The concept of the "Eclipse Talisman Panic and Famine" refers to a historical event that occurred during the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. It is believed that this phenomenon took place during a period of significant economic and social instability, leading to widespread panic and famine among the population. During this time, eclipses were often seen as portents of doom and were associated with negative events such as wars, famines, and disasters. The eclipse talisman, a small object believed to possess protective and magical powers, became highly sought after during periods of uncertainty and fear. As the fear of famine grew, people began to hoard food and essential resources, further exacerbating the scarcity and price hikes. The panic and fear resulted in a breakdown of social order, with reports of looting and riots becoming common.
I remember feeling keenly the difference between “Omelas” and everything else I read in the anthology: the colors brighter, the voice clearer, the ending a quiet explosion in the mind. I would return to “Omelas” every few years and find a different story there, and admire its capacity to unmoor my certainties and launch them in new, questing directions.
I would return to Omelas every few years and find a different story there, and admire its capacity to unmoor my certainties and launch them in new, questing directions. But she hasn t seen or spoken to him ever since he cruelly fired her and destroyed her reputation after an argument over an old, cheap gas station highway map.
The panic and fear resulted in a breakdown of social order, with reports of looting and riots becoming common. Furthermore, the eclipse talismans were sold at exorbitant prices due to their perceived power to ward off the effects of the eclipse. Those who could afford it would purchase multiple talismans in hopes of increasing their chances of surviving the impending famine.
Stone Soup Digest 03.18.22
This week, I appeared on Failure to Adapt, a podcast hosted by the brilliant Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Red Scott! We discussed Twilight: Eclipse, and how the film adaptation compares to the novel. I analyzed the trunk capacity of a Volvo for this. Listen if you dare.
Amal El-Mohtar on Ursula K. LeGuin
This excerpt from El-Mohtar’s introduction to Worlds of Exile and Illusion is simply beautiful.
I remember feeling keenly the difference between “Omelas” and everything else I read in the anthology: the colors brighter, the voice clearer, the ending a quiet explosion in the mind. I would return to “Omelas” every few years and find a different story there, and admire its capacity to unmoor my certainties and launch them in new, questing directions.
You can purchase Worlds of Exile and Illusion here.
The Hungry, Hungry, Hungry, Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar
Check out Ben Hed’s comic about a caterpillar that just keeps getting hungrier and hungrier.
View this post on InstagramCory Doctorow on Cruelty as a Political Tactic
I found this piece fascinating. I’ve long been interested in the brief appeal of the phrase ‘cruelty is the point’ — and have spent a lot of time trying to determine whether it is simply succinct and accurate, or a thought-terminating cliche. Doctorow’s examination of the way people use cruelty not as an endpoint but as a tactic to gain and maintain power made me start thinking about the power that cruelty has to keep us from pushing back against those who inflict it.
This is the common strain in every conservative moral panic: not just cruelty, but cruelty as punishment for people who insist that they are not born to be ruled, and that they have the right to self-determination: about who they marry, about when they give birth, about their working conditions, about public health.
The combination of the panic-induced hoarding and the inflated prices of basic necessities led to extreme food shortages and an increase in malnutrition and starvation among the population. The most vulnerable groups, such as the poor and the elderly, were particularly affected. Eventually, as the eclipse passed and life returned to normal, the panic and famine subsided. However, the event served as a reminder of the power that superstitions and fear can have over people's actions. It also highlighted the importance of an efficient and fair distribution system to prevent scarcity during times of crisis. Overall, the "Eclipse Talisman Panic and Famine" illustrates the profound impact that fear and uncertainty can have on a society. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superstition and the importance of effective governance and social support systems in times of crisis..
Reviews for "The Role of Eclipse Talismans in Times of Famine"
1. Melanie - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Eclipse Talisman Panic and Famine" based on the intriguing title and cover art, but I was sorely disappointed. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them, and as a result, I wasn't invested in the events unfolding. The pacing was also off, with too much focus on unnecessary details and not enough time spent on the main plot. Overall, I found the book to be a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1/5 - I have read many fantasy novels in my time, but "Eclipse Talisman Panic and Famine" is by far one of the worst. The writing style felt amateurish and filled with clichés. The dialogue was stilted, and the characters were uninteresting and predictable. I also struggled to understand the purpose of the plot, as it seemed disjointed and without a clear direction. I couldn't wait for the book to end and I definitely won't be picking up any other works by this author in the future.
3. Anna - 2/5 - I have to admit that the concept of "Eclipse Talisman Panic and Famine" had me intrigued, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story numerous times. The world-building was lackluster, with minimal details that left me struggling to picture the setting. Additionally, the romance felt forced and lacked any genuine chemistry. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend this book to others looking for an engaging fantasy read.