“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature." "He is not—-" "But he is. The best the gods have ever made. And it is time he knew it, and you did too."
"You are wrong.” I said. He did not answer me, only watch me turn and flee from him in silence.
Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles
܀ history meme ܀ five saints: Helena and Constantine the Great (5/5)
Celebrated on the 21st May/18th August, both mother and son are greatly acclaimed in Christian history. Despite uncertainty of Helena’s birthplace, ranging from a region in Asia Minor and Colchester in England, it is thought she was born in around the mid-3rd century and perhaps of a low status. Where and when has been disputed but at some point she met Emperor Constantius Chlorus and though sources throw up a number of conflicts, it’s generally thought of that she became his wife. She gave birth to Constantine towards the end of the century (maybe around 272) and shortly after Constantius divorced her in order to have a wife of higher social standing and Helena and her son were sent to Diocletian’s court. Helena never remarried and remained in obscurity until her son was appointed emperor 306. Constantine elevated her to the title of Augusta due to the great love and respect he had for her and with access to the royal treasury, she was able to undertake a trip to see the holy sites. Helena is known to have discovered the True Cross and other relics as well as building new churches at holy sites. She died in around 330.
Constantine is also venerated alongside his mother for his adoption of the Christian faith, the famous story of the Chi Rho appearing to him and protecting him during battle, securing his victory. Though scholars note how, for Constantine, his religious convictions were closely tied with political ones, his baptism before death in 337 ensured him as the first Christian Roman emperor.
‘Tis a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don’t want to be most of us.
I took this lovely photograph at Lake Louise Alberta. It’s a really important place to me. I like to imagine this place when I (try to) meditate.
Enjoy, but please do not remove my credit.
HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY JACK GLEESON! (MAY 20TH, 1992)
↳I think audiences will always like bad guys who kill for no apparent reason. We just like to hate them.