Avantasia

I know I said I would disclose the story of Avantasia when I was writting two posts back. However, today I was talking to some students who are reading Atonement and a friend tried to explain the story to them.

Now, all of those readig the book backed away, fearing they would know the ending before they read it the story. I think that, in the same way, no one would really apriciate the Avantasia story if I explained it from beginning to end.

So here is what I am going to do. I will leave you a sort of introdction to the plot, the characters and the main themes that are being used. It will be up to you to finid out more, if it suits your interest. Then again, feel free to ask me if you see me around... or if you really think I should put up the whole story, just leave a comment.

So here it is:

Set in 1602, Avantasia tells the story of Gabriel Laymann, a novice of a Dominican Order, who used to take part in witch hunts and the like. However, he had a sister, Anne Held, who is captured and condemed to the stake.

Gabriel is thus torn between his religion and the love he has for his sister. As expected, he turns from religion, and his adventure against the Pope and the like lead to him to meet Vandroiy, a dwarf from the parallel dimension of Avantasia. Such dimension is in grave peril, as the Earhtly Pope tries to gain access to a power so great that both worlds collapse. Vandroiy gives Gabriel a promise, that if they manage to stop the Pope, they will save Anna from being burnt.

Yes, I know its a very short summary, but to say more would be to reveal the story!
Now, throughout the plot there are several themes developing. Apart from the clear fantastic motif, religion plays a major role, as Gabriel questions the status quo and breaks away from the Catholic Church. Closely related to this, Individualism and Enlightenment also play major roles. When Gabriel meets Vandroiy he learns about a different world, about the truth and to question his reality. From this, Gabriel becomes an individual separarated from all the laws and ideals that were forced unto him.

It must be remembered that the story is set in the 1600s, during the Renaissance. Avantasia encompasses many of the ideals that flourished at the time, as people began to be secularized and used reason for everything.

Personally, with this information, I would be really excited to learn more about the story. I hope I set the same spark in you.