On Homer (Part 3): Connecting the Iliad and the Odyssey
In his book Why Homer Matters, Adam Nicolson pointed out how people seem to generally fall into two camps: those who like the Iliad, and those who like the Odyssey.…
On Homer (Part 2): What is the Iliad About?
In most stories, "what is it about?" refers to a question of the plot: what happened? In higher literature, there is -- in addition to the plot -- themes and…
On Homer (Part 1): What Makes Homer Special?
After reading Homer extensively over the past six years, in multiple translations and with the addition of a number of commentaries and analyses, I think it is time to begin…
On the Origins of Truth-Telling
In Holy Nihilism, I posited that the origins of truth-telling as a value originated in the piratical militarism of steppe-based warrior cults: The origins of true testimonialism appear to lie…
Patrokles Wasn’t Gay
And neither was Achilles. I have heard several times now someone assert that Patrokles and Achilles were not merely good friends, or cousins, as depicted in Troy (2004). It has…
Helvegen: An Analysis
Kalandra recently covered Wardruna's song "Helvegen," and damn near surpassed the original in quality. I had been planning on writing about this song for a while, but the discovery of…
Poetry and Philosophy
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all. - Oscar Wilde I started writing with the…
Diesel Chariot
Blinding chrome bars gleam like metal sunlight Shining 'tween the headlights, mirrored sky, Throws up dusty stormclouds in its passing, Roaring horses make the wagon fly, Down the sun-scorched fields…
Fire-Circle
By food and drink, the bonds we make Around the fire by the lake; Though waves exhaust and embers burn, To this circle we return; Some depart, to flee the…
The Camera and the Wrench
Everyone wants power, And this is not a sin -- The strength to lift your furniture, The speed and skill to win -- Everyone wants power, For those without aren't…