Sunday, January 25, 2015

'Myth' from RichardC - 'Jason Battles the Skeletons'


The Children of the Hydra’s teeth

For this round, I went back to my first great love – the myths of the Greeks. My father used to tell me these wonderful stories, and gradually, I came to know these characters (I would actually go on to study Classics at university).

It does help, of course, if there’s a rattling good film made of the subject. And there is no better “Sword and Sandal” epic that Jason and the Argonauts. Made in the year I was born, 19…..ahem, it features the wonderful creations of the later Ray Harryhausen.


Yes, for my Myth entry, I’ve plumped for skeletons and Greeks! I’ve played slightly with the timeframe. Jason has killed the Hydra and is about to liberate the golden fleece. Meanwhile King Aeetes of Colchis has thrown the beast’s teeth into the earth and summoned forth its children – armed skeletons.


The skeletons are from Wargames factory, the Greeks (including shield transfers) are from Warlord games. The tree and fleece are from Steve Barber Models, ruins from Ral Partha and the figure of Jason was the free miniature given away at Salute two years ago.


I really enjoyed this diversion from my normal period, but I think I will carry on painting up a few Napoleonics.

21 comments:

  1. Great base, really reminds me of the movie

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  3. One of my absolute faves, 'Jason and the Argonauts' was the film that really cemented my love of myths and legends at a very early age. The skeleton warriors advancing slowly in unison, and then charging at the heroes with unearthly shrieks is still a scene which works brilliantly today.

    You've captured that same sense of grim determination in the face of an untiring magical foe, really a great vignette!

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    1. I always wondered how they could shriek - skeletons don't have vocal cords! Like you, the moment they stop, then charge still grips me every time.

      Pip pip

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  4. Great little diorama, I like it a lot.

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  5. Great work Richard! I'm a big fan of that movie too. Well done!

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  6. That was a fun film in its day and so far they haven't (to my knowledge) tried to remake it using CGI thank goodness.

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    1. I agree. I also feel the same way about the new Dad's Army film.

      Pip pip

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  7. Great job on this diorama. You clearly put a lot of effort into this one.

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  8. For someone who hasn't picked up a paintbrush, you are really throwing yourself into these theme rounds. Another lovely piece Sir, glad the fleece arrived in time!

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    1. Cheers for that Michael. You'll have to see it in the flesh (as it were) some day.

      Pip pip

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  9. This is a great vignette!!! Where is the owl? :)

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    1. Ah, Bubo the Owl from "Clash of the Titans". I actually did consider a gold-painted bird perched on top of the temple, but as the only 28mm birds I have are chickens, it might not have had the same effect!

      Pip pip

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  10. If there is such a thing as iconic mythos then this must be it. Very evocative of the subject and superbly executed. Well done!

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  11. Excellent. Rays stop go animation must have sown the seed in generations of gamers/modelers perhaps. cheers

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  12. Brilliant entry! Very good job as now I must watch that movie again! ;)

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  13. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm gradually getting back into the swing of painting, and the Challenge is great for motivating me to up my game. There are some very talented folk about!

    Pip pip

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