We’re not sure what it means, but the fate of our two local paper mills now seems to be in the hands of the gods – Greek ones, specifically.

It is a strange turn of events for an industry so grounded, some would say mired, in the realities of the marketplace.

Early in 2005, Rumford’s MeadWestvaco mill was purchased by Cerberus Capital Management, a Wall Street hedge fund.

Things seem to have turned out well for the Rumford Mill, now known as NewPage. But, if you recall your Greek mythology lessons, Cerberus was a rather nasty underworld figure.

The ancient Greeks believed Cerberus to be a vicious three-headed doglike beast with a dragon or a serpent for a tail. And, oh yes, he had snakes all over his back and was said to devour raw flesh.

And you think your boss is bad.

Cerberus was a pal of the Pluto, and he guarded the entrance to Hades, the Greek version of hell. It is not exactly clear why a guard was needed at the entrance to a place where no one wanted to go, but guarding it was still Cerberus’ job.

It is even less clear why a Wall Street firm would name itself after such a vile beast. Perhaps the goal was to scare rivals or to discourage takeover bids.

If that’s the case, then Cerberus should beware of any firm with the name Hercules in its title. The ancient hero’s 12th and most difficult task was to enter Hades and kidnap Cerberus, which he did, but only after a colorful fight that would have done justice to any modern WWF pay-per-view event.

Hercules succeeded in kidnapping Cerberus, but he was later returned to his old job and is, for all we know, still growling at unfortunate souls as they pass through the gates of Hades.

Apollo Management, which is scheduled to purchase the International Paper mill in Jay, has a much more savory reputation, at least in Greek mythology. Still, it is difficult to see what the god of poetry, music and prophesy brings to heavy industry.

Apollo is most often depicted as a scantily clad guy lying on pillows and playing a lyre – a classic loafer if we’ve ever seen one.

Again, it’s impossible to discern what, symbolically, the creators of the Apollo hedge fund were reaching for when they adopted their corporate moniker.

Apollo did have a creative sense of humor. Once, when King Midas made the mistake of dissing his music, Apollo turned his ears into those of an ass.

Ouch.

Perhaps it’s only a matter of time before other Greek gods and heroes jump into the Maine paper industry. Perhaps Zeus Equity Arbitrage Fund Ltd (an actual hedge fund) will buy the mill in Old Town. Expect thunderbolts if it does.

Or, perhaps, Ares Management LLC of Los Angeles will bring the power of the god of war to the mill in Millinocket.

The Greeks had no god of paper or papermaking but, interestingly, the ancient Chinese did, although he appears to be unrepresented by a modern hedge fund. Business opportunity here?

Of course, given the state of the papermaking industry elsewhere in Maine, our two plants seem to be in relatively good shape. Cerberus seems to be investing in the Rumford plant and Apollo may carry his fabled “egg of creation” – job creation, that is – to Jay.

Like we said, it can’t hurt to have the gods on our side.