F is for Feeniks: Feeniks is the Finnish for the constellation Phoenix, and the name given to a falcon companion of a key shaman character in the world of Gossamer Steel. The phoenix is a potent mythological figure and symbol of rebirth or renewal so central to the Renascence of the earth. One of its equivalents, the Hindu Garuda, plays a crucial role in the cyber-mystery ‘Wyrm Bait’, appearing in the ‘Gossamer Steel’ MMORPG.

“Phoenix In Fire” by fotographic1980

Another equivalent, the Firebird appears in many Slavic folk tales, and can symbolize many things. Some legends portray the Firebird as a creature of blessing, while in other tales characters believe that it will bring doom to anyone who captures it. In some stories the Firebird is a symbol of wealth and of power, and in others a prize to be captured, such as that of Prince Ivan. Many artists have been inspired by the legends. Most notably Igor Stravinsky, who on June 25^th 1910 immortalized the legend in his ballet score for choreographer, Serge Diaghilev.

F is also for Food – from cloudberries to dosas – and for Fashion – from embroidered Sami gákti to Indian shalwar kameez. Both are key in any world building but an essential part of my two enclaves, The Country and Bhārata, at times being intrinsic to a particular character.

The musical group Duolva Duottar in traditional Sami dress. The man on the left, Ole Mahtte Gaup, is wearing a luhkka. The woman and the other two men are wearing gákti ~ Photo by Petr Brož

PREVIOUS A TO Z POSTS:

A is for Array

B is for the Blood-Marked

C is for Corylus Avellana

D is for Duskweald

E is for Energy

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behaviour.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on. Please visit other challenge writers.

My theme is ‘The World of Gossamer Steel’, the SF-fantasy setting for a series of short stories and novellas that portray the tales behind the MMORPG that is central to my crime novel ‘Wyrm Bait’.