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.'
Showing posts with label Zeus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zeus. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, March 26, 2007
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...
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...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
