Zocha
Merlin's Apprentice
Something wicked this way comes
Posts: 188
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Post by Zocha on Jan 15, 2008 19:35:48 GMT
I've been curious as to their origins. I looked it up and found scriptures from some sort of bible thingie ... but I'm confused. And I know Mab was mentioned in Shakespeare but where else before that? I'm just curious because I'm incorporating Mab into my novel (my own characterization, of course) and I want to figure out the legal stuff. Like if I could get sued for using her or mentioning Merlin.
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Post by himiko on Jan 15, 2008 21:33:53 GMT
As far as I'm aware, the only character created specifically for Merlin was Frik, so as long as you don't use him, you should be OK. You certainly won't get sued for mentioning Merlin- he's supposedly a legendary figure, many people wrote about him, though whether he truly did exist or not is obviously up for debate. I'm not well-schooled in the history of the Merlin legends, so I can't help you with that, I fear. As far as Mab goes, like Merlin, I believe she is a "historical" character of sorts- I've heard her linked to some Celtic queens and goddesses, and she's appeared as a fairy queen in many things: this link here - shakespeare.about.com/blmab.htm- contains some information about some poems and plays containing Mab. I've also seen her, more recently, featured in a series called The Dresden Files, about a wizard detective, I think, though I never read the series, and I also read a Buffy the Vampire Slayer novelisation featuring a group of vampire faeries, who's leader was named Mabyana, frequently shortened to Mab throughout. So, on balance, no, provided you use your own interpretation of the characters, I can see no reason why you would get sued. Even if Merlin and Mab were once upon a time the creation of someone's imagination, that copyright has long since expired, LOL. Hope that helped! I'm no expert on legal stuff.
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Post by Libitine on Jan 16, 2008 0:04:16 GMT
Mab is the Welsh (and/or Celtic) Goddess of War. In other mythology she is the goddess of fairies, midwives, and witchcraft. Her name has been spelled many different ways including our spelling (Mab), Maeb, and Maebs. There is also those names as beginings and then the name has a longer ending.
*brain explosion*
I . . . .forget.
Hope I helped in some little way though.
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Zocha
Merlin's Apprentice
Something wicked this way comes
Posts: 188
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Post by Zocha on Jan 16, 2008 17:52:55 GMT
Thanks for the information, guys! I've been trying to figure out exactly how much money I'd be sued for by Hallmark if they see too many similarities in my Mab. xD I've also discovered she's the 'queen of magic, charm and spell, queen of the faeries, wolves as well'. Nice little rhyme, lol. It's from this site- All About Mab Pretty neat stuff, but some bits I found hard to believe, which is why I had to ask.
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Post by Libitine on Jan 17, 2008 0:36:08 GMT
You say you are writing a novel . . . . .
Care to elaborate?
Please?
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Post by himiko on Jan 17, 2008 2:22:39 GMT
Indeed, I am also encurioused now.
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Post by Libitine on Jan 17, 2008 11:03:32 GMT
I know. Any novel with Mab in any form must be really cool.
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Zocha
Merlin's Apprentice
Something wicked this way comes
Posts: 188
|
Post by Zocha on Jan 17, 2008 17:09:33 GMT
Well ... I shouldn't say anything, but I'll be very vague. It's really just about a magic realm that's dying, and it's the realm Mab was banished to (by the church, I changed it to, but I'm vague there in the book) Overall, it's about a human child who is bent on saving the realm despite the fact everyone wants her out of it, and she is aided by Mab through a series of dreams, and learns of all the bad things said about Mab. Basically, Mab is a side-story in the novel, and she is a greatly misunderstood goddess for all her horrible deeds in the past (killing, hexing, etc.) and it all has earned her a bad reputation. I'd get more specific but I'm on edge about possible theft. I know you guys wouldn't but there are lurkers out there.
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Post by himiko on Jan 18, 2008 1:57:53 GMT
Ah, fair enough, I understand. Sounds interesting, anyway. Good luck with it!
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Post by Libitine on Jan 18, 2008 1:59:13 GMT
Yes. You are smart not to tell.
Well good luck with publishing! I really like the idea and I do hope I could get the chance to read it sometime.
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Zocha
Merlin's Apprentice
Something wicked this way comes
Posts: 188
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Post by Zocha on Jan 18, 2008 21:17:07 GMT
Thanks guys! I won't be able to live with myself if I don't get it published. It's likely this place will still exist when it is published, so I'll let you guys know.
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Post by himiko on Jan 19, 2008 0:47:17 GMT
You damn well better had! Then we can boast about knowing you, LOL.
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Post by Libitine on Jan 19, 2008 16:36:57 GMT
Totally!
I am working on getting a short story published. To be a published author is my dream.
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Post by Mabforever on May 14, 2009 19:47:59 GMT
Mmmmmmmmm interesting.
What ever happened to this novel me wonders.
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Post by Lane of Magic on May 14, 2009 21:11:34 GMT
I second that question! *is also curious and wondering*
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