King Vanimen

The Merman's Children, V.

Before the merfolk king, Vanimen, addresses his dispossessed people, he reflects that:

"He must offer them more than the empty wail of the wind." (p.26)

The wind usually plays some role. Often, it emphasizes dramatic pauses in the dialogue. Here, its empty wailing contrasts with the significance of the speech that Vanimen is obliged to deliver.

The king's roles are:

to preside over infrequent folkmoots;

to judge disputes;

to deal with other communities;

to lead any united efforts;

to act as the master of festivals;

to transmit wisdom;

to counsel the young or troubled;

to preserve and teach lore;

to keep talismans;

to know spells;

to guard against monsters, evil magic and humanity;

to intercede with the Powers.

Regarding the Powers, he is said to have:

"...guested Ran herself...." (p. 28)

Ran is the wife of Aegir, the Norse mythological sea giant, who is also mentioned. Are we to understand that the Aegir, the Vanir and Yggdrasil had also existed in this timeline?