In Praise of Hassan-i-Sabbah

So.

The man on a black horse above a background of flames (top right of the blog, mine avi) is from a portrait entitled Hassan-i-Sabbah. I've been using it for several years now, as an homage to a man whose legend and reality have long fascinated me. I instinctively enjoy the idea of a lecherous old bastard genius who, from mountaintop gardens in Syria, Lebanon and Iran, directs a campaign of terror waged upon invading crusaders, viziers, poombahs and potentates.

Hell, I sympathize. Especially with an antinomian cult from which comes the annunciation of the final revelation, the end of all law, the completion of all prophecy and a sacred and holy chaos.

So, I think it only fitting that today it be announced that from hereforward and forever always, the First of May shall be Hassan-i-Sabbah Day.

Oh, for a thousand thousand Alamuts...