Jared Freeman

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

I find it interesting that #divc0m contains so much content derived from Hellenistic (and otherwise) origin. Using past literary giants helps to substantiate this illumination of hell and perhaps give some credence to it. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@Christo00068372 A synopsis of the entire text in the first Canto. Works for me. #divc0m #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@cnord6 @KeelyEshenbaugh It's a fan fiction of a fan fiction. All medieval stuff seems to just assimilate previous texts whenever they suit the author. #divc0m #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

So #mrcopolo describes this method of hunting crocodiles where hunters put little spikes down common water-paths. Anyone know if there's a basis in reality for that? It's seems crazy. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@swim_nikkika19 @JacobBayley2 @willcourtney13 @PriessNicolina To me Mandeville's crazy fictitious inventions made it far more difficult for me to read than #mrcopolo. The realism was a vector I could latch my interest on to. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@kellen_wilkin I always find that the most unbelievable parts are when #mrcopolo is recounting history or some regional tale. For example his story of Prestor John and the Golden King: given John was a European invention it seems Polo was not able to avoid fallacies of the era. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@sjaellas @erniepike0990 @abooth021 The Khan likely wanted to hear of exotic cultures at the far extents of his empire and beyond. Polo had a knack for latching onto unique elements of a culture and providing a brief yet dense synopsis, if the text we're reading is any indication. #mrcopolo #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@erniepike0990 @rrooney9900 If I remember correctly, Polo stated he heard this story from the local townspeople. He may not have personally fabricated the story but instead recounted what he heard. I find that admirable after reading Mandeville. Also could have been Rustichello. #mrcopolo #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

I admire #mrcopolo and Rustichello's portrayal of the East in wake of previous European attempts to characterize the rest of the world. Polo's mercantile approach to description exceeds his duties, and his personal account rarely strays from the observed. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

I find myself constantly having trouble placing factions in their appropriate eras and regions; one comprehension issue I developed regarding #mand3v1ll3 was the faulty theory underlying medieval geographic understanding. It was a nice extra challenge I suppose. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@erniepike0990 I initially wanted to believe this would be fairly objective to other cultures but honestly #mand3v1lle harbors a prejudice akin to Fadlan's. He does describe Others but usurps components of their distinctiveness in lieu of a world revolving around the Bible. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@erniepike0990 @GuardadoKatie @Ccasielloch1208 I'm fairly certain this was just another descriptive invention far after the crucifixion -- generating a sanctified symbolism for what was more realistically just a cross made from whatever was convenient. #mand3v1ll3 seems to have loads of these. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

I'm beyond annoyed that the writer confuses Cairo with Mesopotamian Babylon. After reading further he does somewhat fix his mistake by distinguishing the two cities, but I have to acknowledge that he is stealing my job as a name misinterpreter. #mand3v1ll3 #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@GabbyBrito2 #mand3v1ll3 to me is tough to define in one overarching statement. He shows some level of objectivity then turns around and observes the land in such a Christian-centric context. I suppose he does makes fewer moral judgements though. #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@sjaellas It seems like a trend that writers of this era would inject myth into description to maybe sensationalize and suit the world to their established mythos. The pyramids, for instance, were turned into "Joseph's barns." #mand3v1ll3 #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@rrooney9900 I agree. I was actually playing around with currency ideas for some worldbuilding so I was a bit surprised to find decent inspiration by coincidence. #ch1201 #ch1002 #islmtrvl

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@GrantKite2 I like the focus on analysis of the other as opposed to just outright vilifying them. One culture's perspective on the routines and nuances of another is refreshing and perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this type of study. #ch1201 #ch1002 #islmtrvl

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

I was starting to wonder whether Fadlan was going to keep his descriptions fairly objective and then he flat out calls a Turkish man a billy goat. This is consequently what I'll be using as a memory device. #islmtrvl #ch1201 #ch1002

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@Trinity60028355 The cataloguing of notable deaths per battle reminded me of the Illiad's similar descriptive approach. #ch1201 #ch1002 #brutchron

[Jared Freeman @JaredFr78798049]

@kellen_wilkin @hordentrue Also I don't think a single numeric figure made any sense. There was a certain instance where Arthur is mustering a fighting force from his conquered lands and the amounts given are like 30,000 off from the total. #brutchron #ch1201 #ch1002