In this myth, many versions of which have been passed down through the ages, Psyche is the Beauty. Concerned that his daughter did not have a suitor, Psyche’s father consulted Pythia, who announced grave news: Psyche’s father must leave her on a hilltop, from where a monster would come take her away. …
Great Greek Myths 12 – Hermes: Impenetrable Messenger
Hermes was the youngest of the Gods of Olympus. Right from birth, he was an insolent, thieving, trickster God. While still a baby, he escaped from the cave in which his mother Maia gave birth to him, and stole Apollo’s herd. ….
Great Greek Myths 11 – Aphrodite: Dictated by Desire
Kronos revolted against his father Uranus. He severed his father’s genitals, and threw them into the sea, where they mingled with the foam and gave birth to Aphrodite. Aphrodite was born from this highly unusual union. She inspired romantic love and physical attraction in equal measure. ….
Great Greek Myths 10 – Athena: Armed Wisdom
The Goddess of War Athena was the wisest, most level headed and rational deity. She was born out of Zeus’ skull, wearing a helmet and holding a spear. She was the protector of heroes, the State, and mankind, to whom she passed on many inventions. The gods were both cunning and intelligent. When used together,…
Great Greek Myths 09 – Dedalus and Icarus
Dedalus, a prominent Greek inventor, settled in Crete among King Minos’ court. Queen Pasiphaë, who had an all-consuming passion for a white bull, called upon his services. Dedalus found a way to allow Pasiphaë to mate with the bull, and Minos locked Daedalus and his son, Icarus, away for their betrayal. Dedalus found a way…
Great Greek Myths 08– Dionysus – An Outsider in the City
Zeus had a reputation for being a seducer of women. One day he lay with a mortal – Semele, the daughter of the king of Thebes. Their son Dionysos was brought up by nymphs. One day he discovered the vine, and decided to travel the world teaching mankind the art of making wine out of…
Great Greek Myths 07 – Apollo: Shadow and Light
Although they were the son and daughter of Zeus, Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were born under threats from the goddess Hera. Zeus’ wife Hera never forgave the twins’ mother – the nymph Leto – for her union with the King of Mount Olympus, and she forced Leto into exile. God of the Sun,…
Great Greek Myths 06 – Prometheus: The Rebel of Olympus
Taking revenge against Prometheus, Zeus created the first woman – the beautiful Pandora. He gave her a manipulative and deceptive character, and subjected Prometheus to terrible torture. But although Zeus and Prometheus both shared a shrewd and cunning nature, they clashed fiercely. Prometheus wanted to be of help to mankind, and managed to convince Zeus…
Great Greek Myths 05 – Theseus: The Ravages of Oversight
Theseus was the fruit of dual paternity: Aegeus King of Athens slept with Aethra when she had just been raped by Poseidon, God of the Sea. Theseus, who grew into a strong, brave young man, therefore had a double lineage – both divine and royal. But Theseus’ great courage did not stop him from neglecting…
Great Greek Myths 04 – Orpheus, A Hymn of Impossible Love
On certain evenings, the constellation of Lyra is visible in the skies. Following Orpheus’ death, Zeus placed the constellation in the sky, as a tribute to the greatest poet and musician in Greek mythology. Watched over by the muses from birth, Orpheus’ talent enchanted nature, both trees and animals alike. A brave young man, Orpheus…