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

Greek Mythology: Amazon Phoebe

Greek Mythology: Amazon Phoebe

Phoebe, one of the renowned Titan gods in Greek mythology, holds a crucial position among the Titans. Born of Uranus and Gaia, this deity's lineage plants her firmly in the genealogical grandstands of the Titans, marking her sphere of influence significantly across Greek mythological texts....

Read more →
Rivalry in Greek Myths

Rivalry in Greek Myths

Picture a reality TV drama with godly powers, and you've got Zeus and Hera's relationship. Their quarrels were legendary, impacting far beyond Mount Olympus. Zeus, the king of gods, wasn't exactly husband of the year. His wandering eye led to numerous affairs. Hera, his wife (and sister—hey, it's...

Read more →
Greek Goddess Lina Bio

Greek Goddess Lina Bio

Lina, a lesser-known goddess in the vast tapestry of Greek mythology, subtly influenced the lives of those who invoked her charm. Positioned intriguingly in the pantheon, sources hint at Lina being associated with the allure of spontaneity and unexpected changes. Diving into her celestial family...

Read more →
Oedipus, Freud, Predestination

Oedipus, Freud, Predestination

Picture Oedipus as a character in an ancient Greek play where the universe seems to be pulling an elaborate prank on him. Imagine getting a birth announcement that says, "Congratulations, you're destined to kill your dad and marry your mom, no take-backsies!" Oedipus's tale is practically the...

Read more →
Antiope Greek Mythology

Antiope Greek Mythology

Antiope, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, was born from a lineage that mingled both divine and fierce qualities. Rising from the union of Ares, the god of war, and Otrera, the queen of the mythical Amazons, Antiope inherited a pedigree of command and conflict. Imagine having a dad who's all...

Read more →
Greek Gods and Mortal Kings

Greek Gods and Mortal Kings

In Greek mythology, gods and mortal kings had a unique relationship, like a puppet master and his marionette. Divine meddling in earthly affairs was commonplace. Zeus often took center stage, using his thunderbolts to represent divine authority over earthly kings. Take King Salmoneus of Elis, who...

Read more →
Meliae: Nymphs of the Ash Tree

Meliae: Nymphs of the Ash Tree

The story of the Meliae begins with a dramatic turn of events involving Uranus, the sky god, and his youngest Titan son, Cronus. Driven by a prophecy that he would be overthrown by his offspring, Cronus committed a grisly act. Armed with a sickle, he ambushed Uranus and castrated him. As the drops...

Read more →
Age appropriate definitions in Greek Myths

Age appropriate definitions in Greek Myths

It was defining “virgin” and “rape” that got me thinking about this. If I recall, and I can’t check because I’m still in the boonies of Latin America, even D’Aulaire’s couldn’t avoid using that language, because there’s no pussyfooting around the fact that sex – mostly varying...

Read more →
Beauty and Vanity in Greek Myths

Beauty and Vanity in Greek Myths

Cassiopeia, the queen who boasted a bit too loudly about her beauty. In Greek mythology, she claimed her beauty (and her daughter Andromeda's) surpassed that of the sea nymphs, the Nereids. Big mistake . Poseidon, never one to let a slight go unpunished, sent a sea monster to wreak havoc on her...

Read more →
Lycaon: First Werewolf King

Lycaon: First Werewolf King

Lycaon, the ancient king of Arcadia, held a reign marked by bubbling streams, fertile lands, and prosperous citizens. But Lycaon and his 50 sons were far from ideal role models, with their pride and impiety threatening their success. Lycaon's family tree is intricate. He was the son of Pelasgos,...

Read more →
Divine Retribution in Greek Myths

Divine Retribution in Greek Myths

Alecto, one of the Furies, is a force to be reckoned with in Greek mythology. Her job? Making sure justice gets served. These Greeks didn't mess around when it came to making sure you paid for your wrongdoings. Alecto embodied this belief with an intensity that could make even the fiercest criminal...

Read more →
The Golden Ram

The Golden Ram

The Golden Ram, known as Crius Chrysomallos, wasn't your average woolly wanderer. Born from the union of Poseidon and Theophane, this peculiar ram sported a golden fleece that could rival the sun. But Crius wasn't just a pretty face—he could fly, a talent that would prove crucial for saving...

Read more →
Exploring Psamathe in Greek Mythology

Exploring Psamathe in Greek Mythology

Psamathe, one of the fascinating characters from Greek mythology, embodies the essence of the sea as a Nereid. Known for her role amongst the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris, she swims through ancient lore with grace and a profound sense of mystery that surrounds her relationships and stories....

Read more →
Greek Myths & Modern Cryptids

Greek Myths & Modern Cryptids

Exploring the mysteries of the ancient and the unknown, it's fascinating to draw parallels between the legendary cryptids of today and the mythological creatures from Greek lore. Both serve as mirrors reflecting human fears, curiosities, and our innate love for thrilling tales. The daunting Kraken,...

Read more →
My new pretty picture!

My new pretty picture!

I’ve been playing around with favicons recently – you know, those little things that pop up in the left corner of your browser’s address line – and I’m a little excited to finally have found something I kinda dig. It’s sort of a “P” (as in paleo) with sort of a “t” (as in thea)...

Read more →
King Midas Myth

King Midas Myth

King Midas, a figure from ancient Greek mythology, was famous for his golden touch . As the king of Phrygia, he lived lavishly but was defined by his unquenchable craving for gold , believing it would bring true happiness. One day, Dionysus, the god of wine, offered Midas a wish for his...

Read more →
Top 10 Greek Myth Easter Eggs

Top 10 Greek Myth Easter Eggs

Orpheus takes his shot at an otherworldly rescue mission. His melodies captivate even Hades, granting him permission to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. The catch? Orpheus must lead Eurydice out without looking back. Spoiler alert: he looks back. Some say impatience, others say lack of trust, but the...

Read more →
Trojan War and Heroes

Trojan War and Heroes

Paris, son of the Trojan king, sparked chaos when he fled with Helen, the stunning wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. This wasn't your average elopement; it set the stage for the Trojan War. Menelaus, understandably furious, sought help from his brother, Agamemnon, the powerful king of Mycenae....

Read more →
Niobe Myth Details

Niobe Myth Details

Niobe, born to King Tantalus and Dione, had quite the family tree. Her dad was a regular at the gods' dinner parties on Mount Olympus, but let's just say he wasn't winning any "Guest of the Year" awards. Niobe's brother Pelops gave his name to the Peloponnese, while her other brother Broteas was...

Read more →
Epione Greek Goddess

Epione Greek Goddess

Epione, the lesser-known goddess of Greek mythology, embodies the divine aspect of soothing pain and aiding recuperation. As the wife of Asclepius , the renowned god of medicine, she plays an integral role in ancient Greek healing myths. Their relationship symbolizes the unification of medical...

Read more →