As for the historical inspirations I drew on in writing The Snow Queen, I suppose I would call them more cross-cultural inspirations, though they frequently involve past societies as well as present day ones.
Don't worry. You're safe now. You've got nothing left to steal.
A clear conscience is generally the result of a faulty memory, not a faulty life.
Everything born has to die, in order to make room for the future.
For every path you choose, there is another you must abandon, usually forever.
Fear of the unknown is a terrible fear.