AUG. 9th, 2007 - MANDEM is thrilled to announce the publication of a full-length thesis work entitled "The Cretan Cycle: Sex, Sacrifice, and the Sacred Beast" which includes not only a number of illustrations and original art works, but also a lengthy mythographical study of the stories of Ariadne and the Minotaur. This is available for download now. (Provided by the Florida State University D-Scholarship Repository)

ABSTRACT:
The story of Theseus’ battle with the Minotaur takes place within the wider context of a series of myths which may be collectively termed “The Cretan Cycle.” This project aims to explore this wider context in order to provide new insight into the meaning and symbolism of these myths. The first chapter focuses on the role of sacred and profane bestiality within the Cretan Cycle, and argues that the Minotaur may be an embodiment of the social conception of untamed sexuality. The second chapter discusses the recurring theme, within the myths of this cycle, of the Bull from the Sea, and also addresses the broader mythic significance of these recurrences. The final chapter addresses the relationship between bulls and goddesses in comparative mythologies, and analyzes the links between these relationships and the Cretan Cycle. The final concluding section discusses modern interpretation of the Cretan Cycle in light of the discoveries of the first three chapters, with a particular focus on the role of queer sexuality, violence/sacrifice, and gender in the myths.

JAN. 16th, 2007 - It is an honor to announce the release of The Cruxshadows' DREAMCYPHER CD, featuring cover art and 9 interior pieces by MANDEM. Preview the music HERE, then BUY THE CD.

JAN. 13th, 2007 - The site has been redesigned and new content added. The site is now making use of transparent PNG images that may not function properly in out-of-date Internet Explorer browsers. The site is best viewed in an up-to-date browser, such as IE 7, Mozilla, or Safari.

-MANDEM-