Re: SOLACE and SOLACE OF THE BODY : what are they ?

From: Peter Metcalfe <metcalph_at_CubHXn583f57v63eXgZHokEYIbDgXgxSmYUNY_s5MDdpXK2NRHu1KnSOY_F084Qpaet>
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:15:21 +1300

On 1/17/2011 7:30 AM, hcarteau_at_EgWbxKdHJW28K78WOFsRSnPrfrIVpFChydkFSTgcO49DTIcUqjbQ4ClBTIbJPnxVLvAsLwLo-rEZEJo.yahoo.invalid wrote:
> In researching for my world-shaking thesis on malkioni issues, I have stumbled
> on the concept of Solace. Malkion the Prophet taught about Solace, and this
> concept isn't very clear to me.

It intentionally isn't clear to many Malkioni. There's a whole lot of statements by Malkion about how this is necessary to achieve Solace but to find out what Solace actually is, you have to consult learned clergymen who disagree with each other.

> Then there is Solace OF THE BODY. These words were added after Hrestol's Death,
> when he is said to have "bodily ascended" to Solace, before witnesses.
That's from MOB's Sog City article and I doubt he intended the interpretation you place on it. For starters, Solace of the Body is found in the Genertela boxed set as being taught by Malkion whereas Hrestol redefined it to be Joy of the Heart (acting on instructions from Malkion). Later sources have redefined Joy as being a manifestation of Solace on the mortal world (or a mere spell mimicking the same) rather than being a superior heaven.

The idea that Solace could be interpreted as personal immortality means that the Brithini (and other Zzaburites) can claim to have Solace. That Solace can be destroyed by permanent death does present them with profound philosophical difficulties (isn't Solace eternal? Then how can it be destroyed?).

--Peter Metcalfe