Nikki Persley









	- The Characters - Themes, Motifs & Symbols - Facts & Theories

Facts & Theories

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Facts & Theories That Inspired The Fiction

Ouroboros [also spelled Uroborous]

Plato described a self-eating, circular being as the first living thing in the universe — an immortal, perfectly constructed animal.

The Ouroboros [meaning tail-devouring snake in Greek] is a serpent or dragon swallowing its own tail to form a circle, and one of the oldest mystical symbols known to man. Symbolizing the eternal cycle of renewal or cyclical nature of the universe — creation out of destruction, life out of death, as well as concepts such as completion, perfection and totality, the Ouroboros represents androgyny and the idea that "All Is One." Ouroboros is also the name for the Great World Serpent, encircling the Earth.

First seen as early as 1600 years B.C.E. in Egypt, the Ouroboros has been depicted in the mythology and religions of many cultures, worldwide.

In West Africa, this symbol is called the serpent or snake of eternity and it is commonly depicted in African art, painted on walls, woven in cloth, and worked in metal and wood. Snakes are sacred animals in many West African religions. The demi-god Aidophedo uses the image of a serpent biting its own tail. The Ouroboros is also seen in Fon or Dahomean iconography as well as in Yoruba imagery. The above photo is a bas-relief on the walls of the palace of King Ghezo of Dahomey, who ruled from 1818-1856. Read more about this symbol.

Ellen and William Craft

In December 1848, Ellen and William Craft made one of the most daring and remarkable escapes in the history of slavery in America. With fair-skinned Ellen disguised as a white male planter and William posing as her servant, the Crafts traveled by rail and ship from bondage in Macon, Georgia, to freedom first in Philadelphia, then Boston, and ultimately England. Read more about the Crafts.

Bibliography

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Here's what readers and reviewers are saying about Serpent of Eternity...

Documenting Nikki Persley as a truly gifted and imaginative author, "Serpent of Eternity" is a real page-turner that will have readers waiting in eager suspense for volumes two and three. Midwest Book Review

Filled with horror, suspense and romance, this book is sure to please. Nikki Persley is an excellent storyteller. RAWSISTAZ™ REVIEWERS

An absorbing read, with vital, well-written characters, this is volume one of a trilogy. I can't wait to read the next story. Reader Views

I enjoyed this novel. It quickly captured my interest and held me absorbed throughout. I found it hard to believe that this was the author’s first attempt at a novel. Marg Gilks, Author and Editor, Scripta Word Services

Excellent! I thoroughly recommend this book. Amazon.com review

Buy this novel if you are a true fan of sci/fi-fantasy. Amazon.com review

A fast-paced page-turner, with mystery, excitement and historical information deftly woven into the chapters. Serpent of Eternity is impossible to put down, and by the time I finished it, I could barely wait to read the sequel! B. Ferber, Brooklyn, NY

This impressive first novel conjures "bump in the night" feelings and will keep you up reading way past your bedtime. Amazon.com review

EXCITING! My interest was piqued from the moment I read the very first page. Nikki Persley's storytelling is CAPTIVATING and COLORFUL— taking you on a MYSTICAL flight. R. Parker, Brooklyn, NY