The magical ride of the goddess Sequana on the mechanical horse: 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
What beautiful memories I have from the Summer Olympic Games of 2024! In a city where my heart lies, sportsmanship and togetherness were at the forefront. And there was one moment from the opening ceremony that particularly stayed with me: the magical ride of the goddess Sequana, and the impressive mechanical silver horse, the “Cavale de Zeus.”
And you have the chance to see Zeus’s horse too! Read on to find out why you shouldn’t miss this and where and how you can view Zeus’s horse.
The goddess Sequana and the magic of the Seine
The goddess Sequana is a figure from Gallic mythology, and she was chosen for the opening ceremony because she was worshipped as the protector of the Seine. She was believed to be the divine force behind the river that winds through Paris. Sequana embodies both the strength and vitality of the river, as well as fertility and purification. Well, we could all use that, right?
Pilgrims sought healing and miracles, and Sequana was worshipped at sacred sites at the source of the Seine. Offerings have been found, including figurines and even body parts. Hopefully, we won’t find them if we decide to take a swim in the Seine…
In the Olympic Games ceremony, this powerful figure was brought back to life. The mechanical horse exceeded my expectations.
The mechanical horse Zeus: technology and art in on
This Zeus’s horse was secretly developed by two French companies, and it is truly a technological marvel. The horse is 14 meters long and was powered by an electric propeller, allowing it to gallop at a speed of 27 km/h across the Seine. The mechanical horse is not just a remarkable mechanism; it is, above all, a work of art. The horse’s movement was inspired by the chronophotographic studies of Eadweard Muybridge, who captured the way animals move in consecutive images.
The creators of the horse, Atelier Blamgen, used advanced techniques to make the horse move realistically. The horse itself was propelled by a float moving across the Seine, powered by an electric motor. Using control cables attached to the reins, the speed could be adjusted, and the horse could be steered, allowing it to glide precisely across the water.
On the bow of the horse, a lighting system was installed that illuminated both the movement of the horse and its rider, Floriane Issert from the French gendarmerie. The illuminated horse, the reflections on the silver, and the twilight brought the entire scene to life.
I was lucky enough to get a ticket to view the horse up close. It was an experience I will not soon forget. In the courtyard of Hôtel de Ville, the impressive silver horse stood shimmering in the soft light of the evening sun. The courtyard itself, with its historic charm and serene atmosphere, was a perfect match for this masterpiece. The Romanesque yellow-white stones of Hôtel de Ville made the scene even more stunning.
The unique opportunity to admire the mechanical horse
The water beneath the horse was like a silver mirror, reflecting the horse. By using transparent silver thin cables, the movements of the horse seemed lifelike. The tail and mane of the horse seemed to flutter in the wind, although the courtyard was completely still. The horse had a stylized head, elegant and impressive. I was just proud of what Paris had created.
I was lucky to arrive as daylight slowly faded and darkness set in. This gave me the chance to see the horse both in the daylight and in the evening with its magical lighting. I admit, I spent at least two hours there. The atmosphere invited beautiful conversations with other visitors. As the darkness spread further, the entire courtyard transformed into an enchanting spectacle of light and shadow. It was an experience I will never forget and one that will remain in my memories of the Olympic Games.
And you can experience it too!
Plan your visit to the Palace of Versailles
Exhibition Horse of Zeus On display until: November 24, 2024
Exhibition “Horse in Majesty – At the Heart of a Civilization (Cheval en majesté – Au cœur d’une civilisation) On display until: November 5, 2024
Opening hours Château Versailles
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) Closed on Mondays
Adress & getting to Château Versailles
Address: Château de Versailles, Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
Parking at Versailles: Plenty of parking spaces around the Château de Versailles
Train to Versailles: Versailles Château Rive Gauche station (10-minute walk to the palace) Accessible via line C of the RER from central Paris (Champs de Mars, Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, etc.)
How to get tickets for Château Versailles
Skip the line!They can take more than an hour. Buy your ticket for Versailles in advance online to avoid losing time
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