One of the main examples of mythology in Ocean at the End of the Lane was the Hempstock family. After researching more on this peculiar set of females, I found they represented the triple goddess, by weaving and tying threads to create life. The three faces of the triple goddess are Mother, Maiden and Crone. The Maiden is open to everything and unspoiled, a child of nature, and portrayed as a virgin. It was important for the boy to meet Lettie Hempstock first, as she was a child, which the boy only trusted children because was certain that adults would never listen to him. She is considered powerful by mythology and a successful hunter.
The Mother, the nurturer in the trinity, had the job of taking care of Lettie and Gran. She might not be a biological mother, but in the story she had to be something which the 9 year old boy could understand. Thus she had a very maternal look about herself, offered cucumber sandwiches, and reminded the kids to be careful. She's a quick thinker based on how she would cover up acts of magic, and had lots of power. Her main driving goal is to be taking care of every one, and the boy would feel comfortable with her filling the absence of his own mother.
Finally the Crone, "Gran" or Old Mrs. Hempstock, is the omniscient, omnipotent, wise old woman. She acts as the savior in various points in the book, and has more abilities than the other two. Her powers are important because although she can solve almost anything, she doesn't intervene unless she has to. I believe this is because she is all-knowing and in a way, knows everything will be alright. Old Mrs. Hempstock also represents death, or a waning moon. The book portrays this as her needing to take long "naps" when she has been magically drained. Due to her old age and power, these naps are a sign of temporary death, because she cannot be awaked.
I enjoyed this novel by Neil Gaiman, his work is a bit dreary at times, but I appreciate how simple and uncomplicated his stories are, but when you go back and look at the motifs, you're able to dig up references to mythology and underlying themes that are truly amazing. I hope to read more of this classic author's works.
I actually never thought of the 3 Hempstock ladies being an allegory to the triple goddesses! But it actually makes a lot of sense, especially considering that the main character's whole story was driven by his interaction with the 3 of them, and each of them has their time in the plot to reveal their own peculiar abilities and how they relate to the abilities of the triad of goddesses. I wonder what kind of myth the main character represents in this story?
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