Welcome
Paleothea
A who’s-who on all females in Greek mythology, with a section on Greek Men, a collection of myths, and a lot of beautiful images.
Paleothea
Browse articles in Paleothea on Paleothea
Stories from the hearth

Ancient Greek Customs Today
The Greek language, an ancient fountain of global expressions, maintains a remarkable influence on various tongues and fields like science, philosophy, and literature. For instance, terms such as "astronomy," "democracy," and "philosophy" all originate from Ancient Greek. Let's explore how this...
Read more →
The future is unpredictable
Carla over at The English Teacher’s Blog posted an entry about some dude’s presentation that I thought might be pretty interesting to the people who are interested in how Greek myths stay relevant to public education. The three main points of his presentation, she reports, are: The future is...
Read more →
Top 10 Greek Mythology Symbols
Greek mythology brims with tales of gods and their extraordinary weapons, each imbued with powers that reflect the essence of their wielders. From Zeus' thunderbolt to Hermes' winged sandals, these legendary items are more than just tools; they symbolize the divine attributes and roles of the gods...
Read more →
Daedalus and Icarus Myth
Daedalus, the master craftsman of ancient Greece, was an Athenian who revolutionized architecture, sculpture, and invention. His creations were legendary, blending innovation with a touch of the mythical. Take the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete, for instance. This labyrinthine complex boasted...
Read more →
Greek Sea Gods and Myths
Poseidon , the poster boy for sea gods in Greek mythology, was a real powerhouse. He controlled the waves, earthquakes, and horses too. With his signature trident, he kept a volatile grip on tempests and tides. When upset, Poseidon wasn't shy about throwing a stormy tantrum. Amphitrite , Poseidon's...
Read more →
Myths of Divine Contests
Picture this: King Cecrops watching nervously as Athena and Poseidon compete for Athens' patronage. Poseidon, the sea's wild master, slams his trident into the ground, creating a bubbling salt spring. Intriguing? Sure. Useful? Not so much. Then comes Athena, calm and collected. She plants an olive...
Read more →
Goddess Techne
In the grand tapestry of Greek mythology, Techne's divine parentage speaks volumes about her capabilities. Born from the union of Hephaestus , the revered god of craftsmanship and metalworking, and Aphrodite , the goddess of beauty and love, Techne inherited a unique blend of skills and...
Read more →
Top Greek Mythology Artifacts
Greek mythology brims with captivating tales and powerful artifacts that have shaped the stories of gods, heroes, and epic quests. These legendary items symbolize authority, protection, and divine favor. From Zeus' Thunderbolt to the Golden Fleece, each artifact carries its own unique history and...
Read more →
Hamadryads in Greek Myth
Unlike their Dryad cousins who could flit between trees, Hamadryads are bound irrevocably to a specific tree—usually an oak or poplar. This intimate relationship means the Hamadryad's fate is magically entangled with the health and livelihood of her tree. Imagine being so connected to a single...
Read more →
Hidden Heroes of Greek Myth
Born of Ares and Aphrodite, Harmonia embodies the balance between chaos and peace. Her wedding to Cadmus brought together a parade of gods, cementing her place in divine society. Yet, the iconic necklace she received—a gift that would wreak havoc on anyone it touched—added complexity to her...
Read more →
Zeus vs. Climate Change
In Greek mythology, Zeus wielded power over the skies, armed with his iconic lightning bolts. If Zeus were around today, he'd probably be tossing those bolts in reaction to climate change. While the ancient Greeks blamed divine wrath for natural disasters, we know it's human activity steering us...
Read more →
Greek Goddess Names Starting With I
Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, dashes against the sky, forming a bridge between the heavens and earth. She serves as a communication lifeline, conveying divine messages to mortals through her vibrant hues. After a summer shower, when sunlight pierces through and a...
Read more →
Prometheus: Sacrifice and Fire
Picture this: a huge, crazy bonfire with gods dancing around instead of your typical wannabe campers trying to burn marshmallows. There, in such godly cookouts, sat Prometheus, a pretty big deal with a brain bigger than Zeus's massive ego. The guy was a genius with a rebellious streak! Now, in the...
Read more →
The Dangers of Mystification, part 1
I’ve been working up to writing this post for over a month, ever since Wendy responded to The Dangers of de-Mystification . I can’t address the whole thing in one post, so this will have to be a series. But by the end of this post, I hope to demonstrate a little better what the problems with...
Read more →
Athena-Like Penelope (Part 2.4)
This is a series on Penelope , who rocks and everyone should know more about. The breakdown is based on my reading (in ancient Greek, thank you very much) of the Odyssey and with some help from Jenny Strauss Clay , Nancy Felson-Rubin , and Sheila Murnaghan . Read Goddess-Like Penelope (Part 1) ,...
Read more →
Portrait of a Priestess
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article2581303.ece That is the link to a review of Joan Breton Connelly’s newest book, Portrait of a Priestess . I’ll tell you one thing, it’s on MY Amazon.com wishlist! I haven’t read it yet, so I can’t review it...
Read more →
Nereids in Greek Mythology
Dive into the captivating world of Greek mythology and explore the enchanting tales of the Nereids, the mythical sea nymphs. These divine figures offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Greece. Nereids, the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris, are captivating sea...
Read more →
Pompeii Fresco: Phrixus and Helle Finds
Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in Pompeii: a 2,000-year-old fresco depicting the Greek myth of Phrixus and Helle. This masterpiece, found in the House of Leda, has been preserved under volcanic ash since 79 CE. The fresco vividly portrays Helle reaching for her brother Phrixus as...
Read more →
Greek Amazon Aella
Aella's origins are steeped in myth: daughter of war god Ares and naiad Harmonia, her existence signifies an intoxicating blend of divine conflict and serene nature. Traditionally believed to have emerged from the sea, Aella and her sister Amazons embodied both creation and destruction—an apt...
Read more →