32 OUR PHYSICAL WORLD 



cast, Betelgeuse. Two other stars about as bright as those of the 

 belt lie, one near Betelgeuse, and one near Rigel. There are also 

 several fainter stars in the figure, three of which in line near the 

 belt make a portion of the Hunter's dagger. The middle one 

 of this trio is imbedded in nebulous matter, the great nebula of 



FIG. 17. Taurus, the Bull 



Orion. Orion, the Hunter, stands with club upraised about to 

 strike Taurus in an attempt to rescue Europa (Fig. 18). 



Orion's father, according to another Greek legend, was an old 

 man and childless, a hunter by trade. One day three strangers 

 came to his hut, whom he entertained right royally. On leaving 

 they asked him what thing he most wanted. He replied "a 

 son." Jove, who was one of the strangers, granted his wish, 



