MAD A FREE MAN

M. Mehmet Ünver

ISBN-10: 1-936154-04-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-936154-04-3
PP: 184 Papers

Published Day: April 2010 USA
Published By: Foremost Press

A man’s quest to satisfy his soul’s desire, as well as fulfilling his destiny.

– ForemostPress.com –

Mehmet Ünver’s novel „Mad 1 – Özgür İnsan“ (Free Man) is an extraordinary philosophical journey that unites Mesopotamian mythology with the human quest for freedom. This work, which brings together history, mythology, and human consciousness, offers a unique experience in the worlds of literature and thought.

– OPENAI ChatGPT –

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About this Book

Mad, a young priest in Ninhursag’s temple, is taken from his ravaged village into slavery and marched to the Sumerian metropolis of Eridu. He becomes involved with an underground element, who have an intriguing plan to restore power to the banished goddess, Inanna, and save the land from its oppressors.

But Mad and his new friends are mistaken about many truths about the underworld and what Mad will eventually have to sacrifice to save Inanna—the very thing he has been striving for all along.

This is a simple tale about simple people in a very complex world, but their fight for truth and freedom rings true for all time.

Nice Things Said

About the Author

M. Mehmet Unver continues to be enchanted with the ancient mystery of his homeland, Turkey, a place settled at the beginning of recorded human history.

Unver currently resides in Reutlingen, Germany, with his wife and four children.

Back Cover Blurb

Mad stood at the door of the temple. Ram leaned on him with one hand and walked with the help of her baton.

Ram signaled to him to take off his tunic as they came near the fire. She pulled at the star-shaped amulet that decorated her baton until it came off in her hand, exposing the baton’s sharpened point, which she held over the fire until it was glowing red. She drew three circles on Mad’s chest from a short distance. Then she pressed five lines into his flesh over his heart. With each touch of the baton’s glowing point, he squeezed his eyes tightly from the pain. When the edges of these lines came together, everyone saw that they formed the symbol of Ninhursag: a star.

The woman assisting in the ritual handed Mad a bowl. As he raised the bowl over his head, he took an oath: „I am devoting myself to the service of Ninhursag. I am submitting my devotion and life to her. I will be a protector of peace and security in this land. I will not have pity on anyone who kills others or harms women and children. I take this oath before the Goddess Ninhursag and all of you to serve and protect this temple until I die.“

He drank the white liquid and gave the bowl back to the woman. Then, with her help, he put on the leather tunic again and knelt in front of Ram, his chest throbbing from the branding.

A Review

Feel free to use all or part of the following, and edit to suit. This content was prepared for your use. We ask no acknowledgement of any kind.

M. Mehmet Unver’s historical fantasy novel, Mad: A Free Man, is set in ancient times in southeastern Anatolia, commonly referred to as „the cradle of civilization“ and homeland to the Sumerian civilization. It is about a young temple priest and his lifelong struggle for freedom, first from the rules of his village temple, and then from the sinister machinations of a strict religious hierarchy that rules the metropolis Eridu and will do anything to retain power.

Unver was born and raised in Batman, Turkey. He currently resides in Reutlingen, Germany. Mad: A Free Man, one of Unver’s many novels, was translated from Turkish into English by Dr. Mert Arkanbas.

Mad is dedicated to the temple at a young age, but discontent with his lot in life from the beginning. He dreams of freedom outside the confines of village society, religion, and his family. He believes that by going out in a larger world, he will be free of these confines of responsibility.

His village is attacked by marauding soldiers looking for slaves and iron. Mad begins an adventure into a whole new world, full of danger and mysticism and jumps headlong into a rescue attempt to save the goddess, Inanna. He believes that if he fulfills his destiny in rescuing Inanna, he will finally be free.

Unver uses a simple writing style to portray the thoughts and doings of an Iron Age people, but Mad’s ideas are large and scenes in the story add layers to our understanding of the character of this idealistic young man from thousands of years ago.

Mad: A Free Man will leave the reader with an understanding of what it means to thirst for freedom—not just physical freedom, but the freedom to love and believe in something more than what humans have to offer. Freedom to love and idolize someone bigger than just a mortal woman. This story leaves you with a feeling of having lived in another place and time, of having struggled for perfection.

Mad: A Free Man was published by Foremost Press. It can be ordered at ForemostPress.com
ISBN-10: 1-936154-04-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-936154-04-3
184 pp

$12.97

 

Türkçe:

Mehmet Ünver’in tarihi fantastik romanı MAD: Özgür İnsan, eski zamanlarda, genellikle “medeniyetin beşiği” olarak anılan ve Sümer medeniyetinin anavatanı olarak anılan Güneydoğu Anadolu’da geçer. Genç bir tapınak rahibi ve önce köy tapınağının kurallarından, ardından metropol Eridu’yu yöneten ve iktidarı korumak için her şeyi yapacak olan katı bir dini hiyerarşinin uğursuz entrikalarından, ömür boyu süren özgürlük mücadelesi hakkındadır.

Ünver Batman’da doğdu ve büyüdü. Hâlen Almanya, Reutlingen’de ikamet etmektedir. Ünver’in birçok romanından biri olan MAD: Özgür İnsan.

Mad, genç yaşta tapınağa adanmıştır, ancak başından beri hayatındaki kaderinden hoşnut değildir. Köy toplumu, din ve ailesinin sınırları dışında özgürlüğün hayalini kuruyor. Daha büyük bir dünyaya çıkarak bu sorumluluk sınırlarından kurtulacağına inanıyor.

Köyü, köle ve demir arayan yağmacı askerler tarafından saldırıya uğrar. MAD, tehlike ve mistisizmle dolu yepyeni bir dünyaya doğru bir maceraya başlar ve tanrıça İnanna’yı kurtarmak için alelacele bir kurtarma girişimine atlar. İnanna’yı kurtarmakla kaderini yerine getirirse sonunda özgür olacağına inanıyor.

Ünver, Demir Çağı insanlarının düşüncelerini ve yaptıklarını tasvir etmek için basit bir yazı stili kullanır, ancak Mad’ın fikirleri büyüktür ve hikâyedeki sahneler, binlerce yıl öncesinden bu idealist genç adamın karakterine dair anlayışımıza katmanlar ekler.

MAD: Özgür İnsan, okuyucuya, özgürlüğe susamanın ne anlama geldiğine dair bir anlayış bırakacaktır – sadece fiziksel özgürlük değil, aynı zamanda insanların sunduğundan daha fazlasını sevme ve inanma özgürlüğü. Ölümlü bir kadından daha büyük birini sevme ve idolleştirme özgürlüğü. Bu hikâye size başka bir yerde ve zamanda yaşamış, mükemmellik için mücadele etmiş hissi veriyor.

MAD: Özgür İnsan, Foremost Press tarafından yayımlandı.

Mad – Özgür Bir Adam

Mitolojinin Gölgesinde İnsanlık Deneyimi

Metin, yazarın beş bin yıllık insanlık deneyimlerini ve bunların günümüz insanının günlük yaşamına etkilerini kaydetme çabasını anlatan bir fantezi romanının önsözü ve ilk bölümlerinden oluşmaktadır. Roman, mitolojinin, mistisizmin, felsefenin ve teknolojinin insan yaşamları üzerindeki etkilerini kurgusal bir hikaye aracılığıyla ele alırken, siyah-beyaz, iyi-kötü gibi soyut ikiliklerin sorgulanmadan benimsenmesini ve bunun yetişkinlikte nasıl alışkanlıklara dönüştüğünü inceler. Hikaye, Arge adlı bir köyde yaşayan ve Ninhursag adlı bir tanrıçanın rahibi olan Mad’in etrafında dönerken, özgürlük arayışını, inançların gücünü ve farklı medeniyetler arasındaki çatışmaları mitolojik ve kişisel bir yolculukla keşfeder. Özellikle Uruk’ta köle olarak satılması ve Eridu’daki maceraları aracılığıyla, toplumsal değerlerin, iktidar yapılarının ve bireysel direnişin karmaşık doğasını gözler önüne serer.

 

Mad: Özgürlük Arayışı ve İnancın Gücü

„Mad: Özgür Bir İnsan“ adlı kitaptan alıntılar, insanlık tarihi, inanç sistemleri, özgürlük ve bireysel deneyimler üzerine derinlemesine bir inceleme sunuyor. İşte ana temalar, önemli fikirler ve gerçekler, kaynaklardan uygun alıntılarla birlikte:

Genel Bakış

Kitap, insanlık tarihinin avcı-toplayıcı dönemden tarım toplumuna ve modern teknolojik çağa evrimini bir kurgu romanı aracılığıyla inceler. Yazar, bunun bilimsel bir araştırma veya tarihsel bir hikaye olmadığını, ancak mitoloji, mistisizm, felsefe ve teknolojinin günlük yaşamlarımız üzerindeki etkilerine dair bir fantezi romanı olduğunu belirtir.

„Bu kitapta, beş bin yıllık insanlık deneyimlerini ve bunların günümüzdeki insanların günlük yaşamları üzerindeki etkilerini kaydetmeye çalıştım. İnsanlığın avcı-toplayıcı bir grup olduğu zamandan, tarım toplumunun en son gelişme olduğu zamana ve bugün yaşadığımız modern teknolojik çağa kadar zamanda yolculuk yapmak, başka bir boyutta zaman ve uzayda hareket etmek kadar zordur.“ (Preface)

Ana Temalar

  1. Özgürlük ve Esaret: Romanın merkezinde, ana karakter Mad’ın kişisel özgürlük arayışı ve bu arayışın toplumsal yapılar, inançlar ve güç dinamikleri tarafından nasıl kısıtlandığı yer alır. Mad, Arge’deki tapınakta bir rahip olarak yaşamaya zorlanır, ancak sürekli olarak kaçmayı ve dünyayı keşfetmeyi arzular. Uruk’ta köleleştirilmesi, bu tema üzerinde daha da yoğunlaşır.
  2. „Kurallar özgürlük alanını daralttığı için her zaman baskı altında hissediyordu. Neden diğer çocuklar gibi yaşayamıyordu?“ (Mad – A Free Man–19)
  3. „Ben bir köle olamam. Özgür olmalıyım.“ (Mad – A Free Man–76)
  4. İnanç Sistemleri ve Din: Kitap, farklı inanç sistemlerini (Arge’nin Ninhursag kültü, Uruk ve Eridu’nun Tammuz ve Enki kültleri) karşılaştırır. İnançların, toplumları bir arada tutma, kurallar koyma ve insanları kontrol etme aracı olarak nasıl kullanıldığını gösterir. Rahip Ram’ın Ninhursag’a olan inancı ve Mad’ın bu inancı sorgulaması önemli bir çatışma noktasıdır.
  5. „İnanç, kırılabilecek en zor büyüdür.“ (Mad – A Free Man–1)
  6. „İnsanların sosyolojik olarak siyah-beyaz, iyi-kötü, az-çok ve sevgi-nefret gibi soyut ve esnek kavramları sorgulamadan daha sonraki yaşamlarında benimsediklerine inanıyorum.“ (Preface)
  7. Çocukluk ve Yetişkinlik: Yazar, çocukluğun saf ve kaygısız doğasını, yetişkinliğin getirdiği toplumsal değerler, dualiteler ve kısıtlamalarla karşılaştırır. Mad’ın çocukluktaki özgür ruhu, tapınak hayatının getirdiği kurallarla çatışır.
  8. „İnsanlar çocukluk dönemleri bitene kadar bu sosyal değerler olmadan yaşarlar. Bu süre zarfında, insanlar bağımsız, tasasız, mutlu bireyler olarak hayatın tadını çıkarırlar. Ta ki büyüyene kadar! Bu yüzden yetişkinler her zaman çocukluk günlerine dönmeyi dilerler.“ (Preface)
  9. Güç ve Manipülasyon: Rahip Khotar ve Enki gibi karakterler, güçlerini nasıl sürdürdüklerini ve manipülasyon yoluyla insanları nasıl kontrol ettiklerini gösterir. Yazı, yasa ve hatta tanrılar hakkındaki bilgiler, rahiplerin otoritesini pekiştiren araçlar olarak sunulur.
  10. „İsyan edenleri ve tapınağa hizmet etmeyenleri cezalandırır. Bu kutsamadır ve insanları rahatsız etmez.“ (Mad – A Free Man–39)
  11. „Tapınakta sihir denilen şey bilgelikten gelir.“ (Mad – A Free Man–94)
  12. Gerçeklik ve Algı: Roman, karakterlerin kendi gerçeklik algılarını ve bunun, dış dünyadan gelen bilgilerle nasıl çatıştığını irdeler. Mad, Ninhursag’ın ona verdiği „büyülü“ gücün gerçek anlamını ve Inanna’yı kurtarma misyonunun ardındaki gerçeği sorgular.
  13. „Enki bana, ‚Senin Ninhursag olmadığını söyledi.‘ Bunun seni hayal kırıklığına uğrattı mı?“ (Mad – A Free Man–175)

Önemli Fikirler ve Gerçekler

  • İnsanlık Tarihinin Dönüm Noktaları: Yazar, insanlık tarihini bir canlı gibi ele alır ve çocukluktan ergenliğe geçiş metaforunu kullanır. Avcılık-toplayıcılık döneminde herkesin eşit olduğunu ve ana amacın hayatta kalmak olduğunu vurgular. Tarım toplumunun gelişimi ve demirin keşfi gibi teknolojik ilerlemeler, sosyal sınıfların ve hiyerarşilerin ortaya çıkmasına yol açar.
  • „İnsanlık tarihine canlı bir şeymiş gibi yaklaştım. İnsanlık tarihi çocukluğundan olgunlaşmış ve şimdi bir ergendir. İnsanlık tarihinin çocukluk yıllarında herkes az çok eşitti. Hayattaki ana amaçları hayatta kalmak ve insanlığı sürdürmekti.“ (Preface)
  • Doğu-Batı Yaklaşımı: Kitap, Doğu ve Batı’nın teknoloji ve kadının toplumdaki yeri konusundaki farklılıklarını karşılaştırır. Doğu’da teknolojinin ataerkilliği ve otoriterliği güçlendirdiği, Batı’da ise kadınlara bağımsızlık tanıdığı belirtilir.
  • „Bu kitap, çağdaş kadının yollarını antik bir kadınla karşılaştırıyor. Aynı zamanda Doğu-Batı yaşam yaklaşımlarını da karşılaştırıyor. Doğu’da erkekler teknolojiye karşı savaşı kaybetti, bu da ailede ataerkilliği ve otoriterliği güçlendirdi, bu da kadınları köleleştirdi. Öte yandan, Batı’nın kendine güvenen erkekleri kadınlara bağımsızlıklarını ve proaktif olmalarını sağladı.“ (Preface)
  • Mitlerin ve Efsanelerin Gücü: Yazar, mitolojinin ve mistisizmin insanların yaşamlarını nasıl şekillendirdiğini gösterir. Ninhursag’ın bir heykeline tapınma, Dilmun (tanrıların bahçesi) inancı ve tanrıların dünyayı kontrol ettiği düşüncesi, bu unsurların toplumsal yaşamdaki etkilerini gözler önüne serer.
  • „Bu sadece mitoloji, mistisizm, felsefe ve teknolojinin hayatımızdaki etkilerine dair bir fantezi romanı.“ (Preface)
  • Bireysel Direniş: Mad, koşullar ne kadar zor olursa olsun, özgürlük arayışından ve sistemin baskısına karşı direnme isteğinden asla vazgeçmez. Onun „büyülü dili“ (flütü) ve Ninhursag’dan aldığına inandığı „en güçlü büyü“, bu direnişin sembolleridir.
  • „Kimse beni o şekilde kullanamaz.“ (Mad – A Free Man–39)
  • Bilgi ve Cehalet: Roman, bilgiye erişimin ve eğitimin önemini vurgular. Yazı, rahiplerin gücünü pekiştiren bir araçken, kölelerin okuma yazma öğrenmesi yasaktır. Danel’in Mad’a okuma yazma öğretmesi, gücün ve özgürlüğün anahtarlarından biri haline gelir.
  • „Yazı sihirliydi, tanrıların diliydi. Köleler bu dili anlamazdı.“ (Mad – A Free Man–93)
  • Kadınların Rolü: Kitap, kadınların farklı toplumlardaki rollerini inceler. Arge’de Ram’ın rahibe olması ve Ninhursag’ın bir kadın tanrıça olarak kabul edilmesi, kadınların daha saygın bir konumda olduğunu gösterir. Ancak Uruk ve Eridu’da kadınların durumu daha farklıdır; soylu kadınlar peçe takar, köle kadınlar „fahişe“ olarak nitelendirilir ve tapınaklarda sadece erkek rahipler bulunur. Sunak ve Pugat gibi kadın karakterler, kendi yollarıyla güç ve özgürlük arayışındadır.
  • „Bu konuda kimseye söyleme. Burada sadece erkekler tapınaklarda hizmet etmek için rahip olabilir.“ (Mad – A Free Man–67)

Kitap, Mad’ın kişisel yolculuğu üzerinden, insan doğasının özgürlük arayışını, inançların hem kurtarıcı hem de sınırlayıcı yönlerini ve gücün bireyler ve toplumlar üzerindeki karmaşık etkilerini işler. Ram’ın fedakarlığı ve hikayenin sonundaki beklenmedik Ram/Ninhursag/Inanna bağlantısı, hikayeye mistik bir boyut kazandırırken, Mad’ın „en güçlü büyüsü“nün aslında „inanç“ ve „direniş“ olduğu fikrini güçlendirir.

Der Weg eines freien Mannes

Mads Reise nach Abzu

Dieses Manuskript, das als Vorwort und Auszüge aus einem Roman präsentiert wird, beginnt mit Reflexionen des Autors über menschliche Geschichte, soziale Werte und Dualitäten wie gut und böse, wobei die Unbeschwertheit der Kindheit der Komplexität des Erwachsenseins gegenübergestellt wird. Es wird betont, dass das Buch keine historische oder wissenschaftliche Darstellung ist, sondern ein Fantasy-Roman über den Einfluss von Mythologie, Mystik, Philosophie und Technologie auf das Leben. Die Erzählung folgt dann Mad, einem jungen Mann aus dem primitiven Dorf Arge, der von der Göttin Ninhursag gerettet und dem Tempel geweiht wurde. Mad hinterfragt die traditionellen Glaubenssysteme und Regeln seines Dorfes und sehnt sich nach Freiheit jenseits der Grenzen Arges. Nach dem tragischen Tod seiner Mutter findet sich Mad in der fortschrittlicheren Stadt Uruk als Sklave wieder, wo er Danel trifft, einen gebildeten Sklaven, der ihm Lesen, Schreiben und die komplexen sozialen Strukturen und göttlichen Gesetze („Me“) von Uruk lehrt. Mad erfährt von der in Eridu gefangenen Göttin Inanna und wird vom Priester Khotar zu einer Mission in Eridu geschickt, um Inanna zu retten, was sich als Prüfung von Enki erweist. Er navigiert durch gefährliche Tunnel und begegnet mythischen Kreaturen, bevor er Enki und Inanna in der unterirdischen Welt Abzu trifft, wo er die wahre Natur der Göttin und sein eigenes „magisches“ Erbe entdeckt.

 

Mads Mission: Reise nach Eridu

Absolut. Hier ist ein detailliertes Briefing-Dokument, das die Hauptthemen und wichtigsten Ideen oder Fakten aus den bereitgestellten Auszügen von „Mad 1 Englisch“ zusammenfasst, mit Zitaten aus der Quelle:

Briefing-Dokument: Auszüge aus „Mad 1 Englisch“

Dieses Dokument bietet eine Zusammenfassung der Schlüsselelemente und Hauptthemen, die in den bereitgestellten Textauszügen hervorgehoben werden.

  1. Das Dorf Arge: Leben, Glauben und soziale Struktur

Das Dorf Arge wird als eine abgelegene und selbstversorgende Gemeinschaft am Fluss Arge dargestellt.

  • Wirtschaft und Ressourcen: Die Dorfbewohner leben von Jagd im Wald, Eisengewinnung an den Hängen des Ostufers und Fischfang im Fluss. Sie betreiben auch Ackerbau nahe des Flusses mit Bewässerungskanälen. „Villagers, who hunted for food and clothing in the forest, consi-dered it holy and blessed territory. They mined iron on the hills of the east bank of the river. The river drew the borders of the village as it ran north to south.“ und „The villagers cultivated a few acres of land near the river as an orchard. The village fed itself by fishing during drought or cold winters.“
  • Architektur: Die Häuser sind aus Steinen gebaut, die mit Ton überzogen sind, die meisten haben nur einen großen Raum. Der Tempel im Dorfzentrum ist größer und hat eine pyramidale Grundlage. „Twenty houses, which were built of stones coated with clay, were scattered randomly. Most houses had only one large room. The temple in the village square was built bigger than the houses.“
  • Gemeinschaftliches Leben: Es gibt Hinweise auf gemeinschaftliche Aktivitäten wie das Nutzen von Gemeinschaftsöfen zum Backen und gemeinsame Arbeit auf den Feldern. „The ovens built on the ground were used collectively by the vil- women were baking and talking…“ und „The villagers worked together in the fields, which were irrigated by canals from the river during harvest time.“
  • Religion und Göttin Ninhursag: Die Religion des Dorfes ist zentral und dreht sich um die Göttin Ninhursag, die als Schutzgöttin verehrt wird. Ihr Tempel ist das Herz des Dorfes. Die Göttin wird durch eine „fette Frau mit schlaffen Brüsten“ dargestellt. „The temple in the village square was built bigger than the houses… The double doors in the front had a figure of a fat woman with saggy breasts, on each side.“ und „Mad thought of Ninhursag as older and more stubborn than even Ram… ‘She is not a woman. She is a goddess.’ ‘Would she do anything bad to me?’ ‘No, she wouldn’t. I just said that to scare you. She protects us.’“
  • Rolle der Frauen: Frauen genießen besonderen Schutz der Göttin und haben Privilegien. Weibliche Beteiligung wird als Glücksbringer betrachtet. „Women, as members of her own sex, were under the special protection of the Goddess Ninhursag… without female involvement was considered bad luck in the vil-lage. The hand maid to the temple was also female. Everyone knew women had privileges in Ninhursag’s eyes.“
  • Soziale Regeln: Mord ist verboten und bringt den Zorn der Göttin über das ganze Dorf. Ram, die Priesterin, dient als Vermittlerin bei Streitigkeiten. „Murder was prohibited in the village… The villagers believed that murder would bring wrath on the whole village. So, when they argued they consulted Ram as a mediator and obeyed her decisions.“
  • Isolation und die Außenwelt: Die Dorfbewohner haben wenig Kenntnis von der Welt außerhalb ihres Dorfes. Gerüchte über andere Orte sind beängstigend. „People who wondered about other places and left the village never came back. Nobody knew what happened to them or what kind of omen befell them. It scares me when you talk about other places.“
  1. Mad: Der Protagonist und seine Reise

Mad ist die zentrale Figur, dessen Entwicklung und Konflikte die Haupthandlung vorantreiben.

  • Überlassung an den Tempel: Als Kind wird Mad von seiner Mutter Tara an den Tempel übergeben, scheinbar um sein Leben zu retten. Dies ist eine Quelle des inneren Konflikts für Mad. „He was angry at his mother for giving him to the temple. ‘You should have let me die!’ he complained to her.“
  • Beziehung zu Ram: Ram, die Priesterin, wird zu seiner Hauptbezugsperson und Lehrerin. Sie versucht, ihm die Regeln und Bräuche des Tempels beizubringen, aber Mad sträubt sich oft gegen ihre Einschränkungen. „Any time Ram took him away from his friends, Mad envied the independence of the other children. Ram took him ever-ywhere she went. She was eager to explain everything to him…“ und „He always got angry when she tried to restrain him.“
  • Sehnsucht nach Freiheit: Mad empfindet das Leben im Tempel als einschränkend und sehnt sich nach Freiheit und der Erforschung der Welt außerhalb von Arge. „Since education and rules narrowed the area of freedom, he always felt under pressure. Why couldn’t he live like a normal…“ und „He wanted to be free, leave the village and go places.“
  • Die „Magische Zunge“: Mad entwickelt eine besondere Begabung für das Spielen eines Instruments, das als „Magische Zunge“ bezeichnet wird. Seine Musik berührt die Dorfbewohner, die glauben, dass sie von der Göttin inspiriert ist. „Mad, who had only been able to make distractive whistle sounds before, learned to play melodies when he reached pu-berty. At those times when he lost himself in his emotional melodies at the steps of the temple, people gathered around to listen. They thought the Goddess Ninhursag had inspired him.“
  • Ernennung zum Priester: Gegen seinen Willen wird Mad zum Priester von Ninhursag ernannt, als Ram alt wird. Dies stört seine Pläne zur Flucht. „You’ll be the priest of the temple at sunset.’ Mad wasn’t happy about this…“
  • Der Traum und die Mission: Mad hat einen entscheidenden Traum, in dem ihm die Göttin Ninhursag erscheint und ihm eine Mission anvertraut: er soll nach Eridu gehen und Göttin Inanna retten. Sie verspricht ihm die „stärkste Magie“. „Two years ago, I had a dream. I looked into the magical eyes of Ninhursag in this dream. She spoke to me and said, ‘Mad, I give you the strongest magic. Now go to Eridu and tell Enki that you have come to save Uruk’s Goddess Inanna.’“
  • Fluchtversuch und Ergreifung: Mad versucht, aus Arge zu fliehen, wird aber von Soldaten aus Uruk gefangen genommen, die das Dorf angreifen und zerstören. „A harsh voice ordered two soldiers to grab Mad… shocked as he was by the horrific scene of massacre.“
  1. Uruk: Eine andere Welt

Nachdem er aus Arge entkommen ist, findet sich Mad in Uruk wieder, einer völlig anderen Gesellschaft.

  • Sklaverei und soziale Hierarchie: Uruk ist eine Sklavengesellschaft mit einer ausgeprägten Hierarchie, die auf Gesetzen („Me“) basiert. Es gibt Adlige und Sklaven (auch Schuldknechte). „They are going to sell the captives for silver… People were sitting on small stools drinking something from metal bowls. In a workshop, some men worked on iron.“ und „I’m Sunak’s slave… Hearing the word “slave” brought so many things to Mad’s mind.“ und „‚Me‘ is the system of laws set by the gods and priests.“
  • Religion und Götter in Uruk: Die vorherrschende Gottheit ist Tammuz, der Gott der Körner und Fruchtbarkeit. Die Priester, angeführt von Khotar, haben große Macht und interpretieren und setzen die „Me“ durch. Frauen dürfen keine Priesterinnen sein. „This is not Arge, but Uruk. The god here is Tammuz, and the priest is Khotar. Don’t you ever contradict ‘Me,’ or the gods will punish you in the worst way.“ und „Don’t tell anyone this. Here only men may be priests to serve in the temples.“
  • Korruption und Machtmissbrauch: Khotar, der Hohepriester, scheint korrupt zu sein und Entscheidungen zu treffen, die ihm selbst dienen. „He decides on matters to suit himself. No one dares confront Khotar.“
  • Der Glaube an einen Erlöser: Einige in Uruk glauben, dass die Götter einen Erlöser gesandt haben, um die Fehler in Uruk zu korrigieren. „I believe they have sent a savior… Yes! The gods have sent a savior to correct their mistakes in Uruk.“
  • Danel: Ein Schuldknecht, der Mad hilft. Er lehrt Mad über das Schreiben und die Gesetze von Uruk. Er ist überzeugt, dass Mad der erwartete Erlöser ist. „I, Danel, the entrusted friend of Mad, the savior of Uruk, promise before the gods that I will do everything I can to help you.“
  • Sunak: Eine Adlige in Uruk, der Danel als Schuldknecht gehört. Sie ist an Machtsielen beteiligt und sieht eine Gelegenheit in Mads Ankunft. „You should let Mad kill Khotar and save Uruk. We should let him open the way for you to become a goddess.“
  1. Eridu: Das Land des Gottes Enki

Eridu wird als das Land des Gottes Enki beschrieben, einem mächtigen und potenziell gefährlichen Gott.

  • Enki und seine Priester: Enki wird als kämpferischer Gott dargestellt, der Kriege führt, um Sklaven und Eisen zu gewinnen. Seine Priester sind wissend in Magie und nutzen sie, um die Menschen zu kontrollieren. „Actually, he was sent from Eridu… The land of God Enki.“ und „Those gods are different. They do black magic and kill people.“ und „Enki taught them wisdom. The monks regulate people’s lives with laws.“
  • Die Geschichte von Inanna: Es wird enthüllt, dass Göttin Inanna in Eridu von Enki gefangen gehalten wird, nachdem sie sich mit Tammuz ausgetauscht hatte. Die anderen Götter brachen ihr Versprechen, sie zu retten. „Yes, until Enki imprisoned Tammuz. The Goddess Inanna went to Enki and switched places with Tammuz in prison after securing the promises of powerful gods to save her. But the gods broke their promise.“
  • Ninshubur und Pugat: Mad trifft Ninshubur, die Kopfbote von Göttin Inanna, und ihre Tochter Pugat. Sie leben unter Sklaven im Wald und planen, Inanna zu retten. Ninshubur glaubt an Mads Mission. „I’m Ninshubur, the head servant to Goddess Inanna. I believe in Mad with all my heart.“ Pugat hat ihr Vermögen und ihren Status geopfert, um den Sklaven zu helfen. „One should know his own friends, young man… Pugat is my daughter… She trusted me so much that she sold all she had for me and came to live with the slaves in the forest.“
  1. Themen und Konflikte

Mehrere übergreifende Themen und Konflikte prägen die Geschichte:

  • Freiheit vs. Einschränkung: Mads ständige Sehnsucht nach Freiheit kontrastiert mit den Regeln und Erwartungen des Tempels in Arge und später den repressiven Gesetzen in Uruk.
  • Glaube vs. Zweifel: Mad ringt mit seinem Glauben an die Götter und seine Mission, insbesondere wenn er auf Widersprüche oder die Diskrepanz zwischen dem, was ihm beigebracht wurde, und der Realität stößt. Ram zweifelt zunächst an seinem Traum und seiner Mission.
  • Schicksal vs. freier Wille: Die Idee, dass Mad von Ninhursag auserwählt wurde, um eine Mission zu erfüllen, steht im Gegensatz zu seinem Wunsch nach Unabhängigkeit und der Wahl seines eigenen Weges.
  • Die Natur der Gottheit: Die Darstellung der Götter variiert von der schützenden Ninhursag in Arge bis zu den korrupten und machthungrigen Göttern in Uruk und Eridu. Mads Verständnis von den Göttern entwickelt sich.
  • Wissen vs. Aberglaube: Mad lernt über Schreiben und Gesetze in Uruk, was im Gegensatz zu den traditionellen, auf Glauben basierenden Praktiken in Arge steht. Danel lehrt ihn, dass Schreiben eine „Symbolsprache“ ist, nicht Magie. „Writing means symbol language. I teach the helpers in the palace. Maybe I’ll teach you one day, too. But you have to pro-mise not to tell anyone. Because slaves are not allowed to write.“
  • Opfer und Loyalität: Charaktere wie Ram, Pugat und Ninshubur zeigen Loyalität und sind bereit, Opfer für ihren Glauben oder ihre Liebsten zu bringen.
  • Macht und Korruption: Die Auszüge zeigen, wie Macht, insbesondere die Macht der Priester in Uruk und der Götter in Eridu, korrumpieren und zur Unterdrückung genutzt werden kann.
  1. Wichtige Ereignisse und Wendepunkte
  • Mads Übergabe an den Tempel und seine Kindheit unter Rams Obhut.
  • Die Entwicklung seiner musikalischen Begabung mit der „Magischen Zunge“.
  • Mads Traum von Ninhursag und der Beginn seiner Mission.
  • Die Zerstörung von Arge und Mads Gefangennahme durch die Soldaten aus Uruk.
  • Mads Ankunft in Uruk und seine Interaktionen mit Danel und Sunak.
  • Die Enthüllung von Inannas Gefangenschaft in Eridu.
  • Mads Treffen mit Ninshubur und Pugat und ihre gemeinsamen Pläne.
  • Mads Entscheidung, sich den Priestern in Eridu zu stellen, um in das Gewölbe zu gelangen.
  • Sein Abstieg in die tieferen Ebenen und die Begegnung mit den Schlangen.
  • Die mysteriöse Begegnung mit Enki und die Freilassung Inannas.
  • Das Wiedersehen mit Inanna/Ninhursag und die Erfahrung der „stärksten Magie“.

Dieses Briefing-Dokument bietet einen umfassenden Überblick über die zentralen Elemente und narrativen Bögen, die in den bereitgestellten Auszügen vorhanden sind. Es beleuchtet die Charaktere, die verschiedenen sozialen Strukturen der besuchten Orte und die zugrunde liegenden Themen, die die Geschichte vorantreiben.

Mad: A Free Man’s Journey

Mad a Free Man: A Hero’s Divine Quest

This excerpt from the fantasy novel „Mad a Free Man“ presents a heroic journey centered around a protagonist named Mad, whose life takes an extraordinary turn after being sacrificed to the goddess Ninhursag as a child. Raised in a temple, Mad grapples with the concept of freedom versus devotion, a conflict that intensifies as he matures and questions the strictures of his upbringing. His quest to liberate the goddess Inanna from the clutches of Enki, as foretold by Ninhursag, leads him through various societies and trials. The narrative explores themes of mythology, power, social structures, and personal liberty, culminating in Mad’s realization of a deeper truth about his own destiny and the true nature of the gods and magic.

 

Mad, A Free Man: A Journey for Truth and Freedom

Briefing Document: „Mad A Free Man“ – Core Themes and Key Insights

Author: M. Mehmet Unver Translator: Dr. Mert Akcanbas Publication: Foremost Press, 2010 (Originally Cinius Yayinlari, 2007) Genre: Fantasy Novel (effects of mythology, mysticism, philosophy, technology on life)

  1. Executive Summary

„Mad A Free Man“ is a philosophical fantasy novel exploring the human condition through the journey of its protagonist, Mad. It challenges societal constructs, dualities (good-bad, love-hate), and the nature of freedom and belief. The narrative follows Mad, a young man „chosen“ by a goddess, as he navigates tribal life, slavery, and an epic quest to „save“ another goddess. The story is a metaphor for the struggle against oppressive systems, both literal and ideological, highlighting the power of individual thought, inner strength, and the deceptive nature of perceived reality and divine authority.

  1. Main Themes
  1. The Nature of Freedom and Enslavement:
  • Childhood as True Freedom: The book posits that true freedom exists in childhood, unburdened by societal values and dualities. „People live without such social values until the end of their childhood period. During this time frame, human beings enjoy life as independent, carefree, happy individuals. Until they grow up!“ (Preface).
  • Societal and Ideological Enslavement: As people grow, they „sociologically adopt abstract dualities… which are abstract and flexible concepts. Once adopted, people transform these concepts into deep-seated habit“ (Preface). Mad’s constant yearning for freedom stems from his rejection of these imposed rules and values, whether from Ram, the temple, or the gods of Uruk and Eridu.
  • Freedom as an Inner State: Even when physically enslaved, Mad seeks inner liberation. His determination to escape and challenge authority is a pursuit of this inherent desire. Danel’s initial belief that slaves in Eridu are „prouder“ than nobility in Uruk suggests that even within oppression, degrees of perceived freedom can exist.
  • Freedom from Fear: Mad consistently challenges established fears of gods and omens, believing that not knowing or not fearing them can be a form of liberty. His repeated defiance of Ram’s warnings and later, Enki’s threats, illustrates this.
  1. The Deceptive Nature of Belief, Magic, and Authority:
  • „Belief is the hardest magic to break.“ (Chapter 1, opening line). This statement encapsulates a central theme. The novel constantly questions the reality behind „magic“ and „divine power,“ often revealing them to be manipulations by those in authority (priests, gods) to control people.
  • Gods and Priests as Manipulators: Ninhursag (Ram), Tammuz (Khotar), and Enki (Isimut) are shown to use „magic,“ dreams, and „signs“ to maintain power, demand obedience, and justify their actions. Ram „cured“ Mad through a staged miracle, and Enki admits his „divine way of pacifying Ninhursag and her young priest“ was a „trick“ (pg. 173).
  • Knowledge as Power: The „magic of writing“ and „calculation“ are presented as the true sources of the priests‘ power in Uruk and Eridu, allowing them to create „Me“ (laws) and control society. „The priests exercised the magic they gained through knowledge and education. He knew this secret so he had their weapon.“ (pg. 94).
  • Questioning Reality: Mad’s journey is a continuous process of questioning the „reality“ presented to him. His initial belief in Ninhursag’s direct intervention evolves into a understanding that the „gods“ themselves are „tricks.“ „In fact, they were tricks themselves! Don’t they derive their power from wisdom they hid from their servants, and don’t they use that wisdom against the servants?“ (pg. 173).
  1. The Human Condition and Societal Evolution:
  • Progression from Hunter-Gatherer to Modern Society: The preface frames human history as a maturation from „childhood years“ (hunter-gatherer equality) to an „adolescent“ technological age. This reflects a loss of innocence and the introduction of complex social structures and conflicts.
  • The Cost of „Civilization“: „To reach today’s level of ‚civilization,‘ thousands of years’ worth of bloody struggles and millions of dead were needed.“ (Preface). The invasion of Arge by Uruk soldiers, driven by the need for iron and slaves, exemplifies this violent progression.
  • Social Dualities and Habits: The abstract dualities of black-white, good-bad, love-hate are adopted without questioning, becoming „deep-seated habit“ (Preface). Mad’s journey challenges these ingrained habits and values.
  • The Role of Women: The novel contrasts Eastern and Western approaches, stating that in the East, „men lost the war against technology, which empowered patriarchy and authoritarianism in the family, which in return enslaved women.“ In the West, „confident men… allowed women their independence, and to be proactive“ (Preface). The strong female characters like Ram, Tara, Ninshubur, and Pugat, and the emphasis on a female goddess (Ninhursag, Inanna), highlight an underlying matriarchal or female-empowered worldview, often contrasted with the patriarchal structures of Uruk and Eridu.
  1. The Quest for Self-Discovery and Purpose:
  • Mad’s Internal Conflict: Mad is often described as feeling „different“ and misunderstood. His initial desire to escape Arge is less about a specific destination and more about escaping his confined identity as a priest-in-training.
  • Finding „Magic“ Within: The „strongest magic“ promised to Mad by Ninhursag (and later revealed to be Inanna’s) is not a supernatural power but an inner strength, resilience, and courage that allows him to defy authority and pursue his mission. This magic is ultimately Mad himself.
  • Redefining „Savior“: Mad’s understanding of his „savior“ role evolves. He initially considers violence (killing Khotar) but then seeks a more profound change, aiming to „clear his black magic from this town“ and influence belief.
  • Love as the „Strongest Magic“: Pugat suggests „the strongest magic is love. When a person is filled with love, he can even conquer the gods.“ (pg. 143). This aligns with Mad’s deep (though complex) love for Ninhursag/Inanna and his innate drive for freedom.

III. Most Important Ideas or Facts

  • The Premise of Societal Conditioning: The novel argues that societal values are not inherent but adopted, shaping individuals from childhood and often limiting their freedom and natural happiness.
  • The Manipulation of „Divine“ Power: Gods and priests are not benevolent, all-powerful entities but rather strategic manipulators who use fear, fabricated stories (e.g., creation myths, Dilmun, omens), and controlled knowledge (writing) to maintain social order and their own authority.
  • Ram’s True Identity and Role: Ram, the priestess of Arge, is revealed to be the goddess Ninhursag in mortal form. Her „magic“ was Inanna’s power channeled through her, and her entire purpose was to protect and guide Mad for Inanna’s mission. „When Ram died, the magic of the sculpture also disappeared. Ninhursag wasn’t in the sculpture. Ram was Ninhursag. She kept living in Arge as Ram, since I let her live in human form.“ (Enki, pg. 172).
  • Inanna’s True Identity and the „Strongest Magic“: Inanna, not Ninhursag, is the source of the „strongest magic“ and the one who chose and guided Mad. Her magic is an inherent quality within Mad, specifically his indomitable spirit, courage, and pursuit of freedom. „The eyes you saw belonged to Goddess Inanna, not Ninhursag. Inanna gave you her strongest magic.“ (Enki, pg. 172).
  • The Nature of Arge: Arge represents an earlier, more egalitarian, and „free“ societal stage where men and women were „more or less equal“ and focused on survival rather than social class. Its destruction signifies the loss of this natural state.
  • Uruk and Eridu as Oppressive Civilizations: These cities, despite their „civilization“ (technology, laws, hierarchy, wealth), are presented as deeply oppressive, built on slavery, fear, and the manipulation of belief by powerful priests and „gods.“
  • Mad’s Ultimate Realization: Mad ultimately discovers that Ram is Ninhursag and that his true guiding force has been Inanna, and that his „strongest magic“ is an intrinsic part of himself. This revelation empowers him and reaffirms his desire for freedom, even when imprisoned. „He knew the truth even Enki didn’t know. He started to smile with the knowledge that Ram was alive and had protected him all the way to Eridu. So he could still hope to see the earth again and live as a free man. He was going to escape from Abzu some day!“ (pg. 178).
  • The cyclical nature of struggle: Despite achieving his mission, Mad is trapped. However, the open ending, with Mad playing his magical tongue and his necklace escaping Abzu, suggests that the struggle for freedom and truth is continuous and perhaps eternal. Ram’s final words, „Yes! It was very easy, too. … So far, only I have [believed Mad’s story],“ imply that true understanding and belief in Mad’s „magic“ remain rare, hinting at the ongoing challenge of breaking societal illusions.
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