Sunday, November 5, 2017
Reading The Firebugs Scene Two (opening)
Chuck Blasius as Gottleib Biedermann
Kourtney Rutherford as Anna
Sunday, September 17, 2017
The Firebugs, in stereo
The FirebugsIn StereoClick the title to listenby Max Frisch
Adapted from a
translation by Mordecai Gorelick
Directed and
Edited by Ken Nintzel
with
Chuck Blasius as
Gottlieb Biedermann
Susan Tierney as
Babette Biedermann
Kourtney Rutherford
as Anna, the maidservant
Jay Smith as
Joseph “Sepp” Schmitz, a wrestler
DJ Mendel as
Willi Maria Eisenring, a waiter
Eddie Lopez as
The Policeman
Richard Foreman
as The Ph.D
Croft Vaughn, Eddie Lopez,
Jonathan Murdock as the Chorus of Firemen
Jonathan Lester
as the Leader of the Chorus
Scene: The living room and attic of Biedermann's house
Time: Now running time: 1:07 click on the title above to link to the recording via Sound Cloud Headphones or Stereo system are recommended for listening
In January of this past year I sent out the
following letter…
Dear Friends
Within the past few months I have been
reaching out to you and calling your attention to the play The Firebugs by
Max Frisch. I’ve been sending out copies to read and
briefly describing what I had in mind to do. Since your responses are starting
to come in I wanted to take the opportunity to describe this project further
and the shape its taking.
I first came across The Firebugs in
1989 when I was looking for a short work to do for Tiny Mythic’s (HERE) The
American Living Room Series at the old Ohio Theater. Although it was too long
for the series, it had made an unsettling impression on me. I had forgotten about it,
until a few months ago
Throughout the fall and into the winter I had been constantly reminded of The Firebugs, so I decided
to reread it. It was even better than I had remembered…the dialogue quick, the
stakes high, on the absurdist side, and so relevant for our current sociopolitical
times. I thought ‘I’ve got to do this!’ What? Not only had I not directed theater in over ten years, let alone a straight play, but I had since moved on and towards other modes of expression. But while reading
The Firebugs again so many
of those feelings, those original feelings we all felt when we first became
attracted to plays and theater and performance, came up. This coupled with feelings of timeliness and urgency led me to decide that this is what I had to
do, work towards getting The Firebugs heard.
There’s no money to produce or to be made from
this. I’m hoping to tap into your
love of the play and your own need to take some form of action in these
increasingly troubling times. Each of you came to mind as I read and reread the
play as a performer or artist who could really bring these characters and play
to life. You are also people who I have worked with, in some capacity, in the
past and artists who’s talents I respect greatly. I have been so encouraged by
all of your responses.
I’m aiming to have informal readings
within the next couple of months based on getting a sense of everyone’s
interest, scheduling and availability.
The response I got was overwhelming and I was able to gather a group of people who gave three precious things: their time, talent and their commitment to the power of provocative theater. Meeting once or twice a week in my and Bil’s apartment, from February through the end of April, we read and discussed the play in a radio play format, ultimately to be spoken aloud with the idea that sound effects would be added.
With conflicts looming, that would end our
gatherings, I decided to record the results of our efforts as I felt the work was
definitely ready to be heard by more people.
Over the summer and through 300 takes I edited
the piece and added some sound effects. I am pleased to now make this work
available to you.
I
welcome your reactions. Please feel free to leave comments here on this blog.
If you are especially enthusiastic about this project consider hosting a
Listening Party, a gathering for a number of friends where you listen to the
play. The running time is one hour seven minutes and would be a unique opportunity for a get together and some timely discussion. If you'd like to host a listening party please contact me directly at
kennintzel@hotmail.com for further details.
|
Saturday, January 30, 2016
 | |
| Art at the airport, the whims of Ken Nintzel |
by
As translated by Span!shD!ct
I have also included the spanish version for additional interpretation and context
Arte en el aeropuerto, los caprichos de Ken Nintzel
En la Terminal J del Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (MIA) puede verse una pieza del artista estadounidense Ken Nintzel
La obra refleja el interés del artista por el misterio del cosmos
Nintzel ha logrado la metamorfosis estelar y su consiguiente apariencia figurativa
As translated by Span!shD!ct
I have also included the spanish version for additional interpretation and context
Arte en el aeropuerto, los caprichos de Ken Nintzel
En la Terminal J del Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (MIA) puede verse una pieza del artista estadounidense Ken Nintzel
La obra refleja el interés del artista por el misterio del cosmos
Nintzel ha logrado la metamorfosis estelar y su consiguiente apariencia figurativa
Art at the airport, the whims of Ken Nintzel In Terminal J of Miami International Airport (MIA) can be seen in a part of the American artist Ken Nintzel
The work reflects the artist's interest by the mystery of the cosmos
Nintzel achieved stellar metamorphosis and their consequent figurative appearance
Desde octubre del 2015 puede verse en la Terminal J del Aeropuerto
Internacional de Miami (MIA), la pieza instalativa de carácter
escultórico You Are Here, del artista estadounidense Ken
Nintzel (New Jersey, 1968). La obra consiste en una recreación
tridimensional de las constelaciones (preocupación y desvelo de los
seres humanos desde épocas remotas en su lucha por desentrañar el
espacio ultraceleste), visto ahora a través de la sensibilidad del arte.
From 2015 October you can see in Terminal J of the Miami International Airport (MIA), the installation piece of sculptural character You Are Here, by American artist Ken Nintzel (New Jersey, 1968). The work consists of a three-dimensional re-creation of the constellations (concern and vigilance of human beings since ancient times in their struggle by Unraveling the ultraceleste space), seen now through the sensitivity of art.
Darle cuerpo a lo desconocido supone una imaginación muy fértil, aunque el artista, intrigado por el misterio del cosmos, tuvo que desandar muchos referentes antes de crear su propio Stellarium. Las constelaciones, según la astronomía básica, no son más que una agrupación convencional de estrellas, cuya posición en el cielo nocturno es aparentemente invariable. Ya sabemos que las distintas civilizaciones las han vinculado mediante trazos imaginarios, que forman siluetas, aunque abundan las versiones. Este fenómeno lo explica muy bien Salvador Dalí desde su pintura surrealista a través de lo que se conoce como “la imagen paranoica”; ese estado mental alucinante que nos hace imaginar o darle sentido a eventos que no existen o al menos no en la forma que pensamos.
To flesh out the unknown takes a very fertile imagination, although the artist, intrigued by the mystery of the cosmos, had to retrace many references before creating his own Stellarium. The constellations according to basic astronomy, are nothing more than a conventional grouping of stars, whose position in the night sky is apparently unchanged. We already know that different civilizations have linked them with imaginary lines, forming silhouettes, although there are many versions. This phenomenon explains very well Salvador Dalí from his surrealist paintings through what is known as "the paranoid image"; that amazing mental state that leads us to imagine or make sense of events that do not exist, or at least not in the way that we think.
De modo que estamos frente a un universo reescrito y bastante estilizado. Aquí la puesta en espacio es soberbia, aplastante, en tanto materializa nuestras fantasías y al mismo tiempo las supera. Nintzel ha logrado la metamorfosis estelar y su consiguiente apariencia figurativa a través de formas humanas y animales que tienen sus raíces en la mitología grecolatina y las creencias más antiguas. De ahí que cada escultura –hecha de materiales tan diversos como madera, alambre, plástico, tela así como pelucas, ojos de vidrio y pieles sintéticas– tenga nombres tan exóticos como Andrómeda, Auriga, Bootes, Cannes Benatici, Caisopiea, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Leo Major, Leo Minor, Libra, Lynx, Ursa Major y Virgo.
So we are facing a rewritten and quite stylized universe. Here the space is superb, overwhelming, as it embodies our fantasies and at the same time overcomes them. Nintzel achieved stellar metamorphosis and their consequent figurative appearance through human forms and animals that have their roots in Greco-Roman mythology and ancient beliefs. Hence, each sculpture - made from materials as diverse as wood, wire, plastic, fabric as well as wigs, glass eyes and synthetic fur - have names as exotic as Andromeda, Auriga, Bootes, Cannes Venatici, Cassiopiea, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Leo Major, Leo Minor, Lynx, Ursa Major, and Virgo.
Puede que semejante repertorio sitúe al artista entre Ptolomeo y las analogías del Zodíaco, pero ciertamente hay que aplaudir su iniciativa. Lo que a unos se les pudiera antojar como una estampida de peluches y maniquíes sobre sus cabezas a otros les resulta una idea mágica, llena de alusiones históricas, el recorrido de la superstición humana en perspectiva, casi el punto final –aunque no deja de ser subjetivo– a tanta especulación científica densa e improbable. Las constelaciones son así, ¿por qué no?, aunque parezca un capricho. Yo prefiero quedarme con esta propuesta, la más cercana que tuve hasta ahora, tal vez la más ingeniosa.
Maybe similar repertoire to locate the artist between Ptolemy and analogies of the Zodiac, but we must certainly applaud your initiative. What is could tempt some as a stampede of stuffed animals and mannequins on their heads an idea magic, full of historical allusions, the travel of human superstition in perspective, nearly the final point - it is others although it continues to be subjective - so dense and unlikely scientific speculation. The constellations are like this, why not?, although it seems a fad. I'd rather stay with this proposal, the closest I had so far, perhaps the most ingenious.
Cuando observamos este grupo escultórico integrado por leones, osos, perros, serpientes, héroes y heroínas iluminados por diminutas bombillas en la oscuridad del aeropuerto durante la noche, tenemos la sensación de estar mirando las estrellas y uniendo los puntos, esta vez con la certeza de una forma bien definida, sin tener que poner la imaginación a volar tan lejos. Ya Nintzel ha hecho ese trabajo por nosotros, en un alarde que también persigue un fin didáctico, más allá de la excelencia técnica y su esmero estético. No perdamos de vista que la misión principal de la División de Asuntos Culturales y Bellas Artes de MIA es humanizar y enriquecer el entorno del aeropuerto a través de la comisión de obras de arte público, mediante recursos de la cultura y el medio ambiente. Esa responsabilidad descansa sobre los hombros de la Dra. Yolanda Sánchez, directora de ese departamento, cuya gestión y sensibilidad le ayudan siempre a encontrar los proyectos más finos, de mejor gusto, que convienen a la atmósfera del lugar.
When we see this sculptural group of lions, bears, dogs, snakes, heroes and heroines illuminated by tiny lights in the darkness of the airport during the night, we have the feeling of looking at the stars and connecting the dots, this time with the certainty of a well defined way, without having to stretch the imagination. Nintzel has already done that work for us, in a show that also pursues a didactic purpose, beyond of technical excellence and its aesthetic care. Do not lose sight that the Chief of the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs mission of MIA is to humanize and enrich the environment of the airport through the Committee on works of public art, by means of the culture and the environment. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of Dr. Yolanda Sánchez, Director of that Department, whose management and sensitivity help you always find the finest projects, better taste, which agree to the atmosphere of the place.
Ken Nintzel es un artista multidisciplinar que trabaja distintos medios, incluyendo teatro, instalación, performance, escultura, fotografía y video. En 2013, You Are Here fue presentada en The Cosmos por el Art and Science Collaborations’ 15th Annual International Art Science Exhibition en el New York Hall of Science. “Inspirado por mi primer vistazo a un atlas celeste y sus ilustraciones detalladas de las constelaciones en forma corporal –una colección de animales salvajes y domésticos, reptiles, insectos, criaturas del mar, aves en vuelo, objetos simbólicos y bestias mitológicas– sentí la necesidad de estar rodeado de su presencia física”, dijo Nintzel, quien nos ha regalado un pasaje para el disfrute de nuestra ingenuidad, mientras nos coloca en el centro del universo, aunque este sea de fantasía.
Ken Nintzel is a multidisciplinary artist who works in various media, including theatre, installation, performance, sculpture, photography and video. In 2013, (images from) You Are Here was filed (appeared) in The Cosmos by Art and Science Collaborations' 15th Annual International Art Science Exhibition at the New York Hall of Science. (this work was) "Inspired by my first look at a celestial atlas and its detailed illustrations of the constellations in physical form - a collection of wild and domestic animals, reptiles, insects, sea creatures, birds in flight, symbolic objects and mythological beasts - felt the need to be surrounded by their physical presence," said Nintzel, who has given us a passage for the enjoyment of our ingenuity While putting us in the center of the universe, although this is fantasy.
From 2015 October you can see in Terminal J of the Miami International Airport (MIA), the installation piece of sculptural character You Are Here, by American artist Ken Nintzel (New Jersey, 1968). The work consists of a three-dimensional re-creation of the constellations (concern and vigilance of human beings since ancient times in their struggle by Unraveling the ultraceleste space), seen now through the sensitivity of art.
Darle cuerpo a lo desconocido supone una imaginación muy fértil, aunque el artista, intrigado por el misterio del cosmos, tuvo que desandar muchos referentes antes de crear su propio Stellarium. Las constelaciones, según la astronomía básica, no son más que una agrupación convencional de estrellas, cuya posición en el cielo nocturno es aparentemente invariable. Ya sabemos que las distintas civilizaciones las han vinculado mediante trazos imaginarios, que forman siluetas, aunque abundan las versiones. Este fenómeno lo explica muy bien Salvador Dalí desde su pintura surrealista a través de lo que se conoce como “la imagen paranoica”; ese estado mental alucinante que nos hace imaginar o darle sentido a eventos que no existen o al menos no en la forma que pensamos.
To flesh out the unknown takes a very fertile imagination, although the artist, intrigued by the mystery of the cosmos, had to retrace many references before creating his own Stellarium. The constellations according to basic astronomy, are nothing more than a conventional grouping of stars, whose position in the night sky is apparently unchanged. We already know that different civilizations have linked them with imaginary lines, forming silhouettes, although there are many versions. This phenomenon explains very well Salvador Dalí from his surrealist paintings through what is known as "the paranoid image"; that amazing mental state that leads us to imagine or make sense of events that do not exist, or at least not in the way that we think.
De modo que estamos frente a un universo reescrito y bastante estilizado. Aquí la puesta en espacio es soberbia, aplastante, en tanto materializa nuestras fantasías y al mismo tiempo las supera. Nintzel ha logrado la metamorfosis estelar y su consiguiente apariencia figurativa a través de formas humanas y animales que tienen sus raíces en la mitología grecolatina y las creencias más antiguas. De ahí que cada escultura –hecha de materiales tan diversos como madera, alambre, plástico, tela así como pelucas, ojos de vidrio y pieles sintéticas– tenga nombres tan exóticos como Andrómeda, Auriga, Bootes, Cannes Benatici, Caisopiea, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Leo Major, Leo Minor, Libra, Lynx, Ursa Major y Virgo.
So we are facing a rewritten and quite stylized universe. Here the space is superb, overwhelming, as it embodies our fantasies and at the same time overcomes them. Nintzel achieved stellar metamorphosis and their consequent figurative appearance through human forms and animals that have their roots in Greco-Roman mythology and ancient beliefs. Hence, each sculpture - made from materials as diverse as wood, wire, plastic, fabric as well as wigs, glass eyes and synthetic fur - have names as exotic as Andromeda, Auriga, Bootes, Cannes Venatici, Cassiopiea, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Leo Major, Leo Minor, Lynx, Ursa Major, and Virgo.
Puede que semejante repertorio sitúe al artista entre Ptolomeo y las analogías del Zodíaco, pero ciertamente hay que aplaudir su iniciativa. Lo que a unos se les pudiera antojar como una estampida de peluches y maniquíes sobre sus cabezas a otros les resulta una idea mágica, llena de alusiones históricas, el recorrido de la superstición humana en perspectiva, casi el punto final –aunque no deja de ser subjetivo– a tanta especulación científica densa e improbable. Las constelaciones son así, ¿por qué no?, aunque parezca un capricho. Yo prefiero quedarme con esta propuesta, la más cercana que tuve hasta ahora, tal vez la más ingeniosa.
Maybe similar repertoire to locate the artist between Ptolemy and analogies of the Zodiac, but we must certainly applaud your initiative. What is could tempt some as a stampede of stuffed animals and mannequins on their heads an idea magic, full of historical allusions, the travel of human superstition in perspective, nearly the final point - it is others although it continues to be subjective - so dense and unlikely scientific speculation. The constellations are like this, why not?, although it seems a fad. I'd rather stay with this proposal, the closest I had so far, perhaps the most ingenious.
Cuando observamos este grupo escultórico integrado por leones, osos, perros, serpientes, héroes y heroínas iluminados por diminutas bombillas en la oscuridad del aeropuerto durante la noche, tenemos la sensación de estar mirando las estrellas y uniendo los puntos, esta vez con la certeza de una forma bien definida, sin tener que poner la imaginación a volar tan lejos. Ya Nintzel ha hecho ese trabajo por nosotros, en un alarde que también persigue un fin didáctico, más allá de la excelencia técnica y su esmero estético. No perdamos de vista que la misión principal de la División de Asuntos Culturales y Bellas Artes de MIA es humanizar y enriquecer el entorno del aeropuerto a través de la comisión de obras de arte público, mediante recursos de la cultura y el medio ambiente. Esa responsabilidad descansa sobre los hombros de la Dra. Yolanda Sánchez, directora de ese departamento, cuya gestión y sensibilidad le ayudan siempre a encontrar los proyectos más finos, de mejor gusto, que convienen a la atmósfera del lugar.
When we see this sculptural group of lions, bears, dogs, snakes, heroes and heroines illuminated by tiny lights in the darkness of the airport during the night, we have the feeling of looking at the stars and connecting the dots, this time with the certainty of a well defined way, without having to stretch the imagination. Nintzel has already done that work for us, in a show that also pursues a didactic purpose, beyond of technical excellence and its aesthetic care. Do not lose sight that the Chief of the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs mission of MIA is to humanize and enrich the environment of the airport through the Committee on works of public art, by means of the culture and the environment. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of Dr. Yolanda Sánchez, Director of that Department, whose management and sensitivity help you always find the finest projects, better taste, which agree to the atmosphere of the place.
Ken Nintzel es un artista multidisciplinar que trabaja distintos medios, incluyendo teatro, instalación, performance, escultura, fotografía y video. En 2013, You Are Here fue presentada en The Cosmos por el Art and Science Collaborations’ 15th Annual International Art Science Exhibition en el New York Hall of Science. “Inspirado por mi primer vistazo a un atlas celeste y sus ilustraciones detalladas de las constelaciones en forma corporal –una colección de animales salvajes y domésticos, reptiles, insectos, criaturas del mar, aves en vuelo, objetos simbólicos y bestias mitológicas– sentí la necesidad de estar rodeado de su presencia física”, dijo Nintzel, quien nos ha regalado un pasaje para el disfrute de nuestra ingenuidad, mientras nos coloca en el centro del universo, aunque este sea de fantasía.
Ken Nintzel is a multidisciplinary artist who works in various media, including theatre, installation, performance, sculpture, photography and video. In 2013, (images from) You Are Here was filed (appeared) in The Cosmos by Art and Science Collaborations' 15th Annual International Art Science Exhibition at the New York Hall of Science. (this work was) "Inspired by my first look at a celestial atlas and its detailed illustrations of the constellations in physical form - a collection of wild and domestic animals, reptiles, insects, sea creatures, birds in flight, symbolic objects and mythological beasts - felt the need to be surrounded by their physical presence," said Nintzel, who has given us a passage for the enjoyment of our ingenuity While putting us in the center of the universe, although this is fantasy.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Cassiopeia the Vain Queen
Cassiopeia the Vain Queen
from
You Are Here
"Cassiopeia was the wife of Cepheus, king of Ethiopia (see previous post) and mother of Andromeda. She was a queen of matchless beauty, and seemed to be sensible of it, for she even boasted herself fairer that Juno, the sister of Jupiter, or the Nereides, a given name to the sea nymphs.
This so provoked the ladies of the sea that they complained to Neptune of the insult, who sent a frightful monster (the constellation Cetus, the sea monster) to ravage the coast as a punishment for her insolence. In addition, Neptune demanded the a sacrifice of Cassiopeia's daughter Andromeda.
Because of the circumpolar motion of the stars, the Queen often suffers the humiliating position of standing on her head.
She was placed, as legend runs, in this cruel position in the heavens by her enemies the sea nymphs.
Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Perseus, Pegasus and Andromeda
the so-called "Royal Family" of Starland."
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
Follow the link below to view images of the making of Cassiopeia
Click on the Cassiopeia icon in the side menu
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Cepheus the King
Cepheus the King
from
You Are Here
"Cepheus is generally conceded to have been King of Ethiopia, the Euphratean "Cush," the husband of Cassiopeia, and the father of Andromeda.
Cepheus also figures as one of the Argonauts, the valiant band of heroes that sailed in the ship Argo in quest of the golden fleece, and was changed into a constellation at his death.
Cepheus and the constellations of the group with which he is generally associated are known as
"the Royal Family." They also comprise the so-called circumpolar constellations, and in these latitudes never set.
They are especially noteworthy as illustrating the ancient legend of Perseus and Andromeda, one of the best known of all the classic myths and one that has survived all ages.
It shows clearly that there was an effort made on the part of the inventor of these constellations to depict here on the imperishable scroll of heaven a drama that should survive all time.
It is as if each constellation was but an installment of a serial story."
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
Friday, December 11, 2015
Leo Major
Leo Major
the Greater Lion
from
You Are Here
You Are Here
" The figure of Leo, very much as we now have it, appears in all the Indian and Egyptian zodiacs, and of all the zodiac constellations it is probably most famous. As many authorities claim, its prominence is beyond question due to the fact that the place of the sun at the summer solstice was in this constellation at the time that the star groups were designed. There was thus a visible connection between the constellation Leo and the return of the sun to place of power and glory at the apex of the heavenly arch.
The connection between the sun, king of the heavenly hosts, and the lion, king of beasts, is obvious. Macrobius says:"This beast seems to derive his own nature from the luminary [the sun], being in force and heat as superior to all other animals, as the sun is to the stars." The Lion is always seen with his eyes wide open, and full of fire.
According to Greek fable, this Lion represents the formidable animal which infested the forest of Nemaea. It was slain by Hercules, his first labour, and placed by Jupiter among the stars in commemoration of the dreadful conflict.
Hercules (see blog entry December 10, 2015) is generally represented as wearing the lion's skin, and he is said to have reclined as he awatied his doom on the funeral pyre. Some aver that Hercules strangled the lion with his hands, but according to another legend he seized the lion by its jaws, and drove his heavy club down the creature's throat.
Maunder points out a curious relationship between four of the zodiacal constellations, one of which is Leo. He says: "The four most important signs of the zodiac are those in which the sun is located on the longest and shortest days, and on the two days when the days and nights are of equal length. These four signs in the days of Noah were the Bull, the Lion, the Scorpion and the Water-Pourer."
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
Follow this link to see images of the making of Leo the Lion
(like below)
Click on the Leo icon in the side menu
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Hercules
Hercules
the Strongman
from
You Are Here
"The origin of this constellation is shrouded in mystery. It was not known to the Greek astronomers by the name "Hercules" but as "Engonasi" or "Engonasin" meaning the "KneelingOne".
The Twelve labors of Hercules are supposed to have an astronomical significance, and refer to the sun's passage through the zodiacal sign. "Beginning with the summer solstice a series of coincidences will be noted which makes impressive this ancient belief. For example the first sign through which the sun passes is Leo, and Hercules' first labour was the slaying of the Nemean lion.
There is certainly a significance in the location of this figure of a giant trampling on a serpent, for he is placed head to head with the giant Ophiuchus, (not pictured) who is represented as holding a writhing serpent in his grasp. Hercules has been thought to represent the first Adam, beguiled by the serpent, and condemned to a life of toil, while Ophiuchus is supposed to be the second Adam, triumphant over the serpent.
Even in his infancy, Hercules displayed great courage and strength, for it is related that he rose in his cradle and strangled the serpents sent by Juno to distroy him.
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
kennintzel.com/youarehere/youarehere-images.html
Click on the Hercules icon in the side menu
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Bootes and Canes Venatici
Bootes the Herdsman
and Canes Venatici
the Hunting Dogs
 |
| By night "Bootes is represented by the figure of a mighty man with an uplifted hand, holding in leash two hunting dogs (Canes Venatici). He seems to be pursuing the Great Bear around the Pole, and hence Bootes is often referred to as "the Bear Driver". Bootes is also represented as a Herdsman and a Ploughman, guiding the Wain, as the Constellation Ursa Major is sometimes called. Cicero takes this view and adds that Bootes was sometimes called "Arctophylax" from two Greek words signifying "bear keeper" or "bear drive." |
 |
| By Day |
The mythology of the constellation is interesting. According to some of the Greeks it represented Icarus the father of Origone, others claim it represented Erichthonius, the inventor of the chariot. It was also said to be Arcas, the son of Zeus and the nymph Callisto (aka Ursa Major the Greater Bear). The name Bootes, according to some authorities, is derived from the Greek (Ox + to drive) Others claim that it was derived from the Greek word for clamorous, descriptive of the shouts of the driver, or call of encouragement to the hounds.
 |
| At Dusk |
This star group (Canes Venatici) is a modern one, having been formed by Hevelius in 1690, These stars are supposed to represent two hunting dogs or hounds, which, held in leash by the Bear Driver, pursue the Great Bear as it circles the Pole. The northern dog is named "Asteron", the Southern Chara. In the neck of the latter is situated the lucida of the asterism, a third magnitude star which bears the name of "Cor Caroli" or "Charles Heart"
 |
| Asteron and Chara |
 |
| Winding around the pole |
Bootes also appears as a spear or lance bearer, the shepherd's staff which he was represented as bearing having been changed into a more formidable weapon.
 |
| Pursuing the Bear |
Bootes has also been called "Atlas" from its nearness to the Pole, and because it appeared to hold up the heavens."
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
 |
| Holding up the world |
Follow this link to see images of Bootes and Canes Venatic in progress
Click on the icon of Bootes and Canes Venatici in the side menu
Monday, November 30, 2015
Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor
the Lesser Bear
 |
| Ursa Minor, Draco and Ursa Major |
"According to mythology, the Bears were transferred to heaven as a reward for hiding Zeus in Crete from his cannibal father Kronos. Ursa Minor was also identified with Arcas the son of Callisto, transported to the skies as he was about to slay his mother in the guise of a bear. The two Bears were also fabled to have nursed Zeus on Mt. Ida. Zeus, as a reward for their faithful service, changed them into nymphs and placed them among the stars.
 |
| Ursa Minor (aka The Little Dipper) |
Ursa Minor's chief claim to recognition lies in the universal observation of its lucida, the standard second magnitude star Alpha, known as the "Pole Star" or "Polaris" and to the Greeks "Phoenice"
 |
| Up shot |
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| Ursa Minor and Draco |
The mariners of the ancient and modern worlds have placed an equal faith in the guiding beams of the steadfast star. The antiquity of knowledge of this star is attested by the fact that on the Assyrian tablets we find the Pole Star mentioned. The fact that it appears fixed was perhaps the first discovery made in the stellar universe."
from Star Lore by William Tyler Olcott
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| Clockwise: Draco the Dragon, Ursa Minor, Auriga, Lynx, Ursa Major, Canes Venatici, Bootes and Hercules |
to see images of the making of Ursa Minor
including this one of the little cutie
follow the link below
click on the Ursa Minor icon in the menu
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