Versipelles

Though constrained to sign in here as “Versipelles”, I’m usually known on-line as Tann, short for Tannhäuser — which I think both more memorable and descriptive than either John or Charles, my birth-certificate names (though perhaps not much more than “Johannes Karlus”, the names given me at the font).

I was born of an American father and a German mother in Augsburg, in what was then the American sector of West Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Federal Republic of Germany); I prefer to think of it as the Sacrum Romanum Imperium Teutonic Nationis, Heiliges Römisches Reich des deutschen Volkes, the Holy Roman Empire of the German People. Augsburg, by the way, before the Romans renamed it for the emperor Augustus, was Zisaburc, the Citadel of God. Zio (better known perhaps by his Scandinavian name Tyr) is the god whose hand was bitten off by the great Wolf Fenrir when the gods chained him up — which is the reason the (supposedly) hand-shaped root of a certain plant gained it the name “wolf’s-bane”.

If you can’t tell by now, I am a pompous, over-educated ass.

For relaxation, I like to read, and read, and read, especially Ghost Stories (M. R. James and Saki are big favorites), history (particularly German and mediæval), and literary criticism. I also like music — the early Romantics, Beethoven, Weber, Schubert, the early Wagner above all. I worship American animation. My favorite animated film is Disney’s Pinocchio; I also love Fantasia and The Little Mermaid, but not Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King — The Hunchback of Notre Dame I found crass beyond all belief. My favorite television cartoon, Jonny Quest). I hate, loathe, despise, and abhominate anime. I draw a bit, write a bit, and have a voice like a nightingale — a nightingale who has been gargling sulfuric acid.

Oh, and I love werewolves. An American Werewolf in London is my second favorite movie. (The Adventures of Robin Hood (1937 — yes, the Errol Flynn one) is my favorite.)

By religion, I am a Roman Catholic. Politically, I am a little to the right of Torquemada. Do NOT talk politics to me. I love people (particularly young people) naturally and I believe in courtesy, but if you disparage my beliefs, I want nothing to do with you. Chacun à son gout.

And remember: The supernatural — the Power of Darkness — it’s all true.

Current Residence: Augusta, GA, USA
Favourite genre of music: The Early Romantics
Favourite style of art: Pre-Raphaelitism
Favourite cartoon character: Jonny Quest
Personal Quote: The Supernatural - the Power of Darkness - it's all true.