@Majokdit 16 April 2022 edited

An Empire Striking Back?

As I have been thinking about these two kings this holiday weekend, I thought to share my musings with readers on this site. The two kings I have in mind are 1) King Kong, the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and 2) King Jesus. Here are a few small bites I chewed on for a while: King Kong, in the old movie, was killed high up on what looks like a giant stake. That “stake” was the Empire State Building (*King Kong*, 1933 film, music by Max Steiner).

King Jesus, was likewise killed on a “stake,” or cross (year 33). Incidentally, the biblical Greek word “*stauros*”, according to Greek-English lexicons, can mean either cross or stake. I will not be arguing that point in this write up. But all this makes for a fascinating mental juxtaposition and interpretation of the original 1933 movie, *King Kong*! Finally, another brain baker: King Kong was born on the fictitious **Skull Island**, and dies (was executed) at the top of the **Empire State Building** during the last five minutes of the film. Notice also that the word “Empire” also links with rulership, an emperor being essentially a king of kings. (Alluding to my otherwise dishonest clickbait title; but it got you to read this much, so …!) Jesus was executed on **Golgotha**, which means *skull*. That place is also called Calvary, a word that comes from the Latin word *calva*, which can also mean *skull*. Golgotha, or Calvary, is an actual skull-shaped hill in ancient Jerusalem, where Jesus was executed for saying he was a king. Essentially, a “king of kings.”

In the early days of Hollywood film-making, therefore, Kong was, in a subtle way made into an allegory of Jesus. And both Kong and Jesus were promoted as “kings.” **Symbolic Numbers** The numbers and other symbolisms are also of interest: For example the years 33 and 1933. The number thirty-three is called a “master number” in numerology, it represents pure love, and is also the number of the highest degree – the 33rd degree – in masonic lodge (free masonry) beliefs. Jesus evidently died in the year 33, and the film *King Kong* was released in the year 1933. Disclaimer: I am not now and have never been a member of a masonic lodge. Three (!) of my varied interests include filmmaking, film music, and psychology, so I simply thought it interesting when I noticed, while coincidentally watching a DVD of the old black and white *King* Kong film a couple of weeks ago, and made the mental connections between SKULL Island, SKULL Place, King Kong and King Jesus. Side chiller: The secret student group at Yale University known as "Skull and Bones" is called The Brotherhood of Death, and The Order 322. Now, all the bunnies and egg-painters can enjoy their holiday weekend with a little more historical knowledge. #KingKong #Easter

**Flickr Images**, in order of appearance – commercial use allowed Empire State Building Day and Night, by John Cunniff: https://flic.kr/p/yY2zGy Empire State Building à la Sironi, by Strolicfurlan: https://flic.kr/p/23vgbpW Golgotha, by upyernoz: https://flic.kr/p/5iceDd Kong at top of Building, by iznogoodgood: https://flic.kr/p/ezVyeG