Was Skyrim inspired by Earthsea? : V

» Fri Dec 16, 2011 11:06 am

According to the loading screens, and other information, dragon shouts are actually phrases in dragon speech, so that a fight between dragons is actually a debate (presumably a heated one).

In Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea novels, the language of dragons is rather similar. The dragons speak the language of the making, or the ‘true speech’, from which flows the language of human magic. And dragons do not ‘learn’ the old speech - it seems to be inherent in them so that they 'are' the language. There are also ‘dragonlords’, who are people with whom the dragons will deign to speak.

Of course, the similarities are somewhat loose – I’m talking about inspiration rather than plagiarism – but they are there, principally in the association between the language of dragons and magical power.

» Fri Dec 16, 2011 7:43 am

According to the loading screens, and other information, dragon shouts are actually phrases in dragon speech, so that a fight between dragons is actually a debate (presumably a heated one).

In Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea novels, the language of dragons is rather similar. The dragons speak the language of the making, or the ‘true speech’, from which flows the language of human magic. And dragons do not ‘learn’ the old speech - it seems to be inherent in them so that they 'are' the language. There are also ‘dragonlords’, who are people with whom the dragons will deign to speak.

Of course, the similarities are somewhat loose – I’m talking about inspiration rather than plagiarism – but they are there, principally in the association between the language of dragons and magical power.

I think you're signature is applicable here. The whole 'dragon speak is sacred' thing has been done by pretty much every fantasy writer.

» Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:10 pm

According to the loading screens, and other information, dragon shouts are actually phrases in dragon speech, so that a fight between dragons is actually a debate (presumably a heated one).

In Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea novels, the language of dragons is rather similar. The dragons speak the language of the making, or the ‘true speech’, from which flows the language of human magic. And dragons do not ‘learn’ the old speech - it seems to be inherent in them so that they 'are' the language. There are also ‘dragonlords’, who are people with whom the dragons will deign to speak.

Of course, the similarities are somewhat loose – I’m talking about inspiration rather than plagiarism – but they are there, principally in the association between the language of dragons and magical power.

Actually ive noticed quite a few other things that are based on "dragon language" or "ancient language" being magical.

The Inheritance series of books is another example. Dont really think Earthsea had something to do with it

» Fri Dec 16, 2011 5:39 am

I read a little bit of The Other Wind in that series, never could be bothered to finish it, but I see your point.

» Fri Dec 16, 2011 6:38 am

Every fantasy game ever has stolen conventions from fantasy literature and legends/myths. Everything is built on the foundation of what came before in some way or another.