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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

Hero and Leander’s Tragic Love

Hero and Leander’s Tragic Love

Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, lived in a tower overlooking the Hellespont strait in Sestos. Leander, a young man from Abydos on the opposite side, met Hero at an annual festival and they fell in love. However, their relationship had to be kept secret due to Hero's sacred vows and potential...

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Ancient vs Modern Love Tales

Ancient vs Modern Love Tales

Nymphs in Greek myths aren't just minor deities; they spotlight important concepts about femininity we grapple with even today. These mythological figures are often linked to natural elements and they pose an intriguing paradox by blending beauty with peril. True to their roots, these enchantresses...

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4000-Year-Old Mysterious Structure Unearthed

4000-Year-Old Mysterious Structure Unearthed

Imagine you're on top of a hill near Kastelli, Crete, digging away, expecting to find nothing—but suddenly you hit the jackpot. That's pretty much what happened with this 4,000-year-old stone structure. We're talking a labyrinth that could give Theseus a run for his money. Picture a gigantic...

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Hephaestus: God of Forge

Hephaestus: God of Forge

Born to Hera, Hephaestus landed in divine politics with a clang— literally . Tossed from Mount Olympus by his mother because of his disfigurement, this inaugural flight crippled him. But Hephaestus wasn't sidelined; he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He turned his misfortune into a...

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Greek Goddess Eris

Greek Goddess Eris

Stepping into the realm of Greek mythology, we often encounter figures wrapped in layers of tales and symbolism, each weaving a narrative that resonates through ages. Among these storied characters, Eris stands out—not just for her notorious role in mythic conflicts but for the profound echoes of...

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Athena the Misogynist

Athena the Misogynist

Go online, and it is easy to find scores of sites dedicated to Athena as the patron Goddess of good feminist neo-pagans. In my opinion, however, Athena was more of a product and purveyor of “the patriarchy” than any other Goddess in the Olympic pantheon . There was no other goddess with such...

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Greek Mythology’s Philosophical Impact

Greek Mythology’s Philosophical Impact

Greek mythology, with its vivid tales of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, has long been a source of inspiration and reflection. These stories offer more than entertainment; they provide a framework for understanding human nature and life's intricacies. By intertwining mythological stories with...

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Divine Marriages in Myths

Divine Marriages in Myths

In the heavenly shenanigans of Olympus, Zeus and Hera reigned as the ultimate power couple, though their relationship was anything but serene. Zeus, king of the gods and notorious for his wandering eyes, wasn't exactly the poster child for marital fidelity. Hera, the queen, was no pushover and had...

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Antheia Greek Mythology

Antheia Greek Mythology

Diving into Greek mythology, let's chat about Antheia—a captivating goddess from the botanical bunch. Her roots are deeply in the Greek mythological landscape, and her family ties and roles are as lush and layered as the gardens she reigns over. Antheia is considered by some to be a daughter of...

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Myths of Divine Forgiveness

Myths of Divine Forgiveness

Let's dive into the fiery depths of hell's history—a journey through time that's more bizarre than your worst detention nightmare. In the Old Testament , Sheol was a shadowy realm where everyone, good or bad, spent eternity. Things got spicy when Alexander the Great introduced Greek elements,...

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The Myth of Coronis

The Myth of Coronis

The love story between Coronis, a mortal princess, and Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy and beauty, is a tale of passion and peril. Their romance blossoms where gods and mortals uncomfortably intersect, setting the stage for a classic mythological drama. Apollo falls for Coronis, daughter of...

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Eurydice Nymph Mythology

Eurydice Nymph Mythology

Eurydice, often depicted as a woodland nymph or an auloniad (a nurturer of mountain pastures), carries with her a touch of divinity from her father, Apollo . Her tale intertwines with that of Orpheus, one of the most celebrated musicians in Greek mythology, whose lineage also traces back to Apollo....

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Reclaiming Pandora

Reclaiming Pandora

In Greek mythology, Pandora embodies curiosity and consequence. Her tale, rich with divine interventions and human emotions, offers insight into the intricacies of human nature. As we explore her story, we ponder the fine line between inquisitiveness and caution, and how these elements shape our...

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Citizenship Laws

Citizenship Laws

Despite the fact that we so often refer to the ancient Greeks for our whole obsession with Democracy here in the U.S., most of us acknowledge that it wasn’t all Skittles and Slice. Beyond the obvious difficulties of actually involving the populace, and the relatively short time the radical idea...

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Greek Mythological Monsters

Greek Mythological Monsters

A creature that combines the body of a man with the head of a bull roams the labyrinth in Greek mythology. This half-man, half-bull beast, known as the Minotaur , came into existence due to Poseidon's revenge on King Minos of Crete. Minos refused to sacrifice a white bull given by Poseidon. So,...

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Not Receiving Our Emails?

Not Receiving Our Emails?

Step 1: Check your Spam Folder. Click the “Not Spam” button if you see it in the spam folder. This will move the email to your inbox, and ensure delivery to the inbox next time. Step 2: Add [email protected] to your contact list. Attention Gmail Users! Gmail puts our emails in the...

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Nemean Lion Myth

Nemean Lion Myth

The Nemean Lion, a creature straight out of Greek mythology, boasts an impressive lineage. Its parents might include Typhon, Echidna, or even Zeus and Selene . Some say Hera placed this golden-furred feline to terrorize Nemea as a way to challenge Hercules. This wasn't just any ordinary lion—it...

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Greek God Family Tree Explained

Greek God Family Tree Explained

Chaos, the progenitor of Greek gods, embodies the great, swirling void from which all existence emerged. Unlike the anthropomorphic beings that would follow, Chaos lacks physical form and gender, existing as a boundless nothingness. From Chaos come the essential components of the cosmos: Erebus...

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Fate in Greek Mythology

Fate in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, the Fates hold a remarkable position. These divine figures, often depicted as weaving the threads of life, invite us to ponder the balance between destiny and free will. Their stories offer insights into the timeless dance between fate and choice. The Moirai, or Fates, are the...

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Erymanthian Boar Guide

Erymanthian Boar Guide

The Erymanthian Boar in Greek mythology was a fearsome beast, part of Hercules' twelve labors. For his fourth task, Hercules had to capture this terrifying creature alive. The boar terrorized the areas around Mount Erymanthos, destroying livestock and threatening villagers with its massive tusks....

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