Wolfsbane's World Development Draws Inspiration from Ancient Egypt
Soaring Inspiration Over the Sands of Egypt
In the fierce heat of the Egyptian desert, a seed of creativity took root.
This unexpected blooming happened during a domestic flight, sailing above the timeless landscape.
As I gazed out the airplane window, watching the Nile wind through the sands, the initial concept for "The Fall of Wolfsbane" started to unfurl.
My mind wandered, pondering the rise and fall of civilizations, clashes of cultures, and the eternal power of history. Little did I know those musings would eventually blossom into the tale of Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane.
An Artifact's Journey with a Message
One of the most intriguing experiences during my journey was visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. There, I witnessed a replica of the famous Rosetta Stone. Little did I know, this glimpse would significantly influence my novel.
Where should cultural artifacts truly reside? How does their display impact our understanding? What messages are conveyed about power, ownership, and cultural identity? These ethical questions echoed through Maja's storyline, mirroring the complex emotions raised by the display of Egyptian artifacts in Western museums.
Colossal Monuments and a Timeless Legacy
The iconic sites I visited left an indelible impression on my imagination. Places like the Giza Plateau and its Great Pyramid and Sphinx and Saqqara's Step Pyramid, with their towering structures built to project power, inspired the architecture and self-image of the Ostreich Empire in my novel.
Hidden Histories and Buried Truths
The hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings sparked ideas about secrets and buried facts. This concept can be seen in "The Fall of Wolfsbane" through the clandestine tunnels beneath the imperial palace and the mysteries surrounding ravenglass lore.
Women in Power – Past, Present, and Future
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, with its large scale and the captivating story of Egypt's female pharaoh, served as inspiration for some of the strong female characters in "The Fall of Wolfsbane." Hatshepsut's legacy as a leader who seized and held power amidst a male-dominated world resonated, shaping my portrayal of characters like Maja and Princess Saranka.
Cultures in Collision – Clash of Empires
What struck me most during my time in Egypt was the sense of cultures clashing. From the ancient Egyptians and their conflicts with neighboring powers to later influences from Greek, Roman, Arab, and European cultures, Egypt is a testament to the intricate interplay of different civilizations over time. This collision inspired the rich, complex world of "The Fall of Wolfsbane," where the clan culture of Meerand encounters the imperial ambitions of Ostreich.
An Ancient Odyssey to Modern Fantasy
My excursion to Egypt proved to be far more than a historical journey. It provided the foundation for "The Fall of Wolfsbane," with questions of cultural possession, the dynamics of power, and cultural identity permeating the novel's fabric. Whether you're a fantasy author or simply seeking inspiration for your creative projects, keep your eyes—and your mind—open, as the muse may strike when least expected!
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Unlikely Muses Amidst Desert Sands
Lost in the labyrinth of fantasy novels and speculative fiction, I found myself enthralled by Egypt's timeless secrets, not realizing they would become the fertile soil for my latest books.
Drawing upon the wisdom of speculative fiction, I wove together tales inspired by the Egyptian Museum's treasures, colossal monuments, hidden tombs, and even the rise of a female pharaoh, merging them with the narrative of "The Fall of Wolfsbane." In this odyssey across Egypt, my unlikely muses transformed a historical adventure into a modern fantasy.
