...that the only way to become immortal is to be remembered after you have gone, and the only way to be remembered is to leave behind a good story.
-- King Ashurbanipal's Chief Counsellor (Part 1, Raindrops : By The River Tigris in Olden Times paragraph N/A)

Importance: These words at the beginning of the novel represent one of the key themes of the novel: the importance of stories in passing along culture. The main story around which the novel centers itself is The Epic of Gilgamesh, but other authors are discussed, and it is Charles Dickens who helps Arthur move further in his life. Furthermore, Arthur’s full given name, King Arthur of the Sewers and Slums, comes from the fictional King Arthur of British lore.

The aurora of an Assyrian king is impressed upon it, like an invisible fingerprint. Gently, it alights on the baby’s face, dropping between his open lips.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Raindrops paragraph N/A)

Importance: These words refer to the drop of water that touches all of the main characters...