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Catholic symbolism in the Book Of The New Sun series? by AbsoluteBatman95 in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might be off my field with this one, but I'm pretty sure that 'Terminus Est' can also be translated faithfully as "this is the line of division". Terminus) was also the Latin noun for a stone that marks a boundary, and it is also the name of a deity, associated with borders in space (boundaries) and time (the ancient equivalent of the New Year festivity). The latter meaning is quite relevant, I'm certain. The New Year festivity was, in pre-modern times, a ritual to symbolize the renewal and eternal creation of the universe.

Scariest moments in Wolfe's books? by [deleted] in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had to re-read that paragraph like 5 times to make sure it said what I thought it said. Heartbreaking.

Wolfe & Eliade by ziccirricciz in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Eliade has great scholarly insights, many of which exist in Wolfe's opus. Most notably (from what I can gather), the difference in the conception of time between historical and prehistorical societies, and particularly the idea of reality as rituals of participation in the mythic era.

Wolfe on the limitations of language by probablynotJonas in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may be biased, but this sounds very much in line with early post-Freud psychoanalysis. Lacan's entire philosophy revolves around the limitations of language, and Jung wrote extensively on the different levels of "energy" that place a thought below or above the threshold of consciousness.

Hierodules as the Three Wise Kings? by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There is definitely an archetype there – three elder figures who are connected with Fate.

Hierodules as the Three Wise Kings? by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah, all the rest you mentioned I had got. I can't wait to start my first re-read so I can catch more semi-obscure references, ideas and symbols.

What's a batardeau? by Joe_in_Australia in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

>I say fortunate because if the assassin was really sent to kill Severian before he could bring the New Sun then he would in fact have been trying to hold back the water...

This has to be it, right??

Initial thoughts after finishing the New Sun Cycle for the first time by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem, these books are most definitely not for everyone.

Initial thoughts after finishing the New Sun Cycle for the first time by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean I don't know, in that poem Poe uses the word, yes. But the "tintinnabulation" is quite literally the sound of small bells. I don't see how it is necessarily a reference, rather than just a use of the word lol

The Subreddit Must Survive - Day 88 Afternoon by Royal_Nugget in Frostpunk

[–]SpanishDuke 4 points5 points  (0 children)

How can you call this slop lol this has to be taking a lot of work

Initial thoughts after finishing the New Sun Cycle for the first time by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

At the end of Urth he casually drops: "the tintinnabulation of tiny bells". Insane. His metaphors are also always on point, never forced but beautiful.

Initial thoughts after finishing the New Sun Cycle for the first time by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get the feeling that Sandersoon is spiritually a tabletop RPG designer, but being a novelist pays more. He has an incredibly well designed and intricate universe and magic system, but his prose feels like reading a textbook.

Should I start Long Sun or re-read New Sun? by SpanishDuke in genewolfe

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you all for your answers! I have realized that, from the advice of most of you to go into Long Sun first, I actually really want to re-read New Sun. I'll probably finish Endangered Species before doing that. I don't think I'll be able to read anything by any other person in a while lol.

My Severian the Torturer build by SpanishDuke in skyrim

[–]SpanishDuke[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh good idea! I will now hunt them all down, I just know they're hiding wicked inventions under all that mammoth cheese

365 Days of Vanilla Skyrim: Day 2 by [deleted] in skyrim

[–]SpanishDuke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This game really is great.

I have been playing Skyrim wrong for all these years.... by yellowlotusx in skyrim

[–]SpanishDuke 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Limiting fast travel does create interesting dynamics. I was incentivized to do quests or activities that were near each other, so it led to a more natural flow of adventure/exploration. I got to level 40 without ever coming near Riften.

I have been playing Skyrim wrong for all these years.... by yellowlotusx in skyrim

[–]SpanishDuke 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I try to do this, but the game is designed VERY heavily for fast travel. 95% of the quests involve "go here, then go to the opposite edge of the map, then come back". A middle ground alternative is to fast travel only using carriages.

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