The SPARK Project is a public region building project by Raven Frostwych (RavenStarr) which periodically offers a new location for people to visit and appreciate. Currently, Spark is presenting Olympus, Raven’s take on the the the mountain from which the most famous 12 of the gods of ancient Greece were said to have their residence (hence their collective name “Olympians”).
Within that mythology, these gods were said to live on the highest summit on the mountain – Mytikas Peak. However, for her build, Raven offers a setting much more imaginative, tying together other elements of mythology, some from the legends of ancient Greece and one which – whilst turned into something of an ancient creature commanded by Zeus meme courtesy of 2010’s Clash of the Tians – actually has very little to do with ancient Greece or the Olympians, but which nevertheless fits this setting.
Occupying a Full region leveraging the Private region land capacity bonus, Raven’s Olympus features the home of the gods as an archipelago of lush islands held aloft, some stacked one above the other, by four huge Titans. The race of immortals who preceded the Olympians who were overthrown by Zeus and his siblings – the 3rd and 4th generation immortals – after the decade-long war of called “the Titanomachy“, the majority of the Titans were imprisoned in the abyss of Tartarus, far below Olympus and the world following their defeat.
Here, in holding aloft Olympus, Raven’s Titans are both figuratively held below the Olympians as if in permanent servitude, whilst also echoing the fate of Atlas in having to hold aloft the heavens, except here their fate is to forever hold up the abode of the gods who have usurped them. That said, Atlas might be also be found here as well.
The landing point is located on the uppermost of these semi-floating islands, alongside an amphitheatre and the Olympian temple. The latter forms a club where events are at times held, the amphitheatre providing a place where 11 of the 12 Olympians, together with some of the lesser deities and offspring of Hera and Zeus, might watch over the celebrations, with Zeus seated in his throne. Poseidon, the 12th Olympian, sits apart, rising from a pool of water between amphitheatre and club.
The landing point includes a teleport point listing the major destinations within Olympus. This works through a Second Life Experience, so be sure to join it when touching a destination on the teleport board for the first time. However, for the fullest appreciation of the build, I strongly recommend following the paths and stairs running throughout the build and connecting all of the points of interest – including touches of Greco-Roman mythology tucked away here and there.
Descending through the lush levels will also bring visitors closer to the four huge Titans, their stone faces revealing nothing of what they might be thinking about their situation, keeping the realm of their victors and keep it clear of the waters far below.
As calm as these water might appear, even with the falls dropping freely from the gardens of the gods, they actually hides a secret – although whether awakened by a cry from Liam Neeson per the aforementioned film or not is debatable, given the Kraken is rooted in Norse mythology than it has anything to do with Zeus and his pantheon. I’ll leave it to you to work out how to get down to him; all I’ll say is despite his reputation, he doesn’t seem that unpleasant.
There is an undeniable beauty to this design that reaches well beyond its mythological foundations. It’s clear that a considerable amount of thought has gone into the overall design. For those unfamiliar with how to best appreciate the location as it is designed to be seen, the landing point includes information boards on recommended viewer settings, whilst awaiting discovery are multiple places to sit and pass the time, together with pre-placed poses for those wishing to take pictures. All of the main locations have their own points of interest and attractions, but I have to confess to finding the Sanctuary of Dionysus particularly attractive; it is – for me – beautifully relaxing.
Cleverly conceived and perfectly executed, Olympus offer a pleasing mix of exploration, photography and historical mythology – the latter of which might encourage a desire to do a little reaches by those who enjoy the setting but might not be familiar with the mythology interwoven into it. Highly recommended for a visit.
SLurl Details
- Olympus by Spark Project (Spark, rated Moderate)
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