of three. The second one is being edited now; it is pretty much done. And yes! The three main characters in Book 2 are Vasya, her brother Sasha and her sister Olga. You will have lots of book 2 Sasha for sure. Thanks for reaching out. I'm so glad you enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale! (less)

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I'd really like to know more about Anna Ivanovna, specifically what inspired the Katherine Arden and what through her mind when she wrote the character. I'd also like to know how Miss Arden felt about her. Hate her? Love her? Both? Indifferent? I'm also someone who struggles with mental illness and anxiety and I felt for Anna deeply in spite of her cruelties. (I can function in society just so everyone knows!)

Katherine Arden

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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How on earth did you write such a masterpiece? You're now one my favorite authors :)

Katherine Arden Just stacking sentences. But thank you. That is so kind to say.

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IS there going to be a love story between Vasya and Morozko? :)

Katherine Arden There'll be two more books--I think you should read them and see :)…moreThere'll be two more books--I think you should read them and see :)(less)

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