I never get used to the sad cry of the peacocks at Knossos, no matter how many times I visit. The haunting "mow, mow" echoes through the Bronze Age Minoan Palace like a child lost
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The fact that they live at Knossos is no surprise - for they have lived there for centuries. Even the Minoan wall painting of the Prince of Lilies (dated 1600-1500 BC.) features his diadem decorated with lilies and adorned with peacock feathers
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This peacock was not keen to be photographed, so very serenely turned and walked the other way....
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....majestically!
© 2011 Photography by Francesca Muir
Beautiful photos Frannie, amazing to be able to get so close.
ReplyDeleteOne of the nicest backends I have seen in a long time.
Love Belinda XX
I visited Vitlycke in Tanum last week and one of the Bronze Age figures reminded me of Minoan bull leapers. However, there were no peacocks.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Francesca - superb photos, word pictures and sentiments. There
ReplyDeletecertainly were peacocks at Knossos years ago when I was working with a
dig at the Palace and they roosted in the surrounding trees at night,
flying down in the mornings most clumsily, often landing badly and
calling to one another. I agree their plaintive cries touch a chord in
ones soul - are they recalling some dark tragedy in the Minoan past I
wonder? I love reading and seeing your postcards - keep it up. Love from Balepy.
Thank you for your comments - I love hearing from happy readers. F x
ReplyDeleteAnd the peacocks were still there earlier this month when we visited Knossos. You are correct about that haunting call of theirs as it re-echos across the countryside. . .beautiful post - so much more meaningful having just been there. J.
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