A Whisper of Shadows
Finding inspiration in the absence of light
The next story we’re sharing on Armchair Alien is tentatively titled A Whisper of Shadows.
So it’s time to throw some shade. I believe the kernel of this story arose from listening to the pair of Stuff the Blow Your Mind episodes on shadows (Where the shadows lie). The episodes cover both the science of shadows as well as the mythology. I would recommend giving it a listen — there’s lots of interesting information about shadows out there, not all of which ended up in this story … yet.
The first inspiration was from the talk of physical shadows. One of the topics that really struck me was the idea that we don’t necessarily recognize if a shadow seemingly cast by an object is actually impossible. I wish I could find the image of impossible shadows they were looking at but I think I’d have to pay for the scientific paper. However, it got me thinking about someone seeing impossible shadows and not recognizing it at first.
It reminds me of negative space optical illusions, like the classic old woman/young woman. But it also brings to mind the camels in desert or the zebras … also in the desert? These aren’t impossible shadows but it’s interesting how shadows are the key thing we’re using to interpret the image, whereas shadows are usually supplemental - we tend to filter them out unless we have a reason to focus on them.
The second inspiration was the idea that it’s the soul that casts a shadow. So those creatures without a soul — traditionally things like demons and vampires — cast no shadow (with reflects, pun totally intended, vampires having no reflection). But that’s also something we might not notice at first because of that tendency to ignore shadows.
The final idea I’ll mention — which I thought they talk about but couldn’t find reference to when I looked at the transcript — is shadows having a life of their own or at least being able to act independently, either at the behest of the shadow caster or in contravention of their will. What if you could send your shadow to run errands for you or to spy on your enemy?
I hope you enjoy the story, though it is a bit different from our usual fare. As it stands now, it’s more fantasy than anything though I have ideas that could take it in a space magic direction if I write more.
And if you have a favourite shadow myth, legend or fact, drop it in the comments.
Stay tuned for part 1.