by BobsGran

For some time I have been trying to wrap my head around the logo used by FoTS.  As many have said, nothing is accidental in TB. The FoTS symbol is a stylized trefoil with a sun at the center, its rays radiating into the trefoil.  To me, the logo represents a Catherine Wheel.

A Catherine Wheel, also called a Breaking Wheel, is a medieval torture device used for capital punishment  in the Middle Ages and into the 19th century.  It was used in France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and others, and colonial Louisiana. The wheel is typically a large wooden wagon or cart wheel with many radial spokes.  The condemned was spread eagle to the wheel and clubbed to death.

In France, if the condemned was accorded mercy, the strike was administered to the stomach or chest.  This was referred to  as the coup de grace or blows of mercy.  Between the years 1730-1754, the Breaking Wheel was used to execute 11 slaves who rebelled against their Louisiana masters.

The carousel in the Dungeon of Doom at Fangtasia also resembles a Catherine Wheel.  The circle at the top is the hub of a wheel, the long spikes hanging. We have already seen the carousel used as a device to secure prisoners.  At FoTS, Steve Newlins proudly showed off his “Research and Development” lab to Jason.  This room was filled with all manner of torture equipment specifically designed to eliminate vampires.

Note from Renée: If you have a strong stomach, be sure to read the account of the life and death of Peter Stumpp that Sunny included in the comments section. As you can see in the wood cut, it includes a werewolf connection and other ‘True Blood’ imagery.

Added 6/21/10

6/23/10