On August 21, 2017, “Eclipse Mania” hit the United States as one of the year’s most anxiously awaited astronomical events. Thousands flocked to the path of totality to witness what could be a once-in-a-lifetime solar event. Photographers planned with precision to get that “perfect shot.” With so much attention directed towards the sky, something more magical was stirring beneath the Earth’s surface… in the sand. To understand what was happening here, one must reflect upon a bit of history. This takes us back to ancient China.
Solar eclipse history
The earliest known record of a solar eclipse dates back to October 22, 2134, BCE, by two Chinese astrologers (i.e., “Royal Astronomers”), Hsi and Ho. Unfortunately, their time in history was not so celebrated. As the tale goes, these two were drunk during this day. They failed to warn the Emperor and his people of the impending darkness. Darkness signified the coming of a mighty dragon that would swallow the Sun. In an act of hurried defiance, the Chinese people quickly set measures to scare away the dragon, yelling and beating gongs and wooden ducks until the dragon moved away.
The Sun survived, but the two astrologers did not. Consequently, an angry Emperor beheaded them for their failure of duty. Thousands of years later, in 2017, only a few worry about such a fate for the Sun or remember such tales. Whether these stories are words of warning or simply amusing folklore, one cannot deny the power of such an event. The intense, blinding energy, only gazed upon by unprotected fools, penetrates every small space on Earth within its path. This energy awakens dormant tales and dormant creatures, waiting for their time to emerge again.
Dragons and the shores of Lake Michigan
On the shores of Great Lake Michigan, despite being off the path of totality of this particular solar eclipse, the energy penetrates a vast landscape of dunes. The tiny particles absorb the energy and transfer it to elements in their depths. The dormant now seek domination. Nine ancient dragons emerge in a frenzied competition for the first to swallow the sun. For those that fail, their unsatisfied hunger persists.
Continued in Dune Dragons Part 2
Author’s note: Series to be continued with additional dragons and their stories…sign up to be notified by email of new posts to keep up with this series. Share with those you think would be interested!
Nice writing and beautiful pictures. Extraordinary light on these cool dragons…
Thanks for the comments Tom. I was hoping to make the light look “ecliptic!” ?
Great bit of history, Mark. The dragons will have to wait another 7 years for a full eclipse, this time running right through Akron, Oh, my home town! Until then, the dragons will have to remain hungry!
That’s a loooong time for a hungry dragon to be roaming around!
I love your dune dragons! Can’t wait to see more 🙂
Thank you Melissa! I’ll post more this week.
Very interesting approach, Mark. The red color adds an element of mystery to the photos. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks much Tom
Great stuff. Love the story. They do look like dragons and I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of them! A very cool series.
When the imagination runs wild eh? Thanks Howard!
Imagination is good stuff!
Wonderful story and looking forward to the continuation of the story and images of the dragons. Has to be a courageous photographer to these images. And, wow on the images!
Thanks Monte. Certainly more dragons to come! 🙂