Mazes
From Maze
(Difference between revisions)
(→Hedgerow & Turd Mazes) | (→Mazes of Grass, Hedge, and Stone) | ||
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In spite of their connections to church mazes, the "turf maze" has much stronger pagan roots, likely parts of Spring rites. | In spite of their connections to church mazes, the "turf maze" has much stronger pagan roots, likely parts of Spring rites. | ||
| − | The taller cousins of the turf mazes are the hedge-row mazes. | + | The taller cousins of the turf mazes are the hedge-row mazes. One famous example included Louis XIV's hedge maze featured 39 fountains and "cost the equivalent of more than three million dollars to build" (Pickover 16). Another mythical example was the Bower of "Fair Rosamond," which reportedly hid the mistress of King Henry II (A.D. 1133-1189). The maze in this case hid not a terrible beast but instead protected an illicit paramour. However, by one account, discovered by the queen, she was forced to choose between the bowl of poison and a dagger. She met her fate at the bottom of the bowl (Miller 164). |
| − | Louis XIV's hedge maze featured 39 fountains and "cost the equivalent of more than three million dollars to build" (Pickover 16). | ||
One of the most well-known mazes grew in Hampton Court Palace in London attributed to Sir Christopher Wren that may date back to the time of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, its first occupant (Kern 261). Presenting roughly half a mile of path, the maze has been the subject of literature. Miller writes of it: "It may be a a sad sight to the 'highbrows' of horticulture, but to the unsophisticated many it is a never-failing source of merriment" (129). He describes the maze as an "undiluted delight" to "scores of hundred of children, not to mention a fair sprinkling of their elders" (129). | One of the most well-known mazes grew in Hampton Court Palace in London attributed to Sir Christopher Wren that may date back to the time of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, its first occupant (Kern 261). Presenting roughly half a mile of path, the maze has been the subject of literature. Miller writes of it: "It may be a a sad sight to the 'highbrows' of horticulture, but to the unsophisticated many it is a never-failing source of merriment" (129). He describes the maze as an "undiluted delight" to "scores of hundred of children, not to mention a fair sprinkling of their elders" (129). | ||
| − | + | One of the traditional uses of these mazes was one of public amusement. | |
| − | Uses of mazes: | ||
Treading of The Shepherd's Ring or "Sheperhd's Race" at Boughton Green, in Northamptnshire, "Was a popular event in the three-day fair held every June" (49). | Treading of The Shepherd's Ring or "Sheperhd's Race" at Boughton Green, in Northamptnshire, "Was a popular event in the three-day fair held every June" (49). | ||
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* "Running" a maze -- future links to video games | * "Running" a maze -- future links to video games | ||
| − | Mazes for defense protection | ||
| − | Maze as something that is planned, yet grown | + | Hedge and Turf mazes share one feature with 10 Print, they emerge. They must be tended, cared for, rather than merely plotted and built. 10 Print is a maze that continues to grow overtime according to the conditions of its roots. |
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