Mahud's Mythology and Pagan Spirituality Blog

Reader, Mahud responded to my last post several days ago and I think Mahud's link is worth placing up front on the blog.

Here's part of the 'comments post' and Mahud's link:

"Hi there Tracy. I have a mythology and Pagan spiritualty blog.

here's the link:

http://mythology.ourgardenpath.com/ "

Enjoy - this is a nice blog/site!

Thank you very much Mahud!

For some mere basics, there is actually a 'Dummy' book on mythology that is quite good. Naturally, being from the 'Dummy' series, it is called "Mythology For Dummies"

Here's how you can purchase this book from the Wiley online store:

Mythology For Dummies Special Topics: Mythology For Dummies

It's from the John Wiley and Sons Inc.(1807-2007) online store. This company has been dealing in books for a long time!

Do You Have a Story or Mythology Blog?

My tracking tools indicate that I'm receiving visitors, however, I'm not sure why nobody leaves comments.

If you have a Story-telling, Mythology or related blog, too, I'd sure like to hear from you. I'd like to see some other pages and blogs, and see what other people think about stories, mythology, legends, etc.

If you leave a message in the comments area, I can visit your blog and get back to you.

Contact Me

The best way to contact me is through Yuwie. It's my favourite Social Site and I'm logged in there most, out of any social site that I frequent.

If you'd like to suggest some material for this blog, ask questions, make a request, just head over to Yuwie - the banners will take you there. Just look for teeray and send a message. I'll get in touch with you as soon as possible - likely within 2-12 hours. I check my Yuwie account both at home and from school, so it doesn't usually take me long to reply.



Why not head over, anyway, if you haven't yet joined Yuwie. It is a new site, just opened Summer 2007. Yuwie pays you for interacting at the site on blogs, notice boards, with friend contacts. It's a great way to make new friends online, communicate about interests, hobbies, business and news.

Native Mythology - Coyote

Most cultures have a 'trickster' fashioned within mythological accounts of 'how things are in life.' Natives have COYOTE.



Crow, fox, coyote...there are many forms that 'trickster' takes, and these characters have complex, multiple-uses in Native mythology.

Coyote is with Creator at the beginning of time and interferes with the creation of mankind in many myths of Native culture. In this, some of mankind's IMPERFECTION is explained. Mankind cannot be perfect, because COYOTE prevented 'perfection' in the beginning when he toyed with Creator's creation process.

Coyote is often a 'bad guy' (or is he, really?) who does things that are opposite to what Creator wants. Coyote will help makind BREAK Creator's rules sometimes. In this, results are not always negative. For instance, if Creator has made a rule about not eating a certain sacred bird, Coyote may appear on the scene to coax a man or woman to go ahead and eat that very kind of sacred bird. (Remind you of another well-known story - from the Bible??). A Man or Woman might NOT listen to Coyote and the story will have had a positive effect of mankind making a 'right choice.'

A different version of the same story can make different results, too:

Coyote coaxes a man to eat a sacred bird. The man does so and Creator gets angry...

In Native myth, what follows for a similar story of Adam and Eve, may not and probably will not follow suit in some versions.

Example: Adam and Eve were punished by God for eating fruits from a sacred tree in the Garden of Eden - when plainly, God told them this was not allowed. The Serpent (Coyote role) coaxed and managed to get Adam and Eve to disobey God.

A similar situation in a Coyote story might turn out like this:

Coyote coaxes a man and woman to eat a sacred type of bird that Creator told them they weren't allowed to eat. Creator finds out and is angry. Coyote intervenes and argues with Creator. Coyote manages to explain to Creator that the people are HUNGRY and need to eat. Creator loves his people and doesn't want them to be hungry, so Creator listens to Coyote. In the end, Creator allows people to eat a sacred kind of bird and selects a different kind of bird to put as a 'sacred' object that people should honour.

In the above version - NO negative or bad things occur from Coyote's 'trickster' antics.

Off Topic - Here's a Simpsons Movie Contest for you

The Simpsons Movie Contest is well under way. Fox Tv Network and Opera (browser) have teamed up to put together this The Simpsons Movie Contest for Simpsons fans all over.
Find Out About THE SIMPSONS MOVIE Contest
(will open in new window)

The contest started a week ago and there's 1 week left to enter the contest!

Sorry - I'd have posted sooner but I just found out about the contest today.

If you're a Simpsons fan, wouldn't you love to win some official The Simpsons Movie merchandise?

Find Out About THE SIMPSONS MOVIE Contest

Sorry - I'm not staying long in this blog editor, either, because I have one more blog to get to so that more people know about this contest!

If you go gather the details and you win the contest, please come back and post about it in the comments area, okay? I'd love for one of my readers to win!

Find out About THE SIMPSONS MOVIE Contest
(opens in new window)

Good luck - I hope you win!

Cupid and Psyche - Psyche Listens to Ceres

Psyche obeyed Ceres' (Greek Demeter's) commands and made her way to the temple of Venus (Greek, Aphrodite), and along her way, Psyche gathered her wits and tried to determine how best to approach Venus when, by doing so, she surely risked more of Venus' wrath.

Venus received her with great anger still, saying, "Most undutiful and faithless of servants-- do you at last remember that you really have a mistress? Or have you rather come to see your sick husband, yet laid up of the wound given him by his loving wife? You are so ill favored and disagreeable that the only way you can merit your lover must be by dint of industry and diligence. I will make trial of your housewifery." Venus ordered that Psyche to be taken to the great storehouse within her temple. Here there was a great amount of wheat, barley, millet, vetches, beans, and lentils prepared for food for her pigeons." Venus commanded Psyche to separate all the grains, placing the same kind of grains in a separate parcel. She ordered that the work be done by nightfall.

After Venus left her to her work, Psyche was so overwhelmed that the was immobile, mute, unable to lift a finger and begin the impossible task. While she sat, deflated and still, Cupid summoned the little ant and urged the ant to take compassion on Psyche, to assist her with this great taks. The ant mobilized a great number of his fellow ants and began sorting the piles, grain by grain, with diligence and steadiness. When the job was complete, the ants vanished.

When Venus returned from the banquet of the Gods just prior to nightfall, she exclaimed, "This is no work of yours, wicked one, but his, whom to your own and his misfortune you have enticed." She threw Psyche a bit of black bread, which was to act as a very insufficient supper, and Venus rushed out of the storehouse.

The next morning, Psyche was summoned to go see Venus who said, "Behold yonder grove which stretches along the margin of the water. There you will find sheep feeding without a shepherd, with golden-shining fleeces on their backs. Go, fetch me a sample of that precious wool gathered from every one of their fleeces."

Psyche went to the river, intending to do as ordered, but the river was too dangerous for Psyche to cross. The river god noticed Psyche's predicament and made the reeds speak, "Oh maiden, severely tried, tempt not the dangerous flood, nor venture among the formidable rams on the other side, for as long as they are under the influence of the rising sun, they burn with a cruel rage to destroy mortals with their sharp horns or rude teeth. But when the noontide sun has driven the cattle to the shade, and the serene spirit of the flood has lulled them to rest, you may then cross in safety, and you will find the woolly gold sticking to the bushes and the trunks of the trees."

At an appropriate time, the river god further instructed Psyche on how to accomplish her task, and after a time, work accomplished, Psyche returned to Venus with arms full of the requested golden fleece. Venus was displeased again, "I know very well it is by none of your own doings that you have succeeded in this task, and I am not satisfied yet that you have any capacity to make yourself useful. But I have another task for you. Here, take this box and go your way to the infernal shades, and give this box to Proserpina (Greek, Persephone) and say, "My mistress Venus desires you to send her a little of your beauty, for in tending her sick son she has lost some of her own.' Be not too long on your errand, for I must paint myself with it to appear at the circle of the gods and goddesses this evening."

Psyche was truly daunted at this next command, for the 'infernal shades' meant to go to 'Erebus,' an area of darkness and shadow that was part of Hades in the Underworld. Though afraid, she resolved to make herself go to Erebus. She paused near a tower, trying to fortify her resolve, when a voice from the tower spoke:

"Why, poor unlucky girl, do you design to put an end to your days in so dreadful a manner? And what cowardice makes you sink under this last danger who have been so miraculously supported in all your former?" Then the voice told her how by a certain cave she might reach the realms of Pluto (Hades), and how to avoid all the dangers of the road, to pass by Cerberus, the three-headed dog, and prevail on Charon, the ferryman, to take her across the black river and bring her back again. But the voice added, "When Proserpina (daughter of Ceres, wife of Orcus/Pluto/Hades) has given you the box filled with her beauty, of all things this is chiefly to be observed by you, that you never once open or look into the box nor allow your curiosity to pry into the treasure of the beauty of the goddesses."

Feeling somewhat less burdened now, encouraged, by this assistance, Psyche hurried, travelling safely to the kingdom of Hades, and she was welcomed into Proserpina's palace. Psyche refused the rest and banquet that was offered, but accepted some coarse black bread before delivering the message she carried from Venus.

The box was filled with the beauty of Proserpina, Psyche departed from the land of shadows quickly and was grateful very soon, when she reached the light of day once more. Having survived so many trials, she began to relax but then a sudden desire overtook her - a desire to see what was inside the box.

"What," said she, "shall I, the carrier of this divine beauty, not take the least bit to put on my cheeks to appear to more advantage in the eyes of my beloved husband!"

She opened the box but noticed nothing inside - certainly not the wondrous beauty that had been described and detailed previously. The box, however, was not empty. Inside, now released from Psyche having opened the box, was The Stygian sleep, a dark infernal slumber now free of its boxed prison. The Stygian sleep immediately overtook Psyche and she fell limp, right in the middle of the road, her body so still it was like a corpse without any signs of movement or life.

Cupid, finally healed from his wound, slipped through a crack in the window of his chamber and, unable to suffer the absense of Psyche longer, he flew to the place where Psyche lay collapsed. He drew the sleep up and away from her, gathering it together and putting it back in the box. He touched Psyche lightly with one of his arrows. "Again," said he, "have you almost perished by the same curiosity. But now perform exactly the task imposed on you by my mother, and I will take care of the rest."

With lightning speed, Cupid then ascended, striking upward to the heavens and brought a heartfelt, despreate story before Jupiter/Jove (Greek, Zeus). Thus, Jove was compelled to assist, so he pleaded the lovers' case very soundly with his wife, Juno (Greek, Hera) until he finally gained her consent, as well. An agreement made, Jove sent the messenger, Mercury (Greek, Hermes), forth to fetch Psyche and bring her to the heavens. Once she arrived, Jove provided her with a cup of ambrosia (only meant for the gods), and said, "Drink this, Psyche, and be immortal; nor shall Cupid ever break away from the knot in which he is tied, but these nuptials shall be perpetual."

In this way and after all this time and many trials, Psyche and Cupid became united in love. Their pairing brought forth a child and they were very happy finally. Their child was named 'Pleasure.'

Cupid and Psyche Continued

Back to the part where Cupid's real form is discovered:

Startled, awakened by hot oil from Psyche's lamp falling on his shoulder, Cupid springs to action and flies out the window. Psyche, stunned by Cupid's striking form and not thinking clearly, tries to follow him. She proceeds to extend out the window to reach Cupid, and - having no wings, herself, plummets to the ground instead.

Cupid, seeing Psyche's fall, pauses briefly to look upon her form, sprawled in the dust below and says:

"O foolish Psyche, is it thus you repay my love? After having disobeyed my mother’s commands and made you my wife, will you think me a monster and cut off my head? But go; return to your sisters, whose advice you seem to think preferable to mine. I inflict no other punishment on you than to leave you forever. Love cannot dwell with suspicion."

That said, Cupid flew away, leaving Psyche lying in the dirt, alone. After a time, a semblance of her composure returned and she noticed that she was no longer surrounded by the makings of the palace and gardens she had become accustomed to. Instead, she found herself near to the town where her sisters lived and once able, she composed herself further and went to them, telling her sisters of her ordeal.

Her sisters pretended to grieve with Psyche over her lost mate, however, they inwardly rejoiced, thinking then that perhaps now, Cupid would select one of them as a mate.
(Same character flaws that the step-sisters have in 'Cinderella'?)

With this in mind, the next morning, each of the sisters rose early and went out to the mountain, ascending to the top, and called Psyche's Zephyr, expecting that Zephyr would take each to his lord, Cupid. Zephyr, however, would bear neither of the sisters, and as each sister leapt to mount Zephyr, and Zephyr not sustaining their weight, each fell fast into the crevice below, dashed to pieces.

Meanwhile, in her grief, Psyche wandered, day and night, neither sleeping nor eating, constantly searching for her husband. Glancing up to view a magnificent mountain with what appeared a temple at its heights, she resolved to go there, thinking that perhaps, Cupid resided there.

She gained entry to the temple, and found herself surrounded by heaps of corn all around, some in loose ears and some in sheaves, and the corn was mixed with ears of barley. Tools of harvest lay about, too - sickles and rakes - lay carelessly strewn about, and Psyche's reaction was to put some order to this careless array of instruments.

She separated and sorted things into their proper types and places, believing she should honour the gods by doing so. Also, this might gain back the favour of the gods, and no sooner had she set the place in better order than Ceres (Greek, Demeter) noticed her efforts and spoke:

"O Psyche, truly worthy of our pity, though I cannot shield you from the frowns of Venus, yet I can teach you how best to allay her displeasure. Go, then, and voluntarily surrender yourself to your lady and sovereign, and try by modesty and submission to win her forgiveness, and perhaps her favor will restore you the husband you have lost."

The last part is like a different Fairy Tale

The final portion of the Cupid and Psyche story is very much like a different Fairy Tale you might be familiar with...

One with a poor young woman who is treated like a slave...

I'll be back to post the final portion of Cupid and Psyche soon.

Until then, you can get your thinking cap on and get ready to guess which other Fairy Tale (with an animal helper) springs from Cupid and Psyche...

Return To Cupid and Psyche

The place in the story where I left off was where Psyche had gone into the ornate palace, been shown around and seated to a spectacular feast - but she hadn't yet seen her new husband...

During this first night in the palace, Psyche dines and still does not 'see' her husband, however, he visits her, speaks to her - under cover of darkness, from standing in the shadows. He expressly asks her not to make attempts to look upon him, to 'see' him, and he speaks affectionately enough to Psyche and she is unafraid. She asks, from time to time, that her husband allow her to see what he looks like but he refuses this request

"Why should you wish to behold me?" he said. "Have you any doubt of my love? Have you any wish ungratified? If you saw me, perhaps you would fear me, perhaps adore me, but all I ask of you is to love me. I would rather you would love me as an equal than adore me as a god."

He dashes away before the morning dawn's light appears.

These words sufficed for a while to excuse her new husband's behavior - and the wonderful novelty of the palace and its glitter kept Psyche distracted and reasonably content for a while. She was quite happy for a while, and her husband continued to speak with love in his voice, respect in his words - even though she still could not look upon his face. After a time, however, Psyche began to miss her family - who could not know all this while of her fate - or that she actually was enjoying such splendid circumstances, and she wished she could share the delights of the palace with them. Pretty soon, the ornate palace began to feel like a prison.

Finally, she expressed her concerns and her unhappiness to her husband one evening and he consented to allow Psyche's sisters to be brought to the palace to see her, though this consent was not easily won.

Psyche summoned Zephyr and so Zephyr could become accustomed to her husband's commands, so they rode Zephyr down through the mountains and into the sisters' valley. The sisters embraced Psyche and she returned their caresses.

"Come," said Psyche, "enter with me my house and refresh yourselves with whatever your sister has to offer."

Taking the sisters' hands, Psyche led them to the palace, made them familiar and comfortable with the surroundings, and committed them to the care of the attendant voices. The sisters were able to bathe in luxurious surroundings to refresh themselves then join Psyche at her table and Psyche continued to show them the treasures of the palace. The sisters were taken with a certain jealousy at their younger sister's good fortune and the splendor all around, which much exceeded their own.

They asked a seemingly unending stream of questions, in addition to being curious as to where Psyche's new husband was. She answered by saying that he was a beautiful youth who spent most of his days hunting in the mountains. This answer didn't satisfy the sisters and they finally pulled from Psyche the truth that she hadn't actually ever seen her husband. To this, the sisters talked negatively, filling their young sister with worries and dark suspicions. They reminded their sister that the Pythian oracle had said she would marry a "direful and tremendous monster!"

They warned Psyche that the rumours about the village said that this husband was only nourishing Psyche and keeping her happy until it was time for him to devour her! They request that Psyche start arming herself with a sharp knife for protection and a lamp by which to see. They tell her to hide these items in her room until her husband's next visit. Psyche was instructed to wait until her husband fell asleep - then to take the lamp and look at him to see whether he was, indeed, and beautiful youth - or rather - a hideous monster:

"...when he is sound asleep, slip out of bed, bring forth your lamp, and see for yourself whether what they say is true or not. If it is, hesitate not to cut off the monster's head, and thereby recover your liberty."

Psyche struggled to erase these thoughts from her mind but they just wouldn't go away. Once her sisters were gone, she couldn't resist playing over in her mind what had been said and suggested. She gathered a knife and lamp and hid them in her room. When her husband fell asleep, she quickly grabbed the lamp and shone it toward him and beheld...

The most beautiful and charming looking God with golden ringlets draped over a snowy white neck and crimson cheeks. She saw two dewy wings at his shoulders, whiter than snow, with shining feathers like the tender blossoms of spring. So taken up by his beauty, Psyche leaned forward with the lamp to gain a better view. A drop of burning oil from the lamp fell on the god's shoulder.

Startled, he opened his eyes and fixed them upon Psyche's face. Without a word, he spread his white wings and flew out the window. So caught up in the moment, Psyche tried to follow. She reached the window and outward toward him and toppled from the window - all the way to the ground...

Did You Guess YET?

Did you figure out, yet, that the Greek mythological tale of Cupid and Psyche is very, VERY much like the more modern, "Beauty and The Beast?"

That's right!

Check out the treatment that Psyche receives after she enters the collosal building, the PALACE - in the story. She is simply awestruck by everything shiny, beautiful, flashy and EXPENSIVE in the palace...and is allowed almost total freedom to gawk, use the objects, wander around...she is even 'waited on' and treated like someone very special.

Isn't this the same kind of treatment that Belle receives in "Beauty And The Beast?" Isn't Belle just taken aback by the wonderful Palace/Castle she is in? And everyone treats her just like a little princess, bringing her sweets and food and music, etc.

See?

Those who thought Mythology was just something silly from the Ancient Greek past can THINK AGAIN!

Mythology literally surges forward right into today's modern Fairy Tales, into our homes, onto our TVs, into our music selections (Remember number one hits on the radio - the theme song for "Beauty and the Beast?").

Mythology and Stories of many kinds AREN'T JUST FOR KIDS!

Heck, Disney got ANGELA LANSBURY - an extremely accomplished film, theatre and vocal STAR to do vocals, not only for songs, but through an entire CARTOON (animated) of 'Beauty and the Beast.' Then most of the world - mainly ADULTS - requested that many parts of the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack be played on popular radio for MONTHS! People select songs from the animated Beauty and the Beast soundtrack STILL TODAY - for their graduations, sweet 16 birthday parties and even at WEDDINGS!

How's THAT for influence from the Greeks...trickling down in NO SMALL WAY from mythological beginnings?

Cupid And Psyche Basis For Other Tales

Did you guess that the ancient Cupid and Psyche (or, 'Eros and Psyche') story is the backbone of some other well-known, well-loved pieces?

Does Psyche remind you of any more modern character?

What about the 'voices' and the treatment Psyche receives in the castle?

She is given all manner of exquisite and attractive items, foods, treatment and entertainment.

This should remind you of something that Disney has had out for almost 20 years (in 'new animation' on film - and much longer than 20 years in the Disney Classic storybooks for children)! In a Fairy Tale that most people think is quite new!

Cupid and Psyche (Is This Familiar?)

(Roman deity names)

It is said that long ago a particular couple of quite some status (A king and queen) had 3 daughters - of which, the youngest was breathtakingly beautiful. The two older daughters were charming and attractive enough, however, this youngest daughter's beauty was without sufficient words to describe.

Strangers from neighboring areas would flock to pay her the kind of honour usually reserved for only Venus (Greek, Aphrodite) herself - to the extent that Venus' altars were often deserted while people offered praise and song to the young maiden.

Naturally, this offended Venus, who demanded, "Am I to be eclipsed in my honors by a mortal girl?" Venus soon asserted, "[...she shall not so quietly usurp my honors. I will give her cause to repent of so unlawful a beauty."

Venus called her winged son, Cupid (Greek, Eros) - the mischievous one, and made heavy complaint to him. She pointed out Psyche, saying, "My dear son, punish that contumacious beauty; give thy mother a revenge as sweet as her injuries are great; infuse into the bosom of that haughty girl a passion for some low, mean, unworthy being, so that she may reap a mortification as great as her present exultation and triumph."

Cupid obediently filled two amber vases from each two fountains within Venus' garden - one with flowing sweet waters, and one fountain of bitter water. He rushed to the chamber that Psyche frequented, but found her asleep. He placed a few drops from the bitter fountain to Psyche's lips though the view of her sleeping in all her unaware beauty moved him to pity. Still, he touched one of his arrows to her side and at this, she awoke.

So startled was Cupid at being under Psyche's sudden, awakened gaze, that he started, jabbing himself with his own arrow.

Despite his wound, his concern was entirely for undoing the mischief he had just started with Psyche, and he poured drops of the sweet water, drops of joy, all over Psyche's silken ringlets to counteract the effects of the bitter water.

Because Psyche's beauty overpowered the instructions Venus gave to her son, Venus was additionally insulted and enraged. Psyche's parents became actuely aware of this and they feared the anger of the Goddess, so they went to consult the oracle of Apollo on this matter. The oracle gave this answer:

"The virgin is destined for the bride of no mortal lover. Her future husband awaits her on the top of the mountain. He is a monster whom neither gods nor men can resist."

The awful decree of the oracle filled everyone with dismay and her parents grieved with abandon.

Psyche asked, "Why, dear parents, do you now lament me? You should rather have grieved when the people showered upon me undeserved honors, and with one voice called me Venus. I now perceive that I am a victim to that name. I submit. Lead me to that rock to which my unhappy fate has destined me."

The people prepared a procession and the royal maid took up her place within it, though it resembled a funeral procession much more than a nuptial occasion. Together, with her parents, family and community, Psyche ascended the mountain. On the summit everyone left her alone, with sadness in their hearts and they returned home.

As Psyche stood atop the mountain consumed with fear, her eyes brimming with tears, the gentle Zephyr (Or, Zephyrus, sometimes Favonius in Roman) lifted her from the earth and carried her effortlessly into a flowery dale. Gradually, she was able to compose her mind and she lay herself down on the grassy bank to sleep. When she awoke, refreshed, she looked around, spotting a grove of tall, magnificent trees and walked toward it.

Entering the grove, she walked until she encountered a fountain which spouted crystal-clear waters. Nearby, a spectacular and impressive palace loomed, which she took to be unlike the work from any mortal hands. Drawn to the palace, she couldn't stop her urge to enter. Every object within filled her with wonder, the golden pillars supporting the vaulted roof, the carved and richly painted walls, the scenarios of beasts of the chase and rural scenes in the paintings themselves all served to charm her immeasurably.

As she walked further into the building, she perceived that other rooms would also present all manner of treasure, beautiful and precious productions of nature and
art, and so she continued on.

Finally, a voice addressed her then became many - though she could see no sources of the words:

"Sovereign lady, all that you see is yours. We whose voices you hear are your servants and shall obey all your commands with out utmost care and diligence. Retire, therefore, to your chamber and repose on your bed of down, and when you see fit repair to the bath. Supper awaits you in the adjoining alcove when it pleases you to take your seat there."

Psyche gave ear to the admonitions of her attendants, though mere voices with no form. After repost and refreshing herself with a bath, she seated herself in the alcove where a table immediately presented itself - strangely, with no aid from visible waiters or servants. It was covered with the tenderest and greatest food delicacies, including the finest wines. Music played, as well, feeding her ears from invisible sources, including a lute and the wonderful harmony of a full chorus.

[Does this remind you of another, more modern story?]

Goddess of Love Springs Forth Asexually

Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty, love and sexual rapture was born, ironically 'a-sexually' out of the foam that erupted when Uranus' castrated body parts fell to the sea. Cronus usurped Uranus by taking away his manhood then declaring him unfit for Rulership. Out of the churning foam where Uranus' blood and flesh dropped into the sea, Aphrodite emerged - from the 'aphros'='sea foam.' She emerged sexually developed, beautiful and of some power.

She was so breathtakingly attractive that Zeus placed her in a marriage with Hephaestus, an unattractive but a steady, stable and strong mate - because Zeus was afraid that the other male Gods would constantly fight over Aphrodite. Hephaestus, amazed at his good fortune, and obviously as smitten with Aphrodite as anyone else, fashioned his metals into intricate jewels to compliment Aphrodite's features further, hoping to actually win her love.

This never did act to soften Aphrodite's heart for him, but instead, caused even more problems as the additional enhancements to Aphrodite's features - from the loving, expert craftmanship of Hephaestus' work - then only made Aphrodite even more irresistible to other males!

Aphrodite is often portrayed as having been prone to gaeity, a certain light-heartedness, and she had a weakness for glamour, so her pairing with the serious, hard-working, ugly, lame Hephaestus was a pretty bad match.

Consequently, Aphrodite had other lovers - one of the most well-know, being Adonis. Another, Anchises of Troy, who fathered Aeneas with her.

Other children of Aphrodite: Eros, Anteros, Hymenaios.

Some versions of myth say that the Three Graces/Charities... (Aglaea="Splendor,"Euphrosyne="Mirth," and Thalia="Good Cheer.")

...are the offspring of Aphrodite and fellow-deity, Dionysus, however many other versions of myth detail that The Graces are the products of a union between Zeus and Eurynome (an Oceanid, probably one of Poseidon's daughters). Regardless, a great deal of myth from many sources shows Aphrodite often accompanied by The Graces. Whether these three figures (The Graces) are with her often because they are her daughters or not is anyone's guess. Possibly they stay within her vicinity often because they are drawn to her beauty - and their 'spirits' are conducive to good character and beautiful parts of personality, so it would be fitting that they surround the Goddess of beauty, love, and sexual attraction.

Eros is often Aphrodite's accomplice in matters of love (Eros, Greek=Cupid, Roman), and is actually considered her 'messenger' in most versions of myth. He is supposedly the son of Aphrodite, but some myth has Eros being born in an a-sexual manner, from a silver egg or jewelled egg. This second explanation would be quite fitting, being that the one attributed as his 'mother' was also produced a-sexually. We have two of the most powerful 'love' and 'sexual' creatures in the forms of Aphrodite and Eros - in fact, they often pool their powers in working side by side but, according to some mythical accounts, both were born outside of the act of sex.

Symbols of Aphrodite are - the plant, 'myrtle,' the dove, sparrow, and swan.

First Generation Deities

The First Generation Deities in Greek Myth are known as the Titans!

These were the children of the Earth (Gaea/Gaia) and Sky (Uranus/Ouranos).

The Titans:

Cronus, Rhea, Iapetus, Oceanus, Hyperion, Themis, Thea, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, Coeus, Tethys, and Cruis.

The Titans paired up in various ways with siblings to produce future generations.

Decidedly 'humanoid' Titans, Cronus and Rhea paired up to give us the Olympians.

Iapetus is the father of Prometheus, and also of Atlas and Epimetheus.

Oceanus is the father of nymphs

Hyperion is considered the Sun-God, and father of moon and dawn.
Thea is Hyperion's mate.

Themis became Zeus' second consort and together, they created the Hours and the Fates.

The Muses were created by Mnemosyne and Zeus (he really got around with the women)

Phoebe and Coeus paired together, and are considered the parents of Leto and Asteria (Leto, who would mate later with - guess who? You got it - Zeus)

Oceanus and Tethys paired together

And Crius is considered father of Pallas, Astraeus, and Perses


Now these aren't the only offspring from Uranus and Gaea - these are just the ones called The Titans.

Uranus and Gaea also had other offspring that weren't necessarily 'human'-looking.
Some of these were

The Hecatoncheires or 100-Handers - and also - the Cyclopes. The non-human looking offspring were confined to the Underworld in the place known as Tartaros.

It was Uranus' decision to lock certain offspring up, and Gaea was very displeased about having her offspring confined that way so she appealed to her other children, The Titans, for help. None of them were interested in helping their mother or their different-looking 'siblings', save for Cronus. Cronus agree to act on behalf of Gaea and help liberate some of the other offspring if possible.

The only way to help the offspring stuck down in Tartaros was to usurp (un-wedge from power) Uranus. Gaea gave her son, Cronos a sickle and with this, he castrated his father, Uranus - who was then unfit to hold seat as Ruler.

The position then was given to Cronos who freed the 100-Handers and the Cyclopes.

The freedom didn't last long. Perhaps Cronos quickly began to feel the power within the 100-Handers and the Cyclopian offspring. Whatever the case, they didn't enjoy freedom for long. Cronos imprisoned them again to the Underworld just as his father had done.

From there, Cronos paired with Rhea and together they made The Olympian Gods and Goddesses.

Can You Say Segue??

I hope you all know how to say SEGUE - 'cos obviously I don't know 'How To' segue!

I jumped from The Greek Gods all the way to Spiderman/Superheros without even creating a lead-in, bridge, whatever............segue!

(BTW-this often works on the comedy stage - but - definitely not in blogging lol)

Segue (segg - way):
Means - to make a transition smoothly from one section, theme, discussion or topic!

So - since I missed the opportunity, I'm going to head right straight back to OLDER mythology and characters again. Spideyboy will have to wait until I can learn how to transition better!

Here is a correspondence of Greek to Roman deities:
(from the Olympian, II-Generation group)

Greek: to Roman:

Zeus to Jupiter
Poseidon to Neptune
Hades to Pluto
Hestia to Vesta
Hera to Juno
Ares to Mars
Athena to Minerva
Apollo to Apollo
Aphrodite to Venus
Hermes to Mercury
Artemis to Diana
Hephaestus to Vulcan

Here are the correspondences from the I-Generation (1st) group:

Greek: Roman:

Gaea to Terra
Asclepius to Aesculapius
Cronus/Kronus to Saturn
Demeter to Ceres
Dionysus to Bacchus
Eros to Cupid
Hypnos to Somnus
Rhea to Ops
Uranus to Uranus
Nike to Victoria

Modern Heroes!

Hey - I found a fun SUPERHERO QUIZ!!

I'm SPIDERMAN.......(definitely my FAVORITE, anyway, I'm happy to say!)

It's not Zeus and Hera - or Ursa Major or Minor - but it is FUN.

Try it, too - see what kind of SUPERHERO YOU ARE!
Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man 90% Superman 80% Green Lantern 80% Wonder Woman 72% Robin 72% Batman 70% Iron Man 70% Hulk 60% Catwoman 60% The Flash 55% Supergirl 42%

You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

Myth and The Stars

The Ancient Greeks placed their deities in the night skies. Perseus, Poseidon, Oceanus and Cassiepoiea are just a few of the Greek deities whose symbolic representation in the night sky have carried right through into our age.

Most people recognize what we call 'The Big Dipper' and also 'The Little Dipper' which are both 'sets' or 'patterns' of stars called constellations by both scientists and storytellers.

The 'tail' of the Big Dipper is actually the tail of 'The Great Bear - Ursa Major.' (Approximate physical location - for those who are astronomy buffs: right ascension 10.67 hours, declination 55.38). The tail of The Great Bear can be used to connect the viewer's eye with another important constellation which will be explained shortly. The Ancient Greek myth, wrapped up within the Ursa Major - Great Bear star pattern, is as follows:

Zeus had another wife 'on the side,' named 'Callisto' - besides also having his more 'famous' wife, Hera. When Hera found out about Callisto (also spelled, Kallisto), and after Callisto had a son with Zeus, Hera then turned Callisto into a bear! As Callisto's son grew, he became a skilled hunter. One day, Hera - still seeking revenge over Zeus' adulterous past - put Callisto out in the open to be killed by the skilled hunter-son, named Arcas. Zeus, realizing what was happening in time and seeing that Hera intended for Callisto to be killed by their (Zeus' and Callisto's) own son - snatched Callisto in her bear form, and placed her in the sky among the stars! At least there, she was safe from harm.

Ursa Major=The Great Bear is Callisto, another of Zeus' wives, placed into the sky - safe forever.

Ursa Minor, which most of us call 'The Little Dipper,' (approximate location: right ascension 14.78 hours, declination 74.36) is also known as 'The Lesser Bear.'

The Lesser Bear is conveniently and directly related to The Greater Bear, and is said to be Callisto's son, also and later placed into the sky by Zeus.

More deliberately than through these Greek tales, the constellations are important because they are part of the first accurate navigational system ever used. Even to use them to navigate on land or sea, one must 'navigate the eye' through the two constellations. Navigation with the eye through the 'Greater' constellation allows you to find the more important star in the 'Lesser' constellation that will allow one to find their way on earth or by sea.

Actually, the stars of Ursa Minor are quite hard for the naked eye to pick out - however, the last star in the tail of of the constellation (remember - also called 'Lesser Bear') is fairly distinct and bright to us down on Earth, once we know where to be looking for it.

This star in the Lesser Bear tail is The North Star. The North Star has guided everyone from ancient peoples, the Magi, and sailors of old. It is still an excellent emergency marker for anyone who gets lost at sea or on land in our day and age.

Because the smaller, dimmer constellation is harder to see, when trying to locate the North Star, one should look for Ursa Major - The Big Dipper - first. Then locate where the two stars in 'the cup' of the Big Dipper are opposite the tail.....and follow them straight out. The first star that you will come across is the North Star, which is in the constellation Ursa Minor - The Lesser Bear - The Little Dipper.

From this star you will always be able to find your way, and always know what direction you’re facing. It never sinks below the horizon, so it is always able to be seen...which brings us back to MYTH again...

Hera was more than upset that Zeus saved Callisto/Kallisto. Hera was infuriated that Zeus had made Callisto 'forever eternal' and that Callisto would be honoured and noticed by everyone looking to the stars for all time. Hera went to Olympian brother, Poseidon, and convinced him (more likely, 'tricked him') to make sure that Callisto would never have the luxury of ever bathing in the sea again.

This is why the North Star never sinks below the horizon, according to Mythology.

To the ancient Greeks, the point at which the eye could view the horizon was, to their knowledge, where Poseidon's Realm and Zeus' Realm joined - that is, Sky and Sea joined at the horizon. Since Zeus controlled the realm of Sky and Poseidon, the vast areas of the Seas, Hera made sure that if Callisto was going to live forever in Zeus' sky - she wouldn't have the option of also touching Poseidon's Seas to bathe. Poseidon forbade Callisto to ever touch his waters. Thus, The Greater Bear never wanders low enough to breach the horizon, to dip in Poseidon's seas, and we can always see it.

The common modern name of 'The Big Dipper' also has some connection back to the ancient myth, for some say that Callisto often 'wanders' near to the sea, to ask Poseidon to change his mind and let her 'dip' into the sea to bathe. Poseidon always refuses her request, afraid that Hera will find out and punish him. This added piece corresponds with the need to explain the motion of the constellations to our sight - how the constellations appear to 'shift' during certain seasons and how stars appear to 'sink' lower in the sky or 'drop into the ocean.' It explains why some stars actually disappear from view during certain seasons (they are in Poseidon's sea, they are being cleansed by the Poseidon, or they are deities/heroes who visit Poseidon for part of the year).

There are, of course, several other versions of mythical explanation surrounding the Great and the Lesser Bear constellations. Another version has Artemis as the angered deity who transforms Kallisto into a bear. Here, Artemis' reason for being upset was that due to Kallisto's sexual relationship with Zeus, Artemis lost a chaste and pure companion...so the 'constellation explanation,' this second version - probably acted as a multiple message about 'sexuality,' 'virginity,' and 'loyalty,' at one time as well.

2 Common Sources For Information on Mythology

If you want well-rounded information about MYTHOLOGY, 2 authors come to mind:

Barry B. Powell
and
Edith Hamilton

I studied a (THICK) Powell text ("Classical Myth") at University level for a Classics course (some of it, not for the queasy - Powell doesn't cut out the 'gore' of certain early Greek tales or of Roman battle).

Edith Hamilton material was permitted in addition to Powell material when essays were due for my Classics course, and I was lucky to find her material at SparkNotes (which alleviated a LOT of cost, since I didn't have to purchase more textbooks at the time!).

If you're interested:

www.sparknotes.com

Barry B. Powell is both an Egyptologist and a classicist who gained graduate degrees at both Berkeley and Harvard. He is also an internationally recognized expert on the poet Homer, a poet himself, a screenwriter and a novelist ("Ramses in Nighttown" 2006).

Edith Hamilton (1867-1963) was headmistress at the first school (in Baltimore, MD) in the United States designed to prepare young women for college. Her book, "Mythology" was published in 1942. Not always taken as serious scholarly information, her contribution is nonetheless considered to have made the greatest effect of any work of its time - in making 'classical tradition' popular. The book is not solely written by her but rather, is a compilation or collection of mythical tales from various sources which Hamilton then interprets.

If you're brand new to or just becoming curious about the topic of Mythology and are looking to enjoy some great 'story' type mythology and try to sort out the myriad of deities, particularly from the Greek and Roman cultures, Hamilton's work should more than suffice to hold your interest and give you a basic view of deities and heroes.

If you're looking for more 'historical' or 'scholarly' view of the Gods and Goddesses, perhaps a more objective view - along with some Greek/Mediterranean history to put things in context, then you'll want to check out Powell's material.

Again - if you're interested, here's the Spark Notes link:

Spark Notes

Once there, type 'Edith Hamilton' into the available search box at Spark Notes. The Spark Notes site is really easy to navigate. If you look around, you'll also find some of the Greek Classics that both Hamilton and Powell refer to in their work.

A few items relating to Mythology and Classics that you'll easily find at Spark Notes are:

Homer's "The Odyssey"
Euripides' "The Bacchae"
Sophocles' "Electra"
Sophocles' "Oedipus" Plays

Just to name a few...

Clash Of The Titans Movie Clip

I found a great movie clip from the movie 'Clash Of The Titans.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYJJDiLAt_0

It's the scene where Perseus (actor, Harry Hamlin) meets up with snake-haired, freaky-eyed MEDUSA!!!

The movie was made in 1981 and for its time, the special effects were pretty cool during some scenes. Admittedly cheesy (effects) in other scenes, the film has nonetheless become a 'sci-fi-mythology' staple particularly due to its great CAST.

Cast:
Laurence Olivier (Zeus)
Claire Bloom (Hera)
Maggie Smith (Thetis)
Ursula Andress (Aphrodite)
Jack Gwillim (Poseidon)
Susan Fleetwood (Athena)
Pat Roach (Hephaestus)
Harry Hamlim (Perseus)
Judi Bowker (Andromeda)
Burgess Meridith (Ammon)
Sian Phillips (Cassiopeia)
Flora Robson, Anna Manahan & Freda Jackson as the Stygian Witches!!
Tim Pigott-Smith (Thallo)

This is an MGM film by Ray Harryhausen (and Charles H Schneer with John Palmer as associate producer).

A few GREAT and dramatic lines from the film:

"Let the stars be named after then forever. As long as man shall walk the Earth and search the night sky in wonder, they will remember the courage of Perseus forever. Even if we, the gods, are abandoned or forgotten, the stars will never fade. Never. They will burn till the end of the time."
(explaining the heroes within the constellations/stars)

"[...] for the moment, there is sufficient cowardice, sloth and mendacity down there on Earth to last forever."
(a conversation with Hera, Thetis and Zeus...Zeus responding to Thetis' question about the danger of a mortal 'Hero' like Perseus becoming more important than the Gods)

...Zeus (Laurence Olivier as Zeus)

I love the part where Hera, Thetis and Athena are discussing Zeus' problematic WOMANIZING! Thetis shares with the other goddesses, her awareness that Zeus uses disguises in order to trick women into having sex with him. Hera asks if Zeus has ever succeeded in tricking Thetis and Thetis replies in the negative. When Athena asks what Thetis did to avoid one of Zeus' trick-advances, where he pretended to be a cuttlefish, Thetis replied that she got back at Zeus by playing his own game - "I simply turned into a shark."

Here's the film-clip link again - be sure to let the page load and buffer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYJJDiLAt_0

Keep an eye on Medusa's HAIR!! Geeeeze - that's creepy! Look closely...despite some of the other cheeseball effects in the rest of the movie - the wriggling hair ought to make most people get the shivers! AAaaargh her hair NEVER QUITS undulating - even after her head is OFF *blech*

Gotta go - I have the shivers.

Basic Roles of The Olympians

Zeus, you might say, had the JOB of basically screwing all the women - but that's a little RUDE of me to say......however, he did have sex with MANY MANY females, both deity and human
(and also, at least one inanimate OBJECT that Hera 'animated' to trick Zeus *shaking my head* Ahhhh those deities and their games!). I like to say that he is the God of ADULTERY!

*Note - sorry 'bout the terminology - 'screwing' - but face it, your sensibilities WILL BE DISTURBED if you don't understand RIGHT NOW that the Greek Gods did a LOT of things that seem 'far-out- there' to us now-a-days. (Be THANKFUL I favour the Greek Gods on this blog - over 18th Century British Literature - or you'd be more than 'screwed'!). If you can deal with the fact that I started this post with that BLUNT term, you'll be okay once I get to the myths where 'fertility celebrations' are commonplace.

Now - back to what ROLES the deities played in the grand scheme of things.

Zeus is the 'father' of both deities and of men.

Hera - is Zeus' sister AND Wife. She presides over matters
involving families.

Poseidon is ruler of the seas.

Hestia - the 'hearth-keeper', fire-watcher (domestic).

Demeter - sister to Zeus, in charge of fertility on earth.

Hades - ruler of the great Underworld which is usually also
called 'Hades.'

Hephaestus (there's a glitch here - Hephaestus is Hera's son but
not Zeus' son...but Hera did not commit adultery. Hephaestus
was born from Hera alone).....he is the eternal craftsman, brings
inspiration to metal-workers and 'smiths.'

Ares holds sway over WAR.

Athena governs practicality, operates in the realm of women's
skills, and is even involved in the 'Arts of War.'

Apollo is often called by an alternate name, Phoebus, and is the
god of healing and prophecy. (Very COMPLEX dude, as far as
God-dudes go!).

Artemis - the Huntress, guardian over wild animals.

Hermes - The Trickster and god of wide open spaces - the
traveller god, master of COMMERCE........also, conveniently,
master of lies and deception.

Well, well....that's TWELVE so far...
That's not the end though!

Aphrodite - goddess of sexual love, sexual attraction.

Dionysus - god of wine, instinct, life force (fertility, sometimes,
'zest for living' other times).

Okay - so again we have extras. But they're important.

It is highly probably that Dionysus was a 'lesser' personality for a long time while most of the aforementioned deities grew in popularity...until such a time as he displaced Hestia and filled
her 'greater' Olympian role.

A decline in the popularity of Hestia seems apparent by the lower count of myth-stories that revolve around her, as compared with other Olympians. Likely, the other goddesses represented 'enough' domesticity and femininity at a certain early time - and Hestia's need to represent these things became less pronounced.

Actually a 'decline in popularity' might be a dishonorable thing to say about the goddess, Hestia...rather, her 'persona' may have been stunted somewhere along the line while other female deities were allowed to blossom in 'personality' and grow more complex. Hestia isn't really LESS IMPORTANT, in the grand design - it's just that SOMETHING HAPPENED in Greek society and in the formations of myth...to include her less and so that her character didn't become more intricately wrapped about the other deities.

There are certainly some interesting details about Hestia in numerous mythological accounts - and she is still considered one of the more benevolent 'true domestic' goddesses.

Maybe, like a lot of women in ancient times, she just faded into the background as Heroes emerged to take the spotlight, as children grew up and displayed antics and had children of their own.....

And that is why I've dedicated several paragraphs to mentioning Hestia's presence among the Olympians while saying only a few words about some of the other deities.....it's because Hestia will basically 'fade away' as I continue this blog. I will re-visit her 'persona' from time to time, however, other personalities and 'events' will simply emerge.

Dionysus - that little, WILD, rascal! Out-positioning Hestia...

More later...

The Olympians

(Most??) Prominent Account of Who They Olympians Are:


The Olympians are usually considered as 12 deities, or 'The
Twelve' deities who interacted directly with mankind. Their
parents were not typically known to interact directly in human
affairs, however, the Olympians certainly did, to a startling
degree. Zeus had several sexual liasons with human females,
creating demi-gods/goddesses (half-deity and half-human) who
had mortal lives accompanied by some special, supernatural
'powers.'

The Olympians are 6 main siblings, headed by Zeus in the
dominant 'leader' role. What Zeus says, GOES...whenever Zeus
can clearly make up his mind - and if he doesn't change his mind
too often!

Zeus' SISTERS: Hera, Demeter, Hestia.
Zeus' BROTHERS: Poseidon and Hades.

Altogether, the largely accepted siblings are Zeus, Hera,
Demeter, Hestia, Poseidon, and Hades.

To round out the twelve, six of Hera and Zeus' children are
counted: Apollo and Artemis, Athena (reputed to be Zeus' favorite), Hephaestus (least liked by Zeus), Ares, and Hermes.

What about Aphrodite, you ask? Yeah........ she's in there - but
we already have 12 Olympians. There's no room for more. Mount
Olympus is FULL ALREADY!

Okay - so let's regroup these Olympia-based deities then:

How 'bout......Zeus and Hera, with their kids - or Zeus' kids along
with Hera's kids:

Aphrodite, Dionysus, Athena, Apollo and Artemis, Hephaestus,
Ares, Hermes..........wait a minute.....that's EIGHT kids...

Yeah I know, I know - it's confusing isn't it?

Okay - THE TWELVE OLYMPIANS - final answer:

Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, Aphrodite, Hades, Apollo and Artemis, Athena, Hephaestus, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus (He is Zeus' son) - there you have it - the most common list of 14 of the TWELVE OLYMPIANS!

Yeah - I know, I know, again...it appears that I cannot count.
All I can say is.....

GET USED TO IT.

Make a choice...pick two deities and toss them OUT for now -
add them back in later when the 'myth' accounts require them!
That's all I can say. I cannot decide WHO of the 14 deities is
TRUE OLYMPIAN....they all are, according to dozens of
mythological renderings. I cannot say which 12 of the 14 are
MOST IMPORTANT.....because they all are.

As a really long strettttttttch of a notion, one may say that
because one of Zeus' daughters was born from his body (from his thigh) without a mother, that 'birth' is considered OUT...and take 1 other of the 12 'births' away because Apollo and Artemis are TWINS so there was only 1 birth experience.....that will get you to 12 instances of Olympians created.

No - this last part (about taking 2 away due to only 12 'birthing'
experiences) is NOT in a text-book - it was an explanation offered
by a peer during READING WEEK at the University when we
were collectively CRAMMING for mid-terms in
Mythology/Classics! As far as explanations go - you'll find that
it makes MORE SENSE than some of the ancient Greek
explanations or compared to instances where no explanations at
all can be found for deities who suddenly pop up where least
expected. Actually - the far-fetched explanation is almost 'Greek/myth' itself because it is INCONSISTENT with the fact that one account of another of Zeus' children, 'birthed' from his body alone tells of a daughter being born from a split in his head.....as if he 'thought her up??' LOL So.......then we can take away another 'birth' that wasn't 'regular' and have only 11 Olympians!

Yeah - I don't like that last bit, either - it's EASIER to just accept
that there are more than Twelve original Olympians, call them
"THE TWELVE" and move along to the GOOD STUFF!

By the way, along with these 12-14 deities, there are also Hebe
("Youth"), Eileithyia, Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, and Eros
included under this Olympian family tree!

Don't check these latter folk out yet 'cos they're likely to damage
your sensibilities as they come from brother-sister unions,
mother-brother unions...........yeah, it all gets very complicated
FAST!

Actually - if you've read up to this point, you're probably
confused as all heck. This is about enough information for one
sitting!

More on the Olympians next time. I'll post about what the
Olympians were 'in charge of' - example, Zeus plays a leader and
father role, Hera's concerns were for 'the family,' Poseidon ruled
the seas, etc...

Before Delving Into The Olympians

The Greek paradigm of deities is often criticized as having too many contradictions, too many 'versions of story' and other shortcomings. These things are TRUE, however, should not be considered 'shortcomings.' If you think of a little bit of history BEHIND the creation of Greek myth, characters, deities, etc., then the discrepancies in versions of myth, character representation, and other slight confusions will no longer hinder your enjoyment of learning about the Greek pantheon of Gods and Goddesses.

Just as a reminder - histories and hints BEHIND the 'creations' are found in the real lives of the creators who lived so long ago. If they were at a loss to understand certain events happening in their time, they had to start testing out 'explanations' that helped their minds rest more at ease in the face of great amounts of unexplained phenomena.

Likely, ZEUS (with his symbolic THUNDERBOLT) was a partial explanation behind 'why are there storms?' Quite notably, Zeus' personality has an unstable quality - just like the weather often does as it changes from pleasant to stormy. Zeus' moods are unpredictable like the weather - and he has problems with controlling his temper. When Zeus loses his temper (which is often!), he is described in much the same way that we describe stormy weather...violent winds (Zeus darting around, ranting and raving), lightning strikes (Zeus pounding his thunderbolt on the ground in a terrible fit), and howling wind (Zeus yelling and screaming).

Zeus is typically considered the 'Father' of all the Olympian deities, yet he doesn't ACT very responsible. His words are considered 'the final words' yet he often changes his mind about 'final decisions' once they're made. If comparing to 'weather' - Zeus is, again, much like the weather. The present state of weather is indisputable like the 'final words' of Zeus....however, the weather is bound to change - much like Zeus is apt to change his mind about things. If comparing Zeus' personality and characteristics to 'real people,' then Zeus is also very much like a real person. Many Fathers don't always act responsible. Many fathers are authorities in the household, yet will change their mind often about rules of the house.

One of the most notable quirks in Greek myth - is the account of arrival of one of Zeus' daughters. Even Ancient people knew quite a bit about the birds and the bees, reproduction, and other gender or sexual matters, however, one of Zeus' daughters is birthed directly from Zeus - without having a mother! One account says the daughter is born out of Zeus' thigh, which even the ancients would not have truly believed as fact.

The reason why an account of this would be taken in and 'believed' (passed on as an integral part of the story - from generation to generation):

To account for MALE AUTHORITY in Ancient times. The myth isn't designed to explain the gods and goddesses. The myth is created to explain social, power and gender positioning! Therefore - though the account sounds ridiculous - it serves a very important and serious purpose - to have males strive to take responsibility or positions as fathers, to place men at the top of power structures in society and in families, to re-assert MALE DOMINANCE in a society that did, indeed, have women in power positions from time to time. Within the vast pantheon of Greek deities, there are a great number of powerful, respected WOMEN. An account of Zeus birthing a child on his own places the male Zeus in a very mighty position, making a very strong statement about the power of men over children, the existence of men as individuals. (Wife, Hera also birthed a child completely without Zeus, in certain accounts involving the birth of Hephaestus).

These are just bare examples of the discrepancies that occur in Greek myth. To tell the truth, I've become more interested in studying 'discrepancies' than in detailing particular accounts of Greek mythological characters and events. The discrepancies hold great value to me - of explaining what the Ancient Greeks were like, why they decided to alter details of their stories, what characteristics and materials they valued years ago, which qualities they considered human vices, what kind of social positions they valued, etc. I will never be without material to study in this area. I have a long list of 'versions' to compare and of discrepancies to investigate concerning the Greek gods and goddesses. It it likely that I will know much more about the myriad of characters (thousands!) and their notable actions as a whole - well before I ever get even half-way finished my list of research items, simply because Greek myth is inherently FULL OF discrepancies and alterations.

I don't believe that one can go barging into Greek myth WITHOUT understanding the presence of 'discrepancy' in accounts. To stumble in blindly - expecting mostly 'whole' and 'reasonable' accounts of the deities would be akin to blindly expecting to learn Greek language within a day - without first the basics of how English works.

That all said, my next post will outline the Greek 'Olympian' deities and many of their interesting, mis-fitted discrepancies.

tr~~

Mythology - Not just 'stories'

Most just people think of fictitious and light-hearted stories when they hear the word 'mythology,' however the myths of old aren't just tales, fables, stories, and fiction.

Almost all myth begins as a valid 'explanation' or the most acceptable or necessary explanation available at the time of creation. Often the myth will be deliberately symbolic and dramatic - to run home a point about something that the creator feels is important. The original myth may deal with something problematic that the 'teller' needs solved, detailed, resolved, or represented.

Ancient people created 'explanations' to tell why things occurred all around them. This gave meaning to such things as natural events (daybreak, sunset, storms, seasons), animal behaviors (migration, mating, hunting activity), and other puzzling things in the ancient world. Instead of feeling that all occurrences, events and sights around them were all random and without meaning, 'explanations' gave the Ancients some PERSPECTIVE upon the world they were viewing, living in and interacting with.

In present day, we have mythical explanations, too - even among all the technological advances, data and knowledge that we possess above what the Ancients developed years ago.

In part - none of the advances we appreciate today would have occurred without myth-making taking place as a pre-requisite. Many of the greatest scientific discoveries have happened due to scholars and scientists seeking to DISPROVE or PROVE information and concepts surrounding myth. Without the original myth or story, there remains 'lack of wonder' about life situations, lack of basis for problem-solving, lack of 'hypothesis' - simply, one does not wonder why things are the way they are. Once one does WONDER - one can create a story which will last within reason - until it is either proved as entirely acceptable - or unacceptable.

Something that can be considered 'modern' myth - are 'common urban legends.' Most of these are difficult for the average person to 'disprove' or 'prove,' so information exists as 'stories' or myth, passed along from person to person - taken quite literally on 'faith' alone. Ghost stories, stories about strange coincidences, patterns of events - all fall into the large paradigm of things called 'MYTH.' Some of the urban legends seemingly more far-fetched are, in fact, mirrors of societal fears - used to serve as a heightened symbolic message with a purpose...warnings, suggestions (Don't go in the woods near the edge of town after sundown...) for some purpose of control. A virtually universal example is the societal and parental warning to children about not wandering away from home...

or else...

'The Boogeyman will get you!'

In all of this, it becomes IMPORTANT for people to value 'myth' and not disregard all myth as 'story-telling' or fiction. Much myth IS, in fact, fiction - but is symbolic, containing a bigger, more important message that often should not be ignored. There may not be a boogeyman, but it is still very definitely unwise for children to wander away from home after dark. On the other hand, if 'danger' is represented as the boogeyman, then DANGER certainly exists for children who wander away from home after dark. In any case - the myth about the Boogeyman isn't as ridiculous or fictitious as we might think, if we are the type to scoff at myth or stories.

Myth blends into urban legend, Biblical references, literature, science, health and wellness, our understanding of the animal and plant kingdoms - virtually permeating into all other realms of our existence. Not to mention the plain fact of the cathartic (the venting of stored-up emotions and the forgetting of real life for a while) value of 'stories,' in our hectic everyday lives. Certain presentations of myth are, indeed, plain old fictitious stories - designed for entertainment - however, even these can be said to have value.

I'll be back soon to post about some of the best recognized mythical characters - The Olympians.