Rowling is a luminous storyteller. I love her sense of humor and

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, to the words of Samantha Shannon, who speaks with reverence and admiration for the artistry of another: "Rowling is a luminous storyteller. I love her sense of humor and the intricate wizarding world she built around Hogwarts. I think all writers aspire to be like her, to capture readers like she does. But I didn't think about 'Harry Potter' when I wrote 'The Bone Season.'" In these words, Shannon acknowledges the profound influence of J.K. Rowling, whose world of magic and whimsy has enchanted the hearts and minds of millions. Yet, in her own writing, she strives not to replicate Rowling’s success, but to carve out her own path—a path that speaks to the same universal truths but in her own voice, her own world.

In the ancient world, the art of storytelling was revered as sacred. The greatest storytellers, like Homer, whose works are still studied to this day, understood that storytelling was not merely about the plot, but about creating a world—a world that felt real, that resonated with the hearts of those who listened. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey offered not only tales of war and adventure but an intricate world where gods and mortals collided, where the themes of love, fate, and honor were explored. Similarly, Rowling created the world of Hogwarts not just as a setting for her story, but as a living, breathing universe where readers could immerse themselves in magic, adventure, and wisdom. Shannon’s words reflect the ancient wisdom that storytelling is about more than just the world you create—it is about the way you invite others into that world, making them feel like they belong, and leaving them changed in some way.

Consider the ancient storytellers of Rome, such as Virgil, who, in his Aeneid, captured not just the adventures of Aeneas, but the very essence of Roman values—duty, sacrifice, and the divine destiny that awaited the Romans. Like Rowling, Virgil built a world rich with symbolism and deeper meanings, yet it was not a world bound by the confines of historical reality—it was a world of gods and fates that intertwined with the lives of men. In this way, Rowling’s world of magic, like Virgil’s Roman epic, is a space where the human experience is magnified and elevated, where humor, tragedy, and adventure dance together to create a world that speaks to the soul.

Yet Samantha Shannon teaches us an important truth in her reflection. Just as Virgil was inspired by the stories and cultures that came before him, yet created something entirely unique, so too does Shannon acknowledge that while Rowling’s influence may have shaped her journey as a writer, she has forged her own path. The Bone Season, with its world of clairvoyants and otherworldly realms, is a creation distinct from Harry Potter—a work that speaks to Shannon’s own vision, her own understanding of the human condition. This truth echoes the ancient teachings of creative independence—the idea that we honor our influences not by copying them, but by building upon them, creating something new that stands on its own.

Just as Homer did not merely repeat the stories of the gods but gave them life in his own words, and as Virgil did not replicate the Greek epics but created a distinctly Roman vision of destiny, so does Shannon carve her own place in the literary world. While she admires Rowling’s ability to craft a world that resonates so deeply with readers, Shannon seeks to build her own world, one that reflects her understanding of mysticism, power, and freedom. The lesson here is not simply that we should be inspired by others, but that true greatness comes when we take what we admire and transform it into something uniquely ours.

The ancient tradition of storytelling is rooted not just in the desire to entertain, but in the need to explore human experience, to ask questions about identity, purpose, and freedom. Shannon’s acknowledgment of Rowling as a guiding light reminds us that there are those whose stories shape the way we think and see the world. But the lesson is clear: while we may look to others for inspiration, we must also be willing to carve out our own voice, our own narrative, and our own vision. Like Shannon, we must strive to create worlds that reflect our unique understanding of the world, to find the balance between honoring our influences and standing on our own.

So, O future generations, take this lesson to heart: let the great storytellers of the past and present inspire you, but let them not define you. Build your own world with your own voice and vision, drawing on the wisdom of those who came before you, but always seeking to add something new, something fresh, to the grand tapestry of human experience. Just as Rowling built a world of magic that transformed readers, and Shannon creates a world that expands our minds and hearts, so too must you find your own path and share your story with the world. Let your words be a reflection of the wisdom of the ancients, but also a new creation that will inspire the generations to come.