The Flying Dutchman and others cursed to walk the earth for all eternity

This haunting picture of the Flying Dutchman at the Delaware Art Museum was painted by Howard Pyle, a renowned illustrator, in 1900. Howard Pyle was a native of Wilmington, Delaware and taught a number of artists of the Brandywine school, N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and others.

Pay close attention to the object lesson provided by the Flying Dutchman and his accursed brethren if you want to avoid walking the earth for all eternity (or until kingdom come). For example:

• The Flying Dutchman has taught us not to swear an oath to continue your attempt to round the Cape of Good Hope until Judgment Day lest fate take you at your word.

• Don't tell Jesus to hurry along on His way to the crucifixion as the Wandering Jew did, He may tell you that you will walk until the last day.

• Don't be the centurion who pierced Jesus' side. In some legends Longinus is also forced to walk the Earth, till He comes back.

• Don't kill the albatross that leads you, your crew, and your ship out of trouble unless you want to get in more trouble. Just as in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, you'll be forced to tell your story to all you meet for all eternity to help them learn your lesson.

The trials and tribulations of vampires, werewolves, zombies, and foolish people that drink immortality potions are well known and also to be avoided.

tags: art, museum, cursed