Orion – What’s in a name?

Orion constellation Toronto

The simplistic story of my name is a tale I heard since childhood.  My parents would go for walks to the park in the chilly air during winters in Connecticut and stare up at the night sky.  The name Orion stuck with them long before I was born.  I am often asked if Orion is my real birth name, so the answer is yes.  My last name Mott is from the family lineage of the Mott Hammerknife lawnmower company. So here is some information about the name Orion.

Orion Mythology
Orion’s mythological background is rich with drama and adventure. Son of Poseidon, he possessed the ability to walk on water, which perhaps symbolizes his transcendence and presence both in the sea of the night sky and in the waters of earthly tales. His stories vary, but often include themes of bravado, tragedy, and the machinations of the gods. After his death, the gods placed him in the sky as a constellation, with his belt of three stars—Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka—being among the most identifiable aspects in the night sky.

Orion’s Scientific and Cultural Influence
The constellation of Orion has not only been a guide for navigators but also a subject of scientific study. Astronomers study the Orion Nebula, one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky, offering insights into star formation. Culturally, Orion has been referenced in literature, music, and the arts, symbolizing endurance, the hunt, and the beauty of the cosmos.

Orion Pictures: A Modern Legacy
The name Orion found its way into the modern business world through Orion Pictures, an American motion picture producer and distributor. Founded in 1978, Orion Pictures quickly established itself as a leader in Hollywood, known for its audacious independence and its knack for storytelling. The company’s history is a tale of cinematic innovation and bold choices, with a portfolio that includes critically acclaimed films like Amadeus, Platoon, Dances with Wolves, and The Silence of the Lambs, each of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Despite facing financial difficulties and undergoing various ownership changes, Orion Pictures has shown resilience akin to its mythological namesake. The brand was revived in 2013 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a television production company, and later started releasing films again under its own banner in 2017. Today, Orion Pictures continues to release films and develop projects that aim to capture the imagination of a diverse global audience.

Orion Pax Transformers movie Toronto
Orion Pax Transformers movie Toronto

Today the name Orion will be popularized in the newest Transformers movie.  The young Orion Pax was a factory worker who looked up to the Decepticon leader Megatron and his army of Decepticons, as they could fly in robot mode without the use of other vehicles. One day, Megatron showed up at Orion’s energy factory and deceived Orion while the Decepticons stole the energy.