Origin of Apsalar's name

#1 clonestyle

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 02:25 AM

I'm wondering if the author derived Apsalar from Apsaras, a hindu/buddhist idea. They're supposed to be heavenly/celestial maidens that dance for the gods. Sometimes even regarded as spirits that lead men to their deaths. Sounds pretty spot on to me, given her status as an assassin and doing ST/Cotillion's bidding.

Has this been mentioned before?

#2 Aptorian

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 02:32 AM

I don't remember GotM properly but apsalar isn't even her real name is it?

The name apsalar come from the Imass ascendant, apsala'ra, the patron of thieves.

The dancing for the gods part is interesting though, I see the similarities.

#3 clonestyle

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 02:37 AM

I know where Apsalar the character got her name (story wise), but Erikson may have derived the name from Apsaras. The name is just a simple deviation and the description sorta parallels her story. Seems a bit of a coincidence for Erikson to just come up with the name in his head and have their roles so similarly intertwined.

Then again the word cotillion means a dance similar to modern square dancing so... Maybe we'll see him cut a rug sooner or later.

And I dont think we've ever been given Apsalar's real name. Her only other alias was Sorry but I think it's obvious that was just a nickname she picked up somewhere.

#4 Illuyankas

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 02:50 AM

Sounds plausible. I like it.

Hello, soldiers, look at your mage, now back to me, now back at your mage, now back to me. Sadly, he isn’t me, but if he stopped being an unascended mortal and switched to Sole Spice, he could smell like he’s me. Look down, back up, where are you? You’re in a warren with the High Mage your cadre mage could smell like. What’s in your hand, back at me. I have it, it’s an acorn with two gates to that realm you love. Look again, the acorn is now otataral. Anything is possible when your mage smells like Sole Spice and not a Bole brother. I’m on a quorl.

#5 caladanbrood

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 02:59 AM

clonestyle;281844 said:

Then again the word cotillion means a dance similar to modern square dancing so... Maybe we'll see him cut a rug sooner or later.

Well, where do you think Apsalar learned to shadow-dance?

Quote

Her only other alias was Sorry but I think it's obvious that was just a nickname she picked up somewhere.

Due to typical Malazan irony, I think. It's because she wasn't. Along the same thinking as Smiles.

O xein', angellein Lakedaimoniois hoti têde; keimetha tois keinon rhémasi peithomenoi.

#6 Ammanas

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 03:15 AM

[QUOTE=Then again the word cotillion means a dance similar to modern square dancing so... Maybe we'll see him cut a rug sooner or later.[/QUOTE]

Doubtless CoT will--prolly in the DoD prologue---"Dear Queen of Dreams, hast thou ever seen the Rope shadow dance? Stay, watch and witness!"

YIKES!

#7 Skywalker

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 01:38 PM

clonestyle;281835 said:

To quote Wikipedia:

Apsaras are supernatural beings: they appear as young women of great beauty and elegance who are proficient in the art of dancing. They are the wives of the Gandharvas, court servants of Indra. They dance to the music made by their husbands, usually in the palaces of the gods, and entertain gods and fallen heroes. In their assignment as caretakers of fallen heroes, they may be compared to the valkyries of Norse mythology. Apsaras are said to be able to change their shapes at will, and specially rule over the fortunes of gaming and gambling. Urvasi, Menaka, Rambha and Tilottama are the most famous among them. Apsaras are sometimes compared to the muses of ancient Greece, with each of the 26 Apsaras at Indra's court representing a distinct aspect of the performing arts. Apsaras are associated with water; thus, they may be compared to the nymphs, dryads and naiads of ancient Greece. They are also associated with fertility rites. In Hinduism, the lower Apsaras are sometimes regarded as nature spirits who may lure men to their deaths; in this respect they may be compared to the Slavic Rusalki or the Greek sirens.

There isn't much sinister about an Apsara's dance...

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#8 Elan Morin Tedronai

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Posted 30 March 2008 - 03:06 PM

clonestyle;281844 said:

And I dont think we've ever been given Apsalar's real name. Her only other alias was Sorry but I think it's obvious that was just a nickname she picked up somewhere.

Funny thing I noticed, the very first thing she says in GotM is "I'm sorry" as in an apology. Later on she really becomes Sorry

Prolly complete unrelated, but always struck me as funny ^^