Greek Mythology
-
Ares, often depicted solely as the God of War and Bloodshed, possesses a multifaceted character that deserves a nuanced exploration. While much of the ancient narrative casts him in a villainous light, there are significant facets to his persona worth highlighting. The Homeric Hymn to Ares reveals that he was also invoked for Courage and…
-
Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, holds a pivotal position in Greek mythology, serving as a symbol of strength and achievement across various domains. In ancient worship, she personified victory, frequently illustrated in art as a winged figure, embodying the essence of flight. In other instances, she appeared without wings, earning the title “Wingless Victory”…
-
Eros, the mischievous deity of love, held a significant role in Greek mythology as the persistent companion of the goddess Aphrodite. His character can be traced back to the poet Hesiod, who initially portrayed Eros as a primordial being that emerged self-created at time’s dawn to incite procreation. Hesiod later depicted him, alongside Himeros (Desire),…
-
Hephaestus: The Olympian God of Fire and Craftsmanship Hephaestus, known in Latin as Hephaestus, is the revered Olympian deity associated with fire, metalworking, stonemasonry, and sculpture. Often portrayed as a bearded figure wielding a hammer and tongs, his imagery occasionally includes him riding a donkey, reinforcing his humble connections to labor and craftsmanship. Noteworthy Myths…
-
Perseus, a renowned hero from Greek mythology, is deeply connected to the tales of two remarkable women, each representing vastly different destinies through their interactions with him. Within a narrow timeframe, he exhibits contrasting behaviors: he ultimately slays one woman while rescuing the other. Despite both women being innocent, their destinies are shaped by the…
-
Exceptional Universal Significance Concise Summary The temple dedicated to Apollo Epicurius stands proudly in the sanctuary of Bassae within the Arkadian mountains. Renowned as one of the finest-preserved relics from classical antiquity, it serves as a powerful representation of Greek architectural prowess. Its architectural components and historical significance are profound. Constructed during the zenith of…
-
In the continuation of a series exploring classical mythology through a modern lens, archaeologist and Landmarks Docent Jamie D. Aprile delves into the tale of Prometheus. For insights into how classical Greek and Roman myths have influenced contemporary art, refer to Aprile’s initial post. Koren Der Harootian’s experiences with the harsh realities of humanity began…
-
The Andromeda constellation graces the northern heavens, nestled between the recognizable W shape of Cassiopeia and the Great Square of Pegasus. As one of the 48 constellations cataloged in Claudius Ptolemy’s 2nd-century work, the Almagest, Andromeda’s namesake is the enchanting princess Andromeda, offspring of Queen Cassiopeia and consort to the legendary hero, Perseus. This celestial…
-
The Olympian God of the Sea: Poseidon Overview Poseidon, an Olympian deity, presides over the sea, earthquakes, floods, and horses. He is typically envisioned as a robust, bearded man wielding a trident, symbolizing his authority over watery domains. Myths and Legends of Poseidon From his very beginnings, Poseidon’s existence was fraught with challenges; he was…
-
Greek mythology is a complex tapestry of stories woven about the gods, heroes, and rituals of the ancient Greeks along with tales from Classical antiquity. While some ancient thinkers like the philosopher Plato acknowledged that these myths contained fictional elements, they were largely accepted as factual by the popular piety of the Greeks. The influence…
