Anachronisms and Christian religious mythology.

Spoiler

As a fan of the novels and the games, I realize that anachronistic terms and concepts are a natural part of the Witcher's world and the reality of life on the Continent. Though it pained me to hear Dandelion praise Geralt for his use of "reverse psychology" in episode 2, it probably doesn't break the code of Sapkowski (a man who went from being told he can't use the term "intelligence" in a fantasy setting to talking about "genetic makeup" just because fuck editors).

However, what do you all think about the use of Christian mythology in the dialogue? It's weird for me to hear about "Hell" (from the woman who curses Geralt) and "the Devil" (from our High School Musical Dandelion), terms with distinct attachments to modern Christianity, even if they have pre-Christian etymological roots. It's been some time since I read the books, but I don't recall my translations being full to the brim with characters referencing Christian mythology. Geralt even seems taken aback when Renfri's blades form a cross - if there is some significance to the cruciform in this world I'd be curious to hear about it from someone better read in the lore. GoT gets away with "seven hells" and other fantasy universes have done something similar, while devils are generic enough in certain contexts - but the connotations here are pretty distinctly Christian.

Is there Christian terminology and mythology in the novels that I simply have forgotten? Or is this just some culture creep that more disciplined/uptight writers would have excised?

I'm enjoying the series so far and I look forward to continuing on. Just wanted to see if anyone else saw this the same way or if someone with a deeper well of knowledge could find similar instances in the novels. I know there are plenty of orders and faiths that are allegorical to our own, but I don't recall explicitly Christian terms and beliefs being a part of the canon.

Posted Dec 21, 2019, 8:51 AM UTC

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DermoPower•

In the Edge of the World, the sylvan is referred to as a "devil" or "deovel" several times, until Geralt determines that it's actually a sylvan. They frequently use "hell" and "bloody hell" as swear words, although I don't think they refer to "Hell" as being a place at any point.

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TaroAD•

Crossing swords in a cross is just a coincidence. The "devil" part was explained by a previous comment. I think you're interpreting too much regarding Christian references. As for the anachronisms, I have to agree regarding "reverse psychology".

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