The World of Seare: Setting Inspiration
• Fantasy, Giveaway, News, Song of Seare
I often get asked if I visited Ireland for research purposes when I wrote this book. I have visited Ireland, long before I ever conceived of this story idea, but even if I had, it wouldn’t have been much help. The Song of Seare series emulates Ireland in the dark ages (I took inspiration from the third to the seventh century A.D.), and the Ireland in the time of St. Patrick was a much different place than it is now.
For one thing, a great majority of the island was forested. Trees were particularly important to the Celtic religion of Ireland, and druidic rituals were often held in groves of trees. Over time, the forests started to disappear, partly because of the growth of bogs, and partly because as the population grew, woods were needed for building purposes. Still, Irish law (the Brehon laws, which is perhaps the oldest sophisticated legal system in the world) made very specific provisions for how and when wood and shrubs could be cut and set out penalties for those who violated them.
So, while there are wide open emerald-green spaces in Seare as we think of Ireland today, the descriptions of the old forest that surrounds the abandoned fortress of the High King are a much closer depiction of what ancient Ireland would have looked like. In fact, the closest we can probably get to those ancient trees are the old growth forests of Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe.
Oath of the Brotherhood HC Release
Tags: fantasy, giveaway, Oath of the Brotherhood, setting, Song of Seare, world-building
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Lavay Byrd says:
I heard of Ireland as a beautiful country in Europe, but I had no idea how important trees are in Celtic history! It makes a lot of sense! I can see how it’s a perfect inspiration for a fantasy-world setting! Definitely adding this country to my list of places to visit (next to New Zealand 🙂 )
On January 14, 2021 at 5:27 am
Carla says:
You would love it. Just about the friendliest people on the planet (at least the parts I’ve visited!)
On January 14, 2021 at 8:46 am
Mia Reads says:
I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
On January 14, 2021 at 9:52 am
Carla says:
Good luck!
On January 16, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Madisyn Zeller says:
This post is fascinating! I love history, but just discovered my knowledge about Ireland is scant at best.
On January 14, 2021 at 10:36 am
Carla says:
It’s so interesting, but so so complicated. I’ve started to read up on ancient history beyond Greece, Rome, and Israel, and realized that I couldn’t possibly learn it all in a lifetime.
On January 16, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Anya May says:
I love learning more about the history of this landscape. I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland, but I can imagine it now in all of its forested splendor. Thank you for sharing this!
On January 14, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Carla says:
My please, Anya, thanks for dropping by!
On January 16, 2021 at 12:36 pm
bn100 says:
interesting inspiration
On January 14, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Jennie Webb says:
I’m intrigued! Looking forward to reading this book!
On January 14, 2021 at 9:07 pm
Carla says:
Thanks, Jennie!
On January 16, 2021 at 12:34 pm