Jantje Friese (1899) and Baran Bo Odar (1899) worked tirelessly to create an intriguing mystery. The most popular element that drew viewers to the series was Greek mythology.
The series centers on a group who attempt to find a ship named Prometheus. But, important events happen aboard Kerberos. The ships were derived from Greek Mythology and used as a way for creators to hide everything. In mystery.
As the story progresses, Captain Eyk (Andreas Pietschmann), a doctor, and Maura Franklin, (Emily Beecham), a nurse, discover that they share a symbolic as well as metaphorical connection.
Kerberos & Greek Mythology
Kerberos, also called Cerberus in Greek mythology, is a threeheaded dog. He guards Hades’ kingdom, the underworld. Hesiod’s Theogony explains that Cerberus’s role is to stop souls leaving hell and entering the world of living. Cerberus makes a great choice for the ship as it acts as a prison to the characters.
Just wanted to mention that I love Kerberos and the Prometheus designs from 1899. Literally, this is a Lusitania-type model. It has various modifications to the boat deck. The forecastle, second class and aftercastle areas are all different. A promenade deck is also absent. pic.twitter.com/fTgoUAGdFn
— Spades 🇺🇸 (@SpadesTheFox) November 20, 2022
Maura and Eyk realize that Prometheus has a secret. Eyk, a British investor and creator, realizes that Henry Singleton is Maura’s father. Gradually, Maura realizes that the entire setting is a simulation. When she finally ‘wakes-up’, she understands the true meaning of Kerberos.
A Rare Image of Cerberus, the Hound of Hades on an Apulian Xenon ware sessile Kantharos dating from 350 BC. pic.twitter.com/h5zNqyBTwx
— Ghost of Hellas (@ghostofhellas) December 2, 2022
The characters find themselves trapped in an inexorable loop of hallucinations. This is because they are being held in an emotional hell that was created to hold them. Moreover, the decisions they take are not truly theirs, thereby, making them believe that they are living a ‘real’ life. The most amazing turn of events occurs when Maura realizes she is the creator and has taken them captive for what appears to be an experiment.
Prometheus and Kerberos’ connection
Prometheus, according to mythology is a god that defied other orders and set fire to the human race. Prometheus is also the name of the spaceship in which Maura wakes from her sleep. Trick at Mecone, a Greek mythology story that explains 1899’s plot, tells the story.
According to Greek myth, Promethus, the titan of the Titans, gave the human race fire. This so angered Zeus that he inflicted a punishment of eternal suffering & the titan was chained to a rock & his liver repeatedly devoured by an eagle.#MythologyMonday #mythology
Artwork: Prometheus Bound, Rubens pic.twitter.com/gL6QaH6RcY— curious ordinary (@curiousordinary) January 20, 2020
Hesiod, a Greek poet, describes how gods and people met at Mecone to discuss the division between sacrifices between men and God. After Prometheus had killed an ox, Prometheus divided the animal into piles. He arranged the pile with fatter bones because he wanted to help people. Zeus was forced to make a choice and chose the pile of bones. Angrily at the trickery, Zeus hides fire from all people.
Prometheus then rebelled against Zeus and stole fire. Prometheus was sentenced to eternal punishment. He was chained to a rock, where an eagle was sent each day to eat the liver. Prometheus would recover at night only to be tortured the next day.
Kerberos passengers were condemned to an eternity of torture in that setting. The show shows that the loop continues after each failed simulation. We don’t know the reason the characters went through this trauma so many times, but it seems they did it for the greater good as Prometheus.
What role did Maura play as Prometheus in 1899
Prometheus was associated with the quest for knowledge over the years. He knew the consequences. Victor Frankenstein used this theme to create a monster that could understand science.
Maura also takes a leap of faith in her scientific experiment. While she did it for her own personal gain (to keep her son’s memories alive), it remains to be seen if the project was a success. It seems like an invention that could be used to cause havoc if it is misused.
Me, questioning about myself after watching #1899NetflixLast episode. First, I thought it was going to be a historical thriller series from 1899 about a ship. But, it turned out to be something different 19th October 2099 inside a Spaceship named “Project Prometheus”. #1899series #Netflix pic.twitter.com/XgROscyf42
— Sarrah 🦋🤍 (@Sarrah1962) November 20, 2022
Since Maura’s brother, Ciaran, is one of the missing subjects, it remains to be seen whether he will cause disruption. According to Greek Mythology Hercules helped Prometheus escape his punishment by killing an eagle. Given that he woke up her, Daniel might be able to serve as her husband if the creators follow this path. Ciaran also serves as Zeus, but for unknown reasons. It remains to be seen whether the roles will be reversed, but for now, let’s enjoy the beautiful bond between science fiction and mythology.
Source of the cover image: Twitter
