Lessons from the Bible that guided the Novel

Creation and the Fall

In the Bible: The story of Adam and Eve centers on a tree in Eden, whose fruit brought both life and death when humanity chose greed and disobedience (Genesis 2–3).
In Bloodshed: The god Negasi gifts humanity with the peach tree, which bestows health and strength. Like Eden’s tree, greed drives men to fight over its fruit. Eventually, the tree’s roots become dangerous, bringing madness instead of healing.

Parallel: Both stories use sacred fruit as a test of human restraint and illustrate the consequences of overreaching.

The Corruption of Power

In the Bible: Figures like Cain, Nimrod, or Pharaoh embody corruption—turning divine gifts (life, rulership, freedom) into oppression or violence.
In Bloodshed: Suken of the Demotak becomes corrupted by the roots of the peach tree, kills an elder, and declares himself “god,” twisting his clan into the monstrous Crown Gall.

Parallel: Both traditions emphasize the dangers of pride and the perversion of divine gifts into tyranny.

Faith vs. Works

In the Bible: Israel’s story is defined by faith in God vs. reliance on human strength (Exodus, Kings). Prophets constantly call people back to God.
In Bloodshed: The Hann cling to faith in Negasi, insisting collective prayer can save Tresibra, while other clans reject divine reliance and put trust in human courage, weapons, or councils.

Parallel: A tension between faith in the divine and belief in human responsibility, echoing Old Testament debates about covenant loyalty vs. self-reliance.

Sacrifice and Redemption

In the Bible: Jesus’s crucifixion is the ultimate sacrificial act, willingly taking on death to free others (John 19). Other figures like Isaac or martyrs foreshadow this theme.
In Bloodshed: Soren knowingly sacrifices himself in battle against Gummosis, saving his comrades. He is mourned as a redeemer figure, honored as “Kingslayer” and “Crown Killer” His death brings renewal to the land—trees flourish again and life spans increase.

Parallel: A Christ-like motif of death leading to new life for the community.

Visions of the Afterlife

In the Bible: Prophets and Revelation depict visions of reunion, judgment, and peace. Jesus promises reunion with the faithful (John 14).
In Bloodshed: As Soren dies, he sees his daughter Everly, glowing like an angel, who reassures him and calls him to finish his work This blends comfort, divine mission, and hope of reunion.

Parallel: Echoes the biblical hope of meeting loved ones again and being guided by the righteous dead.

Renewal and Covenant

In the Bible: God’s covenants renew creation after sin—Noah’s rainbow, Abraham’s promise, Jesus’s resurrection. Renewal often follows bloodshed and judgment.
In Bloodshed: The renewal cycles in Tresibra function as divine resets. After Soren’s sacrifice, the land itself heals: peach trees return, lifespans increase, and the clans declare a “Day of Tresibra” to honor the rebirth

Parallel: Both frame history as cyclical, with divine intervention bringing restoration after corruption.

Satan's Corruption & Greed

Origins and Rebellion

Satan: Originally created as a powerful angel (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12), Satan rebelled against God out of pride, seeking to exalt himself. His rebellion corrupted others, leading to a fall from heaven.
Suken: Once the leader of the proud Demotak clan, he turns away from harmony and violently asserts himself by killing an elder, declaring, “I am god” He leads followers away from the clans, remakes them into the monstrous Crown Gall.

Parallel: Both begin as elevated figures who fall through pride, dragging others into corruption with them.

Corruption of Divine Gifts

Satan: Twists God’s creation—tempting Adam and Eve with the fruit, using what was meant for good as a means of destruction (Genesis 3).
Suken: Covets the peach tree’s roots, which Negasi warned were dangerous. His greed unleashes madness, turning life-giving gifts into tools of death.

Parallel: Both misuse divine blessings, corrupting what was meant to nourish humanity.

Deception and Transformation

Satan: Called the “father of lies” (John 8:44). He masquerades as light but twists truth, leading people into sin. His rebellion also transforms angels into demons.
Suken: Deceives others into following him, promising power. His rebellion twists the Demotak physically into the Crown Gall—hunched, fanged, nocturnal creatures of terror.

Parallel: Lies and corruption cause followers to transform into something grotesque.

Opposition to God and His People

Satan: Constant adversary of God’s people, seeking their destruction (Job 1, Revelation 12).
Suken: Sets himself against the clans and Negasi, positioning himself as the god of his people. He wages war against the peace the clans strive to protect.

Parallel: Both are archenemies of peace, bent on chaos and destruction.

Legacy of Fear

Satan: Associated with death, fear, and bondage (Hebrews 2:14–15). Even after Christ’s resurrection, he is seen as a lurking adversary until the final defeat.
Suken: Even long after his transformation, the Crown Gall he birthed remain a constant terror, haunting tunnels and threatening renewal cycles.

Parallel: Both leave behind corrupted followers who perpetuate fear across generations.

Suken later known as Gummosis (A self proclaimed God) is the embodiment of greed and self righteousness. Telling his people in the beginning how to live and be righteous but himself a twisted and demonic person who's only interests are that of his own, no matter how he hurts his followers. Gummosis is the embodiment of evil and gives a great example of those who assert to be righteous by telling people they are Christians but then walking in Satan's footsteps. The lessons that the author was trying to portray through who Suken became was from the teachings of (John 8:44) "The liar", (Revelation 12:10) "The accuser", (2 Corinthians 11:14) "The deceiver", (John 10:10) "The destroyer", (Proverbs 6:32) "The Warning of Adultery", (Romans 6:16) "Slaves to Sin", (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) "Shameful Corruption of the family", and (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) - The Bible warns repeatedly that those who live in unrepentant sexual immorality, drunkenness/addiction, and deceit will not inherit the kingdom of God.