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Exploring the Heart of The Polar SagaI’ve been reflecting on the characters in The Polar Sage and how they truly bring the story to life. Today, I’d like to share some personal thoughts on three key figures whose journeys resonate deeply—not just because of their strengths, but also their vulnerabilities and inner conflicts. These aren’t mere characters on a page; they’re mirrors reflecting our own struggles with power, tradition, and hope.Yong Da – The Relentless AdversaryYong Da isn’t your typical villain. While he’s undoubtedly a skilled fighter with a razor-sharp tongue and an even sharper sword, there’s a lot more lurking beneath that formidable exterior. Often dubbed Mila’s worst nightmare, he thrives on exerting his dominance, accompanied by his steadfast companions, Wicked and Ugly Bulldog. Their presence only amplifies his overwhelming confidence, which at times feels almost too palpable to be real.Yet, as I ponder his character, I can’t help but wonder if this overbearing bravado masks a deeper vulnerability—a fear of being truly challenged or seen for who he is beneath the armour. His alliances with influential figures such as Steel Master only add to his mystique, making him appear invincible. But is there a hidden fissure in that armour of strength? It’s this human touch, the possibility that his harsh exterior might be a defence mechanism, that makes his character all the more intriguing.<figure id="figure-hcrccst53mm91g5xn6"><img id="hcrccst53mm91g5xn6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bIOJbCY3znHQxLR9kghPMY3uS81j4r6xY9JGQXTOoySZdLsaAnohNF9hQOTdqIp.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bIOJbCY3znHQxLR9kghPMY3uS81j4r6xY9JGQXTOoySZdLsaAnohNF9hQOTdqIp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Steel Master – The Unyielding MentorThen there’s Steel Master, the man who has shaped Yong Da into the force he is today. Hailing from northern China, his reputation as the most feared teacher at the Dragon Temple is well-earned. His life has been dedicated to the belief that strength is the only true measure of worth. However, his rigid stance—especially when it comes to excluding women like Mila—reveals a more troubling, archaic side of his philosophy.I find his character both fascinating and, at times, tragically human. His strict adherence to tradition might stem from a past filled with hardship and survival, which perhaps forced him to adopt such uncompromising views. Yet, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of pity for a man so deeply enmeshed in his own beliefs that he loses sight of the possibility for change. His unyielding nature not only moulds his disciples but also casts a long, cold shadow over those who dare to challenge the status quo.<figure id="figure-8nwwkm54zhm91g76hc"><img id="8nwwkm54zhm91g76hc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25ucnsrWt18ATcCRP4IoZrnrWtZCRtlWopM90lLCTwW2fOkWgkqxjtG1R6Ogc0Xl.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25ucnsrWt18ATcCRP4IoZrnrWtZCRtlWopM90lLCTwW2fOkWgkqxjtG1R6Ogc0Xl.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Spirit Dragon – A Flicker of Forgotten FireDeep underground, far removed from the daily strife of our characters, lies the mysterious Spirit Dragon. Once a mighty commander, it now exists as a faint echo of its former glory—hidden, almost forgotten by the world above. Yet, despite its diminished state, the Dragon’s inner fire still burns quietly, a constant reminder that true power is never fully extinguished.To me, the Spirit Dragon symbolises the latent potential within all of us. Even when life seems to have reduced us to shadows of our former selves, there remains an ember of hope, waiting for the right moment to flare up. This character serves as an invitation to look inward, to recognise that beneath every layer of defeat, there is a spark of resilience capable of igniting transformation. It’s a quiet, yet powerful reminder that renewal is always possible.<figure id="figure-l67p3eb2jom91g7ync"><img id="l67p3eb2jom91g7ync" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/e7F3Jp0hsiyvqn5qgmrl2phQIACv82JIxzLiZPeXzEa6cmlxwkPvHO4jbbXDBe4j.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Weaving Conflict with HopeTogether, these characters create a rich, textured narrative where personal ambition clashes with tradition, and resilience meets raw power. Yong Da’s relentless drive, Steel Master’s unbending authority, and the Spirit Dragon’s hidden promise of resurgence all contribute to a story that challenges us to rethink what it means to be strong. Is strength measured solely by physical might, or does it also reside in the courage to confront and overcome our deepest insecurities?The interplay between these forces invites us to question the very foundations of power and prejudice. It’s a story that doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead encourages us to explore our own beliefs about what it means to fight for change. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these characters and their journeys—do you see a glimmer of hope amid the relentless conflict? Please do share your reflections in the comments below.Thanks for taking the time to read through these musings—I look forward to an engaging conversation with you all!

Exploring the Heart of The Polar Saga

“This book series was born in a café, in a small back alley, on a dark and rainy night in Hong Kong’s central district. As the wind raged outside, Teacher Xu Xi whispered the age old adage, Write what you know. And barely had she taken a sip of her steaming green tea before cogs of experience and dreaming started turning vividly in my head. After having lived for over two decades in China and Hong Kong—and as a native Swede with a never-ending thirst for the beauty and mysteries of Polar North, home of Sámi people and reindeer—visions and sensations began fluttering like insects in my mind. An idea took rapidly form. This is a tale of clashing cultures, of history and legends, of love and hardship and a deep connection to earth’s solid powers. And of course, of magic and dragons.” - Catarina Lilliehöök

The Polar Saga

Why The Book?&nbsp;Anne Hayden's book, "It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic" is a book dedicated to her father and explores the profound impact of plastic on our lives. It features conversations on plastic pollution, its sources, and its effects on the environment and human health, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions. The book includes guest contributions that add different perspectives on this complex issue. Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí writes about engaging in open discussions around plastic, as well as the urgency that action is taken to combat it. Cathy Fitzgibbon, MSc focuses on linking seasonal eating to the plastic pollution problem in the Irish context and Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, MSc writes from a Gen Z perspective on possible actions, as well as how Ireland and Sweden address plastic.<figure id="figure-m9dvfflkmfm838npyc"><img id="m9dvfflkmfm838npyc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6QJV0PLA0vIpp9gLwZzrtj7wX7rPl5psaaExcj34RYHCEPsjRAl1pefjf6etPFZ1.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The author, Anne Hayden, MSc was motivated to write "It's a Wrap" by a strong sense of concern regarding society's contradictory attitude toward plastic, despite its wide-ranging implications. Several factors contributed to her motivation:Personal Observation: From her office overlooking the Galway docks, Hayden witnessed ships laden with bales of plastic destined for foreign shores, prompting her to question whether society could do better in managing plastic waste. Academic Pursuits: Her interest in plastics began during her undergraduate thesis at University College Dublin, where she researched consumer and industry perceptions of plastic food wrapping and its recyclability. Later, during her master's programme at Smurfit Business School in Dublin, she learned about the significant role of product packing in marketing strategies. Desire for Dialogue and Action: Hayden aimed to ignite a collective awakening and inspire action by exploring the complex influence of plastic, from its origins and manufacturing to its lasting imprint on the environment. Passion for the Topic: The author states her passion for the topic of plastic and its effects, expressing her desire to explore the complex connection between plastic and its significant effects on daily lives and the world. She aimed to produce a body of work that explores this connection. Belief in Transparent Dialogue: Hayden argues for the significance of having a transparent dialogue on plastic usage at all levels of society to facilitate meaningful change towards real and long-term sustainability. -Harry Hickey, March 2025.

It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic by Anne Hayden, MSc

Shot of a young woman writing in her journal at the beach

World Book Day is a global celebration dedicated to promoting reading, publishing, and copyright. Established by UNESCO in 1995, it is now observed annually and falls on March 7th in Ireland and the UK. This date holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the deaths of literary giants such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. So, global luminaries.&nbsp;<h3>Origins</h3>The origins of World Book Day trace back to 1922 when Vicente Clavel, a Valencian writer and publisher, proposed a day to honour Cervantes and boost book sales. Initially celebrated on October 7th, Cervantes’ believed birthday, it was later moved to April 23rd, the date of his death, to align with the feast of Saint George—a day traditionally associated with the exchange of books and roses in Catalonia.&nbsp;<h3>Ireland</h3>In Ireland, World Book Day has been embraced with enthusiasm and we upload videos of our authors across social media to celebrate their successes and contributions to the book world. We show our love for all things authors, books and publishing. We love books in Ireland - the land of saints and scholars. A recent 2024 study revealed that 91% of Irish respondents had read a book in the past 12 months, underscoring a robust reading culture. &nbsp;Additionally, Ireland ranked third in the European Union for online book purchases, with 22.2% of residents buying books online. Not bad at all (photo of Anne Hayden's book on plastic food packaging).&nbsp; <figure id="figure-s01m37wxcom7vu31wp"><img id="s01m37wxcom7vu31wp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Global Picture</h3>Globally, reading habits vary. The United States leads with an average of 17 books read per person annually, followed by India at 16, and the United Kingdom at 15. &nbsp;However, challenges persist. A 2024 report indicated a 4.4% decrease in the number of books read by children across the UK and Ireland, highlighting the need for initiatives like World Book Day to foster a love for reading among younger generations (photo of Niall MacGiolla Bhuí's book on navigating the publishing landscape).&nbsp;<figure id="figure-pb4g075shm7vu4ypg"><img id="pb4g075shm7vu4ypg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4sUKSju8ursyN3h5J6rC8ROmAulhy5LJ0lrZCCKHAZ5uCMFZoH67MizQiXxKudMu.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4sUKSju8ursyN3h5J6rC8ROmAulhy5LJ0lrZCCKHAZ5uCMFZoH67MizQiXxKudMu.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Reminder...</h3>World Book Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of books. It encourages individuals of all ages to explore new worlds, gain knowledge, and develop empathy through reading. By celebrating authors, books, and the act of reading, we acknowledge the pivotal role literature plays in shaping societies and bridging cultural divides.Trending Hashtags: #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #BookLovers #ReadingCulture #LiteracyMatters<h3>References:</h3>• UNESCO. “World Book and Copyright Day.”• World Population Review. “Average Books Read Per Year by Country 2024.”• The Guardian. “Children reading fewer, less challenging books, UK and Ireland study finds.”• The Independent. “Ireland places third in new EU ranking for online buyers of books.”• The Bookseller. “UK among nations with the biggest reading public according to new global EIBF study.”<h3>Bibliography:</h3>• “World Book and Copyright Day.” UNESCO,• “Average Books Read Per Year by Country 2024.” World Population Review,• “Children reading fewer, less challenging books, UK and Ireland study finds.” The Guardian,• “Ireland places third in new EU ranking for online buyers of books.” The Independent,• “UK among nations with the biggest reading public according to new global EIBF study.” The Bookseller,

World Book Day 2025

The Protagonist's AbilitiesThe protagonist's abilities are triggered by a combination of events and circumstances, primarily connected to her Sámi heritage, a specific ritual, and her unique birth. Sámi Heritage and the Reindeer Heart: Mi La’s abilities are linked to her Sámi background and a specific ritual involving a reindeer heart. It is revealed that her abilities were activated when she consumed a reindeer's heart at a ceremony with a noaidi (a Sámi shaman), transferring part of the animal's spirit to her and fusing with her being. This event is key to her identity as Seikharinne, the Girl-Child of the Northern Lights. The reindeer seemed to know that her spirit was special.<figure id="figure-9z97tmbkdpm7vpnkxn"><img id="9z97tmbkdpm7vpnkxn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31WV06uKYUGSyD3R6P2x26vmLp8MyrKlLf3AvifAGgGq5MCmYeWG0wnVYhGAtQfD.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31WV06uKYUGSyD3R6P2x26vmLp8MyrKlLf3AvifAGgGq5MCmYeWG0wnVYhGAtQfD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Northern Lights: Mi La's mother recognised the connection between the lines in her palms and the Northern Lights. Her palms shimmer with thin red streaks, similar to the aurora borealis. This is described as setting off the lines in her palms. It is also a part of her Seikhar identity as a “Child of the Northern Lights.<figure id="figure-w0gb7wxqwdm7vpq281"><img id="w0gb7wxqwdm7vpq281" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776941677/photo/northern-lights-in-the-northwest-territories-canada.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vzwQEC1VuojIlcuT06qZb1LcyQ4vVTCDyrFLRoA07Nc=" alt="Northern lights in the Northwest Territories, Canada" title="Northern lights in the Northwest Territories, Canada" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776941677/photo/northern-lights-in-the-northwest-territories-canada.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vzwQEC1VuojIlcuT06qZb1LcyQ4vVTCDyrFLRoA07Nc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Hexfinder and Abduction: Mi La's abilities also make her a target. The Hexfinder, an agent of the Nefarious, was sent to find children with special gifts. She was abducted by them because of her abilities. It is said they target people with paranormal skills, and take people to use them. Coming of Age: Her first moon bleeding (menstruation) is another trigger that seems to heighten her powers. Cook Ma explains that many gifts start to manifest more strongly, or take root in the body when a girl moves into womanhood. The first time her abilities were noticed at Long Si was when she had her first moon bleeding. Yong Da, who is sensitive to energies, also noticed this shift. Hidden Eyes: Mi La's ability to see hearts is also triggered by the presence of Hidden Eyes, the spirit dragon of Long Si. Being in his presence caused her hands to light up and she used her powers to call him. Emotional States and Intense Experiences: Her abilities appear to be enhanced by intense emotional experiences, such as anger and fear. When she is in duels, she can bring out her ability to see heart orbs, and borrow the skills of others. For example, during her duel with Yong Da she focused on Steel Master’s heart, and got a boost of energy. By focusing on her own heart, she could also send out a white tendril of energy to latch onto others. The Tournament at Long Si: The tournament at Long Si was a test to see if Mi La could command her powers. It forced her to develop her abilities further. The Power of the Word: Mi La discovers that the word "Seikhar" acts as a key, unlocking her powers and connecting her to her destiny.<figure id="figure-g3pyitdipm7vpodpc"><img id="g3pyitdipm7vpodpc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25HPh9c5Maih78768wtZDWOeloVAkCqLPCEOUtYelovJ5rTqOLole4Ogwkn0J6jB.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25HPh9c5Maih78768wtZDWOeloVAkCqLPCEOUtYelovJ5rTqOLole4Ogwkn0J6jB.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

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Exploring the Heart of The Polar Saga

The Polar Saga

It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic by Anne Hayden, MSc

World Book Day 2025

The Protagonist's Abilities in The Polar Saga Series

Top 5 Challenges Facing Use of AI in Universities in 2025