I’m going to focus on the Greek myths of Orion, but that’s not for a lack of global myths that integrate the constellation into their cosmologies. However,… Read more “Orion: How Did I Get Here?”
Category: Greco-Roman Mythology
The Union of Cupid and Psyche, Part 2/4, the Banishment and the Villa
In part 1, we met our cast of characters. Now, it’s time to let them play out their parts: So, imagine this: you are the most beautiful… Read more “The Union of Cupid and Psyche, Part 2/4, the Banishment and the Villa”
The Union of Cupid and Psyche, Part 1/4: Cast of Characters
We have come to use the words “comedy” and “tragedy” very differently than the Greeks, from which these two words originate. For the Greeks, a comedy was… Read more “The Union of Cupid and Psyche, Part 1/4: Cast of Characters”
Look Both Ways: Janus, God of the New Year
As we enter this new year, many of us are taking a hard look in the mirror, trying to figure out where we’ve gone right, and where… Read more “Look Both Ways: Janus, God of the New Year”
Who Mourns the Sirens?
Sirens are often mistakenly thought of as a monstrous counterpart to the mermaid; evil temptresses lurking in the sea foam waiting to lure innocent sailors to their… Read more “Who Mourns the Sirens?”
Heroines and Heroes: Ovid’s Heroides
It goes without question that the Roman poet Ovid’s greatest contribution to our understanding of classical mythology is his Metamorphosis. Born in 43 BCE, and dying between… Read more “Heroines and Heroes: Ovid’s Heroides”
Dido and Aeneas, a Love that Burns
Virgil’s Aeneid gives the poetic account of the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan soldier escaping the destruction of that war. It ends with Aeneas founding Rome; but… Read more “Dido and Aeneas, a Love that Burns”
From Such Great Heights: Bellerophon and Pegasus
Imagine this: you are the grandson of Sisyphus, the king whose hubris (ego) resulted in eternal damnation. Sisyphus ended up having to spend eternity pushing a boulder… Read more “From Such Great Heights: Bellerophon and Pegasus”
Leto and the Python
Of all the Olympian Deities, few are as under-served as the Goddess Leto; however, her place among the divinities shouldn’t be underplayed – her two twin children… Read more “Leto and the Python”
Hades and the Helm of Darkness
The Helm of Darkness…sounds awesome right? Also known by the less impressive title of The Cap of Invisibility, this powerful object rendered anyone who wore it completely… Read more “Hades and the Helm of Darkness”