Gehn's Book Count Sparks Debate | Did He Really Write Hundreds?
Edited By
Sarah O'Neil
A fresh issue has emerged surrounding the prolific author Gehn from the Myst series, with fans questioning how many books he actually penned while in Riven. Some claim he only had time for a couple, while others suggest a vast library's worth.
Context of the Controversy
In the book Riven, Gehn is depicted as working on Ages 234 and 235 at the time, but Book of Atrus mentions Atrus discovering "hundreds, possibly thousands" of titles at the D'ni Great Library. This discrepancy raises questions about the total production and validity of Gehn's works.
Key Themes Emerging from the Discussion
Library Misunderstandings: Many believe Gehn had access to existing D'ni works, contradicting the idea of countless Ages written solely by him.
Creative Methodology: While some argue he was a "prolific writer," others suggest that many of his works were incomplete or failed experiments that were quickly abandoned.
Access to Resources: The challenge of obtaining materials such as blank books and ink is a concern for many fans, given the difficult circumstances during his time in Riven.
A key commentary notes, "Gehn was always after blank books he wanted to write one of his own." This assertion hints at his ambition but also his inefficiency in producing successful Ages.
Analyzing the Book Count
While some fans estimate that Gehn could have created at least 40 Ages before Atrus's arrival, the viability of that claim remains debated. Additionally, the timeline of Gehn's activities during his long stay in Riven poses further questions.
"233 seems more accurate, but then it begs the question of those other ones." - Anonymous comment on the forums.
Sentiment Pulse
The discussion shows a mix of skepticism and admiration for Gehn’s creative output. While some feel impressed by the sheer number of works mentioned, others question the practicalities of such production.
Key Takeaways
🔍 "Hundreds, possibly thousands" of books discovered in D'ni raises eyebrows.
⚖️ Many fans speculate about the accuracy of Gehn's claimed production.
✍️ Creative tension between prolific writing and the reality of limited resources.
As this debate rages on in the community, it’s clear that Gehn's legacy remains complex with divided opinions about his contributions to the Myst universe.
Future Book Count Outlook
There’s a strong chance that as conversations among fans continue, a clearer consensus about Gehn’s true literary output may emerge. Many believe further discussions will hone in on the practicality of his writing situation and the resources he had. Given the mixed sentiments already expressed, there’s around a 70% probability that scholars and those deeply engrossed in the Myst series will further investigate existing D'ni texts, and possibly challenge the notion of an extreme volume of original works attributed directly to Gehn. Such an inquiry could eventually reveal that he might be responsible for a more limited number of complete Ages, while still retaining his creative stature within the community.
The Ghosts of Creative Minds Past
In the realm of literary ambition, one might find similarities with the life of Edgar Allan Poe. Known for his haunting works, Poe also wrestled with the challenges of limited resources and public reception. His stories, often filled with layers of darkness, contrast with the bright creative chaos surrounding Gehn's literary endeavors. Despite Poe's prolific reputation, many of his works remained unpublished or unfinished during his lifetime, mirroring Gehn's struggle for resource access on a similar creative journey. Just as Poe's narratives captivated readers long after his time, the complexity of Gehn's literary contributions may continue to spark discussions, adding depth to the Myst lore for years to come.