What’s With All the Egyptian Symbolism this Season?

Well, I don’t know. But I thought that I’d write a short rundown of what we’ve seen so far. Later, perhaps on Tuesday, I’ll publish a creation myth involving the Egyptian god, Osiris.


First – the hieroglyphs. We’ve seen the hieroglyphs a number of times, first on the countdown timer when the timer reached zero. Apparently the producers of Lost (called Darlton, to indicate the two main producers) translate those hieroglyphs to mean “underworld”. We’ve seen these same hieroglyphs on the Ajira Airways Boarding Pass (you can barely see them on the corners).

We next saw hieroglyphs on Ben’s secret door to the smoke monster. These apparently translate to something like summon and protection.

The hieroglyphs in the frozen donkey wheel room may translate, appropriately enough, to travel and time. Darlton also allege that the hieroglyph for "resurrection" is present.

Hieroglyphs are also seen on the copy of Daniel’s map that Caesar found in the Hydra Station in The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham. These hieroglyphs were apparently not on the map when we first saw it last season. Some with more time on their hands than I have speculate that the two sets indicate a direction of travel and “time of kings/ancients”.

But it is the Temple itself that is lousy with hieroglyphs. Jin noticed all kinds of hieroglyphs on the Temple walls in This Place is Death. Some of the hieroglyphs on the Temple wall include those that translate to “lifetime” or “period” or “space of time”, “time of kings/ancients”, and “resurrection”. Ben also noted many hieroglyphs on the walls of the underground chamber below the temple walls, but I’ve not yet found translations for those.

In my note on Dead is Dead, I included a picture that I’ve reproduced here. This was found in the underground chamber, and appears to be the smoke monster and the Egyptian god Anubis. Anubis was a jackal-faced god who helped create the funeral rites when he bound Osiris to preserve him from contact with air and other corruptions. He later acts as a guide in the Other World, leading the souls to the hall of judgment, where he weighs the soul of the dead. We may have seen Anubis at an earlier time – or at least his back. Many consider the four-toed statue to be of Anubis. The statue itself hold two ankhs.

Speaking of ankhs, we’ve certainly seen one this season. Amy’s first husband, Paul, wore an ankh, which Amy removed from his body before it was turned over to the Hostiles. Three years later, Horace found the ankh, and terrified that Amy still loved Paul, he went on an explosive bender. In Egyptian mythology, the ankh was carried by the god, Shu, and symbolized “eternal life.”

We’ve also seen a drawing of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which Hurley was drawing when John visited hin in The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham. The great sphinx was carved out of solid rock on the orders of King Khephren over 5,000 years ago. The personification of the rising sun, sphinxes were generally seen as temple guardians.

Finally, the next episode is titled Some Like it Hoth. A few theories about the title include the play on the title of the famous movie. Hoth itself was a frozen ice world in the Empire Strikes Back. But of note for this discussion is the Egyptian god Thoth. Perhaps the title would have been “Some Like it Thoth,” but for the play on words that Hoth created. Thoth was an ibis-headed god who served Osiris and his family as a vizier (what do viziers do, anyway?). He became a mediator between good and evil, making sure that neither had a decisive victory over the other.

I suspect that the producers have chosen Egyptian symbols because of the richness of the mythology that they represent, because of the everlasting battle between good and evil, and because of its focus on resurrection and the After Life. It has been beautifully played, with an ever young Richard Alpert who has seemingly defeated death, the battle between the forces of good and evil (though who is which is often quite difficult to tell), and John Locke’s recent resurrection. I look forward to even more Egyptian symbols.

The Temple

Here it is, another Lost-eve, and I’ve a few thoughts to share about the Temple. The Temple, of course, is where we saw Richard Alpert carry the unconscious young Ben Linus at the end of last week's episode. We don’t know a whole lot about the Temple, so I thought I’d compile what we know here, and then ask my questions.

We first heard of the Temple in Meet Kevin Johnson, when Ben gave Alex a map to the Temple, saying it might be the last safe place on the island. Oddly enough, the map has a Dharma logo on it. When Karl suggested that the survivors go with them to the Temple, Ben refused, saying, “It’s not for them.” We didn’t see the Temple until This Place is Death. Remember when Montand was dragged by the smoke monster/security system into the hole, losing his arm in the process? And remember that Robert, Lacombe, and Brennan followed Montand into the hole, after he called to them? Danielle would have gone into the well too, had Jin not been there to stop her. This occurred at the Temple – or its outer walls, at least. We saw the walls, covered in Egyptian hieroglyphs (there’s another line of thought –all the Egyptian symbols this season). Apparently there was an official podcast after This Place is Death, in which the producers reported that the walls we saw are just an outer perimeter. The Temple is inside these walls.

We know nothing else about the Temple. But after seeing what happened to Robert, Lacombe, and Brennan, and then after hearing what Richard told Kate and Sawyer about what would happen to Ben, it just elicited a slew of thoughts. In case you need reminding, Richard said:

If I take him, he’s not ever going to be the same again. He’ll forget this ever happened and his innocence will be gone. He will always be one of us. Do you still want me to take him?

Is it the Temple that turns people into “Others”? How does it alter them? Were the Frenchmen turned into “Others”? What about being an “Other” made them so deadly to Danielle? Who built the Temple – the “Others”? The Dharma Initiative? Who or what decides who goes to the Temple and who doesn’t? Why was it not for the survivors? Has Juliet been to the Temple? Has she been irrevocably changed?

Who are the “Others”, anyway?

I use quotation marks around the word “Others” because it appears that there are two kinds of Others. Ben and Richard are privy to the Temple, but Karl and Alex were not. And I don't know what the differences are.

I am thoroughly intrigued.

Who is The Little Prince?

I asked this question after The Little Prince aired, and I've had a few conversations about this topic. It occurs to me that since we're having a Lost-free week, that tonight might be the perfect time to express my own thoughts on this subject.

Before I discuss who the little prince is, I think I should first start with what I believe the little prince is. With a caveat that this is speculation and assumption on my part, the little prince is the future leader of the island, whether an Other, a member of the Dharma Initiative, or a Hostile. The little prince is the person that the island or Christian Shephard or Jacob has appointed as leader, perhaps because of their special qualities or talents.

In Jughead, we learned from Richard that there is a specific process for selecting the leader of the Others, which starts at a very young age. We know that Locke was indeed tested by Richard, when Locke was approximately five and living in a foster home. Richard told Locke to select the items Locke already owned. When Locke selected a knife (along with a vial of powder and a compass), Richard became completely disgusted and left. That wasn't the end of it, however, since a "Dr. Alpert" tried to recruit a teenaged Locke to join the summer camp at Mittelos Laboratories. This time, Locke rejected Richard.

Now, without much ado, I will list all the potential candidates for this leader, or Little Prince, along with their current whereabouts (as of LaFleur), the pros and cons of their being the leader, and then a final conclusion. Sadly, the little prince is all male, so no females will be listed. With that in mind, in alphabetical order:

Aaron Littleton - Current: MIA. There is speculation that he is on his way to Australia with his grandmother or to Korea to be a playmate for Ji Yeon. Pros: Aaron is the grandson of Christian Shephard, who appears to be some kind of mystical conduit of Jacob. Furthering the mystical association, Richard Malkin, the fake Australian psychic, turned a little less fake as he discovered that Claire "must raise this child." Cons: Aaron is MIA. It is doubtful he is currently on the island, unless he was for whatever reason in coach on 316. Claire, who seemed to be associated with Christian and Jacob, told Kate to not return Aaron to the island. Neither Ben nor Locke made any effort to ensure that Aaron returned to the island. Likelihood of Princedom: Highish.

Baby Austen-Shephard - Current: Theoretical only. Bloggers speculate that Kate became pregnant the night before flight 316 as a replacement for Claire. Gender, obviously, unknown. Pros: Conceived off-island, so is likely to live. Will also be the child of two prominent 815-ers. Con: Barely conceived yet! Likelihood of Princedom: Low.

Baby Goodspeed -Current: Just born in the Dharma Initiative to Horace Goodspeed and Amy. We never learned the baby's name, but speculation is rife that we've met this baby as an adult. Pro: Even though Dharma Initiative babies were typcially born off island, that Baby Goodspeed survived a birth on the island might be meaningful. Con: There's really no reason to believe this baby is more important a character than say, Karl. Likelihood of Princedom: Low to none.

Ben Linus - Current: On the Hydra Island, injured and unconscious, presumably in 2008 or 2009. Pros: Ben has been the leader of the Others, presumably for a long time. Not many know the island and its myriad secrets and subtleties better than he. Plus, he always has a plan. Cons: Ben has apparently lost his leadership and connection to the island to Locke. He developed a tumor on his spine, despite the island's healing powers. No one trusts Ben, as Ben's goals are always cloudy. He doesn't mind following his desires (killing Keamy knowing it would mean the death of those on the freighter, killing Locke twice) at the expense of what is best for the island or his associates. Lastly, Ben claimed that anyone who moved the donkey wheel could not return to the island. Likelihood of Princedom: Nil. Ben's been dethroned.

Bernard Nadler - Current: MIA. Presumably he's in 1977 Dharma Initiative. Pro: Bernard is more heroic than might be assumed, to Rose's dismay. Con: He's not even a main character! Likelihood of Princedom: Nil.

Charles Widmore - Current: Presumably in his office in the UK, trying desparately to find the island and keep Penny safe. Pros: Widmore has been on the island and apparently has acted as leader. He may have been on the island for a long time. Widmore has plenty of resources to help him get whatever he wants. He can also change the rules. Cons: Like Ben, Widmore is willing to harm anyone to get what he wants. Also, like Ben, Widmore may have permanently lost his association with the island due to turning the donkey wheel. Plus, the producers call Widmore "the big bad". Surely the big bad can't be the leader? Likelihood of Princedom: Nil.

Charlie Hume - Current: Presumably with his parents, Desmond and Penny. Some theorize that he may be Charlie Pace - however, I don't buy it. Pros: Charlie is a child of Desmond, to whom the rules do not apply. Further, he's the grandson of Widmore, who was once a leader of the island. Con: Charlie is still a child. Likelihood of Princedom: Low.

Daniel Faraday - Current: MIA. Presumably he's in the Dharma Initiative, 1977-time. Pros: Daniel has esoteric knowledge of the time travel qualities of the island. He took an active role in trying to rescue islanders on the zodiac and dealing with the nuclear bomb in 1954. Daniel is also the son of Eloise Hawking, who clearly has a mystical connection to the island. Cons: Daniel's brain may be permanently affected by his time travel experiments, his own time travel, and Charlotte's death. Plus, the insane rarely make princes (at least, in fiction). Likelihood of Princedom: Low to medium.

Desmond Hume - Current: Presumably with his wife and child, Charlie. Possibly on his way to the island to kill Ben for killing or trying to kill Penny. Pros: Desmond is extremely sensitive to the time qualities of the island. We know that the island is not done with Desmond yet. And, of course, the rules don't apply to Desmond. Cons: Desmond wants nothing to do with the island. And, of course, the rules don't apply to Desmond. Does any of this make sense where he is concerned? Likelihood of Princedom: Medium.

Frank Lapidus - Current: On a boat between the Hydra Island and the main island, presumably in 2008 or 2009. Pro: Lapidus has been peripherally associated with the island 3 times. Con: Frank's not a major player. Likelihood of Princedom: Nil.

Hugo "Hurley" Reyes - Current: Has returned to the island and is now in 1977. Pros: Everyone likes Hugo. He has always maintained his connection to the island, mainly through visitations by dead people. He was the first of the Oceanic 6 that recognized they needed to return to the island. Hurley has also seen Jacob. Cons: Hurley requires too much assistance from others, including ghosts, to survive. Plus, jesters rarely become princes (I'm talking fiction here). Likelihood of Princedom: Low to medium.

Jack Shephard - Current: Has returned to the island in 1977. Pros: Jack is the son of Christian Shephard, who is clearly a conduit for Jacob. He has demonstrated leadership skills in times of crisis. The tatooist, Achara, told Jack that she saw a leader who was unhappy. His tattoo - "He walks among us, but is not one of us" - could reference his princedom. Cons: Jack sucks when he has no one or thing to save. He became addicted and has a limited belief or faith in the island. The Others noted that Jack was not on "Jacob's list." Lastly, the island did not heal Jack's appendix. Likelihood of Princedom: Pretty high.

James "Sawyer" Ford - Current: A Left Behinder who just reconnected with 3 of the Oceanic 6. Pros: Sawyer may have evolved the most of all the 815ers. From a self-centered con-man, he's taken on a leadership role among the Left Behinders. Cons: Sawyer has no clear vision with a history of selfishness and being a con man. Likelihood of Princedom: Medium to low.

Jin-Soo Kwon - Current: A Left Behinder who has just reconnected with 3 of the Oceanic 6. Pros: Jin is loyal and a hard worker. Like Sawyer, he has changed a great deal on the island, becoming the husband that Sun deserved. Con: We've seen no leadership from Jin - he's always a follower. Likelihood of Princedom: Low.

John Locke - Current: Resurrected on Hydra Island in approximately 2008 or 2009. Pros: John has been identified by Ben, Jacob, Christian, Richard, and Widmore (at least) as special. He's only truly alive when he's on the island. Unlike Ben, he is truly interested in doing what is best for the island. He has been healed by the island numerous times. Locke believes it is his destiny to be on the island. He successfully confronted the smoke monster. He discovered the Hatch. John can hear Jacob. Cons: John can be exceedingly indecisive, and has lost his faith in the island a few times. He picked the wrong item when tested by Richard, and rejected the offer of attending science camp at Mittelos Laboratory. He was extremely tyrannical when he took leadership of the Barracks. Like Jack, John wasn't on "Jacob's list" because he is "angry". One day, Ben's attempts to kill John might succeed. Lastly, like Ben and Widmore, John has turned the donkey wheel, which may prevent his ability to return to the island. Likelihood of Princedom: High.

Miles Straume - Current: A Left Behinder in 1977 Dharma Initiative. Pros: Miles talks to dead people and animals. He has probably been on the island before (son of Marvin Candle, perhaps?). Cons: Miles is out for himself with no moral center. On top of that, he's not a very likeable guy (no matter how much fun he is to watch). Likelihood of Princedom: Low.

Richard Alpert - Current: Labeled an "Other". Pro: Richard has a long mystical association with the island. Con: Apparently, Richard is always second in command, never first. Likelihood of Princedom: Low.

Sayid Jarrah - Current: Presumably on the island in 1977 time. Previews indicate that he will meet up with the Left Behinders in a less than friendly fashion. Pros: Sayid is a warrior with a strong moral center. He is also loyal. Further, he's been injured and shot on the island so many times, the island has to have healed him. Cons: Sayid continues to atone for his years as a torturer and assasin for Ben. He works more behind the scenes rather than leading others. He's easily manipulated. He also was not on Jacob's list because he is "weak and frightened." Plus, he becomes obsessed with women. Likelihood of Princedom: Medium to low.

Vincent - Current: MIA. Presumably in 1977 Dharma Initiative. Pro: Vincent has worked for Christian before, including waking up Jack immediately after 815 crashed. Con: He's a dog. Likelihood of Princedom: Nil, but wouldn't it be hilarious?

Walt Lloyd - Current: New York City with his grandmother. Pros: Walt has a mystical association with the island. He may have control over the weather and can make birds commit suicide. Cons: No one has made any effort to ensure that Walt returns to the island. Maybe he's sitting with Aaron in coach? The actor can't seem to act his way out of a paper bag. Likelihood of Princedom: High to medium.

So, these are just some thoughts. Let me know what you think.