Diana L. Paxson crea narrazioni che si immergono nei regni della fantasy e della narrativa storica, esplorando al contempo prospettive sfumate sulle religioni pagane e germaniche. La sua scrittura eccelle nell'intrecciare mito, storia e tradizioni spirituali, creando mondi che appaiono sia familiari che ultraterreni. Paxson esplora forze archetipiche e la loro rilevanza nel panorama contemporaneo. Il suo approccio sia alla narrativa che alla saggistica sottolinea un profondo interesse per la conoscenza dimenticata e il risveglio della saggezza antica.
Nella Casa nella Foresta le tre più potenti sacerdotesse della Grande Dea attendono il compiersi della vendetta: Caillean avvolge Avalon nelle nebbie contro l'ostilità del mondo e vi alleva l'orfano erede della mistica stirpe reale; Dierna assiste al compiersi della profezia con il matrimonio tra una giovane novizia e un generale romano; e Viviane, grande sacerdotessa di Avalone Signora del Lago, custodisce il Sacro Graal e prepara la strada al re chedeve venire, colui che solo può cambiare il triste destino della terra delle nebbie.
Ambiziose eredi al trono in lotta per la successione, ciniche mercenarie e apprendisti maghi sono soltanto alcuni dei protagonisti dei ventinove racconti presentati da Marion Zimmer Bradley in questa sorprendente antologia. Autrici acclamate - basti citare i nomi di Mercedes Lackey e Deborah Wheeler - e giovani talenti del genere fantasy hanno creato per noi mondi popolati da guerriere e sacerdotesse, draghi e stregoni, indomite spadaccine e terribili incantesimi, ladri astuti e perfidi assassini, tenebrose creature e fulgide dee. Così, dall'insolito racconto di apertura, Lorelei - incantevole rielaborazione di un celebre mito della Grecia classica, la Sirena - si passa a storie ispirate a più tradizionali temi dell'«heroic fantasy», come L'ombra del falcone - una nuova avventura di Shanna, certamente il personaggio più famoso creato da Diana L. Paxson - o l'intrigante Giuramenti, una vicenda di amori folli e odi implacabili, di spietate vendette, freddi tradimenti ed epiche battaglie... La giustizia delle spade, però, non si limita a essere una splendida rassegna dei migliori autori di fantasy in circolazione. È soprattutto un omaggio al fondamento di ogni opera fantastica di autentico valore, cioè a quel «senso del meraviglioso» che Marion Zimmer Bradley ha saputo infondere in tutte le sue opere e che ha sempre guidato la sua instancabile ricerca di nuovi autori nel campo del fantasy e della fantascienza.
An accessible, in-depth exploration of the runes as a living spiritual tradition. Diana Paxson has distilled her many years of experience working with the runes into this essential source book. Readers will learn the historical meaning of each individual rune and its use and meaning now, in contemporary culture. But, Paxson reveals, the real power of the runes comes from internalizing them and using their symbols as sources of wisdom and power. At the end of each chapter are rituals and spells for all levels of ability that aim to help internalize the attributions, meanings, symbolism, and use of the runes. Everything regarding runes is covered in this definitive workbook, from the history of runes and how to make your own rune sets, to how to work with them on a psychic, spiritual, and magical level.
Set in the tumultuous fifth century, the story follows Sigfrid, a blacksmith, and Brunhild, a warrior-in-training, as they navigate their destinies under the influence of Wodan, the god of magic. Sigfrid forges a legendary sword, becoming a hero, while Brunhild transforms into a raven priestess. However, personal sacrifices and conflicts with authority lead to their isolation. Bound by love and fate, they must confront the challenges that arise from their connection, as their union has the potential to reshape their world.
Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' (Publishers Weekly) Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.
Continuing the saga of the inhabitants of Avalon, a young boy raised in secret after his parents are killed by traitors returns home to prove his worth and lead his followers to victory while wielding the newly forged sword Excalibur
Odin is arguably one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in Norse mythology. Revered since the Viking Age, Odin has been called the greatest of the gods--the god of words and wisdom, runes and magic, a transformer of consciousness, and a trickster who teaches truth. He is both war god and poetry god, and he is the Lord of Ravens, the All- Father, and the rune master. Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is the first book on Odin that is both historically sourced and accessible to a general audience. It explores Odin's origins, his appearances in sagas, old magic spells, and the Poetic Edda, and his influence on modern media, such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each chapter features suggestions for rituals, exercises, and music, so readers can comprehend and become closer to this complicated god. Author Diana Paxson, an expert on Viking-era mythology, provides a complete portrait of Odin and draws on both scholarship and experience to provide context, resources, and guidance for those who are drawn to work with the Master of Ecstasy today.
With a brand new foreword from the author and other updates, this classic guide to Norse mythology has been given a fresh look for a new generation of readers in the widespread Wiccan and Heathen communities, as well as fans of TV shows like Vikings and The Last Kingdom, the hit Marvel movies featuring Odin and Thor, and authors such as Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Joanne M. Harris who incorporate legends of the Norsemen and pagan lore into their novels. A journey to fulfillment and renewal. In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru's origins in Scandinavian and German paganism through its acceptance as an official religion in the 1970s and its practice today. Essential Asatru also includes: A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru's tenets Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today.
Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues with the dramatic story of the ancestors of Avalon, from their life on the doomed island of Atlantis to their escape to the mist-shrouded isle of Britain.
Nell'ultimo episodio del Ciclo di Avalon la protagonista principale è Elian, nata da Rian, Somma Sacerdotessa di Avalon. Cresciuta in Britannia alla corte del padre, Re Celio di Camulodunum, istruita ai grandi misteri della magia per diventare sacerdotessa come sua madre, il suo destino seguirà invece un'altra strada. Elian si innamora perdutamente di Costanzo, valoroso e affascinante guerriero, seguendolo nelle sue imprese attraverso le terre dell'Impero. A causa di questo amore Elian viene allontanata da Avalon. La sua vita non sarà semplice, ricca di imprevisti e peripezie, ma Elian, dallo spirito indomabile, combatterà fino alla fine.
