Jonathan Palfrey
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
It's occurred to me that, when Penric stays anywhere for a while, there may be a significant decrease in the local population of bugs and vermin. I'm no ecologist, but I've heard about the dramatic and unexpected consequences of reintroducing wolves into the Yellowstone National Park; perhaps wiping out pests could have other unexpected ecological consequences. Is this an interesting thought?
Lois McMaster Bujold
It is, but Penric is only one dude. And sorcerers generally are rather thin on the ground. I don't think the kinds of flies and fleas and mosquitoes and ticks that bite people are in any more danger of magical eradication than whatever dent humans have made in their populations after centuries of trying in non-magical ways. (I.e., none.) Cockroaches ditto.
Though if anything, magical eradication might be better for the ecology because it could be far more selective.
There are also lots of plant and animal diseases and pests of interest, glancingly touched on in the most recent tale.
Ta, L.
It is, but Penric is only one dude. And sorcerers generally are rather thin on the ground. I don't think the kinds of flies and fleas and mosquitoes and ticks that bite people are in any more danger of magical eradication than whatever dent humans have made in their populations after centuries of trying in non-magical ways. (I.e., none.) Cockroaches ditto.
Though if anything, magical eradication might be better for the ecology because it could be far more selective.
There are also lots of plant and animal diseases and pests of interest, glancingly touched on in the most recent tale.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Meliors Simms
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
When I read my friend's blog about her newfound passion for all things Bujold, I was very surprised to learn that she doesn't love Cordelia (though her reason makes sense cf http://www.alicebulmer.com/me-and-lois-mcmaster-bujold/) Everyone else I've ever talked with about Cordelia adores her, but now I wonder whether you have come across anyone else not so keen on Cordelia?
Paula
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I asked you a while ago if Illyan was modeled after Illya Kuryakin. Your answer was that Illya was definitely an inspiration for the character. Since I would say this makes you a fan of Man from U.N.C.L.E., I was wondering if you saw the movie and, if so, what you thought of it? BTW, I love Illyan. Wonder why?
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