unOrlanthi behaviour from Frank Rafaelsen on 1999-05-06 (Glorantha Digest Vol 06)

From: Frank Rafaelsen <rafael_at_nvg.ntnu.no>
Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 19:26:55 +0200 (CEST)

> Pete Metcalfe:
>
> > >It is an Orlanthi stereotype to say that all feuds never end - even
> > >in Icelandic sagas we have examples of Feuds, really viscious blood
> > >feuds, ending quite amiably (frex, "Thorstein Staff Struck").
> >
> > And this has what to do with Owain's UnOrlanthi behaviour? All
> > he does is make a sign of forgiveness and serves Garundyer ever
> > afterwards as a Sword Thane.

Five words about this supposed unorlanthi behaviour:

"There is always another way"

It is this insight that makes orlanth different from his violent brothers, the reason he is the lawful King of the Universe. Certainly, a trait this important to a god, should be more than appropriate for the boon companion of an embodyment of orlanth!? It might not be common, but a heroquester is bound to be surounded by exceptional people.

If you ask an orlanth cultist you might just get a very similar story about the relationship between orlanth and humakt after orlanth stole death ('forgiveness' and eternal servitude as a sword thane).

So in my opinion this argument against Nick's story misses the point entirely. And this is without even discussing how problematic it is to predict individual actions on the basis of cultural norms...

Snakkes!
- -Frank Rafaelsen