Djana lives among Merseians on Talwin. At mess, she stands respectfully to one side while they perform brief religious, familial and patriotic rituals. We would like to see these rituals and a film adaptation would have to show us something of them. A graphic adaptation might show just a single panel like a still photograph. Djana is impressed and stirred by big forms, deep voices, drawn steel and drums. After the morning rituals, she shares:
"...coarse bread, raw vegetables, gwydh-milk cheese, and the Terran-descended tea which they raised throughout the Roidhunate." (p. 295)
I have said this before. I would much prefer coffee. (A TV discussion panel was asked, "What makes us British?" One politician began: "I like a cup of tea..." Nothing makes us British. When the English and Scottish kingdoms were united, James VI/I invoked Geoffrey of Monmouth's myth of a lost Arthurian unity.) The other meals are a simple lunch and meat and ale in the evening.
Djana learns about Merseia, including its main language, Eriau, and is treated:
"...with gruff kindness." (p. 296)
It is clear that a human being can live among the Merseians without having to confront the problem of the Roidhunate's racist policies. However, Flandry will contrive to ensure that Djana does learn how Ydwyr has conditioned her.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I don't entirely agree. There are common ideas, beliefs, and customs very widespread among the British which many, many of them firmly believe helps to characterize them as British.
We do see some human rituals in Chapter I of A CIRCUS OF HELLS, when a Merseian warship visiting the Terran naval base on Irumclaw is welcomed. Flandry entered the mess hall, saluted the Emperor's portrait, and joined a line of human officers being introduced to the Merseians.
Ad astra! Sean
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