Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 10:35:31 -0700
From: maa32 
Subject: (urth) names + Typhon

Mr. Borski has recently made the point that Typhon's name is mythological, 
implying that he should be of alien stock rather than simply of "other", 
urthly origin.  However, aren't there mythological names, like Talos, that 
reveal traits rather than place of origin?  Talos is a mechanical man, but he 
is not necessarily extra-terrestrial - indeed, he is from Urth.  It does imply 
that he is "other" - and while I CAN see a slight difference between 
Baldanders and the mythological names, I don't find the presence of a 
mythological name as complete evidence that Typhon must be extraterrestrial - 
rather, it could be an assumed name that shows his difference and superiority 
to his "normal" subjects (much as Karol Wojtyla would choose the name John 
Paul II or Bullingbrook would name himself Henry IV - it is common to choose a 
name of distinction to establish the authority of "otherness", and insinuate 
that you are of uncommon stock).  Just a note - I think we need slightly more 
than a mythological name to definitely brand someone as Alien, since I don't 
think all the characters with mythological names are from the outer reaches, 
especially as evidenced by Dr. Talos.
Marc Aramini



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