Re: Who is Finovan?

From: Groovelord <coridan_at_...>
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 02:15:57 -0400

> Chris Lemens <chrislemens_at_...> wrote:
> > The only thing I'd add IMG is to say that Orlanth took another name,
> > Finovan, when he went to visit Uralda, in case the Emperor caught him.
> >
> > (Did I get that name right? Finovan is the cattle raider, right?)
>
> I believe so. But I was under the impression that Finovan was a son of
> Orlanth, not one of his disguises.
>
> Though I grant that mythically, the line between "son of Orlanth",
"persona
> of Orlanth", and "Orlanthi hero" can get pretty squishy...

Of course, it all depends on what clan is telling the myth, and whether the myth is an open, old story or an inner secret. I can imagine that a clan may keep several different versions of myths, with additional secrets and stations being kept as part of the oral lore, going deeper as one attains deeper secrets in clan leadership, in one's profession, or in the clan's secrets as a Godar.

I like to think that Finovan is indeed a name Orlanth took when raiding cattle and wooing Uralda, and one his sons took that name to honor his father's prowess at the raid, emulating him! So, in the old stories, it *may* have been Orlanth, or it *may* have been Finovan, or it *may* have been both. Who can tell? Pass me mead, and I'll tell you!

Best,

CB