From: Nils Weinander (nils_w@yahoo.com)
Date: Sun 02 Apr 2000 - 15:22:03 EEST
Terra Incognita:
>
> Sea Eagle Dynasty of East
>
> Most primitive societies recognize the existence of the First Four
> Companions, who assisted Earthmaker in the creation of the world. They are
> the overseers of the four compass directions and they are always depicted as
> having the form of animals of a watery origin. The most widespread story
> knows the Companions as Turtle, Loon, Otter, and Sea Eagle.
>
> (From Old Gloranthan Prosopaedia)
>
> Turtle (Sofal) South
> Loon North
> Otter (Udra) West
> Sea Eagle East
Now there's an interesting parallell I haven't spotted before!
In the Demigods Cycle (Storm Age), Memb was ruled by the
Sea Eagle Dynasty. (Memb was a part of the Vithelan continent
then, now it's a large island in the north-eastern East Isles,
off the regular maps). I don't think the rulers of Memb were
hsunchen/animists, but there should be some connection.
The myth of the Four Companions speaks about creation, which
is obviously way before the Demigods Cycle, but the myth itself
need not be that old. The interpretation of the companions as
those particular animals can be later.
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Nils Weinander
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