Beautiful, alluring and tricky…
Is it any wonder the Ancient Greeks came up with the muses? Beautiful, alluring and tricky creatures that sent the humans mad (poets the maddest of all; I say that with affection, dear poets, you do work I never could). It’s a strange pastime, though, typing out these moments and somehow managing to stitch them together into a story.
Cover Photo by Manyu Varma
via Unsplash
Cover Design – A Coup of Owls
About the Photo: Theyyam is a ritual form in Kerala, India. This particular Theyyam is one variation of ‘Pottan Theyyam’, a vivid, lively and colourful ritualistic performance which comes in the traditional art form of Theyyam. It is believed Pottan Theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. ‘Pottan Theyyam’ is traditionally performed with a large fire, the embers of which ‘Pottan Theyyam’ will rest upon (with the people insisting/requesting him to get up). After the performance and customs, the locals may approach and speak with ‘Pottan Theyyam’ and receive his response and blessing.
Find Manyu Varma on Unsplash and Instagram
Max Turner – Publisher
Rhiannon Wood – Editor in Chief
Sarah Boyd – Editor
Leonie Natascha – Publishing Assistant
A Coup of Owls: Winter 2024 (issue 16)
Published by A Coup of Owls Press
December 2024
This issue is available to read or as a download at the bottom of this page.
Contents
The Odd Couple
by Alastair Millar
A man who is not who he appears to be finds that his lover is also not what she seems.
Barred Owl Basin
by Gail Brown
A mother and child speak the charred Barred Owl Basin back to life.
Sweet Poison
by Toshiya Kamei
A woman meets her suitor…
God of Whispers
by Tom Okafor
A nightmare inducing demon rises from the depths lusting for human fears and wishing to satisfy his hunger.
A Man of Singular Taste
by Ria Hill
At the bedside of his betrothed, Sir Arthur Holmwood has an unexpected encounter with a creature of the night.
A Coup of Owls Press 
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