The Unknown Companion

[James Palmer]

> 
> First, let me say, I love the way this concept was supported by the
> literature, to give us insights into how these creatures have touched upon
> the world.  In one of my Recommended Readings for UA (though with a degree
> of trepidation), The Great and Secret Show touches upon the Shoal, a secret
> brotherhood of Artists that defend Quiddity, the Dream-Sea, from conquests.
> Among its members were Emily DIckinson, and the thought of the Belle of
> Amherst girding her loins in preparation for mystical combat gets me psyched
> for some reason.
> 

That's just ... bizarre.  I have this really odd image of 19th century
women writer Power Rangers now.  "Austen!  Eliot!  Rossetti!  Dickenson!
Gaskell!"   

I need to go and lie down. 

> >c) Interesting.  The figure is a manifestation of the Archetype of the
> >Unknown Companion, the secret helper or aid who supports the hero at his
> >most desperate moments.  The best way out of their situation is to follow
> >the (barely-perceivable) motions of that half-glimpsed figure.
> 
> 
> Uh...is this the guy in that "Footprints" story?  8^p

Well, the Eliot lines are meant to echo the road to Emmaus and St. Paul -
so, yes.

> 
>