Analyzing the significance of the Lewis Chessmen in literature and in Ivory Bones.
In storytelling, a MacGuffin serves as a catalyst that drives the plot forward. It might be an object, event, or concept that characters pursue with fervor, even as its exact nature or importance often becomes secondary to the journey it inspires. In Sara Winokur’s Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders, the MacGuffin takes the form of the Lewis Chessmen—a real-world archaeological marvel steeped in mystery and history. This makes them an ideal focus for Winokur’s gripping Nordic noir thriller.
The Lewis Chessmen: A Brief History
The Lewis Chessmen are a collection of 12th-century chess pieces discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Made from walrus ivory and whale teeth, these intricately carved pieces are widely regarded as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the Viking Age. Though their exact origin remains unknown, many historians believe they were crafted in Norway and intended for use by the upper echelons of medieval society.
The enigma surrounding the chessmen’s provenance and the circumstances of their burial fuels their allure, making them a natural choice for Winokur’s layered mystery. The combination of their cultural significance and lingering questions about their history makes these ancient artifacts more than mere props—they’re symbolic of the story’s deeper themes of legacy, loss, and the enduring impact of the past.
The Chessmen as a MacGuffin
In Ivory Bones, the Lewis Chessmen become the centerpiece of forensic geneticist Brynja Pálsdóttir’s latest investigation. The chessmen’s disappearance intertwines with a centuries-old diary and a modern-day murder, creating a seamless connection between Iceland’s tumultuous history and a contemporary web of deceit.
By anchoring the plot to the chessmen, Winokur taps into their mysterious aura and rich symbolism. These pieces are not merely valuable artifacts; they represent cultural identity, historical legacy, and the human desire to preserve the past. For Brynja, their significance is both professional and personal, as their reappearance could help unravel long-buried secrets that echo through her own life.
A Historical and Emotional Journey
The chessmen’s role as a MacGuffin works so well because they serve multiple narrative purposes.
- A Link Between Past and Present
The chessmen tie together the book’s historical and contemporary storylines. The centuries-old diary of an Icelandic woman abducted during the Barbary pirate raids of 1627 provides clues to the missing artifacts. As Brynja investigates, she uncovers parallels between the historical tragedy and her modern-day challenges.
This dual narrative structure deepens the story’s intrigue and gives readers a sense of continuity. The chessmen are not just objects to be found; they are pieces of a larger puzzle that spans generations, connecting disparate threads of history and humanity.
- Catalyst for Character Development
The pursuit of the chessmen pushes Brynja to confront her own demons, including the guilt and grief stemming from her twin brother’s disappearance decades earlier. As she unravels the mystery surrounding the artifacts, she also begins to heal her fractured sense of self.
This emotional resonance elevates the chessmen from mere plot devices to symbols of redemption and closure. They embody Brynja’s quest not just to solve a mystery but to reconcile the past and find peace in the present.
- Cultural and Symbolic Weight
The Lewis Chessmen carry a cultural significance that adds layers of depth to the story. Representing a fusion of Norse and medieval European traditions, they speak to the interconnectedness of cultures and the fragility of historical artifacts. Their theft and potential loss serve as a metaphor for the broader erasure of cultural heritage, a theme that resonates strongly in today’s world.
Why the MacGuffin Works
The brilliance of Winokur’s use of the Lewis Chessmen lies in their multifaceted role within the narrative. While readers are drawn into the mystery of their disappearance, the chessmen also serve as a mirror reflecting the book’s larger themes.
- Universal Appeal
The intrigue surrounding the chessmen captures the imagination of both characters and readers. Their historical significance and enigmatic nature make them an object of desire, not just for the story’s protagonists but for anyone who values art, culture, and history.
- Narrative Depth
Unlike a superficial MacGuffin that merely drives the plot, the chessmen have a profound connection to the story’s themes and characters. Their history is intertwined with Iceland’s dark past, Brynja’s personal journey, and the motives of various characters, creating a rich tapestry of meaning.
- Unpredictability
The Chessmen’s elusive nature keeps readers guessing. Are they a red herring, or do they hold the key to solving the murder? This uncertainty heightens the tension and ensures that the plot remains dynamic and engaging.
In Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders, Sara Winokur masterfully employs the Lewis Chessmen as a MacGuffin, using them to weave a tale that spans centuries and delves into the complexities of history, identity, and human emotion. The chessmen are more than just artifacts—they are symbols of connection, loss, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
Fans of Nordic noir and historical thrillers will find much to love in Winokur’s latest work, where the pursuit of these ancient pieces leads not only to a resolution of the mystery but to a deeper understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.
For more about Sara Winokur and her work, visit her website at www.sarawinokur.com.
