“The Gold-Bug” Strikes Phelps – Greatest of our Time?
Last week, I spoke about how insects have amazing abilities, much like our U.S. Olympians. But I neglected to search for whether there was a “gold bug” in existence, which would have certainly been worth some attention.
One particular athlete has gotten the world’s attention this week – Michael Phelps. As of this writing, Phelps is five for five in gold medals and has won 11 golds in his career, making him the most decorated Olympic athlete EVER. In addition, he still has three events left, and should he win those, he would be the first person to ever win eight gold medals at one Olympics!
To celebrate this super-human achievement, I did some research this week to see if a gold bug in fact exists. Sure enough, it does – but only in literature:
THE GOLD-BUG.
| What ho! what ho! this fellow is dancing mad ! He hath been bitten by the Tarantula. All in the Wrong. |
As it turns out, legendary poet and short story rider Edgar Allen Poe actually composed a story entitled ‘The Gold Bug’, which was originally published in 1843.
The story is about a man named William Legrand who apparently goes mad after he finds and is then bitten by an insect that was thought to be made of pure gold. After being bitten, he encourages his close friend to go with him and search for a lost treasure buried by a legendary pirate named Captain Kidd. Although his friend has doubts, they do in fact find the treasure, which was worth nearly 14 million dollars, and Legrand explains he had all of these visions after he first found the gold bug.
Michael Phelps! Michael Phelps! This American is swimming mad! He has been bitten by the gold bug. The riches he finds when he returns from the Olympics will be his own treasure.
Now if I can just uncover a Silver Bug and a Bronze Bug, we’ll be on to something. With a nod to Mr. Poe, Quote the Bug Guy, Always more!
Barry The Bug Guy
