Limbo

by Thiago d'Evecque

  A god that, in the end, has gone further than every other god has ever managed: he became a friend.

  For this god, I sit here in the Limbo.

  And I pray.

  NOTES

  If you are reading this part before finishing the book, be aware that the spoiler is a dish best served cold. Just like ice cream and revenge, but without the sweetness.1 Tread carefully.

  Thank you for getting to this point. I hope you enjoyed reading the journey through Limbo as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  The book is a great tribute to my influences from childhood, adolescence and, for lack of a better word, adulthood.2 The pages are full of references to video games, books, movies, TV shows, and everything else. If you didn’t recognize any, I hope you didn’t notice. I believe the best references are those that cause a smile of recognition from those who perceive them, but don’t confuse who never heard of them. With luck, I have fulfilled this goal.

  I’m a big fan of mythology, especially regarding heroic myths. I find fantastic the ability of the human mind to conceive stories of heroism. In any culture, language, time, or place we have samples of stories that defy the imagination—legends of courage and cowardice, discoveries and betrayals, conquests and defeats, death and rebirth, triumphs and disasters. Gods, humans, and monsters come to life. And isn’t it fascinating that different people, at different times, from different cultures, with no contact with each other (that we know of) have written such similar stories?

  Despite excessive feats, the supernatural, and immortality, these stories teach us a lot about what it means to be human. It’s amazing how the characters wobble on the line between the admirable and the despicable. In one tale we can read about acts of courage, altruism, and compassion, as well as murder, racism, and oppression. Perhaps it’s precisely because of their shortcomings that we relate so much with those characters.

  Thus, it would be impossible (and unnecessary) to pay due tribute to all mythology, so I would like to somewhat explain the logic of my chosen twelve souls of Limbo.

  The short answer is that there is no logic at all.

  The long answer is a little more complicated.

  First, I preferred to choose characters whose existence hasn’t been proven. It gave me the freedom to change their story the way I wanted. Tomoe’s life, for example, has no concrete ending, only speculations—if she was even real to begin with. I gave her a conclusion according to my interpretation. I altered beginnings, means, and ends of these figures because certain parts of their stories didn’t please me. Others, I simply changed to fit the plot. It was the case of the angels. I will talk about each chosen one later.

  “Why didn’t you create characters from scratch and wrote their stories the way you wanted, you asshole?”

  “WHY DON’T YOU WRITE YOUR BOOK YOUR WAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU NAZI SCUM?3”

  Kidding. Ha ha. It’s because the whole theme of the book would lose its reason. In the universe of Limbo, the gods’ strength depends on human belief, and mythological heroes actually existed. The fun of Lilith’s journey is to meet these figures and relive their stories through her eyes. And to find what happened to them after death.

  Second, when I outlined the plot, I didn’t think about the characters, but about their characteristics. Let’s take the first soul. I thought of someone to forge a weapon who might also have the qualities needed to return. I remembered Azazel, who, according to his legend, was a blacksmith angel, and then the whole angels’ rebellion thing came to mind. Just like that. By then I had no idea who Lilith was. The protagonist was just any spirit. Gradually, everything fell into place.

  I made a skeleton with all the virtues Lilith would want in her chosen spirits. Strength, inspiration, diplomacy, etc. Then I looked for mythological figures that could fulfill each role.

  Another criterion was that of one mythological hero by culture/country, except for Judeo-Christian myths, for plot reasons. I believe this diversity enriched the plot and the reading. I hope I’m right.

  Unfortunately, I didn’t include anything from my dear Brazilian folklore. As much as I adapted, twisted, and altered other legends, I couldn’t fit anything from it into the plot. Brazilian myths are rich, detailed and varied, but I admit to knowing little about them. Their absence is the sole fault of my ignorance.

  To finish this part, a clarification. All interpretation of the heroic figures’ history in Limbo is entirely my responsibility and creativity. They do not represent the absolute truth or the original story of these characters.

  It was not my intention to offend anyone with these interpretations. Limbo is a work of fiction and should be treated as such.

  Now I’ll talk a little bit about the twelve. If any of them interest you, look up for more. Each of the twelve has fascinating stories.

  Chuck

  Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn

  In his house at R’lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming. — The Call of Cthulhu

  For those who have read Lovecraft, it’s obvious that Chuck is none other than Cthulhu, the cosmic entity that is a mixture of octopus, dragon, and person. The author H.P. Lovecraft was extremely racist, and this could be seen in his stories. I carried some of this to the personality of the lovely god in the sword.

  Despite personal flaws, Lovecraft’s writing was revolutionary. His tales innovated psychological horror and contain a nihilism I admire. It’s worth checking.

  A good story to know his universe is The Call of Cthulhu.

  Azazel

  The whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azazel: to him ascribe all sin. — Book of Enoch 10:8

  The Book of Enoch mentions Azazel as the leader of the fallen angels. His group’s name is Grigori, or Watchers, made up of angels who married humans. Azazel is also commonly identified as Lucifer (Lightbringer) and Lumiel (light of God). The mythology is quite confusing about this angel.

  He is said to have taught humans metallurgy, mining, and forging. These arts have corrupted humanity with lust, ambition, and vanity.

  In the Quran, Azazel rebels for not wanting to idolize the man.

  God commands Raphael to bind Azazel’s hands and feet and bind him to the rocks of the Dudael desert to await Judgment Day and be thrown into the everlasting fire.4

  The ifrits are supernatural creatures of Arabic mythology. They are part of a class of spirits known as djinn, or genies. They are usually represented as winged fire creatures, endowed with strength and intelligence. Popularized by the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing series, they have featured in a number of pop culture products, especially video games.

  Tomoe Gozen

  Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or god, mounted or on foot. — Heike Monogatari

  Her first mention was in the Heike Monogatari, or Heike’s Tale, the most famous epic narrative of medieval Japan. The tale depicts the Genpei War during the twelfth century—a clash between two clans for the rule of Japan.

  Some sources say Tomoe was married to General Yoshinaka Minamoto. The Heike describes her as Yoshinaka’s female servant, and other sources as a lover or prostitute. The only certainty is that she has become a symbol of loyalty, strength, and courage.

  Her only historical mention is in the Heike. There are several assumptions about her death. When Yoshinaka was wounded in battle, the general ordered her to flee. Tomoe managed to behead a last enemy5 before retreating. In another version, she died with Yoshinaka. In still another, an enemy captured her and forced her to be his concubine. Others say she became a nun and prayed for Yoshinaka until she died of old age. In a final version, she avenged Yoshinaka’s death by killing his murderers, recovered the general’s head for no one to desecrate, and rode to the sea never to be seen again.

  Masamune is the name of Japan’s greatest blac
ksmith. His weapons had a reputation for superior quality and beauty, especially because the steel at the time was considered unclean. It’s speculated he lived between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

  I put his name on the sword in reference to the Final Fantasy video game series.

  Roland

  Count Roland sprang to a hilltop height, And donned his peerless armor bright; Laced his helm, for a baron made; Girt Durindana, gold-hilted blade; Nor steed but Veillantif will ride; And he grasped his lance with its pennon’s pride. Who are his lovers men now may see; And the Franks exclaim, “We will follow thee.” — The Song of Roland

  Historically, Roland (also known as Rolando, Orlando, and Hruodland) existed. But he wasn’t the same character from the legend. He was a military ruler responsible for defending the border between France and Britain. His historical mention is in Vita Karoli Magni, Charlemagne’s biography. The small passage on Roland says only that he was part of the Frank rearguard and died during an attack by Basque rebels at the battle of Roncesvalles.

  The paladin became an iconic figure from the tale The Song of Roland.6 Legend has made him a Christian martyr against Islamic forces. The Song contains a romantic and dramatized version of the battle of Roncesvalles. Roland carried the mighty Oliphant horn, Durandal (or Durindana), a sword enchanted by Catholic relics (a tooth from St. Peter, the blood of St. Basil, some hair from St. Denis, and a piece of Saint Mary’s robe), and rode his stallion Veillantif (Vigilante).

  Scheherazade

  She had perused the works of the poets and knew them by heart; she had studied philosophy and the sciences, arts and accomplishments; and she was pleasant and polite, wise and witty, well read and well bred. — One Thousand and One Nights

  Also known as Xerazade or Sherazade, she is the legendary Persian queen and the storyteller of The Arabian Nights.

  At the end of the original story, Scheherazade marries Shariar and the two live happily ever after. I found this outcome rather lame, as if all of Scheherazade’s happiness depended on a marriage, so I changed it.

  The Alexandria Library is the most illustrious and significant one of antiquity. Famous for being set on fire, it has become a symbol of the destruction of knowledge and culture. The losses are incalculable. Many volumes had no other copies and were lost forever.

  The building was dedicated to the Muses of Greek mythology, the nine daughters of Zeus. The goddesses represented and personified the knowledge of the arts, especially literature, dance, and music. They offer inspiration to those who invoke them.

  Finn mac Cumhail

  He was a king, a seer, and a poet. He was a lord with a manifold and great train. He was our magician, our knowledgeable one, our soothsayer. All that he did was sweet with him. And, however ye deem my testimony of Fionn excessive, and, although ye hold my praising overstrained, nevertheless, and by the King that is above me, he was three times better than all I say. — Saint Patrick

  Also known as Fingal, Fionn mac Cumhaill and Finn McCool, he was a hunter and warrior of Irish mythology. His baptismal name is Deimne. ‘Fionn’ means blonde, white, or enlightened, a nickname he earned due to his early gray hair.7

  Finn’s myths tell his countless exploits with the members of his fellowship, the group Fianna.

  The history of the salmon of knowledge is part of his mythology. Lilith’s phrase about the Salmon of Doubt is a small tribute to one of my idols, Douglas Adams.

  Finn carried a throwing spear that never missed its target and the sword Mac an Luin, literally Son of the Waves.

  Like Arthur’s, Finn’s myth says that the warrior didn’t die. He sleeps in an underground cave in Ireland along with his Fianna’s brothers. At the time of greatest need, they will wake up to defend their country.

  Eight Immortals

  As the Eight Immortals cross the sea, each reveals their divine power. — Chinese proverb, suggests using skills together to achieve a common goal.

  According to Chinese mythology, they were ordinary people who attained enlightenment and became immortal deities. The number eight is synonymous with good luck due to association with the myth.

  They are revered by Taoists and are very popular in China. Most of their dialogs in Limbo are verses from the Tao Te Ching, a source of inspiration for Taoism and Zen Buddhism.

  Drunken boxing, a martial art style that mimics a drunk’s movements, is based on the classic poses of the Eight Immortals.

  Matatron

  Rabbi Elisha ben Abuyah entered Paradise and beheld Matraton sitting on a throne like a king, presiding the Celestial Court. “There are indeed two powers in heaven!” he said, confusing him for a god. Matraton received sixty strokes with fiery rods to prove that he was no god, but an angel, and could be punished. — Babylonian Talmud

  The name of the angel of death is actually Azrael. However, I thought it would look too much like Azazel and could cause confusion. I ended up creating a whole personality for the angel. There is no direct mention of neither Azrael nor Matraton in the Bible.

  In Judeo-Christian mythology, Matraton (or Metraton) is the archangel known as Chancellor of Heaven. In Jewish apocrypha, he is Enoch, an ancestor of Noah transformed into an angel.

  Baldur

  The second son of Odin is Baldur, and good things are to be said of him. He is best, and all praise him; he is so fair of feature, and so bright, that light shines from him. — Edda

  Norse mythology god, son of Odin and Frigga, known as the Good One. The story of the mistletoe is part of his myths. He is also called Baldr and Balder.

  Hel (or Hela) is the Norse goddess of death, as Hades is for the Greeks. Loki’s daughter, she rules over nine worlds in Niflheim, in which she distributes those who die of old age or illness.

  Laevateinn is an unspecified weapon mentioned in the Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems. Some scholars claim it was made of mistletoe.

  Eleos

  In the Athenian market-place among the objects not generally known is an altar to Eleos (Mercy), of all divinities the most useful in the life of mortals and in the vicissitudes of fortune. — Pausanias in the Itinerary of Greece

  Personification of piety, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in Greek mythology. It’s a shy, vulnerable, and sad feminine entity. It always seems to carry suffering without explanation.8 Not usually represented as a person.

  It is the Greek counterpart of Clementia, Roman goddess of mercy.

  Tabadiku

  “Do I have to live standin’?” — Limbo

  “Tabadiku” literally means bamboo in the language of an ancient Indonesian people. In mythology, he had mystical powers and was bullied by his sisters-in-law.

  One of the differences from the myth is that the sisters-in-law murdered his wife, but he revived her, and the woman took revenge by killing her sisters. Eventually, Tabadiku became king.

  Kosong Awan, or Empty Cloud, was my invention. I thought of a weapon and a name that matched the Bamboo King and translated it with an Indonesian dictionary. I hope it’s correct.

  Oshun

  Oshun is brass

  on a velvet skin.

  Oshun is white cowrie shells

  on black buttocks.

  Her eyes sparkle in the forest

  Like the sun on the river.

  She is the wisdom of the forest.

  She is the wisdom of the river. — Yoruba chant for Oshun.

  She’s the orisha that reigns over fresh waters. According to Yoruba mythology, Oshun (or Oxum) represents love, beauty, femininity, and sensuality. She’s also worshiped in candomblé (Afro-Brazilian religious tradition).

  Although goddess of love, she has a short temper and holds grudges against rivals. Easy in loving, hard in forgiving.

  In myths, she also casts love spells.

  Her sword, Light of the World, was my invention.

  Arthur

  Then Arthur along with the kings of Britain fought against Saxons in those days, but Arthur himself was the military comma
nder. — Historia Brittonum (830 AD), the first known mention of Arthur

  The epic Celtic leader, probably the most famous king in the world, who wasn’t even crowned. Supposedly lived between the 5th and 6th centuries and defended Britain from Saxon invaders.

  The debate of his existence blew up in the Renaissance, when the Tudors traced their lineage to that of “king” Arthur and used the connection to justify their reign.

  If Arthur existed, unfortunately there is no historical evidence to say anything of value about him. Some historians believe that myths and legends are the creation of storytellers but based on a real figure.9

  Excalibur (also called Caliburn) is Arthur’s legendary sword. It contains magical powers and its bearer has the right to reign over Britain. In some stories, Arthur was the only one who could remove the sword from a stone, an act that only the true king would be able to accomplish. In others, the weapon was given to him by the Lady of the Lake. Some authors call her Nimue. She rules the island of Avalon, where Arthur rests. He will return when Britain is in danger.

  Samael

  How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! How you have been cast down to the earth, O destroyer of nations! —Isaiah 14:12. In Latin, the highlighted part appears as lucifer.