Counting Stars | Theme: Cosmology

Gaiadon Universe | Cosmology and Associates.

In an earlier blog we looked at how Exploring the Unseen World can establish the first principles of worldbuilding, especially in relation to the cosmology of the universe we are creating in our SFF literature. But what do we mean by cosmology and are there any differences we need to be aware of when we begin to consider universe and world building in our stories.

Cosmology is the study of the universe at its largest scales, including theories of its origins, its dynamics, evolution, and its future.

In my opinion, one of the most imaginative cosmologies is the Discworld by Terry Pratchett (based on The Hindu deity Vishnu, reincarnated as the turtle Kachhapa that carried the weight of the world, balanced on four elephants, on its back).

In the Gaiadon Universe we discover that the universe at its largest scale is not created from a Big Bang but from organic matter and is dependent on the biological functions of Ouroboros, (creatures that are wrapped around the Axis of Reality), for its creation, its demise, and re-birth – explained further in Black Void, Book Two of Gaiadon Lore, Chapter 11, Time.

However, the cyclical process that creates All-There-Is, is under threat from the war between the demi-urges, The Lords of the Light and Dark Flames when their conflict threatens the harmony, and balance of light and shadow that the Axis of Reality needs to exist.

Cosmogony is the branch of science that deals with the origin of the universe, especially the solar system or planet and moon systems. We are all familiar with our own planets Cosmogony and we have probably heard of groups who contest the established scientific model and the nature of the Earth itself, such as flat-earthers or hollow-earthers, two-mooners, and Marduk-ers.

However, in the Gaiadon Universe the planetary system is non-heliocentric and is established by a contest between celestial beings. Namely, a Nomos, and its Cosmic Stone, they are challenged by the planetary Logos' Evolution Engineer to do battle to win the right to create a system in the Void.

Bonus Content - Book 3 Gaiadon Lore

Importantly, they must win the Cosmic Stone, which holds the Law and Lore the evolution engineer needs. More on this phenomenon in Shadow on The Other Shore, Book One of Bloods Bane, Chapter 21, The Crone: Arianrihod; Black Void, Chapter 11, Time, and the yet to be released, Book Three of Gaiadon Lore.

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Cosmography deals with mapping the universe. In the Gaiadon Universe we discover that the Axis of Reality is vertical and that if the evolution engineer wins the contest then they can claim the Cosmic Stone and anchor the Logos’ planet to the Axis of Reality. Therefore, in the Gaiadon Universe, there is an Above, and there is a Below, which become a vital component of the historical narrative in the story when we discover that the Lord of the Dark Flame, Conquest, has literally made his way up the Axis from Hell, conquering important ‘Anchor Planets’ (the planet, Earth, being the one below the planet, Gaiadon) on his way to the top of the Axis of Reality or the Godhead.

Finally, when we begin to read stories from the Gaiadon Universe we are entering a realm where the Cosmology, Cosmogony, and Cosmography have been crafted to create a universe-backdrop that informs the worldbuilding but also establishes the historical narrative that shapes cultures, alongside present time conditions that create conflict on the planet Gaiadon that is also a mirror of the cosmological war between the Light and Dark Flame. As above, so below!