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Hercules: The Hero of Myth Hercules is often mistaken for a god, but he was originally born a mortal. His lineage is a tale woven with complexity; his father was Zeus, the supreme deity of the Greek pantheon, while his mother, Alcmene, was related to the hero Perseus. Lore has it that Perseus, another son…
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Understanding Heket: The Unique Goddess of Egyptian Fertility As a Heketean since 2008, I stumbled upon the confusion between Heket and Hekate early in my research journey. Although the names may share a common root, the similarities often cited felt superficial, lacking a deeper connection. After composing a brief article focused on Hekate and childbirth,…
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Juno, revered as a central figure in Roman mythology, embodied the protective spirit of the Roman nation while paying particular attention to women’s lives. Often likened to her Greek equivalent, Hera, Juno was both the spouse and sister of Jupiter, the supreme Roman deity. Together with the goddess Minerva, they were honored at the Quirinal…
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Greek mythology encompasses a rich tapestry of narratives that detail the gods, heroes, and rituals of the ancient Greeks during classical antiquity. While certain thinkers, such as the philosopher Plato, acknowledged the fictional elements within these myths, they were largely embraced as truthful accounts by the populace. The enduring legacy of Greek mythology continues to…
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When Euripides’ “Medea” debuted during the Great Dionysia in Athens, it received a disappointingly low acclaim, placing third behind the works of Sophocles and Euphorion. This reaction can be attributed to how Euripides confronts and challenges the audience’s entrenched beliefs about gender and morality, presenting themes that were both radical and unsettling. For many, it…
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Bacchus: The Divine Icon of Wine and Revelry An Overview of Bacchus Bacchus, revered as the god of wine, fertility, and festivity, has enthralled people through generations. Who is this captivating deity, and what historical transformations has his myth undergone? Let us explore the realm of Bacchus, shedding light on the intriguing tales that surround…
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Overview Hector, a prominent figure from Troy, held the title of prince as the firstborn child of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. His marital union with Andromache produced a son, Astyanax, solidifying his legacy. Renowned for his valor and sense of duty, Hector commanded the Trojan forces in a protracted struggle against the Greeks during…
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Bellona: The Fierce Goddess of War in Roman Mythology Bellona, a prominent figure in Roman mythology, embodies the fundamental essence of conflict and war. Her presence resonates through the rich historical tapestry of ancient Rome, signifying the unyielding ferocity and overwhelming power entrenched in the devastation of battle. Over the ages, military leaders and soldiers…
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The “Rape of Proserpina” (Ratto di Proserpina) is an impressive marble sculpture group in the Baroque tradition, crafted by the Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1621 and 1622, when he was merely twenty-three years old. This work illustrates the abduction of Proserpina, the daughter of Ceres, by Pluto, the god of the underworld. Origin…
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Unveiling Banba: The Lesser-Known Irish Goddess Despite not being among the more widely recognized Irish deities, Banba (also referred to as Anbha or Banbha) holds a significant place in mythology. As the granddaughter of the divine ancestors, Delbáeth and Ernmas, she is notably credited as the first to step foot in Ireland prior to the…
