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<pre wrap="">Witz---
Supposedly, there is a Jewish tradition that each generation has its potential messiah. But usually that messiah fails. (I'm not sure what's supposed to happen if he succeeds, except that the Temple is rebuilt.) This would fit neatly with the progression of autarchs who failed to become the Conciliator.
See Michael Chabon's Yiddish Policemen's Union and an episode of Millenium, and no doubt many other silly conspiracy tales. Or ask your rebbe. ;)
David
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Message: 2
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:46:57 +0000
From: "Son of Witz" <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E"
href="mailto:sonofwitz@butcherbaker.org"><sonofwitz@butcherbaker.org></a>
Subject: Re: (urth) A new mystery ...
To: "The Urth Mailing List" <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E"
href="mailto:urth@lists.urth.net"><urth@lists.urth.net></a>
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<pre wrap=""><span class="moz-txt-citetags">>> </span>Severian I (clawless) gained the phoenix throne, but did he become
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">>> </span>the New Sun? or is all of this Heirodules just trying to renurture him
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">>> </span>so that he has the character to pass the Trial.
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">>> </span>I guess I'd assumed that they saw him become the New Sun, but now I'm
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">>> </span>wondering if they just saw the potential.
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<pre wrap=""><span class="moz-txt-citetags">></span>
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">></span>
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">></span>I apologize, but I think I've missed something. What is the "potential" that was seen? While I personally perceive Severian as being unique and pretty wonderful (I'm in love with and have worn out my first copies of The Wizard Knight), I also can't help but feel that he "passed" because it was time for the New Sun much as, to overtly steal from Marcus Aurelius, grapevines produce grapes when it is the time of year for them to produce grapes. I would be interested in responses. Thanks for reading.
<span class="moz-txt-citetags">></span>Bob
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<pre wrap=""><!---->
The "potential" was that he would pass the test.
It seems the Heiro-dudes seem to think he 'could' fail.
according the Ash, there is still quite some time before the sun dies and the last glaciation occurs.
I suppose the spirit of you question is right though. it was time for the New Sun. I'm hazy on all this, but didn't the Jews think it was gettin' 'bout time for a Messiah 'round the time Jesus entered the picture.
It could perhaps be that the New Sun was waiting for a worthy host. dunnoh.
~witz
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