Centaurs - Hamburg - Altona, Germany
Posted by: 
vraatja
N 53° 32.988 E 009° 56.125
32U E 561975 N 5933841
Fighting Centaurs - creatures that are part human and part horse - as central objects of famous Stuhlmann Fountain in Hamburg-Altona
Waymark Code: WMEX67
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Date Posted: 07/17/2012
Views: 35
Two centaurs fighting about the big fish are central motif in famous Stuhlman fountain located in park on "Platz der Republik" (Republic square) in Altona - the westernmost urban borough of the city of Hamburg. The impressive fountain was dedicated of Altona's citizen and philanthropist Günther Ludwig Stuhlmann (1797 - 1872), who donated the construction of the fountain. In these times Altona was independent city. The fighting centaurs represent actually alegory of symbolising the trade rivalry between then separated cities Hamburg and Altona about the fishery dominance.
The centaurs in Greek mythology are creatures that are part human and part horse. They are usually portrayed with the torso and head of a human, and the body of a horse. Centaurs are the followers of the wine god Dionysus and are well known for drunkenness and carrying off helpless young maidens. They inhabited Mount Pelion in Thessaly, northern Greece. According to one myth, they are the offspring of Ixion, the king of Lapithae (Thessaly), and a cloud. He had arranged a tryst with Hera, but Zeus got wind of it and fashioned a cloud into Hera's shape. Therefore, the Centaurs are sometimes called Ixionidae.
In medieval romances, the centaurs were called "Sagittary."
Time Period: Ancient
Epic Type: Mythical
Exhibit Type: Figure, Statue, 3D Art
Approximate Date of Epic Period: Not listed
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