Clay I think they meant to be a symbolic form of the earth as in all elements.

I don't think anyone can deny that we are made of various elements and molecules.

When you read ancient stories and such you have to really interpretate symbolic forms of thinking.

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Deutschland Das Nationalbewusstsein!

55th Stanza.
Wise in measure should each man be;
but let him not wax too wise;
seldom a heart will sing with joy
if the owner be all too wise.

Havamal~

Today we drink tomorrow we die.

Be weary of the machine so you don't become one yourself.