Sub-genres and Cross-overs: Death & other Harbingers of DoomThe one thing that scares the heebie-jeebies out of everyone is, of course, the dreaded - it comes to us all eventually - there's no escaping this one - the one guarantee in life (other than taxes)... yes that's right - DEATH. Every-body remembers the first time they realized there own mortality and from that moment on we are all waiting for the inevitable cold bony hand of Death to land on our shoulder. The inescapable doom that awaits us all... Destiny, Destiny, there's no escaping that for me!... or you! Humanity has, throughout history (& prehistory I'm sure), been so obsessed with death that legend, myth & fable have supplied many personifications and harbingers representing the dreaded D word... from hags & harridans to ravens & black cowled skeletons with a penchant for a game of chess (trusty pale steed optional). What-ever form they take however, I can guarantee that most people - at the first hint of a such a character closing in on them will close their eyes tightly, cover their ears and shout "La la la la la la la..." till they're gone. Unfortunately you can't cheat death - even if you play a mean game of chess - and once your name is on his (or her) list it stays there till the sands of you hour-glass life span have run out... still, worth a try I suppose.
Death in Fact & Folklore, in Fiction & Film, in Fun & Games and Online (links coming soon)
