Human Sacrifice

Marsyas

“ … Marsyas being flayed by the victorious Apollo (Plate II. fig. 54), a somewhat repulsive subject, chosen by the artists of this age as a means for displaying their accurate knowledge of anatomy.” —1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article “Greek Art”*

“ … Marsyas being flayed by the victorious Apollo (Plate II. fig. 54), a somewhat repulsive subject, chosen by the artists of this age as a means for displaying their accurate knowledge of anatomy.” —1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article “Greek Art”*

The ancient Greeks told a story about Marsyas, skinned alive by a jealous Olympian god. The medieval Christians told a story about Bartholomew, skinned alive by enemies of their singular, jealous god. Both legends are cautionary tales. When mortals dare to engage the Divine in an earthly relationship, it ends badly, and somebody gets sacrificed.

Bartholomew

“‘I will smash your gods in tiny pieces, and you, for your part, must believe in my God.’” What Bartholomew said to the pagan King Astrages. “The king had the apostle beaten with clubs and then flayed alive.” —de Voragine’s The Golden Legend*.

“‘I will smash your gods in tiny pieces, and you, for your part, must believe in my God.’” What Bartholomew said to the pagan King Astrages. “The king had the apostle beaten with clubs and then flayed alive.” —de Voragine’s The Golden Legend*.

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