The Nemaean Lion by Chipka
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Description
The Lion of Nemaea has been with me off and on over various, interesting decades. I don't follow astrology very much; I know that there are twelve signs of the zodiac, but I can't go into detail as to what attributes belong to what signs. I do know Leo the Lion, however. As ruler of the Fifth House, Leo--named for the Nemaean Lion--is by far, my favorite sign of the zodiac. I am born under the sign of Leo. My oh-so-beloved Victor is born into the same celestial house. There are countless famous (and notorious) Leos running around out there, but most impressive--for me, at least--is King Charles IV. Under his reign, the Czech Lands experienced the Golden Age of Czech history; he established Prague as the cultural capital of Central Europe. Like me, Charles IV loved Prague, immensely, and in many respects, Prague is a very Leonine city.
Bearing that in mind, it's no surprise that the science fictional Nemaeans who appear on earlier (and upcoming) pages of my gallery came into existence in Prague. It's no surprise that those same fictional Nemaeans share a lot of traits in common with the particular, lanky Russian I've named just above.
And now, in Chicago, far from the winding cobblestone streets and fog-breathing River Vltava, I've been to Lincoln Park Zoo. I saw this gentleman, and three female members of his pride, lounging around and acting typically cat-like, on a rare, sunny day this year. Of course, there were hundreds of chattering humans outside of the lion enclosure, and this particular lion wasn't up to entertaining anyone. Instead, he made sure that everyone saw his teeth, sprayed a few rocks, sprayed a few more and sniffed the intimate bits of a nearby female, before...well...before ambling around a bit and eventually settling down for a nap. I captured this guy just as he was in the midst of a dental display. It was quite impressive and lasted for a few minutes. He didn't roar, he didn't growl, he simply walked around slowly, modeling his impressive meat-tearing teeth.
Needless to say, it was a good day.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and hopefully everyone is having a good week.
Comments (18)
ErisX
Very nice display, if I do say so. Excellent work capturing the lion!
SouthBeachPhoto
Fantastic shot of this great cat! And perfect timing with him showing off his teeth. Nice, detailed writing, which is so important when showing photos!
Prematos
Fantastic shot.
durleybeachbum
Well I've learned a lot of new things from your superb narrative, which as ever is a joy to read. And your description of this chap's afternoon trebles the enjoyment of what is already a good pic. Interesting to muse on what similarities there might be in the leisure time of some human Leos.
photostar
This guy looks like he is glad to see you, Chip. A big welcome back to Chicago, I suppose.
ladyraven23452
love the shot.
MrsRatbag
A fantastic shot, Chip; he's a gorgeous creature!
orig_buggy
excellent timing and capture!!!
elfin12u
WOW!!! Awesome timing to grab a shot of this magnificent animal, who just happens to also be the familiar of your birth sign! I suppose you didn't capture anything Libra worthy,...probably not as our sign is the scales, and most Zoo's don't have them on display. Unless you get them from something reptilian, but it really wouldn't be the same. Looks to me like you, like you picked the perfect day to hit the zoo, shining sun, big cats making the world their litter box. Zoomed in is awesome for your capture, I see that few have done so, but if one were to look, there's a lot more detail to those big pointy teeth! Great post!!
auntietk
Such beautiful light! You've captured him in such a great pose. Classic Leo!
KatesFriend
It would take a Leo to cause such a shift for an entire nation and perhaps a continent. I believe this was when Bohemia had its split with "the East" and moved (culturally) to "the West". Or perhaps Europe moved towards Bohemia. Though the "dark" eastern influence is still glimpsed here and there I have read. Needless to say Leos have very grand egos and are big on the vision thing. I wonder if there is a city built by a Sagitarian. The lion of coarse has the biggest ego of them all. Obviously the human interloafers are intruding on his territory and he has a mind to send them off most crossly. Typical Leo.
jendellas
Lovely pic, think he complaining about something. :o)
elfin14doaks
Here kitty , kitty. It's a great shot Chip. Awesome timing ...... or maybe he was yelling at you .... maybe...he thought you were a snack.. Anyway you didn't get eaten and we got to see your lion photo.
mbz2662
It almost looks like he is laughing at you :) Great shot~
CoreyBlack
I remember this fellow, and how everybody gasped and cheered when he bared his bridgework. There was no debate that he was the boss, and we, his humble minions...very Leo. Quite charming, which is also very Leo. As a Sagittarius and fellow fire-sign, I get Leo, (You and I have been close for over ten years after all.) and forgive them their excesses, seeing through to the warmth inside and wonderful passion for life. This is a very arresting image and it pulls you right in. Love it! I am lion, hear me roar!. RE KatesFriend, about a Sagittarian city? I don't know enough to comment on this but I would imagine a Sag city would be self-consciously haphazard, wildly (perhaps too wildly) imaginative, and have plenty of winding streets to wander around in. But I digress. Great shot, Chip.
beachzz
ROAR----great shot!!!
anahata.c
a terrific shot, Chip, the lion emerges out of shade into the light, you got wonderful detail on the big rock to his left (our right) and the shade & light are wonderful counterpoint in the picture. And your description gives more wonderful detail and background to the journeys you take us on, in your tales & visuals. I'm glad the lion came to you here, maybe a reminder of the leonine life you've had around you so many years. And I hope it stays with you a lot longer. Beautiful sensitive shot, and as always wonderful words.
waldodessa
Excellent shot!