"The history, people and landscape of Scotland have had a considerable influence on science fiction (Gemmell, Martin, MacLeod) and fantasy and folklore (as in the work of our GoH Terri Windling). Some writers who use Scotland know it intimately. Others appear to be locked into the fantasy Scotland of Braveheart. Why is this, and what are the opportunities and pitfalls caused by this phenomena? Are some kinds of Scotland more palatable than others? What would our panel like to see?"
It was a round table discussion between the four panelists inc chair. And very wide ranging. I can only remember some details now!
Things trying to portray a fantasy version of Scotland directly obviously got a mention. Not least Outlander, with its rather problematic depiction of history. That also tied in with the discussion of what Scottish history works, either directly or as elements. Eg there's much about the romantic notion of the Highlanders, but less about eg rural Scotland. Or modern day Scotland.
Scottish history inspiring other works of SFF was mentioned. Obviously Game of Thrones - not just the Wall, but also the 1440 "Black Dinner" which inspired Martin's "Red Wedding". But also more widely there was the concept of the underdog dealing with a larger and more powerful foe/neighbour.
Things with Scottish elements were discussed. Eg why are the dwarves in Middle Earth (in LOTR films and Rings of Power) often shown as Scottish accented, and what does that tell us versus the posh English sounding elves. Someone mentioned the Spanish cough cough Sean Connery in Highlander ;) And there was some discussion of Gaelic language in film/books/etc.
Scottish food was discussed! And how it's always haggis that gets mentioned in fictional depictions. Whereas there is way much more.
And also how there is very little city-inspired Scottish SFF. And, again, how the cities are generally underrepresented.
But there was just so much, and I can't remember all the details now. But I enjoyed it hugely.
There is at least one series of Edinburgh urban fantasy books BTW: the Edinburgh Nights books by T.L. Huchu. Albeit set in a somewhat mysteriously dystopian Edinburgh! But you may want to check out.
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"The history, people and landscape of Scotland have had a considerable influence on science fiction (Gemmell, Martin, MacLeod) and fantasy and folklore (as in the work of our GoH Terri Windling). Some writers who use Scotland know it intimately. Others appear to be locked into the fantasy Scotland of Braveheart. Why is this, and what are the opportunities and pitfalls caused by this phenomena? Are some kinds of Scotland more palatable than others? What would our panel like to see?"
It was a round table discussion between the four panelists inc chair. And very wide ranging. I can only remember some details now!
Things trying to portray a fantasy version of Scotland directly obviously got a mention. Not least Outlander, with its rather problematic depiction of history. That also tied in with the discussion of what Scottish history works, either directly or as elements. Eg there's much about the romantic notion of the Highlanders, but less about eg rural Scotland. Or modern day Scotland.
Scottish history inspiring other works of SFF was mentioned. Obviously Game of Thrones - not just the Wall, but also the 1440 "Black Dinner" which inspired Martin's "Red Wedding". But also more widely there was the concept of the underdog dealing with a larger and more powerful foe/neighbour.
Things with Scottish elements were discussed. Eg why are the dwarves in Middle Earth (in LOTR films and Rings of Power) often shown as Scottish accented, and what does that tell us versus the posh English sounding elves. Someone mentioned the Spanish cough cough Sean Connery in Highlander ;) And there was some discussion of Gaelic language in film/books/etc.
Scottish food was discussed! And how it's always haggis that gets mentioned in fictional depictions. Whereas there is way much more.
And also how there is very little city-inspired Scottish SFF. And, again, how the cities are generally underrepresented.
But there was just so much, and I can't remember all the details now. But I enjoyed it hugely.
There is at least one series of Edinburgh urban fantasy books BTW: the Edinburgh Nights books by T.L. Huchu. Albeit set in a somewhat mysteriously dystopian Edinburgh! But you may want to check out.