I can see the numbers of entries per day gradually slipping as each month passes. I need to get back into the swing of things as I have not been writing much of late. I hope this entry will bring a new bout of motivation. I need to get back in the saddle on my metaphorical horse. In theory, this should be made rather easy for me, as my name actually means “lover of horses” in Ancient Greek. Straight up. That’s absolutely true; and must be so, as it is listed on the unquestionable oracle of all truths that is Wikipedia.
But this just proves what little relevance a name actually has. I’m actually rather ambivalent towards horses. And it’s not exactly much to be proud of when you think in terms of some of the other names from ancient Greece. It’s certainly more humble than say, Hercules, who slew loads of supposedly infallible monsters and impregnated loads of women. Or Icarus, as you’ll remember had the ingenuity to make them feather wings which enabled him to fly. Even Sisyphus had that big boulder to eternally roll around, which although seems a tedious and pointless life plan, would have at least assured him some nice firm pecks and biceps. But you can’t help wondering how on Earth the original Greek Philip earned his moniker? Presumably he was so dull, that the most significant thing his contemporaries could say to describe him as “that chap... you know him... that one who hangs round the stables. Yeah course you know him... he really loves horses”. How tragic it is that this is the only thing that is ever mentioned about old Philip. Nothing more, nothing less.
And thinking about it, the term ‘lover’ is so vague it’s almost unsettling. Exactly how much did he love horses? Did it ever spill over into something more sinister? I have scoured the internet high and low and it is never really established. I am glad I only have my metaphorical horse, with whom I must once again stress, I’ve a totally platonic relationship with. I’ve absolutely nothing to feel guilty about (although with the benefit of hindsight, the introduction to this older post now seems somewhat ill-advised).
So in short, I have a shit name, which may or may not have parallels to be drawn with Peter Schaffer’s “Equus”. But in fairness when it comes to other potential Ancient Greek names, I suppose I have come off rather lightly. A quick glance through some of the others shows names, such as:-
Jason – (no thanks).
Hercules – (too grandiose).
Sisyphus – (well that sounds too much like the name of a certain sexually transmitted disease NOT to be adopted for playground usage).
And of course, the less said about Oedipus the better.
