Monsters can breathe freely

[kalypso_v]

Working through my newspaper backlog, I came across this charming story in the Daily Telegraph. Apparently, in 1985 Sweden sought British advice on how to protect possibly imaginary monsters living in northern lakes. This prompted the British Government to worry about whether they were protecting the Loch Ness Monster or not, but eventually they

Comments

[executrix]

I'm afraid I made the same mistake myself.

[kalypso_v]

About monsters, or kisses? Now I think about it, a Judas kiss would make a good icon, but I'm a bit alarmed by the thought that every time I intended to project warm and fuzzy family affection people might have seen it as indicating my intention to betray my nearest and dearest. I've sent the Telegraph a sarcastic letter now about their inability to distinguish Jesus's betrayer and his granny. Not that I used that line; I didn't think of it until after posting.

[executrix]

You've seen The Sopranos and Rome--grannies and betrayers are not necessarily distinct groups.

[kalypso_v]

I'd have thought it was tricky in St Anna's case, though, as she is supposed to have been an elderly mother in the first place. Still, Mary was a young one, and Leonardo's cartoons suggest Anna survived at least into Jesus's infancy. It would be a novel theological interpretation...

[glitterboy1]

Backlogs are why I stopped buying newspapers. Occasionally, I start to waver again, but it only takes a Sunday edition to bring me to my senses.

I wonder whether St George could be prosecuted posthumously?

[toft_froggy]

That is so cute. Makes you proud to be British. (or Swedish)

[paula504]

Just... excellent!

[vilakins]

Good for them both; I'm glad Nessie and her relatives are protected.

What was the 'Telegraph' story?

[kalypso_v]

It was this one about the possible publication of the "Gospel of Judas", though The Times had what I thought was a more interesting one (NB two pages) which also mentioned possible Vatican interest in rehabilitating him. The argument is that he acted in accordance with God's will and ultimately enabled our redemption.

[vilakins]

Thanks; interesting article and arguments. Did the Telegraph illustrate theirs with the wrong picture?

[kalypso_v]

Yes. And they reversed the pic so Anna was on the left and Joachim on the right. Which is totally wrong, because he's rushing back to the Golden Gate to greet her as she comes out, and the gate leads to the right.