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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

Sacrifice and Temptation: the Dark Power of Behelit in Bersek

   


I recently finished reading the available volumes of Berserk, a manga by Kentaro Miura, which  mesmerizing me for months, confirmed itself - as I had been told-  as an authentic masterpiece. Rather than exploring the plot or listing the reasons why you should read this manga, I want to focus on one of the fundamental elements around which the work revolves which highlights how every single detail in it is actually a vast allegory of the world: the Behelit.

The Behelit takes on a crucial role, transforming from an initially apparently marginal object to a symbol imbued with profound meaning. This object can be defined as an effective representation of human temptation: it seduces men by offering its owner an alternative way to realize the most fervent desires, but this power has a price: sacrificing something priceless. Therefore, the Behelit reflects the internal struggle between ambition and morality that characterizes men and, in doing so, sheds a sinister and disturbing light on the darkness of the human soul, pushing men to reflect on the fact that they could achieve their greatest dreams by abandoning something equally big that could hurt the people around them


 This dichotomy between desire and sacrifice reflects the complexity of human existence, highlighting how men, in order to achieve their greatest desires easily and quickly, can harm others and themselves, completely forgetting the people they wanted well and to whom one feels connected. Seen from the outside, Behelit reminds us that every choice has inevitable consequences and that if we want to achieve success we must not forget those who have been by our side throughout the process.


As wefurther explore the fascinating world of Berserk, it becomes clear that the symbolism of the Behelit extends far beyond the confines of the plot. It takes the form of a reflective mirror of our very existence, presenting itself as a catalyst for profound reflections on everyday life. In particular, it invites us to look closely at the complex interaction between our incessant desire for success and personal fulfillment and the potential consequences of this path. Often, in the race to achieve our most ambitious goals, we are inclined to consider the sacrifice of human connections and morality as an acceptable price. Part of the narrative of Berserk, along with the symbolism of the Behelit, pushes us to a deeper level of self-analysis, pushing us to question the true meaning of success. And, finally, it strikes us by making us reflect with an incisive question that arises spontaneously: is it really so crucial to pursue success if it means losing the people we care about? This provocative reflection places a strong emphasis on the need for awareness and responsibility, forcing us to carefully evaluate the cost we are willing to bear to turn our dreams into reality. 



 In conclusion, I could go on forever exploring the many symbolisms and noteworthy elements present in the Berserk manga, but for now I'll stop here, leaving you with a question that has captured my mind and will hopefully stimulate yours as well . If I immersed you in the world of Berserk, you would find yourself confronted with the same reflections that I have expressed here. With this short article, which has focused on a single detail in the midst of a vast and complex panorama, I hope to have given you at least a small taste of the richness and depth of this extraordinary masterpiece. I hope that, in light of these reflections, you can be encouraged to explore Berserk further, allowing yourself to be captivated by its compelling story and its profound themes. I suggest you to read Berserk because I think the animated versions are all quite annoying.

Today’s Blogger 


Hello There! I’m Sophia Corsini from 3rd year of liceo scientifico, and my distinct feature is my red hair. I find joy in playing the piano, a skill I’ve honed over the years. When I’m not immersed in the world of music, you can often find me flipping through manga pages, engrossed in captivating stories.

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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

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