Essay Questions

What is the primary theme in the story “The Snow Women?”

The battle of the sexes emerges as the primary theme in the story "The Snow Women.” There was a cold war between men and women in the north. Women believe their men intentionally deny them an opportunity to go out and trade as they do. Therefore, women have devised a strategy of using witchcraft to control their men. On the contrary, the southern women are free, and there is an incidence where naked girls dance in a show.
The snow women from the North are jealous because they are forbidden from attending such shows, and they cannot go to do any trading. Therefore, the Snow women have ganged up to beat any man they find walking alone. As a result, the northern men walk in groups so they will not be attacked by the angry women.

Why is Mouse vowing to revenge on Janarrl in the story “The Unholy Grail?”

Mouse is a young, ambitious man who lives in the Lankhmar woods. Mouse is interested in learning black magic and using swords. Therefore, he approaches Glavas Rho, a wizard in black magic and using swords. At first, Rho is unwilling to train Mouse because he discourages those activities, but Mouse insists and accepts to train him. In the same woods lives Duke Janaarl, who hates the wizards because he suspects that his late wife had an affair with Rho. When Janarrl discovers that his daughter sneaks out to be trained by Rho, he secretly goes and burns Rho’s house. When Mouse comes for his regular lessons, he is shocked to discover that his master is dead, and his house is in ashes. Mouse discovers that the killer of his master is Janarrl, and he vows vengeance on him.

What is the metaphorical meaning of "the cat’s path" used by Glavas Rho?

The author uses "the cat's path" metaphorically to connote a tactical encounter against a perceived enemy. After the death of Rho, Duke becomes the biggest enemy of Mouse. Mouse remembers using black magic is the best tactical approach when dealing with the enemy. Therefore, Mouse uses powerful black magic to destroy Duke. Ivorian, Duke's daughter, who is also a wizard, helps Mouse to finish his father.