"So the Dark did a simple thing," he said. "They showed the maker of the sword his own uncertainty and fear. Fear of having done the wrong thing--fear that having done this thing, he would never again be able to accomplish anything of great worth--fear of age, of insufficiency, of unmet promise. All such endless fears, that are the doom of people given the gift of making, and lie always somewhere in their minds. And gradually, he was put into lethargy--and so hope died, and a terrible paralyzing melancholy took its place. He is held by it now, he is held captive by his own mind. He and the sword Eirias that he made, with him. Despair holds him prisoner, despair, the most terrible creation of all. For in great men, the mind can produce giant spectres of great power."
-- from p. 165, 166 of Silver on the Tree by Susan Cooper
wow. I might need to read that book, do you like the series? I feel inspired to write music now.
Posted by: micah at August 24, 2006 11:25 PMI love the series. Stephanie and I are finishing it up now. The series is known as the "Dark is Rising Series" for those interested.
Micah, I think you in particular would enjoy the writing, and if just that quote inspired you to write music, then reading the books will probably supply plenty of food for inspiration.
Posted by: Benjamin at August 25, 2006 10:48 AM