Florence R.
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Have you ever considered writing a Five Worlds piece from the viewpoint of the gods?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Interesting idea, though I'm afraid the 5's minds are much too large to encompass. They're not like the Greek or Norse or even Chinese gods, humans writ large; they are genuinely ineffable, alien even though profoundly part of the world. The visions characters occasionally have of them are human-sized-and-seeming just because that's all the human mind can encompass, like a millimeter leak from a municipal water tower. (Or more accurately as a millimeter leak as experienced from inside a submarine.) Which is also why every vision is subtly different, each shaped by the shape of the mind receiving it. Of all the visions that have turned up in the stories so far, Cazaril's of the Daughter at the end of Chalion came the closest to seeing a god entire, and that nearly broke him, and certainly effected permanent changes in and upon him. A little bit joyously mad thereafter, and inclined to emitting William-Blake-level poetry at random times. (Saint Umegat would make a whole 'nother study.)
Ta, L
Interesting idea, though I'm afraid the 5's minds are much too large to encompass. They're not like the Greek or Norse or even Chinese gods, humans writ large; they are genuinely ineffable, alien even though profoundly part of the world. The visions characters occasionally have of them are human-sized-and-seeming just because that's all the human mind can encompass, like a millimeter leak from a municipal water tower. (Or more accurately as a millimeter leak as experienced from inside a submarine.) Which is also why every vision is subtly different, each shaped by the shape of the mind receiving it. Of all the visions that have turned up in the stories so far, Cazaril's of the Daughter at the end of Chalion came the closest to seeing a god entire, and that nearly broke him, and certainly effected permanent changes in and upon him. A little bit joyously mad thereafter, and inclined to emitting William-Blake-level poetry at random times. (Saint Umegat would make a whole 'nother study.)
Ta, L
More Answered Questions
Catherine Nemeth
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Des explains their differing reactions to the Bastard at the end of ‘Demon Daughter’ that Atto is too young to be corrupt and so doesn’t fear Him, and Des is too old not to be corrupt and so fears being taken by Him. Is there any possible fate for a demon other than their destruction at some point, either by a Saint of the Bastard after ascending their host, or by the Bastard Himself for killing a person?
Peter Lawson
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I’m very happy with your work ethic, Lois. We get to experience a Penric story quite often, and very occasionally a Vorkosigan one. And a reread of your previous works is always a joy. Keep on doing what you do. When there’s another collection of Penric tales, I’ll get a signed copy from your local bookshop, as long as you’re still doing that? Regards from Melbourne, Oz, Peter
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more
Jan 01, 2022 06:33AM · flag
Well, there's the term "demi-god", but that more usually refers to half-breeds, though sometimes jumped-up humans. "Culture hero" is another my ...more
Jan 18, 2022 08:13AM · flag