Devan
asked
Elizabeth Bear:
Did you feel awkward at times or ill-equipped to write about Mongol culture in the way you did for the Eternal Sky trilogy? I'm so glad you wrote Priya in Karen Memory the way you did, I can't remember the time I've read an Indian character like that, especially not in fantasy like that, and I suppose this question applies to cultures like that as well.
Elizabeth Bear
Hello, Devan!
Yes, yes I did. I mean, it's not Mongol culture exactly or even close to the real thing--I'm writing fantasy, not historical fiction--but the cultures in the Eternal Sky series are obviously inspired by various real-world cultures. I try to apply the lens of my anthropological training and remember that every culture's values and beliefs are as valid as any others, within their own cultural context, and remember that within any given culture individual people will be very different from one another.
That, and as much research as I can stand.
I really believe that reflecting the diversity of the real world is critical in fiction, because when we see ourselves reflected in stories we feel validated and seen and empowered.
Yes, yes I did. I mean, it's not Mongol culture exactly or even close to the real thing--I'm writing fantasy, not historical fiction--but the cultures in the Eternal Sky series are obviously inspired by various real-world cultures. I try to apply the lens of my anthropological training and remember that every culture's values and beliefs are as valid as any others, within their own cultural context, and remember that within any given culture individual people will be very different from one another.
That, and as much research as I can stand.
I really believe that reflecting the diversity of the real world is critical in fiction, because when we see ourselves reflected in stories we feel validated and seen and empowered.
More Answered Questions
Jabotikaba
asked
Elizabeth Bear:
Thank you! I have one more question. Edene's abduction reminded me of Borte's. But it is even more similar to Lyudmila's abduction in the poem Ruslan and Lyudmila. Edene's escape from Al Sepehr's stronghold is also somewhat similar to Lyudmila's failed escape from Chernomor's castle. I'm curious if you were inspired by this old poem, too?
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