Angels Morts

Tag: endings

  • The Forgotten Eclipse – Mythology of Ending

    The Forgotten Eclipse – Mythology of Ending

    Throughout history, solar and lunar eclipses have captivated human imagination, often representing profound transformative events. While the eclipse is a common occurrence in celestial mechanics, its mythological interpretations across cultures usually lean towards awe, fear, and the revelation of mysteries. One such lesser-known narrative is the concept of the “Forgotten Eclipse,” a mythical event that symbolizes endings and new beginnings.

    Understanding the “Forgotten Eclipse”

    The “Forgotten Eclipse” isn’t documented in the annals of modern astronomy but thrives within the oral traditions of ancient cultures. It is described as an eclipse that heralds an ending so profound that its witnesses are compelled to forget their past grievances and embrace a fresh start. This notion of forgotten endings finds its roots in multiple cultures across the globe:

    • The Norse Mythology: The Norse legend of sun-chasing wolves, Sköll and Hati, portrays them as themselves eclipses. Their consumption of the celestial bodies heralds Ragnarök—a series of events that lead to the end of days and the emergence of a new world. This narrative underlines the destructive yet renewing power of eclipses.
    • Hindu Astrology: In Hindu traditions, eclipses occur due to the demon Rahu swallowing the sun or moon. Rahu’s temporary triumph and the return of celestial order present a cyclical opportunity for rebirth, allowing humanity to set resolutions anew.

    Cultural Symbolism of Eclipses as Endings

    The impact of eclipses is not confined to mythical tales; they also serve as metaphors for change and transformation in human lives. A notable example can be found in the records of the ancient written texts, where solar eclipses often marked the end of dynasties or the death of rulers. This aligns with the beliefs of civilizations such as the Chinese and the Maya, who meticulously tracked eclipses, considering them omens. According to Space.com, “eclipses have stirred fear, inspired curiosity, and have been associated with myths, legends, and even religious beliefs throughout history.”

    “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

    Thus, the “Forgotten Eclipse” harmonizes the dual nature of endings and beginnings, shaping our transitions through epochs. As humanity advances, the tales behind eclipses remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the need to move beyond historical burdens to embrace a renewed world.

  • The Titan’s Funeral – Mythology of Cosmic Endings

    The Titan’s Funeral – Mythology of Cosmic Endings

    In the tapestry of human culture, end-of-the-world myths captivate our imagination, exploring themes of destruction, renewal, and the cyclical nature of existence. From Norse Ragnarök to the Hindu great disillusion, these narratives weave cosmic endings into the stories of gods and giants. Within this rich tradition, the concept of a “Titan’s Funeral” stands as a symbolic representation of the ultimate sacrifice and rebirth.

    The Titan Archetype in Mythology

    Titans play a central role in many mythologies as primordial beings embodying great power and vast potential. In Greek mythology, Titans are the children of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). They once reigned supreme before being overthrown by the Olympian gods. Such tales echo themes of divine conflict and transition, typical of myths addressing cosmic order and chaos.

    The Greek poet Hesiod, in his work Theogony, describes the dramatic battles between Titans and Olympians, known as the Titanomachy. After their defeat, many Titans were cast into Tartarus, a deep abyss used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked.

    “…hold the ground, many-rooted and shade-mountainous Olympus. But these, banished far from Heaven’s everlasting gods, are in the froggy gulf of deep Tartarus.”

    Cosmic Endings across Cultures

    While the Titans’ saga may not explicitly describe a “funeral,” the idea aligns with the broader theme of cosmic endings. Let’s explore similar motifs across different mythologies:

    • Norse Mythology:

      Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world, involves a series of events including a great battle, natural disasters, and the submersion of the world. Here, gods, giants, and creatures like the wolf Fenrir play crucial roles. The saga describes the death of major figures such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, which might be considered a “funeral feast” that marks the end of an era.

      “There will be many hard battles, and many lost lives. Come, gather with your kin, for this is the twilight of the gods.”

    • Hindu Mythology:

      The concept of Pralaya refers to the cyclical dissolution of the universe, with all creation submerged until the next cycle of existence begins. In these spans, divine entities like Vishnu take on roles framing cosmic destruction and renewal, resonating with the notion of cosmic endings.

      “When creation becomes wild and unpure, when the best becomes the worst, then I come to destroy the unfaithful and protect the faithful.”

    • Egyptian Mythology:

      The legend of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, fertility, and resurrection, blends death and rebirth. Osiris’s death and resurrection could symbolize the cycle of life and rebirth inherent in cosmic transformations.

      “I am Osiris, who is enduring in the land of the living, forever.”

    Symbolism of the Titan’s Funeral

    The concept of a Titan’s Funeral can be viewed symbolically as acknowledging the death of an order, thus paving the way for new beginnings. The funeral signifies:

    • Endings and Purity: Just as a funeral marks the end of a life, this concept symbolizes the ultimate cessation of a previous cosmic phase.
    • Sacrifice and Transformation: The demise of Titans and deities alike symbolizes great sacrifices leading to transformational processes, where endings are necessities for births of new eras.
    • Hope and Renewal: Death of titanic figures is not simply end; it signals hope, insisting that creation is cyclical and one end births new possibilities.

    Titanic Rebirth in Modern Culture

    Modern storytelling continues to draw inspiration from such mythologies, particularly seen in books, films, and art. This cultural lineage emphasizes unavoidable endings and embraces the hope for renewal. For instance, works like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, with its ages of men and elves, and the narrative arc of Game of Thrones, with its intricate power struggles and prevailing motifs of ice and fire, echo these themes of cosmic rebirth.

    The Enduring Legacy of Cosmic Mythologies

    Ultimately, these mythologies offer not only narratives of destruction and despair but narratives rich with meaning and inspiration. They remind humanity that while calamity seems inevitable, what follows the last chapter is an endless opportunity for rebirth and creation. Perhaps the Titan’s Funeral is not a story of finality but one of sustained hope and renewal, encouraging new growth from the ashes of the old.

    Conclusion

    Across cultures and times, the death of giants like Titans and the circumstance of cosmic endings reign unto the ethos of creation myths. They resonate with universal truths about the human experience, questioning our understanding of life and suggesting deeper reflections about endings. Through the concept of the Titan’s Funeral, humanity contemplates the mystery of existence, blending cycles of destruction with the dawn of renewal, immortalising the belief that every end is just the beginning of a new story.

  • Necrotic Horizons Revisited – Learning from Decay and Endings

    Necrotic Horizons Revisited – Learning from Decay and Endings

    Exploring themes of decay and endings unveils profound insights into life, the universe, and human experience. As we revisit the notion of necrotic horizons, we dive deep into understanding how decay and eventual demise provide pathways to new beginnings, fuel creativity, and instigate transformation.

    The Concept of Necrotic Horizons

    The term necrotic horizons refers metaphorically to the edges or limits of existence, where everything eventually fades and gives way to something else. This concept is drawn from various disciplines, including philosophy, ecology, and even literature, emphasizing how endings pave the way for renewal. As famously noted by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”

    Ecological Insights: The Beauty of Decay

    In nature, decay plays a vital role in ecological balance and regeneration. Dead plants and animals decompose, returning essential nutrients back to the soil, which in turn sustains new life. This cycle of life and death promotes biodiversity, resilience, and balance. Ecologist Suzanne Simard, known for her work on how trees communicate and share nutrients, emphasizes that “forests are not collections of isolated entities but are instead complex, interdependent systems where decay is a nurturing force” (TED Talk).

    The Philosophical Impetus

    Philosophers have long pondered the implications of endings. For existentialists, confronting and embracing our mortality prompts us to live more authentically. In his book The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus delves into the absurdity of life, urging individuals to find contentment by acknowledging life’s inevitable decay yet choosing to live fully in spite of it.

    “In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.” – Albert Camus

    Art and Culture: Embracing the Dance of Decay

    Artists and writers throughout history have used themes of decay and endings to evoke emotion and inspire reflection. Gothic literature, for instance, often features decaying landscapes as metaphors for moral and social decay. Edgar Allan Poe, through his macabre tales, illuminates how decay can mirror inner human turmoil.

    Decay in art is not restricted to the thematic level alone; it also informs the medium itself. Japanese aesthetics introduce the concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience, accepting decay as an integral part of art’s life cycle.

    Technological Reflections: Decay in the Digital Era

    The digital age brings its own unique perspectives on decay and endings. Rapid technological advancements see once cutting-edge gadgets quickly becoming obsolete. In this transient technological environment, the philosophy of planned obsolescence raises questions about sustainability and consumer culture.

    Despite its challenges, the digital landscape offers new ways to repurpose and rejuvenate. Recycling and upcycling IT equipment prove that technological decay can be harnessed to benefit society and the environment. Additionally, digital decay teaches adaptability—how societies navigate the shifting landscapes of technology determines their future readiness.

    Lessons from the Edge: Embracing Endings

    • Accepting Impermanence: Understanding and accepting impermanence can lead to greater appreciation of what we currently have and foster mindfulness.
    • Encouraging Innovation: Knowing that everything has an endpoint can spark innovation, inspiring individuals to seek out new ideas and solutions.
    • Fostering Resilience: Facing decay and endings reinforces resilience, teaching adaptation in the face of inevitable change.
    • Nurturing Creativity: Embracing endings can unleash creativity, breaking free from conventional constraints to explore novel concepts and perspectives.

    Ultimately, the study of necrotic horizons returns us to our core human condition, insisting on our interconnectedness with the cycles of nature and emphasizing growth from loss. Writer Arundhati Roy poignantly states, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing” (The Guardian).

    Conclusion: A New Dawn from Decay

    The exploration of decay and endings as reflected in the concept of necrotic horizons reveals invaluable insights into life and survival. As we embrace the inevitable ends, we unlock potential avenues for exhilarating beginnings. Therefore, let us not fear the eventual decay, but rather learn from it, transforming our very existence as we walk boldly into a new dawn, carrying with us the lessons of the past and the promise of tomorrow.