Allusions of Greek Mythology
希臘神話典故
31. Procrustean bed: produce conformity to a standard by violent or arbitrary means
In fact short-term therapy may be the best thing. Our dedication ought to be to what the person needs or can deal with, rather than pressing him into a procrustean bed.
32. Cornucopia: an inexhaustible reserve; a symbol of abundance
We live in the dreams of inexhaustible resources, the dream of the public treasury as a cornucopia from which all good things follow.
33. Sow the dragon's teeth: incite a conflict or riot; plant the seeds of strife; kindle the flames of war
All in all, in the name of security needs, the United States sows the dragon's teeth by selling arms.
34. Prometheus Bound: a power or force which is curbed or restricted
cf: Prometheus Unbound: a sweeping or surging power
Businessmen complain that the leaden hand of government undermines the freedom and incentives that make capitalism so productive. Managers see themselves as Prometheus Bound, unable to launch a new product or finance research into a tempting field without completing a fat book of federal forms and paying exorbitant and needless expenses.
Gorbachev & Company are discovering two flaws in the dual panacea: glasnost unleashed, like Prometheus Unbound, can ignite a holocaust and the shift from a planned economy to a market economy may work only if the central government is willing to loose its stranglehold on commerce.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Greek Allusions-3 神話典故
Allusions of Greek Mythology
希臘神話典故
21. Cross the Rubicon: a decision with no turning back; commit oneself to an irrevocable decision; choose a course of action that can not be changed or reversed
President Botha said, "I believe that we are today crossing the Rubicon. There is no turning back.
22. Cassandra: one who predicts and foretells misfortune and disaster
The Democrats' Cassandra strategy could fall on deaf ears or even backfire.
23. Nemesis: retribution; just punishment for evil deeds or wrongdoing; a formidable rival; an implacable enemy
To the terrorists, Israel and America are the principal nemesis, but West Europe is the usual battleground.
24. Titan: a person or thing of enormous power or size; big and strong force
A reunion of technological titans-GE and RCA-will form a power house in defense, electronics and broadcasting.
25. Halcyon days: peaceful and calm period; happy and serene time
European yearning for the halcyon days of detente is understandable.
26. Mentor: a wise teacher or tutor, a trusted adviser or counselor
According to foreign political analysts, Burma is dangerously close to political chaos. It maybe too late for its new leader Sein Lwin to end the repression and mismanagement of Burma over a generation by his mentor Ne Win.
27. Adonis: a beautiful youth; an exceptionally handsome man
The myth of Robert Redford as the all-American Adonis locked into place with The Way We Were, in retrospect, the most indelible love story of the '70s.
28. Protean: ability to act different roles; extremely changeable; exceedingly variable; capable of displaying great diversity
With his protean talent as a brilliant composer, a first-rate pianist, and an intuitive conductor, the public had high expectation of Bernstein.
29. Olympian: majestic; imposing; exalted
The sad tale was laid out from beginning to end in Olympian and judicious language.
30. Delphic oracle: ambiguous or obscure statement; vague or equivocal answer
Newspapers all over the world hunt up some well-known mystic sooth-sayers, crystal-ball seers, Delphic oracles, and other clairvoyants, printing their most sensational predications.
希臘神話典故
21. Cross the Rubicon: a decision with no turning back; commit oneself to an irrevocable decision; choose a course of action that can not be changed or reversed
President Botha said, "I believe that we are today crossing the Rubicon. There is no turning back.
22. Cassandra: one who predicts and foretells misfortune and disaster
The Democrats' Cassandra strategy could fall on deaf ears or even backfire.
23. Nemesis: retribution; just punishment for evil deeds or wrongdoing; a formidable rival; an implacable enemy
To the terrorists, Israel and America are the principal nemesis, but West Europe is the usual battleground.
24. Titan: a person or thing of enormous power or size; big and strong force
A reunion of technological titans-GE and RCA-will form a power house in defense, electronics and broadcasting.
25. Halcyon days: peaceful and calm period; happy and serene time
European yearning for the halcyon days of detente is understandable.
26. Mentor: a wise teacher or tutor, a trusted adviser or counselor
According to foreign political analysts, Burma is dangerously close to political chaos. It maybe too late for its new leader Sein Lwin to end the repression and mismanagement of Burma over a generation by his mentor Ne Win.
27. Adonis: a beautiful youth; an exceptionally handsome man
The myth of Robert Redford as the all-American Adonis locked into place with The Way We Were, in retrospect, the most indelible love story of the '70s.
28. Protean: ability to act different roles; extremely changeable; exceedingly variable; capable of displaying great diversity
With his protean talent as a brilliant composer, a first-rate pianist, and an intuitive conductor, the public had high expectation of Bernstein.
29. Olympian: majestic; imposing; exalted
The sad tale was laid out from beginning to end in Olympian and judicious language.
30. Delphic oracle: ambiguous or obscure statement; vague or equivocal answer
Newspapers all over the world hunt up some well-known mystic sooth-sayers, crystal-ball seers, Delphic oracles, and other clairvoyants, printing their most sensational predications.
Greek Allusion-2 神話典故
Allusions of Greek Mythology-2
希臘神話典故
11. Between Scylla and Charybdis: between two destructive actions; between two equally dangerous alternatives
President Reagan will have to chart a hairbreadth course between the Scylla and Charybdis of either a no-growth military budget or a tax increase.
12. Circe: a charming and enchanting woman; an attractive and coquettish woman
Madonna, this modern Circe, is not just a simple sexual defiance but a symphony of rebellions.
13. Narcissism: egocentrism, self-interest, self-centered, great love for one's own self
Has the American work ethic really expired? Is some old native eagerness to level wildness and dig and build and invent now collapsing toward a decadence of narcissism?
14. Sisyphean labor/task/struggle: never-ending or fruitless work; continual and ineffective effort
Red China is waging a Sisyphean struggle to keep the vices of capitalism from infiltrating the country.
15. Sword of Damocles: insecurity and uncertainty; impending disaster; constantly threatening danger
Although the sword of Damocles has been lifted for a few more days, there are few in Fleet Street who regard The Times' future as rosy.
16. Oedipus complex: any unhealthy attachment of a boy to his mother; libidinal feelings of a boy for his mother, accompanied by hostility to his father; strong love of a boy for his mother combined with hatred or jealousy of his father
For a frightening number of teenagers, murdering their parents seems to be a solution to problems of the Oedipus complex.
17. Pyrrhic victory: a victory gained at too great a cost; a victory won at excessive cost; a costly victory
Labor won the Israeli elections. But it may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory.
18. Midas touch: great money-making ability; make money from every enterprise; great wealth
In the U.S., the Tengleman Group, West Germany's largest grocery chain, found its Midas touch turned into lead.
19. Tantalizing: to arouse desire or interest; teasingly provocative
The tantalizing prospect of far-reaching reforms would change Poland's political landscape, with incalculable repercussion elsewhere in the Soviet dominions.
20. Cut the Gordian knot: to solve great difficulty or an extremely complicated problem or situation by direct and bold action; to act quickly and decisively
Reagan and congress should cut the Gordian knot of budget deficit through mutual search for acceptable formula.
希臘神話典故
11. Between Scylla and Charybdis: between two destructive actions; between two equally dangerous alternatives
President Reagan will have to chart a hairbreadth course between the Scylla and Charybdis of either a no-growth military budget or a tax increase.
12. Circe: a charming and enchanting woman; an attractive and coquettish woman
Madonna, this modern Circe, is not just a simple sexual defiance but a symphony of rebellions.
13. Narcissism: egocentrism, self-interest, self-centered, great love for one's own self
Has the American work ethic really expired? Is some old native eagerness to level wildness and dig and build and invent now collapsing toward a decadence of narcissism?
14. Sisyphean labor/task/struggle: never-ending or fruitless work; continual and ineffective effort
Red China is waging a Sisyphean struggle to keep the vices of capitalism from infiltrating the country.
15. Sword of Damocles: insecurity and uncertainty; impending disaster; constantly threatening danger
Although the sword of Damocles has been lifted for a few more days, there are few in Fleet Street who regard The Times' future as rosy.
16. Oedipus complex: any unhealthy attachment of a boy to his mother; libidinal feelings of a boy for his mother, accompanied by hostility to his father; strong love of a boy for his mother combined with hatred or jealousy of his father
For a frightening number of teenagers, murdering their parents seems to be a solution to problems of the Oedipus complex.
17. Pyrrhic victory: a victory gained at too great a cost; a victory won at excessive cost; a costly victory
Labor won the Israeli elections. But it may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory.
18. Midas touch: great money-making ability; make money from every enterprise; great wealth
In the U.S., the Tengleman Group, West Germany's largest grocery chain, found its Midas touch turned into lead.
19. Tantalizing: to arouse desire or interest; teasingly provocative
The tantalizing prospect of far-reaching reforms would change Poland's political landscape, with incalculable repercussion elsewhere in the Soviet dominions.
20. Cut the Gordian knot: to solve great difficulty or an extremely complicated problem or situation by direct and bold action; to act quickly and decisively
Reagan and congress should cut the Gordian knot of budget deficit through mutual search for acceptable formula.
Greek Allusions-1 神話典故
Allusions of Greek Mythology
希臘神話典故
1. Pandora's box: a source of evils; a host of troubles
The U.S. government is inhibited by fear that retaliatory operations abroad could open a Pandora's box of terrorism in America.
2. Herculean task/labor: an extremely difficult job
While tackling the Herculean task, capitalism must demonstrate anew the daring and flexibility that were once its hallmark.
3. Hydra: a persistent evil or complicated problem that is not easily overcome
cf: Hydra-headed: having many heads, centers or branches
The situation in Africa is like the multi-headed Hydra. As soon as we get one crisis under control, another pops up.
The hydra-headed monster of the Carter-Mondale administration will fade from view and lose its political usefulness.
4. Clean up the Augean stables: to take drastic reform; to rid of corrupt practice
After the scandal of Taipei Tenth Credit Cooperative, the government authorities should clean up the Augean stables in banking and financial communities.
5. Achilles' heel: a weak point or a vulnerable spot
The record of waste and mismanagement is seen by some lawmakers as the Pentagon's Achilles' heel.
6. Hector: threaten; bluster; intimidate; bully
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has mastered and now loves the intellectual savagery of off-the-cuff debate in Parliament. She is inclined to hector and lecture rather than persuade.
7. Trojan horse: trick; treachery; deception; an enemy or a subversive group within a country
Budget Director David Stockman was howled out by the President for calling Reaganomics nothing more than a Trojan horse for tax relief to the rich.
8. Odyssey: a long journey; a long wandering; an adventurous voyage
Why did Moses take his flock on an arid, roundabout 40-year, instead of heading directly along the Mediterranean coast to the Promised Land?
9. Lotus Island: a place of dreams and idleness
cf: lotus eater: one who enjoys a dreamy and indolent life or who lives in idle contentment
Australia is a lotus island, where leisure is the universal religion, and work is a detestable heresy.
Sanjay Gandhi's goal was to get away from India's lotus eater approach to politics and to bridge gap between the oxcart and the jet age.
10. Siren song: sweet and charming voice; enticing and bewitching song
Around the world, the siren song of socialism appears to be losing its lure.
希臘神話典故
1. Pandora's box: a source of evils; a host of troubles
The U.S. government is inhibited by fear that retaliatory operations abroad could open a Pandora's box of terrorism in America.
2. Herculean task/labor: an extremely difficult job
While tackling the Herculean task, capitalism must demonstrate anew the daring and flexibility that were once its hallmark.
3. Hydra: a persistent evil or complicated problem that is not easily overcome
cf: Hydra-headed: having many heads, centers or branches
The situation in Africa is like the multi-headed Hydra. As soon as we get one crisis under control, another pops up.
The hydra-headed monster of the Carter-Mondale administration will fade from view and lose its political usefulness.
4. Clean up the Augean stables: to take drastic reform; to rid of corrupt practice
After the scandal of Taipei Tenth Credit Cooperative, the government authorities should clean up the Augean stables in banking and financial communities.
5. Achilles' heel: a weak point or a vulnerable spot
The record of waste and mismanagement is seen by some lawmakers as the Pentagon's Achilles' heel.
6. Hector: threaten; bluster; intimidate; bully
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has mastered and now loves the intellectual savagery of off-the-cuff debate in Parliament. She is inclined to hector and lecture rather than persuade.
7. Trojan horse: trick; treachery; deception; an enemy or a subversive group within a country
Budget Director David Stockman was howled out by the President for calling Reaganomics nothing more than a Trojan horse for tax relief to the rich.
8. Odyssey: a long journey; a long wandering; an adventurous voyage
Why did Moses take his flock on an arid, roundabout 40-year, instead of heading directly along the Mediterranean coast to the Promised Land?
9. Lotus Island: a place of dreams and idleness
cf: lotus eater: one who enjoys a dreamy and indolent life or who lives in idle contentment
Australia is a lotus island, where leisure is the universal religion, and work is a detestable heresy.
Sanjay Gandhi's goal was to get away from India's lotus eater approach to politics and to bridge gap between the oxcart and the jet age.
10. Siren song: sweet and charming voice; enticing and bewitching song
Around the world, the siren song of socialism appears to be losing its lure.
Constellation and Myths 星座與神話教學
Teaching Constellations and Myths
星座教學企劃案
一、 學習目標：
經由生動活潑的星座故事敘述，讓小朋友了解到十二星座的故事，更近一步的認識這十二星座，並且學會如何利用星象盤，在天空中找出十二星座。
而四季星空的介紹，希望透過詳細的星座圖表，以及即朗朗上口的尋星歌謠，讓小朋友學會基本的星象辨認，能夠在四季的天空中，找到當季主要的星宿。
二、 教學內容&人員分配：
十二個星座，及四季星空，共可分為十六組，建議每組至少兩人，依人數多寡，可自行調整。
每則星座故事，需配合生動的演出及道具。如：手指玩偶、角色服裝、怪物....等。四季星空則需配合教唱星空尋寶歌謠，如有樂器伴奏，更可吸引小朋友的注意，即加深其對歌謠的印象。
三、十二星座之故事&位置：
白羊座 3/21~4/20 積極，冷靜，應避免吵架
神話故事 費里索和妹妹海利，遭到繼母憎恨，生命有了危險。這時天使漲漢彌爾派了一隻長翅膀的金黃色山羊，去幫助這對兄妹。山羊救出這對兄妹並把二人背在背上，全速飛走。誰知飛的太快，妹妹竟然摔落海中。山羊安慰、股利費里索，把他送到土耳其。在星座神話中，為了這隻山羊的金毛，還引出一個南船隊遠征的故事哩！白羊座又叫座「綿羊座」。
如何辨認 由於缺乏明亮的主星，尋找白羊座需要較準確的側量技巧，在星象盤上找出白羊座，將主星(二等星)調到東方仰角60度的位置上看看星象盤周圍時刻，找出是一時間在該位置上找出主星，主星右上方不遠處為次亮星。其餘星較暗，需大晴天才可看見。
金牛座 4/21~5/21 溫和，耐心，不能太頑固。
神話故事 腓尼基的國王，有位漂亮的獨生女名叫歐羅巴。天神宙斯變作漂亮的白色公牛，出現於歐羅巴的前面。不明究裏的歐羅巴，忍不著坐在牛背上。這時，公牛立刻跑進地中海，當他們進入海中時，海精們便高奏結婚進行曲，他們就到克里特島，宙斯恢復原來的樣子，和她結婚。宙斯借身的公牛，便升到天上變成了金牛座。歐洲也已歐羅巴命名。
如何辨認 想找出金牛座是十分簡單之事，甚至可以不用測量工具，因為它有容易辨認的特徵。將七姐妹調至天頂，看星象盤周圍時刻，找出適宜觀測時間後，面向東南方仰角75度之橘紅亮星即是牛眼，天晴時，附近幾顆小星排成V即牛臉。再用望遠近看天頂吧！
雙子座 5/22~6/21 聰明，活潑，情緒要穩定
神話故事 波爾克斯(北河三)和卡斯特(北河二)是雙胞胎，在一次戰爭中，卡斯特不幸死亡。波爾克斯向他們的父親，眾神之王宙斯請求讓卡斯特復活，甚至願意用自己的生命代替。宙斯感動了，想出了一個妙法：讓他們一塊兒活一天，死一天，而共同生活在一起。古羅馬人崇拜這種義勇精神，遵奉雙子座為勝利之神，美國的早期太空飛行中也有個雙子星計劃。
如何辨認 這是個容易辨認的星座，先找出頭部的兩顆差不多一樣亮的星即可，在東方時，雙子座倒立，在西方的它卻是直立的喔。
1月5日9時或其他時間面向東北東，仰角45度有一黃一白兩顆亮星即是頭部。右上方仰角60度之三等星即腳部呢！
巨蟹座 6/22~7/23 重感情，記憶強，欠冷靜。
神話故事 武仙座海克力士是宙斯的私生子，因此宙斯的太太朱諾很不喜歡他，就下了詛咒，使他經歷了很多苦難。其中之一是殺死九頭水蛇，牠是每砍掉一個頭，會馬上再長出兩個頭的可怕怪物。海克力士快要制服水蛇時，朱諾又差遣一隻巨蟹，幫助水蛇。但巨蟹雖然要救助水蛇，卻被海克力士踩死。朱諾紀念這隻巨蟹就把牠帶到天上，變成一個星座。
如何辨認 要辨認出巨蟹座的全貌是非常困難的。只有大晴天，它出現在天頂的時刻才是最佳觀測時機。將M44調至天頂，找出適宜觀測時刻，拿著雙筒望遠鏡直指天頂，在雙筒萬遠鏡裡，天蟹座的M44也很迷人呢！古代人說它較積屍氣，西洋人則稱為馬槽。
獅子座 7/24~8/23 正義，開朗，往往太任性。
神話故事 武仙，海克力士在星座神話中是個悲劇英雄，面對許多苦頭都能一一克服，最後人以自焚結束雄壯卻不快樂的一生。在宙斯神宮附近森林裡，住個一隻兇猛的獅子，具有刀槍不入的堅韌皮革。武仙奉命殺死牠，經過一番搏鬥後，武仙的刃棒都斷了，最後他徒手捏住獅子的咽喉，才使牠斷氣，武仙也剝下這件刀槍步入的獅皮當做護身的寶貝。
如何辨認 獅子座出現在東方時，是獅頭朝天的上撲狀，但當他移動到西方時，卻變成下躍狀了，其他星座也和它一樣，方向不同，姿勢也改變。右圖是三月11日凌晨2點40分，及六月6日晚上9時，獅子座在西方天空之姿勢及找法。
處女座 8/24~9/23 聰明，正義，不可太自大。
神話故事 埃及人認未處女座是一個少女，因為她哥哥被慘殺了，哭得死去活來，淚水使尼羅河暴漲，天神桿於這種手足之情，將她和提羅河提到天上，成了處女座和波江座。希臘人則說處女座是掌管正義和收穫的女神，主星角宿一代表左手拿的麥穗。因為這星光純白柔和，古天主教又拿角宿一比做聖母瑪利亞呢！
如何辨認 處女座主星角宿一是白色一等星，測出它，再測出大角星，獅尾星，構成春天大三角。在找出三角形腰部差不多一樣亮的三顆三等星即處女之胸部，其餘四等星，可在大晴天實測出位置來。右圖想是四月四日十時，在東方天空出現之處女座。
天秤座 9/24~10/23 明理，勤奮，做事要果決。
神話故事 正義女神一處女座帶著天平，每天忙著評量人間的善惡是非。但是人心墮落，不斷發生爭執，諸神一生氣，大家都回天上去了。慈悲心深厚的她，還留在地上，想說服人們遵守道德，希望地上能夠回復到以前的善良時代。不過人們很少去聽她勸告，不斷戰爭。終於她也放棄了無用的努力，帶著天平回天上。天平放在她腳邊，就成了「天秤座」。
如何辨認 使用南天星象盤，使六月十日對正十時，便可看到右圖之情形，找出在星象盤時刻欄上事宜時側之時刻，使用測量測出三個三等星，在構成天秤座全貌，是最好的方法。一般來說觀測目標出現在仰角30度~60度的天空，觀測者最舒適。
天蠍座 10/24~11/22 負責，敏銳，友誼應珍惜。
神話故事 獵戶座奧利恩很會打獵，常向人說天底下的動物沒有不怕他的。這句話居然引起天后朱諾不高興，她是個大醋桶，就派一隻毒蠍去刺殺他。毒蠍尾巴的毒勾非常厲害，又善於埋伏，正式獵戶座的剋星，奧利恩當然特別提防這隻蠍子，既使成了星座，奧利恩仍然一職逃避這隻毒蠍的追擊，只要天蠍座出現天空，獵戶座趕忙西沉，天蠍西沉，獵戶又溜回天上。
如何辨認 天蠍座是夏天造型最漂亮，最容易觀察的星座，不過在天空的時間卻很短，因此要把握良機。使用南天星象盤使七月十六日對齊九時，找出適宜觀測時刻，順著正南仰角38度的大火沿亮星可勾出優美的J字。
射手座 11/23~12/22 樂觀，多才，需培養定力。
神話故事 人馬座就是天神宙斯的弟弟，名叫凱龍。他精通武藝，是一個射術高強，非常有名氣的神箭手。同時對於音樂、醫學、預言.......他都有獨特的心得。他對醫藥方面的知事，尤為淵博。他經常告訴人類選取藥草、驅逐百病、消除病患的方法。這位智慧高超，術德兼具，非常慈祥的怪物，後來不幸被誤殺，天地宙斯將他引到天上去，變成了星座。
如何辨認 人馬座又叫射手座，在夏夜由依群亮度平均的二三等星構成，在正南方時最易觀測，可先由南斗六星找起，使用南天星象盤所看之形狀才正確。右圖是八月二十日晚上九時，它出現在正南方之情形。若用天文望遠鏡，可在此星座找到許多雲星團呢！
魔羯座 12/23~1/20 溫和，勤勉，卻不善交友。
神話故事 有一天，宙斯帶領著眾神，在河畔飲酒。牧神~潘恩也吹奏著牧笛。所有的神都敬情地歡鬧起來。突然出現可怕的怪物，於是眾神在驚荒之中，變為各式各樣的動物逃走了。潘恩在情急之下，往河中跳要下去，但是水不夠深，使得他的下半身境入水中，順利化為魚的型態，上半身卻人保持著原來的山羊型態。這奇怪的山羊就叫「魔羯座」
如何辨認 魔羯座雖然沒有什麼亮點，卻十分完整。當它出現在南方天空時，看起來有如一艘船。位於船頭的兩顆星很靠近，是魔羯的特徵。先用測量位置法找到它們後，其餘更案之星可用相對位置法找出。右圖是穿頭在正南方仰角50度之位置，即九月十四日九時。
水瓶座 1/21~2/19 聰明，自信，要尊重他人。
神話故事 特洛依王國的王子～卡尼米，是一個美少年，他的美在諸神中很出名。天上的奧林帕斯山上，常常舉行諸神的酒宴。有一位女孩赫貝位諸神斟酒。有一天，他有事沒有去參加酒宴。宙斯想到了卡尼米，於是就變成了一隻鷹去接卡尼米到天上，從此卡尼米就住在天上了。宙斯將這少年和水瓶一起放在天上，成為水瓶座。
如何辨認 已經認識飛馬座的人，要找水瓶座比較簡單，因為它就在飛馬座的頭部附近。九月二十五日十時、十月十日九時、其他相對時刻，正南方７０度上下有二星相鄰，都不亮。較低的就是水瓶座的主星。大晴天時找出主星後，用相對位置法，再找其他的暗星。
雙魚座 2/20~3/20 合群，耐性，少說話為妙。
神話故事 某一天漂亮的女神維納斯和她長不大的孩子~愛神邱比特一起在河邊散步，突然有一隻怪物出現，並突擊他們。這可怕的怪物有一百個頭，手腳都是一條一條的蛇，並且從口里噴出火燄；二個人吃了一驚，於是趕緊逃命，而跳進河中變成了兩條魚逃走，並且用絲帶綁住尾巴，以免失散。他們保持那個形狀，升到天上，變成了雙魚座。
如何辨認 要完整地找出雙魚座的形狀不是容易的事情，它是面積廣卻都是暗星。使用全天星象盤，調到十一月一日九時，此時天頂出現飛馬座的身體，稱為秋天四邊形。正南方，仰角70度附近天晴時可見之小星即雙魚座之母魚，東北東70度附近幾顆暗星即子魚。
四、四季星空簡介：
1-春季星空尋寶圖
《春季尋星歌謠》
北斗春來北天橫，斗口五倍北極星，大角角宿沿斗柄，接著就是烏鴉星。春天三角等腰形，腰間暗星是女領，獅座橫臥於天頂，獅頭諸星反問形。
《北斗七星與北極星》
先用指南針確定大地方位，然後面向北方天空，無雲遮蔽時，可以找到七顆亮星構成一個水杓形狀，這就是北斗七星。由斗口到βα兩星的連線，在五倍距離處可看到北極星。初學者若無高手在旁指導，建議使用測量的方式認星就不會誤判。
《春天大曲線》
順著斗柄的曲線，可看到大角星、角宿一和烏鴉做，成為春天大曲線。大角星橘紅色，是牧夫座的α星(第一亮星)，牧夫座形狀如一個風箏，不難拼購。
《春季大三角》
確認大角星、角宿一後，在找出獅子座β星(獅尾)形成春季等腰大三角，在用力拼購獅子座、處女座。獅子座頭部型如一個左右相反的？號，算是容易拼購的星座。
2-夏季星空尋寶圖
《夏季尋星歌謠》
斗柄南指夏夜開，天鵝飛翔銀河在，天應天琴兩邊排，牛郎織女色清白。順著銀河向南來，天蠍人馬緊相挨，心宿火紅蠍尾抬，南斗六興照安泰。
《夏季直角大三角》
先找出織女、牛郎和天津四，構成一個直角大三角(織女在直角，天津四句離織女約25弧度，牛郎距離織女約35弧度)，在牛郎與織女的連線中間可以找到天鵝座的頭部β，順著鵝頭和鵝屁(天津四，α)的練嫌可找到鵝頸(η)鵝胸(γ)，再由鵝胸找出左翼δ、右翼ε連成十字型，號稱北天十字架，若再找出θ、ζ等便可拼構出展翼翱翔於銀河的天鵝座了。織女、牛郎和蛇夫的頭也可連成大三角形，易被誤判成夏三角，要小心。
《天蠍座》
南方天空中找出一顆火紅的亮星，沿著其左右可看到一群亮星行程J字型曲線，這群星就是南天最美最易半任的天蠍座，而這顆火紅亮星就是天蠍座主星(α)心宿二。
《人馬座》
設法拼出人馬座的南斗六星，因為古星書說南斗主吉，多看有益。
3-秋季星空尋寶圖
《秋季尋星歌謠》
北斗七星隱地平，仙后五星上天庭，飛馬凌空四邊形，兩旁雙魚皆暗星，仙女依線引英仙，白羊鯨魚來伴連，南天寂靜亮星欠，北落師門照期間。
《仙后座》
仙后的βαγ三星約成正三角形，彼此相距10度左右，在和更暗的δε可拼成M自形，仙后座是秋冬最方便的指極星座。
《秋季平行四邊形》
秋天星空沒幾顆耀眼亮星可當拼購星座的燈塔，由織女星和天津四的延長線約四個拳頭遠可連到飛馬座，在這附近可看到四顆二等星，約成為平行四邊形，這就是秋季平行四邊形，也是飛馬座的軀幹，飛馬座的頭為鈍角三角形，由它也可以拼購水瓶座，由飛馬座的軀幹的兩旁，散佈的暗星可拼成雙魚座，但難度極高，不宜輕易挑戰，自找苦吃。
《仙女一線引英仙》
由飛馬座的馬腹二星(時則為飛馬β和仙女α)的延長線可接成一條線，這是仙女座，順著在下去則為英仙座。
《白羊座》
白羊雖是小星座，因缺乏特色，也不好辨認，建議用測量座標的方式成功機會比較大。
4-冬季星空尋寶圖
《冬季尋星歌謠》
獵戶群星霸寒天，腰帶三星一直線，向西設去金牛眼，往東射去天狼現。雙子倒立在東邊，御夫北天也耀眼，冬星輝煌大橢圓，南極老人不易見。
《獵戶座和金牛座》
獵戶座擁有很多亮星，是極易辨認的星座。或把獵戶座兩間兩腳αγβκ四星連成一把弓，腰帶三星一直線就如箭，往東設去在歪一點就可射到天狼星，往西設去在歪一點就可到金牛座的畢宿五，畢宿五和周圍暗星成為V字型，是為牛臉，而牛肩上的七姐妹星團是雙筒望眼鏡的首要目標。
《冬天大三角》
參宿四、南河三和天狼構成的冬天大三角，約成正三角形，三宿四是顆紅巨星。天狼星是最亮的恆星。
《冬季大橢圓》
順著南河三、天狼、參宿七、畢宿五、五車二、北河二和北河三這幾顆亮星除構成冬季大橢圓，橢圓圈內的星座除了獵戶和金牛外，還有御夫座和雙子座，也都是容易拼購的星座。御夫座和金牛座β夠成五角型。可用測量法找出雙子座的腳γ，知道雙子的範圍。
《南極老人》
第二亮的恆星，僅短暫出現。
星座教學企劃案
一、 學習目標：
經由生動活潑的星座故事敘述，讓小朋友了解到十二星座的故事，更近一步的認識這十二星座，並且學會如何利用星象盤，在天空中找出十二星座。
而四季星空的介紹，希望透過詳細的星座圖表，以及即朗朗上口的尋星歌謠，讓小朋友學會基本的星象辨認，能夠在四季的天空中，找到當季主要的星宿。
二、 教學內容&人員分配：
十二個星座，及四季星空，共可分為十六組，建議每組至少兩人，依人數多寡，可自行調整。
每則星座故事，需配合生動的演出及道具。如：手指玩偶、角色服裝、怪物....等。四季星空則需配合教唱星空尋寶歌謠，如有樂器伴奏，更可吸引小朋友的注意，即加深其對歌謠的印象。
三、十二星座之故事&位置：
白羊座 3/21~4/20 積極，冷靜，應避免吵架
神話故事 費里索和妹妹海利，遭到繼母憎恨，生命有了危險。這時天使漲漢彌爾派了一隻長翅膀的金黃色山羊，去幫助這對兄妹。山羊救出這對兄妹並把二人背在背上，全速飛走。誰知飛的太快，妹妹竟然摔落海中。山羊安慰、股利費里索，把他送到土耳其。在星座神話中，為了這隻山羊的金毛，還引出一個南船隊遠征的故事哩！白羊座又叫座「綿羊座」。
如何辨認 由於缺乏明亮的主星，尋找白羊座需要較準確的側量技巧，在星象盤上找出白羊座，將主星(二等星)調到東方仰角60度的位置上看看星象盤周圍時刻，找出是一時間在該位置上找出主星，主星右上方不遠處為次亮星。其餘星較暗，需大晴天才可看見。
金牛座 4/21~5/21 溫和，耐心，不能太頑固。
神話故事 腓尼基的國王，有位漂亮的獨生女名叫歐羅巴。天神宙斯變作漂亮的白色公牛，出現於歐羅巴的前面。不明究裏的歐羅巴，忍不著坐在牛背上。這時，公牛立刻跑進地中海，當他們進入海中時，海精們便高奏結婚進行曲，他們就到克里特島，宙斯恢復原來的樣子，和她結婚。宙斯借身的公牛，便升到天上變成了金牛座。歐洲也已歐羅巴命名。
如何辨認 想找出金牛座是十分簡單之事，甚至可以不用測量工具，因為它有容易辨認的特徵。將七姐妹調至天頂，看星象盤周圍時刻，找出適宜觀測時間後，面向東南方仰角75度之橘紅亮星即是牛眼，天晴時，附近幾顆小星排成V即牛臉。再用望遠近看天頂吧！
雙子座 5/22~6/21 聰明，活潑，情緒要穩定
神話故事 波爾克斯(北河三)和卡斯特(北河二)是雙胞胎，在一次戰爭中，卡斯特不幸死亡。波爾克斯向他們的父親，眾神之王宙斯請求讓卡斯特復活，甚至願意用自己的生命代替。宙斯感動了，想出了一個妙法：讓他們一塊兒活一天，死一天，而共同生活在一起。古羅馬人崇拜這種義勇精神，遵奉雙子座為勝利之神，美國的早期太空飛行中也有個雙子星計劃。
如何辨認 這是個容易辨認的星座，先找出頭部的兩顆差不多一樣亮的星即可，在東方時，雙子座倒立，在西方的它卻是直立的喔。
1月5日9時或其他時間面向東北東，仰角45度有一黃一白兩顆亮星即是頭部。右上方仰角60度之三等星即腳部呢！
巨蟹座 6/22~7/23 重感情，記憶強，欠冷靜。
神話故事 武仙座海克力士是宙斯的私生子，因此宙斯的太太朱諾很不喜歡他，就下了詛咒，使他經歷了很多苦難。其中之一是殺死九頭水蛇，牠是每砍掉一個頭，會馬上再長出兩個頭的可怕怪物。海克力士快要制服水蛇時，朱諾又差遣一隻巨蟹，幫助水蛇。但巨蟹雖然要救助水蛇，卻被海克力士踩死。朱諾紀念這隻巨蟹就把牠帶到天上，變成一個星座。
如何辨認 要辨認出巨蟹座的全貌是非常困難的。只有大晴天，它出現在天頂的時刻才是最佳觀測時機。將M44調至天頂，找出適宜觀測時刻，拿著雙筒望遠鏡直指天頂，在雙筒萬遠鏡裡，天蟹座的M44也很迷人呢！古代人說它較積屍氣，西洋人則稱為馬槽。
獅子座 7/24~8/23 正義，開朗，往往太任性。
神話故事 武仙，海克力士在星座神話中是個悲劇英雄，面對許多苦頭都能一一克服，最後人以自焚結束雄壯卻不快樂的一生。在宙斯神宮附近森林裡，住個一隻兇猛的獅子，具有刀槍不入的堅韌皮革。武仙奉命殺死牠，經過一番搏鬥後，武仙的刃棒都斷了，最後他徒手捏住獅子的咽喉，才使牠斷氣，武仙也剝下這件刀槍步入的獅皮當做護身的寶貝。
如何辨認 獅子座出現在東方時，是獅頭朝天的上撲狀，但當他移動到西方時，卻變成下躍狀了，其他星座也和它一樣，方向不同，姿勢也改變。右圖是三月11日凌晨2點40分，及六月6日晚上9時，獅子座在西方天空之姿勢及找法。
處女座 8/24~9/23 聰明，正義，不可太自大。
神話故事 埃及人認未處女座是一個少女，因為她哥哥被慘殺了，哭得死去活來，淚水使尼羅河暴漲，天神桿於這種手足之情，將她和提羅河提到天上，成了處女座和波江座。希臘人則說處女座是掌管正義和收穫的女神，主星角宿一代表左手拿的麥穗。因為這星光純白柔和，古天主教又拿角宿一比做聖母瑪利亞呢！
如何辨認 處女座主星角宿一是白色一等星，測出它，再測出大角星，獅尾星，構成春天大三角。在找出三角形腰部差不多一樣亮的三顆三等星即處女之胸部，其餘四等星，可在大晴天實測出位置來。右圖想是四月四日十時，在東方天空出現之處女座。
天秤座 9/24~10/23 明理，勤奮，做事要果決。
神話故事 正義女神一處女座帶著天平，每天忙著評量人間的善惡是非。但是人心墮落，不斷發生爭執，諸神一生氣，大家都回天上去了。慈悲心深厚的她，還留在地上，想說服人們遵守道德，希望地上能夠回復到以前的善良時代。不過人們很少去聽她勸告，不斷戰爭。終於她也放棄了無用的努力，帶著天平回天上。天平放在她腳邊，就成了「天秤座」。
如何辨認 使用南天星象盤，使六月十日對正十時，便可看到右圖之情形，找出在星象盤時刻欄上事宜時側之時刻，使用測量測出三個三等星，在構成天秤座全貌，是最好的方法。一般來說觀測目標出現在仰角30度~60度的天空，觀測者最舒適。
天蠍座 10/24~11/22 負責，敏銳，友誼應珍惜。
神話故事 獵戶座奧利恩很會打獵，常向人說天底下的動物沒有不怕他的。這句話居然引起天后朱諾不高興，她是個大醋桶，就派一隻毒蠍去刺殺他。毒蠍尾巴的毒勾非常厲害，又善於埋伏，正式獵戶座的剋星，奧利恩當然特別提防這隻蠍子，既使成了星座，奧利恩仍然一職逃避這隻毒蠍的追擊，只要天蠍座出現天空，獵戶座趕忙西沉，天蠍西沉，獵戶又溜回天上。
如何辨認 天蠍座是夏天造型最漂亮，最容易觀察的星座，不過在天空的時間卻很短，因此要把握良機。使用南天星象盤使七月十六日對齊九時，找出適宜觀測時刻，順著正南仰角38度的大火沿亮星可勾出優美的J字。
射手座 11/23~12/22 樂觀，多才，需培養定力。
神話故事 人馬座就是天神宙斯的弟弟，名叫凱龍。他精通武藝，是一個射術高強，非常有名氣的神箭手。同時對於音樂、醫學、預言.......他都有獨特的心得。他對醫藥方面的知事，尤為淵博。他經常告訴人類選取藥草、驅逐百病、消除病患的方法。這位智慧高超，術德兼具，非常慈祥的怪物，後來不幸被誤殺，天地宙斯將他引到天上去，變成了星座。
如何辨認 人馬座又叫射手座，在夏夜由依群亮度平均的二三等星構成，在正南方時最易觀測，可先由南斗六星找起，使用南天星象盤所看之形狀才正確。右圖是八月二十日晚上九時，它出現在正南方之情形。若用天文望遠鏡，可在此星座找到許多雲星團呢！
魔羯座 12/23~1/20 溫和，勤勉，卻不善交友。
神話故事 有一天，宙斯帶領著眾神，在河畔飲酒。牧神~潘恩也吹奏著牧笛。所有的神都敬情地歡鬧起來。突然出現可怕的怪物，於是眾神在驚荒之中，變為各式各樣的動物逃走了。潘恩在情急之下，往河中跳要下去，但是水不夠深，使得他的下半身境入水中，順利化為魚的型態，上半身卻人保持著原來的山羊型態。這奇怪的山羊就叫「魔羯座」
如何辨認 魔羯座雖然沒有什麼亮點，卻十分完整。當它出現在南方天空時，看起來有如一艘船。位於船頭的兩顆星很靠近，是魔羯的特徵。先用測量位置法找到它們後，其餘更案之星可用相對位置法找出。右圖是穿頭在正南方仰角50度之位置，即九月十四日九時。
水瓶座 1/21~2/19 聰明，自信，要尊重他人。
神話故事 特洛依王國的王子～卡尼米，是一個美少年，他的美在諸神中很出名。天上的奧林帕斯山上，常常舉行諸神的酒宴。有一位女孩赫貝位諸神斟酒。有一天，他有事沒有去參加酒宴。宙斯想到了卡尼米，於是就變成了一隻鷹去接卡尼米到天上，從此卡尼米就住在天上了。宙斯將這少年和水瓶一起放在天上，成為水瓶座。
如何辨認 已經認識飛馬座的人，要找水瓶座比較簡單，因為它就在飛馬座的頭部附近。九月二十五日十時、十月十日九時、其他相對時刻，正南方７０度上下有二星相鄰，都不亮。較低的就是水瓶座的主星。大晴天時找出主星後，用相對位置法，再找其他的暗星。
雙魚座 2/20~3/20 合群，耐性，少說話為妙。
神話故事 某一天漂亮的女神維納斯和她長不大的孩子~愛神邱比特一起在河邊散步，突然有一隻怪物出現，並突擊他們。這可怕的怪物有一百個頭，手腳都是一條一條的蛇，並且從口里噴出火燄；二個人吃了一驚，於是趕緊逃命，而跳進河中變成了兩條魚逃走，並且用絲帶綁住尾巴，以免失散。他們保持那個形狀，升到天上，變成了雙魚座。
如何辨認 要完整地找出雙魚座的形狀不是容易的事情，它是面積廣卻都是暗星。使用全天星象盤，調到十一月一日九時，此時天頂出現飛馬座的身體，稱為秋天四邊形。正南方，仰角70度附近天晴時可見之小星即雙魚座之母魚，東北東70度附近幾顆暗星即子魚。
四、四季星空簡介：
1-春季星空尋寶圖
《春季尋星歌謠》
北斗春來北天橫，斗口五倍北極星，大角角宿沿斗柄，接著就是烏鴉星。春天三角等腰形，腰間暗星是女領，獅座橫臥於天頂，獅頭諸星反問形。
《北斗七星與北極星》
先用指南針確定大地方位，然後面向北方天空，無雲遮蔽時，可以找到七顆亮星構成一個水杓形狀，這就是北斗七星。由斗口到βα兩星的連線，在五倍距離處可看到北極星。初學者若無高手在旁指導，建議使用測量的方式認星就不會誤判。
《春天大曲線》
順著斗柄的曲線，可看到大角星、角宿一和烏鴉做，成為春天大曲線。大角星橘紅色，是牧夫座的α星(第一亮星)，牧夫座形狀如一個風箏，不難拼購。
《春季大三角》
確認大角星、角宿一後，在找出獅子座β星(獅尾)形成春季等腰大三角，在用力拼購獅子座、處女座。獅子座頭部型如一個左右相反的？號，算是容易拼購的星座。
2-夏季星空尋寶圖
《夏季尋星歌謠》
斗柄南指夏夜開，天鵝飛翔銀河在，天應天琴兩邊排，牛郎織女色清白。順著銀河向南來，天蠍人馬緊相挨，心宿火紅蠍尾抬，南斗六興照安泰。
《夏季直角大三角》
先找出織女、牛郎和天津四，構成一個直角大三角(織女在直角，天津四句離織女約25弧度，牛郎距離織女約35弧度)，在牛郎與織女的連線中間可以找到天鵝座的頭部β，順著鵝頭和鵝屁(天津四，α)的練嫌可找到鵝頸(η)鵝胸(γ)，再由鵝胸找出左翼δ、右翼ε連成十字型，號稱北天十字架，若再找出θ、ζ等便可拼構出展翼翱翔於銀河的天鵝座了。織女、牛郎和蛇夫的頭也可連成大三角形，易被誤判成夏三角，要小心。
《天蠍座》
南方天空中找出一顆火紅的亮星，沿著其左右可看到一群亮星行程J字型曲線，這群星就是南天最美最易半任的天蠍座，而這顆火紅亮星就是天蠍座主星(α)心宿二。
《人馬座》
設法拼出人馬座的南斗六星，因為古星書說南斗主吉，多看有益。
3-秋季星空尋寶圖
《秋季尋星歌謠》
北斗七星隱地平，仙后五星上天庭，飛馬凌空四邊形，兩旁雙魚皆暗星，仙女依線引英仙，白羊鯨魚來伴連，南天寂靜亮星欠，北落師門照期間。
《仙后座》
仙后的βαγ三星約成正三角形，彼此相距10度左右，在和更暗的δε可拼成M自形，仙后座是秋冬最方便的指極星座。
《秋季平行四邊形》
秋天星空沒幾顆耀眼亮星可當拼購星座的燈塔，由織女星和天津四的延長線約四個拳頭遠可連到飛馬座，在這附近可看到四顆二等星，約成為平行四邊形，這就是秋季平行四邊形，也是飛馬座的軀幹，飛馬座的頭為鈍角三角形，由它也可以拼購水瓶座，由飛馬座的軀幹的兩旁，散佈的暗星可拼成雙魚座，但難度極高，不宜輕易挑戰，自找苦吃。
《仙女一線引英仙》
由飛馬座的馬腹二星(時則為飛馬β和仙女α)的延長線可接成一條線，這是仙女座，順著在下去則為英仙座。
《白羊座》
白羊雖是小星座，因缺乏特色，也不好辨認，建議用測量座標的方式成功機會比較大。
4-冬季星空尋寶圖
《冬季尋星歌謠》
獵戶群星霸寒天，腰帶三星一直線，向西設去金牛眼，往東射去天狼現。雙子倒立在東邊，御夫北天也耀眼，冬星輝煌大橢圓，南極老人不易見。
《獵戶座和金牛座》
獵戶座擁有很多亮星，是極易辨認的星座。或把獵戶座兩間兩腳αγβκ四星連成一把弓，腰帶三星一直線就如箭，往東設去在歪一點就可射到天狼星，往西設去在歪一點就可到金牛座的畢宿五，畢宿五和周圍暗星成為V字型，是為牛臉，而牛肩上的七姐妹星團是雙筒望眼鏡的首要目標。
《冬天大三角》
參宿四、南河三和天狼構成的冬天大三角，約成正三角形，三宿四是顆紅巨星。天狼星是最亮的恆星。
《冬季大橢圓》
順著南河三、天狼、參宿七、畢宿五、五車二、北河二和北河三這幾顆亮星除構成冬季大橢圓，橢圓圈內的星座除了獵戶和金牛外，還有御夫座和雙子座，也都是容易拼購的星座。御夫座和金牛座β夠成五角型。可用測量法找出雙子座的腳γ，知道雙子的範圍。
《南極老人》
第二亮的恆星，僅短暫出現。
Greek/Latin Etymology 希臘與拉丁字源
Greek and Latin: The Secret Code of Naming
in Harry Potter 哈利波特角色名字淵源
by Vinia
1. Prof. Albus Dumbledore (the headmaster of Hogwarts): The word “albus” means “white” in Latin. This color came to symbolize the order of the most powerful wizards in The Lord of the Rings, e.g., Gandalf.
2. Prof. Minerva McGonagall (the adviser of the House of Gryffindor and later the headmistress of Hogwarts): “Minerva” is the Latin name for the Greek goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom.
3. Hermione Granger (very close to Harry and Ron): “Hermione” was the name of the daughter of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and Helen, the most beautiful woman in ancient Greece.
4. Draco Malfoy (Harry’s arch-enemy): “Draco” means “snake” or “dragon.”
5. Prof. Remus Lupin (a werewolf): “Lupin” derives from “lupus,” which means “wolf.”
6. Sirius Black (Harry’s godfather): “Sirius” is the Dog-star, the brightest star in the sky.
7. Narcissa Black (Draco’s mom; Sirius’ cousin): With the feminine ending “-a,” “Narcissa” is built on the word “Narcissus.” Narcissus was a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a fountain and was changed into the flower of the same name.
8. Luna Lovegood (a very weird girl, one of Harry’s friends): “Luna” means “the moon,” the mysterious side of nature.
in Harry Potter 哈利波特角色名字淵源
by Vinia
1. Prof. Albus Dumbledore (the headmaster of Hogwarts): The word “albus” means “white” in Latin. This color came to symbolize the order of the most powerful wizards in The Lord of the Rings, e.g., Gandalf.
2. Prof. Minerva McGonagall (the adviser of the House of Gryffindor and later the headmistress of Hogwarts): “Minerva” is the Latin name for the Greek goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom.
3. Hermione Granger (very close to Harry and Ron): “Hermione” was the name of the daughter of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and Helen, the most beautiful woman in ancient Greece.
4. Draco Malfoy (Harry’s arch-enemy): “Draco” means “snake” or “dragon.”
5. Prof. Remus Lupin (a werewolf): “Lupin” derives from “lupus,” which means “wolf.”
6. Sirius Black (Harry’s godfather): “Sirius” is the Dog-star, the brightest star in the sky.
7. Narcissa Black (Draco’s mom; Sirius’ cousin): With the feminine ending “-a,” “Narcissa” is built on the word “Narcissus.” Narcissus was a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a fountain and was changed into the flower of the same name.
8. Luna Lovegood (a very weird girl, one of Harry’s friends): “Luna” means “the moon,” the mysterious side of nature.
Fabulous Creatures 神話奇獸
Harry Potter and the Fabulous Creatures
from Greek Mythology
哈利波特裡的西臘神話奇獸
by Vinia
1. Centaurs: a creature with a man’s torso and a horse’s body
In Greek mythology, the most famous of the centaurs was Chiron. He was an excellent teacher to many heroes, including Achilles and Jason, and was raised to become the constellation of Sagittarius after he died.
In Harrt Potter I, the centaur Firenze saved Harry in the Forbidden Forest by fighting off Voldemort, who was then there to feed on unicorns’ blood, and in Book 7 this friendly centaur became a professor at Hogwarts.
2. Cerberus: the dog with three heads
In Greek mythology, Cerberus guarded the entrance to the Underworld and it was once put to sleep by the music of the great musician—Orpheus, who went to the Underworld trying to bring back his wife.
In Harry Potter I, the three-headed dog “Fluffy” guarded the entrance leading to the place where the sorcerer’s stone was hidden, and it had been lulled to sleep by Prof. Quirrell‘s flute when Harry, Ron and Hermione came to this spot.
3. The Gorgons: These three monstrous sisters had snakes for hair and were equipped with terrifying eyesight that turned those who looked at them into stones.
In Greek mythology, no one was able to look at them without being turned into solid statues. Of the three, only Medusa could be killed. The hero Perseus was instructed by the gods to look at her reflection on his shield and to strike off her head.
In the chamber of secrets in Harry Potter II, the giant serpent uncoiling itself from the mouth of Slytherin’s statue to attack Harry was the cause of many cases of petrification, i.e., turning something into stones, and one death. In Moaning Myrtle’s case, she was instantly killed upon looking into the eyes of the serpent in the toilet many years ago, while Hermione was petrified because she only saw the serpent’s eyes in the reflection of the mirror.
4. Pegasus: This winged horse sprang from the blood of Medusa when her head was cut off. This creature was born from Medusa’s death.
In Harry Potter V, the bat-winged horses, the “thestrals,” pulling the carriages heading for Hogwarts are only visible to those who have seen death, including Harry and Luna Lovegood. The thestrals carried Harry and other members of Dumbledore’s Army across the sky to the Ministry of Magic, where Harry witnessed the death of his beloved godfather, Sirius.
5. Sirens: female sea-creatures with enchanting voices
In Greek myths, they were sea-nymphs who could sing attractive songs that lured sailors in ships toward the rocks, resulting in shipwrecks and numerous deaths. Because of the destructive effects inherent in their beautiful voice, these female figures became the prototype for “fatal woman” (femme fatale): fascinating, irresistible and dangerous. In form, a siren was often depicted as a creature with a woman’s torso and a bird’s body (or a fish tail, like that in a mermaid).
In the first part of Harry Potter IV, the Quidditch World Cup was staged. Before the Quidditch match started, a hundred “veela” were gliding out onto the field and dancing to the music in front of the stadium audience. They were “the most beautiful women Harry had ever seen” and they weren’t really “human.” Watching them dance, Harry’s mind went “completely and blissfully blank,” and all he wanted to do was to keep on watching them . . . .
In fantasy, an idea suddenly occurred to Harry: He wanted to do something “very impressive” right away. When he was about to jump into the stadium field, Hermione’s voice awakened him—only to find that Ron was also trying to dive into the stadium field. Both of the boys had lost their mind and gone crazy over the enchanting veela!
from Greek Mythology
哈利波特裡的西臘神話奇獸
by Vinia
1. Centaurs: a creature with a man’s torso and a horse’s body
In Greek mythology, the most famous of the centaurs was Chiron. He was an excellent teacher to many heroes, including Achilles and Jason, and was raised to become the constellation of Sagittarius after he died.
In Harrt Potter I, the centaur Firenze saved Harry in the Forbidden Forest by fighting off Voldemort, who was then there to feed on unicorns’ blood, and in Book 7 this friendly centaur became a professor at Hogwarts.
2. Cerberus: the dog with three heads
In Greek mythology, Cerberus guarded the entrance to the Underworld and it was once put to sleep by the music of the great musician—Orpheus, who went to the Underworld trying to bring back his wife.
In Harry Potter I, the three-headed dog “Fluffy” guarded the entrance leading to the place where the sorcerer’s stone was hidden, and it had been lulled to sleep by Prof. Quirrell‘s flute when Harry, Ron and Hermione came to this spot.
3. The Gorgons: These three monstrous sisters had snakes for hair and were equipped with terrifying eyesight that turned those who looked at them into stones.
In the chamber of secrets in Harry Potter II, the giant serpent uncoiling itself from the mouth of Slytherin’s statue to attack Harry was the cause of many cases of petrification, i.e., turning something into stones, and one death. In Moaning Myrtle’s case, she was instantly killed upon looking into the eyes of the serpent in the toilet many years ago, while Hermione was petrified because she only saw the serpent’s eyes in the reflection of the mirror.
4. Pegasus: This winged horse sprang from the blood of Medusa when her head was cut off. This creature was born from Medusa’s death.
5. Sirens: female sea-creatures with enchanting voices
In the first part of Harry Potter IV, the Quidditch World Cup was staged. Before the Quidditch match started, a hundred “veela” were gliding out onto the field and dancing to the music in front of the stadium audience. They were “the most beautiful women Harry had ever seen” and they weren’t really “human.” Watching them dance, Harry’s mind went “completely and blissfully blank,” and all he wanted to do was to keep on watching them . . . .
In fantasy, an idea suddenly occurred to Harry: He wanted to do something “very impressive” right away. When he was about to jump into the stadium field, Hermione’s voice awakened him—only to find that Ron was also trying to dive into the stadium field. Both of the boys had lost their mind and gone crazy over the enchanting veela!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mythical Females 神話女性角色
Famous Women in Greek Mythology
希臘神話中的特出女性角色
by Vinia
1. “Helen of Troy”: The most beautiful woman in the western world.
2. “Penelope”: A model wife. During her husband’s 20-year absence, she remained faithful. Example: patient Penelope.
3. “Cassandra”: She had the power to foretell the future but nobody believed her.
4. “The Sirens”: They were sea creatures with female torsos and fish’s tails. Their singing was so charming that the sailors were often lured into a shipwreck and died. Example: the sirens’ songs (something very tempting but also dangerous).
5. “Medea”: A betrayed woman who might cause great harms as revenge
6. “The Amazons”: A legendary tribe of female warriors who were very strong and fierce at wars. Example: the Amazon warriors
7. “Medusa”: A terrifying female
8. “Pandora”: The first woman
9. “Europa”: She was carried away by her lover, Zeus (Jupiter), to a faraway land that was later named after her: Europe.
10. “Nike” (Victoria): The goddess of victory
11. “Sphinx”: A creature with a female torso, two wings and a lioness’s body. She gave riddles and those who failed to give right answers would be killed. Example: the riddle of the sphinx
12. “Gaea”: The personification of Earth; Mother Earth
希臘神話中的特出女性角色
by Vinia
1. “Helen of Troy”: The most beautiful woman in the western world.
2. “Penelope”: A model wife. During her husband’s 20-year absence, she remained faithful. Example: patient Penelope.
3. “Cassandra”: She had the power to foretell the future but nobody believed her.
4. “The Sirens”: They were sea creatures with female torsos and fish’s tails. Their singing was so charming that the sailors were often lured into a shipwreck and died. Example: the sirens’ songs (something very tempting but also dangerous).
5. “Medea”: A betrayed woman who might cause great harms as revenge
6. “The Amazons”: A legendary tribe of female warriors who were very strong and fierce at wars. Example: the Amazon warriors
7. “Medusa”: A terrifying female
8. “Pandora”: The first woman
9. “Europa”: She was carried away by her lover, Zeus (Jupiter), to a faraway land that was later named after her: Europe.
10. “Nike” (Victoria): The goddess of victory
11. “Sphinx”: A creature with a female torso, two wings and a lioness’s body. She gave riddles and those who failed to give right answers would be killed. Example: the riddle of the sphinx
12. “Gaea”: The personification of Earth; Mother Earth
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