> Not just providing the body, but I'd guess providing 'bits' (let's
> not say 'parts'...) to each fresh Mask _is_ part of the role/one of
> the roles the mortal Egi play, since after all what they're doing in
> a sense is replacing the original Egi, whose original role was to
> do just that in the creation of 'Mask 0'.
Yep, I agree completely. But I don't think that the mortal Egi (who replace the original Egi killed by Sheng) are the same people as our Mandated claimants in "Life of Moonson".
> Others will have rather different roles, yes, doubtless some the
> cynical might term 'political'...
Joining the Council of Egi might ordinarily appear to be a prime example of what MOB referred to as being "kicked upstairs" to a position of "revered impotence on the Red Moon" (not a verbatim quote, pardon me for loose phrasing). But in the succession crises, it'd be like being one of the Tories' Men in Grey Suits who emerged from the woodwork during the glorious Fall of Thatch. I think there would be keen competition in certain circles to be "elevated" to the Council of Egi. Not just *during* a succession crisis, but throughout the normal political life of the Empire. A very Urquhartish position...
NB: I have assumed the Egi are *always* resident on the Red Moon, sitting as a heavenly Council, and not that it's a job one turns up to (like e.g. popping into the House of Lords for a quick vote). I know at one time Martin had visions of interventionist Egi (with underpants outside their trousers?) flying around the Empire and righting wrongs with direct backing and support from the Lunar Pantheon, in a kind of four-colour "Justice League: Peloria" setup. ("Tell me, do you ever miss the concept of human achievement?"). But I hope this has since been buried decently, in an unmarked grave.
> This is one key respect that I think the Masks are 'more Lunar than'
> TakenEgi ...
I agree completely with this paragraph.
:::: Email: <mailto:Nick_Brooke_at_btinternet.com>
Nick
:::: Website: <http://www.btinternet.com/~Nick_Brooke/>
Powered by hypermail