Death needs time for what it kills to grow in.*
With thanks to the Doubtful Egg who posted this on Master Flann's birthday which is probably why I'd have felt reminded of Sweeney when the Pook appeared sitting in the tree.
Note:
Similarities to persons living or dead is purely incidental.
Those feeling offended are meant. :)
Thanks for the mention, Sean! But I must point out the following (which I left as a comment on my own blog):
ReplyDeleteThis is a astonishing example of serendipity in action: I genuinely didn't realise it was the great man's birthday when I posted this! I think both O'Brien and Burroughs would have got a real kick out of that...
It's also interesting that both Celtic culture and Mayan culture have a supernatural figure with such a similar name (although the Mayan 'Ah Puch', a Death God, is a more fearsome and malevolent spirit than the Irish Pooka).
To start with the fourth line: Serendipity is certainly a gem within the realm of the letters. You are very welcome, D.E.. :)
ReplyDeleteFor sure, in the very case that O'Brien met Burrough it would be nice to be a fly at the wall.
As for 'Ah Puch', I can't remember that I stumbled upon this name, before. Amazing, indeed, this similarity.
And yes, the Maya culture did obviously not lack of cruelty. Would be interesting to talk to an 'enlightened' intellectual contemporary of this period. :)
And now - although I do mostly try not to bore my esteemed readers with literature: Did you ever read 'Chac Mool' by Carlos Fuentes and / or 'The Aleph' by Borges?
I've read the latter, not the former. I've always been a fan of Borges' work, although it's a long time since I've read them. After I've finished working today, I really must dig out my copy of Labyrinths and reread it!
ReplyDeleteD.E.,
ReplyDeletevoilà, here's 'Chac Mool'. :)
As for Borges: when once in the past millennium being young, I found him slightly boring. Only four, five years ago, I had obviously become old enough to appreciate his work, and enjoy roaming through his mazy universe.
Thanks for the link. I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDelete