Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT
in the blurb.
My book is a journey into the world of comparative mythology and culture,
focusing on the rich tapestry of Indo-European heritage. Each main character is
an ambassador for a distinct culture, all sharing a common Indo-European
origin. Sunu, whose name means 'son' in the Germanic tradition, is a compelling
representative of this culture; Rufus, whose name means 'red-haired' in Latin,
is a vivid portrayal of the Graeco-Roman culture; and Keresaspa, whose name
means 'with lean horses' in Iranian, is a powerful symbol of this heritage. The
story also delves into the culture of other Indo-European peoples, such as the
Celts, but it's the Germanic, Graeco-Roman, and Indo-Iranian literature that
provides the most fertile ground for exploring their native religions and
customs.
During their journey, Sunu, Rufus, and Keresasapa speak of
gods of thunder and mankind; they speak of goddess of dawn and fate and a
sacred cow that fed a giant from whom the cosmos was born. They speak of
animals sacred to the gods: horses, cows, goats, and ravens that soar above the
earth. Above all, they recount the epic battles with giant serpents, the gods
and heroes who vanquished them, and how their deeds intertwine with their
destinies.
Along with the gods, heroes, and fate, the characters in my
book also share many customs. These include the virtues of hospitality, guest
friendship, and generosity, which play a crucial role in their interactions
with others. They often initiate their conversations and inquiries with the
same words, "tell me, who are, there was," and share similar
expressions, such as reciprocating the friendship of friends. This unity in
customs and virtues is one of the central themes of their journey—to foster and
maintain friendships and to bridge the gaps between divided peoples, creating a
sense of belonging and shared heritage among the readers.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Listen to a philosopher speaking about death, pain, poverty, and such
things—that they are not evil—and again in turn about life, pleasure, wealth,
and things similar to these—that they are not good.” This quote by the esteemed
Stoic Musonius Rufus presents a stark contrast to common beliefs: Attachment to
life, pleasure, and wealth leads to unjust and dishonorable deeds, but the
willingness to accept death, pain, and poverty is the mark of a just and
honorable leader.
THE FATE OF OUR UNION
Author: Hildebrand Hermannson
GENRE: Fantasy
A
mountainous thundering bull breaks up battling tribesmen, summoning three
struggling youths, as an insidious unseen enemy turns tribes against
tribes—pitting rich against poor, sons against fathers, and men against gods.
Its insatiable hunger for division threatens to plunge mankind into a dystopian
realm ruled by man-eating wolves.
A
miraculous seven-headed horse, a symbol of unity, assembles the struggling
youths of extraordinary origin into a journey of self-discovery. There Sunu the
Saxon Poet, Rufus the Roman Stoic, and Keresaspa the Sarmatian Priestess must
overcome pride, aversion, and unforgiveness; there they must learn from
historical heroes, philosophers, and amazingly similar gods to battle the
unseen monster and its rising wolfmen.
Fated
to part ways to face the demons at home, Sunu, Rufus, and Keresaspa must
reunite as they bring divided peoples together to fight the source tearing
everyone apart. They must heed the divine wisdom of the seven-headed horse and
justly wield the seven magic weapons they’ve mysteriously been given to
overcome the unseen enemy and understand the higher purpose of the mountainous
thundering bull.
Excerpt One:
Sunu meets the
seven-headed, winged horse, Long Ears (CH 4 of The Fate of Our Union).
Sunu’s breath
caught in his throat as he stared at a white stallion with seven handsome
heads, spreading a glorious pair of wings. It towered at twenty-one hands, and
its seven heads encircled its neck like temple pillars; one faced forward, one
angled to the left, one angled to the right. A head was on each side, while two
in the back angled left and right. “You are the one we’re speaking to,” its
pink lips uttered under black nostrils, the words echoing in Sunu’s ears like a
divine melody.
“It’s as if all
seven were as one!” Sunu imagined the sacred horses merging, gazing
breathlessly as they surrounded the seven-headed, winged stallion inside the
birch grove. His heart raced in suspense, his eyes wide with wonder, as he
awaited its next move.
The stallion’s
seven heads repeated, “As one.”
“I’ve heard of
a horse with eight legs.” Sunu imagined Woden’s horse, Sleipnir. “But never one
with seven heads . . . that can speak . . . and has wings!” Visually high, Sunu
gaped at every beautifully mane-draped head under the dreamily feathered wings.
The stallion’s
forward-facing head replied in a deep, resonant voice, “It’s time you heard.”
Hildebrand Hengest Hermannson’s deep-rooted fire for Indo-European
culture and Western Philosophy ignites his first novel, The Fate of Our Union,
the inaugural piece in a planned series. His work draws inspiration from the
national epics The Saga of the Volsungs (Norse), Mahabharata (Indian), Aenid
(Roman), Odyssey (Greek), Táin Bó Cúailnge (Celtic), and Shahnameh (Iranian),
weaving these rich cultures into original stories featuring fantasy
world-building, dynamic characters, and intricate plots and themes. His Wild
Hunt of thought breathes life into his spiritual, ethical, and cultural
interests, inspiring us all to strive for imperishable virtue.
Website: https://www.hhhermannson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHHermannson
Twitter: https://x.com/HHHermannson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhhermannson77/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hhhermannson/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214514568-the-fate-of-our-union
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZS7TD5V?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100
4 comments:
Thank you for featuring THE FATE OF OUR UNION today.
Thank you to Dawn's Reading Nook for hosting The Fate of Our Union and to her readers for taking an interest in my book. What elements did you find engaging? What would you like to know more about? I will check in throughout the day to respond to your questions and comments.
This looks like a novel I will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a good read.
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