Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth
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Journal Entry, 5th of May, 1872, Professor Otto Lidenbrock
It is as I feared. We had finished the translation of the ancient language - from a parchment we had uncovered during our previous journey following Saknussemm’s trail into the earth. We were ecstatic - proof of the lost lands of Atlantis! The manuscript documented the creation of a great crystalline structure honoring Zeus. I pored over the references, detailing the six years of labor and exacting mechanisms used for laying out the structure. Precise measurements, all centered on creating a crystal that would “sing in the great harmony of the Gods”. Apparently, the monument was to be unveiled at the feast of Zeus. That year, though, the feast of Zeus coincided with the celestial appearance of McKenzie’s comet. The parchment spoke of the “great light in the evening sky”, and “sparkling lights”, which I believe to be similar to the Aurora Borealis phenomenon witnessed at the Lidenbrock Sea. The final parts of the manuscript described the confluence of the comet, the ionized particles and Zeus’ temple:
It is now the eve of the great feast! The final preparations have been made. We believe Zeus will shower our great Atlantis with bountiful harvests for many seasons. He has shown his great power by lighting our way to finish his temple during the nights. And now, he has lit up the skies with sparkling lights, similar to those seen in the colder regions of the distant lands. As high priest, it is my duty to secure the final crystal in the arrangement of harmony. The temple will sing his praises! Tonight, under the bright night sky, I shall affix the stone, and everything shall be complete. I will continue this manuscript after the great feast, and give details of the ceremony.
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