1. The Byzantine Bandit

    The Byzantine Bandit New Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2013
    Messages:
    98
    Likes Received:
    5

    Does allusion need a citation?

    Discussion in 'Non-Fiction' started by The Byzantine Bandit, May 17, 2013.

    Like, if I refer to the Grey Havens or the Council of the Days, do those need citations? I'm talking for things like:

     
  2. EdFromNY

    EdFromNY Hope to improve with age Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2010
    Messages:
    5,101
    Likes Received:
    3,203
    Location:
    Queens, NY
    The problem is that many (most?) of your potential readers will not know what Grey Havens means. Like me.
     
  3. chicagoliz

    chicagoliz Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 30, 2012
    Messages:
    3,280
    Likes Received:
    817
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    I don't know what it means, either. But maybe if you're writing for a specific audience who will know, it will be okay. Just realize you're limiting your audience by doing that.

    The allusion is *probably* okay, although if it is from something very obscure, and you don't explain it, you could run into a problem if the Grey Havens author claims you are trying to trade on *his* work -- somehow making it seem like the works are related or by the same person, or meant to be read together or something. If it's a well-known reference for your audience, it should be okay.
     
  4. heal41hp

    heal41hp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Messages:
    228
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Oklahoma, USA
    Grey Havens is from Tolkien, yeah? I have a niggling suspicion, through context, and Lord of the Rings is fairly well known, at least within certain circles. I'm pretty sure no reference or anything is necessary. The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher references Star Wars a lot without any problem that I'm aware of.

    I'm going to throw in with chicagoliz here. If you're already writing for the audience that would have read or watched Lord of the Rings, there shouldn't be much of a problem with the reference. However, anyone from outside that niche will be left out of the reference.
     
  5. Xatron

    Xatron New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2013
    Messages:
    566
    Likes Received:
    6
    Yes, the Grey Havens (or Mithlond) are the harbor from where the elves along with Gandalf, Bilbo and Froddo passed to Valinor.
     
  6. heal41hp

    heal41hp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Messages:
    228
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Oklahoma, USA
    That's what I figured. I just don't know enough of the LotR mythos to throw around such technical and accurate terms and names. Thanks for the clarification!
     
  7. EdFromNY

    EdFromNY Hope to improve with age Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2010
    Messages:
    5,101
    Likes Received:
    3,203
    Location:
    Queens, NY
    I confess I never understood what all the hubbub was about with LOTR. I forced myself to read the first volume, then decided I had better things to do with my time.
     
  8. heal41hp

    heal41hp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Messages:
    228
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Oklahoma, USA
    Because, I believe, it was the first real high fantasy literature produced. Fiction was pervasive, sure, and so was lore and mythology and such, but Tolkien created a genre with those books.

    I confess that I, too, could not get through the books. :) They're dry and Tolkien wasn't the best writer (was it really necessary to go on for pages and pages describing one thing???) but he was still brilliant.
     
  9. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    the only problem i see is ed's [and mine]... not everyone who reads your story will know what the heck you're referring to...
     
  10. The Byzantine Bandit

    The Byzantine Bandit New Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2013
    Messages:
    98
    Likes Received:
    5
    Easy solution: read LOTR :D
     
  11. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    no, thanks!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice