Tam Lin Reference

[Nate]

I recently re-read this one and kind of banged my head that I missed it before. Does anyone else have a similar theory about the Tam Lin reference? Extremely abridged version Tam Lin was a mortal, who after falling from his horse, was changed into an Elf Knight by the Queen of Fairies. A woman (usually either Janet or Margaret) is able to save him from the Queen and is released from his Mantle. The Queen is angry, but acknowledges the loss.

Anyone else think that this might be Jim Butcher foreshadowing Harry's release from the Winter Knight Mantle, via Murphy?

[Monica, White Council]

Ooh, I'll have to keep this in mind. I'm in Ghost Story right now, so will be reading Cold Days next. I'll let you know!

[Matt]

Are you referring to what Mab said at Harry's B'day party? If so, I think you may be stretching a little. Although, you never know with Jim Butcher. He does like to tie in mythology into his world building.

[Nate]

Matt wrote: "Are you referring to what Mab said at Harry's B'day party? If so, I think you may be stretching a little. Although, you never know with Jim Butcher. He does like to tie in mythology into his world ..."

Yes, this was the reference. I think it's highly unlikely that Harry will remain the Winter Knight through the end of the series. While it may be a bit of a stretch, I do think it was interesting that Mab's reference was of a previous Knight that had been released from service.

[James]

There has been a lot of foreshadowing that the Winter Knight mantle is temporary. I think there might be a lot more to the Warden Mantle (whether it is a mantle or title is still to be seen). I think this may be a good catch. Ultimately Dresden will be powered up enough to take on the Outsiders, so I am thinking like Mab level power or even Mother level power in the last book. Donnar Vadderung seems to be carrying two mantles at this time. Perhaps he will move the Kringle mantle to Dresden, since the Oden mantle is his main mantle. Both mantels have powers of limited omniscience and travel, so who knows if that is one or two mantles. I think it is two separate mantles since one is Norse and the other is Christian. Dresden will get the Christian mantle which is powered at a Angel Level (Probably the Lady power level Mantle. I think Vadderung has the Mother level mantle).
Edit Nine Powers of Santa Clause:
1 Limited omniscience he knows who is bad or good.
2 Communication. He talks to the animals but also knows all languages.
3 Time Bending and or Super Speed - Only way to travel the whole world in one night even if he warps from house to house, it takes time to place the presents around the tree and talk to the occasional kid who is able to see him.
4 Sack of Plenty or perhaps portal to his workshop
5 Super Strength gotta lift those really big presents. Some people even get cars.
6 Shrinking to get down those small chimneys. I think this extends to full body control, since he had different shapes in different countries.
7 Limited Mind Control / Stealth - no one notices Santa if he does not want to be noticed. This even extends to his workshop and elves.
8 Super technology / Intelligence but this may be an extension of his limited Omniscience.
9 Immortality or extended life anyway. He has been around since the fourth centrury at least.

Another thought - Perhaps the Knights of the Cross report to Santa Clause?? No indication of this but the powers needed match up. And really this adds up to the powers included in the Full Mantle of God, which we would expect Santa Clause to carry. But isn't it interesting that Dresden has the authority to hold the Knights Swords?

[Wdmoor]

Great post...Harry Dresden as Santa Claus...I love it!

And forget the plate of cookies, maybe he'll actually get laid once in awhile.

[Madderakka]

Wdmoor wrote:


And forget the plate of cookies, maybe he'll actually get laid once in awhile."
I snorted

[James]

Wdmoor wrote: "Great post...Harry Dresden as Santa Claus...I love it!

And forget the plate of cookies, maybe he'll actually get laid once in awhile."
Santa has a wife. Hmmm back to the rolling list of options....
(Me I am an Elaine fan. It's always Elaine. Always has been. Always will be.)

[Nate]

Wdmoor wrote:
And forget the plate of cookies, maybe he'll actually get laid once in awhile."

This made me snort aloud at work. I got a raised eyebrow from my coworker, which made it funnier. Thanks!

[Jeanie]

Wdmoor wrote: "Great post...Harry Dresden as Santa Claus...I love it!

And forget the plate of cookies, maybe he'll actually get laid once in awhile."

That adds a whole new function to the "Naughty or Nice List"! ;P

[Matt]

Harry already has an outsider Bane mantle, they call it being 'Star Born' I think. Regarding what james wrote, I can't see any of that happening. Time will tell though. Dresden as Santa Calls, Hell's bells.

[Monica, White Council]

So the name starborn refers to a mantle? that means he's able to fight the outsiders?
I wonder if all this was an accident of his birth or arranged through the timing of his birth.

[James]

Pretty sure the connsensus is planned.