Tomm Moore's 'The Secret of Kells' is based on the origins of Ireland’s most famous illustrated manuscript, The Book of Kells. This is clearly noticeable in the film's stunning artwork influenced by Irish medieval illustrations. Historian Giraldus Cambrensis in the twelfth century described a manuscript (maybe the Book of Kells) in words that are entirely fitting to describe 'The Secret of Kells': "Look more keenly at it and you will penetrate to the very shrine of art. You will make out intricacies, so delicate and subtle, so exact and compact, so full of knots and links, with colours so fresh and vivid, that you might say that this was the work of an angel and not a man."
Set in the ninth century, The Secret of Kells follows twelve year old Brendan, a mischievous monk who lives with his uncle, Abbot Cellach. With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to the (quite boring) task of building barricades. To put it the Abbot's words: "A wall to save civilisation, a wall to save your book. It is with the strength of our walls, they will come to trust the strength of our Faith."
In these times, who would make an animated movie that was intentionally two-dimensional? Deflated and only minorly shaded, but visually ravishing. Flat, but filled with ancient swirls and Celtic knots. And who would have thought such a film would become a major hit? 'The Secret of Kells', a spirited retelling of the provenance of one of Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells, was a success in Irish, French and Belgian cinemas alike, got an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film and is now well on its way to conquering the United States of America. It is also the most fabulous animation film I've seen in ages*.
The Abbey of Kells was founded in the early 9th Century AD, on the site of a former Irish hill fort. The monastery - named Mainistir Cheanannais in Irish - is most famous for keeping the 'Book of Kells' (an illuminated manuscript in Latin) from the medieval period until the 1950s. Kells Abbey was repeatedly raided by the Vikings. In the twelfth century, the monastery was dissolved and the abbey became a parish church.
Submitted by E P Wohlfart on Wed, 02/24/2010 - 11:58
The streets of London are the stage of a daily war. It is the worst it has ever been, newspapers frequently report. The actors are young men with guns and knives. No two commentators seem in agreement as to the object; it might be about drugs, it may be about territory, or it may be about repute. One thing is for certain: it is part of the city now. Gang warfare has created an informal geography of the city. Hackney streets are known colloquially as Murder Mile.
What the newspapers fail to mention is that London has never been a safe place to live. The city has since its earliest history seen violent clashes between opposing groups.
Submitted by E P Wohlfart on Wed, 02/24/2010 - 10:19
The first Ancient World In London Bloggers Challenge, in which we wanted to know what invader has had the most impact on London, has come to a close and we've had some fascinating suggestions. There were strong arguments for the Roman traders and the Scandinavians, as well as more surprising blogs claiming pestilence and pigeons' claim to the title of most influential invader. We even had some funny original artwork in support of the latter - presumably to make up for a lack of hard evidence.
The winning entry was so well proposed that one can hardly argue that Rattus Rattus is indeed the most impactful invader the city of London has ever seen.
At its peak during the 2nd century AD, Roman London (Londinium) had a population of up to 60,000 people and represented a thriving urban centre. But as the Roman Empire declined over the next 300 years, so too did the city. In 410, Britain was cut loose from the Empire altogether, and with it London. Troops and officials departed, and the city was left to fend for itself.
Exactly what happened during the immediately ensuing phase in London’s history – which is referred to as the Sub-Roman period, and lasted from approximately 450 until 600 AD – is mysterious. A small enclave of wealthy families is believed to have continued to inhabit villas to the southeast of the Roman city into the 5th century. But by the end of the 5th century, they – along with almost everyone else – had left. London was abandoned.
Highlighted Quote:
“They were able to get close enough to London Bridge to attach lines to its piers, then row so powerfully away from the fragile structure that it came crashing down into the river. The nursery rhyme London Bridge Is Falling Down is said to originate from this incident.”
Submitted by E P Wohlfart on Mon, 02/08/2010 - 16:31
History enthusiasts, this is your moment to shine! Heritage Key is offering both corporal and virtual prizes for the best entries in this Ancient World in London blog contest.
London has a long and remarkable history of invaders – foreign and native, ficticious and real. Medieval historians thought that its first invader was King Brutus, a Roman descendent of the Biblical Noah who came and settled the island with his following of emancipated Trojan slaves. The city’s more credible, but none the less colourful, invaders range from Roman soldiers to Essex farmers.
Of course, not all invaders are created equal; hence this contest. We want to know:
Which invaders have had the biggest impact on London?
In these times, who would make an animated movie that was intentionally two-dimensional? Deflated and only minorly shaded, but visually ravishing. Flat, but filled with ancient swirls and Celtic knots. And who would have thought such a film would become a major hit? 'The Secret of Kells', a spirited retelling of the provenance of one of Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells, was a success in Irish, French and Belgian cinemas alike, got an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film and is now well on its way to conquering the United States of America. It is also the most fabulous animation film I've seen in ages
