Squinting in the midday sun, can you feel the weight of history emanating from these sphinx statues? These are the “apokalyptische Tiere”, the apocalyptic animals, guarding the entrance to the North Cemetery’s Mortuary Chapel. They are more than just silent guardians. Their story is deeply intertwined with art, literature, and a touch of mystery. These imposing figures, with their rooster heads perched atop powerful lion bodies, were originally erected in the 1890s. Imagine the mourners passing beneath their watchful gaze, seeking solace in the grand halls beyond. And then, imagine the shock and confusion when, sometime in the 1960s, the sphinxes vanished without a trace. Their disappearance remained an unsolved mystery for decades.
But the apocalyptic animals’ story didn’t end there. They had captured the imagination of a literary giant – Thomas Mann. In his haunting novella, “Death in Venice,” Mann placed these very sphinxes at the entrance of the cemetery. He described them as “apocalyptic animals,” forever linking them to his protagonist’s journey towards death. Mann’s vivid description breathed new life into the missing sphinxes. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Thomas-Mann-Forum and the meticulous work of dedicated researchers and artisans, the apocalyptic animals were painstakingly recreated. Using old photographs and Mann’s own words as their guide, they resurrected these unique creatures.
Today, the “apokalyptische Tiere” stand once more at the cemetery gates, a testament to the enduring power of art and its ability to transcend time. They are a reminder of our fascination with the ancient world and the mysteries that continue to intrigue and inspire us.