The Polar Saga Series

The Polar Saga Series 

Let's have another peek at Catarina Lilliehöök's first book and the relevance of oracle bones in her forthcoming #PolarSaga Series scheduled for release very soon...

Oracle bones play a significant role in the book’s narrative, acting as a source of guidance, a justification for actions, and a link to destiny within the story's world. They are a method of divination and are treated with respect by those who use them. Let’s look at it in a little more detail as the plot is glorious...

Guidance and Decision-Making:
Master Li uses oracle bones to make important decisions and claims that the oracle bones told him to go to the slave market, where he found Mi La. The oracle bones are presented as a source of truth, and their pronouncements carry weight with those who believe in them. For example, when Cook Ma questions if Master Li went wrong in the slave market, he justifies his actions by saying, "The oracle bones told me clearly". The bones are consulted to determine the correct course of action and to understand the signs that are revealed to them.

Justification for Actions:
The oracle bones are used to justify the decisions and actions taken by characters, especially by Master Li. When Mi La asks why she is at Long Si, she is told that the oracle bones said as much. They are used to explain the circumstances surrounding Mi La's arrival at Long Si, particularly that the bones indicated that she should be there and that this is part of her destiny.
Master Li tells Mi La that it is not simple to follow the oracle bones, suggesting that their guidance is not always clear or easy to interpret. He also admits that he had to fight hard for Mi La to come to Long Si, suggesting there was some resistance to her arrival. He justifies rescuing Mi La from the Nefarious by stating that the oracle bones guided him to her and also says that he needed to see if she could call Hidden Eyes, suggesting that the bones predicted that she would be able to do so.

Connection to Destiny and Prophecy:
The oracle bones are linked to the prophecies surrounding the Three Masters of Long Si, and their return. The prophecy of their reincarnation was inscribed on a stone tablet, and interpreted by geomancers. They are also used to identify the reincarnated brothers. The bones are said to have indicated that Mi La possessed a special skill, though it was not clear which one. The oracle bones predicted that Mi La would be the twin spirit to Hidden Eyes, which is why she was taken from the slave market.

Limitations and Ambiguity:
Although the oracle bones are important, the narrative also acknowledges that their interpretations are not always straightforward and the characters must still make choices and use their own judgement in the process. Master Li's reliance on the bones is also questioned as he admits that his personal interests may have clouded his judgement and that the bones are not always easy to follow.