Symbols of the Three Magi

Guest Blog by Lucie Lukačovičová

​​Symbols have always held a strange strength, an attraction, a charm. One word can express many concepts, visions and thoughts. I like to use them in my stories. It's not necessary for the reader to see them the way I did, all is open to the human imagination. But if you are curious and interested, have a look at my story “The Three Magi” through the lens of symbols.

First, I have to say that the three main characters are named after three Czech SF authors. Vilma, the landscape architect, is Vilma Kadlečková, author of the Mycelium series. Julián, the scientist, is named after Julie Nováková, many of whose works were published in English, recently The Ship Whisperer collection. And Jan Scheibe, the soldier, is Jan Kotouč, author of Central Imperium series in English. Now let's have a look at their personal symbols.

Vilma's symbol is the Garden. The Kanálka Garden, which she is trying to recreate in the story, really existed in Prague in the 19th century at the quarter of Vinohrady. Nowadays, there are the Rieger Gardens and the street U Kanálky there. The Bird Obelisk is still standing; you can have a walk around it if you come to Prague. The garden is Vilma's personal Eden, which she tries to nurture and protect with all her determination. But ultimately, she is forced to leave it, losing her innocence and nescience.

Julián's keyword is the Homunculus. He strives to create an environmentally friendly robot, something which would make human life easier whilst not damaging the planet. He links magic and science, life and death. Julián is gentle and educated. He connects ancient alchemists of Prague during the reign of Rudolph II with modern scientists and makes an allusion both to the creator of the mysterious Prague Golem and to the word “robot” being invented by well-known Czech writer Karel Čapek.

Jan's theme is Fire. The fire of bravery and resolve within him, as well as the dangerous flame of the Inquisition. Those who were accused of witchcraft and burned mercilessly live in him.  His character commemorates the horrible witch hunt in Velké Losiny in Northern Moravia during the 17th century. He is a modern mage who faces the flames to protect others.

I hope you will enjoy the story!
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P. S.: In case you wonder where such a strange code name as D1 comes from, it's a Czech joke. D1 is the most important highway in the Czech Republic which is infamous for its bad condition, closures, very slow repairs and traffic jams. It is said it's impassable!

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Lucie Lukačovičová was born in Prague, and lived for a while in Cuba, Angola, England, Germany and India. She has a Master degree in librarianship and cultural anthropology at Charles University, and has published over 100 short stories and 5 novels in Czech, shorter texts in Chinese, Romanian, German and English. She collects legends and ghost stories. Find more at lucie.lukacovicova.cz/ and www.facebook.com/lucie.lukacovicova.author/