Festival

The Merman's Children, Book Two, III.

Celebration because the mermen have expelled a monster from the lake:

pealing bells;

thanksgiving Mass;

embroidered vests;

flowing blouses;

sweeping skirts;

roasting ox;

steaming kettles;

beer, mead and wine barrels;

bagpipes;

flutes;

horns;

drums;

fiddles;

kolo around a cauldron;

Father Tomislav, dancing, says, "'Leap like David before the Lord!'" (p. 134)

And that is yet another Biblical reference that we have not noted before: 2 Samuel 6: 14-15.

We always appreciate Poul Anderson's details, whether in battle or in feast.