Monday 5 December 2011

GOG AND MAGOG IN ROYAL ARCADE

In Melbourne's Royal Arcade a focal point is the clock flanked by the giants Gog and Magog. These two 7-feet giants have been striking the time on Gaunt's clock since 1842. They were carved from clear pine and modelled on the figures erected in Guildhall, London, in 1708 to symbolise the conflict between the ancient Britons and the Trojan invaders. Mythology tells of the giants Gog and Magog (also known as Corineus and Gogmagog) having been captured in battle by the Trojans and made to serve as porters at the gateway of an ancient palace on a site later occupied by the Guildhall. It is traditional for Gog to stand to the north and Magog to the south.

Gog and Magog (Hebrew: גּוֹג וּמָגוֹג‎‎ Gog u-Magog; Arabic: يَأْجُوج وَمَأْجُوج‎ Yaʾǧūǧ wa-Maʾǧūǧ) are names that appear primarily in various Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, as well as numerous subsequent references in other works. Their context can be either genealogical (as Magog in Genesis 10:2) or eschatological and apocalyptic, as in Ezekiel and Revelation. They are sometimes individuals, sometimes peoples, and sometimes geographic regions. The passages from Ezekiel and Revelation in particular have attracted attention due to their prophetic descriptions of conflicts said to occur near the "End times".

This post is part of the Mellow Yellow Monday meme. The yellow walls of Royal Arcade contribute to its bright, airy feel.


16 comments:

  1. I've been looking through your photos in various posts and they're amazing. I feel as though I'm looking through a travel magazine. they're just superb with such crispness. I'm right there, on the spot with you. excellent. happy day to you.

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  2. Wow, you are thorough in your background info! I know Gog and Magog from the books of Ezekiel and Revelation.
    It makes for a festive pic you took!

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  3. i heart gog & magog
    you make me miss melbourne so much

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  4. very pretty, am sure that yellow clock adds beauty to the building. Returning the love for MYM. Thank you for the visit too. I do appreciate it :-)

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  5. This is very festive looking place. The two giants looks very familiar to me too. Happy Monday!

    MYM

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  6. Oh my Gog! Sorry I couldn't resist, so interesting, love stories like this.

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  7. How wonderful! This is a magical picture!

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  8. I like that they have included a write up about them under the clock.
    And I love the yellow walls.

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  9. how interesting and i love all that yellow!

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  10. Gog and Magog are in a great location for all to see!

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  11. «Louis» didn't know this history of Gog and Magog. He only knew the names, so he thanks you for the enlightenment.
    ;-D

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  12. Those two are looking pretty serious up there!

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  13. 7 ft tall, now that must be quite an impressive sight Nick, very interesting history.

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  14. Very pretty..

    Here's my mellow yellowplease come and see. Thank you!

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  15. Wow, I like all the decorations..

    Visiting for MYM! Hope you can visit mine too..

    http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2011/12/yellow-octupos-kids-cart.html

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