My Newest Quotes

Both from John Normans latest book, the fourth in the Telnarian Histories, The Usurper.

The lion who pretends to be a lamb is a hypocrite; the lion who tries to be a lamb is a fool; the lion who thinks he is a lamb is insane.

~

"The least retreat," said Julian, "will be understood as a sign of weakness; it will arm enemies, and inspirit defiance. The first rock removed from a wall makes the second easier to dislodge."

Roman Similarities

Firstly, my deepest apologies for not posting as often as I would normally. Things are a little hectic here as we organise everything. I have, however, finally managed to finish this post. It is only a couple of points I've found of interest. And I'm sure, time willing, I will add more. 

~~

The amount of similarities, and conclusions, anyone can jump to about the Gorean novels and their Earthly counterparts are seemingly endless. It doesn’t even end at the books, JN’s own nom de plume brings the idea that ‘Romanesque’ links to ‘Norman’ and that the non de plume is no coincidence.

My interest in the history of the Roman Empire itself, and the similarities to my lifestyle and the Gorean novels, however farfetched they seem at first, has been piqued recently. Aided, possibly, by the fact my master has found some of the most interesting books I’ve seen in a while (although the book of passages from Plato is a little time consuming!) – something for long haul flights!!

Given our books are currently sailing across the oceans in a shipping container bound for the Land of the Long White Cloud, I cannot, at this point, provide quotes. So the following is more from memory than from anything else. I may be completely mistaken in some of my points. I’ll be sure to check when everything arrives and I unpack.

Some of my favourite Gorean-to-Roman links:

The Gorean gladius – I have very little (to none!) knowledge of historical weapons. But the gladius is one that can be linked easily, mainly because John Norman didn’t change the name! The word gladius simply means ‘sword’, it is the most common (primary) weapon of Roman foot soldiers.

Argentus means ‘silver coin’ in Latin. It stands to reason that Argentum (One of the silver cities of Gor – with hundreds of rich mines) is mirrored from this.

Alcohol – Both the Greeks and the Romans had stronger wine than we have in the ‘modern day’, and like the Gorean novels, both civilisations often watered their wine. Romans (I’m not sure about Greeks?) also enjoyed heated alcohol, and it’s mentioned many times in the books that Goreans can (but don’t always!) have theirs warmed too.

Torture was used by the Romans on slaves, to ensure they told the truth, while ‘citizens’ were exempt from torture. The Goreans used torture when slaves gave evidence, to certify the truth of their words.

Kajiuralia is a Gorean holiday that is similar to the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The slaves duties are relaxed for one day a year, and roles were often reversed (slaves were ‘served’ by free persons).

~

I’m currently looking for more information (books, not internet ‘wiki-google’ sites!) about Gaius Octavius, as I’ve read that there are many similarities between the first Emperor of Rome and Marlenus of Ar. Including, but not limited to, their cities becoming ‘empires’ and the formation of imperial guards (Taurentians // Praetorians).

I’m also interested in the abstract quote in which a Gorean is tied in a bag with animals. I cannot, at this point in time, remember the animals, the quote or the circumstances on which this punishment occurs – but I will, when time allows, want to look into whether it is comparable to the punishment for parricide - If anyone knows, please let me know!

But with a new library, and a score of ‘new’ bookstores – I think I’ll manage – as long as I am granted the time!

I wish you well,

Kamira.