Page 252 - The Grotesque Children's Book

twisted objects. Trad., Vanitas. Insubstantiality.. Megl., From the Greek word torqueo, which
means to twist, is derived the word tormentum, meaning torture. When we paint a twist,
we’re implying anguish, either physical or mental. Most likely mental.

urns. Trad., Essence; control; safety; additional supplies; but also alternative receptacles for the
dead and therefore souls; memories; deeds from familial or public figures; respect.
Megl., An urn which is burbling with steam represents ideas which a creative artist is
nurturing; a receptacle for creativity; a repository for tomorrow’s great thoughts. On the
other hand, an urn which is not burbling represents to us that the artist has been
suppressed, or his ideas are not being heard. Given that we’re artists, this is, of course,
the Greatest Tragedy in the World, which we recognize is a little bit myopic, but isn’t
ultimately that our only purpose on earth: to think and by thinking, improve? Well, that,
and sex, but that’s a steaming urn of a different sort.

weasel with rue branch. Trad., Weasel symbol for Duke Francesco I de’ Medici. Megl., Yes.
He is a weasel.

white (albedo). Trad., Coagulation. Megl., See colors of alchemy

wings. Trad., Flight; air; angels. Double wings, especially when one set is folded, represents
past and present; allegorical figure of Time is often double-winged. Megl., Santi and I
put wings on as many creatures and objects as we can, and not out of sheer whimsy.
We’re allegorically hoping to give our creatures flight, to let them go forth and multiply
into the world. We’re a little envious, to be honest.

wings on feet. Trad., Mercury; Autumn. Megl., Longing; aspiration. A general belief that we
can fly to happier places; that there’s a touch of divine left in us, if only at our heels. On
the other hand, we wonder about the general aerodynamics of a creature with wings on
his feet, and can’t imagine that would work out right. So as inspirational a symbol as this
is, we also mean it to say what folly most men’s dreams are. Forgive our chronic
pessimism (especially as you’ve read now all the way down to the W’s and are probably
as weary as we are of our general dourness). There’s actually plenty to cheer about in
this world: look at all the paintings we’ve included of flowers and birds and garlands and
banners and flags...why, it’s a wonderful, wonderful world. It’s the humans who ruin it.
Please don’t be offended; just fix yourself and we’ll call it even.

yellow (Citrinitus). Trad., Sublimation. Megl., See colors of alchemy. Historically,
improperly placed alphabetically, to allow for the conclusion of glossaries with stronger
penultimate entries which foreshadow failed paradises.

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