Titan, Traitor, Savior: The True Story of Prometheus

What the limited resources of Shutterstock allowed me to call Prometheus.

This picture before you is Prometheus. Perhaps you don't know his story.

Prometheus was a Titan, or according to Greek mythology, one of the spawn of the first Divine Beings of the Universe. Son of Iapetus and Clymene, he was faced with a choice early on in the timelessness of his early life: Titans or Gods.

War among Gods

To give some background, the two most powerful Titans were Cronus and Rhea ruled the Heavens and the Earth. Cronus had heard however that one of his offspring would one day overthrow him. So he proceeded to eat his children. Most fortunately for YOU, nothing matches my search for "eating babies."

Anyways, long story short, Rhea saved the last child, Zeus, from such treatment and secreted him away to a cave on the Island of Crete where he could grow up without a huge guy attempting to eat him. When Zeus was old enough, he went to war against the Titans and their cronies, the so called Titanomachy. Prometheus choose to side with Zeus, seeing as he was pushed around by some of the Titans and thought life would be better with Zeus.

Hint: It wasn't.

Zeus, to put it bluntly, immediately became so full of it that he initially denied Prometheus his one request: to remake Mankind. According to legend, there were 5 Ages of Man. The first three had been created by the Titans and subsequently destroyed. The fourth was obliterated by the Titanomachy. Prometheus agreed to side with Zeus on the condition he would remake Man again.

Thing was, Zeus wasn't all that keen on remaking Man. He did not want Mankind rivalling the Gods in any aspect. It was for this reason that he denied the privilege of fire to them. Prometheus was eventually granted his wish, but he was displeased with the stupidity and crudeness of his creation. So he just stole fire from the Gods. No big deal, right?


  Wrong.

When Zeus peeked out from the clouds to look at Earth one day, he was divinely enraged by the technological advancements Man had made. Knowing it was Prometheus, he chained the ex-Titan to a mountain believed to be in the Caucasus Range, and condemned him to have his liver torn out every day until eternity by an eagle. The liver regenerated, in case you're wondering.

After many years of the excruciating pain that comes with getting your liver ripped out (not to mention he's laying on a bed of MOUNTAINS), a hero came to save him. But this was no ordinary hero! This was Heracles!

Heracles was thought to be the demigod son of Zeus who would one day overthrow the Gods themselves. Because Heracles was mad at the Gods, he loosed Prometheus's chains. Prometheus was free!

The tale splits here: It is said that Chiron, the wise centaur who taught heroes, died in place of Prometheus so that Zeus might kill SOMEONE for letting Prometheus go. The other tale is that Prometheus hid himself from the Gods, even from his Creations on earth. Though Zeus sought him many years, Prometheus eluded him by sleeping. Zeus could not see him in the world of Dreams, and the God who ruled there, Morpheus, kept Prometheus safe.

It is said that Prometheus would wait until the time of the Gods was over, and that he would return to create Man again in a Sixth Age. A Golden Age.

Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?

Down Low on Watership Down

As I mentioned, or have yet to mention depending on when I post these posts, I REALLY love reading. Graphic novels, classics, series, Pulitzer's etc. You name it, most likely I've read it. What I'd like to comment on in this post is one of the more mind-changing books I have ever had the pleasure of laying my hands on:

WATERSHIP DOWN

by Richard Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZcHLpjiEdw  (Animated Movie Trailer)



Yes. It's about cute bunnies. That know how to fight.

Cute bunnies that think like humans, have their own language, and have problems the likes of which we have never known.

The story revolves around a group of rabbits that abandon their warren (rabbit community) when one of them has a premonition it will be destroyed. Pursued by the remnants of the warren police force (Owsla), they encounter the "U Hrair," (the rabbits' term for their predators), the deceptively alluring Cowslip Warren, and subtle signs of humanity's footprint all over the English countryside. It is a story of faith, determination, paranoia, and towards the end, downright survival.

The gang, led by Hazel, Bigwig, and Fiver come to Cowslip Warren. The Warren seems nice at first, but they realize it comes with a price. The group leave when they are attacked by the rabbits who live in the Warren who feel that they threaten the relative peace in which they live.

You guys "down" with this?

They come finally to Watership Down. A "Down" in this context is a hill. They intend to live there and realize to their dismay that they have no does (female rabbits) with them. The second Act of the book contains the Warren's first time on the Down and thier experiences. We also meet some quirky other members of the animal kingdom and we learn what became of Sandleford Warren after the group left. It is also in this Act that the group falls under the authority of Hazel, and his name becomes Hazel-rah, or "Lord Hazel," in the Lapine tongue.



I wish I could be more descriptive without giving away more of the book. The real bottom line of Watership Down is this: Never compromise your morals, stick with your friends, and never surrender. We could learn a lot from rabbits.




Lapine Language:

elil: Enemies of rabbits, including fox, stoat, weasel, cat, owl, man, etc.

embleer: Stinking, the word for the smell of a fox.

flay: Food, specifically grass or other greens.

flayrah: Unusually good food, such as lettuce, carrots, etc.

Frith: The Sun, viewed by the rabbits as God.

Frithrah: "Lord Sun", used as an exclamation. Analogous to "My God!"

fu-Inlé: After moonrise.

hain: A song.

hlao: A depression in the ground formed by a daisy or a thistle, specifically one that can hold moisture. Also used as a rabbit's name.

hlessi: A rabbit who lives aboveground or otherwise out of a warren; a wandering rabbit. Plural hlessil.

homba: A fox. Plural hombil.

hrair: Many, uncountable, any number above four.

hraka: Droppings, excreta. Used as a curse.

hrududu: Any type of motor vehicle, such as a tractor, car or train. Plural hrududil

Inlé: The moon, moonrise. Also means fear, darkness or death (as in the Black Rabbit of Inlé)

lendri: A badger.

li: Head.

marli: A doe, mother.

m'saion: "We meet them"

narn: Nice, tasty.

ni-Frith: Noon.

nildro: A blackbird.

Owsla: A group of strong rabbits second year or older surrounding the chief rabbit.

pfeffa: A cat.

-rah: A suffix denoting meaning prince, lord or Chief Rabbit (as in Threarah, Hazel-rah)

-roo: A diminutive suffix meaning "little".

silf: Outside.

silflay: To eat above ground; to graze.

tharn: A state of paralyzed fear or confusion. Can also be used to mean "looking foolish", "forlorn", "heartbroken".

thlay: Fur.

threar: A Rowan or Mountain Ash tree.

u: The.

U hrair: "The Thousand". The term used by rabbits which refers to all their collective enemies.

vair: To excrete, to pass droppings.

yona: A hedgehog. Plural yonil.

zorn: Destroyed, murdered. A catastrophe.

25 Random, Crazy, Perplexing Things About Me

Hey-oh. Comrade Doom here, deciding I should get to this sooner rather than later. Perish forbid I deprive my readers of such interesting insights into my person. Here we gooooo!
Here's one for free: I'm rather wordy. I read ALOT.

1) I have one of the strangest tastes in music. Though I was raised on Classic Rock like Pink Floyd, Queen, AC/DC, and Styx, I have had swings to tunes from"Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes to Disney Classics like "Circle of Life" and "Strangers like Me." But come on, who doesn't love The Lion King?! There's a smattering of Classical, Techno and Rap have their respective sections, but I listen to the sound of a song, not necessarily the words. Ever felt that? Where you want a song just 'cause it sounds good?

                                          Cool huh? 

2) I'm in constant opposition to my confounded brother. This boy just reeks of evil. Though I suppose that could just cause he doesn't clean his room. Gimme a "Hallelujah!" if you got a demonic sibling!



Help me....



3) I believe it to be impossible to have a favorite movie. Though if it were possible, it would have to be either "Small Soldiers" or "Boondock Saints." Beautiful movies, though they are not for the faint of heart or manner.



This one is for "Boondock Saints"

 


And this one is for... c'mon, ain't it obvious?

 










4) My entire family lives in Illinois, the majority of them living in Chicago.

5) I enjoy Classic Literature (and by that I mean from the Classical Period of History). Iliad, The Odyssey, Vergil's Aeneid, Plutarch's Lives: all resonate within me of an age where things were much simpler and the world was much smaller.

6) Going along with numba 5, I love me my History! Wars, economy, who's assassinating who, crops the darn weather even! Anything that was anything before stuff got weird around Vietnam-Era.



7) I am susceptible to severe cases of "post-production blues" which is the empty feeling you get when a production is over.  Case in point: A Harlequins production. You spend all that time after school, chilling with comrades, rehearsing lines, stressing about showtime and then WHABAM! Its over. Kaput. Gone. The production will never be done that way again. (Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh)

8) I fell out of a tree when I was in 6th grade and have a (fading) scar from the experience. My friends (who shall remain nameless) convinced me that the pine tree could hold my weight and we could slide down the branches (YEAAA). Needless to say, that did not happen according to plan.

9) I enjoy walks in the woods. Reminds me that whenever Mother Nature isn't on her period (Earthquake in Japan), she's a helluva lot more sane than the real world.
10) I'm not a Sox fan. I just derive enjoyment from the train wreck that is the Chicago Cubs Baseball team.



11) As mentioned at the beginning of this rambling diatribe about myself, I love to read. And thus, by the transitive propertay, books have had a profound affect on my personality. Such works include Watership Down (a tale of bunny rabbits in England), The Hobbit (a fantasy involving midgets, a Wizard, and a big-honking dragon), The Bible (a book about how humans don't do as they are told, REPEATEDLY) and Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures (a book about a deer/dog combo with a talking "cheese knife")

12) Aside from reading stories, I enjoy telling them as well. Some of my fondest memories are of times when I'm busting a gut laughing or shivering with fear. Or doling out some of the same to my friends.

13) Just finished watching the movie "Lawrence of Arabia." THAT was an ordeal! 3 hours and 49 minutes with an orchestral introduction and AN INTERMISSION! I give props to the cast and crew: as the movie was filmed without the aid of CGI, the armies of the Turks and "Awrence's" Northern Arabian Army were all real, screaming people intent on ripping each other apart. If ever I wanted to visit the Arabian Peninsula, that want is gone.

14) Jestem więcej niż siedemdziesiąt pięć procent polskiego.
Tá an chuid is dócha na hÉireann.
(Good luck translating that. Hint: It's in two different languages.)

15) Before beginning a major test/exam, I enjoy muttering "We are Men of Gondor," just to see the reaction on the faces of the people near me.

This is not a Man of Gondor. I have limited resources. Deal with it.

16) I wake up more refreshed at 4:15 in the morning than I do when I sleep in. My pineal gland is ridiculous, or whenever I beat the sun to the world I get a shot of adrenaline as a prize.

17) I enjoy Mythology. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it is the term that encompasses all cultures' "myths" regarding their history.The Greeks had Heracles, Jason, and Troy. We have Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and Joe Magarac. Learning about the legends we look up to and read about in modern day culture gives me a chill and makes me wonder how the world would be if such beings were real.



18) I love me my English literature, but I love da slang of my comrades even more. In some instances, its more understandable <cough> <cough> Kafka's Metamorphosis <cough>

19) My favorite subject in school has got to be my Fine Art. (Sorry, Mr. Claudon!)

20) I find I have a distaste for public domain images. They are never the ones I'm looking for, and have very limiting search parameters. ARGH! Forgive my outburst. Only four more to go!

21) I have thought of writing a book.

22) I will be spending my spring break in a town that was founded for the sole purpose of creating a nuclear weapon.



23) I played football when I was in grade school and yearn fondly for the brain cells I lost during that time. (No offense to those who enjoy football and/or play)

24) I can drive. Legally.

25) I am quite relieved that this post is done! Fin!

Anyone wondering whether I'm crazy or not?

I WOULD!

Lawrence of Arabia: A Relatively Short Summary for a Very Long Movie

As I mentioned in my 25 Things About Me, I recently watched the film, "Lawrence of Arabia." I give to to you a synopsis of the movie so you do not become glued to your couch attempting to watch it in one sitting like I did.


Act I
In 1935, T. E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) is killed in a motorcycle accident. At his memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral, reporters try to gain insights into this remarkable, enigmatic man from those who knew him, with little success.

During the First World War, Lawrence is a misfit British Army lieutenant stationed in Cairo, notable only for his insolence and knowledge of the Bedouin. Over the objections of General Murray (Donald Wolfit), he is sent by Mr. Dryden (Claude Rains) of the Arab Bureau to assess the prospects of Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) in his revolt against the Turks.

On the journey, his Bedouin guide is killed by Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) for drinking from a well without permission. Lawrence later meets Colonel Brighton (Anthony Quayle), who orders him to keep quiet, make his assessment of Faisal's camp, and leave. Lawrence promptly ignores Brighton's commands when he meets Faisal. His knowledge and outspokenness pique the prince's interest.

Brighton advises Faisal to retreat after a major defeat, but Lawrence proposes a daring surprise attack on Aqaba. While strongly fortified against a naval assault, the town is lightly defended on the landward side. It would provide a port from which the British could offload much-needed supplies. He convinces Faisal to provide fifty men, led by a sceptical Sherif Ali. Two teenage orphans, Daud (John Dimech) and Farraj (Michel Ray), attach themselves to Lawrence as his servants.

They cross the Nefud Desert, considered impassable even by the Bedouins, travelling day and night on the last stage to reach water. Gasim (I. S. Johar) succumbs to fatigue and falls off his camel unnoticed during the night. The rest make it to an oasis, but Lawrence turns back for the lost man alone, risking his own life. When he rescues Gasim, he wins over Sherif Ali.

This is the Sahara. This is nothing to Arabs. The Nefud however...

Lawrence persuades Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn), the leader of the powerful local Howeitat tribe, to turn against the Turks. Lawrence's plan is almost derailed when one of Ali's men kills one of Auda's because of a blood feud. Since Howeitat retaliation would shatter the fragile alliance, Lawrence declares that he will execute the murderer himself. He is stunned to discover that the culprit is Gasim, but he shoots him anyway. The next morning, the intact alliance overruns the Turkish garrison.

This x 10,000 more with guns = an understatement of the pwnage that was Aqaba.

Lawrence heads to Cairo to inform Dryden and the new commanding general, General Allenby (Jack Hawkins), of his victory. During the crossing of the Sinai Desert, Daud dies when he stumbles into quicksand. Lawrence is promoted to major and given arms and money to support the Arabs. He is deeply disturbed, confessing that he enjoyed executing Gasim, but Allenby brushes aside his qualms. He asks Allenby whether there is any basis for the Arabs' suspicions that the British have designs on Arabia. Pressed, the general states they have no such designs.

Act II (There is an intermission here! And I thought movies today were too long!)

See that train? No? It's because Lawrence blew it up right before it came into the picture.

Lawrence launches a guerrilla war, blowing up trains and harassing the Turks at every turn. American war correspondent Jackson Bentley (Arthur Kennedy) publicises his exploits, making him world famous. On one raid, Farraj is badly injured. Unwilling to leave him to be tortured, Lawrence is forced to shoot him before fleeing.

When Lawrence scouts the enemy-held city of Daraa with Ali, he is taken, along with several Arab residents, to the Turkish Bey (José Ferrer). Lawrence is stripped, ogled, and prodded. For striking out at the Bey, he is severely flogged and thrown out into the street.
In Jerusalem, Allenby urges him to support his "big push" on Damascus, but Lawrence is a changed, tormented man, unwilling to return. Finally, he relents.

He recruits an army, mainly killers and cutthroats motivated by money, rather than the Arab cause. They sight a column of retreating Turkish soldiers who have just slaughtered the people of Tafas. One of Lawrence's men is from the village; he demands, "No prisoners!" When Lawrence hesitates, the man charges the Turks by himself and is killed. Lawrence takes up the dead man's cry, resulting in a massacre in which Lawrence himself participates with relish.

His men then take Damascus ahead of Allenby's forces. The Arabs set up a council to administer the city, but they are desert tribesmen, ill-suited for such a task. Unable to maintain the utilities and bickering constantly with each other, they soon abandon most of the city to the British. Lawrence is promoted to colonel and then immediately ordered home, his usefulness at an end to both Faisal and the British diplomats. A dejected Lawrence is driven away in a staff car.

FIN

This is an inglorious end to a mighty man. Lawrence is known to us only through this movie and in the odd history book notation. This man was assimilated into the Arab culture and fought to perserve it. It is unfortunate that such a history-changing man has been negleted by historians. I highly suggest the movie, though you may want to go to the bathroom beforehand.

Samuel Pepys at the Top of the Heap

Samuel Pepys at the Top of the Heap

            Samuel Pepys was a clever man. Not only did he live through one of the more turbulent time periods of England’s history, the English Civil War, but he lived in the good grace of the victor of that war (Oliver Cromwell) and later was held in high favor when King Charles II was restored to the throne. Pepys, while beholden to “My Lord” (Sir Edward Montagu), seeks to rise to even higher levels in noble society through his social friends and his business associates. It is in October 1660 that Pepys details his ambition to improve his lot in life and rise in social rankings.

This is what I envision Pepys to be. It has nothing to do with the fact this is the best Shutterstock has for me.

            There are important instances where Pepys attempts to ingratiate himself with Sir Montagu and the nobles present at Whitehall, where King Charles II kept his residence. “Early to my Lord to Whitehall, and there he did give me some work to do for him, and so with all haste to the office,” is the very first entry of the month, illustrating that Pepys’ priority was his boss (Pepys). Meeting Montagu at Whitehall would have allowed Pepys the chance to mingle with the nobility briefly before receiving his tasks.

NO! NOT THE WHITE HOUSE! WHITE HALL! Confound you, Shutterstock!

            Pepys continues to make a good impression on Montagu on the 3^rd of October when he helps bring Montagu’s chest of paintings to the King and flatters him immensely. Pepys smugly adds that he later dined alone with his boss, “who do treat me with a great deal of respect (Pepys).” He also claims to know Montagu’s opinion on an African gold venture proposed by the Duke of York and Lord of Pembroke. Pepys is intoxicated with ever higher levels of confidence placed in him by Montagu.  He thrives on the increase in power and status.

            Pepys is also taking advantage of his new-found wealth and is sprucing up his home on Seething Lane. From the 1^st to 5^th of this month, Pepys has had painters and tapestry hangers working in his house. This renovation leads to an increase in influential diners at his house, such as John Creed, Henry Moore, and even Jemima Montagu. Pepys’ wife also purchases better quality furniture, which the normally stingy man does not mind. His appreciation for his wife’s “bed and furniture for her chamber” and other house ornaments display for me the idea that Pepys wishes to entertain more influential guests at home, allowing for a more personal bond (Pepys). Pepys is an ambitious worker and knows that money must be spent for people to notice you.

            Life in the times of the new monarchy was confusing and frustrating for those who needed to restore order. Samuel Pepys, however, was able to adapt to the change in political order and survive, gaining more confidence from his master, Sir Montagu, and receiving yet more attention from those in higher sociopolitical circles. Samuel Pepys was a master in climbing out of a period of chaos and moving up the social ladder. Such a feat is well recorded in the Diary of Samuel Pepys.

Not Pepys, but you get the picture.

Work Cited

"October 1660 (Pepys' Diary)." Pepys' Diary. Ed. Phil Gyford. Web. 06 Mar. 2011. http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1660/10/.