In ancient times, fire was a mystery, a wonder, and a necessity. Because fire was not easy to start, a public fire was kept burning in most ancient villages, often in the center of town. When you needed to start your own brazier or oven or hearthfire, you could light a brand or a twist of reed at the public fire and carry it home.
Ancient cultures often connected deities with fire. Greek mythology tells how Prometheus sneaked fire out of the constantly burning hearth in Olympus and carried it to people – to the consternation of Zeus, who didn’t want to squander fire on such lowly creatures.
Zoroastrians believed that fire was a creation of Ahura Mazda, their supreme god, so fire symbolized truth, purity, wisdom, and the divine. Zoroastrian mythology tells of a dragon that tried to extinguish the divine fire. Atar (meaning “fire”), the son of Ahura Mazda, overcame the dragon and chained it to a mountain.
The Rig Veda, sacred hymns of Hinduism, tells about the god Agni (meaning “fire”). He protects hearthfire and receives bodies during cremation. Images of Agni show him as a red being with a long beard and flaming clothes.
In Breath of Angel, the Archae are guardian angels of the world’s elements. Flametender, a dark-skinned
Archon with wild copper hair is the guardian of fire. She sometimes appears in campfires or hearthfires. When she comes near, you feel the heat, as Trevin does in Eye of the Sword.
Archon with wild copper hair is the guardian of fire. She sometimes appears in campfires or hearthfires. When she comes near, you feel the heat, as Trevin does in Eye of the Sword.
Another Elevensie author digs into mythology for his debut novel. Congratulations to Karsten Knight for his YA debut this week. I love this cover!
Wildefire: ”Ashline Wilde never received an instruction manual on how to be a 16-year-old Polynesian volcano goddess. Instead, Ash has to learn life lessons the hard way as her dormant powers erupt at the most awkward times. In the wake of a hometown tragedy, Ash transfers to a boarding school nestled in California’s redwoods, where a group of fellow gods-on-earth have mysteriously convened. As if sophomore year couldn’t get any worse, her storm goddess older sister, the wild and unpredictable Eve, resurfaces to haunt Ashline. With a war between the gods looming over Blackwood, Ash must master the fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one final time. When warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.”
