Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Austria
Grossglockner
Thomas Mann



Job 19:25
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” 

 
 
Grossglockner, Austria
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grossglockner, Austria
 
 
 
 
 THE PYRAMID OF MAJESTY:
The mountain’s form is a perfect pyramid, its slopes adorned with glaciers that glisten like diamonds in the sun.
As you gaze upward, the snowfield seems to stretch infinitely, merging seamlessly with the azure sky.
The Grossglockner stands as a testament to the timeless power of nature, its ancient rocks whispering tales of eons gone by.
 
 
 

 The name actually consists of two components:
“Gross”: This means “big” in German.
“Glockner”: The exact origin of this word is intriguing.
Some scholars believe it might be related to the German word “Glocke”, which means “bell”.
This association could be due to the mountain’s characteristic shape, resembling a bell.
Alternatively, it could be a Germanized version of the Alpine Slavic word “Klek”, which translates to “mountain”.
In fact, the Slovene name for Grossglockner is “Veliki Klek”, where “Veliki” means “big”.

 
 
 
 
Chess: "Austria" "Grossglockner" "Thomas Mann"
 
 

Thomas Mann (UK: /ˈmæn/, US: /ˈmɑːn/; German pronunciation: [ˈtoːmas ˈman]; 6 June 1875 – 12 August 1955) was a German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist, and the 1929 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate1. His literary contributions are profound and multifaceted:

  1. Epic Novels and Novellas:

    • Mann’s works are characterized by their symbolism and irony.
    • His novels and novellas delve into the psychology of artists and intellectuals.
    • Notable works include:
      • “Buddenbrooks”: His first novel, which portrays his family and class.
      • “The Magic Mountain”: An epic exploration of time, illness, and human existence.
      • “Death in Venice”: A haunting tale of obsession and decay.
      • “Joseph and His Brothers”: A retelling of biblical stories.
      • “Doctor Faustus”: A modern take on the Faust legend.
  2. Influence and Critique:

    • Mann’s analysis and critique of the European and German soul draw from German and biblical narratives.
    • He engages with ideas from Goethe, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer.
    • His exploration of the human psyche is both insightful and provocative.
  3. Family and Legacy:

    • Mann hailed from the Hanseatic Mann family.

      • His older brother, Heinrich Mann, was a radical writer.
      • Three of Mann’s six children—Erika, Klaus, and Golo Mann—also became significant German writers.
    • Exile and Opposition:

      • When Adolf Hitler rose to power in 1933, Mann fled to Switzerland.
      • During World War II, he sought refuge in the United States.
      • Mann’s works exemplify the so-called Exilliteratur, produced by those who opposed the Nazi regime.
      • Personal Background:

        • Born in Lübeck, Mann came from a bourgeois family.
        • His mother, Júlia da Silva Bruhns, was of Brazilian, German, Portuguese, and Native Brazilian ancestry.
        • Mann’s exploration of identity, culture, and intellect resonates throughout his oeuvre.

      In summary, Thomas Mann’s literary legacy transcends borders, capturing the complexities of the human condition and the tumultuous times in which he lived. 📚🌟

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