I'm not certain that I draw from any one culture more than others. Many myths and legends of many different cultures are really the same story when you get to the heart of it. They are often cultural cautionary tales about how we should behave and how we should live.

Anyone who claimed that old age had brought them patience was either lying or senile.

But it was an ending.

I grew up around strong women; weak men were pickled and salted. The women wouldn't waste time raising a weak boy.

A spoonful of hope and a cup of despair

Mat had tried to make her say she saw a hat floating around Mat's head. That would persuade Tuon to stop trying to get rid of his, would it not?

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.