In Iain M. Banks' "Consider Phlebas," during a poignant time known as the Sadness Season, the Jinmoti of Bozlen carry out a significant and violent ritual. They confront the hereditary assassins linked to the new Yearking's family, choosing a dramatic method of execution by drowning them in the metaphorical tears of the Continental Empathaur. This act reflects their cultural traditions and the complexities of their society.
This ritual serves not only as a means of eliminating a threat but also highlights the deep emotional landscape that characterizes the Sadness Season. The Jinmoti's actions illustrate the interplay between duty, emotion, and societal norms within the narrative, shedding light on the broader themes of conflict and identity present in Banks' work.