Sometime in the beginning of December 2000, artist Ben Long
began painting a very expensive fresco in the local civic
center. Originally it was intended to represent our town as a
whole. Being the "City of the Crossroads," Long used the mythological
figure Hecate as the main focus in the fresco, since she is considered to be the
keeper of the crossroads, among other things. This has induced controversy
among those whom are concerned with the religious aspect of our town, since
Hecate is also known to represent evil and witchcraft.
I fully respect those
people's views and beliefs, as I myself am a Christian, however I think that the
issue has been blown out of proportion. Therefore, I wrote a satire on the
issue from the point of view of a being who understands why some people are
angry, yet who intends to clear up the controversy because he knows her personally.
Dear Citizens of the Crossroads,
Upon my nightly readings of your newspapers, it has
come to my attention that the majority of local civilians are skeptical of the
meaning of the recently painted fresco. Some of you may merely feel tepidregarding the issue, while others, as I have witnessed myself, are
vociferousin expressing your opinions to the point when the anger is
most nearly palpable and your faces are ruddy. Quite obviously the town and I do
not share reciprocal feelings over the matter.
Now,
in no way am I trying to be intruding, as I am merely concerned for the sake of
the innocent. However, please do not mistake me for being lighthearted over the
matter, as I am quite aggravated with the controversy. I am not intending to be
causticand demean your personal views, but rather I would like to
express my views so to correct some of the alleged opinions, as the public is
bereft of the facts.
The imagery focused upon in
this particular work of art is that of a very handsome maiden, if I may,
depicted as the goddess of the crossroads; this is, of course, truth in itself
upon which the artist intended to portray. However, I can hardly blame the
artist for her more novel manners. The maiden�whose birth name is Alexandra (and
more commonly called so by the people who know her well) but is more commonly,
and scornfully, known as Hecate�thrives in the darkness just as you do in
sunlight. Likewise, some have encountered her on her nightly strolls as she
walks her dogs. This is merely a matter of rational habit and of her dogs�
bodily requirements.
In centering on her authority
over such things as "night terrors," one might forget that each individual has
his or her unique talents and strengths as she tends to have over ill misdeeds.
The witches and magicians who do revere her for such chose so out of their own
will, just like many people tend to admire Elvis Presley�s gift of hip-shaking.
In no way do they infringe their beliefs upon you and you do
they.
The legend itself seems to have lost a more
emotional approach to Alexandra as an actualbeing; indeed, she had a
keen sense of humor. I encourage all of you to have a conversation with her one
day, as you may be unwittingof her more mortal interests and
capabilities.
You will find that she has an
exceptional weak spot for chocolate delicacies.
With warm regards,
Count A. D. Gory