BEHIND THE SCENES
Chapter 4
I know for a fact that my master thinks some books are better than real life.
Story of O
Histoire d’O, the mother of Fifty Shades, was already mentioned in the Bad Girl’s intro.
John Norman GOR-series
The Gor series by John Norman, beginning with Tarnsman of Gor (1966), has had a notable impact on the BDSM and alternative lifestyle communities. The books depict a fictional counter-Earth society with rigid gender roles, where dominance and submission are central themes. While often criticised for their portrayal of women and controversial themes, the series has influenced aspects of BDSM roleplay, power exchange dynamics, and even real-life “Gorean” subcultures.
Some followers of the series have adopted Gorean philosophies in their personal lives, leading to a niche but dedicated community that practices hierarchical master-slave relationships inspired by the books. Online forums, chatrooms, and even real-world gatherings have emerged around these ideas. However, the series has also faced criticism from feminists and mainstream BDSM practitioners who argue that its rigid, male-dominated power structures differ from consensual BDSM dynamics.
read one, you have read them all.
So true.
We know Koen loves them. Several times in “Good Girl”, he is referring to these books. Sylvia, however, thinks that they are too rigid and the extensive descriptions of the environment or the situation that can sometimes go on for ten pages are a bit too much of a good thing for her.
Here are six websites that explore themes related to John Norman’s Gor series:
- Gorean Living: A community forum where enthusiasts discuss Gorean philosophy and lifestyle practices.
- The Gorean Cave: A comprehensive resource offering detailed analyses of the Gor books, character studies, and thematic explorations.
- Gor Chronicles: A blog dedicated to reviewing each book in the Gor series, providing summaries and critical insights.
- Gorean Philosophy: An academic approach to the philosophical underpinnings of the Gor series, including discussions on natural order and societal roles.
- The Gorean Voice: A podcast discussing various aspects of Gorean culture, literature, and its impact on modern subcultures.
- Gor Gazette: An online newsletter covering news, events, and discussions within the Gorean community.
Many of these websites are published a long time ago, and the content is therefore, at best, not recent. Many very good informative websites have been taken offline as well. That’s just the fleeting nature of the Internet.
Kushiel’s Legacy
The Kushiel’s Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey is a historical fantasy saga known for its rich world-building, intricate political intrigue, and themes of love, duty, and power. The series is set in the fictional land of Terre d’Ange, inspired by medieval France, where divine lineage influences society and where love and pleasure are seen as sacred.
The series comprises three trilogies.
- Phèdre Trilogy (Kushiel’s Dart, Kushiel’s Chosen, Kushiel’s Avatar): Follows Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan and spy marked by the god Kushiel with the ability to find pleasure in pain. She becomes entangled in court politics, betrayal, and war, using her intelligence and resilience to navigate dangerous intrigues.
- Imriel Trilogy (Kushiel’s Scion, Kushiel’s Justice, Kushiel’s Mercy): Centers on Imriel de la Courcel, Phèdre’s adopted son and the son of a notorious traitor. He struggles with his heritage while forging his own path amid political challenges and personal struggles.
- Moirin Trilogy (Naamah’s Kiss, Naamah’s Curse, Naamah’s Blessing): Features Moirin, a young woman of mixed D’Angeline and Maghuin Dhonn (Celtic-inspired) heritage. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery that spans different cultures and magical traditions.
The series is notable for its sensual, poetic prose, its mature exploration of sexuality and consent, and its emphasis on personal sacrifice, loyalty, and destiny. Its complex characters, feminist themes, and LGBTQ+ representation have earned it praise.
Miss Carey’s books are very dear to me.
Marque
In Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series, a marque is a symbolic and literal tattoo earned by courtesans in the service of Naamah, the angel of love and pleasure. It signifies their status as fully independent professionals within the Night Court, the prestigious guild of courtesans in Terre d’Ange.
The marque is inked gradually over time, paid for by a courtesan’s earnings from their patrons. Once the marque is complete, the courtesan is considered free to choose their own path—whether to retire, continue their profession independently, or pursue another life. The design of the marque is unique to each person, often intricate and beautiful, covering the back from the base of the spine to the nape of the neck.
For Phèdre nó Delaunay, the protagonist of the first trilogy, her marque represents both her journey from a courtesan-in-training to a spy and political player, as well as her personal growth and independence.
In Kushiel’s Dart, the briar rose tattoo is the distinctive marque of Phèdre nó Delaunay, the protagonist. It is an intricate and symbolic design that marks her status as a trained and accomplished courtesan, as well as her unique nature as an anguissette (one who finds pleasure in pain).
Note the red hue over the freshly made tattoo is described in Bad Girl.
Design & Symbolism
The roses represent beauty, passion, and the sensuality associated with her calling as a courtesan of Naamah.
The tattoo is described as a briar rose vine, thorned and elegant, winding its way up Phèdre’s spine from the base to the nape of her neck.
The thorns symbolise her nature as Kushiel’s Chosen, destined to experience both suffering and pleasure in a way that sets her apart from others.
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