The zigzag symbol is from the Danube Script. I think probably sea or river. This script is evidenced back into the 6th millennium BC although not quite as far back as Deghóm's time. Supposedly uninterpreted but I think most of the glyphs are pretty transparent. I have worked at trying to decode most of them, although obviously this is speculative.
I used my interpretation of the possibly base 14 tally system for chapter numbering, which was fun.
Tho is very intriguing indeed! I want to know more! Demara, the symbol, is that of Aquarius. An air sign, but, the water bearer to the Gods. More accurately, the nectar bearer. I wonder if there is any connection.
Really interesting that you say that. The Danube script interpreters (who are definitely not sure) suggest that the single version is water, maybe a river or sea. So I use this in the novel. The double version is not attested within the Danube script corpus but it is TINY. So I interpreted doubling as meaning intensification, as in “too much water” … yup, that’s a flood. And the name Aquarius has water in the name, although I haven’t researched it closely…
Your descriptive writing is wonderful. The scene-building is so vivid, the cave, the firelight, the sound of the song vibrating through the old man’s ribs. It feels very physical and visual, like the reader is standing in the cave with them.
What I find fascinating is how different writers approach mythic storytelling. I tend to write through feeling and resonance, but you write through the sensory world, sight, sound, texture. It creates such a powerful contrast.
So kind of you and interesting to hear both your analysis of my description and your thoughts on your own. I will have to read a little more with your words in mind.
Glad you liked it … there's more at stephen-thomas.co.uk and a bit on here now too… there's a US Goodreads giveaway starting Monday and Amazon preorder is open!
Stephen, I really love the setting and subject. I’ve always been fascinated by anthropology and thought this era should get more narrative attention and when it does, generally movies, it does not capture what was likely a very quiet, somber reality. Love that you’re taking on that tone and approach. Looking forward to more. Very ambitious and places you there. Nice work!
Hey West, thank you so much for the thoughtful response! Certainly interesting from an anthro perspective. In the process of writing the first novel and designing the series I have realised that human civilisation in Europe underwent one massive double arc after the flood in 6500 BC, from matrifocal/sustainable, dividing into matrifocal, slowly developing and sustainable in the East and patrifocal-patriarchal, rapidly spreading, extractive in Central Europe. The latter underwent an immense, bloody and catastrophic collapse. The Balkan version flourished for another 1500 years until the hordes arrived off the steppes in 3500 BC and began a completely new series.
The zigzag symbol is from the Danube Script. I think probably sea or river. This script is evidenced back into the 6th millennium BC although not quite as far back as Deghóm's time. Supposedly uninterpreted but I think most of the glyphs are pretty transparent. I have worked at trying to decode most of them, although obviously this is speculative.
I used my interpretation of the possibly base 14 tally system for chapter numbering, which was fun.
Excellent opening. Beautifully written. Your descriptions draw us into the scene. I am curious to learn more about this world and its people.
Hey Caryn! So glad the prologue appealed. There are five chapters here. Thank you so much for the restack. That means a lot.
Yeah, this is right up my alley! haha, glad you found me!
Tho is very intriguing indeed! I want to know more! Demara, the symbol, is that of Aquarius. An air sign, but, the water bearer to the Gods. More accurately, the nectar bearer. I wonder if there is any connection.
Really interesting that you say that. The Danube script interpreters (who are definitely not sure) suggest that the single version is water, maybe a river or sea. So I use this in the novel. The double version is not attested within the Danube script corpus but it is TINY. So I interpreted doubling as meaning intensification, as in “too much water” … yup, that’s a flood. And the name Aquarius has water in the name, although I haven’t researched it closely…
Wow your work has quality description. The way you described everything I could feel it.
Wow, thanks for that positive feedback. It is always hard to know how it will land with another person...
Your descriptive writing is wonderful. The scene-building is so vivid, the cave, the firelight, the sound of the song vibrating through the old man’s ribs. It feels very physical and visual, like the reader is standing in the cave with them.
What I find fascinating is how different writers approach mythic storytelling. I tend to write through feeling and resonance, but you write through the sensory world, sight, sound, texture. It creates such a powerful contrast.
So kind of you and interesting to hear both your analysis of my description and your thoughts on your own. I will have to read a little more with your words in mind.
Brilliant!
Wow! Totally blown away by the scintillating imagery conjured up by Stephen Thomas. What a vision; so exciting. Can’t wait to read more!
Glad you liked it … there's more at stephen-thomas.co.uk and a bit on here now too… there's a US Goodreads giveaway starting Monday and Amazon preorder is open!
Thank you, Stephen! Keep writing. We need more people like you!
So encouraging, thank you!
Does Tolkien have a worthy successor? He might do now!
Stephen, I really love the setting and subject. I’ve always been fascinated by anthropology and thought this era should get more narrative attention and when it does, generally movies, it does not capture what was likely a very quiet, somber reality. Love that you’re taking on that tone and approach. Looking forward to more. Very ambitious and places you there. Nice work!
Hey West, thank you so much for the thoughtful response! Certainly interesting from an anthro perspective. In the process of writing the first novel and designing the series I have realised that human civilisation in Europe underwent one massive double arc after the flood in 6500 BC, from matrifocal/sustainable, dividing into matrifocal, slowly developing and sustainable in the East and patrifocal-patriarchal, rapidly spreading, extractive in Central Europe. The latter underwent an immense, bloody and catastrophic collapse. The Balkan version flourished for another 1500 years until the hordes arrived off the steppes in 3500 BC and began a completely new series.
I really love reading the work of a well-read writer. This line gave me goosebumps: ‘The sky wept. The sea chased the people. Its teeth ate them all.’
Bravo.
Thank you for sharing Omar, goosebumps is just how this period makes me feel!
This reminds me of Clan of the Cave Bear. 🙂
Oof, that would be the dream…