Inara and the geisha/temple prostitute connection by MiloraDell

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Inara and the geisha/temple prostitute connection

POSTED BY: MILORADELL
UPDATED: Friday, January 16, 2004 11:11
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Friday, January 16, 2004 8:30 AM

I'm more of a reader (lurker) than a writer, but thought some of you would find this interesting. There has been some on-again off-again discussions about Inara and her occupation. There are 3 books out by Jacqueline Carey which are centered around a temple prostitute, so to speak.

Kushiel's Dart
Kushiel's Chosen
Kushiel's Avatar

Highly, highly recommended books for those of you interested in this subject. Loosely based on a parallel-world, quasi-christian type of tradition. And this particular prostitute happens to be a masochist. These books are NOT for the faint-of-heart. Very graphic, but some of the best books I have read since the century turned.

They're difficult books to recommend in general conversation because of the subject matter, and I've received a few raised-eyebrows from my husband over them! But for those of you interested, I think you'll really enjoy them. Especially if you care to read them in relation to Inara; ie - prostitution in a religious frame.

You should find them in the sci-fi section of your favorite book store.

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Friday, January 16, 2004 11:11 AM

LADYJAYNE

Anything you find that is Sumerian based is likely to have the temple prostitute/preistess in it. A really good one that I've read recently (and wrote a paper on, actually) was Stephan Grundy's GILGAMESH. He has a really awesome interpretation of the Goddess, Ishtar/Inanna and Her high priestess.

It's kind of a fine line for me to walk, too. I generally react badly to the "good hearted whore" cliche. When done in a classical context, as Inara is in Firefly and Shamhatu in GILGAMESH it works. When it's just another Belle Watling rip-off, though, I generally don't like it.

--Kala

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