[Paz]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the site and have found it a wonderful source of clarification. Having completed Deadhouse Gates some six months ago I found it hugely rewarding yet mentally and emotionally draining. I have actually needed this break in order to enjoy the "after taste" of both GotM and DG and also to appreciate that no other book series comes close to creating such an engrossing world in which to immerse yourself into. I'm about ready to start Memories of Ice, but I have a couple of questions regarding the Whirlwind. Why did it happen ? Was it a natural phenomenon or created?. Also does it play a part in future novels.

Many thanks

[Ozymandiac]

It's been a while since I've read it, but I'm pretty sure it was created by Dryhjna, the Whirlwind goddess. So, it's not a natural phenomenon.
The reason for creating it, is that it will provide a means of transportation for the Army of the Whirlwind; instead of pointing to the sky, it will turn to the ground, so the troops can go through it.
I don't know exactly to what extent it will play a part in the novels afters DG, because I've just started HoC.

[Sindriss]

Hard to answer that question without spoiling. But as mentioned, the goddess created the whirlwind. But the specific whirlwind won't be a part of the future novels.

[D'rek]

Yup, the whirlwind (by which of course we're talking about the big column of wind and sand, since the Whirlwind is also a common name for the rebellion) is a fancy effect made by the goddess Dryjhna. The force behind it is of course magical, though the sand and rocks flying around in the wind are very real. For the most part it serves as a barrier around Raraku, the base of operations of the Sha'ik and the rebellion, but as at the end of DG it can be used as a fast-travel warren to get across the continent in days. This part of it isn't really explained all that well, but it's safe to say that this is probably pretty similar to the way warrens can be used to fast-travel as well, like Tattersail using Thyr in GotM.

[Assail]

Well, firstly, welcome to the forums. Secondly, I totally understand the drainage part, I feel it every time I finish a book, I keep picking them up though haha.

D'rek hit it right on the head. It's a magical barrier created by Dryjhna to 1) Travel quickly across the desert, and 2) Provide an impenetrable wall around the Shai'k's army so as to not have the concern of being ambushed and to control when any battles would happen.

[MTS]

I was also under the impression that it was a focus for her anger as well, being a way she could physically lash out using the power of the Whirlwind, 'cos she's pretty angry.

[Paz]

Mappo's Travelling Sack, on May 4 2009, 07:11 AM, said:

I was also under the impression that it was a focus for her anger as well, being a way she could physically lash out using the power of the Whirlwind, 'cos she's pretty angry.

Thank you all for your responses and clarity. Much appreciated.