Sofie writes…

Hello dear Michelle!

I hope you're having a wonderful summer so far and that your latest launch is going well. I heard the news just yesterday, and it seems like a thrill! I'm excited for you.

I was just wondering a bit about clan tattoos, so if you don't mind I have a couple of questions! I know you've mentioned some of these things in the books of The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, but I think the tattoos are such a lovely element to the world, so I was curious to know more.
1. I know that people of different clans marry. Would the person who moved to live with the clan of their spouse have the new clan's tattoo done along with their existing one, would they adopt some other kind of mark to show that they've joined the new one, or would they simply stay as they are in terms of appearance?
2. At what age would people typically have their tattoos done? I know that children bear them, but I was wondering if it varied vastly between clans or if some would see that you reach a certain milestone or feat first.
3. Is there any tattoo that you like the most or that you think would suit you best? Personally I like the Red Deer one – I find it's simple but pretty and noble in a way. Of course it's hard to choose a favourite!

If some of this is better left as more abstract or simply different from case to case, that's of course alright haha. Thank you in advance either way!

Best wishes from Sweden!

Michelle Replies…

Hello, Sofie.  Thanks for asking about clan-tattoos; and you’re not alone in finding them intriguing!  To answer your questions: 1) What happens when an individual goes to live with the clan of their mate?  It’s up to each clan on this, there’s no set rule that governs all the clans.  Generally, the more easy-going clans let the incoming individual keep their original tattoos without adding a new one (unless they particularly want to); only some of the very hard-line Deep Forest Clans such as the Aurochs require them to adopt new clan-tattoos.  2) At what age does a child get them? Usually at age seven; which is why Torak recalls Fa giving him his clan-tattoos at the beginning of Wolf-Brother. 3) Which clan-tattoo is my favourite?  Well, if I had to be in a clan, I think I’d go for the Ravens – but as for the clan-tattoo, I actually like that if the Sea-eagle Clan best: a four-clawed sea-eagle foot on the back of the left hand sounds about right for me, as I’m left-handed; and perhaps it would bring me luck in my writing.  (Having said that, I’m not keen on the idea of actually getting a tattoo for myself; I don’t like the idea of its being permanent.)  But I can see why you like the Red Deer clan-tattoo, it’s very elegant and neat, and yet mysterious, too.  Thanks for asking such good questions, Sofie – and may the guardian hunt with you!  With very best wishes, Michelle