ich futurity was written out. All the gods were to consult that book, because they could change none of its decrees. It was onl

ho were also called Dii majorum gentium, gods of the greater nations, because they were known and revered by all nations. They

er. They were named Dii minorum gentium, gods of the smaller nations, because they had no place in heaven, and were not in the

d indigetes signifies acting as gods, and semones signifies demi-men, because they were sons of a god and a female mortal, or o

cuted; and masters served their slaves. Saturn was called Stercutius, because he was the first to fatten the earth with manure.

ipped in groves. Janus presided over the year, and had twelve altars, because it was composed of twelve months. It was he who g

le of Actium. Janus is called Bifrons by Virgil, and by Ovid, Biceps, because he is painted with two faces; Claviger, or the “c

because he is painted with two faces; Claviger, or the “club bearer,” because he holds the rod and the key in his hands; Janito

bearer,” because he holds the rod and the key in his hands; Janitor, because doors were under his protection; Junonius, becaus

is hands; Janitor, because doors were under his protection; Junonius, because Juno committed to his care the calends of the mon

calends of the month, which belonged to her; Patulacius and Clausius, because his temple was open and shut in time of war and p

s: — hence he was called Quadrifons. In his right hand he held a key, because he invented doors; and in the other, a staff, bec

he held a key, because he invented doors; and in the other, a staff, because he presided over public ways. His statues often m

e year. History informs us that Janus was represented with two faces, because he commanded two different people, and divided hi

’t that though I other gods adore, I first must Janus’ deity implore? Because I hold the door, by which access Is had to any go

orrow. The box and the pine were sacred to her. Cybele is called Ops, because she succours and cherishes every thing which the

he succours and cherishes every thing which the earth sustains; Rhea, because benefits incessantly proceed from her on every si

because benefits incessantly proceed from her on every side; Dindyme, because the mountain Dindymus in Phrygia was consecrated

the mountain Dindymus in Phrygia was consecrated to her; Berecynthia, because she is painted with a crown of towers; Pasithea,

Berecynthia, because she is painted with a crown of towers; Pasithea, because she is considered the mother of all the gods; Bon

nsidered the mother of all the gods; Bona Dea, or the “Good Goddess,” because she is profuse with earthly blessings; Fauna, bec

“Good Goddess,” because she is profuse with earthly blessings; Fauna, because she favours all creatures; Fatua, because infants

h earthly blessings; Fauna, because she favours all creatures; Fatua, because infants never cry till they come into the world;

because infants never cry till they come into the world; Pessinuntia, because an image of hers fell from heaven into the field

Saturn, was the older goddess. She is painted as sitting with a drum, because the earth is immovable, (according to the erroneo

y the Arabians; Belus, by the Assyrians. He was surnamed Capitolinus, because he had the first temple at Rome on the Capitoline

use he had the first temple at Rome on the Capitoline hill; Tarpeius, because his temple was built on the Tarpean rock; Optimus

ecause his temple was built on the Tarpean rock; Optimus and Maximus, because he was the best and the greatest of beings; Diesp

ximus, because he was the best and the greatest of beings; Diespiter, because he was the father of light; Dodonæus, because Dod

t of beings; Diespiter, because he was the father of light; Dodonæus, because Dodona, a city in Epirus, was sacred to him; Elic

donæus, because Dodona, a city in Epirus, was sacred to him; Elicius, because he heard the prayers of men; Feretrius, because h

cred to him; Elicius, because he heard the prayers of men; Feretrius, because he smote his enemies or gave peace; Fulminator, o

because he smote his enemies or gave peace; Fulminator, or Ceraunius, because he hurled thunder; Latialis, because he was worsh

peace; Fulminator, or Ceraunius, because he hurled thunder; Latialis, because he was worshipped in Latium; Muscarius, because h

ed thunder; Latialis, because he was worshipped in Latium; Muscarius, because he drove away flies; Opitulator, because he was t

hipped in Latium; Muscarius, because he drove away flies; Opitulator, because he was the helper; Stabilitor, because he support

drove away flies; Opitulator, because he was the helper; Stabilitor, because he supported the world; Almus, because he cherish

he was the helper; Stabilitor, because he supported the world; Almus, because he cherished all things; Olympius, because he res

upported the world; Almus, because he cherished all things; Olympius, because he resided on Mount Olympus; Xenius, because he m

ed all things; Olympius, because he resided on Mount Olympus; Xenius, because he made the laws and customs of hospitality; Zeus

s; Xenius, because he made the laws and customs of hospitality; Zeus, because he gave life to animals, &c. &c. “Here a

ss of wisdom. Hence, he is painted, stealing fire from heaven, either because he first established forge’s in Scythia, or becau

om heaven, either because he first established forge’s in Scythia, or because he was the inventor of the steel with which we el

had one hundred eyes. This spy of the goddess could not be surprised, because fifty of his eyes remained open, while the other

ly, poppy, and dittany, her favourite plants. Juno was called Argiva, because the Argives worshipped her; Bunea, because it was

s. Juno was called Argiva, because the Argives worshipped her; Bunea, because it was Bunæus, Mercury’s son, who erected to her

it was Bunæus, Mercury’s son, who erected to her a temple; Coprotina, because maid-servants celebrated her festivals under a fi

ervants celebrated her festivals under a fig-tree; Curis, or Curitis, because the spear is sacred to her; Cingula, because it w

tree; Curis, or Curitis, because the spear is sacred to her; Cingula, because it was she who unloosed the girdle which the brid

e which the bride wore when she was married; Dominduca and Interduca, because she brought the bride to her husband’s house; Feb

uca, because she brought the bride to her husband’s house; Februalis, because her festivals were celebrated in the month of Feb

because her festivals were celebrated in the month of February; Juga, because she is the goddess of marriage; Socigena, because

of February; Juga, because she is the goddess of marriage; Socigena, because she helps to couple the bride and the bridegroom;

a, because she helps to couple the bride and the bridegroom; Lacinia, because it was Lacinius who built and dedicated a temple

s who built and dedicated a temple to her’ Lucina, or Lucilia, either because her temple was in a grove, or because she brought

her’ Lucina, or Lucilia, either because her temple was in a grove, or because she brought infants into the tracts of light; Nup

, or because she brought infants into the tracts of light; Nuptialis, because married people praised her when they were happy;

, because married people praised her when they were happy; Parthenos, because she annually bathed herself in order to recover t

herself in order to recover the youth and beauty of a virgin; Regina, because she was the queen of heaven; Perfecta, because ma

y of a virgin; Regina, because she was the queen of heaven; Perfecta, because marriage improves human life; Pronuba, because ma

n of heaven; Perfecta, because marriage improves human life; Pronuba, because marriages were accounted illegal, unless she was

se marriages were accounted illegal, unless she was invoked; Sospita, because woman kind were under her peculiar protection; Un

ospita, because woman kind were under her peculiar protection; Unxia, because she annointed the posts of the door on account of

d their corn, before they made their bread. Intercidona was invoked, because she first taught the art of cutting wood with a h

nnounces misfortunes. Minerva, however, took it under her protection, because it watches and discerns objects in the dark (an a

that he gnawed his own flesh; and she changed some clowns into frogs, because they prevented her drinking at a spring. Her favo

s, garlands of ears of corn. Sometimes a pregnant sow was sacrificed, because that animal injures the productions of the earth.

rom wine, and every sensual indulgence. Ceres was denominated Melæna, because she was clad in black; Mammosa, because her breas

Ceres was denominated Melæna, because she was clad in black; Mammosa, because her breasts swell with milk; Alma, because she fe

as clad in black; Mammosa, because her breasts swell with milk; Alma, because she feeds and nourishes as a mother; Thesmophoris

ilk; Alma, because she feeds and nourishes as a mother; Thesmophoris, because she taught men to affix boundaries to their posse

; and Adonis by the Syrians. The Massagetæ offered horses to the sun, because they were swift. Apollo, Phœbus, and Sol, are gen

sa, Lampetia, and Phaethusa were turned into poplars — weeping amber, because they constantly shed tears for his death. Cygnus,

his mother. In conjunction with Diana, he slew the children of Niobe, because Niobe insulted their mother. Niobe herself was ch

, into a beautiful tree which drops frankincense. He despised Clytia, because she discovered his amours with Leucothe; and she

as changed into a sun-flower, or Heliotrope. He flayed Marsyas alive, because he contended with him in music; and gave Midas, k

rs, were sacrificed to him. The hawk and the wolf were sacred to him, because their eyes are piercing; also the raven, the crow

ause their eyes are piercing; also the raven, the crow, and the swan, because they are thought, to have had the gift of foresee

Greece, where he presided over the muses. Apollo was called Cynthius, because he was born on Mount Cynthus in the Island Delos;

us, because he was born on Mount Cynthus in the Island Delos; Delius, because Delos was his native island; Delphinus, because h

Island Delos; Delius, because Delos was his native island; Delphinus, because he guided Castilius, a Cretan, in the figure of a

he guided Castilius, a Cretan, in the figure of a dolphin; Delphicus, because his oracle was held in high esteem at Delphi; Did

icus, because his oracle was held in high esteem at Delphi; Didymæus, because he was twin-brother to Diana, from which circumst

stance we understand that they are used for the sun and moon; Nomius, because he fed the cattle of Admetus; Pæan, because he wa

the sun and moon; Nomius, because he fed the cattle of Admetus; Pæan, because he was skilful in the use of arrrows; Phœbus, in

y which rendered Augustus master of Rome and of the world; Palatinus, because Augustus built him on Mount Palatine a temple to

in sorrow. The poets gave out, that she had been turned into a rock, because the excess of her sufferings rendered her in some

be related. Its plumage was at first white; but Apollo blackened it, because it misinformed him of the infidelity of Coronis.

rown. She is usually seen to rest her hand upon the club of Hercules, because the object of tragedy is to exhibit the glorious

poetry, amorous songs; and her varying physiognomy cannot be painted, because it changes every time that a new subject inspires

ee Fig. 20. Fig. 20. Calliope. The Muses were called Heliconiades, because they inhabited the mountain Helicon in Bœotia; Pa

, because they inhabited the mountain Helicon in Bœotia; Parnassides, because Mount Parnassus was their favorite retreat; Pegas

sides, because Mount Parnassus was their favorite retreat; Pegasides, because Pegasus, a winged horse, brought vocal waters fro

se, brought vocal waters from the fountain Helicon; Pie-rides, either because they dwelt on Mount Pierus, or because they chang

ain Helicon; Pie-rides, either because they dwelt on Mount Pierus, or because they changed into magpies the nine daughters of P

k muein, to explain the mysteries. Obs. 2. — The Muses were virgins, because a youth, named Adonis, having tried to please the

the giant Orion. Diana expelled her favorite Calisto from her court, because she departed from the path of virtue; she pierced

e departed from the path of virtue; she pierced Chione with an arrow, because she was so rash as to prefer her own beauty to Di

ss with three forms, was given to her. She was denominated Tisiphone, because married women consecrated their girdle to her; Lu

phone, because married women consecrated their girdle to her; Lucina, because she was invoked by women in childbed; Trivia, whe

omen in childbed; Trivia, when she presided over cross-ways; Chitone, because women after childbirth used to offer her their ch

lia. Alcithœ, a Theban lady, refusing to be present at his festivals, because they were licentious, was changed into a bat; and

efore the doors of their houses. The goat was usually offered to him, because he destroyed the vine. The magpie was his favorit

him, because he destroyed the vine. The magpie was his favorite bird, because , in triumphs, people spoke with liberty. The fir,

-tree, ivy and vine, were sacred to him. Bacchus was called Biformis, because he was depicted both as a young and an old man, o

young and an old man, or with, and without, a beard; Brisæus, either because he invented the art of pressing grapes, or becaus

d; Brisæus, either because he invented the art of pressing grapes, or because he was born on the promontory Brisa in Lesbos; Br

s, or because he was born on the promontory Brisa in Lesbos; Bromius, because his mother uttered dying groans; Bugens, Taurifor

e his mother uttered dying groans; Bugens, Tauriformis, or Tauriceps, because he was painted as horned, or because he first plo

gens, Tauriformis, or Tauriceps, because he was painted as horned, or because he first ploughed with oxen; Dithyrambus, because

inted as horned, or because he first ploughed with oxen; Dithyrambus, because he was born twice; Dionysius, because he pricked

loughed with oxen; Dithyrambus, because he was born twice; Dionysius, because he pricked his father’s side at the moment of his

father’s side at the moment of his birth; Evius, Evous, Evan, or Hye, because Jupiter found that Bacchus had defeated the giant

ants under the form of a lion, and exclaimed, “Well done son;” Eleus, because he animated his soldiers with acclamations before

e animated his soldiers with acclamations before they fought; Jaccus, because he renders drunkards noisy; Lenæus, because he cu

fore they fought; Jaccus, because he renders drunkards noisy; Lenæus, because he cures mental disorders; Liber and Liber Pater,

ures mental disorders; Liber and Liber Pater, Eleutherios, or Lyceus, because he was worshipped in all free cities; Nyctilius,

, or Lyceus, because he was worshipped in all free cities; Nyctilius, because his sacrifices were celebrated at night; Nysæus,

; Nyctilius, because his sacrifices were celebrated at night; Nysæus, because he was born on Mount Nysa; Rectus, or Orthos, bec

night; Nysæus, because he was born on Mount Nysa; Rectus, or Orthos, because he taught a king of Athens to dilute his wine wit

he taught a king of Athens to dilute his wine with water; Triumphus, because as the conquerors were triumphantly proceeding in

va, and metamorphosed into a spider. Minerva put out Tiresias’s eyes, because he saw her bathing in the fountain of Helicon; bu

he Gorgon Medusa, whose snaky head she placed in her ægis, or shield, because it had the property of turning into stone whoever

after taken by the Greeks. Minerva was called by the Greeks, Athena, because she never drew milk from a mother or nurse’s brea

because she never drew milk from a mother or nurse’s breast; Pallas, because she slew a giant of the same name, or because she

nurse’s breast; Pallas, because she slew a giant of the same name, or because she brandished her spear in war; Parthenos, becau

the same name, or because she brandished her spear in war; Parthenos, because she was a perpetual virgin; Tritonia, either beca

war; Parthenos, because she was a perpetual virgin; Tritonia, either because her father brought her forth three months after h

her brought her forth three months after his head had been struck, or because she was educated on lake Triton; in Greek, Ergati

s educated on lake Triton; in Greek, Ergatis, or the “working-woman,” because she in vented various arts, liberal and useful; M

man,” because she in vented various arts, liberal and useful; Musica, because the serpent on her shield served the purpose of a

pent on her shield served the purpose of a harp; Glaucopus, or Cæsia, because her eyes were of celestial blue; Plyotis, because

laucopus, or Cæsia, because her eyes were of celestial blue; Plyotis, because her effigy was placed on the city gates and house

t has a celestial origin. She comes into the world, completely armed, because the wise man, strengthened by his conscience, and

ows how to contend with vice, and resist misfortune. She is a virgin, because wisdom is not connected with corruption and pleas

corruption and pleasure. She is unadorned, and her looks are severe, because she is not in need of ornament. She shines no mor

o prevent surprise. Ravens, magpies, and vultures, were also offered, because they followed armies, to feast on the slain. Mars

ms in war. — See Fig. 25. Fig. 25. Mars. Mars was called Gradivus, because he raged, as in war; Quirinus, because he was qui

rs. Mars was called Gradivus, because he raged, as in war; Quirinus, because he was quiet, as in peace; and Salisubulus, becau

in war; Quirinus, because he was quiet, as in peace; and Salisubulus, because he inclined, sometimes to this side, and sometime

They gave out, that Mars had been acquitted by the twelve great gods, because the judges, twelve in number, were chosen from am

heir Venus Astarte; the Persians Anaitis; she was denominated Amicia, because she presided over the union of hearts; Armata, be

inated Amicia, because she presided over the union of hearts; Armata, because the Spartan women dedicated a temple to her, afte

ple to her, after having won a victory over the Messenians; Apaturia, because she deceived lovers; Barbata, because the Roman w

over the Messenians; Apaturia, because she deceived lovers; Barbata, because the Roman women, afflicted with the shedding of t

hedding of their hair, prayed to her for the re-growth of it; Cypris, because she was worshipped in the island of Cyprus; Cythe

Cypris, because she was worshipped in the island of Cyprus; Cytherea, because she was carried in a sea-shell to the island Cyth

because she was carried in a sea-shell to the island Cythera; Calva, because the women in her temple converted their hair into

into ropes for engines, when Rome was pressed by the Gauls; Erycina, because Æneas, her son, built to her honour a magnificent

t to her honour a magnificent temple on Mount Eryx in Sicily; Ridens, because she was born laughing; Hortensis, because she pre

unt Eryx in Sicily; Ridens, because she was born laughing; Hortensis, because she presides over the productions of seeds and pl

the productions of seeds and plants in gardens; Idalia and Acidalia, because the mountain Idalius in Cyprus, and the fountain

and the fountain Acidalius in Bœotia were consecrated to her; Marina, because she was born of the sea; Aphrodite or Anadyomne,

her; Marina, because she was born of the sea; Aphrodite or Anadyomne, because she rose from the waters; Melanis, because she wa

a; Aphrodite or Anadyomne, because she rose from the waters; Melanis, because she was most admired in the night; Migonitis, bec

aters; Melanis, because she was most admired in the night; Migonitis, because she was able to manage love; Murtea, because the

in the night; Migonitis, because she was able to manage love; Murtea, because the myrtle was sacred to her; Paphia, because in

to manage love; Murtea, because the myrtle was sacred to her; Paphia, because in the city Paphos in Cyprus, flowers and frankin

incense were sacrificed to her; Verticordia, or in Greek Epistrophia, because she changed hearts; sometimes Dione. Venus was re

musements. He was the youngest and strongest god. He was called Eros, because he had a golden dart, which causes love; Anteros,

alled Eros, because he had a golden dart, which causes love; Anteros, because his leaden dart procures hatred. —  See Fig. 27.

ne out of the power of resistance. He was often represented as blind, because the fancy of the lover paints his mistress in qua

ress in qualities, the reality of which does not exist. He has wings, because favour is deceitful and love is precarious. Hesio

m art, and have no other charms than those of nature; they are young, because charms fall to the lot of youth, and the memory o

by his external appearance. They were said to be sprightly and light, because one should promptly oblige, and bestow a favour w

and bestow a favour with no expectation of reward. They were virgins, because inclination to render service is to be accompanie

ed the first woman, whose name was Pandora. Vulcan is called Lemnius, because he fell upon the island of Lemnos; Mulciber, beca

called Lemnius, because he fell upon the island of Lemnos; Mulciber, because he softened and polished iron; Tardipes, because

of Lemnos; Mulciber, because he softened and polished iron; Tardipes, because he was lame; Ætnaeus, because a temple was dedica

e softened and polished iron; Tardipes, because he was lame; Ætnaeus, because a temple was dedicated to him on Mount Ætna. He w

cribed as working in the caverns of Mount Ætna. Apollo slew them all, because they had forged the thunderbolts with which Jupit

to him, and the tongues were burnt on his altar with great solemnity, because he was the god of eloquence. The Roman merchants

ple near the circus Maximus. Mercury was called Hermes by the Greeks, because he was the god of rhetoricians and orators; Cylle

nius, either from the name of Mount Cyllenus on which he was born, or because his statues had neither hands nor feet; Nomius, o

Nomius, on account of the laws of which he was the author; Camillus, because he served the gods; Caduceator, because he bore t

he was the author; Camillus, because he served the gods; Caduceator, because he bore the caduceus; Vialis, because he presided

he served the gods; Caduceator, because he bore the caduceus; Vialis, because he presided over highways; Dolius, because he pat

bore the caduceus; Vialis, because he presided over highways; Dolius, because he patronized fraud and treachery. “—— The god w

the name of Osiris and Isis to the sun and moon. Neptune, celebrated because he commanded the fleet of Jupiter, became the god

e worship of water was general. The Egyptians held the sea in horror, because it represented to them the tremendous Typhon. The

of Cœlus and Terra. He was considered as the first god of the waters, because he contains the greatest collection of water, and

walls of that famous city. Neptune laid waste the Trojan territories, because the king had refused him a stipulated reward. Nep

nary victims were the horse and the bull. Neptune was called Hippius, because he produced a horse out of the ground by a stroke

oduced a horse out of the ground by a stroke of his trident; Posedon, because he broke vessels; Hippodromus, because he preside

troke of his trident; Posedon, because he broke vessels; Hippodromus, because he presided over horse-races; Consus, because he

e vessels; Hippodromus, because he presided over horse-races; Consus, because he was the god of counsel. Amphitrite was called

us, because he was the god of counsel. Amphitrite was called Salacia, because the salt water is in the bottom of the sea, and V

cia, because the salt water is in the bottom of the sea, and Venilia, because the sea ebbs and flows by turns. Neptune is repre

son to Athamas and Ino, daughter of Cadmus. Juno, an enemy to Cadmus, because he was brother to Europa, inspired Athamas with s

ch honoured Leucothea; but they durst not offer vows to that goddess, because they dreaded for their children the misfortunes w

bit the lakes and ponds. Hesiod and Pindar call Neptune Nymphagetes, because he is the captain of (50) nymphs. Agappidæ and Mu

as left behind her nothing but her voice. Juno struck her speechless, because she found herself long detained by her tedious di

gardens. Finally, Water and Bonus Eventus were the sixth. The first, because , without it, the earth is dry and produces nothin

character of a ploughman, reaper, vine dresser, or, of an old woman, ( because he was the symbol of the year and of the variatio

uver part being a shapeless log. He was called Phallus, and Fascinum, because his limbs were deformed; Avistupor, because he dr

ed Phallus, and Fascinum, because his limbs were deformed; Avistupor, because he drove away mischievous birds; and by various o

g every one they met with whips. The women eagerly received the lash, because they believed that each one who felt it, would pr

nd their lower parts like a shaggy goat. Pan was called Deus Arcadiæ, because he was more particularly adored in Arcadia; Innus

because he was more particularly adored in Arcadia; Innus or Inculus, because he was supposed to have afflicted dreamers with t

d to have afflicted dreamers with the night-mare; Lupercus or Lyceus, because he guarded the sheep-folds from wolves. “Pan lov

re called ‘“dæmons” by the Greeks, and Præstites, or chief governors, because they take charge of all things. Sometimes they we

The Acheron, (which means anguish or howling) was repelled into hell, because it had quenched the thirst of the Titans, during

the earth. Black sheep were the common victims. Pluto is called Dis, because wealth proceeds from his kingdom; Ades, because h

Pluto is called Dis, because wealth proceeds from his kingdom; Ades, because his residence is sad and gloomy; Hades, because h

om his kingdom; Ades, because his residence is sad and gloomy; Hades, because he sits in darkness and obscurity; Agesilaus, bec

gloomy; Hades, because he sits in darkness and obscurity; Agesilaus, because he guides people to hell; Agelastus, because he i

nd obscurity; Agesilaus, because he guides people to hell; Agelastus, because he is never seen to laugh; Februus, because purif

eople to hell; Agelastus, because he is never seen to laugh; Februus, because purifications and lustrations were used on funera

lustrations were used on funeral occasions; Orchus Urgus, or Ouragus, because he puts people both to a natural and a violent de

cause he puts people both to a natural and a violent death; Summanus, because he is the chief of the infernal deities; the Infe

the god of riches in her lap. Plutus is generally represented blind, because he distributes riches indiscriminately; lame, bec

resented blind, because he distributes riches indiscriminately; lame, because wealth is slow of acquisition; and winged, becaus

criminately; lame, because wealth is slow of acquisition; and winged, because riches are sometimes dissipated with great rapidi

ursues criminals, both by water and by land. She was called Adrastæa, because an altar was first built to her by Adrastus, king

r was first built to her by Adrastus, king of the Argives; Rhamausia, because she had a temple at Rhamus, a town of Attica: — S

, to intimate that she was the mother of the Furies. So was the cock, because he proclaims the approach of day. — See Fig. 42.

e Lacedæmonians with great solemnity. No temples were erected to her, because neither prayers nor sacrifices could move or paci

he whole island of Sicily. This island was also denominated Trinacria because it is shaped like a triangle, the corners of whic

e giants; but the difference is plain: the Titans made war on Saturn, because the birth of Jupiter was concealed, and overcome

the summit. Some say, that he was doomed to this eternal punishment, because he was cruel enough to lay heaps of stone on the

daughter to Eioneus or Deioneus, and promised him a valuable present, because he had chosen his daughter for his wife; but his

Hippodamia, had Atreus and Thyestes; the latter of whom was expelled, because he seduced (Erope, wife to Atreus, his brother. B

on them. The sun is said to have turned his course back to the east, because he could not look upon such horrible diet. — See

n, being childless, brought him up as her own, and called him Œdipus, because his feet were swollen. When arrived at manhood, h

f her own name, Eternity. She held in her hand a radiant sun or moon, because each was considered eternal. She was also represe

fabulous bird, that was born of its own ashes; or in that of a globe, because it has no bounds; or in that of a serpent, which

were pronounced. Atea or Discord was driven from Olympus by Jupiter, because she endeavoured to embroil the gods, and she came

ped there under the form of a serpent. To him were sacrificed a goat, because he is said to have been nourished by that animal,

was son of Glaucus, king of Ephyre. He was at first called Hipponus, because he first knew how to govern horses with bridles;

to govern horses with bridles; but was afterwards named Bellerophon, because he was the murderer of Beller, king of Corinth. H

. Bellerophon fell from his horse into a field, called Aleius Campus, because in that place he wandered, here and there, blind

He afterwards settled in Italy, where he changed his name to Viribus, because he had been a man twice. Phædra was so tormented

ts added, that the almond-tree flourished in the beginning of spring, because Phillis showed her joy, when she saw Demophoon re

ver of Prometheus, while he was lying on the rock. He slew Theodamus, because he refused his son Hylas victuals; but he used Hy

they were called Gemini. Sailors deem these stars auspicious to them, because when the Argonauts were tossed about by violent t

mnestra and Ægisthus. He likewise killed Pyrrhus, in Apollo’s temple, because he had taken away Hermione, daughter to Menelaus,

was his son and successor. His name was a Phrygian word for ransomed because he was ransomed by the Trojans. His original name

ted to heaven by Venus, in spite of Juno, who was his declared enemy, because he was a Trojan. Questions. Give the history of Æ

d him in the day-time with ambrosia. He was at first called Pyrisous, because he escaped safely from the fire; and afterwards,

s, because he escaped safely from the fire; and afterwards, Achilles, because he had but one lip, with the other burnt off in t

or Suculæ. The Pleiades were placed in the heavens as constellations, because they immoderately bewailed the hard fate of their

ely bewailed the hard fate of their father Atlas. So were the Hyades, because they incessantly lamented the death of their brot

gnified full of eyes, very clear sighted; Isis signified the antique, because they thought the moon eternal. Osiris is represe

ands the palmira leaf, and the reed for writing. She is called Durga, because she is considered the severe, the awful, the maje

ver the Indians. They abstain from fermented liquors and animal food, because they have great faith in metempsychosis. The Sans

e. Raised on an opening of the ground, was a machine called a tripod, because it had three bars laid on the rock. A woman was s

ock. To avoid deception, they combated naked. This usage was adopted, because Callipatira, after the death of her husband, dres

ns, either that he might be considered a man inspired by the gods, or because he was the first priest or the chief of the worsh

he French call it Mercredi. Odin was called Alfadur, (father of all,) because the gods were descended from him and his wife Fri

se the gods were descended from him and his wife Frigga, or Walfadur, because he was the father of all who fell in battle. He h

the goddess of love and debauchery, the Venus of the north, no doubt, because she was deemed the principle of all fecundity, an

quity; but the northern nations preserved it until the ninth century, because it was not until that period that they received t

t, after the beginning of the second century, their credit decreased, because wars were multiplied, and the nobility, hurried a

epresent it. The Gauls had the highest respect for lakes and marshes, because they thought that divinity loved to inhabit them.

cine. Upon, this point, the people yielded them unlimited confidence, because they were persuaded that they knew the influence

devoured his children, and afterwards again sent them into the light, because intellect is converted to itself, seeks itself, a

tself, seeks itself, and is itself sought; but he again refunds them, because intellect not only seeks and procreates, but prod

t, also, he is called αγκυλομητις, agkulometis, or inflected counsel, because an inflected figure verges to itself. And as ther

lls: by two, on account of her increase and diminution; and by bulls, because , as these till the ground, so the Moon governs al

t Etna. See Briareus. Æ′gis [Ægis], the shield of Jupiter, so called because it was made of goat-skin. “Where was thine Ægis

on [Alectryon], a servant of Mars, who was changed by him into a cock because he did not warn his master of the rising of the s

re Didymæus, Nomius, Pæan, and Phœbus. The Greeks called him Agineus, because the streets were under his guardianship, and he w

phus] was changed into an owl, the harbinger of misfortune, by Ceres, because he informed Pluto that Proserpine had partaken of

in where she was worshiped. Bi′formis [Biformis], a name of Bacchus, because he was accounted both bearded and beardless. Bir

s. Clowns of Ly′cia, The [Lycia], were changed into frogs by Latona, because they refused to allow her to drink at one of thei

. Clyt′ie [Clytie]. A nymph who got herself changed into a sunflower because her love of Apollo was unrequited. In the form of

ryban′tes [Corybantes] were priests of Cybele. They obtained the name because they were in the habit of striking themselves in

′press [Cypress], see Cyparissus. Cy′pria [Cypria]. A name of Venus, because she was worshiped in the island of Cyprus. Cyth′

Dacty′li [Dactyli] were priests of Cybele. They were given the name, because , like the fingers, they were ten in number. Dæd′

a goat. E′gis [Egis] was the shield of Minerva. It obtained its name because it was covered with the skin of the goat Amalthæa

ven to Minerva. It means the work-woman, and was given to the goddess because she was credited with having invented spinning an

Mind. Erisich′thon [Erisichthon] was punished with perpetual hunger because he defiled the groves of Ceres, and cut down one

ght strengthen him. Glauko′pis [Glaukopis]. A name given to Minerva, because she had blue eyes. Gno′mes [Gnomes], a name give

tune. Horses, see Hippona. Horten′sis [Hortensis], a name of Venus, because she looked after plants and flowers in gardens.

ighways, gates, and locks, and is usually represented with two faces, because he was acquainted with the past and the future; o

was acquainted with the past and the future; or, according to others, because he was taken for the sun, who opens the day at hi

f Apollo, who was, with his two sons, strangled to death by serpents, because he opposed the admission of the fatal wooden hors

nes [Mimallones]. The “wild women” who accompanied Bacchus, so called because they mimicked his actions, putting horns on their

on Odin’s shoulder. Musca′rius [Muscarius]. A name given to Jupiter because he kept off the flies from the sacrifices. Mu′se

The Romans always sacrificed to this goddess before they went to war, because they wished to signify that they never took up ar

d Cybele, and brother to Jupiter and Pluto. He quarreled with Jupiter because he did not consider that the dominion of the sea

god of hailstorms. Nycte′lius [Nyctelius]. A name given to Bacchus, because his festivals were celebrated by torchlight. Nym

chus was nursed. See Dionysius. Ny′sæus [Nysæus]. A name of Bacchus, because he was worshiped at Nysa, a town of Æthiopia. Ny

, the goddess of corn. He is described as being blind and lame; blind because he so often injudiciously bestows his riches, and

blind because he so often injudiciously bestows his riches, and lame because fortunes come so slowly. Plu′vius [Pluvius]. A n

ause fortunes come so slowly. Plu′vius [Pluvius]. A name of Jupiter, because he had the rain in his control. Podalir′ius [Pod

pterion. Q Quadra′tus [Quadratus]. A surname given to Mercury, because some of his statues were four-sided. Quad′rifron

ower half like dolphins. Tri′via [Trivia]. A surname given to Diana, because she presided over all places where three roads me

ercules, Paris. Trumpeters, see Tritons. Truth. A daughter of Time, because Truth is discovered in the course of Time. Democr

rance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will jud

d to live perfectly pure lives. Via′lis [Vialis]. A name of Mercury, because he presided over the making of roads. Vic′tory [

ll hardly be believed that the elder sisters hated the pretty Psyche, because goodness and beauty are lovely, and none but the

ppearing very unkind; but he was sorry that she had made the request, because he knew that the princesses hated their sister, a

e you think so. The Italian painters like it very much. I gave it you because I thought you might see prints of it, which you w

orphoses. Ann. How can people believe such unlikely things? Mother. Because we must know a great deal, and think a great deal

had proposed, and Pandion received him kindly; but the old king wept because Tereus had not brought Progne with him. Tereus to

the bad. Mother. And I like to have you read stories of good people, because good actions present agreeable ideas, and what is

n ask you why you ever give me stories of bad men and women. Mother. Because I wish that all you read should give you a true a

n. But why were they so bad then? Mother. As I have told you before, because they did not know better. Ann. How do we know an

he book of Genesis? Ann. Very well. His brothers wanted to kill him, because their father loved him; and they did sell him for

eness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupi

t of civility to wash the feet of strangers among the ancients? Ann. Because they did not wear stockings, nor properly shoes,

young man desired to take a younger member, he was sometimes refused, because the elder was not chosen. Mercury did not conform

e royal palace at Athens. You know the princess Aglauria; she grieves because her sister is beloved, and she is neglected; and

me truth in them, or we should not like them. Ann. Why not? Mother. Because every body loves truth. Ann. But we love stories

ncients to believe that gods wanted to marry their children? Mother. Because there was little travelling in those days, and wh

easy to make those unhappy who are amiable, and who love one another; because , if they should be afflicted, they comfort each o

lost his reason, he might have killed his wife and child. Ann. Yes, because insane persons do not know what they do. What mad

licious, as the story describes Juno and the fury Tisiphone? Mother. Because they did not know any better. They saw that men c

ixed in their superstitious practices, the Bacchantes hated Pentheus, because he tried to interrupt their frantic rites, and pe

great skill. Every body admired and loved Perseus. They admired him, because in wrestling he threw his antagonist; in driving

ld bring down a bird, or hit a mark, without missing. They loved him, because he was manly, and generous, and kind. But Polydec

too cunning for him. If I should kill him, my subjects would kill me, because they love him; so I should gain nothing by that.

em the “blue-haired” deities. Neptune was offended with Cassiope, and because she was a queen, laid her whole kingdom under wat

Ann. Mother, you say Polydectes hated Perseus for his fine qualities: because he was young and strong, and because others loved

Perseus for his fine qualities: because he was young and strong, and because others loved him. That was like Psyche’s sisters,

ts are stained with bleed, which she has drawn from innocent persons, because envious people hurt the innocent, when they have

heir favourite deity, and they sent offerings to him yearly to Delos, because that island had been the refuge of Latona, and th

ome into my mind together. Mother. They come into your mind together because they belong to one another, that is, they are ass

der entreaties. “Stay, lovely Daphne,” he exclaimed; “you fly from me because you do not know who I am. I am not a shepherd of

time, is his fame; his undying or immortal fame, as some persons say, because he is now more admired than ever. As, in ancient

are not more worthy on account of our good fortune, or more estimable because other persons who are related to us, are, or have

how difficult was the task, and how little Phæton had deserved to die because he had failed in it. Jupiter, however, persuaded

musing. Mythology, or the history of fable, is necessary to be known, because it explains many books, statues, and pictures, an

or the manifold blessings which the latter had bestowed upon mankind, because Jupiter himself chose to be regarded as the supre

ures hidden in the earth might be brought forth and made serviceable. Because Prometheus employed fire more curiously and succe

gives a very unworthy notion of the god’s character. We reverence God because he is infinitely great and powerful; and we love

ence God because he is infinitely great and powerful; and we love him because he is as good as he is powerful; and we know that

ere to Europe: and Galileo, the Italian astronomer, was put in prison because he demonstrated the motions of the heavenly bodie

Palladium was preserved with great vigilance in the citadel of Troy, because an Oracle had declared, that, as long as it remai

d by the request of Pericles. The Athenians were offended at Phidias, because it was discovered that among certain figures, eng

re pleasing and winning. They were exhibited unadorned and unclothed, because gentleness of manners and kindness of heart are s

he is generally seen with her hand resting upon the club of Hercules; because the object of tragedy was to represent the brilli

Scylla, daughter of Phorcus, was a beautiful woman, whom Circe hated because she was beloved by Glaucus, whom Circe desired fo

e vine, were sacred to Bacchus. The goat was slain in his sacrifices, because that animal is injurious to vines. The festivals

iter, whose body covers nine acres, was slain by the arrow of Apollo, because he dared to insult Diana, and was thrown into Tar

mmortality might be true — Christians know it is true. We trust in it because Christ declared it; but we have it proved by his

possess the beautiful image — it was but a shadow — he died of grief, because he could not obtain the reality of so charming a

ity, who excited quarrels and wars. Jupiter banished her from heaven, because she created ill will and contention among the god

p.” One of the ancients called Sleep, the happy king of gods and men, because he supposed the immortals, except Jupiter, like m

d Erginus, who demanded of the Thebans the tribute of a hundred oxen, because a Theban had slain his father. These public servi

emanded many lives, as a compensation for the single life of his son, because in those days people pretended to think a prince

ttica, he perceived that his subjects could not improve nor be happy, because they were always injuring each other, and always

, they would be happy and grow rich. Then they were poor and in want, because they did very little work, and ravaged each other

he returned to Athens. The Athenians could no longer respect Theseus, because he had abandoned his duty, and had shown no regar

lles, Ulysses and Ajax contended which should possess his armour, and because it was given to Ulysses, Ajax went mad. In his ph

o live, and committed suicide. The readers of Virgil always pity her, because her sorrow and despair are described in an affect

ling gate. He was called the universal father; the father of battles; because he adopted as his children all those who died wit

anza describes Imir, the supreme creator, sitting in “lonely sadness” because earth had no intelligent inhabitants. The ninth s

the lentils and pulse. The tree called Persea was consecrated to him, because its leaves were shaped like a tongue, and the fru

time of his government the Golden Age; and they honoured his memory, because he loved peace and detested war, and taught his s

tude of priests employed in her worship, and was universally beloved, because she required no human sacrifices, but was content

biting the earth, who are subjects of Jupiter and guardians of men.” Because Socrates said that his genius inspired him, his e

r the images of the gods. Alcibiades was obliged to fly for his life, because he was only suspected of irreverence to the image

ected of irreverence to the images of Mercury. A child suffered death because it accidentally picked up a golden olive leaf fro

e; the demi-gods, or deified men, might have been a little different; because the Romans more readily admitted the apotheosis o

d not withdraw the blessing, and give his property to the first-born, because he had, as it were, promised them in a solemn man

y the earth, for it is his footstool,” etc. This injunction was given because the oaths were sometimes taken falsely, and somet

ock of an earthquake. Jerusalem was called by the Jews, he Holy City, because the Tabernacle was removed thither by King David,

ptor at Athens, died B. C. 432 Phidias was banished by the Athenians, because they accused him of carving his own image upon th

es. Why is it necessary to become acquainted with these fables? Ans. Because ancient literature and art cannot be fully unders

r its uses in war; the wolf, for its rapacity and cruelty; the raven, because it follows armies, watching for the carcasses of

comes from the Latin word “to dance,” and was considered appropriate, because Mars is inconstant in his temper, and inclines no

ury was of Jupiter. Ques. How is Iris represented? Ans. With wings, because of her swiftness, and sometimes also as riding on

the dittany and the lily. The peacock was chosen as the bird of Juno, because it was supposed by its cry to indicate a change o

the deity. Ques. Why is Minerva sometimes crowned with olive? Ans. Because the olive is the emblem of peace, and war should

ace, and war should only be made that a secure peace may follow; also because she bestowed the olive on men. Ques. On what occ

easingly. Ques. Why was the owl chosen as the bird of Minerva? Ans. Because this bird sees in the dark; and wisdom distinguis

Rome? Ans. There was a temple dedicated to Venus Calva, or the Bald; because when the Gauls besieged Rome, the inhabitants mad

rse; and he holds in his hands an infant which he is about to devour, because time destroys all that it brings forth. Ques. Ho

rvants of Vulcan? Ans. The attendants of Vulcan were called Cyclops, because they had each one eye in the middle of the forehe

give a stronger and surer blow. He found fault with Minerva’s house, because it was immovable and could not be carried away if

placed among bad neighbors. He said that Vulcan was the worst of all, because he did not put a window in the man’s breast so th

lden, to represent the color of ripe corn; she holds a lighted torch, because when her daughter Proserpine was stolen by Pluto,

, to light her on her search throughout the world. She holds a poppy, because when she was so grieved that she could neither re

er Mysteries. The Athenians were eager to be admitted to these rites, because they believed that the souls of those who had not

ord which means an oak; the Hamadryades [Hamadry′ades] were so called because they were attached, each to some particular oak.

? Ans. The Greek name Pluto, and the Latin word Dis, signify wealth, because this god is supposed to control the hidden treasu

s. Ques. What does this mean? Ans. Plutus is blind and injudicious, because he passes over the virtuous to heap riches on the

he passes over the virtuous to heap riches on the wicked; he is lame because riches come slowly, and timorous, because the ric

s on the wicked; he is lame because riches come slowly, and timorous, because the rich watch their treasures with great fear an

e was also a river of Hell; the name means oblivion; it is so called, because when the dead drank of its waters, they forgot al

hebes, came forward and answered the Sphinx, that the animal was Man, because when an infant he creeps on all fours; in manhood

and expired. Ques. Why is the story of the Sphinx interesting? Ans. Because there still remains in Egypt an enormous statue o

h garments as white as snow. She was the daughter of Time, or Saturn, because Time always brings truth to light. Fides, or Fide

Ques. Why is a notice of these games appropriate in this place? Ans. Because they were closely connected with the religious ob

every third year. The crowns bestowed on the victors were of parsley, because these were originally funeral games, and it was c

y now be seen in the British Museum. They are called “Elgin Marbles,” because they were brought from Greece by Lord Elgin. Que

uninteresting, but very important to historians. Ques. Why so? Ans. Because they throw light on the early history of the Indi

means “Old Child;” and the Chinese say this appellation was given him because he was born already old, and with gray hair. The

ends of his race. The word Edda means ancestress, and it is so called because it is considered the mother of Icelandic poetry.

arfs of a dark brown complexion, and were never seen except at night, because the sun’s rays had the power of changing them int

orthern Ocean. This island is inhabited by the Hyperboreans, so named because they live beyond the region of the north wind. Th

ither to propitiate the gods, and obtain victory for their people, or because they were weary of life, and desired to hasten th

s the Mexican story of Quetzalcoatl, and the coincidence is singular, because no communication is believed to have existed betw

uired an explanation. Simonides replied that he postponed his answer, because , the longer he meditated on the subject, the more

ck again?’ and when they saw him once more in the east, they rejoiced because he brought back their light and their life with h

the world around them.” Cox. “The study of mythology is a benefit because , by revealing to us the absurd ceremonies and imp

acrifices offered to Nyx were black sheep. A cock was offered to her. because that bird announces the coming of Hemera even in

in conjunction with Apollo, he built for Laomedon* the walls of Troy. Because Laomedon refused to pay for the work, Poseidon fa

me Pluton, or Pluto, as well as the Latin name Dis, signifies wealth, because our wealth comes from the lowest parts of the ear

The sacrifices offered were millet and barley. Swine were sacrificed because they injure the fruits of the earth. Demeter puni

and winged when he takes his departure. He was supposed to be blind, because he bestows his gifts without discrimination, freq

ermione* (Harmony) was said to be the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, because from Love and Strife, that is, attraction and rep

f Mars were twelve in number, and were called Salii*, or the dancers, because dancing in full armor formed an important part in

ar-songs. Sacrifices were horses, rams, wolves, and dogs, also grass, because it grows in towns laid desolate by war. Human sac

ecting, unwearied, invincible, people-rouser. She was called Hippea*, because she taught mankind to manage the horse. Hesti

figs, young lambs, and goats. Tongues of animals were offered to him because the tongue is the organ of speech. Festivals were

s favorite plants were the vine and ivy. Goats were sacrificed to him because they were destructive to vineyards. The most cele

might be seen. A house which Athene constructed did not please Momus because it was not movable, and, therefore, could not be

l boughs. This offering was repeated on the first day of every month, because he was believed to open every month. In the same

us little creature, and they bestowed upon him the name of Pan (all), because he had delighted them all. Pan was regarded as th

rtemis in a wonderful state of preservation. These ruins are valuable because they are sufliciently complete to assist in the s

the deity was consulted. For instance, to Demeter a sow was offered, because that animal is apt to root up the seed-corn; to D

t and shelter. Atlas refused the hospitality which the hero demanded, because it had been predicted that his orchard, in which

ed with serpents. Bellerophon was said to have conquered the Chimæra, because he was the first to make his habitation on that m

ceeded in setting Theseus free, but he was obliged to leave Pirithous because the earth quaked when he attempted to touch him.

Between Trœzen and Epidaurus he slew Periphetes*, a son of Hephæstus, because he was in the habit of murdering travelers with h

they stopped at the island of Naxos, where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, because Athene had appeared to him in a dream and warned

in killing the monster, and presented the head and hide to Atalanta, because she had been the first to wound the boar. The unc

ening to see him, shuddered when he saw the youth had but one sandal, because he had been warned by the oracle to beware of the

Cyclopes. The name means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that was placed in the

r web, though often begun, cannot be finished until Odysseus returns, because the web of morning clouds reappears only at sundo

l tradition only. The word Edda means ancestress, and it is so called because it is considered the mother of Icelandic poetry.

arfs of a dark-brown complexion, and were never seen except at night, because the sun’s rays had the power to change them into

nspicuous to me; whether ravished with a veneration for antiquity, or because I find such coherence in the similitude with the

y of explanation. Time is the child of heaven and earth; he has wings because he flies rapidly, a scythe because he destroys al

of heaven and earth; he has wings because he flies rapidly, a scythe because he destroys all, an hour-glass to measure his cou

ernity, which has neither a beginning nor an end. He slew his father, because , the world and time once created, he could exist

time once created, he could exist no longer; he devoured his infants because time destroys all, and he threw them from his sto

infants because time destroys all, and he threw them from his stomach because time returns with the years and days; and this pa

uitful, and detraction hung; The finished maid the gods Pandora call, Because a tribute she received from all; And thus ’twas J

s children were left unburied in the plains for nine successive days, because Jupiter changed into stones all such as attempted

rel gone, The smoothness of her skin remains alone; To whom the God: “ Because thou canst not be My mistress, I espouse thee for

youth of the place offered to the gods their locks of hair, possibly because this offering was most difficult to the vanity of

ythology_1842_img060a On the altar of Bacchus the goat was immolated, because he destroyed the bark and leaves of the vine, and

because he destroyed the bark and leaves of the vine, and the magpie, because wine makes the tongue of man to chatter like that

tablished her worship was all over the earth. She was called Cypria, ‌ because particularly worshipped in the island of Cyprus;

worshipped in the island of Cyprus; and received the name of Paphia, because at Paphos, she had a temple with an altar, on whi

all his amorous breath.” Keats. ‌Venus was also surnamed Cytheræa, because she was the chief deity of Cythera; Phillommeis,

deity of Cythera; Phillommeis, as the queen of laughter; Tellesigama, because she presided over marriage; Verticordia, because

ughter; Tellesigama, because she presided over marriage; Verticordia, because she could turn the hearts of women to cultivate c

to the many artifices practised in love; and also goddess of the sea, because born in the bosom of the waters; “Behold a nymph

as called Athena Pallas, either from her killing the giant Pallas, or because the spear which she seems to brandish in her hand

agus, for the murder of Hallirhotius, who insulted a daughter of Mars because she slighted his addresses, forms an important ep

, and to have fallen from the skies. To him was consecrated the cock, because it was vigilant and courageous, but they preferre

wed Charon a golden bough; and Charon was once imprisoned for a year, because he had ferried Hercules over without this passpor

stics of both sexes. ‌ Offerings were made to him of milk and honey, because he was the God of eloquence, whose powers were sw

eet and persuasive. Sometimes his statues represent him without arms, because the power of speech can prevail over everything.

all the Gods. She was dismissed from her office by Jupiter, however, because she fell down as she was pouring nectar to the Go

rted The breeze; and beside him a speckled snake lay Tight strangled, because it had hissed him away From the flower at his fin

Neptune, and had the power of looking into the future, from that God, because he had tended for him the monsters of the sea. “

ses o’er The foaming waves, him all the nymphs adore, Old Nereus too, because he all things knows, The past, the present, and t

ly turned into ridicule. He laughed at Minerva, who had made a house, because she had not formed it moveable, that the annoyanc

f a bad neighbourhood might be avoided. He sneered at Neptune’s bull, because the eyes were not placed near enough to the horn,

e goddess of peace, and the Greeks spoke of him as a fickle divinity, because represented as blind, he spreads by chance in his

cious stones, which escape from a box he holds in his hands; as lame, because he came slow and gradually; and with wings, to in

s removed from the presence of the usurper of the kingdom of Iolchos, because the latter had been informed by an oracle that on

ned his daughter in a brazen tower, to prevent her becoming a mother, because , according to the words of an oracle, he was to p

us, her uncle, when Neptune sent a sea-monster to ravage the country, because Cassiope, her mother, had boasted herself fairer

muse Calliope, though some assert him to have been the son of Apollo, because the god, owing to the genius he showed for music,

er public ceremonies; but victims were not sacrificed upon her altar, because she was deemed inflexible, and could not yield to

r descendants their religion, which in the lapse of ages became lost; because in some things it bears a resemblance that cannot

small shrub, (the mistletoe,) from which she had exacted no promise, because , it being so feeble, she did not dread its power.

e air was full of fairies and gods; the spring of fresh water gurgled because it was happy; and each river had in it a great, q

eres took care also to have the flowers always blooming. This she did because she had a fair young daughter, Proserpina, who lo

underworld she had tasted a pomegranate which Pluto had offered her. Because of this, she had to spend a part of each year eve

xposed to wind and snow and rain, and to the blazing heat of the sun, because he had stolen fire from heaven. Hercules boldly s

ead.” Then, at last, the hero told what he had done, rebuking Admetus because of his treatment. “Friends should share griefs wi

m the daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. My child is called Perseus. Because of ill omens at his birth, we have been driven fr

erseus had not been able to bring anything, and the others mocked him because of it, so that he was much ashamed. Then the king

ed all, said to Perseus: “Come and sit by me, for I value you no less because you come without a gift.” At this, the young man

hese snakes were a horror to her and she was pale and terror-stricken because of them. As he looked at her in his shield, Perse

e result of the struggle was that Theseus put Procrustes into it, and because the bed was much too short, the young hero had fi

asked the cause of their grief. “Alas, sir,” said an old man, “it is because the time has now returned when we must send seven

er, it is your son! It is our brother!” Then King Priam was glad, and because of the beauty of Paris, he gave no heed to the ev

t to the ships.” But the heart of Achilles was full of grief and rage because of Briseis, and he would not. Next morning the ba

d the city three times. Then, at last, Minerva, who hated the Trojans because of the choice of Paris, came down and stood besid

Minerva. At that, the Trojans were struck with awe, and said, “It is because Laocoön threw his spear at the wooden horse, impi

Ithaca. With his twelve ships he set sail from the land of Troy, and, because the wind was favorable, he first went to the land

he wished even more to punish the men who had made her miserable; so, because of the talkative maidservants, he told her only i

planted in the gardens of the Hesperides, 86. Hated the Trojans, 196, because of the choice of Paris, who gave to Venus the app

s of truth, wisdom, and courage, 31, 47, 237; hated the Trojans, 212, because of the choice of Paris, who gave to Venus the app

rised the Supreme Gods, who were likewise called Gods of the Nations, because they were known and revered by every nation. They

ns. We learn from history, that Janus was represented with two faces, because he governed two different people, and because he

esented with two faces, because he governed two different people, and because he divided his kingdom with Saturn. He likewise c

ding over the earth; and Rhea, from a Greek word, signifying to flow; because all plants, trees, and animals proceed from the e

ought up Jupiter; or Dactyli, from the Greek word signifying fingers, because they were ten in number, like the fingers. The fe

of misfortune. Minerva afterwards took the owl under her protection, because it is a watchful bird and discerns objects in the

aking bread. What were the sacrifices offered to this Goddess? Swine, because they destroy the productions of the earth; and ga

he is generally seen with her hand resting upon the club of Hercules; because the object of tragedy was to represent the brilli

inguished? Bacchus, from a Greek word, signifying to revel. Biformis, because he was accounted both bearded and beardless; or,

l. Biformis, because he was accounted both bearded and beardless; or, because wine renders some cheerful and gay, and others mo

he was nursed. Brisæus, from the use of grapes and honey. Nictilius, because his feasts were celebrated in the night by torch

e, were consecrated to Bacchus. The goat was slain in his sacrifices, because peculiarly destructive to vines; and the Egyptian

mblem of meditation. A crown of olive was entwined around her helmet, because she taught the use of that fruit. What other name

es. This was preserved, with great vigilance, in the citadel of Troy, because an Oracle had declared, that, as long as it remai

igilance in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for his fierceness; the raven, because he follows embattled armies to feast upon the sla

laws. Camillus, from his office of minister to the Gods; and Vialis, because he presided over the formation of roads. How was

iter, whose body covers nine acres, was slain by the arrow of Apollo, because he dared to insult Diana, and was thrown into Tar

of which the elements, stars, and planets, became objects of worship, because parts of him, the great whole. But though the old

ians, to be symbolical of the sun rising from the bosom of the ocean, because it throws its flower above the surface of the wat

bling gate. He is called the universal father; the father of battles; because he adopts, as his children, all those who die wit

r purpose. The myths of the Greeks and Romans are especially valuable because they have become an inseparable part of art and l

was the god of love; and he was sometimes called the god of the bow, because he was never seen without his bow and arrows. You

ory of the unhappy mother, and of the men who were changed into frogs because they were so unkind to her. Long ago, there lived

r was dark, and her eyes were a deep, clear gray. They were sad eyes, because Latona’s life was very unhappy. Juno hated the gr

cho and Narcissus This is the story of a maiden who came to grief because she talked too much, and because she always wante

story of a maiden who came to grief because she talked too much, and because she always wanted to have the last word. You can

e rise. When he tried to touch it, it disappeared from view. That was because , when the water was rippled by his touch, the ima

acle to inquire why such trouble had come upon them, the answer was, “ Because of the vanity of Cassiopeia. If she will give up

but it pleased both the suitors. Hercules felt sure that he would win because he was so strong; and the river god felt equally

ong; and the river god felt equally sure that he would be the victor, because he could disguise himself, at any moment, and tak

he not been rescued by Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, who loved him because he was so skillful. She changed him into a partri

Then the halcyon birds may be seen floating on the quiet waters. And because of the name of the birds that are supposed to bri

e long he married the dark-eyed girl. Now Ino hated Phryxus and Helle because they were not her own children, and because they

o hated Phryxus and Helle because they were not her own children, and because they were beautiful and good. Soon she began to i

he was. Jason built a good, strong ship, which he called the “Argo,” because Argo means “the swift.” At its prow was a figureh

im of that other boy who had died long before; or perhaps it was just because Apollo had to love somebody, and he might just as

best English poetry lies beyond the imaginative reach of many readers because of their unfamiliarity with the commonplaces of l

cluded. Whatever is admitted is admitted as first-class: first-class, because simple, spontaneous, and beautiful; because fulfi

first-class: first-class, because simple, spontaneous, and beautiful; because fulfilling the requirements of perennial freshnes

ansmitted through generations, are the material of much of our poetry because the material of daily converse, imagination, and

, of the gods, and of the heroes — forefathers of men, but magnified, because unfamiliar, mysterious, and remote. Old literatur

nce. The Great Feud of the Bhâratas has the air of superior antiquity because of the numerous hands and generations that have c

tement, — that the gods maintained intimate relations with men until, because of the growing sinfulness and arrogance of mankin

he lid; but one thing only remained in the casket, and that was hope. Because of his unselfish devotion to the cause of humanit

nd her constant companion. He was often represented with eyes covered because of the blindness of his actions. With his bow and

er’s devices, in showing men grace. With thee are we all at variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful

er thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on, because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now ha

sufficiently numerous. According to an account already given, Vulcan, because of his lameness, was cast out of Heaven by his mo

tolerable. Then, too, it is said, the people of Ethiopia became black because the blood was called by the heat so suddenly to t

it just To smite them for a beauty such as thine? Deserv’d they death because thy grace appear’d In ever modest motion? ’twas t

memory dim, Earth seemed more sweet to live upon, More full of love, because of him. And day by day more holy grew Each spot

ave-taming that attracted the god to these quadrupeds; perhaps it was because they increased in beauty and speed on the pasture

simpleness and faith, Men did not think that happy things were dreams Because they overstepped the narrow bourn Of likelihood,

hou shalt lack nothing that now thou hast. … “But if thou dost refuse because my body seems shaggy and rough, well, I have fagg

in desperation, Glaucus sought the aid of Circe, an enchantress. She, because she coveted for herself the handsome sea-green go

head from wall to wall And moaned aloud, and shrieked in her despair; Because tlfe golden tresses of her hair Were moved by wri

eriphus, the hero, there, turned into stone Polydectes and his court, because the tyrant had rendered Danaë’s life intolerable

three bodies, who dwelt in the island Erythea (the red), — so called because it lay in the west, under the rays of the setting

the Blessed; but for a runaway they girded at Heracles — the heroes — because he roamed from Argo of the sixty oarsmen. But on

white, Though the wind winnow and whirl it; yet we praise Gods, found because of thee adorable And for thy sake praiseworthiest

te, — a penalty said to have been imposed by Minos upon the Athenians because Ægeus had sent Androgeüs, the son of Minos, again

, He with them struck the pupils of his eyes, With words like these: “ Because they had not seen What ills he suffered, and what

s fall the ears of corn when they are yellow before the scythe, — how because of him Scamander should run red, warm with blood,

ed the kingdom of Sparta. § 166. Castor and Pollux are mentioned here because of their kinship with Helen. They had, however, d

.] It seems that from early youth Paris had been reared in obscurity, because there were forebodings that he would be the ruin

to him, said, “Why dost thou not also throw something at Balder?” “ Because I am blind,” answered Höder, “and see not where B

eared only at night. They avoided the sun as their most deadly enemy, because his beams changed them immediately into stones. T

she inveigles her brothers and their retainers, called now Nibelungs because of their possession of the hoard, to Etzel’s Cour

ce Athene is the Dawn-goddess; but she is also the goddess of wisdom, because “the goddess who caused people to wake was involu

f Delphi was situate, or that again from the Greek root pūth, to rot, because there the serpent was left by Apollo to decay; or

etc., 2: 194, 195. Apollo is also called the Sminthian, or Mouse-god, because he was regarded either as the protector or as the

magnetism or mesmerism. Serpents were sacred to Æsculapius, probably because of a superstition that those animals have a facul

lute, an invention of Minerva’s, had been thrown away by that goddess because Cupid laughed at the grimaces which she made whil

ter temple was sacred to Apollo Smintheus, the Mouse-Apollo, probably because he had rid that country of mice as St. Patrick ri

thek, Munich. § 94. Textual. — Psyche does not eat anything in Hades, because , by accepting the hospitality of Proserpina, she

the son of one Gordius, who from a farmer had become king of Phrygia, because he happened to fulfil a prophecy by entering the

married life. That Proserpine should be under bonds to the underworld because she had partaken of food in Hades accords with a

systematic, allegorical, or physical interpretations are here given, because (1) the general method followed by the unraveller

5 (5). Teu′cri, the Trojans. Thalas′sios: an epithet applied to Hymen because he brought safely over the sea to their home a sh

this be a real original source of mythes10, and we place it here only because it has been generally so regarded. 3. A great num

re sends up Shrill-blowing western breezes to refresh The habitants ; because thou hast espoused Helena, and art son-in-law of

trife, and Woe are figuratively her offspring ; the Hesperides are so because their abode was near hers in the West. Nemesis is

d on as that of the Titans and the Olympians371 ; or it may have been because twelve was the political number of the Ionian rac

 ; her sisters are the flesh and the free-will : she is the youngest, because the body is before the mind ; and she is the fair

ungest, because the body is before the mind ; and she is the fairest, because the soul is higher than free-will, more noble tha

was ; and she is said to have burned it by the dripping of the lamp, because all desire burns in proportion as it is loved, an

the walls in honour of the god. The latter title was conferred on him because , when the Eretrians attacked the Tanagrians, Herm

o offer this conjecture concerning the origin of the name Persephone, because we think critics have gone into an extreme respec

nt critics, either on account of some circumstances in themselves, or because they occur in places justly liable to suspicion.

ighted with the little stranger ; and they named him Pan (i. e. All), because he had charmed them all. Others fabled that Pan

is a curved staff, on account of the year, which runs back on itself, because he is the god of all nature. It is feigned by the

d by the poets, that he struggled with Love and was conquered by him, because , as we read, Love conquers all, omnia vincit amor

and instituted games, at which no woman was permitted to be present ; because when Dryope was taken away, two maidens who were

d possess it while it lived, and that it should be called Man (Homo), because it was made of earth (humus)1475. On the story of

s and on the marrow of bears and wild boars, and named him Achilleus, because he never applied his lips (χϵίλη) to a breast1574

os. The Argonauts were called Minyans, according to the mythologists, because the greater part of them were descended from Miny

amed Taphios, who settled at Taphos, and called his people Teleboans, because he had gone far from his native land1963. He had

th Eileithyia2019. The Apharids were not objects of worship ; perhaps because they had merely been devised as opponents to the

ic ground for the alternate life and death of these last, or possibly because in the legend they are Messenians. The Dioscuri w

e to molest Phineus. The isles were thenceforth named the Strophodes, because the Boreiads there turned back2159. Freed from hi

or Complices (the Latin of the Etruscan word), according to Varro2252 because they are born and die together. The general Etrus

t whose impulsion Xerxes is said to have burnt the temples in Greece, because they shut up within walls the gods, to whom all s

called Father, not only for the sake of honour but from reason, both because he was before man, and because like a father he g

e sake of honour but from reason, both because he was before man, and because like a father he gives life, health and food.” To

315. She was held to be the same as Libitina the goddess of funerals, because , says Plutarch2316, the one and the same goddess

or Cluacina, was so called, says Pliny2318, from cluere, to purify ; because when the Sabines and Romans of Tatius and Romulus

c.) says that «Æschylus and the ϕνσικώτϵροι say she is his daughter, because she partakes of the solar light, and changes her

ar light, and changes her form according to the solar positions,» or « because she thence, as from a fount, draws light.» This,

hile it was absent no sentence of death could be executed in Athens ; because , as it was said, it commemorated the deliverance

the education of the young, and there is need to lay stress upon this because of the increased attention now being given to sci

n, but the Latin names are usually retained throughout the narrative, because more frequently used in poetry and art. The closi

l daughters. In her pride she called aloud to Latona, and taunted her because her offspring numbered but two. Shortly after, Ni

generally represented with two faces, turned in opposite directions, because he was acquainted with the past and future as wel

acquainted with the past and future as well as with the present, and because he is considered an emblem of the sun, which open

t all Italy. One very celebrated temple was called Janus Quadrifrons, because it was perfectly square. On each side of the buil

hus. There, hearing that Polydectes had dared to ill-treat his mother because she still refused to accede to his wishes and bec

to the gates of Thebes, where he found the whole city in an uproar, “ because the king had been found lifeless by the roadside,

yer. When but a babe, Paris had been exposed on a mountain to perish, because an oracle had predicted that he would cause the d

rm and manufacture, so the myths of all nations “resemble each other, because they were formed to meet the same needs, out of t

of the same materials.” They argue that this similarity exists, “not because the people came from the same stock” (which is th

ple came from the same stock” (which is the philologist’s view), “but because they passed through the same savage intellectual

ally replied, “Well, this pony was a dog,” and continued. Now, either because she perceived that the transformation had attract

ng of a myth died away with the original meaning of a word; and it is because “the Greek had forgotten that Zeus (Jupiter) mean

right orb of day, to which he was bound by order of Jupiter (the sky) because he dared insult Juno (the queen of the blue air);

the flame,” another fire hero, is represented as very puny at birth, because the flame comes from a tiny spark. His name is de

he goddess of peace, who is often represented holding him in her lap. Because Plutus insisted upon bestowing his favours upon g

at her son Eros continued always a child, was told by her that it was because he was solitary, and that if he had a brother he

of gates, on which account he is commonly represented with two heads, because every door looks two ways. His temples at Rome we

gnetic attraction of the North He calls it also the “Star of Arcady,” because Callisto’s boy was named Arcas, and they lived in

ashes! A plague sent by angry Juno devastated the land. She hated it because it bore the name of one of her husband’s female f

ir powers offended.” Cassiopeia is called “the starred Æthiop queen” because after her death she was placed among the stars, f

three bodies, who dwelt in the island Erytheia, (the red,) so called because it lay at the west, under the rays of the setting

h part of Dejanira’s kingdom. It was said to take the form of a snake because of its winding, and of a bull because it made a b

aid to take the form of a snake because of its winding, and of a bull because it made a brawling or roaring in its course. When

ith waterfalls, etc.: — “Less worthy of applause though more admired Because a novelty, the work of man, Imperial mistress of

educer of Helen, was his son. Paris had been brought up in obscurity, because there were certain ominous forebodings connected

ssessors. The name means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that placed in the midd

se of increase and division. Three was called the number of the whole because it had a beginning, middle, and end. Four, repres

Magnetism or Mesmerism. Serpents were sacred to Æsculapius, probably because of a superstition that those animals have a facul

s, to strike thee dead!” The basilisks were called kings of serpents because all other serpents and snakes, behaving like good

up to him, said, “Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?” “ Because I am blind,” answered Hodur, “and see not where B

d only at night, for they avoided the sun as their most deadly enemy, because whenever his beams fell upon any of them they cha