Now I decided not to even try and pretend like I have a clear understanding of this book, it was a difficult read for me, but I’ll try to break it down.
Throughout the story there are several myths presented and these myths remind me of two things; Greek mythology and the Bible.
Like I said I didn’t fully understand this book but I do understand the Bible (at least more than I understand this book) and despite popular belief, everything is discussed in the Bible. Literally, everything and anything, you can find it all in the Bible somewhere. From sex to school to prostitution to raising children--the Bible touches all bases. Many people even view the Bible as a book of stories about life and how to handle whatever situation life may throw at you.
That’s how I see these myths throughout LHoD. They’re like stories that explain how situations in Gethen should be handled. If you notice, every myth seems to either foreshadow or explain something from the story.
One myth that comes to mine (because it’s my favorite chapter even though it’s kind of sad) is the Nineteenth Day (chapter 4). I love this chapter because it reminds me so much of Greek mythology. Now there’s really no need for me to summarize the story, we all read it. And if you are unsure as to what part of the book I’m referring to it’s where this person goes and asks the Foretellers when they’ll die and end up driving themselves crazy and killing their kemmering partner by smashing a stone over their head.
If you ever think you’ve just experienced a “bad” break-up just go back and reread this chapter.
But anyway, this myth is later referenced in chapter 5 when Genly goes to speak to the Foretellers and is advised by Faxe not to ask a vague question because “Vagueness breeds vagueness” (pg. 60).
This proves that these myths aren’t just for readers like us, but the characters are aware of them too and live by them. Much like how some people try and live by the Bible.
I interpreted the "myths" in the same way Miracle :). They are sorta like the scriptures in the bible , in the sense that christians go by their lives believing in them. At first i was thrown of because we refered to them as "myths" , and it was confusing because The people of karhide believed so strongly in them. It baffles me how what they believe is so "dishonorable" (suicide) is can be challenged because it isn't necessarily true.
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