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I’ve been thinking recently about something that’s never caught my attention before. Taboos. If I could only ask one question about a culture to learn about it, I’m tempted to think I’d ask about its taboos.

Taboos could keep a whole nation in slavery (for instance, if they think it brings bad luck to question their priests).

Or taboos can keep other people in slavery (like racism).

Taboos can divide people (say, you’re not supposed to tell others how you’re really doing or ask how they’re really doing).

And some “taboos” are just positive moral codes.

If you think about it, most things a person can do are lawful wherever they go. It’s the rules that define a culture.

From a writers’ perspective, taboos furnish all sorts of conflict and thematic opportunities.

This is something I haven’t played much with in my stories, but I now intend to.

What are some great examples of taboos from literature (or history!) that you’ve read?

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