Heroic Dreams - All Things Medieval

Last month I put up a mysterious story about a 13th century chest that was part of the Hearst estate. The mystery revolved around what castle was possibly depicted on the chest. We have had some interesting, scholarly, and insightful theories put forward about this chest.

If you are new to the case of the mysterious medieval chest here is last months blog post telling more about it: Mysterious Medieval Chest

I also Have a webpage on my medieval castles website with more pics and information here: Mysterious chest webpage

Here is some analysis I got about the chest and the castle:

We think the images on this chest represent Adam and Eve in the Garden, Eve (on the right) looks as if she is giving Adam (on the left) a gift, perhaps in a basket, perhaps an apple. We think we also see a man in lower right holding a snake, but it is hard to discern from the pic.

The whole chest speaks of early renaissance rather than medieval, due to the fantastical creatures (satyrs, etc.) which point to a post-renaissance, greco-roman influence, which is why we feel it is probably dated to the 1500’s rather than 1300’s. Although, having said that, there is also a definite mediterranean flavor to the decorative carving at the rim and foot, which leads us to believe that this chest could have been an Italian (Salerno?) monastic posession of anytime between the 9th century and later. The trees, especially, are of tropical, or sub tropical origin, lending weight to the Italian theory. And indeed the castle, which we believe to represent a fantastical, paradisical, City of God, does resemble the conical towers seen in medieval manuscripts of Salerno.

Whatever, the case, we feel that a Welsh origin is highly unlikely

Also: This analysis is from an Emeritus Scholar at Kansas University

I couldn’t see the front well enough to sort out all that is going on, but the central figures are likely to be Paris and Venus - Paris awarding Venus the golden apple. I would be nice (but not essential) if there were two other female figures (Athena and Juno). I can see another figure but not well enough to tell whether it is male or female - seems to be leaning on a staff - could be Athena(Minerva). The winged boy with Venus would be Cupid. The two reclining figures indicate the landscape setting and are water and air(or land). The personification of water is clear - and typical - a reclining figure with a flowing jug (the upper figures). The lower figure is not as clear but seems to clasp a swan or other long necked bird - which would symbolize air. (for similar personifications in the ancient world, see the Ara Pacis). The figures on each side of the frame and at the ends are typical Mannerist composite figures.

The use of the frame around the central image suggests that the carver has taken the image from an illustrated book - a handbook of iconography for example - a practice typical of the time.

We are probably looking at a wedding chest - again that would be typical. The Judgement of Paris was a popular theme for cassoni.

I also Have a webpage on my medieval castles website with more pics and information here: Mysterious chest webpage

Popularity: 6% [?]

This movie looks pretty good. But I don’t have a good handle on it yet. It is probably not going to be another blockbuster like 300. The whole Indians vs. Vikings thing is interesting but probably a hard sell. 

I will find out more and let you know. (It Opens April 13)

Here is a quote from the official pathfinder site:

“In an untamed, primordial America, 500 years before Columbus will reach its shores, unfolds an epic battle between love and hate that will change one man’s destiny and the future of a nation:  PATHFINDER.  This action-adventure saga recreates one of the most riveting, yet never-before-seen, eras in human history – when Viking “dragon” ships from the mysterious Norse lands arrived out of nowhere to invade a pristine North America.  Inspired by historical findings, yet forged with the magic and style of a modern graphic novel, PATHFINDER comes to life in a cinematic experience filled with intense and primal action.”

It Opens April 13th and here is the official Pathfinder Movie site Pathfinder

The Movie, like 300 is based on a Graphic Novel (Pathfinder).

Review of the Novel:

“ Five hundred years before Columbus, barbaric Viking invasions ravaged North America. Pathfinder is the story of a young Viking boy left behind as the only survivor of a shipwrecked expedition. A stranger in a strange land, the boy is raised by a tribe of American Indians - the very people the Vikings had sworn to destroy. When Vikings again storm the eastern shores, waging another barbaric campaign, they slaughter the tribe that adopted the young man. Now he wages a violent personal war to stop the Vikings’ trail of death and destruction. “

The picture at the top of this post is for the graphic novel Pathfinder

Popularity: 6% [?]

300 (2007) Original Double Sided One Sheet Movie Poster 27″x40″(approx.)

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Review: March 10, 2007

I saw the movie 300 last night and here are some thoughts about it.

First off, Should you go see it? My quick answer is Yes, it’s a pretty good movie. On a scale of 1 to 5 I give it a 3.9. It is not the masterpiece that Braveheart is and then again what is? And it is a cut above your average film (3)  in a few different respects but it’s not a great film.

Review

The film itself is very Spartan and I don’t know if this is by design or a coincidence. And let me explain what I mean by Spartan. This word usually has a negative connotation about it. Spartan is almost a criticism in our culture. We are a culture that appreciates enjoying the finer things in life.

The image of Spartan that I want to evoke with this review is of the simplicity of the Spartan life but also juxtaposed against the vibrant red of a Spartan warriors cape. And this is exactly how the movie parallels Spartan in style.

The film is a very basic story without a lot of dialogue and not a whole lot of twists and turns. What it comes down to is there is an impending battle and people are going to die. Let’s do away with all the small talk and get the job done. This is the Spartan way and this is the way of this film.

But, this is where the crimson cape comes in. It adds a certain visual element to the Spartan warrior. It is almost as if the cape becomes brighter when it is worn by the plain warrior.  And this same juxtaposition is taken in the film. There are scenes and images in this film that are just astonishing. It is a substantially rich experience in terms of what you see. There are images that will remain in your head for a long time. In particular there is one long shot of the warriors standing in the gap at Thermopylae that is so beautiful they really should have used it for the movie posters. And the first day and night of battle are so rich with visual action that you will be stunned.

The first night of battle is significant in this film because there are so few night time battle scenes in the movie and this movie captures the weak moon pallor of night battle superbly.

A word of caution

This movie is ultra-violent. And I mean ultra violent. It rivals any horror movie ever made. The body count is high and the decapitations are plentiful. There are plenty of very clear sword and spear penetrations and much more. So exercise some prudence in who you bring with you. It is definitely not a good first date movie.300 Spartan Helmet Prop Replica

About the Actors

The Main Actor (Gerard Butler) who plays the King of Sparta (Leonidas) is adequate and reasonably looks the part but his acting is only average and he has a Scottish accent. What were they thinking with that? It’s Sean Connery Syndrome, but there are very few uberman actors like Sean Connery and he isn’t that way because he is Scottish. He is that way because he is Sean Connery!

The Main Actress (Lena Headley) who Plays Queen Gorgo is definitely a cut above. Her acting was superb and there were some good parts in this film for her. I can see why she chose the part. And it doesn’t hurt that she is scorchingly beautiful.

Tip for the Director

The film is an astonishingly well made piece of work. But what was with the dramatic long shots where people make life altering decisions standing together on the top of a mountain with the setting sun in the background? That has never worked in any other movie and it didn’t work in this movie.

The Dancing girl in the Video Clip

You have seen the girl dancing in the video clip. It looks like she is dancing in silk. Well you get quite a bit more of that. She is an Oracle and this was an interesting way to visually express the ethereal spirit of an Oracle. I think they actually filmed it underwater then took out all the water in post production. Pretty amazing and kudos for that. Much better than some old witch stirring a brew in a cauldron!

I looked her up in the IMDB and her name is Kelly Craig. The only other work she has done is as a stunt double in the movie Coyote Ugly and that was in 2000. What’s up with that Hollywood? We want more of her. Put her in some more movies!!! Kelly Craig

• IMDB about the Film
• Official film site
• Concept art for the film

Popularity: 15% [?]