Latest news with #Minotaur
Jordan News
8 hours ago
- Jordan News
Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday - Jordan News
اضافة اعلان Do you want a different vacation, a journey that goes beyond shopping and relaxation, and takes you to the depths of history, during which you can live moments of true magic? UNESCO recently unveiled the addition of a new collection of unique cultural sites to its World Heritage List, priceless places that store stories of glory, legends, and civilizations that continue to fascinate the world. From the banks of the Seine River in France to the mysterious forests of Jamaica, from the industrial landmarks of Germany to the legendary temples of Cambodia, here are five magical sites that are worth your next trip, because they are unforgettable human experiences, beyond being ordinary tourist destinations. The palaces of King Ludwig II in Bavaria. Germany: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday If you think German architecture is dry and rigid, the palaces of King Ludwig II will completely change your outlook. The most famous of these is the Neuschwanstein Palace, which resembles fairy tale palaces. Built in the 19th century, the palace reflects the king's lavish taste and love of mythology and opera. The three palaces built by the king: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Hernkemsee, are now World Heritage sites. These palaces are a mixture of history, art, and royal drama, all set amidst stunning Bavarian landscapes, adding to the charm of the experience, and these magnificent buildings attract millions of people, so if you are an architecture lover interested in history and romantics, you are sure to spend a wonderful holiday in Bavaria in these three fictional palaces. The sites of the Minoan civilization in Crete. Greece: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Who would have imagined that the myth of the labyrinth and the monster "Minotaur" had real roots? At the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, traces of the oldest advanced civilization in Europe (Minoan or Minoan) can be seen. Five other archaeological sites, such as Zagros and Malia, received global recognition from UNESCO this year. The maze is worth a visit because it tells the story of a thriving civilization thousands of years ago, master's in architecture and art, and had commercial contact with the cultures of the Mediterranean basin. Minoan art and culture are characterized by a clear love of nature, movement, and bright colors, which is clearly evident in the murals, pottery, and sculptures they are left behind. If you are a fan of murals that tell scenes from everyday life, religious rituals, and landscapes, and you are a fan of a sophisticated artistic sense, you will have an enjoyable journey with the heritage of the Minoan civilization. The huge stones of Karnak. France: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Carnac stones in Brittany are among the largest stone formations in Europe. More than 3,000 carved rocks, meticulously placed in place some 5,000 years ago. So why is it worth a visit? It offers a glimpse into a mysterious and well-organized civilization, showing how ancient humans understood nature, stars and terrestrial energy, amidst stunning French rural landscapes. Execution fields. Cambodia: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Not every human heritage is beautiful, some document painful chapters of human history. UNESCO has listed sites linked to the Khmer Rouge genocide, such as Tul Sleng Prison and the Choyeong-eek execution site, as a World Heritage Site as a testament to crimes committed against the Cambodian people during the seventies. Why is this visit worth it? Because remembering tragedies is a human and moral imperative. Visiting these sites reminds us of the importance of peace and the need to preserve human dignity. «Port Royal» Jamaica. A city swallowed by the sea: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Port Royal was one of the most corrupt and decaying cities in the world during the 17th century, until an earthquake in 1692 submerged large parts of it under water. Today, what remains of the city, above and below sea level, is part of the UNESCO list. Why is it worth visiting? It gives you a vivid glimpse into early colonial life, piracy, and maritime trade in the Caribbean, all set in a breathtaking tropical setting. Zahrat Al Khaleej - Jordan
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘A novel to be swept away by': Lucy Steeds wins Waterstones debut fiction prize for The Artist
Lucy Steeds has won the 2025 Waterstones debut fiction prize for her novel The Artist, which has been praised for its 'atmospheric, sensory prose.' Set in an artist's household in 1920s Provence, the novel follows aspiring English journalist Joseph Adelaide, reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe and his niece Ettie, who has her own hidden artistic ambitions. 'With lavish, luxurious description, Steeds evokes the sensory environment: the smell of hot earth, the sound of crickets, sunlight on soft yellow stones, 'a constellation of fireflies … spreading and regrouping like a net of stars,'' wrote Christobel Kent in a Guardian review of the novel. 'Her characterisation too is vivid and sure-footed: the anguished Joseph, the fiercely determined Ettie, and at the centre of his shadowy lair, the great tortured brute Tata – half Cyclops, half Minotaur – each of them groping towards artistic expression.' Steeds will receive £5,000 and a 'promise of ongoing commitment' to her writing career. The Artist was selected from a shortlist of six books which also featured Confessions by Catherine Airey, Saraswati by Gurnaik Johal, Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin, Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter, and When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén. The winner was chosen by a panel of booksellers informed by votes and feedback from more than 650 booksellers from Waterstones shops. Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones, said Steeds' novel 'stood out for its atmospheric, sensory prose, and its headily evocative sense of time and place. 'This is a gorgeously claustrophobic novel to be fully swept away by: The Artist has something for readers of all tastes and heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice. We can't wait to see what Lucy Steeds does next.' Steeds, who is originally from north London, began writing the novel while living in France. Commenting on the inspiration behind the novel, she said she was 'fascinated by the concept of art monsters. These tyrannical figures who act abominably to the people around them in order to create great art. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion 'I was less interested in the art we've gained from these monsters, and more interested in the art we've lost. What could have been created if these tyrants weren't crushing everyone around them?' Waterstones launched the prize in 2022, celebrating the best work of debut fiction written in any form. Previous winners of the prize include Alice Winn and Ferdia Lennon, who won last year for his novel Glorious Exploits, which went on to win the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize and The Authors' Club 2025 best first novel award.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Unleashing Aotearoa's Monster: NZ Opera's Groundbreaking Premiere Of The Monster In The Maze
New Zealand Opera is proud to announce details around the highly anticipated Australasian premiere of the powerful community opera, The Monster in the Maze. Written by acclaimed British composer Jonathan Dove (Mansfield Park, Flight, Marx in London) with libretto by Alasdair Middleton, The Monster in the Maze is a unique community opera that earned a British Composer Award in 2016. Celebrated as one of the most successful contemporary operas of its kind globally, it was originally commissioned by prestigious institutions the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Festival d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence. Since its premiere in 2015, the opera has garnered widespread acclaim and has been performed to great success around the world, in multiple languages. Led by the creative powerhouse duo of Director Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Tīnā, Red White and Brass, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt) and Creative Producer Stacey Leilua (The Savage Coloniser Show, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, Young Rock), NZ Opera's The Monster in the Maze will be performed in English across Aotearoa New Zealand this September, offering a profound exploration of identity and cultural resonance. The production brings together professional singers, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia and the Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus with large numbers of amateur, youth, and children's choirs and musicians, in a groundbreaking operatic collaboration with communities in each location. The production marks the significant NZ Opera directorial debut for Anapela Polata'ivao. Reflecting on what drew her to The Monster in the Maze she explains: 'What attracted me was the community aspect. This is an incredible opportunity for our local choirs and community members to participate in a high-level, professional performance. This collaborative involvement not only enriches the storytelling but also fosters a sense of connection to the production's cultural themes and to each other, making it an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants and audiences.' The Monster in the Maze opera reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, exploring themes such as resistance, justice, and the power of collectivism in a dramatic, Hunger Games-style, one-hour opera. The narrative follows the aftermath of King Minos's victory over the Athenians, as he demands their youth as tribute to be fed to the terrifying Minotaur beast at the heart of his maze. Despite this, the tyrannical king soon discovers these youth are far from passive. Crucially, this new production pays homage to the rich Pasifika heritage that profoundly shapes New Zealand's cultural tapestry, highlighting themes of displacement and resilience. The Athenian youth's journey from a warmer homeland to the cold, unforgiving land of Crete powerfully echoes the migration experiences of many Pacific peoples. In this Aotearoa-specific interpretation, Athens symbolises the warmth and familiarity of the islands, while Crete metaphorically becomes contemporary urban New Zealand, embodying the challenges and opportunities of arriving in a new land. An exceptional, all-New Zealand cast star in the principal roles. Acclaimed UK-based mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle (Andrea Chénier, Semele, La Cenerentola) brings her powerful presence to the role of Mother. Popular baritone and 2018 Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa (La Traviata, Mansfield Park, Rigoletto) steps into the role of maze architect Daedalus. Rising operatic talent Ipu Laga'aia, recently named NZ Opera Freemasons Foundation Company Artist for 2025, makes his professional operatic role debut as the hero Theseus. Completing the principal cast, versatile entertainer and actor Maaka Pohatu (Ngai Tāmanihiri, Tūwharetoa), known for The Modern Māori Quartet and screen roles in Happiness, Far North, and Wellington Paranormal, makes his NZ Opera debut as the vindictive King Minos. Joining Anapela Polata'ivao and Stacey Leilua in the creative team, conductor Brad Cohen leads the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, and Brent Stewart conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland respectively. The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus, child, youth and adult community performers join the production in each city. A highly innovative set, costume, and lighting design by Filament Eleven 11 (Rachel Marlow and Brad Gledhill) vividly transforms the worlds of Athens and Crete into a compelling contemporary setting. The design skillfully weaves local narratives into the production elements, showcasing Aotearoa's unique identity and its ongoing dialogue between traditional heritage and contemporary realities. The Monster in the Maze begins its national tour in Christchurch at the start of September, before travelling to Wellington and Auckland for strictly limited seasons.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Unleashing Aotearoa's Monster: NZ Opera's Groundbreaking Premiere Of The Monster In The Maze
New Zealand Opera is proud to announce details around the highly anticipated Australasian premiere of the powerful community opera, The Monster in the Maze. Written by acclaimed British composer Jonathan Dove (Mansfield Park, Flight, Marx in London) with libretto by Alasdair Middleton, The Monster in the Maze is a unique community opera that earned a British Composer Award in 2016. Celebrated as one of the most successful contemporary operas of its kind globally, it was originally commissioned by prestigious institutions the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Festival d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence. Since its premiere in 2015, the opera has garnered widespread acclaim and has been performed to great success around the world, in multiple languages. Led by the creative powerhouse duo of Director Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Tīnā, Red White and Brass, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt) and Creative Producer Stacey Leilua (The Savage Coloniser Show, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, Young Rock), NZ Opera's The Monster in the Maze will be performed in English across Aotearoa New Zealand this September, offering a profound exploration of identity and cultural resonance. The production brings together professional singers, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia and the Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus with large numbers of amateur, youth, and children's choirs and musicians, in a groundbreaking operatic collaboration with communities in each location. The production marks the significant NZ Opera directorial debut for Anapela Polata'ivao. Reflecting on what drew her to The Monster in the Maze she explains: 'What attracted me was the community aspect. This is an incredible opportunity for our local choirs and community members to participate in a high-level, professional performance. This collaborative involvement not only enriches the storytelling but also fosters a sense of connection to the production's cultural themes and to each other, making it an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants and audiences.' The Monster in the Maze opera reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, exploring themes such as resistance, justice, and the power of collectivism in a dramatic, Hunger Games-style, one-hour opera. The narrative follows the aftermath of King Minos's victory over the Athenians, as he demands their youth as tribute to be fed to the terrifying Minotaur beast at the heart of his maze. Despite this, the tyrannical king soon discovers these youth are far from passive. Crucially, this new production pays homage to the rich Pasifika heritage that profoundly shapes New Zealand's cultural tapestry, highlighting themes of displacement and resilience. The Athenian youth's journey from a warmer homeland to the cold, unforgiving land of Crete powerfully echoes the migration experiences of many Pacific peoples. In this Aotearoa-specific interpretation, Athens symbolises the warmth and familiarity of the islands, while Crete metaphorically becomes contemporary urban New Zealand, embodying the challenges and opportunities of arriving in a new land. An exceptional, all-New Zealand cast star in the principal roles. Acclaimed UK-based mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle (Andrea Chénier, Semele, La Cenerentola) brings her powerful presence to the role of Mother. Popular baritone and 2018 Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa (La Traviata, Mansfield Park, Rigoletto) steps into the role of maze architect Daedalus. Rising operatic talent Ipu Laga'aia, recently named NZ Opera Freemasons Foundation Company Artist for 2025, makes his professional operatic role debut as the hero Theseus. Completing the principal cast, versatile entertainer and actor Maaka Pohatu (Ngai Tāmanihiri, Tūwharetoa), known for The Modern Māori Quartet and screen roles in Happiness, Far North, and Wellington Paranormal, makes his NZ Opera debut as the vindictive King Minos. Joining Anapela Polata'ivao and Stacey Leilua in the creative team, conductor Brad Cohen leads the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, and Brent Stewart conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland respectively. The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus, child, youth and adult community performers join the production in each city. A highly innovative set, costume, and lighting design by Filament Eleven 11 (Rachel Marlow and Brad Gledhill) vividly transforms the worlds of Athens and Crete into a compelling contemporary setting. The design skillfully weaves local narratives into the production elements, showcasing Aotearoa's unique identity and its ongoing dialogue between traditional heritage and contemporary realities. The Monster in the Maze begins its national tour in Christchurch at the start of September, before travelling to Wellington and Auckland for strictly limited seasons.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Which Mythical Creature Represents You, Based on Zodiac Sign
Which Mythical Creature Represents You, Based on Zodiac Sign originally appeared on Parade. For centuries, mythical creatures have captivated our imaginations through enchanting tales woven into the fabric of folklore and legend. From fire-breathing dragons to ethereal fairies, these extraordinary beings have sparked wonder and intrigue across cultures. Much like astrology, which reveals the intricacies of our personalities and destinies, each zodiac sign embodies the unique essence and characteristics of a legendary creature. These celestial symbols invite us to explore the vibrant connections between our lives and the rich tapestry of myth that has shaped human storytelling throughout history. Check for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. Fiery and fearless, Aries mirrors the spirit of the Phoenix—a mythical bird that burns, falls, and rises stronger each time. Aries has that same spark. When life knocks them down, they don't stay there long. They charge forward with renewed energy, turning obstacles into fuel for their next bold beginning. The Minotaur, represented as part man and part bull, imbues grounded power that mirrors Taurus to a tee. Known for its strength and stubborn resilience, this mythical creature captures the quiet determination Taurus is famous for. With their steady loyalty and unshakable presence, Taurus folks reflect the same enduring force the Minotaur is known for in legend. The image of a two-headed serpent perfectly captures Gemini's quick-thinking and endlessly curious personality. Because they have two minds working in tandem, this creature reflects Geminis' gift for seeing all sides and navigating life with mental agility and charm. With their deep emotional pull, Cancers are like the Sirens of legend—mystical beings whose songs stir the soul. Nurturing yet protective, Cancer can draw you close with warmth and intuition while guarding your heart with quiet strength. READ: 4 Signs You Have a Powerful, Red Aura, Per Experts Leo and the Lion go hand in hand. Proud, radiant, and bold, Leo rules their world with a mix of heart and power. Like the Lion intertwined in mythology from the ancient Greeks, they protect what they love and command attention with a natural, regal confidence. Because of their intelligence and thoughtful nature, Virgo personifies the mystery of the Sphinx. Known for riddles and wisdom, this mythical guardian represents Virgo's love of logic, precision, and the search for truth hidden beneath the surface. The graceful and idealistic Libra finds its match in the Unicorn, a creature of harmony, beauty, and purity. Libras long for peace in their surroundings and relationships and always strive to create a balanced and fair world. MORE: Born on the 1st? You Have These 4 Core Traits, Per Numerology Scorpio shares their soul with the dragon—powerful, private, and deeply intense. Dragons protect ancient treasures and hold ancient wisdom, just as Scorpios guard their truth and embrace personal transformation. Sagittarius is the free-spirited explorer of the zodiac. Like the Centaur (half-human, half-horse), Sagittarians always chase knowledge and adventure. They are never content with staying still; they would much rather travel the globe or expand their minds. NEXT: 3 Most Compassionate Birth Months, According to Astrologers Capricorn replicates the noble Griffin, known for courage, wisdom, and duty. With a lion's body and an eagle's wings, the Griffin symbolizes Capricorn's ability to aim high while staying firmly rooted in reality and responsibility. Because of their love for innovation and all things unusual, Aquarians vibe with the Mermaid, being both otherworldly and imaginative. Mermaids live between two worlds like Aquarians live between the now and the next big idea. Pisces belongs to the realm of Faeries, which are dreamy, magical, and full of heart. These beings blur the line between the real and the mystical, and Pisces weaves intuition, emotion, and creativity into everything they touch. Which Mythical Creature Represents You, Based on Zodiac Sign first appeared on Parade on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
