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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

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Stories from the hearth

Color in Greek Myths

Color in Greek Myths

In ancient Greece, colors weren't just visual elements; they were poetic descriptions of nature and life. Homer described the sea as "wine-dark" rather than simply blue, painting with feelings rather than pigments. The Greeks focused on qualities like lightness, darkness, and intensity, capturing...

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Myths of Divine Regret

Myths of Divine Regret

Oizys might not be a household name like Athena or Hera, but she casts a long shadow over the ancient Greek world. Picture this: a goddess who could make even the sunniest day feel gloomy. That's Oizys for you—the embodiment of grief, anxiety, and depression. Here's the kicker about Oizys: she...

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Hyades Nymphs Mythology

Hyades Nymphs Mythology

The origins of the Hyades are as clouded as the rainy seasons they bring. Most Greek myths say these nymphs were daughters of Atlas, the Titan holding up the sky, and Pleione, an oceanid known for protecting sailors. The Hyades were sisters to the Pleiades, another star cluster, born from the same...

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Not posting much

Not posting much

Sorry people, it’s just too hard to get together a post when surrounded by extended family in a far away country without regular internet.

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The Minotaur: Myth and Legend

The Minotaur: Myth and Legend

The Minotaur myth is a tangled web of family drama and divine meddling. It all starts with King Minos of Crete, who asks Poseidon for an impressive bull to boost his claim to the throne. Poseidon delivers, expecting a sacrifice in return. But Minos, perhaps eyeing a future in livestock collecting,...

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Medusa’s Vengeance

Medusa’s Vengeance

Medusa's tale begins in the halls of beauty, where she captured the hearts and minds of all who saw her. With locks of golden hair that flowed like rivers and a face that seemed to outshine the dawn, she was more than just an enchanting figure; she was a priestess of Athena , dedicated to a life of...

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Top Greek Prophets and Oracles

Top Greek Prophets and Oracles

The Pythia of Delphi, the high priestess of the temple of Apollo, was the supreme oracle of ancient Greece. Chosen from among the temple's most talented women, she would sit on a tripod next to the "omphalos" – the so-called belly button of the world. Gazing into a bowl of sacred spring water,...

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Greek Goddess Carya

Greek Goddess Carya

In the intricate world of Greek mythology, where gods and mortals intertwine with fateful consequences, we meet Carya, daughter of King Dion of Laconia. Carya lived a life marred by love, betrayal, and ultimately transformation. During a visit, Dionysus, the god known for his double-edged gifts of...

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Prometheus and Fire in Mythology

Prometheus and Fire in Mythology

Greek mythology is a treasure trove of stories that have shaped our understanding of the world and ourselves. Among these tales, the story of Prometheus stands out as a beacon of foresight, rebellion, and sacrifice. By examining his actions and their consequences, we can gain insights into the...

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Unexpected Greek Myth Transformations

Unexpected Greek Myth Transformations

Greek mythology offers a wealth of stories where human traits and divine interventions intertwine unexpectedly. These tales, often filled with dramatic transformations, mirror our own lives, reflecting themes of love, hubris, and survival. As we explore these mythological stories, they remind us...

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Top 10 Feminist Greek Myth Retellings

Top 10 Feminist Greek Myth Retellings

Pat Barker's "The Silence of the Girls" flips the Trojan War on its head, focusing on Briseis, a captured queen turned slave. Her account exposes the gritty underbelly of ancient warfare through a woman's eyes, where survival and resilience become the real battle cry . Barker gives voice to a...

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Greek Mythology’s Role in Identity

Greek Mythology’s Role in Identity

Greek mythology is a collection of stories that have influenced culture, identity, and our understanding of the world. These tales, passed down through generations, offer insight into the beliefs and values of ancient societies. They provide a link that connects us to the past while still...

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Philemon and Baucis Myth

Philemon and Baucis Myth

Greek mythology offers insights into ancient values and beliefs, with some tales resonating deeply with modern sensibilities. The story of Philemon and Baucis stands out as a gentle reminder that greatness can be found in simple acts of kindness and hospitality. Philemon and Baucis weren't your...

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Hestia: Hearth Goddess

Hestia: Hearth Goddess

Hestia, often overshadowed by her flashy siblings like Zeus and Poseidon, held the essence of ancient Greek domestic life together. Her domain was the hearth, the epicenter of every home where food was prepared and warmth was shared. Keeping that fire going was crucial—no easy feat when you're...

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Amazon Philippis

Amazon Philippis

For the Amazons, a society of warrior women, naming someone for their love of horses was more than just a cool flair—it was practically a resume headline. Horses were their F-150s, their Black Hawks, their everything mobile! In a world where a quick charge or hasty retreat could mean the...

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Forgotten Daughters of Nereus

Forgotten Daughters of Nereus

Greek mythology offers a captivating look into the ancient world, where gods and goddesses ruled with distinct personalities and powers. Among these divine figures, the Nereids hold a special place as protectors of sailors and personifications of the sea's many moods. Their stories, interwoven with...

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Hesperides in Greek Myth

Hesperides in Greek Myth

The parentage of the Hesperides varies across ancient texts. In Hesiod's version, they are daughters of Nyx, the night herself, without any father mentioned. This account emphasizes the mystical aspects of evening, adding a dose of intrigue to the Hesperides' narrative. In Diodorus' works, the sea...

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Mythic Time vs. Clock Time

Mythic Time vs. Clock Time

Ever noticed how ancient myths sneak into modern stories? Take "The Myth of Superheroes" at the Comic-Con Museum where Greek gods meet caped crusaders. The exhibit features over 400 items — from statues of ancient deities to comics of modern heroes. Imagine "The Flash" and the Roman god Mercury...

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Top Myths of Transformation

Top Myths of Transformation

Greek mythology brims with stories mirroring human experiences, featuring gods and mortals facing challenges and changes. These tales offer insights into themes like identity, power dynamics, and resilience. Examining these ancient stories through a modern lens can reveal parallels to our own lives...

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Calypso Greek Mythology

Calypso Greek Mythology

Calypso's origins in Greek mythology are as enchanting as they are varied. Most commonly acknowledged as a daughter of the Titan Atlas, as cited by Homer, this connection places her among the pantheon of minor goddesses deeply intertwined with the larger mythic narratives of the Greek gods....

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