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I think the object being discussed here is in fact called an armillary sphere not an astrolabe - which is a disk-like object usually held vertically to measure angles of elevation. Still, the symbolism is still about the same, I guess - but here it seems to be an astrological kind of symbolism, as if the characters are pondering the future and the unfolding of events, as shown by the planetary bodies within the sphere itself - which is a celestial sphere against which would be marked the degrees of longitude and possible the signs of the zodiac. Astrology played an important role in Tudor and Elizabethan times.
SR

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Many feel the swans in Season II finale represented Henry and Anne and the end of their marriage/her life. So far, I see Henry's "new beginning" being enhanced by him emerging from the water "re-born", Jane's virginal apparition clothing when he first sees her, her bright springtime colors as they become closer, the couple walking in the sunlight, etc. Can wiki members detect any other backgrounds, scene set ups or symbols that the writers may have put in? What symbols do you see emerging in Season 3? The Tudors "hidden meanings" page is very interesting. THanks KOB

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We have had some discussion of what the swans actually meant in the last episode of Season 2 but I decided to do some more research. First looking at peerages that had swans and ended up being linked to a poem by Shakespeare called "The Phoenix & the Turtle"

The interesting part is that its obvious the Writer (Hirst) must have used this symbolism. First of all Swans in peerage represent "constancy of love". Of course we know Henry fell out of love with Anne, the woman he had pursued for years due to her intelligence & outspokenness which later turned him against her. So killing the swan represented for him the death of his love & constancy.

Secondly in the Shakespearean poem talks of the "death devining swan". According to this site : http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/4081/PhoenixandtheTurtle.html#death-divining
"Swans were thought to break into beautiful song when they die. The swan turns the act of dying into a divine event by way of its song"
This also symbolized Anne very aptly.

I am thinking of starting a page on Symbolism in the Series because it seems the writer is layering the story with meanings. The other symbolism I can think of was Henry gorging on the pomergranite which was not only Katherine's symbol but also the symbol of fertility.

As we go into season 3, keep your eyes open for more symbolism since Jane's symbol is the Phoenix which is also mentioned in that poem. Here is another site for reference : http://phoenixandturtle.net/excerptmill/3readings.htm
note that it talks of "the presence of the Phoenix had been merely illusory"......perhaps Henry's vision of Jane is the same?

Some interesting concepts to ponder, don't you think?

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of the Swan being killed and then of her as a child. Was she being carried by her father or her lover Wyatt and what do you think the director was saying in that clip?

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