What's in a name? The New Land
When I began writing The Elements of Destiny, I called the continent where much of the story takes place "the New Land", simply because that was what the people of Kiryn called it. I often thought the name rather unimaginative and considered changing it. But Sabbanath is now finished, I am three-quarters of the way through Noda, and still everyone calls it the New Land.
At some point, I simply had to accept that this was its name. Which raised another question: why did the Royal Court of Kiryn allow it to remain so?
The following documents and correspondence from the period offer some insight into how the New Land got its name- and why it proved so difficult to change.
I. Extract from the Report of Admiral Elias Wren
We made landfall shortly after midday and found the country beyond the coastal hills to consist of wide grasslands, broken by forests and several rivers of considerable size. The soil appears fertile, fresh water is plentiful, and we observed an abundance of game.
There are clear signs that the interior is inhabited, though we made no direct contact with its people during our time ashore. Analysis of abandoned camps suggests that they are a very primitive race.
The extent of this new land cannot yet be determined, but from our observations along the coast I believe it to be worthy of further explanation.
I recommend that another expedition be dispatched before the year’s end.
Admiral Elias Wren
II. Extract from a young man to his brother
Dear Samuel,
I have seen the posters at the docks and heard enough stories from men who have returned to make up my mind. I am going to the New Land.
Here, it seems a man's place is decided before he is old enough to choose it. Over there, what you earn depends upon how hard you are willing to work for it.
Come with me Samuel. I have enough put aside for my berth, and I can help with yours. If half the stories are true, there will be room enough there for both of us to begin again.
Your brother, Edward
III. Extract from a private letter between officials of the Crown
My Dear Harrison,
His majesty has again expressed his displeasure at the continued use of the term New Land. You will recall that the name Lavinia, in honour of the Queen Mother, was formally adopted three years ago and has since appeared on all maps and documents issued under the Crown authority.
What I and others have attempted to explain is that the common folk seldom read such documents nor do most have occasion to consult a map. They read the news sheets, listen to the men calling the headlines in the streets, and speak of the place as they have always heard it spoken of.
I fear we acted too late. By the time we gave the place a proper name, the people had already given it one of their own.
If His Majesty truly wishes Lavinia to take its place, then we must look beyond our own offices. The shipping companies should be encouraged to use the name upon their notices and tickets, and our communications to the news sheets must do likewise. Most important, it should be the only name taught in schools. We may not persuade those who have spoken of the New Land these past thirty years, but their children may yet grow up speaking of Lavinia as though it had always been so.
Yours
Edmond de Valle
Office of Colonial Affairs
Like so much of The Elements of Destiny, the history is still revealing itself as I write. But for now, at least, I think I finally understand why the New Land has never acquired a more imaginative name.
The Crown tried. It was simply too late.
And having spent years wondering whether I should change it myself, I seem to have arrived at much the same conclusion 🙂
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