>(1): The distinction between False Gods and pagan gods that Peter Metcalfe
>suggests. This is an erudite explanation, and I admire its ingenuity. Yet
>, I find it a bit complex for my tastes (others may disagree). Further, it
>doesn't explain why the Wizard of "What the Wizard Says" fails to make any
>mention of the False Gods (in the prosopaedia sense).
>
>(2): Westerners have a variety of different explanations for other
>people's gods. A Malkioni can explain Orlanth or Yelm, etc., as a
>personification of natural forces, human desires, etc., *or* as an evil
>Western sorceror who is now worshipped by ignorant foreigners. Probably
>those with good theological training (like the Wizard) accept the first
>explanation, while the less-learned laity embrace the second. The
>description of Ehilm in the Prosopaedia tends to support this viewpoint,
>since it makes him a figure from "fairy tales." (p. 5) [Of course, the
>general account of the False Gods speaks of "ancient Malkioni history." (p.
>6)] But Malkioni, as a whole, do not divide other people's divinities into
>two classes: Pagan Gods and False Gods.
> From my perspective, this interpretation accords more closely with
>what the Prosopaedia says about the individual False Gods. The paragraphs
>on Humct and Worlath sound to me like a lay Westerner's perception of Humakt
>and Orlanth. It doesn't matter that these aren't very accurate perceptions
>-- I wouldn't expect Western Malkioni to have a very good grasp on foreign
>theist's beliefs. For a RW example (I know, Glorantha isn't earth),
>consider the things said about Islam in "The Song of Roland."
Thanks to both you and Peter Metcalfe for the comments. How about this summary.
Generally the learned Malkioni and the Brithini go with (2). The intellectual
interpretation sounds like something the Brithini would come up with.
However, the demonization of those pagan gods morally repugnant to the Malkioni
has found a certain resonance amongst the Rokari and Hrestoli. I like the idea
of Rokari inquisitors roaming the countryside forcing peasants to confess "that
you and your brethren did reject the Invisible God and the teachings of
Malkion. And that you did make prayers to the False God, Humct, and sacrificed
a black cock in his honour."
As for the other pagan gods, the Malkioni just think the theists are foolish
barbarians, worshipping gods that do not exist, who must heed the Word of
Malkion or be forever trapped on the mundane plane.
As for the heretics, they've either made the pagan gods saints ("Saint Humakt,
the Sword of the Invisible God is my patron"), or they acknowledge that the
Visible Gods exist but are lesser than the Invisible God, or they have some
weird confusion of theist and Malkioni belief (like the Aeolians)
Of course, this is all my slant.