In the intricate world
of literature and mysticism, the wisdom of Greek mythology often intertwines
with the symbolic nature of tarot cards, casting new light on new narratives.
Dana Claire's captivating fantasy book, "War of the Sea," serves as a
perfect example. The story explores complex characters navigating treacherous
seas, personal vendettas, and alliances, mirroring the tumultuous journey
through life represented by tarotcards, and steeped in the drama of Greek
mythology.
Captain Elouise
Farrington: Strength and The Chariot
Captain Elouise
Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea, is a character of
determination and strength. This aligns well with the tarot card, Strength,
which signifies courage, inner power, and determination, qualities Captain Lou
consistently demonstrates as she leads her all-female crew on the rough waters.
Just as the Strength card encourages us to tame our inner and outer beasts,
Captain Lou battles external forces while grappling with her inner demons of
misplaced revenge against Captain Rylander.
Moreover, her life
journey is akin to the symbolism of The Chariot, a card representing conquest,
willpower, and triumph over obstacles. Elouise's relentless pursuit of her
father's killer and her critical decisions embody the very essence of this
card.
King Delphi (Apollo)
and his son, Captain Rylander Bordeaux: The Sun and Temperance
Apollo's association
with the sun and healing can be likened to his son Captain Rylander Bordeaux's
aspirations. Just as Apollo brings light and healing, Rylander seeks to bring
peace to the chaotic and war-ridden seas, much like the healing rays of the sun
after a storm. This connection also aligns Rylander and his father, Apollo,
with The Sun card in tarot, which represents joy, success, celebration, and
positivity.
Moreover, Apollo was
known for his musical talents, using his lyre to charm gods and mortals alike.
This mirrors Rylander's hypnotic charm giving him the ability to transfix his
prey with his musical voice.
Another tarot card that
can be associated with Rylander and Apollo is Temperance. This card signifies
balance, moderation, and patience. Rylander's delicate navigation between war
and peace, vengeance and alliance, reflects the balancing act symbolized by
Temperance. Like Apollo, who was often considered a god of harmony and order,
Rylander must follow his father’s footsteps and find a balance in the midst of
chaos.
The Siren Queen: The
High Priestess and The Empress
The Siren Queen, the
powerful antagonist of "War of the Sea," can be compared to The High
Priestess, a tarot card representing intuition, mystery, and divine knowledge.
Just as The High Priestess possesses esoteric knowledge, the Siren Queen holds
control over the sea and its creatures.
Additionally, as a
powerful female figure, the Siren Queen can be compared to The Empress, a card
symbolizing motherhood, femininity, and abundance. The Siren Queen's reign over
the sea and her clan resonates with The Empress's dominion over abundance and
fertility.
Smitter (Hermes): The
Magician
The Magician is a tarot
card that signifies skill, resourcefulness, and power. It is a card of
manifestation, using one's talents to create desired outcomes. The Greek god
Hermes, known as the messenger of the gods and the deity of commerce and
cunning, who also poses as the second in command on Captain Rylander’s ship,
corresponds well to The Magician. Just as Hermes uses his wit and charm to
navigate the world, The Magician uses resources at hand to manipulate his
environment. Just as Smitter uses his godly powers to help his nephew and his
pursuit to end the War of the Sea.
Greek Mythology: The
Sea of Trials
The setting of
"War of the Sea," with its turbulent waters, mythological creatures,
and violent conflicts, brings to mind the stories from Greek mythology. The
sirens, for instance, are mythical creatures from Greek literature, known for
luring sailors to their deaths with their enchanting music. The struggle
against these sea creatures and the overarching War of the Sea parallel epic
battles from Greek myths, adding a layer of ancient drama to the narrative the
same way Tarot cards tell their own story of trials and tribulations.
In Conclusion
In conclusion,
characters in "War of the Sea" can be envisaged as living embodiments
of tarot cards, serving as symbols carrying forward the messages and teachings
of the ancient tarot cards. As we immerse ourselves in their journeys, we are
subtly guided to deeper layers of understanding, broadening our perspective,
and prompting us to navigate our own life challenges with increased wisdom and
insight.
Excerpt:
Our mouths met once again, hungry and desperate, as I lifted her into my arms. Her chemise rose and bunched in between us. My palms cupped her exposed thighs, urging them to encircle my waist. I walked us backward to the bed, never breaking our kiss, and slowly lowered her down, careful to bear my weight against my forearm. I savored the softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath mingling with mine, as her fingers wove into my hair. Pleasure and pain radiated through my scalp as she pulled the ends with her iron grip, her moans urging me on. With my free hand, I explored her, tracing the lines of her neck, the softness of her breasts. Her body arched in response, a silent plea for more.
I continued my journey, my hand tracing the curve of her hip, slipping beneath her knee, and wrapping her leg around me once more. The connection between us grew stronger, an unspoken understanding that we were meant to be entwined, a meeting of souls. And then, with a surge of anticipation, I pressed into her, feeling her heat and the electric pulse of our bodies against one another.
She pulled back, her eyes locking onto mine, reflecting a hunger and longing that mirrored my own. A mischievous smile played upon her lips as her fingers toyed with the button on my trousers. But before she undid it, I heard a noise. Footsteps.
“It’s probably a good idea to tell you both I’m in the room.” Smitter’s voice sounded somewhere behind me, way too close to the bed, to us.
I jumped backward, lost my balance, and stumbled to the floor. My rear landed hard. Lou swathed herself in a wad of sheets.
“I had hoped you’d come up for air, but there’s really no good way to interrupt.” He waved in between us.
“I’m going to kill you,” I growled from the floor. Out of all the times my uncle had popped in and out of a room, this had to be the most invasive and humiliating.
“Why would you …? I can’t— Don’t you ever do that again,” Lou shouted, horrified. Her hands balled around the sheets. Flushed like a sunburned noble, she volleyed her gaze between me, half clothed on the floor, and Smitter. Her knotted hair stuck up on top of her head.
“Yes, I realize it’s not great timing, but the two of you need your rest. We drop anchor tomorrow on the perimeter of Anthemusa. The men have already been moved to the soundproof rooms. And we need to strategize how you’ll slay the Siren Queen, now that our first plan is no longer viable.” Smitter’s concerned brown eyes found mine. “Also, your aunt said this isn’t the right time for”—he swirled a finger in our general direction—“this.”
Lou’s brows contorted. “What? Who is your aunt?” She gaped at me.
I waved Lou off. Aunt Artemis, the goddess of childbirth, would know when Lou should abstain, but I wasn’t about to have that conversation. I bent my knees, resting my elbows on my thighs, and rubbed my temples. My family had truly outdone themselves. Not a single boundary nor a clue as to how their incessant involvement could be a nuisance.
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