Latest news with #Heracles
Geek Girl Authority
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: WEARING THE LION
Thank you to DAW Books for sending me a copy of Wearing the Lion in exchange for an honest review. Upon his birth, the future famed hero Heracles dedicates his deeds to Hera. He's unaware, however, that she is the goddess responsible for his suffering. Eventually, Hera's rage leads her to send Furies to drive Heracles mad, resulting in the accidental murder of his own children. Desperate for answers, Heracles and his wife set out for vengeance. But instead of slaying monsters on the quests Hera assigns to mislead him, Heracles begins healing by caring for them. As Heracles gathers followers, Hera must confront her own guilt, and the consequences of the path she set him on. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out On June 17 If you read John Wiswell's debut, Someone to Build a Nest In , you'll know exactly what vibes to expect from his follow-up. Wearing the Lion is a fun, slightly over-the-top and surprisingly tender story of monsters, revenge and found family unlike any other retelling of Greek mythology you've read before. This is a story that focuses heavily on redemption and personal growth, alongside wild antics and some hilariously ridiculous dialogue. One of Wearing the Lion 's greatest strengths is the dichotomy between the two narrators. Each chapter swaps points of view between Hera and Heracles, leading to moments both comedic and powerful. Hera is a true goddess, portrayed with fury, frustration, love and cunning. Her emotional turmoil drives her, for good or for evil. Heracles, on the other hand, starts out bright-eyed, literally worshipping Hera. He remains oblivious to her hatred for him, blinded by his love and devotion for the goddess he's named after. RELATED: Book Review: Love at Second Sight Cracks begin to surface, however, after Hera's actions result in the death of his children. He doesn't know it was her fault, and so he continues praying to her. But instead of answering Heracles' prayers, Hera sends him on '12 labors' to keep him from discovering the truth. But instead of attacking them with hatred and pain, Heracles tackles each task with love and understanding. There's an innocence to Heracles that you just don't see in other Greek mythology retellings. His main goal isn't violence. Instead, he's desperate to protect and care for those around him, even from himself. It isn't just Heracles that gains a humanizing factor in Wearing the Lion . Hera is a goddess often portrayed on the sidelines of mythology, Zeus' wife and somewhat of a nag. Here, however, she's truly complicated. After yet another betrayal by Zeus, readers can easily comprehend her misplaced anger towards Heracles. While she's the goddess of families, she's exhausted by the role and the behavior of those around her. As a result, she has so much pain and rage that she can't consider the consequences of her actions. It's a truly unique depiction of a familiar figure in mythology. RELATED: 5 Retellings of Classic Stories You Need to Read If you're looking for a version of Greek mythology that's both dark and violent and endearingly sweet, check out Wearing the Lion . Wiswell brings redemption and a humanizing touch to a familiar story, changing it in ways you won't expect. Wearing the Lion is out now and available from your local independent bookstore or TW: abandonment, alcohol, blood, child death, confinement, cursing, death, excrement, fatphobia, fire/fire injury, gaslighting, grief, infidelity, injury/injury detail, panic attacks/disorders, pregnancy, suicidal thoughts, torture, violence, vomit, war 8 LGBTQ+ Books to Keep Pride Going for the Rest of 2025
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The insecurity of power
Listen to article For millennia, humankind has feared ferocious beasts, unforeseen calamities, "divine retributions", forces beyond comprehension, and natural phenomena beyond their control. Notwithstanding the powerlessness and inherent ignorance in prehistoric times, some individuals seized opportunities to emerge as leaders — such as the 'big men' or chiefs — who embodied mythical figures like Prometheus, Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, Apollo and Asclepius, selflessly pursuing their people's welfare and guiding them, however briefly and imperfectly, to safety and light. This was primarily because the legitimacy of most of them was rooted in transparency, proven abilities and a consensus built sincerely, albeit informed by limited knowledge. However, as societies became more complex and knowledgeable, so did the rules of legitimacy and the nature and scope of transactions between the rulers and the ruled. The evolution of language, which drives reason, logic and philosophy, has equipped humans with reliable tools to examine themselves and their environment, shedding light on their ignorance and gaining a deeper understanding of their surroundings. From nascent reasoning to the Socratic and dialectical methods, and from the Age of Enlightenment and the Renaissance to the dawn of the scientific method, all helped liberate humankind from threats - real or perceived - posed by nature and from fears rooted in nature's apparent meaninglessness or the metaphorical tabula rasa of human cognition. These developments, which have dispelled the fog of ignorance and introduced humanity to greater knowledge, ethical understanding and political education, should ideally have fostered greater transparency in statesmanship and collective affairs, promoting an informed collective will and legitimacy in statecraft. However, greater knowledge has fostered enlightened deceit and hypocrisy, which perpetuate carefully controlled ignorance or empower influential figures with vested interests in society, thus fostering opacity and undermining legitimacy in modern statecraft and statesmanship. This manifests, among other ways, in the rising authoritarianism and securitisation of democracies worldwide. Under the guise of the people's will, totalitarian and Orwellian tendencies are being fostered by the very institutions and leaders tasked with upholding democratic values. Consequently, hard power and brute force supplant the collective public will, imposing self-serving policies that disregard the interests of the people. Although marked by authoritarianism and disdain for the people's will, such regimes rarely abandon democratic forms entirely for three reasons: First, a democratic façade shields them from international sanctions. Second, it legitimises their authority under the pretense of democracy. Third, it sustains false hope among the populace, thereby deterring rebellion against those in power. This is because, unless informed, transparent and popular, those in power - whether individuals or institutions — tend to channel most of their resources and energy into masking their insecurities, sustaining their authority, and guarding their misdeeds against potential retribution. In other words, power obtained through questionable means or brute force both stems from and reveals underlying insecurities, driving all efforts to maintain it. This underlying insecurity of power ultimately and inevitably succumbs to the weights of its follies, corruption and abuse. Had it not been so, all the states that our status quo gets inspiration from would not have been consigned to the dustbin of history. Thus, rather than being lasting and self-sustaining, the autocratisation of democracy is both a cause and a manifestation of insecurity, fear of losing control, and potential retribution for wrongdoings. In other words, authoritarian power reflects the hidden insecurities of vested interests, ill-gotten resources, and fear of retribution for past transgressions. Like dogs or snakes that strike when threatened, authoritarian power escalates aggression toward its people as its insecurities deepen. These insecurities drive further aggression and unlawful acts, ultimately leading the regime to collapse under the burden of its errors, delusions and misdeeds.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eredivisie End of Season Review: Heracles Almelo
Finish position: 14th Overview: Heracles matched their 2023/2024 season with another 14th place finish in the Eredivisie. The side had been pushing for play-off positions prior to their relegation in 2022, and perhaps they are now setting themselves up as a side that could do the same next season. This year they finished with more points than last year and were closer to a top nine placing. However, with the likes of RKC Waalwijk and Almere City going down, two of the weaker sides in the league are now gone, so they will have to be careful that they do not succumb to another relegation battle next season. Head coach Erwin van de Looi has kept them up twice but is leaving the club this summer. Advertisement Player of the season: Brian de Keersmaecker 25-year-old Belgian midfielder Brian de Keersmaecker was a standout performer for the side and was their official player of the season. In 31 games he scored fie goals and provided three assists. At the other end, his ability to protect the defence and win the ball back for the side was evident, as he was involved in more successful defensive actions than 82% of players in his position across the league (according to FotMob data). Young player of the season: Mimeirhel Benita On loan from Feyenoord, Benita had a more enjoyable season than last year when relegated with Excelsior. The full-back played 32 games for the side and provided one assist. However, he was decent defensively, with the 21-year-old completing more defensive actions than 94% of his fellow Eredivisie right-backs, while also winning more aerial duals than 77% of his league compatriots. Advertisement Summer needs: The side have already made one signing, with Tristan van Gilst coming in on a free from De Graafschap. They will have to be active again this summer with a number of loanees returning to their parent clubs. Strengthening at the back could also be a viable option, with Heracles having conceded 63 goals in 34 games, only one less than bottom of the table Almere City. It gave them the third worst defensive record in the league. Grade: B GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Milky Way galaxy to illuminate summer Kentucky skies
KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — The 'Silver River' is set to brightly flow across the Kentucky night sky, with peak conditions in place on Monday, May 26. According to Discover Magazine, the Milky Way Galaxy, aka the 'Backbone of Night,' according to the American Museum of Natural History, becomes more visible on Earth as summer approaches. Earth's galaxy gets its name from a Greek myth that states that the goddess Hera sprayed milk across the sky while nursing Heracles, the son of Zeus. (too TMI?) Two dead in Ashland house fire Milky Way galaxy to illuminate summer Kentucky skies Kentucky Lt. Gov. Coleman surveys Laurel County damage Discover Magazine noted that the moon is currently in a waning period and will enter the New Moon phase on Monday. When the moon isn't shining bright on the ground below, spectacles like the Milky Way are more vivid in the night sky. The rest of May isn't the only window to view the galactic river. Discover Magazine said the galaxy will show up clearly in the night sky into the fall, but only to those who can escape light pollution enough to clearly see the heavens. Travel to high altitudes away from the surrounding light and face south for the best chances to view the Milky Way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Potential Alexander-Arnold SUCCESSOR speaks out on Liverpool links
Givairo Read on Liverpool radar Read began this season as Feyenoord's fourth-choice right-back but owing to injuries and a transfer for Lutsharel Geertruida he has had to step up to the plate under Robin van Persie. Advertisement The young Dutchman has done so with aplomb, providing seven assists and a goal in 23 Eredivisie appearances. Read has also played in the Champions League, demonstrating his capabilities of playing at the highest level. Feyenoord saw fit to trigger a one-year option in Read's contract - extending his current terms to 2029. Liverpool said to be in the mix for his signature. 'It's nice to hear' - Read on Liverpool interest Following the weekend win over Heracles - with Read grabbing an assist in a 4-1 win - the question was put to Read about Liverpool's potential interest. 'That's a good sign," he told ESPN.
