All posts by E.S.O. Martin

About E.S.O. Martin

E.S.O. Martin is a writer, a California native, and a graduate of SF State's Creative Writing MFA program.

Book Review: The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

Magical Realism meets harsh realities

Katherine Arden’s “The Winternight Trilogy” is an enchanting journey into 14th century Russia, masterfully blending historical reality with folklore. Arden, an American author who lived in Russia, crafts a narrative that is as immersive as it is impressive, particularly given her young age at the time of writing the first book.

Book Summaries:

1. The Bear and the Nightingale: This book introduces Vasya, a young woman with the rare ability to see and interact with magical creatures. The story sets the stage for the conflict between traditional Russian folklore and the Orthodox Church, embodied in the tension between Vasya and the zealot priest Konstantin.

2. The Girl in the Tower: The second book sees Vasya venturing beyond her village, challenging societal norms and expectations. Her journey intertwines with larger political dynamics and continues to explore the clash between ancient beliefs and emerging religious doctrines.

3. The Winter of The Witch: The final installment culminates in the lead-up to a significant historical event, marking the unification of various tribes into what would become Russia. Here, the series reaches its climax, with Vasya playing a pivotal role in the unfolding events.

Arden’s portrayal of 14th century Russia is unflinchingly honest, capturing its brutal and misogynistic aspects. The series, while marketed as adult fantasy, can also resonate with older young adults, thanks to its thoughtful balance of violence and sexual content.

“The Winternight Trilogy” is a testament to Arden’s ability to weave historical authenticity with magical realism. It stands out as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in bridging the past with the present, and the fantastical with the real.

Personal Note on Current Events:

In light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it’s important to acknowledge the historical context that shapes our understanding of these nations. While this series celebrates Russian folklore and history, it’s also crucial to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in the current crisis. I hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and extend my support to all those affected by these tragic events.

If you want to learn about more books like this, don’t forget to sign up for my VIP Reader’s Club for more book reviews, articles about slavic lore, and updates on my current works in progress. As a Thank You for signing up for my Reader’s Club, you will receive a FREE short story from me, showcasing my own work in this slavic fantasy world.

Book Review: The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Monsters and Morals: From Polish Folklore to Fantasy Phenomenon

No book blog about Polish-inspired fantasy could be complete without mentioning The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski, who has a huge international cult following and is probably one of the most famous Polish writers of our time.

Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series is a remarkable foray into the depths of fantasy, blending the traditional with the unique. Set in a fairy-tale medieval Europe, the series revolves around Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher – a genetically enhanced sword-for-hire tasked with slaying monsters. However, his adventures delve into the complexities of justice, good, and evil. 

The series is enriched with a cast of compelling characters: the powerful sorceress Yennefer, the enigmatic Ciri, a warrior-princess with the ability to traverse time and space, and Dandelion, Geralt’s loyal friend and minstrel.

The Series at a Glance:

  1. The Last Wish — A short story collection, which is commonly recommended as a starting point to the series. The first season of the Netflix serial “The Witcher” is based on this book. The timeline of this first collection (and season 1) is fragmented.
  2. Sword of Destiny — A short story collection, often recommended as book of the series, since it continues many of the stories from The Last Wish.
  3. Blood of Elves — A full-length novel, continuing the story of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
  4. The Time of Contempt
  5. Baptism of Fire
  6. The Tower of Swallows
  7. Lady of the Lake — Often seen as the final novel in The Witcher saga, Ciri has entered another dimension, where she seem to travel through time.
  8. Season of Storms — This short story collection is seen as a kind of epilogue to the Witcher saga.

The novels are a deep dive into Polish mythology, bringing to life creatures like strzygas and kikimoras. This aspect was particularly fascinating, offering a glimpse into a rich, less-explored mythological world. 

However, the series is marked by intense violence, catering to an adult audience. (Read: NOT FOR KIDS.) 

A striking difference from the television adaptation is the portrayal of Geralt. In the books, he is far from the stoic figure seen on screen. Instead, he’s a deeply philosophical and talkative character, often engaging in profound discussions with Dandelion about morality. This introspective version of Geralt adds layers to the character and the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience.

Sapkowski’s series is more than a fantasy saga; it’s a complex exploration of philosophical themes, set against a backdrop of rich Slavic folklore and relentless action. While the graphic violence might not be for everyone, the series offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for those intrigued by the depth and diversity of European mythology.

If you want to learn about more books like this, don’t forget to sign up for my VIP Reader’s Club for more book reviews, articles about slavic lore, and updates on my current works in progress. As a Thank You for signing up for my Reader’s Club, you will receive a FREE short story from me, showcasing my own work in this slavic fantasy world.

Mokosh and the Great Storm

Mokosh: The Slavic Goddess of Earth, Fertility, and Women’s Destinies

Mokosh, the Earth Goddess

In the rich tapestry of Slavic mythology, Mokosh stands out as one of the most revered goddesses. She is seen as the divine mother, the Earth Goddess, the goddess of weaving, agriculture, and the home. 

In a culture that was often patriarchal, Mokosh was the goddess who looked out for women, their destinies, their health, their desires, their work, their sexuality, and their offspring.

Mokosh, goddess of wheat

Mokosh is often depicted as a powerful female figure, embodying both the sensual and maternal aspects of the harvest. She was a provider, a nurturer, and a protector.

She is closely associated with the earth’s fertility, ensuring the abundance of crops and the well-being of the community.

Mokosh, goddess of the harvest

Symbols and Worship

Representations of Mokosh often includes symbols of fertility and femininity, such as sheaves of wheat, spinning wheels, and water. These symbols reflect her importance in an agrarian society, where the cycle of sowing, growing, and harvesting was central to survival and prosperity.

Mokosh, goddess of spinning

Her favorite tree was the Linden tree. Her favorite animals were the sheep and the spider. 

The worship of Mokosh persisted even as Slavic societies transitioned from paganism to Christianity, with many of her attributes and symbols being absorbed into veneration of the Virgin Mary.

Mokosh: Goddess of Sensuality

Mokosh’s presence in Slavic mythology is marked by her deep connections to the natural world and the cycles of life.

She is often portrayed as having a complex relationship with both Perun, god of the sky, and Veles, god of the underworld, as both gods sought to win her affections.

Perun, bringing gifts for Mokosh

Perun brought Mokosh wheat and flowers, fragrant from the warmth of the sun. With Perun, Mokosh delighted in the light, the rain, and the wind. He promised protection and strength.

Veles, bringing gifts for Mokosh

Veles brought snakes and worms to help Mokosh keep the soil healthy, so that it could become more fertile. With Veles, Mokosh enjoyed the water, the moist earth, and the decomposition that returned nutrients to the soil. He promised dreams, darkness, rest, magic, and mystery. 

When Mokosh became pregnant, each suitor was overjoyed, thinking he had been chosen as Mokosh’s favorite and that she would choose him as her husband.

Mokosh, goddess of fertility

The Great Storm: The Epic Rivalry Between Perun and Veles

Mokosh gave birth to twin girls, one with the golden hair of Perun, and one with the black hair of Veles. Not only had Mokosh refused to choose between the gods, she had taken them both as her consorts. 

Mokosh and her twin daughters: Jarilla (spring/summer) and Marzanna (autumn/winter)

Perun’s jealousy flared. Thunderstorms gathered and lightning struck the earth. Perun turned into a giant eagle and challenged Veles to an epic battle over Mokosh’s affections, and the right to raise her children. Perun attacked Veles, determined to banish him to the underworld once and for all.

Yet Veles, ever the shape-shifter, evaded Perun’s wrath. Veles changed his form into a tree, into a human, into a serpent, into a bull. He hid in the shadows, and he hid amongst the sheep and the trees. And finally, when Perun found him, Veles took the form of a dragon and fought back.

The world shook as the two divine suitors battled for Mokosh and for dominance over the earth—for, indeed, their rivalry predated Mokosh.

The Great Storm: The Battle Between Perun and Veles

Finally, Perun, god of war, got the upper hand. He struck Veles down and drove him beneath the Earth.

Mokosh’s Choice

Perun went to Mokosh as the victor, and offered his hand in marriage and his protection as a father over her two children.

To his surprise, she refused him.

Mokosh, ever gentle and wise, sought harmony between her two suitors. In her heart, she harbored love for both gods, for each represented vital aspects of the world she cherished.

Mokosh bade Perun to look at the world and at all the destruction he had caused to her lands in his jealous rage. He saw crop that had been charred and flattened. He saw people and animals, cowering in the fields and forests. He saw deserts, which had been deprived of Veles’s waters and nutrients.

Mokosh, goddess of women’s destinies

Mokosh knew that a healthy landscape needed the attentions of both the sky and the land and waters, and there needed to be balance. A world with only sky and fire could not sustain life.

Not only that, but her children needed both fathers, not just one.

And so, she insisted on a kind of shared custody agreement between the two suitors.

Mokosh, in the overworld during the summer

For part of the year, she and her children would live in the domain above with Perun. For part of the year, they would rest in below-ground domain of Veles. Her decision gave rise to the seasons.

Mokosh, in the underworld during the winter

Mokosh’s story is just one of many in the captivating world of Slavic mythology. To delve deeper into these ancient tales and explore the legends of gods, heroes, and mythical beings, join our Reader’s Club newsletter. Receive updates on new entries in the “Slavic Spirits” series and immerse yourself in the enchanting narratives that have shaped centuries of Slavic culture.

Creation by Diving – How the Gods of the Overworld and Underworld Created Land in the Space Between

In the Beginning, There Was Only Sky and Water

The Cosmic Egg had cracked open, but this brand new universe was very simple. World only consisted of opposites.

Light and dark.

Up and down.

Sky and Water.

In this realm, the gods began to form from the raw essences of life. It first there were only two gods: Perun and Veles.

Perun, God of the Sky

Perun, god of the sky, floating on the surface of the water.

Perun is a pivotal diety in Slavic mythology, often associated with thunder, lightning, storms, rain, law, war, fertility, and oak trees.

Regarded as the chief god by many Slavic tribes, Perun’s imagery frequently includes weapons like axes or hammers. He is sometimes pictured riding a chariot, or taking the form of an eagle. He embodies the might of the heavens and is revered as a powerful protector and warrior. But he is also seen as fiery, quick-tempered, and rigid.

But when this story begins and the universe was new, the mighty god Perun did not have much to rule over. In the beginning, he found himself floating on a boat in a vast ocean, staring up at the empty sky. Sometimes, to alleviate his boredom, he would take the form of an eagle and soar over the waters.

But everywhere he flew, there was only sky and water, and nowhere to land except for his scanty little boat.

Veles, God of the Waters

Veles, god water and the underworld, walking along the ocean floor.

Veles is the Slavic god of the underworld. Although the Christians re-cast him into the role of the devil, his Slavic origins were more complex. He is the god of earth, water, forests, the underworld, music, magic, trickery, cattle, livestock, and wealth. And, yes, he is also the god of the afterlife.

Known for his shapeshifting abilities, Veles can transform into various forms, including a mighty dragon or serpent, animals (particularly cattle or sheep), and even as trees, showcasing his mastery over magic and his role as a protector of livestock. His favorite tree was the willow.

Veles was also known as being a bit of a trickster, similar to Hermes and Loki. In Slavic mythology, he often used his his cunning to prod Perun and evade his wrath.

When the world was new, Veles’s domain was everything below the water. He watched over the chaos and wildness of all the creatures of the sea. The fish and crustaceans and sea serpents, and all the wild and magical monsters that later humans would draw in unexplored corners of the map. 

And yet, when Veles looked upward toward the surface of the water, into Perun’s domain where he saw a vast expanse of nothingness, he saw potential for so much more.

The Genesis of Land

Veles swam up to the surface and approached Perun, floating in his boat.

“The world yearn for complexity,” Veles said. He proposed the creation of land, as an in-between space above the waters and beneath the sky, upon which life could grow. “But I can’t create this land myself. I will need you help.”

Perun, too, longed for more, and so he agreed to work with Veles in creating this new plane.

Veles dove down into the waters, down to the deepest, darkest depths of the sea. When he reached the bottom, he scooped a handful of sand into his mouth, and swam back up to the surface.

Up at the surface, he spit the sand into Perun’s hand, and Perun scattered the sand across the surface of the sea.

Where the sand hit the water, land formed.

How the Land Grew

The first patch of land was very small. Barely big enough for the two gods to stand on, side by side.

They began to argue over who would be in control of this land. Soon, the gods were pushing and shoving each other, fighting for more room. Veles pushed Perun. Perun shoved Veles back.

Veles tried to toss Perun down into the water, but everywhere Perun stepped, the land extended beneath him. He was the god of the over-world and could not be drowned. Perun changed into a bird and tried to carry Veles up into the sky so that he could drop him. But Veles was the god of the underworld and could not be lifted without his consent. Everywhere he stepped, the land extended beneath him, because he, too, had had a hand in its creation.

After age of fighting, the two gods paused for breath. When they looked around, they saw that the land had extended around them as far as the eye could see. They realized that there was now plenty of land for the both of them to share.

And in the place where the first land had been created, there grew an immense oak tree that extended up to the heavens and down into the soil. This was the tree of life, the world tree.

The two gods agreed to make a temporary peace. 

Perun created an eagle, which flew him up to the very top of the world tree, a place he called Wiraj, which was a place of birds and stars.

Perun, flying to the top of the World Tree on his white eagle.

Veles created a dragon-serpent called Zmey, and the two of them burrowed down to the upside-down world among the roots of the world tree, where Veles made himself a throne of gold, and Zmey curled among the tree roots in a nest of wool.

Veles, in his underworld kingdom with his dragon Zmey.

Each god had retreated to their own kingdoms, one above and one below.

Life Hatched From a Firebird’s Egg

Perun, up in the sky, looked dow at the barren landscape and felt profound sadness at its emptiness. From his height, Perun could see the vast complexities of life in the oceans and in the soil—in Veles’s domain—and felt envy. He would not be outdone by Veles. He wished for the same richness of life to exist on the surface of the earth.

Up in the sky, other gods were beginning to form themselves from chaos of existence.

There was Svarog, god of fire.

Svarog, god of fire.

And Rod, god of newborn souls, of family, kinship, and birth.

Rod, god of family, kinship.

With their help, Perun, conjured a golden bird that glowed so brightly it looked as if it had been made from fire. Indeed, it was made of fire. This magical bird has often been imagined as the first firebird, the phoenix, a creature with the ability to create itself anew from the ashes of its former self.

The Firebird.

Perun sent the bird down to the barren landscape. The rooster laid an egg, which cracked on the dry landscape. The egg whites oozed over the surface of the shell, and wherever it touched the land, a river sprang up from the soil, bringing fresh water all across the land. From the golden yellow yolk of the egg, all other forms of life emerged. Vast, golden fields of wheat and grass spread across the land. Animals emerged to eat the wheat. Humans emerged to tend the wheat and the animals.

And from the yoke, a new god emerged. The goddess Mokosh, diety of the earth and the fields, of fertility, fecundity, spinning, and everything having to do with women and childbirth.

Mokosh, the Earth goddess

She was beautiful and and so enchanting that both Perun and Veles fell in love.

But that’s another story for another day.

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The World Tree—aka The Tree of Life, aka Axis Mundi

After the Cosmic Egg hatched and have birth to the universe, a vast tree began to grow. While the Cosmic Egg initiated creation, the World Tree organized the universe’s structure. 

While you may be familiar with Yggdrasil, the World Tree from Norse Mythology, the Tree of Life in Slavic Mythology was said to be a colossal, sacred oak tree with that not only spanned the cosmos, but also served as a metaphor for understanding one’s place in time, and our connection to past and future generations.

Trees were holy to the Slavs. Oak trees in particular were seen as holy representatives of the World Tree. The oak tree was where people celebrated, prayed, and worshipped. If they wanted to talk to their ancestors, they would lean against an oak tree and speak to it.

Roots in the Underworld

The roots of the World Tree delve deep into the underworld, a mysterious shadowy realm. This part of the tree represents our deepest fears and the unknown, but it’s also where growth begins. Just as seeds germinate in the dark soil, the roots remind us that life’s beginnings are often hidden from view.

The roots of the tree also represented the past. All the ancestors and past generations — their triumphs and struggles — lay rooted in the soil, bringing nourishment and stability to the present.

In folk art, a coiled snake or dragon is often painted among the roots of the World Tree. While this may be reminiscent of the Midgard serpent, in Slavic mythology, this serpent-dragon was one of the forms that the Slavic god Veles would take. Veles was the god and guardian of earth, water, forests, livestock, wealth, magic, music, and the underworld. In some versions of the creation myth, Veles and Perun created land together after Veles swam up from the ocean depths with sand in his mouth. He seems like a rather punk-rock sort of god.

The Trunk: The World Stage of Present Time

The trunk of the World Tree stands firmly on the earthly plane, bridging the gap between the heavens and the underworld. It symbolizes strength, growth, and the everyday world we inhabit. The trunk is where the physical and spiritual meet, reminding us that we live in a world that is both material and spiritual.

The trunk, or stem, of the tree also represents the axis point between past and future. We are the actors on the world stage today. Our existence is the culmination of the hopes and dreams of past generations, and we are also the funnel through which time flows, so that our actions will also affect future generations.

In Slavic and Baltic folk art, you will often see a woman in traditional dress standing near the trunk of the World Tree. This is Mokosh, the Mother Earth goddess. She is the guardian of life, of fertility, of the harvest, of childbirth, of weaving, of fate, and of sexuality. She nourishes, nurtures. She creates and sustains. It is said that both Veles, god of the underworld, and Perun, god of the sky, were her consorts. From her union with these two gods, she gave birth to the twin gods of the seasons. Jarilo is the pangender god/goddess of spring and summer; Marzanna is the goddess of autumn and winter.

Branches Reaching the Heavens

Soaring high into the sky, the branches of the World Tree touch the heavens, hame to gods, celestial beings, and the spirits of future generations. These branches represent our highest aspirations, dreams, and the divine. 

As we look up past the leaves of our ancestral oak tree to the Milky Way above—which were believed to be one of the far away branches of the cosmic World Tree—they remind us of our connection to the greater universe and the cycle of life that will continue beyond our earthly existence.

In Slavic art, you will often see an eagle perched among the branches of the World Tree. The eagle is the symbol of Perun, who was the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, war, justice, and the physical realm. In some versions of the creation story, Perun’s rooster hatched the egg from which the World Tree sprang. He is the primary patriarchal god of the Slavs, kind of like how an oldest sibling will often self-nominate themselves to be in charge.

The World Tree in Daily Life

The World Tree remains a powerful symbol today, inspiring environmental awareness and a sense of global connectedness. It reminds us that we are part of a larger ecosystem, and that the drama of life is bigger than just our one, small part.

The World Tree’s symbolism extends beyond mythology into the daily lives and rituals of Slavic and Baltic peoples. It’s symbolism is frequently seen in folk art, carved into furniture, painted on the sides of buildings, and embroidered into traditional clothes.

The Tree of Life is a living symbol that serves as a reminder of our connection to the earth, the divine, and each other.

If you are interested in hearing more about the Slavic gods Mokosh, Veles, and Perun, and their children, check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” series. Also, consider signing up for my Reader’s Club newsletter. You’ll receive monthly updates of my works in progress, book reviews, and a free short story.

‘Quest for Aeloria’: How My 9-Year-Old Son Wrote His First Novel With The Help of ChatGPT

My 9-year-old son just published his first book! Quest for Aeloria is a sword and sorcery fantasy novel intended for readers aged 8 to 12.

Quest for Aeloria

Join the Adventure, Unravel the Mystery, Save Aeloria.

In the enchanting kingdom of Aeloria, young Milo’s life takes a dramatic turn from rooftop escapades to a daring quest against tyranny. Born with extraordinary cat-like abilities, Milo, along with his friends Lara, the astute strategist, and Ethan, the ever-jolly companion, uncovers a dark secret that could change the fate of their kingdom. Under the oppressive rule of King Jochen Sassy, their playful days morph into a race against time to reclaim their home.

Guided by the wisdom of the wizard Iliandor and armed with an elemental blade, the trio embarks on an epic journey. From deciphering ancient rituals to navigating hidden passageways, they confront dangers and betrayals at every turn. 

But time is a luxury they don’t have. The rare celestial event that could seal their success is fast approaching, and missing pieces of their puzzle remain. Will Milo’s cat-like prowess, Lara’s keen intellect, and Ethan’s unwavering loyalty be enough to overthrow a king and restore peace to Aeloria?

“Quest for Aeloria” is a riveting tale of bravery and friendship. It’s an adventure that captivates and inspires, weaving a story of a young hero’s journey to save his kingdom and define his destiny. Join Milo and his friends as they fight to restore peace and bring a new dawn to Aeloria.

This enchanting middle grade fantasy book is intended for readers age 8 to 12. It was a collaborative project written by E. S. O. Martin and her 4th grade son, Wade Patrick Martin.

How “Quest for Aeloria” Was Written With The Help of ChatGPT

Note: This is an edited excerpt from the publisher’s note at end of the book, explaining how my son and I co-wrote this novel with ChatGPT.

Quest for Aeloria is a sword and sorcery fantasy novel written by Wade Patrick Martin and E. S. O. Martin, with ChatGPT as part of Wade’s 4th grade school assignment.

Wade came up with the concept for Milo, a kid with cat-like abilities who needs to battle an evil king. Wade’s inspiration for the character arc of Milo is the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini. Ultimately, Milo is a typical young fantasy hero, following the Hero’s Journey.

Milo

Wade’s mother, the writer E. S. O. Martin, acted as prompt engineer, typist, and intermediary with ChatGPT4, which is a large language model artificial intelligence created by OpenAI.

The purpose of this project was to take a creative piece of writing from concept to publishing, while experimenting with blending human and machine storytelling. Wade acted as the director. 

Since Wade is a child and knows what children like, he made creative decisions about what would happen in the global story, how the characters would behave, and what types of things they would say. It was particularly important to Wade that there be some comedy relief in the story, and that was how he created the character of Ethan.

Ethan

After coming up with the concept of the story, Wade and his mother asked ChatGPT to generate a twenty-scene outline for the book. They edited the outline to make sure they liked the story. Then, they started writing the book.

Their writing process was to review their outline notes, see what details they could come up with, and then ask ChatGPT to fill in the rest. As they were writing the story, they abandoned five of the outline scenes, and ultimately figured out how to tell the story in fifteen chapters instead of twenty.

Lara

Then, they read through the book, and made edits so that the story would have better continuity. They rewrote a couple of chapters. They ran the book through a grammar checker and a plagiarism checker. They also asked family members to offer edits.

They asked ChatGPT to generate illustrations and book cover designs. Then they edited the images and created the book jacket using Canva and Photoshop.

When they were finally ready, they published the book!

If you would like to check out Quest for Aeloria, it is available in ebook and paperback on Amazon many other stores. Check out the book page.

You can also buy the ebook and PDF version from my Payhip store.