Book Read Free
In Book Two of Time Trance of the Gods, the past, with its mythical characters and events, is freed to influence the present and future.These stories re-iterate the power of myth created by man and explore its potential for disquieting parallels through the movement of time.In these twelve stories in Book Two of Time Trance of the Gods, the power of myth moves again through time,to manipulate man as he muddles along or takes misguided decisions."The White Shell" for instance, is inspired by the tale of Tereus, who acted as mediator for a king, married one of his sisters, then fell for one who was younger, confining his wife to slaves' quarters. Eventually both women turned into birds and escaped.In "The Catalyst" Jules' domestic drama echoes that of Cephalos, who resisted the temptation of Eos - the dawn. In retaliation she cast doubt on the fidelity of Pocris, his wife. As with Jules' wife Lise, it seems she was right Later, when hunting, Cephalos accidentally shot his wife, believing her to be a wild animal. And what of Lise?In "Monogamy" the enchantress Circe plays a bizarrely positive part in helping women defy the dictates of men, while "The Labyrinth" invests Pasiphae, the queen from Knossos and members of Egyptian royalty, with fantasy, as Pasiphae, guilt-ridden about her adultery with the bull, is convinced that only the Minotaur's death will redeem humanity. "The Second Season", set in a sterile future, echoes the tale of Demeter, whose daughter Persephone was snatched by Hades, god of the Underworld. Will Demeter be able to prevent the world withering or will the world's survival be the responsibility of man?There are vital analogies in such ancient tales that should be heeded by modern man. How sad he is destined to repeat the ruthlessness and superstitions of the past!