In chapter four of "Left Hand of Darkness" called "The Nineteenth Day" is another story within this book. Lord Berosty asks the foretellers when he will die and the answer was the 19th day of any month. As in the case of most prophecies, there's always key information left behind. His kemmering or life partner Herbor goes to the Foreteller to get more information on the matter in exchange for his own life. Berosty gets mad at him for asking a question not worthy of his life so he kills him. Herbor was supposed to die anyway but Berosty ends up being real bummed out about the situation, goes crazy, and ends up hanging himself on the 19th day fulfilling the prophecy.
I think that the foretellers gives a sense of urgency for knowledge in the Gethan culture. This ties into the next chapter as Genly Ai asks a question to a foreteller and the tradition in their culture is to have a ceremony when the answer is given. This makes me think that foretellers and prophecies are somewhat of an important part in their society if a whole ceremony is made upon it. These stories are relevant to the culture because it provides scenarios that implement what their traditions are made of and in this case one can't really escape whatever knowledge gained from asking the question.
I agree with what you are saying... this whole fortuneteller business on Gethen is intruiging. I don't know whether this could be a blessing or curse to the people in Gethen because it can either be good to be prepared for something bad that will happen- or in Lord Berosity's case it can lead someone to become apprehensive over unclear and alarming answers. I guess the best thing to do is to follow Genly's strategy and go to the fortuntellers with a clear question.
ReplyDeleteIn your post you mentioned how foretellers and prophecies are an important part of their culture. On this part I agree with especially on how carefully Genly decides on his question and the ceremony that takes place when he does ask it. But I don’t really agree with the part where you said there’s a sense of urgency of knowledge in the Gethan culture. I think that if this was true of their culture then the king or the councils in Orgoreyn would have agreed or at least put more interest in Genly’s mission as joining the Ekumen would allow for not only the trade of goods but also the trade of knowledge.
ReplyDelete