Riddles in the Dark of Exilian

[Jubal]

I think my lack of general knowledge may cause me to struggle on 2 and 3...

Is 1:

Spoiler

Beer?

[LocalMinimum]

No, but you're on the right lines Coffee-cup topology might be quite over-specifically mathsy actually - it might help just to google the whole last line.

I'll give some more hints in a bit!

[Jubal]

Ah, OK, yes, I was thinking of what might *actually* have a topology similar to a coffee cup!

Spoiler

Doughnut!

[LocalMinimum]

Yes! Now for the other two. *cackles madly*

[LocalMinimum]

Clue - there's something that links 2 and 3. They're both symbols of their country's (very different) Revolutions...

[Glaurung]

Is number 3 ...

Spoiler

a bald eagle?

This would fit at least the second half of the riddle, and the hint you gave.

I'm thoroughly stuck on number 2. I think my general knowledge might not be general enough

[LocalMinimum]

Spoiler

Yes! Nice! I tried to make it fit with the second half as well - he comes from America, and he's bald (crown/crown double meaning, lol)

[LocalMinimum]

Oh hang on, wrong half

Spoiler

Yeah, the first line's the weakest. Bette Midler had a song that went "I can fly higher than an eagle, cause you are the wind beneath my wiiiings..."

And what's another name for a good score in golf?

[LocalMinimum]

The second one is very specific and I suppose it's impossible if you're not already aware of the name. It's got the inventor in the title, like Beethoven's Symphony.

Another riddle - same object referenced - follows.

Spoiler

2a
I've lain for many years upon the Science Museum's floor
In my heart, for the first time, coal and steam went hand in glove
My name, though not a salad, sounds identical for sure
(Jim Hawkins is the sailor-hero referenced above.)

[Glaurung]

Ah, well, that makes it much easier

Spoiler

Stephenson's Rocket

And there was I starting from things like "Apollo" and "Armstrong", and trying to see how they would connect to "Forester" (Hornblower) or "O'Brian" (Jack Aubrey), or the English Civil War.

[LocalMinimum]

Yes! Awesome.

[Jubal]

OK, try this one:

I am oppressed, downtrodden, dead,
But may be high above your head;
I see life with disinterest,
For where I lay is where I'm best.

[Tusky]

Spoiler

a coffin?

[Jubal]

Oh gods, I can't find the answer to this one...

EDIT: Just remembered what I'm 99% sure it is! No, it isn't a coffin - they're never particularly high above your head.

[Jubal]

I've edited the last riddle from "But am raised high" to "But may be high" which I think is a little more accurate. Still no takers?