Sarah Atique Period 3 September 22, 2010 Mythology Assignment

Achilles
He was part of the Achaean (Greek) force in the Trojan War. Achilles primary weapon of choice was the spear. It was said to have been too large for any regular man to use. He also used a sword sometimes but not often. The Shield of Achilles was his symbol. It was the one he used to fight Hector. He was valued as a fighter and warrior; he valued war. Achilles has some flaws shown in the Iliad. He was a sort of childish reaction to his friends death and only thinks about avenging him and also he leaves his post in the army for most of the Trojan War. Achilles is the son of the nymph Thetis and Peleus, a mortal king. The myth related to Achilles is called the Achilles Heel. It connects to modern day because it proves that even the most powerful men are still just human, they do not have any superhuman powers. Also includes the god Apollo.

Achilles was the son of Thetis and Peleus, the bravest hero in the Trojan War, according to Greek mythology. When Achilles was born, his mother, Thetis, tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river Styx. As she immersed him, she held him by one heel and forgot to dip him a second time so the heel she held could get wet too. Therefore, the place where she held him remained untouched by the magic water of the Styx and that part stayed mortal or vulnerable. Achilles fought heroically against the Trojans, but was killed by Paris, who shot him with an arrow from behind. Paris's hand was guided by the god of the sun, prophecy, music, bow and arrow, and healing, Apollo. To this day, any weak point is called an "Achilles heel". We also refer to the strong tendon that connects the muscles of the calf of the leg with the heel bone as the "Achilles tendon".

Aegis
A protective item that is usually related to Zeus and also Athena. For Zeus, it is meant to be a thundercloud or lightning bolt that Hephaestus Created. It can also be represented as a cloak with scales and serpents because it is made to scare people. Athena wears the Aegis as a shield on the breastplate of her armor. The Aegis was originally symbolic of a storm cloud. This legend is The Birth of Aegis. The myth associates Athena, Hermes, Perseus, and Medusa.

Aegis was created when the hero Perseus faced Medusa. With Athena and Hermes, Perseus had winged shoes, a cap, a pouch, and a mirror-like shield. Rather than fighting Medusa and risking turning into stone by directly looking at her, Perseus used his mirror shield and decapitated her. The head of Medusa was then put onto the shield, and Aegis was created.

Aphrodite
The Roman name for Aphrodite is Venus. The Greek spelling of her name is Afrodith. Aphrodite was the Olympian goddess of love, beauty, and desire, and these were her values. The myrtle is her tree. The dove, the swan, and the sparrow are her birds. She is married to Hephaestus, although her favorite lover is Ares, god of war. She represents affection, passion, and the attraction that binds people together. One of the most common myths associated with her is her birth. Aphrodites Birth is a story about how she was born from the sea. This myth also includes Kronos. Also refer to the myth with Ares.

Ouranos (the Sky) came, bringing on night and longing for love, and he lay about Gaia (the Earth) spreading himself full upon her. Then the son, Kronos, from his ambush stretched forth his left hand and in his right took the great long sickle with jagged teeth, and swiftly lopped off his own father's members and cast them away to fall behind him. As soon as he had cut off the members with flint and cast them from the land into the surging sea, they were swept away over the water a long time: and a white foam spread around them from the immortal flesh, and in it there grew a maiden. First she drew near, and then came forth an awful and lovely goddess, and grass grew up about her beneath her shapely feet. Her gods and men call Aphrodite, and Aphrogeneia (the foam-born) because she grew amid the foam, and Philommedes (Genital-Loving) because she sprang from the members. And with her went Eros (Love), and Himeros (Desire) followed her at her birth at the first and as she went into the assembly of the gods. This honor she has from the beginning, and this is the portion allotted to her amongst men and undying gods, the whisperings of maidens and smiles and deceits with sweet delight and love and graciousness.

Apollo
Apollo is his Roman name. Spelled Apollon in Greek. Apollo was the Olympian god of prophecy and oracles, healing, the sun, plague and disease, music, light, truth, song and poetry, archery, and the protector of unmarried boys. He was depicted as a handsome, beardless young man who had long hair. Apollo was also often depicted playing the lyre. His weapons or symbols include a wreath with a branch of laurel, a raven, silver bow and arrow, and a lyre. Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto. His twin sister is Artemis, goddess of the Hunt. His most important daily task is to harness his chariot with four horses and drive the Sun across the sky. He is famous for his oracle at Delphi. His tree was the laurel. The crow his bird. The dolphin his animal. A myth associated with Apollo is the Head of the Giant Orion. The myth relates to present day because it is about a common human emotion, jealousy. His jealousy makes him do something rather stupid. Also refer to the myth with Artemis and the myth with Achilles.

When Apollo noticed that Artemis was spending a great deal of time hunting with the giant Orion, he decided to put an end to the relationship. He challenged Artemis to prove her skill at archery by shooting at an object floating far out at sea. Her shot was perfect. The target turned out to be the head of Orion.

Ares
Roman name is Mars. His Roman self was the father of Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome. Ares was the Olympian god of war and bloodlust. His throne on Olympus was decorated with human skin and made with bones. He was the son of Zeus and Hera, but disliked by both. He is depicted as a mature, handsome, cruel, bearded warrior in battle arms or a young beardless man. Weapons are a bloodstained spear and helm. His bird is the vulture and his animal is the dog. He values war, blood, and death. His flaw is that he is a coward. The myth for Ares is called the Adultery of Ares and Aphrodite. This myth relates to present day because it is very common that spouses cheat on each other. It is common that people do not respect their holy bonds of matrimony of cheat on their spouses. The myth is a direct and perfect example of a common thing in modern society. This myth includes Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Helios.

Lovers Ares and Aphrodite lay together secretly in the dwelling of Hephaestus. Ares had offered many gifts to the garlanded divinity and covered with shame the marriage bed of Lord Hephaestus. But Helios (the sun-god) had seen them and hastened away to tell Hephaestus. For his revenge he forged chains that could not be broken, being fashioned to bind lovers fast. All around the bedposts of his marriage bed, he dropped the chains; invisible to the blessed gods themselves, so cunning had been the workmanship. When the snare round the bed was complete, he made as if to depart to Lemnos, the town that he loved more than any other place on earth. Once Ares had seen Hephaestus go, he went to Aphrodite and said, Come, my darling. Let us go to bed and take our delight together, since Hephaestus is no where near. They went to the bed and there lay down, but the cunning chains enveloped them, and they could neither raise their limbs nor shift them at all. When Hephaestus came back to see that his trap had indeed worked he called to his fellow Olympians, Come Father Zeus. Come, all you blessed immortals with him; see what has happened here. You will see the pair of lovers, as they lie embracing in my bed; the sight of them makes me sick at heart. I refuse to remove their bonds till her father Zeus has given me back all the betrothal gifts I bestowed on him for his wanton daughter; beauty she has, but no sense of shame. The other gods laughed and said, Hephaestus the slow and crippled has defeated the swiftest of all the gods, Ares.

Artemis
Diana was her Roman name. She was the Olympian virgin goddess of the hunt, chastity, the moon, childbirth (her mother felt no pain when she was born), the protector of maidens, wilderness and wild animals. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leto. Apollo was her twin brother. Together they brought sudden death and disease. Artemis targeted women and girls and Apollo targeted men and boys. Artemis hunts with silver arrows, like her brother. She is depicted as a girl dressed in a short knee-length chitin carrying a hunting bow and a quiver of arrows, a stag or deer often accompanies her. The cypress is her tree. All wild animals are sacred to her, especially the deer and stag. Avenging Leto is a common myth associated with Artemis and her brother Apollo. It is related to something people usually want when someone has done something wrong to them, revenge. It is a terrible thing and can be controlled if you are a good enough person. Also refer to myth with Apollo.

Niobe, queen of Thebes, once boasted that she was better than Leto because she had many children while the goddess had only two. Artemis and Apollo avenged this insult to their mother by killing all or most of Niobe's children with their arrows. The weeping Niobe was transformed into stone, in which form she continued to weep.

Athena
Roman name Minerva. Athena is the Greek virgin goddess of reason, wisdom, arts, literature, agriculture, the city, defensive war (protecting home), and crafts. She is the daughter of Zeus and his favorite child. Since she was born from his head, she did not have a mother. Her symbol was the owl, also her bird. Her tree is the olive. Invented the bridle, the pot, the rake, the plow, the ship, and the chariot. She was depicted crowned with a crested helm, armed with shield and spear, and wearing the snake-trimmed aegis cloak wrapped around her breast and arm, adorned with the monstrous head of the Gorgon. She was the patron goddess of Athens. The myth commonly associated with Athena is Athena and Poseidon vie for Athens. This myth is about how the two Olympians compete to become the patron of Athens. This myth also includes Poseidon. Also refer to the myth with the aegis.

Both Athena and Poseidon wanted to be patron of the city of Athens. To prove her worthiness for the honor, Athena caused an olive tree to spring up on the citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. Poseidon sought to outdo her by striking the ground with his trident and causing a spring of water to gush forth. But as he was god of the sea, the water was salty. Athena's gift to the Athenians was considered to be more useful, so she became the city's patron.

Atlas
Roman name Atlas. Titans were not given Roman counterparts. Titan god of astronomy and the mountain. He was a second generation Titan, son of Iapetus. His brothers were Prometheus and Epimetheus. Atlas led the Titans in battle against Zeus, so Zeus singled him out for a special punishment and made him hold up the world on his back. Possesses a high stamina, endurance, and strength. Hercules and the Golden Apples is one of the myths associated with Atlas. Atlas was not particularly smart and could be tricked easily.

Hercules needed to get the golden apples from the Hesperides and asked Atlas for help. Atlas had Hercules to hold up the heavens while Atlas went to look for his daughters, who had the apples. Finally Atlas returned, but he didn't want to take over holding up the sky again. He had enjoyed his brief break. Hercules tricked Atlas into taking the load back by asking Atlas to hold it while he shifted the load. After a while, Atlas took it back from Hercules.

Bellerophon
Also spelled Bellerophontes. Born in Corinth, sired by Poseidon on the wife of the king. Captured the winged horse Pegasus. No known symbols, attributes, or weapons. The myth associated with Bellerophon is basically his life story.

He was exiled for the murder of a relative and traveled to the court of King Proitos in Argos. There Queen Stheneboia developed a passion for him. When he spurned her advances, she told her husband that he had tried to violate her. Proitos sent him to King Iobates in Lykia with a closed letter requesting that the boy be put to death. Iobates was reluctant to do this himself and so commanded Bellerophontes to slay the fire-breathing Chimera, which was ravaging the land. He accomplished the task and returned alive. The king next sent him to subdue the barbarous Solymoi tribe, and later the Amazons, but again he was victorious. Finally Iobates commanded his guards to ambush and kill the youth, but he slew them all. The king then recognized him for the son of a god, and welcomed him into his house as his son-in-law and heir.

Calypso
Calypso was the daughter of the Titan god Atlas and her mother was Tethys. She was a sea nymph. Her name is related to a Greek word, which means, to conceal. She symbolizes the forces that divert men from their goals. Or the forces of diversion and distraction. One flaw was that she was obviously selfish for making him stay with her. In Greek mythology she is known as a concealer and a seductress. Calypso lived on the island of Ogygia, which was her prison for being the daughter of a Titan. The location of the island is unknown. Homer introduced the story of Calypso and Odysseus in Ogygia. This is a myth associated with Calypso from when she welcomed the exhausted Odysseus with her hospitality.

Greek hero, Odysseus, who had been drifting for nine days in the open sea after losing his ship and his army to the monsters of Italy and Sicily when coming back home from Troy. He drifted right onto the shores of Ogygia. Calypso fell for Odysseus and wanted to make him her immortal husband and give him the eternal youth. But Odysseus didnt accept her generosity he was dreaming about going back to Ithaca and his wife, Penelope. Calypso was so much in love with him that despite his refusal of her offers, she kept hoping and seducing Odysseus. Eventually, she made him her lover. They lived together for seven years in her breath-taking cave-home, and Calypso even gave birth to two kids. Eventually Athena asked Zeus to save Odysseus from Calypso and Ogygia. So Zeus sent the messenger of the gods, Hermes, to persuade Calypso to let Odysseus go. Calypso couldnt refuse Zeus, the King of the gods. She helped Odysseus build the boat that would take him back to his wife and Ithaca. She provided enough food and wine for the long journey, and good winds. Calypso, who believed that she saved Odysseus, after losing her lover of seven years tried to kill herself. But being immortal, she only went through terrible pain and suffering.

Centaur
Centaurs are half man and half horse. They have the body of a horse and the torso of a man. Most are wild and savage known for drunkenness. The centaur Chiron is an exception. He is known for his goodness and wisdom. Chiron is also the only immortal centaur. He was the tutor for many famous Greek heroes. One of the common myths with centaurs is called War with the Lapiths. This relates to modern day because it shows that sometimes certain people (or animals) never change.

King Pirithous of the Lapiths, son of Ixion, invited the centaurs to his wedding. The centaurs became drunk and disorderly and pursued the Lapith women. One centaur even tried to run off with the king's bride. A fierce battle erupted. The centaurs used tree trunks and slabs of stone as weapons, but eventually the Lapiths won the fight, killing many centaurs. The centaurs were forced to leave Thessaly.

Cerberus
Cerberus was the terrifying three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to the underworld. He was the brother of the Hydra and the Chimera. His offspring were Typhon and Echidna. Often depicted with the tail of a snake or dragon and with snakes sprouting from his back. The saliva that fell from his mouth produced a deadly poison. He prevented dead spirits from leaving Hades and living mortals from entering. The myth Orpheus associates Cerberus. It is one of the only times a living soul got past him.

Orpheus makes the journey to the underworld to bring back his lover, Eurydice. She died of snakebite and Hades took her away to the underworld. He played his lyre to get through rocks, past Cerberus, Charon, and Hades. Hades allowed Eurydice to go back with him as long as he did not speak to her, look at her, or touch her until they were out. So Orpheus happily walked out followed by Eurydice. "There is the entrance!" Orpheus thought. "We're almost there . . . but if we're almost there, that's as good as being there. Right?" So, Orpheus turned to get a look at Eurydice. But Eurydice dodged his gaze and hid behind him. Orpheus kept turning and Eurydice kept dodging behind him. Finally, Orpheus couldn't stand it. "Eurydice?" he asked. "Yes dear!" came a harsh raspy voice from behind him. Orpheus turned around and there in Eurydice's place was Hades. "Ha!

Fooled you." Hades said. Then dragging Eurydice off he said to Eurydice, "Come on, back to the resort."

Chimera
Spawned by Typhoeus and Echidna. It has three heads. A lion, a goat, and a snake. Its body is made up of the front of a lion, middle of a goat, and snake for a tail. It also breathes fire. Bellerophon killed it. For the myth about the Chimera, refer to Bellerophon.

Circe
Circe is the daughter of Perse and Helios; she is a daughter of the sun. Best known for her ability to turn men into animals. Renowned for her knowledge of magic and poisonous herbs. Circe has spiritual purification powers as she uses them to purify the Argonauts. Odysseus in Aeaea is a myth associated with Circe.

When Odysseus and his men landed in Aeaea, his crews later met with Circe and were turned into pigs. Circe's spells however had no effect on Odysseus who earlier was given an herb by Hermes to resist her power. Circe realizing she was powerless over him lifted the spell from the crew and welcomed them in her home. After about a year when Odysseus leaves she warns them of the sirens they will encounter on their journey. Circe

and Odysseus also bore a child together named Telegonus who later ruled over the Tyrsenians.

Cronus
Roman name is Saturn. Can also be spelled Kronos. His wife was Rhea. Their offspring become the first of the Olympians. Ruled during the Golden Age, after killing his father Ouranos (the Sky). King of the Titans, a race of Gods that created the universe and the Olympian Gods. Cronus is the symbol for Father Time or the Titan god of time. He represents our limitations in power and control. Cronus values patience, stability, maturity, and realism. His weapons were the sickle and the scythe. Cannibal Cronus and the Birth of his Children was one of the myths associated with him. I thought that this myth and his character in mythology were very interesting because of how ruthless he was. Then again if I lived forever I might have different thoughts in a few millennia. He is a father but is willing to kill his children if it means that he can keep his power. I do not think this has an association with modern day but in fact the opposite. Parents will always want you to be better and to lead a good life that is why they send us to school and like to see good grades. This myth includes Zeus, Rhea, Hestia, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Demeter.

Cronus was the ruling Titan who came to power by killing his father. He felt like he was the king of the universe (which he was) until one night, he fell asleep and had a dream that his kids overthrew him and all the other Titans. When he awoke, he told the story to his wife, and she told him not to believe in dreams. But Cronus didnt listen; he thought up a plan to get rid of his children. A couple of months later, his daughter, Demeter, was born. Cronus said to his wife, "Rhea, pass the baby to me please." Rhea passed the baby to Cronus and, Cronus gobbled the baby up. Then he ate Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Poseidon. But, the last baby, Zeus, wasnt eaten because his mother hides him on the island of Crete. Rhea wrapped a rock in a baby blanket. She put the rock in a cradle, and Cronus, the greedy baby guzzler, ate the rock instead of Zeus. Later, when Zeus had grown up, he arranged for Cronus to drink a potion that caused Cronus to throw up and vomit all the babies, who somehow lived. This starts a ten-year war between the Olympians and the Titans. Then Zeus over took his father, just as he had foreseen, and becomes a new race of gods, the Olympians. Cronus and the other Titans are banished to Tartarus in the underworld. He and all his brother and sisters begin a new era, with Zeus as their leader.

Cybele
Also known as Kybele, Magna Mater, and Mother of the Gods. The worship of this goddess spread throughout the Roman Empire. Originally from Phrygian, she was the goddess of nature and fertility. She ruled over wild beasts. Her annual spring festival came first on the Roman calendar. The myth The Birth of Agdistis is associated with Cybele. For the connection to modern day, I guess it was like a rape. This myth includes Zeus.

Cybele is "officially" a fertility goddess. Her mythic origin is Phrygia, but became very popular as an exotic divine import. Interestingly enough, she was one of the very few who actually refused Zeus (the king of the gods on Olympus), and she was relatively successful. But she wasn't completely successful, because while she was asleep, Zeus came and acting far creepier than usual, masturbated and ejaculated on the Goddess's body. Being a fertility goddess, that was enough, and nine months later, out came Agdistis.

Cyclops
Cyclopes were gigantic one-eyed monsters. The most famous is Polyphemus, the Cyclops blinded by Odysseus. Three original Cyclops: Arges (thunderbolt), Steropes (lightning), and Brontes (thunder), obviously storm gods. They were born to Gaia and Uranus. They were also the first smiths. When Cronus came to power he imprisoned the Cyclopes in Tartarus. They were released by Zeus and fought with him against the Titans. As a reward for their release the Cyclopes gave Zeus his weapons of lighting and thunder. They continued as his workers at Mount Olympus forging his thunderbolts. Odysseus and Polyphemus is one myth about Cyclopes. It is funny because although they are big in size, they are rather dumb. This myth includes Odysseus.

Odysseus and his men then land on the Island of the Cyclopes. They search the island for food and gifts and eventually come to an abandoned cave. They wait for the owner of the cave to come home. The owner of the cave is a one-eyed Cyclops named Polyphemus. Rather than treating his guests to gifts and food, Polyphemus eats a Odysseus' men. The door to the cave is covered by a great rock and Odysseus and his men are trapped. The Cyclops asks Odysseus his name and he tells him that it is Nobody. Odysseus then offers some wine for the Cyclops to wash down his crewmen. The Cyclops then gets drunk and Odysseus and his men put his plan into action. Odysseus and his men sharpen a wooden pole and burn the tip to make it hard and sharp. Then, while Polyphemus is sleeping, they drive the pole into his eyeball. Polyphemus screams in pain and calls to his brothers telling them that "No body has hurt him." The brothers, assuming that nothing is wrong, go home. Odysseus then ties each of his men to one of Polyphemus' sheep. He then grabs hold of the underside of the largest ram and waits until morning when Polyphemus lets his sheep out to graze.

The next morning Odysseus and his men sneak past the Cyclops underneath the sheep and then run to the ship when they get outside. Odysseus then taunts Polyphemus. Polyphemus begins to throw rocks at Odysseus and his crew and almost hits them with one. Odysseus then tells Polyphemus that it was Odysseus that tricked him and they sail off.

Daedalus
Daedalus was a famous architect, inventor, and master craftsman (wooden cow, artificial wings, and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur). Many of his inventions show up in Greek myths. He was from Athens. His parentage is uncertain. The myth I have for Daedalus is really his life story containing the myths The Fall of Icarus and Daedalus and Talus. This myth/story includes Icarus, Talus, King Minos, Theseus, Ariadne, and the Minotaur.

Daedalus was a brilliant architect and sculptor. He was from Athens, a beautiful city in Greece. One day, Daedalus nephews mother sent her son to live with Daedalus. The nephew, Talus, was himself a talented young man. When Talus came to live with Daedalus, he proved himself by inventing the saw and compass. Daedalus slowly but surely began to hate and become jealous of Talus. One day, Daedalus pushed Talus off a cliff, killing him. Knowing he had done wrong, Daedalus fled to Crete where he was greeted by King Minos, a man who respected him. Daedalus was forced to build the Labyrinth, a castle of mazes. The Labyrinth was made to house the Minotaur, a half man half bull. For years Minos demanded a tribute of youths from Athens to feed the creature. Eventually, the hero Theseus came to Crete to attempt to slay the Minotaur. Ariadne, daughter of Minos and Pasiphae, fell in love with Theseus and asked Daedalus to help him. Daedalus gave her a flaxen thread for Theseus to tie to the door of the Labyrinth as he entered, and by which he could find his way out after killing the monster. Theseus succeeded, and escaped Crete with Ariadne. Minos, enraged at the loss of his daughter, not to mention the killing of the Minotaur, shut Daedalus and his son Icarus into the Labyrinth. Wishing to escape, Daedalus began to study birds in flight. He started to design wings made of wax and feathers. Outfitted with the wings, Daedalus could fly out of his prison. He made wings for his son, Icarus, and warned him not to fly too high, for if he did, his wings would melt. Daedalus also warned Icarus to stay near to him and not to stray out of his sight. They kicked off and soared into the sky. Icarus started to go high up into the sky, where his wings melted. Icarus plummeted to the rough ocean and died.

Demeter
Roman name Ceres. Olympian goddess of harvest, the earth, and agriculture. Portrayed as serious and dignified, dressed plainly in a long robe. Daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Zeuss sister. She and Dionysus were the only gods known to have felt true grief and suffering. Livestock and agriculture are sacred to her and are her values. Symbols were sheaves of wheat and a torch. The Abduction of Persephone is one of the most common myths associated with Demeter because Persephone is her daughter. This story can reflect on mother-daughter relationships today. It is also the mythological explanation for the seasons. This myth includes Persephone, Hades, Helios, Hecate, and Zeus.

Demeters tragic story is her search for Persephone, Demeters only child from her union with Zeus, the King of the Olympians. Persephone grew up happy, playing with Artemis and Athena, the other children of Zeus, but one day her uncle, Hades, fell desperately in love with her. One day, while she was picking flowers in a meadow along with her friends, the earth opened wide and Hades appeared, riding an black chariot that was pulled by four black horses. Persephone was abducted by Hades and dragged down to the Underworld with him. Hearing her daughter's screams, Demeter rushed to her aid but wasn't able to find her. She had disappeared under the earth, but her mother didn't know this. Heartbroken, Demeter searched the entire earth without stopping to eat, drink or take care of herself. With her came the goddess Hecate. They ask Helios to help them on their journey to find Persephone. Once she discovered the identity of the abductor she decided to leave Olympus and renounce her divine duties until Persephone was returned to her. Demeter's self-imposed exile caused the earth to go barren and Zeus, who was responsible for maintaining order in the world, finally commanded his brother Hades to give back Persephone. Because she had eaten seven seeds from a pomegranate while in the Underworld, however, Persephone was bound to remain there.

An arrangement was eventually worked out and Demeter's daughter later returned to earth with the condition that she spends four months of each year with Hades. In these months Demeter misses her daughter so much that she withdraws her gifts from the earth, and winter comes. But when her daughter returns, Demeter is so happy that she restores all her gifts and spring starts.

Dionysus
Roman name Bacchus. He was the Olympian god of fertility and wine. He has a dual nature. On the one hand bringing joy and divine ecstasy. On the other brutal, unthinking, rage. Thus, reflecting both sides of wines nature. Dionysus is the son of Zeus and Semele. He is the only god to have a mortal parent. He was depicted as a young longhaired man. His attributes include thyrsos, drinking cup, leopard, and fruiting vine. Usually accompanied by satyrs and mainades. Ariadne and Dionysus is a classic myth that I really love. It relates to modern day because this type of scenario happens all the time. A girl is with someone who she loves but he abuses her love, then someone comes along who will appreciate and love her. This myth includes Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Muses.

Princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, helped Theseus slay her monstrous half-brother, known as the Minotaur, by teaching him to use a golden thread as a path within the labyrinth where the Minotaur lived. Theseus killed the monster, and then followed the gold thread to freedom. When he emerged triumphant from the labyrinth, Theseus claimed Ariadne for his own. They escaped from Crete upon a waiting ship, running from crowds of citizens angered by Theseuss murder of their halfbull/half-human prince. As they sailed the world, Ariadne was certain she had won the heart of the hero in return for her brilliance, her loyalty, and her love. After all, she had left all she had known behind for him. When Theseus finally brought their ship to the faraway island of Naxos, Ariadne thought they would live here forever. Instead, he abandoned her upon the island, sailing off without an apology. Alone, Ariadne forgot her triumph as the entangler of the labyrinth. She was Ariadne the forsaken, Ariadne the foolish, rather than Ariadne the beloved of Theseus. At first, the heartbroken princess wept. She thought of killing herself out of shame and sorrow. But the Muses took pity upon Ariadne. They whispered into her ear of a worthier love and a loftier fate. This made no sense to her. But soon Ariadne saw a bronze chariot appear on the horizon. The Muses whispered it held a new bridegroom for Ariadne, the man she was fated to love. As the chariot drew closer, Ariadne saw it was draped in vines and clusters of ripe grapesfor this chariot was driven by Dionysus, god of divine intoxication, who loved Ariadne for her

passionate bravery and loyalty. Ariadnes heart was immediately healed by Dionysuss admiration and loving embrace. She soon forgot about Theseus and accepted her happy fate. Dionysus and Ariadne were wed. Made a goddess by love, Ariadne lived forever with her immortal husband in ecstatic triumph.

Furies
Greek names Erinnyes means the Angry Ones, also known as the Kindly Ones. Known as the Furies in Roman. Born from the blood of Uranus when Cronus mutilated him. The drops fell on Gaia and impregnated her. Their home was the entrance to Tartarus or Erebus. Depicted as repulsive winged female creatures wearing black robes. Other descriptions adorned them with snakes twined in their hair, piercing red eyes dripping blood, pitch-black bodies with bat wings, and even sporting the heads of dogs. The myth associated with the Furies is Eumenides. This includes Athena and Apollo.

In Eumenides, Orestes' act was depicted as just, and the god Apollo* protected him in his sacred shrine at Delphi*. But the Furies still demanded justice. Finally, the gods persuaded the Furies to allow Orestes to be tried by the Areopagus, an ancient court in the city of Athens. The goddess Athena*, the patron of Athens, cast the deciding ballot. Athena then calmed the anger of the Furies, who became known afterward as the Eumenides (soothed ones) or Semnai Theai (honorable goddesses). Now welcomed in Athens and given a home there, they helped protect the city and its citizens from harm. The Furies also had shrines dedicated to them in other parts of Greece. In some places, the Furies were linked with the three Graces, goddess sisters who represented beauty, charm, and goodnessqualities quite different from those usually associated with the Furies.

Hades
Roman name is Pluto means god of wealth or riches. Also spelled Aides. He is Zeus brother and the King of the Underworld and Hell and the god of the dead and wealth. Described as fierce, regal, and inexorable. He seems to be an evil god, but he is just. His symbols are his Helm of Darkness and Cerberus. His weapon was a two-pronged fork. His flaws are that he is greedy and selfish. His wife if Persephone. For a myth that associates Hades refer to Demeter. This myth shows how selfish he is to do that to Persephone if he really did love her. The myth also includes Persephone, Demeter, and Zeus.

Hecate
Hecate was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. Ancient moon and earth goddess. She was the only child of the Titans Perses and Asteria, which is where she got her power over heaven, earth, and sea. Symbols are the black she-dog and the polecat. Depicted as a women holding twin torches, dressed in knee-length maidens skirt and hunting boots. Her values are dark magic and arts. For the myth pertaining to Hecate, refer to Demeter.

Helios
Helios is also known as Hyperion. The Titan god of the sun. He was also the guardian of oaths and the god of gift of sight. He was depicted as a handsome man, wearing purple robes and crowned with the shining aureole of the sun. He also drove a sun chariot much like Apollo. His weapons are a sword and a bow. The symbols that represent him are the globe and a whip. He values light, daytime, and the sun. For the myth with Helios, refer to Demeter.

Hephaestus
Roman name is Vulcan. Olympian god of fire and the forge. He is depicted as a bearded blacksmith. He was born deformed, lame, and ugly. Son of Hera and Zeus. Symbols of Hephaestus were a hammer and tongs (the tools of a smith) and a donkey. Lemnos is the island where he grew up and built his palace and forges. He is the smith of the gods. He is kind and peace loving. His weapons are balls of fire and molten iron. For the myth with Hephaestus, refer to Ares.

Hera
Roman name is Juno. She is the Olympian goddess of marriage, women, the sky, and the starry heavens. She was also the queen of the gods. She was the child of Cronus and also Zeus sister and wife. She values marriage very much but her flaw is jealousy. She was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. Her symbols were a royal lion or a cuckoo or hawk. Her choice of weapon was a dagger, although she also used love and passion as weapons. The Marriage of Zeus and Hera is one of the myths commonly related to her. The myth also includes Zeus.

Hera grew up to be the most beautiful of the goddesses & Zeus made her his bride. As a wedding present Gaia created for her the famed garden of the golden apples, which the Hesperides & the Drakon Ladon were set to guard.

Hercules
Hercules can also be spelled Heracles. He was the son of Zeus and Alcmene. The greatest of the Greek heroes. His name means Glory of Hera His biggest weapon was his strength. He had to perform 12 labors. Hebe was his immortal wife. His symbols are the lion, the pillar, and a wooden club. The Apples of Hesperides is a common myth associated with him.

The Hesperides were the goddesses of the evening and golden light of sunset. The three nymphs were daughters of either Nyx (Night) or the heaven-bearing Titan Atlas. They were entrusted with the care of the tree of the golden apples which was first presented to the goddess Hera by Gaia (Earth) on her wedding day. They were assisted in

their task by a hundred-headed guardian drakon named Ladon. Hercules was sent to fetch the apples as one of his twelve labors, and upon slaying the serpent, stole the precious fruit. However, Athena later returned them to the Hesperides.

Hermes
Roman name Mercury. God of roads, travel, thieves, and hospitality. Son of Zeus and Maia. He is also Zeus messenger. Invented astronomy, the lyre, gymnastics, and the olive tree. His weapon is a magical wand called the Caduceus. Hermes was depicted as either a handsome and athletic, beardless youth, or as an older bearded man. His attributes included the herald's wand or kerykeion (Latin caduceus), winged boots, and sometimes a winged travelers cap and chlamys cloak. The myth is Perseus and Hermes Favor.

When Perseus was sent by Polydectes, son of Magnes, to the Gorgons, he received from Hermes, who is thought to have loved him, talaria (winged sandals) and petasus (winged cap), and, in addition, a helmet which kept its wearer from being seen by an enemy. So the Greeks have called it the helmet of Haides [the Unseen One], though Perseus did not, as some ignorant people interpret it, wear the helmet of Orcus himself, for no educated person could believe that.

Hestia
Roman name Vesta. Zeus sister. Virgin goddess of home and the hearth. The house or home is her symbol. Most charitable and mild of all the Olympians. She plays no part in myths.

Icarus
Son of the inventor Daedalus. Refer to the myth with Daedalus.

Jason
Jason was of royal blood. His father was King Aeson of Iolcus in northwestern Greece. The king's half brother Pelias wanted the throne himself and overthrew Aeson while Jason was still a boy Jason's mother feared for his safety. She sent him away to be guarded by Chiron, a wise centaur who took charge of his education. Chiron taught Jason hunting and warfare, music and medicine. Some accounts say that the centaur also gave Jason his name, which means "healer," in recognition of the boy's skill in the medical arts. He was the leader of a band of adventurers who set out on a long journey to find the Golden Fleece. Jason's story is one of violence and tragedy as well as adventure, partly because of his relationship with the enchantress and witch Medea. Jason and the Golden Fleece is the myth related to Jason.

All the stories of the older heroes were finally, in the later ages, gathered into one, and became parts of the tale of the Golden Fleece. This fleece was the skin of a golden ram, which hung in a sacred grove, guarded by a dragon, at the far end of the earth. The hero Jason was given the task of winning the fleece, and he entreated the aid of the other Greeks. He was helped by all the celebrated heroes of the past, including Orpheus and Hercules. These heroes, fifty in number, were called the Argonauts, because they sailed with Jason in the ship Argo. After many adventures they reached the land of the fleece; and here the kings daughter, Medea, who was a mighty sorceress, aided Jason. She charmed and then drugged the dragon, so that she and Jason escaped with the treasured prize. Being pursued by Medea's father and his followers, the heroes fled in the Argo and sailed onward. They kept following the coast-line, until at length they encircled the world, that is, the world of Europe as the ancients knew it, and in this manner got back to Greece, having been the first men to see all the wonders of the world. The later fate of both Jason and Medea was tragic. He deserted her, and she in revenge slew their children. Then, according to one form of the story, she persuaded him to sleep under the shade of the old, rotting hull of the Argo, so that its timbers fell on him, and the ship, which had been his glory, caused his death.

Medusa
A Gorgo or female monster. Most famous of the gorgons. The fear people had of the Gorgo was based on early poetry depicting these female creatures as furiously spirited with serpents writhing on their heads and piercing eyes that could turn a mortal to stone. The Gorgon has been depicted in artwork through Greece. The Gorgons is the myth associated with Medusa. Also refer to Aegis.

The three Gorgon sisters were daughter of the ancient Sea gods, Ceto and Phorcys. Stheno and Eluryah were immortal, but Medusa was not. She was gorgeous, especially her silky hair. When she claimed to be more beautiful than Athena, Athena turned her into a Gorgon and her hair turned into snakes.

Minotaur
Half-man and half-bull monster. King Minos of Crete kept him in the Labyrinth that Daedalus created. Had a ravenous thirst for human flesh. Theseus was the first hero to try and succeed at killing the Minotaur. Refer to the myth with Daedalus and Dionysus.

Muses
They were the nine sister goddesses of poetry, song, comedy, tragedy, dancing, history, and astronomy. They were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Nine Muses include: Clio- History Urania- Astronomy Melpomene- Tragedy Thalia- Comedy Terpsichore- Dance Calliope- Epic Poetry Erato- Love Poetry Polyhymnia- Songs to the Gods Euterpe- Lyric Poetry Refer to the myth with Dionysus.

Nike
Roman name Victoria. The Greek goddess of victory. She was the daughter of the river Styx and the Titan Pallas. Zeus honored her for helping him win the battle of the gods against the Titans. Depicted as a small figure carried in the hands of Zeus or Athena. She appeared as a winged figure holding a laurel wreath. Some symbols were the oinochoe and phiale (bowl and cup) for libations, a thymiaterion (incense burner), an altar, and a lyre for the celebration of victory in song. Nike never acquired any distinctive mythology of her own.

Pandora
Pandora was the very first woman who was formed out of clay by the gods. Pandora was the woman who brought evil into the world and caused humankind's downfall. She and Epimetheus had a daughter, Pyrrha, who appears in a Greek myth about a great flood. Pyrrha and her husband, Deucalion, were the flood's sole survivors and became the parents of a new human race. Pandoras Box is the myth most famous myth associated with her. This myth also includes Zeus, Hermes, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hephaestus.

Zeus ordered the other gods to make Pandora, the first mortal woman, because he was mad at Prometheus who had given the mortals gifts. Each god gave her something to make her perfect. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Hermes gave her pettiness and persuasion, Apollo gave her music, Hephaestus gave her voice, etc. Finally she was ready for Earth. Zeus gave her to Epimetheus (Prometheuss brother). Prometheus had said to Epimetheus," Don't take anything from the Olympians, especially Zeus." Epimetheus was about to decline, but as soon as he looked at her and saw her beauty, he accepted the gift. Epimetheus gave Pandora a box that she was forbidden to open. Pandora was curious. She knew she mustn't open it, but she could not bear not to know its contents. As soon as she pulled the cover off, all of the evil and mistrust flew out into the world. When Pandora looked at the bottom of the box, she saw that the only thing left was hope.

Pegasus
Son of the Gorgon Medusa and the sea god Poseidon. Sprang fully formed from the severed neck of Medusa when Perseus slew her. Mounted by Perseus, who flew over the sea to slay the sea-dragon Cetus. Taken by the goddess Athena to Mt. Helicon to be reared by the Muses. The inspiration of the Muses (especially of Urania & her son by Apollo, Linus). Mortal enemy of the Chimera, Pegasus' flying skill enabled her slaying. Bearer of Zeus' divine Lightning and Thunder.

Earthly and heavenly deeds honored with a memorial in the heavens- his very own constellation. The Winged Horseshoe is the sigil (graphic cipher or symbol) of Pegasus. The Birth of Pegasus is the myth related to him. Includes Athena and Perseus.

When Perseus cut off Medusa's head, the blood sinking into the earth produced the winged horse Pegasus. Minerva (Athena) caught and tamed him and presented him to the Muses. The fountain Hippocrene, on the Muses mountain, Helicon, was opened by a kick from his hoof.

Persephone
Roman name was Proserpina. Also known as Kore, the Maiden. She was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was the goddess of springtime. After her abduction by Hades she became his wife and Queen of the underworld for six months of each year. The mint and pomegranate are sacred to her. She symbolized the sprouting seeds of springtime. For the most famous myth associated with her, refer to Demeter.

Perseus
Perseus was the heroic slayer of the Gorgon Medusa. Life Story: His mother was Dana, daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. Before Perseus's birth, an oracle predicted that Dana would bear a child who would one day kill his grandfather. Terrified by this prophecy, Acrisius imprisoned his daughter in a tower. However, Dana received a visit in the tower from Zeus, who had taken the form of a shower of gold, and she became pregnant. After Dana gave birth to Perseus, Acrisius had his daughter and her child locked in a box, which he threw into the sea. The box came ashore on the island of Seriphos and was found by Dictys, a fisherman. Dictys sheltered Dana and Perseus in his home, and they remained with him for many years. When Perseus had grown into a young man, King Polydectes of Seriphos fell in love with Dana and tried to persuade her to marry him. Dana refused, and Perseus protected his mother from the unwanted advances. Hoping to rid himself of Perseus, Polydectes set him a seemingly impossible task. Perseus was to obtain the head of Medusa, a monster so hideous that anyone who even glanced at her face turned to stone. For myths including Perseus, refer to Aegis and Pegasus.

Poseidon

Roman name Neptune. Also known as Hippios or Lord of the Horses. He was the Olympian god of the sea, rivers, storms, flood and drought, earthquakes, and horses. He was depicted as a mature man of sturdy build with a dark beard, and holding a trident. The trident was his weapon and also his symbol. Son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Brother of Zeus, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. He rode the waves in a swift chariot drawn by golden sea horses. He used his mighty trident to provoke earthquakes and stir ocean waves and also to raise new land from beneath the sea or cause existing land to sink below the waters. Although often helpful to humansprotecting sailors at sea, guiding ships to safety, and filling nets with fishNeptune could be a terrifying figure as well. Quick to anger, he directed his fury at anyone who acted against him or failed to show him proper respect. For the myth commonly associated with Poseidon, refer to Athena.

Sphinx
Mother was Echidna and her father Orthos. Sister of the Nemean Lion. She had the face of a woman, the breast and feet and tail of a lion, and the wings of a bird. Her riddle was this, what is that which has one voice and yet becomes fourfooted and two-footed and three-footed? Sphinxes were popular in ancient art, especially as sculptural grave stele set upon the tombs of men who died in youth. Decorative sphinxes also appear in animal processions on archaic Greek vases, often alongside lions and bird-bodies sirens. This is the story/myth of how the Sphinx became famous.

She was sent by the gods to plague the town of Thebes as punishment for some ancient crime. There she preyed on the youths of the land, devouring all those who failed to solve her riddle. Kreon, the then regent of Thebes, offered the kingship to any man who could destroy her. Oidipous accepted the challenge, and when he solved the Sphinx's riddle, she cast herself off a mountainside in despair and in accordance with an oracle declaring the terms of her demise.

Theseus
King of Athens. Son of Poseidon and Aethra. On his way back to Athens from Crete, after abandoning Ariadne (refer to Dionysus), he forgets to put up white sails, indicating to his father that he survived. Thinking that his son was dead, his grieving father commits suicide before Theseus can reach him. Kidnappd Helen to be his wife when she was 12, but this did not work out. The myths involving Theseus will be found with Daedalus and Dionysus.

Tiresias
A blind prophet. Had the gift of prophecy and understanding the language of birds. This myth is about how Tiresias came about to being blind. It includes Zeus and Hera.

Tiresias came across two snakes mating. He killed the female snake and was transformed into a woman. Seven years later, he again saw two mating snakes; this time he killed the male snake and became a man. Because he had been both man and woman, Zeus* and Hera* asked him to settle an argument: Which of the sexes enjoys love more? When Tiresias replied that man gives more pleasure than he receives, Hera struck him blind. To make up for this deed, Zeus gave Tiresias the ability to foresee the future and allowed him to live an extraordinarily long life.

Unicorn
The word unicorn comes from the Latin word, one-horned. Imaginary beast that appears in legends from China, India, Mesopotamia, and Europe. A horse with a single horn growing from its forehead. Unicorn horns were said to have magical powers. Unicorns were symbols of purity. Associated with Artemis whose chariot was drawn by eight unicorns. This myth relates to the possible origin of the Unicorn. The myth involves Zeus.

According to tradition, one way to capture a unicorn was to send a very young virgin into the forest. The unicorn would be attracted to her and would rest its head in her lap, at which point a hunter could catch the animal.

The Greek God Zeus was nursed by the she-goat Amalthea, which was later transformed into the star "Capella" (Latin for "goat") because of the god's gratitude. In one version of this story Zeus broke off one of the goats horns, which spilled out, and unlimited amount of food. This horn became known as the "Horn of Plenty".

Zeus
Roman name Jupiter. God of the sky and rain. King of the Olympians. After overthrowing his father, Cronus, Zeus and his brothers, Hades and Poseidon, drew lots. He became the supreme ruler of the gods. Weapon is his thunderbolt. Wife is Hera, but had many affairs. He was known to punish liars, and people who break oaths. Symbols of Zeus were his breastplate aegis, his bird the eagle, and his tree the oak. He is represented as the god of justice, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked. For myths with Zeus refer to Demeter, Hera, Cybele, and Cronus. He is probably part of many, many others as well.