War and Weep

When The Greek Gods Find Refuge From The Approaching Apocalypse

Manya Aggarwal, XI A & Sharanya Dobhal, XI E, AIS Vasundhara 6

The screeches of the Nine Muses echo over the peaks of Mt Olympus, shattering the serenity with the incoming chaos of the Titans. The Olympians find refuge on Poseidon’s island villa, the perfect place for an impending apocalypse. But the estranged siblings under one roof is worse than the Titans.

ACT 1 | SCENE 1
Hades: I feel like I am eroding with every ray of sunlight. I refuse to be treated as such.
Persephone: It’s okay. A bit of vitamin D won’t kill you.
Poseidon: Ever heard of sunscreen? Just slap some and stop ridiculing my beautiful villa.
Zeus: We should have had this conference literally anywhere.
Hades: Yes, I demand to return to the underworld.
Athena: Agreed. Po, do you even clean this place? I’ve seen sandstorms with better organisation.
Ares: The air here is so empowering that I feel like duking it out with any of you.
Poseidon: Calm down, Mr Testosterone. Let’s not forget whose villa this is.
(The Gods exit)

ACT 2 | SCENE 1
Next morning, the villa, already teetering with Olympian drama, now hums with a tension.
Poseidon: That voltage-carrying little piece of fried brain. He may have the thunderbolt, but the mortgage is mine. Time for a little payback (waves his hand and blasts Zeus toilet).
Zeus: (sitting and reading the newspaper on the toilet) What is that rumb- (Water blasts Zeus out of his seat and thunder crackles in the sky) Who in the fish-blasted world did this?
Aphrodite: Poseidon
Athena: Definitely, Poseidon.
Zeus: Poseidon!
Hades: Stop yelling! You sound like the souls of the damned.
Zeus: Stay out of this, anaemic.
Hades: Mind you, I take supplements. I am not anaemic. At least, I have better hygiene than you.
Zeus: How dare you!
Aphrodite: (recording this whole time) Ooh! Drama. I am so posting this on Godstagram.
Hermes: Guys, this is cool and all, but we’ve got a situation at hand.
Zeus and Hades: What is it?
Hermes: The Titans have reached the mortal realm. They are preparing for attack.
Athena: Where are our weapons?
Ares: Where are my sword and spear? I took two hours to polish those babies of mine.
Zeus: Who dare take my thunderbolt? Poseidon, did you?
Poseidon: No, I did not.
They hear loud snoring. Zz..... zzzzz... (Gods find Cerberus cuddling the weapons)
Zeus: Hades, wake up your flesh-eating dog.
Hermes: Guys quickly! The Titans are attacking.
(Sea begins to rise and chaos arises as the Titans crash on the island.)
Everyone: (Shouting at the top of their voices) Hades! Cerberus!
(The end)

Album Review

The crown of thorns

Album: The Queen Is Dead
Artist: The Smiths
Released on: June 16, 1986
Genre: Indie rock and
alternative rock

Synopsis: ‘The Queen Is Dead’ is a masterpiece album of the 1980s, widely acclaimed for its witty lyrics, jangly guitars, and emotional depth. Ranked amongst the greatest albums ever, its primary concept revolves around real-life emotions such as sadness, love, friendship, and loneliness. It also touches upon critical issues as to how society sometimes makes people feel like outsiders and misunderstands them. The songs beautifully blend tones of hope and hopelessness, portraying the fight encountered by young people over identity and relationships. The theme and sound of the album are still relevant and resonate with the new listeners even today, creating timeless indie rock anthems.
Why is it worth listening: It is ranked as the greatest album ever by NME for its influence on Britpop and beyond. The songs are passionate and meaningful. It’s praised for its lyrical genius by Morrissey as well as for instrumental flair from Johnny Marr, capturing the angst, boredom, and joy of the 80’s teens. The album’s smart and funny take on angst and emptiness resonates across generations, stunning listeners with its detail and prompting reflection on life and society.
My favourite song: ‘There is a light that never goes out’
Rating: 5/5
Review by: Vidushi Raj Srivastava, AIS VKC Lko, XI A