2006-03-26

Hagall

Columns and beams in space form the axis of a grid that can be used to define any position in three dimensions. When drawn flat, it forms a six-pointed star, which is the shape of the rune Hagall in the Viking/Norse character set. (The more common anglo-saxon set shows it as a stylized "H"). The name of the rune translates to "Hail", and it stands for the destructive force of nature. More generically it indicates destructive power and sudden setbacks, but also regeneration and rebuilding.

By looking at both meanings, the mythological and the mathematical, this symbol shows me the centre point of space and natural forces. A giant "You Are Here" reminder, if you will, only Here is wherever reassurance is needed in the inevitable turmoil and setbacks of life.

(this particular example is from the Brickworks, Toronto.)

1 comment:

Keith Alan K said...

An awesome entry, m. Brilliant photography with an extremely well-written and personal caption.

I have broken the links to hundreds and hundreds of photos, which will take a long time to repair. The workaround is to replace "photo.matthewpiers" in the link URL with "matthewpiers.smugmug". Awkward, but only temporary.

This is happening because I have revamped matthewpiers dot com. More of what I write and photograph will be going there, so check it out as well.

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