Neil Gaiman’s Sandman recasts Orpheus as the son of the Dream King, but otherwise leaves the ancient tragedy intact. In the television adaptation, Orpheus survives as an immortal, severed head, speaking calmly, prophetically, and with the explicit wish for death. He is neither alive nor dead, suspended between worlds. Gaiman uses this image to exploreContinue reading “Katabasis”
Author Archives: protectivearts
Orpheus
Orpheus enters the story before the world has settled. Before cities harden into law.Before heroism becomes labor.Before descent acquires technique. He is born from music, not violence. A son of Calliope, sometimes of Apollo. His power does not break resistance; it rearranges it. Stones move. Trees follow. Animals pause. What yields to Orpheus does notContinue reading “Orpheus”
Theseus
Theseus enters the world where the gods themselves have failed to agree. Athens belongs to Athena by decree, but not by consent. She gives the city the olive; Poseidon strikes the rock and leaves salt, horses, and tremor behind. The contest is decided, yet unresolved. The city will bear Athena’s name, but Poseidon does notContinue reading “Theseus”
Protective Arts 