In Poul Anderson's War Of The Gods, the Vanir attack Asgard. In "Star of the Sea," the Wanes attack the Anses when the latter enter the world, darkening the air with their arrows and enraging men with their battle horns. These are two different versions of the first war in the world.
Froh, riding his bull, wields the Living Sword. We saw Frae with his bull and sword in Chapter I. Naerdha sails the wind-scourged sea, steering with the Ax of the Tree, casting eagles against the Anses, a star burning on her brow. We saw Niaerdh sailing on an iceberg, wielding her net and rising with the morning star on her brow in Chapter I.
In both versions, as, of course, in the sources, the gods of necessity make peace. "Star of the Sea" shows the mythological development from the celebration of war to the celebration of peace. Chapters III and IV tell very different stories.
2 comments:
it's also different stages of the myth.
Kaor, Paul!
I also thought of Earendil the Mariner and the Silmaril he bore, from Tolkien's THE SILMARILLION. He and the Silmaril became a star in the heavens of Middle Earth, a promise and sign of hope for those oppressed by the fallen Vala, Morgoth. And Morgoth's servant Sauron.
Ad astra! Sean
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