Urth-Earth links

Lee Berman · 18 Oct 2011, 01:49 · from 2011-October.txt.gz

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From: severiansola at hotmail.com (Lee Berman)
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:49:49 -0400
Subject: (urth) Urth-Earth links
Message-ID: <SNT123-W63BBAF65823E02E1B06ECDCFE50 at phx.gbl>

>Gerry Quinn- Both sides use the alzabo glands, for example.  

>Typhon uses high technology

I do not agree. Are you refering to the alzabo-like substance 

which transfers memories from the old Autarch to Severian? My

interpretation of the story does not allow for this sort of thing

to come from angelic B, F and O.

Wolfe, in an interview, refers to the alzabo ceremony as a 

"diabolic eucharist" iirc. It seems clear that the memory transfer

from autarch to autarch is the same sort of process and thus is

equally diabolic and not the sort of thing which would come from 

angel analogs. Fallen angels on the other hand...yes that is a likely

source.

Who provides the processed alzabo potion for Vodalus? The otherwise

pointless link of Hildegren to Vodaulus and the Cumaean suggests it 

comes from the Witches.

The text pairs Father Inire as two of a kind and perhaps even as a 

partner to the Cumaean. It is they who dabble in necromancy and unnatural, 

diabolic resurrections and other attempts to extend lives far beyond their 

allotted limit. They are shrivelled, old and ugly.  They are willing to mix 

and interfere directly with humanity in pursuit of this goal of eternal life.

In constrast, B and F are angelic. They do not seek an extension of their

own short lifespans and tend to provide humanity with a minimum  of 

direct interference and control. 

As we see in UotNS, Severian's autarchal memories provide a very minimal 

input to his qualification for New Sun. Their primary use is to know a 

set of verbal passwords to control devices created by (who else) Father

Inire, the 1000 year real power behind the throne occupied by a succession

of human figureheads mostly chosen from unremarkable palace staff members.

This is my view of the situation.

p.s. Yes Typhon uses high technology but they are ancient machines dating

back to a time before Urth became technologically backward and had to rely

on the dribs and drabs provided by limited cacogen contact. So his machines

are not a part of this discussion.

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