Theory on the Puzzle Canal

From: Keith Nellist <keithnellist_at_Y8NhC4tsZLNTUwx-YR9UmRuHYHYlpUMHO5jP5LyXZjt17uP3lXHIq-tly87KG4K>
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:24:12 -0000

Here's a theory I had concerning the purpose of the Puzzle Canal.

It's in two parts, the first part being that the Real City was built as a kind of new world within the old world (similar in some ways to the Red Moon), with the Puzzle Canal representing the Oceans/waters.

The second part expands on the ocean mythology. The Ocean and the maze are split into 4 areas the High Seas and the Outer Maze, the Middle (Niiadic Sea) and the Elf Maze, the Deep Ocean and the Deeper Maze, and the Unreachable waters of the Well of Wisdom and the Hidden Maze.

There are: 7 outer caverns representing the 7 deities of the surface.

Janelosp, Egrankot, Gornaloth, Zabdamar, Diendemos, Por Janks, Dwerulan.

                 1 long island representing "dry", food.                 

                5 elf caverns representing Golod and the 4 beasts, (air, earth, darkness, sky (or mammals, reptiles, insects, birds)

                1 elf grotto representing Murthdrya (plants)

                7 deeper caverns representing Nelat, Triolina, Mirintha, King Undine, Tholaina, Phargon, Wachaza,

                1 island (Robcradle remnant - possibly islands in Magastas Pool)

                1 Tanien's grotto Tanien/Robber?         

		2 hidden caverns	Framanth, Sramak
		1 painting room	        Daliath
		1 Sea Slaver		Magasta

Magasta has magic for summoning monsters - so does the sea slaver. It all fits nicely, IMO. I'm guessing that this is a coincidence and that it was not part of the authors intent, but it does fit nicely and gives an interesting view on the Canal.

Keith