I'd just like to point out that Darkness and Chaos actually have some very similar traits, which would make sense if we consider that Chaos existed before everything, and Darkness "evolved" directly from Chaos, coming right after it on the elemental descent ladder. Perhaps that is exactly why they are so strongly opposed, though - Darkness has originally defined itself by opposition to Chaos, to whatever extent Darkness itself could be said to be defined. It too is primal, nightmarish and "chaotic", at least in the way in which it opposes the more structured worldview of Light.
The Underworld itself is very blurry and difficult to define, it is a place of all three Otherworlds, and also of Darkness AND Chaos. I'm not sure we could state with any confidence that it is a place of Stasis, either.
I think trolls would find it harder to be illuminated, but if and when they do become illuminated they may also have a greater risk of plunging headfirst into Chaos, as they would realise how similar they truly are, and would no longer be holding on to that which makes them different from it as strongly.
>
> I'm really a Gloranthan novice, so pardon my comments if they don't
> contribute to the discussion.
>
> And I am spinning off of Simon Hibb's recent post.
>
> Doesn't it seem that we risk trying to define Chaos through the medium of
> Illumination? And that Chaos stubbornly resists that? Like a virus, it
> infects anywhere it can get a foothold, be that Light, Darkness, or even
> Troll.
>
> We can argue that the Underworld is a place of stasis, but does Chaos
> actually care? I realize "caring" is an odd word to use in this context..
> but just to define the Underworld and apply properties to it is to lend
> structure or order to it. Chaos has no regard any division, definition, or
> structure.
>
> We tend to fall back into this line of thinking almost automatically.
> Kenrae points out that Chaos predated the Underworld. But really..? So what
> if it didn't? Does Chaos obey linear time except when forced?
>
> Does Chaos follow any rules or conventional thinking- except when it is
> forced to do so?
>
> Perhaps trolls can be illuminated regardless of whether it is possible or
> not, because Chaos does not respect our delicate sensibilities concerning
> what should and should not be possible. I don't mean that to be a cop-out
> or easy answer, but rather a comment on the insidiousness of Chaos.
>
> **********
>
> In that case, the better question might be how EASY it for trolls to become
> illuminated? Because that is a measure of well trolls can maintain their
> sense of order in the universe. If we can't accurately measure the Power of
> Chaos, perhaps we can measure the powers/forces/beings that resist it.
>
> Just my rambling thoughts......
>
> Jim
>
>
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