Saneter/Sintary

[Almaron]

Are these two characters supposed to be the same person? Both have similar names, both are elderly, both are Harpers at Southern Hold, and both were appointed by Robinton. Saneter was still Harper at Southern when Robinton retired, so how could he appoint another person?

[Eriflor]

I don't recall seeing the name Sintary. Which novel did he appear in?

Sebell became Masterharper after Robinton retired, so he could have appointed Sintary. Or in fact, since Southern was an extensive hold, there could have been several harpers appointed there --- teaching the kids, entertaining, mapping, drafting legal documents, etc.

Or as you suggest, it could be a mistake, and they're the same person.

[Hans]

It is tempting to think Anne botched up and maybe she did but I treat them as seperate characters.

Saneter in Dragondrums is friendly with Toric and there's an indication that he's been around longer. He's also, to the best of my knowledge, never actually called a Master Harper, just Harper or Hold Harper.

Sintary was appointed by Robinton and described as a subtle and stubbormn old man who didn't gave in to Toric etc.

So, we'll never be sure (I never asked Anne) but I would treat them as two seperate characters. Explanation, if you want one, could be that Saneter is Hold Harper for Southern Hold proper (i.e. Toric's settlement) and Sintary Master Harper for the whole of Southern Hold?

[Eriflor]

Since Saneter was already old at the time of DragonDrums, possibly he was either dead or retired by the time of Skies of Pern, and Sintary was just his replacement. But his being a master suggests the presence of other, junior harpers ---a few teachers scattered across the huge territory, land surveyors, a drum journeyman, and enough apprentices to entertain at gathers.