BoM/TWS Message Forum

WARNING: Post contains philosophy!

I have the feeling I expanded on Seuzz's core idea of the biers, and linked it to the Greek underworld. I stand by my choice of the Acheron (the river of woe) over the Lethe (the river of forgetfulness).

To me, forgetting seems a cheap escape from responsibility. But regret - expressing sorrow for your actions and understanding why sorrow is needed - seems like the first step in healing. It doesn't change what you did, or where you might be heading as a consequence, but it might stop you doing it again.

Either way, the purpose of the banks is to leave people at peace with themselves - no more holding on, no more anger, just ready to let go and move onto the next step, whatever that is. There's no forcing of the issue, save that you don't get to wake up until you are ready to move on. It's implied that some people spend longer sleeping than others too.

The chapter Two Trials is illustrative, I think: It's about George realising how he ended up where he was, and while he's probably going to end up in A Very Bad Place Indeed, he's accepted that's his fate.

I'd agree that it isn't a Stellae construct too. Definately somewhere they've gained access to. Maybe it's even a shortcut of sorts. Just don't look behind you when you're leading someone out...