Jun-05-2011, 04:39 AM (UTC)
(This post was last modified: Mar-24-2013, 08:59 AM (UTC) by Farseer.)
I was reading through Dragon Haven and came across many references to humans in the past who would attempt to claim a dragon's attention in order to change into Elderlings. I begin to wonder whether Elderling-Dragon society was really as idyllic as it's made out to be.
It is known that Elderlings were in the "top drawer" of human society, they occupied the busy centers of of large cities where dragons were frequent visitors, and wealthy and powerful families would strive for the attention of dragons in order to change their next generation into Elderlings. Wouldn't the ordinary humans have feelings of resentment and bitterness towards those who could afford to pay for more opportunities to befriend a dragon?
Dragon parts are also potent in magical properties. I cannot believe that there did not exist any opportunistic humans who would do anything to procure parts to enhance themselves, artificially transform themselves into Elderlings, or cure disease and stave off death like what Greft tried to do.
How about those who are affected by being in close contact with dragons, but never transform completely or correctly into Elderlings? Instead, those like the Rain Wilders inherit shorter lifespans and health complications. I don't suppose they would feel very grateful towards dragons, especially those who worked their entire lives taking care of dragon hatching grounds. Neither would the dragons who are born Abominations and are shunned and abandoned because of the actions of their predecessor.
I have my suspicions about the Cataclysm being simply a natural disaster. There is a possibility that it was brought about because of social turmoil. Maybe a rebellion by humans against dragons? Dragon glamour may have been a mitigator in keeping humans from turning against them, but not everyone falls under its spell. Though they share a bond, Elderlings and dragons do not necessarily need to be emotionally close to each other. Thymara, for instance, doesn't fawn over her dragon like the others do and instead learns to resist Sintara's attempts to manipulate her.
Every instance where a character became witness to memories of Elderling society has only seen a thriving, elegant, happy one. If this civilization was that perfect, then why did it fall so suddenly and so completely?
It is known that Elderlings were in the "top drawer" of human society, they occupied the busy centers of of large cities where dragons were frequent visitors, and wealthy and powerful families would strive for the attention of dragons in order to change their next generation into Elderlings. Wouldn't the ordinary humans have feelings of resentment and bitterness towards those who could afford to pay for more opportunities to befriend a dragon?
Dragon parts are also potent in magical properties. I cannot believe that there did not exist any opportunistic humans who would do anything to procure parts to enhance themselves, artificially transform themselves into Elderlings, or cure disease and stave off death like what Greft tried to do.
How about those who are affected by being in close contact with dragons, but never transform completely or correctly into Elderlings? Instead, those like the Rain Wilders inherit shorter lifespans and health complications. I don't suppose they would feel very grateful towards dragons, especially those who worked their entire lives taking care of dragon hatching grounds. Neither would the dragons who are born Abominations and are shunned and abandoned because of the actions of their predecessor.
I have my suspicions about the Cataclysm being simply a natural disaster. There is a possibility that it was brought about because of social turmoil. Maybe a rebellion by humans against dragons? Dragon glamour may have been a mitigator in keeping humans from turning against them, but not everyone falls under its spell. Though they share a bond, Elderlings and dragons do not necessarily need to be emotionally close to each other. Thymara, for instance, doesn't fawn over her dragon like the others do and instead learns to resist Sintara's attempts to manipulate her.
Every instance where a character became witness to memories of Elderling society has only seen a thriving, elegant, happy one. If this civilization was that perfect, then why did it fall so suddenly and so completely?
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