Poul Anderson sets the scene before recounting an incident between Tauno and Eyjan. I said here that the issue of incest arises at least three times in Anderson's fantasies. (See also here.) There is a fourth, in The Merman's Children.
Merpeople have no incest taboo. However, Tauno and Eyjan, brother and sister, are merfolk-human hybrids whose Christian mother did impress this taboo on them. However, alone together for a long stretch, they overcome the taboo and attempt sex. However, the taboo is stronger than them and they can't do it. Is there any right or wrong here? I have a strong distaste for the idea of brother-sister incest but that is not a moral judgment.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
And I believe the "taboo" against incest is based on more than mere distaste. That it is simply WRONG for too closely related persons to marry or have sex.
Sean
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