Terms

:::Hesperides - according to classic Greek mythology, the hesperides were four nymphs who guarded the tree of golden apples given to Hera by Gaia as a wedding present. They would waylay any travelers who attempted to steal the apples, or who happened to pass nearby. The tree was supposedly located at the end of the world. In NotW, the hesperides are the four oldest created beings. They are second in age only to primeval Chaos, and govern four elements that humanity has no control over: life, death, darkness and illumination. Of course, these elements encompass more than just their standard aspects, but also many of the things we associate with them symbolically. The hesperides are powerful and formless beings who are evidently on earth for some reason, in human form.

:::Sacred Places - "places untouched by mankind." Basically, places where unusual things can happen, which have high spiritual energy. Often places of ancient worship. They tend to be overgrown and in the shape of groves of trees. There are very few left in the world, and no one knows where they are anymore, let alone that they exist. Many are hidden in order to preserve them. Not much is really known about them, and the only character who seems familiar with them is the unknown who appears in Thriae's dreams.

Places

::: Calais Private School - a private school that covers the middle school and high school years. It's somewhat expensive, and all students are expected to wear the school uniform. The school has its own pool, and every phys. ed. class uses part of the year for swimming and other pool-based activities. Characters attending: Rhea, Cale, Zia, Rath, Keith

:::East Junkin Public High School - also known as EJ Public for short. The main high school of the area where basically every kid goes. Dress code is a tad strict, but there are very few problems. It's a large school, and its volleyball and lacross teams are especially accomplished. Characters attending: Thriae, Adrius, Jason

:::the Underworld - the place where the spirit goes after death. Hermes explains that the concepts of heaven and hell don't apply, as each person determines what the underworld is for themselves. Once in the underworld, a spirit will create familiar surroundings while awaiting rebirth. Generally, people who have died in a sudden or traumatic way will also purposely forget anything that was painful to them about their life/death. Any door can become a gateway to the Underworld, provided one has the right key with which to open it. Hermes is one of the few beings who can cross into the Underworld while still alive; his staff also serves as a key.

Chapter Titles

:::Drowning in Mnemosyne's Waters - Mnemosyne was the Greek goddess of memory, and the water reference is meant as a sort of counter to the river Lethe, which runs through the Underworld and causes forgetfulness (often right before rebirth, according to the Aeneid).

:::The Flowers that Bloom Only for Nyx - Nyx was the Greek goddess of night, and one of the primeval forces of the world according to classical mythology. She was also one of the possible parents offered for the hesperides, where she supposedly had them without a mate. The flowers are meant to be a reference to dreams.

:::Beside the Mask of Eternity - moving away from Greek mythology now. ^^ This is in reference to a Buddhist statue that Joseph Campbell mentions in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The statue has three aspects - one facing forward, and the other two facing to the left and right respectively. The statue is known as the Mask of Eternity, and symbolizes that everyone is between good and evil, but is not exclusively one or the other.