La hoguera discreta 20: Los pasos ocultos de Myrddin de Rodolfo Sachún (análisis y crítica) [16]

Summary

In this video, the speaker offers an in-depth review of *Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin* by Peruvian author Rodolfo Sancho Montano. The novel, rooted in epic fantasy, blends esoteric traditions with a critique of human destruction and segregation. It follows the protagonist Mirdin, a character from Celtic mythology, as he undergoes magical training. Through various mythological influences, the book explores themes of magic, race, and the destruction of nature. The speaker praises the novel’s imaginative approach but critiques its pacing, particularly regarding the development of Mirdin’s magical journey. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for fantasy enthusiasts and those interested in social commentary.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the Peruvian novel *Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirlin* by Rodolfo Sancho Montano, published in 2022 by Editorial Silewis.
• 😀 The author, Rodolfo Sancho Montano, has a background in economics and law and is a member of the Peruvian Freemason lodge, which influences the themes in his writing.
• 😀 *Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirlin* is categorized as epic fantasy, a subgenre of fantasy that blends magical and supernatural elements with everyday life.
• 😀 The novel is heavily influenced by multiple mythologies, including Celtic, Egyptian, Hindu, and Greek, with a predominant focus on Celtic mythology.
• 😀 The protagonist, Mirlin, is a version of the legendary Merlin from Arthurian legend, and the story follows his magical training and journey.
• 😀 The narrative structure includes a prologue, five chapters, and an epilogue, with alternating third-person omniscient and first-person voices.
• 😀 One of the key themes in the book is the coexistence of magic with everyday life, where supernatural elements are normalized and accepted by the characters.
• 😀 The novel critiques humanity’s tendency to eliminate the ‘other,’ specifically through the depiction of humans hunting demons and the destructive impact of this mindset.
• 😀 The book explores the idea of hybrid identities, with Mirlin representing the fusion of human and demonic elements, symbolizing the need for balance between opposing forces.
• 😀 A central social critique in the novel is the reversal of the typical portrayal of good and evil, where demons are shown as harmonious beings with nature, and humans as agents of destruction.
• 😀 Despite its engaging premise, the review notes that the first part of the novel could have benefitted from a deeper exploration of Mirlin's magical training and character development.

Q & A

Who is the author of 'Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin'?

The author of 'Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin' is Rodolfo Sancho Montano, a Peruvian writer with a background in economics and business management, as well as a deep interest in esoteric themes.

What is the genre of 'Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin'?

'Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin' belongs to the genre of epic fantasy, specifically within the subgenre of heroic fantasy, which incorporates magic, supernatural elements, and a blend of mythological traditions.

What are the key themes addressed in the novel?

The novel explores themes of magic, the coexistence of the supernatural with daily life, and societal issues such as segregation and the human tendency to destroy what is different or unknown.

How does the novel's title relate to its plot?

The title 'Los Pasos Ocultos' ('The Hidden Steps') refers to the hidden and often secretive learning process of magic. It highlights the idea that some knowledge, particularly related to magical learning, is concealed from the public eye.

Who is Mirdin, the protagonist of the story?

Mirdin is the protagonist of the novel, who is based on the legendary figure of Merlin, the famous wizard from Arthurian legend. In the novel, he is depicted as a figure of magical learning and growth, undergoing a hidden and complex magical education.

What are the major influences in 'Los Pasos Ocultos de Mirdin'?

The novel is influenced by several mythological traditions, including Celtic, Egyptian, Hindu, and Greek mythology. It draws heavily from Celtic mythology, with references to magical beings and deities, as well as from other ancient mythologies that shape the worldview of the characters.

What role do demons play in the novel?

In the novel, demons are portrayed as beings that coexist with nature, living in harmony with the world. The novel subverts the typical view of demons as evil, suggesting that humans, who are portrayed as the antagonists, are the true destroyers of balance in the world.

What is the relationship between humans and demons in the narrative?

The novel presents a critical view of human-demon relationships, showing how humans, often seen as the 'good' side, are in fact the destroyers of natural harmony. The demons, on the other hand, are depicted as ancient beings in harmony with nature and life.

How does the author critique social issues in the novel?

Through the magical and fantastical elements of the story, the author critiques real-world social issues, such as segregation and the human tendency to eliminate or marginalize what is different or 'other'. The novel uses the magic-demon dichotomy to reflect on the division in society.

What does the epigraph 'A good guardian doesn't need bars' signify in the context of the novel?

The epigraph, taken from the Chinese philosopher Laozi, symbolizes the idea of guardianship and protection, relating to the novel's theme of revealing what is hidden. It suggests that true guardianship doesn't rely on physical barriers, but rather on wisdom and understanding of the unseen.