[kaf09]

Very early in the novel, Shurq Ellalle comes across an abandoned ship in the middle of the ocean. I assume that the ship had originally been manned by Tiste Edur, who had been taken captive by the Malazans. As a pirate, Shurq was interested in the cargo, amphorae containing blood(?). Now on the amphorae (which I assume were 7 cities exports) there were pictures of crows surrounding a crucified man - clearly reminiscent of Coltaine's end. Anyone got any ideas of why 7 cities should be exporting blood? Maybe, we'll learn the back story in the next novels (i.e. Silanda in Deadhouse Gates).

[Dolorous Menhir]

kaf09;188379 said:

Very early in the novel, Shurq Ellalle comes across an abandoned ship in the middle of the ocean. I assume that the ship had originally been manned by Tiste Edur, who had been taken captive by the Malazans. As a pirate, Shurq was interested in the cargo, amphorae containing blood(?). Now on the amphorae (which I assume were 7 cities exports) there were pictures of crows surrounding a crucified man - clearly reminiscent of Coltaine's end. Anyone got any ideas of why 7 cities should be exporting blood? Maybe, we'll learn the back story in the next novels (i.e. Silanda in Deadhouse Gates).

Was it blood? I think it was mentioned before that there was a memorabilia trade springing up around the legend of Coltaine & the Chain. It was even mentioned that there was a new Lord of Crows, that's not exactly it but it was definitely "X of Crows." So perhaps there's a new Seven Cities religion building around Coltaine and the Chain of Dogs.

[BridgeBurner]

It was blood, kept from drying up/thickening by Kagenza pollen (RG, HC, p83, at the end of chapter 3).

Curious. Why would the Edur bring back blood from their trip? The only reason that I can think of is that it's blood from strong opponents that (to edur belief) would make the temples that are made with it somehow more powerful.

[Kurt Montandon]

BridgeBurner;188471 said:

It was blood, kept from drying up/thickening by Kagenza pollen (RG, HC, p83, at the end of chapter 3).

Curious. Why would the Edur bring back blood from their trip? The only reason that I can think of is that it's blood from strong opponents that (to edur belief) would make the temples that are made with it somehow more powerful.

Some Letherii apparently mix blood with their wine - there's a very brief reference to this in MT, about "bloodwine," and how it's an acquired taste to the Edur. Rhulad was drinking it at one point.

So it's possible they just want new ... appellations.

[caladanbrood]

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's mentioned or at least implied that it's the Letharii who are bringing it back, rather than the Edur (well, obviously they're one and the same at that point, but you know what I mean).

[Kurt Montandon]

caladanbrood;188521 said:

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's mentioned or at least implied that it's the Letharii who are bringing it back, rather than the Edur (well, obviously they're one and the same at that point, but you know what I mean).

Actually, I just reread that scene, and it mentions that the Edur use blood to sanctify the boles (trunks) of Blackwood trees. Mixing in the pollen is a known method of slowing down the thickening of the blood.

[BridgeBurner]

Which brings us back to my question.

BridgeBurner;188471 said:

Why would the Edur bring back blood from their trip? The only reason that I can think of is that it's blood from strong opponents that (to edur belief) would make the temples that are made with it somehow more powerful.

Any thoughts?

[Dolorous Menhir]

Either they are blood samples from people they killed on their travels - which they wish to use in their rituals. Or they are taken from Edur who died on the trip, and that blood is used to sanctify Blackwood.

[Nors]

Hood cult juice? In MT there is a scene with Hood priests smearing themselves with the blood of murderers, stored in big amforae in the temple.. I know, but it would be yummie to have a Coltaine/Hood connection.