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1 (1897) Stories of Long Ago in a New Dress
, till the eye could scarcely follow it. None of the people of Greece had ever climbed to the top of Mount Olympus, and the
palaces, they said, were covered with pictures such as no man’s hand had ever painted, pictures such as we sometimes see i
like all such people, often made herself and others very unhappy. She had one great favorite, a peacock, which was always w
a, goddess of the moon. She drove her silver car at night when Apollo had gone to rest in the western sky. She was also the
tune himself, rose with songs of gladness to welcome their queen. She had a little son named Cupid, who also was the god of
fleet-footed Mercury. He was called “The Swift” and no wonder; for he had winged sandals, and could fly faster than the lig
e had winged sandals, and could fly faster than the lightest bird. He had a winged cap besides, and a magic staff wreathed
n Arcas; for she was fair and good, and kind to all who knew her. She had a very joyous nature, and when she went hunting i
poke a few magic words. In an instant Callisto’s slender, white hands had changed into great, hairy paws; and where but a m
o great, hairy paws; and where but a moment before a fair young woman had stood, there was now only a shaggy, ugly bear. Th
to find her. Many a time her thoughts went back to that day when she had last seen her little son, and she wondered what h
that day when she had last seen her little son, and she wondered what had become of the boy. So thrice five summers and win
thrice five summers and winters passed, and, in the meanwhile, Arcas had grown to be a fine, tall youth, who, like his mot
bay ). One day he took his bow and arrows, and started out alone. He had been hunting a long time, when, in following a de
e who was coming. In an instant, in spite of the many years since she had last seen him, the mother knew her son; and she g
ther knew her son; and she gazed with wondering eyes at the child who had grown to be such a tall, fine-looking boy. She lo
appeared, and snatched both bow and arrow from his hands. For Jupiter had always loved Callisto, and he was sorry for the h
ter had always loved Callisto, and he was sorry for the harm his wife had done to one so good and gentle. To make up as far
ery angry when she saw the newly-made stars twinkling in the sky. She had tried to show her hatred toward Callisto by takin
hatred toward Callisto by taking away her human form, but now Jupiter had made her and her son far greater than human being
Long, long ago, there lived on this island a goddess named Ceres. She had power to make the earth yield plentiful crops of
therefore the life, of all the people on the great, wide earth. Ceres had one fair young daughter, whom she loved very dear
very lonely for him with only shadows to talk to. Often and often, he had tried to urge some goddess to come and share his
the darkness below. But Proserpine knew that the nymph of the stream had recognized her, and had tried to save her by maki
Proserpine knew that the nymph of the stream had recognized her, and had tried to save her by making the waters of the str
among the fields, looking for her child. When morning broke, and she had found no trace of Proserpine, her grief was terri
land and sea she journeyed, bearing in her right hand the torch which had been kindled in the fiery volcano. All her duties
tooping to see what it was, she picked up the girdle which Proserpine had long ago thrown to the water nymph. While she was
on earth; and he said that Proserpine might return to her home if she had tasted no food while in Pluto’s kingdom. So the h
y mother hastened down into Hades. But alas! that very day Proserpine had eaten six pomegranate seeds; and for every one of
the story of a beautiful woman and two helpless little children, who had been treated very cruelly. While he was thinking
e frogs were very ugly indeed; besides it was the first time the poet had ever seen such creatures. So he turned away from
s children, and he put something about the frogs into his tale. As he had not liked them at all, he made them seem very bad
she treated her so badly, and was so unkind to her, that poor Latona had to flee from place to place, to escape the queen’
hough’ they wished to comfort Latona. It seemed a long time since she had left the land, although it was only a few hours.
ng of the keel on the shore; and when she looked up, she saw that she had drifted to a little island. It was a pretty place
t again and stepped out of the boat to explore the little kingdom she had found. Nor was she disappointed. Berries and frui
; and, although it made Latona very sad to go from the home where she had been so happy, she hastened away, for she feared
. The mother was glad to suffer anything for her children’s sake. She had been walking for days and days, the hot sand burn
ud and stones into the water, so that in a few moments the clear lake had become a muddy pool, and the water was unfit to d
a, her time of suffering was almost over. The twin babes for whom she had borne so much, grew up to repay her, as well as c
s well as children ever can repay their parents. Jupiter, the god who had sent them to Latona in her loneliness, had given
ents. Jupiter, the god who had sent them to Latona in her loneliness, had given them his own godlike nature; and when next
hen she danced and sang in the green woods with the other nymphs. She had one great fault, however, — she was too talkative
queer way, by taking from her the power of that tongue with which she had been too ready. Poor Echo found that she could no
d Echo stealing softly behind him, until the boy suddenly saw that he had lost his way and called out, “Is there any one he
e had lost his way and called out, “Is there any one here?” Echo, who had stepped behind a tree, quickly answered “Here!”
Here’.” Echo ( Roberts ). The youth was very much surprised, for he had thought himself alone in the woods. He looked all
and fled from her farther into the woods. Poor Echo! His unkind looks had hurt her sadly, and she hid herself in the woods,
e woods, and mourned and grieved, thinking of the beautiful youth who had treated her so rudely. She suffered very much and
g till night, with only his bow and arrows for companions. One day he had been tracking the game through the forest for man
, for reflected in the smooth surface, was the most beautiful face he had ever seen. He looked at it in ever-growing surpri
d the more he looked, the fairer did the face seem. Narcissus at last had fallen in love but it was with his own reflection
ain seen in all its loveliness. Poor Narcissus! He, with whom so many had been in love, was at last in love himself, and wi
had been in love, was at last in love himself, and with a thing that had no form, or substance, — a mere shadow. He lost a
ks and his body grew thinner and thinner, until at last he died. Echo had seen the poor boy’s madness, and although he had
t last he died. Echo had seen the poor boy’s madness, and although he had treated her so cruelly, she felt only sorrow at h
ith garlands to carry him to his bier, but the body of the dead youth had vanished. In its stead there stood a beautiful fl
city of Greece, there lived a young girl named Arachne, whose parents had once been very poor and humble. Arachne, however,
them lived very happily. Thus it might have gone on until they died, had not Arachne’s head been turned by the praises tha
ut in her spare moments she amused herself by doing just such work as had made Arachne famous, — embroidery in wool, or tap
on Arachne’s shoulder, “listen to the advice of an old woman who has had much experience in life. Be content to reign as q
eared figures telling the story of a famous contest in which the gods had taken part; and into each of the four corners she
and into each of the four corners she wove a picture of the fate that had overtaken daring mortals who had opposed the gods
she wove a picture of the fate that had overtaken daring mortals who had opposed the gods. These were meant as a warning t
of her anger at the girl’s boldness, was forced to admit that Arachne had won the contest. But this only made her wrath the
anger in Minerva’s face, she suddenly felt how foolish and wrong she had been. It was too late now for repentance. The god
hat her body looked very large next to it, though in reality it, too, had diminished in size. Her fingers were changed into
there was a great, great flood over all the earth. Some wicked people had angered the gods, and Jupiter sent all the waters
better men and women to live upon it. But, strange to say, the water had brought forth many queer new animals; and among t
he girl felt a cold shiver run through her. She looked up to see what had happened, and caught a glimpse of Apollo’s golden
satisfied. The golden arrow did its work only too well. For no sooner had the sun god caught a glimpse of the beautiful nym
mph than he fell deeply in love with her; and just as quickly, Daphne had been made to hate Apollo, and she turned to flee
t these words, and fled more swiftly, while Apollo still followed. He had almost reached her side, when she stretched out h
or change this form of mine so that Apollo will not love me.” Hardly had she finished her prayer, when her limbs grew heav
into green leaves, her arms to slender branches, and her feet, which had borne her along so swiftly, were now rooted to th
borne her along so swiftly, were now rooted to the ground. Her father had answered her prayer, and had changed her into a l
ere now rooted to the ground. Her father had answered her prayer, and had changed her into a laurel tree. When Apollo saw t
ged her into a laurel tree. When Apollo saw that his beautiful Daphne had become a tree, he wept and threw his arms about t
nd become for a while as lovely as the sounds they heard. Now Orpheus had a fair young wife, Eurydice; and much as he loved
morning; and it did not take Orpheus’ music to make her good, for she had never had a thought that was not pure and lovely.
nd it did not take Orpheus’ music to make her good, for she had never had a thought that was not pure and lovely. One day,
t with a loud “hiss,” and before Eurydice could step aside, the snake had bitten her in the foot. The weeping girls carried
to the Lower World to seek Eurydice, — a thing that few human beings had ever tried to do. Hades, you remember, was the la
ung wife Proserpine. To this gloomy place, the bright, happy Eurydice had been brought by the boatman Charon, whose busines
music that the dog crouched down at his feet, and licked the hands he had been ready to bite. So Orpheus passed through the
and touching that both Pluto and Proserpine wept to hear him. When he had finished, Pluto granted his prayer and gave him l
on, however, — that Orpheus must not look back at his wife until they had passed the bounds of Hades. To this Orpheus gladl
turn through those gloomy passages, Eurydice silently following. They had nearly reached the entrance, when Orpheus had a s
ilently following. They had nearly reached the entrance, when Orpheus had a sudden fear that Eurydice might have lagged beh
k into that Hades from which his love and his wonderful gift of music had so nearly saved her. In vain Orpheus tried to get
w Orpheus, as you know, could think only of sad things since Eurydice had gone from him, and he felt that he could not play
ss of the sweet singer, and the wood nymphs and the water nymphs, who had often listened in rapture to his music, grew pale
s music, plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and showers     There had made a lasting spring.     Everything that heard
d of hunting. More than all else, he loved to follow the deer; and he had a fine pack of hounds that never failed to track
ine pack of hounds that never failed to track the game when once they had caught scent of the trail. One day, Actaeon had b
e game when once they had caught scent of the trail. One day, Actaeon had been out hunting for many hours. He was tired and
r in his face, and then something very strange happened. Poor Actaeon had been so bewildered, at sight of Diana’s beauty an
n so bewildered, at sight of Diana’s beauty and at her anger, that he had stood motionless and silent, rooted to the spot.
ried to speak, and found he could not utter a word. The angry goddess had changed his form into that of a deer, the animal
form into that of a deer, the animal which he and his faithful hounds had so often hunted. In terror and dismay, he looked
of a stag. He turned to flee, but it was too late. One of the hounds had caught sight of his antlers and had given the cry
t was too late. One of the hounds had caught sight of his antlers and had given the cry; and the next minute, the whole pac
e Story of Perseus There was once a princess named Danaë, and she had a little baby boy, whom she called Perseus. The l
m she called Perseus. The little boy’s father was far away, and Danaë had no one to take care of her and her child. One day
ers known as the Gorgons. They were half women and half dragons. They had beautiful faces, but their bodies were so hideous
one could think of them only as ugly monsters. Instead of skin, they had large scales; their hands were made of brass; but
f the three, the most terrible was Medusa; and the task that the king had thought of giving Perseus was nothing less than c
him, began to praise his boldness and courage, of which, he said, he had heard so much. Perseus, of course, was flattered
f it, the less he liked the idea. In the excitement of the moment, he had promised to do something that would surely cost h
promised to do something that would surely cost him his life. When he had passed the gates of the city, he sat down under a
t before he knew it, Perseus was telling him the whole story. When he had finished, Mercury sat silent for a few moments, l
eus Went in Quest of Medusa’s Head Now all the gods and goddesses had watched over Perseus ever since his birth, and wh
s could fly more swiftly than the swiftest bird. All that Perseus now had to do was to find out the way to Medusa’s island
. They took turns in using that single eye; so that while one of them had the eye, the other two could see nothing at all;
ickly, “No, that is not true. It is my turn.” And the middle one, who had the eye, cried out, “I pray you, sisters, let me
he sisters fell to quarreling about the eye, and at last, the one who had it was forced to take it out of her forehead. Now
gan a dreadful hubbub, each one of the three insisting that the other had taken the eye, and I do not know how it all would
her had taken the eye, and I do not know how it all would have ended, had not Perseus spoken. “My good women,” he said, “do
e head of snaky-locked Medusa. Back over land and sea he flew, and he had many strange adventures by the way. When he reach
, went to greet his mother. She was overjoyed to see her son, for she had long since decided that he must be dead. You see,
son, for she had long since decided that he must be dead. You see, it had taken a long, long time to reach the island where
rful eye could tell how to reach it. Perseus told his mother all that had happened to him, and, above all, how he had met f
told his mother all that had happened to him, and, above all, how he had met fair Andromeda, which is the story I am going
I am going to tell you next. In return, he heard how cruelly the king had treated Danaë during her son’s absence; and vowed
The king was more surprised than pleased to see Perseus, for he, too, had thought him dead. “Aha, Perseus!” he cried, “so y
s, turned to stone in all his royal state. When the people heard what had happened, there was great rejoicing, for they had
e people heard what had happened, there was great rejoicing, for they had all feared and hated the cruel king. Perseus chos
that he owed his success to the help which Mercury and the other gods had given him, and he never forgot the debt he owed t
eus, which I promised to tell you next. It all happened after Perseus had slain Medusa, and when he was hurrying back to hi
ssiopeia compare herself with them. People in those days seem to have had very cruel ways of showing their anger. The nymph
he men of this place went to their oracle to inquire why such trouble had come upon them, the answer was, “Because of the v
her child in the face. Ah, how bitterly she regretted the vanity that had led to all the trouble, and how she hated that be
all the trouble, and how she hated that beautiful face of hers which had formerly given her so much pleasure! Meanwhile, t
he water with its tail and snorting in a most horrible manner. Now it had almost reached the rock to which Andromeda was ch
hen was buried in the monster’s back. Perseus, flying above the spot, had seen, at a glance, the girl bound to the rock and
e hideous creature raising itself to attack her. Quick as a flash, he had darted down, and was now fighting a fierce battle
s! The hero became Cassiopeia’s guest, and, after a few days, when he had seen that the rescued girl was as good and lovabl
he was fair, he asked for her hand in marriage. As for Andromeda, she had loved Perseus from the moment she saw his crooked
whom Andromeda’s parents were very much afraid. Some time before, he had asked for their daughter as his wife, and the par
before, he had asked for their daughter as his wife, and the parents had been afraid to say no. But the girl hated this ol
this old man, and that was another reason why she loved Perseus, who had saved her not only from the sea serpent, but from
, and stood there motionless, his sword raised to strike; for Perseus had lifted the terrible Gorgon’s head, and instantly
an was turned to stone, just as he stood. When his followers saw what had happened to their master, they turned and fled fr
ned and fled from the house; and the merrymaking went on as though it had never been interrupted. After that Perseus took h
like fine mist, over all the trees on its banks. The god of the river had one child, a girl named Io, and there was nothing
n the grove by the side of her father’s stream. One day, when Jupiter had come down to earth, he met Io in the woods and be
to have Jupiter care for any one besides herself. So one day, when he had been away from home for many hours, she suddenly
uld Jupiter do? He could not refuse his wife such a trifle, and so he had to say yes, although it was much against his will
Argus, to watch the cow. And a very good watchman Argus made; for he had a hundred eyes, and no matter how tired he was, h
was, he never closed more than half of them at one time. If you or 1 had fifty sharp eyes watching us day and night, we sh
ld wander about as she pleased. The poor girl did not quite know what had happened to her. Instead of the food to which she
happened to her. Instead of the food to which she was accustomed, she had to eat leaves and grass; she slept on the ground,
h her arms to ask pity of Argus, she found, to her surprise, that she had no arms; and instead of the words she meant to sp
. She was frightened and hastened to the banks of the river where she had so often walked with her boy companion. When she
o his grief. Meanwhile, Argus faithfully kept watch, and saw all that had passed between father and daughter. He now though
top of a hill, from which he could see all that happened. But Jupiter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he
aying; but the watchman never closed more than half his eyes. So they had been sitting for a long time, when at last Argus
ng time, when at last Argus asked the shepherd where his musical pipe had come from, and then Mercury slowly told him the s
tream, and a moment later a clump of reeds grew in the spot where she had vanished. When Pan stretched out his arm toward S
mory of the vanished nymph.” When Mercury finished his tale, which he had told at great length and in a sleepy tone, he saw
once a great city called Thebes, and the king and queen who ruled it had fourteen children, — seven brave, strong sons and
, — seven brave, strong sons and as many daughters. The queen, Niobe, had much to make her happy, — wealth, power, beautifu
ir wreaths and went silently from the temple. It happened that Latona had come to the top of the mountain overlooking the c
oking the city of Thebes, to see the festival in her honor; for there had been so much sorrow in her life that she took all
ords, and hastened to find Apollo and Diana. She told them that Niobe had dared to compare herself with their mother, that
that Niobe had dared to compare herself with their mother, that she’ had called her children greater than the gods, and ha
mother, that she’ had called her children greater than the gods, and had boasted that fortune could not harm her. When Dia
e’s terrible grief, felt almost sorry for their deed, and thought she had been punished enough. But when she spoke these wo
e, ye gods, spare me this last and youngest one!” But the fatal arrow had already been loosed, and as the words left the mo
show her hatred of him, so she sent him into ail sorts of dangers. He had to fight hard battles, and kill fierce monsters,
hing could have been harder for Hercules to bear than slavery; for he had a restless spirit, which made him chafe night and
. Then with a light heart, he started forth on his own wanderings. He had not gone far, when he came to a country ruled by
s. He had not gone far, when he came to a country ruled by a king who had a very beautiful daughter, Deïanira, and before m
d a very beautiful daughter, Deïanira, and before many days, Hercules had asked her to be his wife. The girl would have sai
fe. The girl would have said yes gladly, but she knew that her father had half promised her in marriage to a great river go
ent, glided from his grasp. “Aha,” laughed Hercules, when he saw what had happened, “you think you will escape me that way?
the serpent, and in an instant would have wrung its neck, when lo! it had vanished, and in its stead there stood a fierce-l
ed, and in its stead there stood a fierce-looking bull. The river god had saved himself by again changing his form. Now fol
e Story of a Poisoned Shirt When Hercules and the king’s daughter had been married, and the feasting was over, they sta
ver, they started together to journey to the hero’s native land. They had gone some distance, when they came to a river tha
stream, but it was now swollen with the spring rains, and the waters had risen to such a height that Hercules was afraid t
me in working his way to the opposite shore. Before he reached it, he had planned to run away with Deïanira, and take her t
nira, and take her to his mountain cave, to be his wife. So no sooner had his hoofs touched dry land than he galloped away,
of a dying centaur, and it will bring his love back to you.” Scarcely had he finished speaking when he fell back — dead. No
Nessus was tipped with, poison from a terrible creature that Hercules had slain long ago; and so strong was this venom that
ad slain long ago; and so strong was this venom that in an instant it had affected all the blood in the centaur’s body; so
ed in his blood was poisoned as much as the arrow with which Hercules had slain him. Deïanira and Hercules went on their wa
happy years together. So well did her husband love her, that Deïanira had almost forgotten about the poisoned shirt of Ness
ys. His wife missed him very much, but she loved him so well that she had not the heart to call him back, since he seemed t
l him back, since he seemed to be happier in his wanderings. Hercules had traveled a great distance, when at last he came t
the sea. There he saw the king’s daughter, and grew to love her as he had once loved Deïanira. He forgot all about his wife
e palace of the princess. Of course, Deïanira soon heard how Hercules had forgotten her, and she grieved and grieved over i
found that he could not free himself from his torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. With his own hands he tore up
er higher and higher, as though eager to devour so great a hero; they had almost reached his head, when suddenly the heaven
rcules away from the creeping, leaping flames. The mortal part of him had been burned away by the fire, and from that time,
s, besides, a most skillful builder. The most wonderful thing that he had ever built was a strange winding path, called the
prison it in a safe place, and it was for this creature that Daedalus had built the labyrinth. The Minotaur lived in a broa
o lived in it. But now let us go back to Athens for a while. Daedalus had a nephew named Perdix, a very able young boy, who
ery able young boy, who was anxious to learn to do those things which had made his uncle famous. Daedalus became the boy’s
y gave signs of becoming greater than his master. Young as he was, he had already invented the saw and the compass. Athens
the cliff into the sea below. Perdix would surely have been drowned, had he not been rescued by Minerva, the goddess of wi
e wings for himself and his son, and fly from this island in which he had so long been an unwilling prisoner. The same even
s were fastened, and they dropped from his shoulders. Poor Icarus now had nothing to hold him up in the air, and he began t
floated on the surface. The poor father flew toward the spot where he had seen his son sink, lifted the lifeless body, and
eling its flight above him. Immediately he thought of Perdix, whom he had so cruelly killed, and he felt that the death of
n with whom he fell in love. Soon afterwards he married her, and they had one child, a boy, whom they called Theseus. When
whom they called Theseus. When this baby was a few months old, Aegeus had to go back to Athens; but, before leaving, he bur
me were thought fitting for a prince. Every year the people of Athens had a festival, in which all the young men of Greece
nds met to try their skill in various games. When the prince of Crete had grown up, his father told him he might take part
e of Athens might have blamed their king severely for this cruel act, had not something happened which made them forget all
r own prince to his father’s kingdom. The boy, Theseus, whom the king had last seen as a baby, had grown to be a strong you
r’s kingdom. The boy, Theseus, whom the king had last seen as a baby, had grown to be a strong youth, and one day his mothe
d told him of his father’s message. “Try, my son,” she said, when she had finished, “and see whether you can lift the stone
ngs, started to march against Athens with a great army. On his way he had to pass through a large city, in order to reach t
he purple lock. When the king’s daughter heard that the army of Minos had come, she hastened to the top of a high tower in
Minos himself. Minos was tall and noble in appearance, and no sooner had the princess seen him than she fell in love with
h she cared for him, she would do anything to win his love. No sooner had this thought come into her mind than it was follo
arms, without so much as looking at the lock of purple hair. When he had reached the bay at the other end of the town, he
ng, sinking in the waves; but suddenly her body grew light as air she had been changed into a bird. Sorrowfully she flew ab
ad been changed into a bird. Sorrowfully she flew above the city that had formerly been her home. She longed to speak to th
when she beat her wings against the walls of the tower from which she had first seen King Minos. The other birds of the air
the walls, to wait there until the gates should be opened. Now Minos had taken along an abundant supply of food for his ar
adily send his soldiers for more. But the people in the besieged city had soon eaten up their store of food, and, as you wi
soon eaten up their store of food, and, as you will understand, they had no way of getting any more; for they could not le
starved to death, and all the men were so weak from hunger that they had no strength with which to fight the well-fed sold
d give as food to that terrible monster, the Minotaur, which Daedalus had shut up in the center of the labyrinth. When the
labyrinth. When the messenger returned and told what terms King Minos had proposed, there was great sorrow in Athens. At fi
rney Theseus tried to cheer his companions by hopeful words; but they had no hope, for they thought no human being could. o
die alone,” answered the king. “Let him do so.” All this time Ariadne had been looking with blushing cheeks and a beating h
tarry night. A light wind was blowing, and the sails of the boat that had carried Theseus from Athens flapped to and fro in
rried Theseus from Athens flapped to and fro in the breeze. When they had reached the entrance, Ariadne spoke. “Prince Thes
ead. Then he started back, carefully winding up the thread as Ariadne had directed. It seemed to him that he would never co
dark, gloomy passages. Had the thread broken from its fastening, and had he, after all, lost his way? But still he followe
to the ground, worn out with his struggle and his wanderings. Ariadne had been waiting all the while, and she now brought h
d her to go with him and be his wife; and the girl consented, for she had loved the prince from the moment when first she p
he anchor, and, rejoicing, they sailed away from the place where they had expected to die. The Minotaur was dead, and from
s Destroyed Once upon a time there was a town in which the people had grown to be very hard-hearted and wicked. Wheneve
emptied it, it refilled itself. Baucis whispered to Philemon what she had seen. Then they watched more closely, and noticed
sely, and noticed that the honey was far sweeter and yellower than it had ever been before, and that the poor little grapes
, and that the poor little grapes from the stunted vine in the garden had changed into great, luscious clusters of purple b
on their guests. At last the latter arose from the table, saying they had eaten enough, and would now like a place in which
eaten enough, and would now like a place in which to sleep; for they had come a great distance that day, and were very wea
lead the way to the one bed in the little cottage. When the strangers had gone to rest, she and her husband lay down on the
their eyes, and looked again in wonder. Where but a few moments since had stood a village with its many houses, there was n
rkling in the morning sunlight. The wicked people and their dwellings had all been destroyed. But most wonderful of all, in
emple was of ivory, inlaid with precious stones. Jupiter, the god who had worked the wonder, turned with a smile to the ast
just as simple and hospitable in their days of good fortune, as they had been in their poverty. So. they grew very old — s
in hand in front of the temple, thinking of the many happy years they had spent within it, suddenly they both vanished; and
ey were whispering loving secrets to each other. Thus the good people had their wish, both dying at the same instant, and i
lcyone, a king and queen who loved each other very dearly. After they had lived together happily for many years, the king h
early. After they had lived together happily for many years, the king had to journey to a distant country to consult an ora
ouds gathered in the sky and a heavy gale arose. Soon the quiet waves had changed into great, white-capped mountains of wat
ed wife Halcyone. At last a large, green wave rose before him, and he had time only to cry, in sad farewell, “Halcyone! Hal
tted the shadowy forms of dreams and visions. When the beautiful Iris had entered this dark cave, it shone with a splendor
d this dark cave, it shone with a splendor of light and color such as had never before been known within the place. Awakene
back to his beloved Halcyone.” Halcyone awoke with a cry. The vision had been so real that she looked for wet footprints o
down to the shore, to visit again the spot where she and her husband had exchanged their last farewell. She had been stand
spot where she and her husband had exchanged their last farewell. She had been standing there some time, when she saw, far
old, the hair dripping and covered with weeds and shells, just as she had seen it in her dream the night before. She fell o
The Ram’s Back Once upon a time there lived in Greece a king who had a beautiful wife named Nephele. Nephele means clo
pink and gold-edged clouds on a summer’s evening. The king and queen had two children, Phryxus a boy, and Helle a girl, an
that the clouds were her sisters, and that when they left the sky she had to travel far away with them. However that was, t
they were beautiful and good. Soon she began to ill-treat them. They had to lay aside their rich clothes and wear old rags
y grief was at the loss of their lovely young mother Nephele. Nephele had now been gone a long, long while. The sky was clo
chance, and secretly bribed the messengers to pretend that the oracle had said that Phryxus and Helle must be killed. I am
, they came back to the king with their false report, that the oracle had said that only when Phryxus and Helle were dead w
ere came flying from the heavens a golden-fleeced ram, which the gods had sent, in answer to Nephele’ s earnest prayer, to
Shelley . II. The Sailing of the Ship Argo Long after Phryxus had died, there lived in a certain country a king and
ryxus had died, there lived in a certain country a king and queen who had but one child, a boy named Jason. The king, Aeson
e might be called only half a person; for, you remember, the centaurs had bodies like those of horses, and heads and should
man, and then Chiron told him that he was the son of King Aeson, who had been robbed of his throne; and that he must go an
to all who need your help.” So Jason started on his journey. When he had gone some distance, he came to a stream much swol
entered the stream. The water dashed against him with great force; he had to struggle with all his might, and was out of br
e. But what was Jason’s surprise to see, in place of the old woman he had carried across, the stately form of Juno, queen o
and started to go on, he saw, to his dismay, that one of his sandals had been lost in the rushing water; so he had to walk
ay, that one of his sandals had been lost in the rushing water; so he had to walk the rest of the way with only one shoe. H
king. The king turned pale with fear at sight of Jason; for an oracle had foretold that his kingdom would be taken from him
. While they were eating, the king told many stories of brave men who had lived long ago. “Ah, those days are past,” he sig
Golden Fleece in the woods, guarded by the sleepless dragon. When he had finished, Jason sprang to his feet and cried, “I
t its prow was a figurehead cut from an oak tree sacred to Juno. Juno had sent the gift to show Jason that she had not forg
ak tree sacred to Juno. Juno had sent the gift to show Jason that she had not forgotten her promise to help him. It was a v
olchis, the Greeks were brought into the palace of the king. The king had two children, a little boy of whom he was very fo
as asked what his errand in Colchis was; and when he answered that he had come to take the Golden Fleece back to Greece, th
und that there was help awaiting him. For Medea, the king’s daughter, had fallen in love with him, and had come to talk wit
him. For Medea, the king’s daughter, had fallen in love with him, and had come to talk with him and to offer him her aid. S
girl herself hardly knew why she did it; but the truth was that Juno had not forgotten her promise to help Jason, and the
ou would have believed, as all the people did, that Jason’s last hour had come. They were great, ugly creatures, with hoofs
n ( Salvator Rosa ). Next he sowed the dragon’s teeth in the soil he had just turned up, and in less time than it takes to
son against one another, for each one thought it was his neighbor who had thrown the stone. In a few minutes, they were all
a short time the field was strewn with the dead bodies of the men who had sprung up from the dragon’s teeth. Of course, the
d except by the aid of magic, and he suspected that in some way Medea had helped the hero. Therefore, when Jason asked for
on asked for leave to begin his third task, the king answered that he had done enough for one day, and that he should rest
d Jason he must kill the dragon that night and sail for home; for she had noticed her father’s angry look and she feared th
dragon to sleep, and Jason made his way alone into the dark wood. He had not gone far, when he noticed a golden light amon
fted, and with their sails flapping merrily in the breeze, the Greeks had started on their homeward way, carrying the Golde
d branching antlers. He belonged to the nymphs of the grove, and they had hung about his neck a golden necklace, studded wi
he, too, were a child. One hot summer’s day, Cyparissus and the stag had been wandering through the grove for many hours,
d drew the cruel steel from his breast. But it was too late the arrow had done its work only too well. The wounded stag lif
tioning look, then fell back on the grass — dead. Poor Cyparissus! He had killed the creature he loved most in all the worl
playfellow, and was ready to pierce himself with the same arrow that had slain the stag. But Apollo, who heard his friend’
e weeping in the forest, came hastening to the spot. When he saw what had happened, he tried to console Cyparissus, telling
nsole Cyparissus, telling him that he must not blame himself for what had been a mere accident; and at last he induced him
cident; and at last he induced him to give up the arrow with which he had meant to kill himself. But the poor boy wept and
e day his net felt very heavy, and when he drew it in, he saw that he had caught a great number of fine fish. He emptied th
is side, and then prepared his net for another throw. But the fish he had caught began flapping about and nibbling at the g
od, a strange feeling of restlessness came over him; and at length he had such a mad longing to throw himself into the clea
f the sea. Glaucus now lived entirely in the water that very water he had loved so dearly when he was a fisherman. His bear
sad and hopeless. For many days he came in vain to the spot where he had so often seen Scylla, but the maiden no longer wa
ch should make Scylla love him. Now it so happened that Circe herself had for a long time been in love with Glaucus; so she
ast pretend to grant his wish. In her heart she hated Scylla, and she had made up her mind to do something very cruel. She
to the clear water to enjoy its cool freshness. But the mixture Circe had given Glaucus was most horrible, for it bred mons
e had given Glaucus was most horrible, for it bred monsters. Scarcely had Scylla stepped into the water when her legs began
shape; and at last she screamed aloud in terror, for where her limbs had been, there were now six horrible, loudmouthed, f
o loved him so much; or perhaps he reminded him of that other boy who had died long before; or perhaps it was just because
r boy who had died long before; or perhaps it was just because Apollo had to love somebody, and he might just as well choos
d a player as his friend, hurried forward to pick it up. But the disc had struck the ground with such force that it rebound
and wept and moaned, so that it would have made you cry, too, if you had seen him. Then, at last, he seized his lyre, for
nd even the wind in the tree tops seemed to sigh in sympathy. When he had finished, he stooped down and tenderly touched th
his hand; in an instant the lifeless body vanished, and in its stead had sprung up a lovely, purple blossom. It was almost
p a lovely, purple blossom. It was almost the color of the blood that had flowed from the boy’s forehead. And since that da
standing before the statue. So it went on from day to day. Pygmalion had fallen in love with his own work; and sometimes,
spent all his time kneeling before it, and marveling at the beauty he had wrought. So the days passed on, until the time of
he goddess of love, and once a year, the youths and maidens of Cyprus had a great celebration in her honor. 18. “The grea
e ancient people, this was a sign that the god or goddess appealed to had heard the prayer, and would speedily grant it. Fu
y stepped down from the pedestal. She loved him, of course; for Venus had not only turned the marble to life, she had also
him, of course; for Venus had not only turned the marble to life, she had also made Galatea return the sculptor’s great lov
turn the sculptor’s great love. Pygmalion was very happy, and when he had given thanks to Venus for her great kindness to h
statues, he never again wrought anything so lovely as the maiden who had now become his wife A Musical Contest of Long
in the trees, with now and then a strange cry, as though a wild beast had been suddenly startled from its lair. Yet for the
t his favorite’s playing, and called him to sit by his side. When Pan had finished, Apollo stepped to the front. His hair g
laughter or to tears by touching the strings of his lyre. When Apollo had finished, all the people ran up to him with cries
with a lighter heart. Time passed, and over the hole which the barber had dug there grew a thicket of hollow reeds; and whe
f this secret that the reeds whispered, and then they knew how Apollo had punished their king for his stupid judgment. But
upid judgment. But Midas could not have blamed the barber, even if he had known about his midnight errand; for in truth the
he had known about his midnight errand; for in truth the poor fellow had never breathed the secret to a single person. Th
these strange beings, instead of having two eyes, as you and I have? had but a single large one; and that one gleamed from
was in love with a young shepherd named Acis; and so, when Polyphemus had finished his song, she ran away to join her lover
e sea nymph lived as happily as though the poor, ugly, old Polyphemus had never seen them. The Shepherd’s Song To His Love
2 (1900) Myths of old Greece in story and song
he spring of fresh water gurgled because it was happy; and each river had in it a great, quiet water-god. When the farmer s
he green stalks come up and be fruitful. The trees of the forest also had each a fair spirit; and to one who understood, th
ver shines, the Greeks thought that there was another world. It, too, had its gods and its spirits. Dreams lived there, and
s gods and its spirits. Dreams lived there, and the ghosts of men who had died, or who had not yet been born. But the gods
irits. Dreams lived there, and the ghosts of men who had died, or who had not yet been born. But the gods the Greeks loved
came in the thundercloud and hurled the lightning down upon those who had done him wrong. The eagle which soared above the
re told that they often quarreled outrageously among themselves. They had few cares. They would even leave Olympus for days
led the father of the gods, but he was not the father of them all. He had a brother, Neptune, who ruled the ocean, and anot
re also to have the flowers always blooming. This she did because she had a fair young daughter, Proserpina, who loved them
an end, Pluto, the king of the underworld, came up to see what damage had been done; for he feared that the earth might hav
. Pluto hated the light and was blinking his eyes a good deal, but he had no need to see well to make out that Proserpina w
rming. He stopped his four terrible black horses and looked again. He had never seen anything so beautiful in heaven, or on
re in a new world. The air was cool and close, and all the light they had was so faint that it was scarcely light at all. P
ky arched over the whole region. It was the earth, through which they had come; for the sun never shines in the underworld,
ee in all that land, and the only flowers were the few faded ones she had not let fall when the grim god seized her. “I hop
t soon she saw Cerberus himself. He was larger than any horse, and he had three heads, all of which were barking at once. P
a land of ghosts must be. Even Elysium, the place where men lived who had been brave and good on earth, Proserpina thought
meadows. It was a lonely place that day when she returned. The birds had stopped singing since Proserpina was gone, and th
s of the great goddess. Yet she was able to tell the news. Proserpina had been carried off by some one in a black chariot.
rpina had been carried off by some one in a black chariot. The nymphs had all cried out, but there was no help at hand and
The nymphs had all cried out, but there was no help at hand and they had seen their beautiful goddess friend no more. When
terrible. She set out at once to find her child and to punish him who had dared to do such a deed. But, although she moved
ce of the lost maiden until, at nightfall, she picked up a rose which had fallen from the hands of the poor frightened godd
e you seen my daughter, Proserpina?” But none of the spirits of night had seen her. When morning came, she still went on
, “Have you seen my daughter, Proserpina?” But none of the river-gods had seen her. Once, when she came to a hilly forest,
of the animals, came skipping to meet her. He was like a man, but he had hoofs in place of feet, and his ears were pointed
place of feet, and his ears were pointed and furry. Besides that, he had two little stubby horns upon his forehead. When h
eams of water. But though Pan was a great god, he could not tell what had become of Proserpina. A day passed, and another,
Of Proserpina she found not another trace. During all this time, she had not once thought of her usual cares. None of the
None of the newly-planted fields were sprouting, and the crops which had begun to grow were withering. Then all the farmer
he surface. “Have you seen my daughter, Proserpina?” asked Ceres. She had asked that question many, many times, in vain, du
Arethusa told of the black horses and chariot and the grim driver she had seen; and how the fierce, dark god had struck the
hariot and the grim driver she had seen; and how the fierce, dark god had struck the earth with his spear, and how the eart
erce, dark god had struck the earth with his spear, and how the earth had opened and swallowed him up, chariot, black horse
ass — until Proserpina comes back. Choose what you will do!” When she had said this, Ceres turned and left Olympus. She wen
s wand he can control even the ghosts of the underworld. When Mercury had received the order of Jupiter, he hurried out of
hair and in the folds of her fair, white gown; and this young goddess had a smile on her lips, and her eyes were as bright
not stay with her mother always. While she was in the underworld she had tasted a pomegranate which Pluto had offered her.
le she was in the underworld she had tasted a pomegranate which Pluto had offered her. Because of this, she had to spend a
asted a pomegranate which Pluto had offered her. Because of this, she had to spend a part of each year ever after with her
Proserpina was carried off, the world began to be less happy than it had been. In the winter men shivered and froze, and e
t had been. In the winter men shivered and froze, and even the summer had its cares, for in the warmest and fairest days me
they shivered sadly on cold days. Prometheus was wiser than they. He had seen the eternal fire burning in the great hall o
ds, and slipped three burning coals of the fire into a hollow reed he had brought with him. Then he strode out, laughing an
world, and heard men singing rough chants in honor of Prometheus, who had stolen fire from heaven, he grew very stern. “Pro
and his suffering was always terrible. He saw, too, that the fire he had stolen was not entirely a blessing. Though it was
ing and useful, it seemed to make men proud and angry of temper. They had begun to fight one another. At times they burned
killful, and with his hands he makes wondrous things. So when Jupiter had said these words, the lame god hobbled away to hi
workshop. Soon he came back with a rich and wonderful box, as Jupiter had ordered; and when each god of heaven had put with
nd wonderful box, as Jupiter had ordered; and when each god of heaven had put within it a gift, he closed the lid and shut
the gods, but he was slow to open, for he thought of what Prometheus had said of the danger. He almost made up his mind no
first time, to be free and happy. Even Jupiter and the gods of heaven had more joy as they saw how the earth prospered and
olden creatures came swarming out and away. In another moment Pandora had hold of the lid and was trying to close it, but i
he lid of the box and weeping. It was long before she could tell what had happened. Then, for many hours, they sat without
going wrong. Almost everyone was in some trouble. Sickness and crime had broken out on every side, and had changed happy c
in some trouble. Sickness and crime had broken out on every side, and had changed happy cities into places of utter misery.
god of light and song, came by. He was just from the earth, where he had done a great service to mankind. For the swamps o
here he had done a great service to mankind. For the swamps of Greece had produced a monstrous serpent, called Python, whic
llo,” said he, “and I will, too.” But Apollo laughed scornfully. “You had better lay aside the bow, lest some evil befall y
neüs, and though she was as fair as the moon on a summer evening, she had never had a lover. She worshipped Diana, the godd
though she was as fair as the moon on a summer evening, she had never had a lover. She worshipped Diana, the goddess of mai
ng gracefully and swiftly among the trees, he said to himself that he had never seen a lighter step or a more winning face.
head; the bow gave a vicious little twang, and in a moment the arrow had sunk deep into the breast of Apollo. The god felt
nto her heart, and as she saw Apollo, she hated and feared him as she had never before feared or hated anyone. Without a wo
, or let the earth swallow me up. Quick, for he is here.” Apollo also had seen the river, and he thought, “Now I have her. 
upon the river bank, there stood Daphne, so quiet that he thought she had yielded. He went quickly to her and caught her in
there was a great cluster of beautiful pink and white flowers. Daphne had become a laurel tree. Apollo kissed the flowers,
we do not hear that Apollo ever again treated him with scorn, for he had felt his power. Cupid and the Bee. Cupid on
play as he sang. Never since Apollo tended the flocks of King Admetus had such music been heard upon earth. The birds would
own peacefully about him as he played the lyre and sang. Thus Orpheus had many friends. But the one who loved him most was
ding was soon celebrated, and the guests agreed that never upon earth had been seen a nobler or a happier pair, for Orpheus
nkle. Within an hour the beautiful young wife was dead and her spirit had gone down to the underworld, to the dark kingdom
ed down into the underworld. Orpheus knew well that none but Hercules had ever returned along that road, but he went in, le
l stood the lesser gods and spirits of the world of shadows. The time had come for Orpheus to plead his cause. He struck up
k upon the strings of his lyre and began. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she him, how they were happil
d she him, how they were happily married, and how, without cause, she had been snatched from him in an hour. He told how he
hout cause, she had been snatched from him in an hour. He told how he had tried to endure her loss, and how he had felt it
m in an hour. He told how he had tried to endure her loss, and how he had felt it more and more until at last he had been d
ndure her loss, and how he had felt it more and more until at last he had been driven to come down into the underworld, not
e of majestic Ceres, your mother — such is my woe, and greater, for I had rather be here with her than there alone, and if
y not go, I, too, will return no more to light and life.” So sweet had been the music of Orpheus that when he ended, dar
ke him down to his Eurydice. When he died, Jupiter put the lyre which had so charmed gods and men up in the northern sky. T
sic, plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and showers         There had made a lasting spring. Everything that heard him
of a few months, he met his first great danger. His mother, Alcmena, had put him to bed one night with his twin brother, I
e was the inside of a bronze shield. The babes were healthy, and they had been given a good warm bath and plenty of milk be
out the necks and squeezed them with all his might. Then Alcmena, who had heard the crying, came running in, and what a fri
ena, who had heard the crying, came running in, and what a fright she had ! There was Iphicles screaming with terror, and th
reared. Linus, son of the god Apollo, taught him his letters, and he had other teachers such as mortals seldom have. He le
rong and wise and brave. Now when Hercules came to be a young man, he had to meet a great temptation and make a very seriou
n Happiness, and even fairer to look upon, for the beauty of her face had a nobleness and strength that Happiness lacked. S
nd left him debating, in his great heart. He remembered what Tiresias had said, for his mother, Alcmena, had told him. Then
heart. He remembered what Tiresias had said, for his mother, Alcmena, had told him. Then, lifting his head, he chose the pa
gh he knew, as everybody did, that the oracle in the temple at Delphi had commanded Hercules to submit to his service, and
alive. First he sent him to slay the Nemean lion, a fierce beast that had killed many men and was ravaging the land far and
wide. Armed with his bow and arrows, and with a club that he himself had made of a wild olive tree which he tore up by the
gh the struggle was long and terrible, in the end he served him as he had served the snakes in his baby days, for he squeez
wore the lion’s skin and carried with him the terrible club. After he had killed the lion, Hercules had to perform eleven o
ed with him the terrible club. After he had killed the lion, Hercules had to perform eleven other mighty labors for Eurysth
tasks were called the “Twelve Labors of Hercules.” In most of them he had to conquer some fierce beast. He had even to brin
of Hercules.” In most of them he had to conquer some fierce beast. He had even to bring up for a day the great three-headed
es. Hercules knew something about these apples. The old goddess Earth had brought them as a bridal gift at the wedding of J
rought them as a bridal gift at the wedding of Juno and Jupiter. Juno had been so pleased with them that she had asked Eart
ding of Juno and Jupiter. Juno had been so pleased with them that she had asked Earth to plant them in the magic gardens of
o a leopard, but Hercules seized him by the neck and choked him as he had the Nemean lion. Then he changed to a bear, but H
Then he became a little bird, but before he could flit away, Hercules had his hand about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercul
im almost out. Then Nereus changed back to the form of an old man. He had been handled roughly, but he admired the courage
say!” Then Hercules let the old man loose, and in a twinkling the god had disappeared in the depth of the sea. The search f
to Mount Caucasus. There he found Prometheus, bound to a cliff, as he had been for ages, exposed to wind and snow and rain,
ind and snow and rain, and to the blazing heat of the sun, because he had stolen fire from heaven. Hercules boldly set Prom
re Atlas could be found. Far to the west, over land and sea, Hercules had now to travel, but at last, in the uttermost part
k the sky upon his shoulders, but his task was not half so easy as he had expected. He wondered how so airy a thing as the
ndered how so airy a thing as the sky could be so heavy. He wished he had gone after the apples himself. As for Atlas, he w
rudging toward him, and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that he had in his hand a branch with the beautiful apples of
gold upon it. Hercules wasted no time in questions. He saw that Atlas had the apples. What he wished now was to get the sky
on’s skin over my shoulders.” When, however, Atlas, without thinking, had taken his old load once more, Hercules picked up
rt in the games. He returned with many prizes, but he was sad, for he had seen Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Pelias,
sad, for he had seen Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Pelias, and had loved her deeply at first sight. He had asked Pel
tiful daughter of Pelias, and had loved her deeply at first sight. He had asked Pelias if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand;
st sight. He had asked Pelias if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand; and had been told that he might, but that Alcestis should
one thing occurred to mar the perfect joy. The stranger shepherd, who had now served Admetus a year, came to take leave of
t before him, but already the gentle god of light and song and beauty had vanished. Jupiter had compelled him to serve a mo
ady the gentle god of light and song and beauty had vanished. Jupiter had compelled him to serve a mortal man for one year
; he heeds not sacrifices, but unpitying, fulfils his word. No sooner had the god left than Admetus fell sick and began to
would think she saw dark Death approaching, and brave and true as she had been, the grim, dark look of the god frightened h
t the shadow of Death was over Admetus’ house. The truth is, Hercules had faced death so often that he hardly noticed it. A
written on his face. Yet he strove to hide his feelings, for Admetus had bidden him to give Hercules no hint of what had h
feelings, for Admetus had bidden him to give Hercules no hint of what had happened. Very soon the strong man, looking up, n
gone. He came just in time, for when he reached the place where they had buried her, there was Death carrying away his vic
egan such a struggle as was never before seen in all the world. Death had to put Alcestis down. Then the two fought for her
ace, now that Alcestis is dead.” Then, at last, the hero told what he had done, rebuking Admetus because of his treatment.
gracious and beautiful as ever. That day there was joy such as there had never been, even in the happy land of Thessaly, a
cules would not stay to take part in the festival of thanksgiving. He had other labors to perform, and went on his way to m
ëton. Helios could not come down often to the earth. Every morning he had to drive the sun-chariot out from the great palac
the sun-chariot out from the great palace in the east, and all day he had to control the fire-breathing horses as he drove
the hard road to midday and down the steep to sunset. Every night he had to drive the chariot round from the west to the p
e sun’s chariot for one day.” When he heard this, Helios was sorry he had promised. “Ask some other proof,” he urged. “No o
oo weak to control the horses and he burned to be able to say that he had made the dizzy ride. At last Helios led him to th
hall where the great chariot stood. Vulcan, the workman of the gods, had built it. The axle and the wheels were of bright
Phaëton’s desire to drive it grew double. Meanwhile, the Morning Star had gone onward with his flaming lamp, and the rosy g
r had gone onward with his flaming lamp, and the rosy goddess of dawn had appeared. It was almost time for the sun-chariot
hariot seat. The steeds started. The great car began to move. The day had begun. In a few moments Phaëton found himself dri
horses were now free to go whither they would. The people of earth had been gazing up with horror at the scene. Now the
the village    Woke to all its toil and care, Lo I the strange steed had departed    And they knew not when nor where. Bu
e. But they found upon the greensward,    Where his struggling hoofs had trod. Pure and bright, a fountain flowing    From
though there was near her a small boat in which it was plain that she had come during the night. When the woman saw Dictys,
refusal of Danaë to marry him, and took away all the riches that she had . Finally he decided to compel her to give her con
many a golden cup, did King Polydectes receive that day. But Perseus had not been able to bring anything, and the others m
ed him because of it, so that he was much ashamed. Then the king, who had noticed all, said to Perseus: “Come and sit by me
gon is changed at once to stone. No enemy could stand against him who had it.” Then Perseus said: “If I live, O King, you s
oon found the three old crones sitting upon a great floe of ice. They had only one eye and one tooth among them, and they s
use the eye and which the tooth. When Perseus came near, the one who had the eye cried out: — “Sisters, a man comes! Give
a man comes! Give me the tooth, that I may bite him.” But the one who had the tooth cried out: — “Sister, give me the eye,
heir teeth were like great tusks. Their hands were of brass, and each had on her back two long, swift wings that shone like
swift wings, they darted after him. They could not see him, but they had the scent of blood-hounds, and as he dashed out o
close behind him. Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If they had but touched him, no mortal sword or strength woul
nt Perseus was darting toward it. Before the monster even saw him, he had plunged his sword into it up to the hilt. Then th
was celebrated with great pomp, and before nightfall the young couple had set sail in a ship laden with treasure. Meanwhile
treasure. Meanwhile all was not well on the island of Seriphus. Danaë had refused the offer of King Polydectes and was not
shoes to the god Mercury, and dedicated Medusa’s head to Minerva, who had helped him so constantly. Ever after, the goddess
ra, lived in Trœzen, at her father’s palace. Now when Ægeus at length had to return to Athens, he led Æthra out into the fo
s ready to set out. His grandfather and those of the court would have had him go by sea, for the way to Athens by land was
famous robber and bore a great club of iron. It was here that Theseus had his first fight, and it was a hard one; but in th
him a generous meal. Then he led him to the bedroom. Now, Procrustes had only one bed for strangers, and he made them all
ustes into it, and because the bed was much too short, the young hero had first to lop off the giant’s head. Thus the first
days were much like it, but at last Theseus reached Athens. His fame had gone before him. The people of the city welcomed
red him much, but never thought that this strong, fair young man, who had slain so many robbers and giants, was his own son
This beautiful and terrible woman was living at the royal palace and had great power over King Ægeus, and when by her magi
fell with a crash upon the marble floor. For at that moment the king had recognized the sword which the young hero was wea
laws. It was not long before the whole land felt the good rule. Never had it been so prosperous. But all was not yet done.
ed war upon us and the gods sent us famine and plagues. In the end we had to yield to the king, and we must send him each y
gods I shall slay this Minotaur.” When King Ægeus heard what his son had chosen to do, he was stricken with grief. He woul
iadne. Suddenly the door opened and in came the princess herself. She had not been able to rest since she had seen Theseus,
in came the princess herself. She had not been able to rest since she had seen Theseus, and now she had come to save him. U
She had not been able to rest since she had seen Theseus, and now she had come to save him. Under her cloak she bore a swor
side, trembling to think that he might never come out alive. The hero had gone hardly twenty yards before he was all confus
t on. Sometimes a hall led him deep down into the earth. Sometimes he had steep flights of stairs to climb. He seemed to be
efore a sudden turn brought him in sight of the monster. The Minotaur had not yet seen him, but stood turning its head this
t its skin looked thick and hard like leather. Upon its great neck it had the head of a bull, but with teeth long and sharp
dne, trembling outside the door, heard the cry and knew that her hero had won. She was timid now, and wished to flee and es
to the ground. When she looked up again, Theseus was at her side. He had come out quickly, following the clew of the threa
courage, and to Venus, the goddess of love, for it was these two who had given Theseus his lovely bride, and had saved the
ove, for it was these two who had given Theseus his lovely bride, and had saved them all. Next day the ship stopped at the
hough I can trace from where I stand    All the flowery Cyclades. “O had the North Wind woke from sleep,    As with our da
e we fled,    Down in the great sea’s twilight deep, Some silent grot had been our bed,    Where many a long-haired Nereid,
is time a fair shepherd youth. He was a son of old King Priam, but he had been born under such an evil omen that, for the s
rn under such an evil omen that, for the safety of the kingdom, Priam had been compelled to cast the infant forth upon the
the infant forth upon the mountain heights to die. But kind shepherds had found him and taken care of him, and the little p
shepherds had found him and taken care of him, and the little prince had grown up. He was now living, still unknown and un
s on the slopes and they appeared. Until now, the shepherd girl Œnone had seemed to Paris beautiful beyond comparison, but
t her altogether when he saw these glorious beings, for the goddesses had come in all their splendor straight from the grea
n shall obey you as if you were a god.” To the youthful shepherd, who had lived a simple life in the wood and among his flo
d them gladly. He did not know that the fair shepherd was his son who had been cast forth to die, but Cassandra, the prophe
auty of Paris, he gave no heed to the evil omen under which the youth had been born, but took him to live in his own royal
Meanwhile there was great rage among the Greeks. All their chieftains had once taken a solemn oath to defend Helen against
o defend Helen against insult, and now, as the news spread that Paris had stolen her, they remembered their pledge and were
strand. Protesilaus was the first Greek to leap ashore, but scarcely had he set foot on land when Hector, the bravest and
d death and the destruction of towns began. The peaceful land of Troy had become a land of war. Castor and Pollux.5
ss Thetis. Achilles was young, but very swift and strong and bold. He had come with fifty ships full of warriors to help th
Achilles and his men. It happened that among the captives the Greeks had taken, there was a maiden named Chryseis, the dau
n those days were made slaves, and in dividing up the spoils Chryseis had fallen to the lot of Agamemnon, the leader of the
ll anger Agamemnon himself.” Then the priest made known how Agamemnon had offended Apollo by insulting the father of Chryse
s shook with a muttering of thunder. Now, when the Trojans heard what had happened in the camp of the Greeks, they grew joy
all the great warriors of the Greeks, except Ajax, were wounded, and had to retire from the fight. These things touched th
r of mighty Hector and his followers. All seemed lost, for the Greeks had only the sea behind them and could not even escap
side her son and wept with him. Then Achilles said: — “Indeed, I have had my revenge, mother, and the Greeks have paid dear
lus.” Then Achilles arose and went forth upon the field of battle. He had no armor, but the goddess Minerva threw a golden
nd entered the dwelling of Vulcan, the lame workman of heaven. Thetis had once done him a great kindness, and now he receiv
ook it in haste down to the tent of Achilles, her son. Never on earth had such armor been seen. It shone like the sun, and
h armor been seen. It shone like the sun, and the friends of Achilles had to turn away their eyes from it. But the hero, wh
once more fight side by side against the Trojans. I would that death had carried off Briseis, my beloved slave, rather tha
death had carried off Briseis, my beloved slave, rather than that we had ever seen these days of grief and loss.” And Agam
!” cried Hector; but when he turned, Deiphobus was not there. Minerva had deceived him, and now she had taken back to Achil
urned, Deiphobus was not there. Minerva had deceived him, and now she had taken back to Achilles the mighty spear he had th
eived him, and now she had taken back to Achilles the mighty spear he had thrown at Hector. Then Hector drew his great swor
starlike sorrows of immortal eyes,    Spoke slowly in her place. “I had great beauty: ask thou not my name:    No one can
  “I would the white, cold, heavy-plunging foam, Whirled by the wind, had rolled me deep below,    Then when I left my home
was renewed, and it seemed that the city must yield, for the Trojans had lost courage; but upon a certain day, as Achilles
the struggle, but even then the Trojans would not give up Helen. They had no mind to let her go after all they had endured
ould not give up Helen. They had no mind to let her go after all they had endured on her account. In the city of Troy, ther
have fallen from heaven. It was called the Palladium, and the goddess had promised that as long as it remained within the w
Troy. There was not a Greek to be seen, nor a Grecian ship. The host had gone. The people of the city swarmed out like bee
red to Neptune, the god of ocean, and it seemed plain that the Greeks had made this monster in honor of Neptune, so that th
if the inside was full of armed men. And so indeed it was. The Greeks had not gone home. Their fleet was behind an island n
gone home. Their fleet was behind an island near the shore, and they had left a number of their greatest warriors in the w
urrying to the spot. They were laughing and jeering at a captive they had caught — a dirty, ragged Greek, who had been foun
and jeering at a captive they had caught — a dirty, ragged Greek, who had been found in the reeds by the shore. He was trem
t he found his voice, he told a long tale of suffering, and of how he had fled into the marshes to escape death at the hand
aid of his children, they caught him also in their folds. After they had slain all three, the serpents glided away and dis
g and lamenting, but no one paid any attention to her. When the horse had been dragged to its place in the citadel and sacr
the horse had been dragged to its place in the citadel and sacrifices had been offered to Minerva, a feast was held through
d put a hand over his mouth and held him so until Helen and Deiphobus had gone. Thus, again, the trick was almost revealed.
ound. Then the gates were opened wide. By this time the Grecian fleet had reached the strand. Up from the shore came the da
were now hiding in the forest of Mount Ida, where, long before, Paris had given the golden apple to Venus. But now Paris wa
led back to Sparta. Her heart was sad for all the grief and death she had caused. But up in the glorious halls of Olympus,
oddess of courage and wisdom, were sternly contented, for their wrath had triumphed. Cassandra. Troy-town before it b
. John Lewis March. The Wanderings of Ulysses. After Troy had been taken and destroyed, the Grecian chiefs, lad
sses was perhaps happier than any of the others. Ten years before, he had left his young wife, Penelope, and his son, Telem
ed, and when it cleared away the fleet was far beyond where any ships had ever been before. On the tenth day they came to a
messengers of Ulysses ate of it, and when they came back to him they had ceased to think of home and wives and children, a
ound themselves at land. When morning came, the sailors saw that they had come to a beautiful little island near what seeme
goats, and a frightful looking monster he was. He was so tall that he had to stoop to get through the huge door of the cave
all that he had to stoop to get through the huge door of the cave. He had long hair and a shaggy beard, and only one eye, f
h such force that he killed them instantly. Then he ate them as if he had been some wild animal, and lay down to sleep amon
n to eat them. Then Ulysses poured out a bowl of the dark red wine he had brought, and as the Cyclops was in the midst of h
me near and handed it to him. “It is good,” said the Cyclops, when he had drunk it. “Give me more, and tell me your name. I
ht forth from its hiding place a great beam of olive wood. Polyphemus had cut it to use as a staff, and had left it in the
reat beam of olive wood. Polyphemus had cut it to use as a staff, and had left it in the cave to season, but during the day
left it in the cave to season, but during the day Ulysses and his men had sharpened one end of it and hidden it. Now they b
kindly, and, when they left, gave Ulysses an ox-hide bag. In this he had imprisoned all the winds of heaven, except the we
d a deep sleep came upon Ulysses, worn with watching. But the sailors had not forgotten the ox-hide bag, which they thought
l the winds of heaven in a great tempest. Ulysses awoke and knew what had happened. Overcome with grief, he lay during the
ut into the deep and back to the floating island of King Æolus. Æolus had been kind, but now he refused to do anything more
of his ship’s crew, under Eurylochus, to explore the island. The men had not gone far before they came to a strange and lo
ity, prepared for them what seemed a refreshing drink. But when they, had all drunk of it, she touched each of them with he
mire, not contentedly, like real swine, but in misery, for they still had the minds of men. Eurylochus waited long for his
sty and grovel with your friends.” But neither the drink nor the wand had its effect. Instead of yielding, Ulysses drew his
ions stayed a year on the island of Circe. The enchantress would have had them stay always, but when she saw that Ulysses’
heir ears with wax, so as to hear nothing. The hero himself, however, had himself tied to the mast, and so heard them. He s
f him. At last it began to be thought that he was dead. Then Penelope had new sorrows. She was very wise and queenly and be
y day she worked at the robe, but at night she unraveled all that she had woven. Thus she put them off for three years more
idings of her husband. The suitors now began to urge her anew. Things had come to this condition when the Phæacians put the
nder the olive tree near him. Minerva, goddess of wisdom and courage, had always kept watch over the hero, and now she shed
ping him hide the gifts in a cave near by, told him how much his home had need of him. “For years these lawless men have be
eherd’s house, who should come in but Telemachus himself. The suitors had missed him. When he came into the house, Minerva
d him. When he came into the house, Minerva took off the disguise she had put upon Ulysses, and the hero made himself known
his wrath until the proper time should come. Meantime, Queen Penelope had heard of the wandering beggar’s arrival. In the e
of the wandering beggar’s arrival. In the evening, after the suitors had gone to their houses, she came down to the hall w
to tell her who he was, but he wished even more to punish the men who had made her miserable; so, because of the talkative
en she went up to her room, and in her sleep she dreamed that Ulysses had returned. In the morning, the suitors thronged ba
fore the morning was far spent, Penelope carried out a plan which she had formed. She went up into her husband’s armory and
Leiodes tried next, but could not bend it in the least. Then Antinoüs had a fire made, and over it he melted some lard with
the hall in order and to tell Penelope the news, for by this time all had recognized him. When every sign of the dreadful c
time all had recognized him. When every sign of the dreadful conflict had been removed, Euryclea, the aged nurse, went to b
f agriculture, 14; she searched six months for Proserpina, whom Pluto had stolen, 24-30. Cha΄ron (ka΄ron). The ferryman of
bite of a snake, 68; was sought in the underworld by Orpheus, 69, who had an opportunity to bring her back to life, f3, but
rs of the Gorgons, 131; three old crones, divinities of the sea; they had but one eye and one tooth, which they used in tur
85. Mt. I΄da. A mountain near Troy, 212. It was here that Pans, who had been cast forth to die, was cared for by kind she
s΄ses. The wise warrior of the Greeks before Troy, 179,186; afterward had many adventures, 216-233; returned home and slew
3 (1909) The myths of Greece and Rome
tinct with the spirit of the ancients. We might fancy that they, too, had caught sight of Proteus rising from the sea, and
that they, too, had caught sight of Proteus rising from the sea, and had heard “Old Triton blow his wreathéd horn.” But
small green buds, — all seemed to tell them of a superior Being, who had fashioned them to serve a definite purpose. They
iews, this marriage was a heinous sin; but the ancients, who at first had no fixed laws, did not consider this union unsuit
life, joy, and motion. Gæa, roused from her apathy, admired all that had already been done for her embellishment, and, res
ythologists, were the beautiful Isles of the Blest, where mortals who had led virtuous lives, and had thus found favour in
ful Isles of the Blest, where mortals who had led virtuous lives, and had thus found favour in the sight of the gods, were
of death, and where they enjoyed an eternity of bliss. These islands had sun, moon, and stars of their own, and were never
, soon forced them to depart, and began to reign in their stead. They had not dwelt long on the summit of Mount Olympus, be
hare their fate. Greatly dissatisfied with the treatment her children had received at their father’s hands, Gæa remonstrate
ls of his numerous affairs, congratulated himself upon the cunning he had shown to prevent the accomplishment of his father
r of Oceanus, compelled Cronus to produce the unfortunate children he had swallowed; i.e., Neptune, Pluto, Vesta, Ceres, an
haste, therefore, he released the Cyclopes from Tartarus, where they had languished so long, stipulating that in exchange
chains in a burning cave under Mount Ætna. In early times, before he had become accustomed to his prison, he gave vent to
day.” Addison. Enceladus under Mount Ætna. B. Picart. Jupiter had now conquered all his foes, asserted his fight to
reconciled to their fate. In the days of their prosperity, the Titans had intermarried. Cronus had taken Rhea “for better o
In the days of their prosperity, the Titans had intermarried. Cronus had taken Rhea “for better or for worse”; and Iapetus
married. Cronus had taken Rhea “for better or for worse”; and Iapetus had seen, loved, and wedded the fair Clymene, one of
instincts which would enable them to preserve and enjoy the life they had received. He therefore called the youngest two so
dispensed, and none remained for the endowment of man. Although they had not the remotest idea how to overcome this diffic
s, and eloquently expressed his gratitude to the benevolent deity who had risked his own life to obtain it for him. From hi
eration of men lived on earth, and died, blessing him for the gift he had obtained for them at such a terrible cost. After
, in solemn council, they decided to create woman; and as soon as she had been artfully fashioned, each one endowed her wit
………………………………… “But now when the fair mischief, seeming-good, His hand had perfected, he led her forth Exulting in her grac’
departed, refusing all hospitable offers of rest and refreshment. He had scarcely crossed the threshold, when Pandora expr
bling fingers, and the cord, unrolling, dropped on the floor. Pandora had repeatedly fancied that sounds like whispers issu
aised the lid to have one little peep before he came in. Now, Jupiter had malignantly crammed into this box all the disease
little insects fluttered about, alighting, some upon Epimetheus, who had just entered, and some upon Pandora, pricking and
e soon changed into wails of pain and anguish. Epimetheus and Pandora had never before experienced the faintest sensation o
sensation of pain or anger; but, as soon as these winged evil spirits had stung them, they began to weep, and, alas! quarre
om. The sound proceeded from the unfortunate box, whose cover Pandora had dropped again, in the first moment of her surpris
open the box and set the speaker free, adding very amiably, that she had already done so much harm by her ill-fated curios
box a second time, for the gods, with a sudden impulse of compassion, had concealed among the evil spirits one kindly creat
herefore, Hope continued to be revered, although the other divinities had ceased to be worshipped. According to another ver
ted; and murder, rape, and theft were committed on all sides. Jupiter had kept a close watch over men’s actions during all
the sea, bidding them rise, overflow, and deluge the land. No sooner had the gods spoken, than the elements obeyed: the wi
lung to uprooted trees, and even took refuge in the light skiffs they had constructed in happier days. Their efforts were a
med eyes. In spite of the general depravity, the lives of this couple had always been pure and virtuous; and when Jupiter s
le the desolate earth, they came to the shrine of Delphi, which alone had been able to resist the force of the waves. There
obey such a command seemed sacrilegious in the extreme; for the dead had always been held in deep veneration by the Greeks
ho does not see in drown Deucalion’s name, When Earth her men and Sea had lost her shore,                         Old Noah!
power, is usually seen close beside him. His Attendants Jupiter had his own special attendants, such as Victoria, or
ssumed the form of an eagle, and winged his flight over the earth. He had not flown far, before he beheld a youth of marvel
Ovid ( Dryden’s tr.). After many years of faithful service, when age had made them long for death, Philemon and Baucis wer
century in front of the temple, monuments of the-love and faith which had bound the pair through life. Although married to
follow her example; but, before they could do as she wished, the bull had risen to his feet, and galloped off towards the s
Trojan War. All unconscious of their sister’s fate, the young princes had returned in haste to their father’s palace to ann
nnounce her sudden involuntary departure. Agenor, whose favourite she had always been, rent his garments in grief, and bade
and bade his sons go forth and seek her, and not to return till they had found her. Accompanied by their mother, Telephass
mediately set out on their journey, inquiring of all they met if they had seen their sister. Search and inquiry proved equa
oon followed his example, and settled in a fertile country which they had reached, hence called Cilicia; and finally Teleph
the spring to discover the cause of their delay, and found that they had all been devoured by a huge dragon, which lived i
t produced was almost instantaneous; for the giants, each fancying it had been thrown by his neighbour, began fighting amon
d the shrine of Jupiter Ammon in Libya — were world-renowned. He also had a famous temple at Dodona, where an oak-tree gave
a, and consequently the sister of Jupiter; but, as soon as the latter had dethroned his parents and seized the sceptre, he
he discovered her and her little bear son Areas. In pity for all they had suffered, he transferred them both to the sky, wh
constellations of the Great and Little Bear. Juno, like her husband, had also her special attendant, Iris (the Rainbow), w
s so rapid, that she was seldom seen; and no one would have known she had passed, had it not been for the brilliant trail h
that she was seldom seen; and no one would have known she had passed, had it not been for the brilliant trail her many-colo
laces of worship were at Mycenæ, Sparta, Argos, Rome, and Heræum. She had also numerous other sanctuaries scattered through
ld priestess was very anxious to go to the temple at Argos, where she had ministered to the goddess for many years, and whi
where she had ministered to the goddess for many years, and which she had left only to be married. The way was long and dus
ers could not be found. Rather than disappoint their aged mother, who had set her heart upon attending the services, these
f the services the ex-priestess went into the portico, where her sons had thrown themselves down to rest after their unwont
ely asleep, as she expected, she found them dead. The Queen of Heaven had transported them while asleep to the Elysian Fiel
d and sea proclaimed the advent of a great divinity. The goddess, who had thus joined the inhabitants of Olympus, was desti
and to put to flight the obscure deity called Dulness, who until then had ruled the world. ‘‘Ere Pallas issu’d from the Th
ully too, when she, in her turn, produced an olive tree; but when she had told them the manifold uses to which wood, fruit,
adful, and a sign of woe.” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). The din of battle had no terrors for this doughty goddess, and on every
Arachne. Pretty, young, and winsome, she would have been loved by all had it not been for her inordinate pride, not in her
seated herself, and began a conversation. In a few minutes the maiden had resumed her usual strain, and renewed her rash bo
iter and Latona, or Leto, the goddess of dark nights. Juno’s jealousy had been aroused by Jupiter’s preference for her riva
me. The sun-god wooed the girl warmly and persistently, and at length had the deep satisfaction of seeing his affections re
s, — so he flew off in haste to his master to report the discovery he had made. Desperate with love and jealousy, Apollo di
s beloved one, he bewailed his fatal haste, and cursed the bird which had brought him the unwelcome tidings of her faithles
gave him the position of head shepherd. “Then King Admetus, one who had     Pure taste by right divine, Decreed his singi
complied with, but only on condition, that, when the time came which had previously been appointed for the good king’s dea
s with immortality, left his service, and went to assist Neptune, who had also been banished to earth, to build the walls o
ed position he often cast loving glances down upon men, whose life he had shared for a short time, whose every privation he
, whose life he had shared for a short time, whose every privation he had endured; and, in answer to their prayers, he grac
s which remained upon the surface of the earth after the Deluge. None had dared approach the monster; but Apollo fearlessly
. To pass the time agreeably, the friends began a game of quoits, but had not played long, before Zephyrus, god of the sout
ble over the sad spot, and tenderly caressed the dainty flowers which had sprung from his friend’s life-blood.            
e declared should henceforth be used to shade the graves of those who had been greatly beloved through life. The Story o
her father’s stream, calling out loudly for his protection. No sooner had she reached the water’s edge, than her feet seeme
limbs, while her trembling hands were filled with leaves. Her father had answered her prayer by changing her into a laurel
rugged tree trunk. At first he could not realise that the fair maiden had vanished from his sight for ever; but, when the t
o and Daphne. Henrietta Rae. Cephalus and Procris The ancients had many analogous stories, allegories of the sun and
s viewed with great displeasure by Eos (Aurora), goddess of dawn, who had previously tried, but without success, to win Cep
se story, and immediately resolved to follow her husband. The morning had well-nigh passed, and the sun was darting its per
eived; and Procris died with the blissful conviction that her husband had not deserved her unjust suspicions, and that his
t and convey it to his lips was the work of an instant; and no sooner had he breathed into it than the magic strain was ren
eral topic of all conversations. Orpheus and Eurydice As Apollo had frequent opportunities of meeting the Muses, it i
is music plants and flowers Ever sprung; as sun and showers     There had made a lasting spring. “Everything that heard hi
r The charming sounds that ravished his ear.” Saxe. No living being had ever before penetrated thus into the Infernal Reg
th and o’er hell, A conquest how hard and how glorious!     Tho’ fate had fast bound her     With Styx nine times round her
before he reached the earth; and as he did so the form of the wife he had so nearly snatched from the grave vanished from b
ts that late she left.” Ovid ( H. King’s tr.). All was now over. He had tried and failed. No hope remained. In despair, t
the dim distance, with the self-same mournful expression of which he had caught a mere glimpse as she drifted reluctantly
santly called upon her name until the brooks, trees, and fountains he had loved so well caught up the longing cry, and repe
again. Nothing was now left to remind mortals of the sweet singer who had thus perished, except his lute, which the gods pl
ll was reported to be but little inferior to Orpheus’. “’Tis said he had a tuneful tongue,     Such happy intonation, Wher
hornpipes.” Tennyson. This musician, a son of Jupiter and Antiope, had a twin brother Zethus, who, however, shared none
shared none of his artistic tastes. Hearing that their mother Antiope had been repudiated by her second husband, Lycus, so
casion, having gone to Sicily to take part in a musical contest which had attracted thither the most famous musicians from
o return home by sea. Unfortunately for him, the vessel upon which he had embarked was manned by an avaricious, piratical c
of the godly father, whose stately bearing and radiant air his mother had so enthusiastically described. Apollo, from his g
er had so enthusiastically described. Apollo, from his golden throne, had watched the boy’s approach, and, as he drew neare
Apollo’s brow when he repeated his companions’ taunts. As soon as he had finished his tale, Apollo exclaimed that he would
o the kindly warning, and persisted in his request, until Apollo, who had sworn the irrevocable oath, was obliged to fulfil
orn the irrevocable oath, was obliged to fulfil his promise. The hour had already come when the Sun usually began his daily
t sparingly, as they were inclined to be very restive. The youth, who had listened impatiently to cautions and directions,
a hue retained by their descendants to this day. Terrified at what he had done, Phaeton whipped up his steeds, and drove so
d up his steeds, and drove so far away, that all the vegetation which had survived the intense heat came to an untimely end
ficed to reveal the devastated earth and the youthful charioteer. How had a beardless youth dared to mount the sun chariot?
ngfellow. Although the Muses united at times in one grand song, they had each separate duties assigned them. Clio, the Mus
ghts were warm would stay out all night with them. On one occasion he had thus seen the Muses dancing round the fountain of
bees were the special servants of the Muses, believed that the latter had taken Comatas under their special care, and there
dren, Apollo and Diana, Latona boasted far and wide that such as hers had never been, for they excelled all others in beaut
art failed when she heard that her seven sons, her pride and delight, had fallen under Apollo’s shafts, and that they now l
hafts, and that they now lay cold and stiff in the forest, where they had eagerly hastened a few hours before, to follow th
n winter’s pride has melted. As soon as the young Goddess of the Moon had been introduced into Olympus, all the gods expres
er was forced to grant her request. Every evening, as soon as the Sun had finished his course, Diana mounted her moon car,
ling away across the deep blue sky, he felt sure the whole occurrence had been but a dream, but so sweet a dream that he ca
us as constellations in the sky. The Story of Actæon When Diana had finished her nightly journey in her moon car, she
and her followers came to one of the still mountain pools where they had often resorted to enjoy a plunge. The cool waters
heated limbs. But unfortunately the goddess and her attendant nymphs had not been the only hunters out that day. Actæon, t
phs had not been the only hunters out that day. Actæon, the huntsman, had risen at dawn to stalk the deer; and now, weary a
f-same moment Diana turned to ascertain the cause of the rustle which had caught her practised ear, and met the admiring ga
he astonished young hunter. Speechless with indignation that a mortal had beheld her thus, she caught some water in her hol
ung it in his face, and bade him go and declare, if he could, that he had seen Diana disrobed. The glittering drops had no
e, if he could, that he had seen Diana disrobed. The glittering drops had no sooner touched the young man’s face than he tu
orm, he bounded away through the forest. Alas! too late; for the pack had caught one glimpse of his sleek sides, and were a
god of the soft speech of love; and Hymen, god of marriage. A throne had been prepared for the expected goddess, and, when
ollo hastened to Vulcan, to whom he vividly described the sight which had greeted his eyes. The irate husband lost no time,
ept them imprisoned, in spite of their entreaties, until all the gods had seen their humiliating plight, and turned them in
upon the ground, were changed to anemones, while the red drops which had fallen from Adonis’ side were transformed into re
s should be restored to her longing arms. But Pluto, whose subject he had now become, refused to yield up Adonis; and after
ing to a stranger, she bade him depart; but he refused to go until he had learned where she lived, and proposed to swim acr
, and proposed to swim across the Hellespont when the shades of night had fallen, and none could see his goal, and pay her
eloved. At times the huge billows towered above his head; but when he had escaped their threatening depths, and rose up on
dye Hero’s cheek as he clasped her to his passionate heart. “Leander had no fear — he cleft the wave — What is the peril f
eached the tower steps, and was lovingly greeted by Hero, whose heart had throbbed with anxiety at the thought of the peril
and departed, promising to return at night as usual. The storm, which had raged so fiercely already in the early morning, i
e breakers thundered on the beach.” Edwin Arnold. All day long Hero had hoped that her lover would renounce his nightly j
with outstretched robes. At sight of the wonted signal, Leander, who had already once been beaten back by the waves, made
and the billows closed for ever over his head. Hero in the meanwhile had relighted her torch, and, quite unconscious of th
had relighted her torch, and, quite unconscious of the tragedy which had taken place, stood on the tower, straining her ey
ate were Pyramus and Thisbe. Although no waves divided them, and they had the good fortune to occupy adjoining houses in Ba
d back and forth to while away the time of waiting, she wondered what had happened to delay Pyramus. Her meditation was sud
nd the mangled veil. These signs sufficed to convince him that Thisbe had perished, and in a fit of despair he drew his dag
s tr.). Since that ominous day the fruit of the mulberry tree, which had been white, assumed a blood-like hue, dyed by the
s and forests,     Repeating your ultimate word.” Saxe. Venus alone had not forgotten poor Echo’s last passionate prayer,
to a lonely pool to slake his thirst. “In some delicious ramble, he had found A little space, with boughs all woven round
E. Burne-Jones. By Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. As Pygmalion had always been an obdurate bachelor, and had frequen
erick Hollyer. As Pygmalion had always been an obdurate bachelor, and had frequently declared he would never marry, Venus w
e to her instead of to Venus. Offended by this proposal, which Psyche had good sense enough to refuse, Venus resolved to de
, and let her fail image sink into his heart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, he stole out again, vowing he would neve
ould never harm such innocence and beauty. Morning dawned. Venus, who had expected to see the sun illumine her rival’s corp
ting as usual in the palace gardens, and realised that her first plan had completely failed. She therefore began to devise
cting to be dashed to pieces on the jagged rocks below; but Cupid who had indignantly though helplessly seen all hi; mother
had indignantly though helplessly seen all hi; mother’s persecutions, had followed Psyche unseen and, when he perceived her
y long Psyche thought of him, longed for him, and, as soon as the sun had set, sped to the bower where the birds were sleep
e, her love for her mysterious nightly visitor, — all, in short, that had happened since she had left her father’s home.
terious nightly visitor, — all, in short, that had happened since she had left her father’s home. Psyche. Harry Bates
Bates. By Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. Now, the elder sisters had always been jealous of Psyche’s superior beauty;
t home once more, the sisters constantly brooded over the tale Psyche had poured into their ears, and, hoping to secure as
nd thine is dead! Farewell! I come no more!’” Lewis Morris. When he had vanished into the dusky air without, the balmy ni
misery in a deep swoon. When she opened her eyes once more, the storm had ceased, the sun was high in the heavens, and pala
m had ceased, the sun was high in the heavens, and palace and gardens had vanished. Pan and Psyche. Sir E. Burne-Jones
assionately listened to her confession of love for her husband. Ceres had often seen Cupid, and had heard that very morning
r confession of love for her husband. Ceres had often seen Cupid, and had heard that very morning that he was having a woun
sks, that the poor girl would never have been able to accomplish them had she not been aided by all the beasts and insects,
ial experiment, to send her to Hades to fetch a box of ointment which had wonderful power to render beautiful whomsoever mi
iful whomsoever might be anointed with it, for which Proserpina alone had the recipe. Directed by Zephyrus, her old friend,
eived a small box. The gates of Hades were closed behind her, and she had nearly finished her last task, when she suddenly
inted to a comet rapidly coming into view, and declared that the gods had placed Berenice’s Hair among the stars, there to
caped from his sleeping mother, and sallied out in search of food. He had not gone very far, before he came to a wide meado
nd scattered leaves. Suddenly he remembered that the babe whose birth had been announced early that morning in high Olympus
abe whose birth had been announced early that morning in high Olympus had been appointed god of thieves. He therefore lost
g oxen, and, in exchange for the two missing, gave Apollo the lyre he had just fashioned. This, like most other myths, admi
present to Mercury, and gave him a magic wand, called Caduceus, which had the power of reconciling all conflicting elements
ter of the river god Inachus. To avoid Juno’s recriminations, Jupiter had carried on this affair with even more than his us
tracted by an opaque, immovable cloud near the earth, — a cloud which had no business there, for had she not bidden them al
able cloud near the earth, — a cloud which had no business there, for had she not bidden them all lie still on the blue sea
ing the cloud aside in her haste. Jupiter, thus warned of her coming, had but time to change the maiden beside him into a h
oing there. Carelessly the god pointed to the heifer, and declared he had been whiling away the time by creating it; but th
who, seeing no other living creature near, suspected that her spouse had been engaged in a clandestine flirtation, and had
ted that her spouse had been engaged in a clandestine flirtation, and had screened its fair object from her wrath only by a
cury and Argus Jupiter, in the meanwhile, was in despair; for days had passed without his being able to exchange a word
he birth of her twin sons Romulus and Remus. Her parents, hearing she had broken her vows, commanded that she should suffer
ere for their youthful activity, and, leaving the mountain where they had grown up, journeyed out into the world to seek th
mewhat reassured, looked about them for their king, they were told he had gone, never to return, carried off by the immorta
council of the gods. His aversion to Olympus was of old standing. He had once been tenderly attached to his mother, had la
as of old standing. He had once been tenderly attached to his mother, had lavished upon her every proof of his affection, a
o his mother, had lavished upon her every proof of his affection, and had even tried to console her when she mourned Jupite
somewhat deformed for the remainder of his life. Now, although Vulcan had risked so much and suffered so greatly in taking
rt, she never even made the slightest attempt to ascertain whether he had reached the earth in safety. Hurt by her indiffer
me punish the Goddess of Beauty, who, according to some mythologists, had refused even his addresses, Jupiter bestowed upon
s tr.). Before this new ruler made his appearance, the Titan Oceanus had wielded the sceptre of the sea; and regretfully h
utiful virgin, and promised the monster would disappear as soon as he had devoured the appointed victim. A young girl was t
e priest’s own hands to a slimy rock. As soon as her mourning friends had forsaken her, the hideous serpent came out of his
one of her numerous suitors should find favour in her eyes before he had time to urge his wooing, suddenly changed her int
maiden dearly, and unable to win her father’s consent to their union, had resolved to abduct her. Marpessa, for such was th
l, would retain all his youthful bloom when her more ephemeral beauty had vanished, and that he would probably cease to lov
ollowed closely when they rode forth to survey their kingdom. Neptune had , besides this, many subordinates, whose duty it w
r various duties. Proteus Proteus, too, another inferior deity, had the care of the flocks of the deep, and he always
on with all the other gods, Proteus enjoyed the gift of prophecy, and had the power to assume any shape he pleased. The for
-pronged fork, was widely worshipped throughout Greece and Italy, and had countless shrines. His principal votaries were th
egethon, a river of fire; while the Acheron, a black and deep stream, had to be passed by all souls ere they reached Pluto’
their most irrevocable of oaths; and the blessed Lethe, whose waters had the power to make one forget all unpleasant thing
Virgil ( C. Pitt’s tr.). The Story of Ibycus The Furies also had an important part to play upon earth, as the aven
and some other minor crimes. They secured the punishment of those who had incurred their wrath in various ways, and the fol
rbial. These fair maidens were the Danaides, daughters of Danaus, who had pledged his fifty daughters to the fifty sons of
completed, when Danaus suddenly remembered an ancient prophecy which had quite escaped his memory, and which foretold that
rriages, so calling his daughters aside, he told them what the oracle had said, and, giving them each a sharp dagger, bade
cruel king named Tantalus (the father of Niobe), who, while on earth, had starved and ill-treated his subjects, insulted th
treated his subjects, insulted the immortal gods, and on one occasion had even dared to cook and serve up to them his own s
isyphus Another criminal was Sisyphus, who, while king of Corinth, had misused his power, had robbed and killed travelle
inal was Sisyphus, who, while king of Corinth, had misused his power, had robbed and killed travellers, and even deceived t
ews.” Homer ( Pope’s tr.). Salmoneus Salmoneus, another king, had vainly tried to make his subjects believe he was
ied to make his subjects believe he was Jupiter. With that object, he had once driven over a brazen bridge to imitate the r
ge to imitate the roll of thunder, and, to simulate the thunderbolts, had thrown lighted torches down upon the multitude, p
t form of Tityus, a giant whose body covered nine acres of ground. He had dared offer an insult to Juno and in punishment w
f Ixion Here in Tartarus, too, was Ixion, king of the Lapithæ, who had been given the hand of Dia in marriage on conditi
e blessed spent eternity, in pleasant communion with the friends they had loved on earth. “Patriots who perished for their
hat Jupiter, disguised as a mortal, could urge his love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing, he told her who he wa
ed a complete confession, heard with suppressed rage how long Jupiter had wooed ere he had finally won the maiden’s consent
fession, heard with suppressed rage how long Jupiter had wooed ere he had finally won the maiden’s consent, and received a
inute catalogue of all his personal charms and a synopsis of all they had both said. The false nurse listened with apparent
at the death of Semele; and, to testify [to all mortals how fondly he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven, wh
ity. ‘“Died?’ — so the Theban maidens think, and laugh, Saying, ‘She had her wish, that Semele! ‘ But sitting here upon Ol
wife of Athamas, King of Thebes, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could not av
all its attractions. With weary feet, Midas now retraced the road he had travelled in his pride a few hours before, again
and wash in the Pactolus River, if he would be rid of the power which had so soon turned into a curse. Midas hastened off t
ying alone on the sandy shore. Ariadne, for such was the girl’s name, had been forsaken there by her lover, Theseus, who ha
s the girl’s name, had been forsaken there by her lover, Theseus, who had sailed away while she slept. As soon as she awoke
ened and died, leaving a disconsolate widower, who took the crown she had so often worn and flung it up into the air. It ro
hodius. Bacchus and Ariadne. Titian. Bacchus’ lightheartedness had all vanished, and he no longer took any pleasure
seem to have been the invariable accompaniment of the god’s presence, had already reached Pentheus, who therefore dismissed
ismissed the herald with an insolent message, purporting that Bacchus had better remain outside of the city gates. To aveng
permission was graciously granted. The king’s spies reported all that had occurred, and their accounts made Pentheus long t
ded on the possession of this bright young creature. Long ere this he had tried to persuade one after another of the goddes
another of the goddesses to share his gloomy throne; but one and all had refused the honour, and declined to accompany him
flowers never bloomed. Hurt and disappointed by these rebuffs, Pluto had finally registered a solemn vow never to go wooin
th soft sighs, with tender words alarms.” Darwin. Meanwhile the sun had sunk below the Sicilian horizon; and Ceres, retur
Orphic Hymn. Ceres and Triptolemus To avoid recognition, she had assumed the appearance of an aged crone; and as s
l the perishable elements left in his body. The queen, Metaneira, who had thought it somewhat imprudent to leave the child
nt her indignation upon the careless nurse; but the aged beggar woman had vanished, and in her stead she confronted the rad
to ascertain what it might be, she recognised the girdle her daughter had worn when she had parted from her in Sicily. Joyf
it might be, she recognised the girdle her daughter had worn when she had parted from her in Sicily. Joyfully she embraced
and heard the fountain entreat her to listen, if she would hear what had befallen her child. The fountain then went on to
hat had befallen her child. The fountain then went on to tell how she had not always been a mere stream, but was once a nym
called Arethusa, in Diana’s train, and how, overcome by the heat, she had once sought a cool stream wherein she might bathe
s lips and eyelids thin.’” Keats. The misty cloud in which Arethusa had been enveloped by Diana’s protecting care was soo
s still hovering near there, suddenly beholding a fountain where none had ever existed before, surmised what had happened.
eholding a fountain where none had ever existed before, surmised what had happened. Changing himself into an impetuous torr
e depths of Pluto’s realm. While gliding there in the gloom, Arethusa had caught a glimpse of Proserpina on her sable thron
, who, after a disconsolate search underground for the lost Arethusa, had found a crevice through which he passed to join h
un.” Moore. The Return of Proserpina Now, although poor Ceres had ascertained where to find her missing daughter, h
, consented to Proserpina’s return, upon condition, however, that she had not touched any food during the whole time of her
of Pluto, when a spirit, Ascalaphus, suddenly declared that the queen had partaken of some pomegranate seeds that very day.
ld not refute the charge, and Jupiter decreed that for every seed she had eaten she should spend one month of every year in
f Scythia, where the false monarch would have treacherously slain him had not Ceres by timely interference prevented the ex
ocuring nourishment; but his monstrous appetite continued, and, as he had but one daughter left, he sold her as a slave to
nkind, was worshipped principally throughout Italy, although she also had shrines in Greece and Asia Minor. The family hear
om, all men were regarded as enemies unless by a special compact they had been made friends, so Vesta presided especially o
ence, — remained always a virgin. The Romans fancied that her worship had been introduced into Italy by Æneas, their famous
pire.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). In public processions the Vestals had the privilege of carrying their sacred fire; whil
n she incurred Jupiter’s wrath by relating to Juno a conversation she had overheard between him and one of his numerous mis
5 in the other. He was also supposed to watch over peace and war, and had numerous temples throughout all Italy. One very c
natos), god of death; and both were sons of the Goddess of Night, who had once ruled the whole universe. Near the entrance
oving couple parted, and Halcyone watched the lessening sail until it had quite vanished from sight; then she returned to h
her palace to pray for her husband’s safe return. But, alas! the gods had decreed they should never meet again on earth; an
th, and especially to view with some composure his corpse, which they had decided should be washed ashore, sent a Dream to
oke, and hastened to the sea-shore to convince herself that the dream had been false; but she had no sooner reached the bea
sea-shore to convince herself that the dream had been false; but she had no sooner reached the beach, than the waves washe
and. His hollow eyes were fixed upon the sands of time; and when they had run out, he knew some life was about to end, and
lysses reached the shores of Ithaca, and would have landed in safety, had not his men, in view of port, untied the sack to
rain and of all sudden and heavy showers. Zephyrus, mild and gentle, had a lapful of flowers, and, according to the Atheni
ices to a few mortals, who, by their heroic deeds and virtuous lives, had won both admiration and respect. Foremost among t
convoluted folds.” Darwin. When Juno perceived how easily Hercules had escaped from the danger which threatened him, she
ro, dismissed by his instructor, now set out to seek his fortunes. He had not gone very far, however, before he met two bea
of Megara, daughter of Creon, King of Thebes, in marriage, and by her had three children, whom he tenderly loved. But Juno
and suffered agonies of sorrow and remorse for the terrible crimes he had unwittingly committed. In his grief he withdrew t
where he would probably have lingered all the remainder of his life, had not Mercury brought to him the decision of the go
e lion to his den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him as he had strangled the snakes in his infancy. He then skin
ord, Hercules succeeded in cutting off one of the seven heads; but he had no sooner done so, than, to his dismay, he saw se
tion of this unpleasant miracle, Hercules bade his friend Iolaus, who had accompanied him thither to view his prowess, take
Augean Stables Hercules was next sent to Augeas, King of Elis, who had immense droves of cattle. The stables usually occ
occupied by these animals were in an incredibly filthy state, as they had not been cleaned for years; and now Hercules was
of a mad bull given by Neptune to Minos, king of the island. The god had sent the animal with directions that he should be
to obtain a sufficient supply of fresh meat for his horses, Diomedes had decreed that all strangers who ventured into his
rcules would have succeeded in this undertaking. Without any trouble, had not Juno suddenly remembered his existence, and r
mingled among the women, and artfully spread the report that Hercules had really come to kidnap their queen, and that the p
ught single-handed, defeated them, and finally bore away the prize he had risked so much to obtain. It was on his homeward
, from the jaws of the sea monster who was about to devour her, as he had devoured many a fair Trojan maid before. The S
n Birds Eurystheus, well pleased with the manner in which Hercules had accomplished eight out of the twelve tasks, bade
t know in what portion of the world he would find these apples, which had been given to Juno as a wedding present, and whic
les, which had been given to Juno as a wedding present, and which she had entrusted to the care of the Hesperides. After nu
s journeys and many inquiries, Hercules discovered that these maidens had carried these apples off to Africa, hung them on
for such a hero as Hercules; and, in gratitude for the deliverance he had so long sought in vain, Prometheus directed Hercu
Antæus go forth and kill the new invader, who, they wrongly fancied, had evil designs against them. Proud of his strength,
ns on his broad shoulders. Atlas listened attentively to all Hercules had to say, declared he knew where the apples could b
ep, plucked the apples, and returned unmolested to the place where he had left Hercules. But his steps became slower and sl
, picked up the apples, leaving Atlas alone, in the same plight as he had found him, there to remain until some more compas
he took refuge in a huge jar, and refused to come out until Hercules had carried the monster back to his cave. The twelve
n sweet will, and enjoy the happiness of freedom. A roaming existence had , from force of habit, become a necessity: so the
marry her. But unfortunately another suitor, the river god Achelous, had already won the father’s consent.               
ad of wandering alone now, with none to cheer or sympathise, Hercules had Deianeira ever at his side; and after many days t
and peaceful waters were swollen and turbid, for violent rain-storms had recently swept over that portion of the country.
ed Hercules’ attention, and a second later one of his poisoned arrows had brought the would-be ravisher to the ground, pier
ound inflicted by the poisoned arrow, — and keep it carefully, for it had magic power; and if she ever found her husband’s
prolonged, he always returned to her side, as loving as ever, and she had no cause for complaint. Finally duty took him bac
took him back to the court of Eurytus, where he beheld Iole, whom he had seen and loved in the beginning of his career, bu
hom he had seen and loved in the beginning of his career, but whom he had been obliged to leave to fulfil his arduous tasks
ut on this occasion the only report which reached her ear was that he had returned to his allegiance to his first love, and
ight eyes of Iole, immediately donned the richly embroidered robe. He had no sooner put it on, than the Centaur’s poisoned
e pain was greater than he could bear. In his rage at the trick which had been played upon him, he seized Lichas — the unfo
the huge oaks by their roots, flung them one upon the other until he had raised a mighty pile, upon which he stretched his
seus Acrisius and Danae The life of Acrisius, King of Argos, had been a burden to him ever since the unfortunate d
ad been a burden to him ever since the unfortunate day when an oracle had predicted that he would be killed by his grandson
redicted that he would be killed by his grandson. Until then the king had been very fond of his only child, Danae, and unti
ing had been very fond of his only child, Danae, and until then, too, had thought with pride of the time when he would best
d in terror to Acrisius’ palace to announce that Danae, his daughter, had given birth to a son, who, on account of his beau
is first appearance in games and combats. In the meanwhile Polydectes had fallen in love with Danae, and expressed his desi
he three Gorgons. Her sisters, Euryale and Stheno, although immortal, had never had any claims to beauty; but Medusa, when
orgons. Her sisters, Euryale and Stheno, although immortal, had never had any claims to beauty; but Medusa, when only a gir
al, had never had any claims to beauty; but Medusa, when only a girl, had been considered very handsome indeed. Her home, i
thee, Cursed with a hateful destiny.” Mrs. St. John. The gods, who had carefully watched over Perseus through his childh
The return journey was long and wearisome, and on his way the hero had many adventures. Once, when flying high above a m
pse of Atlas, his pale face turned up to the heavens, whose weight he had patiently borne for many a long year, —  a burden
hich seemed all the more grievous after the short taste of freedom he had enjoyed while Hercules stood in his place, — “Su
Perseus flying toward him, hope revived, for he remembered that fate had decreed that it was this hero who was to slay the
assiopeia, who claimed she was fairer than any of the sea nymphs, she had been exposed there as prey for a terrible sea mon
ry; and Perseus could even now perceive the receding procession which had solemnly accompanied her to the appointed place o
down, attacked the monster, cheered by the shouts of the people, who had seen him, and now rushed back to witness the slay
this fierce struggle could have but one conclusion; and when Perseus had slain the monster, freed Andromeda from her chain
claim. When he, therefore, expressed a desire to marry the maiden he had so bravely rescued, they gladly gave him her hand
, they gladly gave him her hand, although in early youth the princess had been promised to her uncle Phineus. Preparations
s for the marriage were immediately begun; and the former suitor, who had been too cowardly to venture a single blow to del
r, Perseus took his bride to Seriphus. There, hearing that Polydectes had dared to ill-treat his mother because she still r
in many a fight. Arrived at Argos, Perseus discovered that a usurper had claimed his grandfather’s throne. To hurl the unl
ake full restitution and atonement, was but a trifle for the hero who had conquered Medusa; and Acrisius, now old and weak,
languished, and restored to his wonted honours, by the very youth he had been taught to fear. Perseus. Canova. But th
ll. When Perseus died, after a long and glorious reign, the gods, who had always loved him, placed him among the stars, whe
m a helping hand for a moment. Then, as soon as the innocent stranger had complied with his request, he would suddenly let
to be dashed to pieces against the rocky mountain-side. Theseus, who had already heard of the giant’s stratagem, skilfully
, and finally caused Sinis to perish by the same cruel death which he had dealt out to so many others. In one place the Ist
only on condition that Sciron performed for him the menial office he had imposed upon so many others. Sciron dared not ref
of entertainment, deluded travellers into entering his home, where he had two beds of very different dimensions, — one unus
es quite unawares, Theseus gave him a faint idea of the sufferings he had inflicted upon others by making him try each bed
r character, and finally reached Athens, where he found that his fame had preceded him. The first thing that he heard upon
ed him. The first thing that he heard upon his arrival was that Ægeus had just married Medea, the enchantress; but, althoug
the young stranger draw near, then she knew him, and foresaw that he had come to demand his rights. To prevent his making
an unfortunate war between the Cretans and Athenians, the latter, who had been vanquished, were obliged to pay a yearly tri
make use of them to effect his escape. “Now Dædalus, the carpenter, had made a pair of wings, Contrived of wood and feath
the whole island, killing, by contact with his red-hot body, all who had no business to land on that coast. Knowing, howev
inth, where many whitening bones plainly revealed the fate of all who had preceded him. He had not gone very far before he
ening bones plainly revealed the fate of all who had preceded him. He had not gone very far before he encountered the Minot
took her. Now, although very brave, Theseus was not very constant. He had already grown weary of Ariadne’s love; and, when
g the city, heard of his father’s death; and when he realised that it had been caused by his carelessness, he was overwhelm
refore made an excursion into the land of the Amazons, where Hercules had preceded him, and whence he brought back Hippolyt
ut with an Athenian army to fight Pirithous, king of the Lapithæ, who had dared to declare war; but when the armies were fa
aged him to start, and in parting bade him remember that Pelias alone had injured him, but that all the rest of the human r
and the Goddess Juno It was early in the spring, and the young man had not gone very far before he came to a stream, whi
crambled up beside her, casting a rueful glance at the torrent, which had wrenched off one of his golden sandals. He was ab
uncle boldly, summoned him to make a full restitution of the power he had so unjustly seized. Phryxus and Helle To su
lchis in safety, and in gratitude to the gods sacrificed the ram they had sent to deliver him, and hung its golden fleece o
sk their lives in such a glorious cause. The usurper’s crafty remarks had the desired effect; for Jason suddenly sprang fro
, sobered and refreshed by a long night’s rest, perceived how foolish had been his vow, he would fain have recalled it; but
unt Pelion. Jason, having finished his figure-head, found that it too had the gift of speech, and that it would occasionall
n came into contact, they merely grazed the rudder. Thus, as a vessel had passed between them unharmed, their power for evi
This done, he must sow the field with some dragon’s teeth, as Cadmus had done, conquer the giants which would spring up, a
and merely hastened down to his vessel to ask the figure-head how he had better proceed. On his way to the sea-shore he me
e he met the king’s daughter, Medea, a beautiful young sorceress, who had been charmed by his modest but firm bearing, and
giants in full armour, he was filled with dismay, and would have fled had it been possible. However, aware that such a perf
us trunk. Jason then tore the coveted fleece from the branch where it had hung for many a year, and bore it in triumph to t
h the fleece was rent.” Flaccus ( Elton’s tr.). His companions, who had made ready for a hasty departure, were already se
hasty departure, were already seated at their oars; and as soon as he had embarked with Medea and her attendants, the Argo
nned, and the king in person set out in pursuit of the fugitives, who had , moreover, taken his most precious treasure, his
re.’” Flaccus ( Elton’s tr.). The Death of Absyrtus But Medea had no wish to be torn away from Jason’s arms, and, i
ere he buried his son’s remains with due solemnity. Meanwhile, Pelias had reigned contentedly over Thessaly, confident that
er return. Imagine his dismay, therefore, when he heard that the Argo had arrived, bearing Jason, now the proud possessor o
Bradford. Unfortunately, Æson was now so old and decrepit, that power had no charms for him: so Jason begged Medea to use h
s carried out these instructions, they only slew the father whom they had so dearly loved. Days and years now passed happil
e son, Meleager, only a few days old, until they heard that the Fates had decreed the child should live only as long as the
the fair Atalanta, daughter of Iasius, King of Arcadia. This princess had led a very adventurous life, for when but a babe,
father, disappointed to see a daughter instead of the longed-for son, had exposed her on Mount Parthenium to the fury of wi
ound. But even in his dying struggles the boar would have killed her, had not Meleager come toiler rescue and given him his
them both. When Althæa saw her brothers’ corpses, and heard that they had been slain by her son, she vowed to avenge their
a’s Race Meanwhile, Atalanta, proud of her skill and of her spoil, had returned to her father’s court, where no other he
Atalanta, disapproving of marriage, and anxious to keep her freedom, had decreed that she should marry only the suitor who
Art Society, Limited. In spite of these barbarous terms, a few youths had tried to outrun her; but they failed, and their l
e day to Atalanta and expressed a desire to race with her. This youth had previously obtained Venus’ protection, and had re
e with her. This youth had previously obtained Venus’ protection, and had received from her the gift of three golden apples
nd picked it up ere she resumed the race. The delay, short as it was, had given her adversary an advantage; but she soon ov
tanding this, the maiden would have reached the goal first, as usual, had not a third golden treasure tempted her to pause,
The twin brothers Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri, or Gemini, who had greatly distinguished themselves by their daring
in many places, but specially in Sparta, their birthplace, where they had world renowned wrestling matches. Chapter XXI
e spared by the wild beasts. When he returned, none questioned how he had performed the appointed task, but all sighed with
r, was not dead, as all supposed. A shepherd in quest of a stray lamb had heard his cries, delivered him from his painful p
up in total ignorance of the unfortunate circumstances under which he had made his first appearance at court, until one day
th him, and taunted him with his origin, declaring that those whom he had been accustomed to call parents were in no way re
in the first moment of his despair if the truth were revealed to him, had recourse to prevarication, and quieted him by the
oracle answered somewhat ambiguously, and merely warned him that fate had decreed he should kill his father, marry his moth
y My father.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). What! kill Polybus, who had ever been such an indulgent father, and marry the
Thebes, where he found the whole city in an uproar, “because the king had been found lifeless by the roadside, with all his
as the King of Thebes by an unknown band of robbers with the death he had dealt to an arrogant old man, and he therefore co
ant old man, and he therefore composedly inquired what other calamity had befallen them. The Sphinx With lowered voic
he outward presentment of a terrible monster called the Sphinx, which had taken up its station without the city gates besid
rror. The people now turned to him, beseeching him to aid them, as he had done once before when threatened by the Sphinx; a
declared the plague would cease only when the former king’s murderers had been found and punished.             “The plague
s of the crime. At the same time the guilty servant confessed that he had not killed the child, but had exposed it on a mou
me the guilty servant confessed that he had not killed the child, but had exposed it on a mountain, whence it was carried t
The chain of evidence was complete, and now Œdipus discovered that he had involuntarily been guilty of the three crimes to
e had involuntarily been guilty of the three crimes to avoid which he had fled from Corinth. The rumour of these dreadful d
trace of him was ever found, and the ancients fancied that the Furies had dragged him down to Hades to receive the punishme
slowly wended her way back to Thebes, where she found that the plague had ceased, but that her brothers had quarrelled abou
es, where she found that the plague had ceased, but that her brothers had quarrelled about the succession to the throne. A
hands, and was duly sacked, burned, and destroyed, the Delphic oracle had foretold so many years before. Chapter XXV: B
hon, a brave young prince, the grandson of Sisyphus, King of Corinth, had the great misfortune to kill his own brother whil
, intense; and the horror he felt for the place where the catastrophe had occurred, added to his fear lest he should incur
œtus, the king, who was also his kinsman. Anteia’s Treachery He had not sojourned there very long before Anteia, the
induce Bellerophon to elope with her. Too honest to betray a man who had treated him as a friend, the young prince refused
deed, sought her husband, and accused the young stranger of crimes he had never even dreamed of committing. Prœtus, indigna
ve in choosing this difficult task was, that, although many brave men had set forth to slay the monster, none had ever retu
that, although many brave men had set forth to slay the monster, none had ever returned, for one and all had perished in th
et forth to slay the monster, none had ever returned, for one and all had perished in the attempt. The Chimæra Althou
must accomplish; and he left Iobates’ palace very sorrowfully, for he had fallen deeply in love with the king’s fair daught
never see her again. While thus inwardly bewailing the ill-luck which had persistently dogged his footsteps, Bellerophon su
er inquire in gentle tones the cause of his too evident dejection. He had no sooner apprised her of the difficult task appo
earth to drink of the cool waters of the Hippocrene (a fountain which had bubbled forth where his hoofs first touched the e
he winged steed was grazing, he vaulted boldly upon his back. Pegasus had never before been ridden by a mortal, and he rear
ble. Thus mounted, Bellerophon now went in search of the Chimæra, who had given birth to the Nemean lion and to the riddle-
ed his dearest wishes, might have settled down in peace; but his head had been utterly turned by the many lofty flights he
ce; but his head had been utterly turned by the many lofty flights he had taken upon Pegasus’ back, and, encouraged by the
higher and higher, and would probably have reached Olympus’ heights, had not Jupiter sent a gadfly, which stung poor Pegas
ds. To please him, the fond mother plucked it and gave it to him. She had scarcely done so, when she noticed drops of blood
is, a nymph, who, to escape the pursuit of Priapus, god of the shade, had assumed the guise of a flower. “Lotis the nymph
er father, sister, husband, and son, who, attracted by her first cry, had rushed to give her all the assistance in their po
an heat retain’d.” Ovid ( Pope’s tr.) One of Dryope’s last requests had been that her child might often play beneath her
the most homely as well as the most extraordinary little creature she had ever seen. His body was all covered with goat’s h
into a clump of reeds, which the panting lover embraced, thinking he had caught the maiden, who had stood in that very spo
ch the panting lover embraced, thinking he had caught the maiden, who had stood in that very spot a few moments before. His
ough the rustling reeds, produced plaintive tones. Pan, seeing Syrinx had gone for ever, took seven pieces of the reed, of
r turbidly ran, And the broken lilies a dying lay, And the dragon-fly had fled away,         Ere he brought it out of the r
the Greeks, i.e., Silvanus, Faunus, and Fauna, the latter’s wife, who had charge over the woods and plants. Priapus, god of
g implements, and fruits and flowers. Pomona was very coy indeed, and had no desire to marry. Vertumnus, enamoured of her c
nd, but she would not even listen to his pleadings. At last the lover had recourse to stratagem, disguised himself as an ag
d himself, and clasped her to his breast. Pomona, perceiving that she had hopelessly betrayed herself, no longer refused to
en decreed should be given in marriage to Peleus, King of Phthia, who had loved her faithfully, and had long sued in vain.
marriage to Peleus, King of Phthia, who had loved her faithfully, and had long sued in vain. Thetis, however, was not at al
rtal after having enjoyed the attention of the gods (for Neptune also had wooed Her), and demurred, until Jupiter promised
goddess of discord, whose snaky locks, sour looks, and violent temper had caused her to be omitted from the wedding list, —
declared that the queen of the gods, in her majesty and power, surely had the best right; Minerva, that the beauty of wisdo
Bates. By Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. When but a babe, Paris had been exposed on a mountain to perish, because an
be, Paris had been exposed on a mountain to perish, because an oracle had predicted that he would cause the death of his fa
nd the downfall of his native city. Although thus cruelly treated, he had not perished, having been found and adopted by a
tly united. Their happiness, however, was but fleeting, for the Fates had decreed that Paris’ love for the fair Œnone would
                              “The Fate, That rules the will of Jove, had spun the days Of Paris and Œnone.” Quintus Smyrn
ter Cassandra. This princess was noted for her beauty, and it is said had even been wooed by Apollo, who, hoping to win her
estowed upon her the gift of prophecy. For some reason the god’s suit had not prospered; and, as he could not take back the
r the pretext of rescuing Hesione, his father’s sister, whom Hercules had carried off, after besieging Troy. He was promptl
r.). Helen’s Suitors A daughter of Jupiter and Leda (whom Jove had courted in the guise of a snow-white swan), Helen
Leda (whom Jove had courted in the guise of a snow-white swan), Helen had many suitors who ardently strove to win her favou
to this proposal, the oath was taken, and Helen, whose deliberations had come to an end, bestowed her hand upon Menelaus,
aris was received with graceful hospitality by Menelaus and Helen. He had not sojourned there many days, however, before th
red his guest’s treachery, and swore never to rest satisfied until he had recovered his truant wife and punished her seduce
g of Ithaca, who, to console himself for Helen’s refusal of his suit, had married her cousin, Penelope, and had now no dear
or Helen’s refusal of his suit, had married her cousin, Penelope, and had now no dearer wish than to linger by her side and
ng his heir. This action sufficed to prove to Palamedes that the king had not lost all control of his senses, and enabled h
the aid of the son of Peleus and Thetis, Achilles, of whom the Fates had predicted he would surpass his father in greatnes
tis loved this only child so dearly, that when he was but a babe, she had carried him to the banks of the Styx, whose water
ut a babe, she had carried him to the banks of the Styx, whose waters had the magic power of rendering all the parts they t
e, and entrusted the care of his education to the Centaur Chiron, who had taught all the greatest heroes in turn. From this
inst the Trojans; yet all hesitated to leave the ships, for an oracle had foretold that the first warrior who attempted to
boldly ashore, and perished, slain by the enemy, as soon as his foot had touched the foreign soil. When the tidings of his
the tidings of his death reached his beloved wife, Laodamia, whom he had left in Thessaly, her heart was well-nigh broken;
t the tomb of him for whom she died; And ever, when such stature they had gained That Ilium’s walls were subject to their v
constant interchange of growth and blight!” Wordsworth. Hostilities had now begun, and the war between the conflicting ho
his tent the equally fair Briseis. When Chryses heard that his child had fallen into the hands of the enemy, he hastened t
sed his hands to heaven, and implored Apollo to avenge the insults he had received by sending down upon the Greeks all mann
Greeks, in terror, now consulted an oracle to know why this calamity had come upon them, and how they might check the prog
mnon surrendered his captive, and thus disarmed Apollo’s wrath, which had been kindled by his rude refusal to comply with t
ng throughout the camp; the cries of the sufferers rent the air; many had already succumbed to the scourge, and all were th
palace deserted, and, upon questioning the women, heard that his wife had gone to the Scæan Gate, where he now drove as fas
brilliant helmet and nodding plumes, and would not go to him until he had set the gleaming headdress aside. After a passion
ttlefield, and together they performed many deeds of valour. The time had now come when Jupiter was about to redeem the pro
for the assistance of Achilles, whose mere presence, in days gone by, had filled the Trojan hearts with terror; but the her
filled the Trojan hearts with terror; but the hero, although Briseis had been returned unmolested, paid no heed to their e
eir brave resistance, the Greeks, in despair, concluded that the gods had entirely forsaken them, and beat a hasty and igno
d gain A respite from the conflict.” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.) Achilles had sworn, it is true, not to return to the scene of
encounter the enemy. The Trojans paused in dismay, thinking Achilles had come, and were about to take flight, when all at
d Achilles, who wept aloud when he heard that his beloved friend, who had left him but a short time before full of life and
l bewailing the loss of Patroclus. During Thetis’ absence, messengers had come to Achilles’ tent to warn him that Patroclus
lles for his friend’s death, Thetis exhibited the glorious armour she had just obtained, helped him to put it on, and then
ly there came a loud cry, then all was still; and when the dust-cloud had blown away, the Trojans from the ramparts, where
dust-cloud had blown away, the Trojans from the ramparts, where they had waited in agony for the issue of the fight, behel
end, refusing to be comforted. The gods, from their celestial abode, had also witnessed this heartrending scene, and now J
doomed to die “in the flower of his youth and beauty,” and the Fates had almost finished spinning his thread of life. In a
an early skirmish, while in close pursuit of the Trojans, Thetis’ son had once caught sight of Polyxena, daughter of Priam,
Thetis’ son had once caught sight of Polyxena, daughter of Priam, and had been deeply smitten by her girlish charms. He now
a poisoned arrow into his vulnerable heel, thus slaying the hero who had caused so many brave warriors to bite the dust.
d so many brave warriors to bite the dust. “Thus great Achilles, who had shown his zeal In healing wounds, died of a wound
ned arrows of Hercules, then in the keeping of Philoctetes. This hero had started with the expedition, but had been put ash
eeping of Philoctetes. This hero had started with the expedition, but had been put ashore on the Island of Lemnos on accoun
hore on the Island of Lemnos on account of a wound in his foot, which had become so offensive that none of the ship’s compa
the ship’s company could endure his presence on board. Ten long years had already elapsed since then, and although a party
although a party of Greeks immediately set out in search of him, they had but little hope of finding him alive. They nevert
him alive. They nevertheless wended their way to the cave where they had deposited him, where, to their unbounded surprise
, where, to their unbounded surprise, they still found him. The wound had not healed, but he had managed to exist by killin
nded surprise, they still found him. The wound had not healed, but he had managed to exist by killing such game as came wit
ove Œnone, who knew all remedies and the best modes of applying them, had once told him to send for her should he ever be w
e ring of faces redden’d by the flames Infolding that dark body which had lain Of old in her embrace, paused — and then ask
t herself with him and past in fire.” Tennyson. Two of Priam’s sons had already expired, and yet Troy had not fallen into
e.” Tennyson. Two of Priam’s sons had already expired, and yet Troy had not fallen into the hands of the Greeks, who now
t the gods resented his interference concerning the wooden horse, and had justly punished the sacrilegious hand which had d
the wooden horse, and had justly punished the sacrilegious hand which had dared strike it with a spear, merely to demonstra
ct for poets and artists. The Fall of Troy Meanwhile the Greeks had been hiding behind Tenedos; but when night came o
attempts to repel the Greeks; but it was now too late, for the enemy had already broken into houses and palaces, and were
r was so great that it has become proverbial in every tongue. Electra had not forgotten her father’s base murder, although
e. Electra had not forgotten her father’s base murder, although years had elapsed since it occurred; and when Orestes had a
urder, although years had elapsed since it occurred; and when Orestes had attained manhood, she bade him come and punish th
Orestes had attained manhood, she bade him come and punish those who had committed the crime. Orestes came, slew Ægisthus
came, slew Ægisthus and Clytæmnestra, and then, terrified at what he had done, took flight, but only to be pursued by the
Three of Ulysses’ best men were sent ashore to reconnoitre; but they had not gone very far before they met the natives, se
ospitably, and made them partake of the lotus blossoms; but no sooner had the three men done so, than all recollection of t
for their return; then, seeing they did not appear, feared some evil had befallen them, and set out, with a few well-armed
d, he soon perceived them feasting among the Lotus-eaters. Their eyes had lost all animation, and rested upon him in a vagu
ait the master’s home-coming and courteously ask his assistance. They had moored their vessel under an overhanging cliff, w
er an overhanging cliff, where no one would be likely to find it, and had therefore no fear lest their means of escape shou
alatea Polyphemus, the ugly giant in whose cave they were waiting, had once seen the charming sea nymph Galatea riding i
, which prevented his seeking her in her native element, for the gods had cursed the race of Cyclops with an unconquerable
obdurate to the suit of Acis, a very fascinating young shepherd, who had no need to call her repeatedly, for she always yi
e the opening of the cave, preventing all egress. Ulysses’ companions had shrunk with fear into the darkest corners of the
he rock, and he stood beside it with watchful eye, until all his herd had passed out; then, replacing the stone to prevent
seashore, taking the choice animals on board, and then, when his men had rowed some distance, raised his voice and taunted
e Æolian Islands, where dwelt Æolus, king and father of the winds. He had heard of Ulysses’ prowess, received him kindly, a
inds, which Ulysses was thus at liberty to retain imprisoned until he had safely reached home. Day and night Ulysses’ barks
ation for landing early the next morning. For the first time since he had left the Æolian shores, Ulysses now indulged in s
eir master of a portion of his treasure, for they imagined that Æolus had given him much gold. The bag was no sooner opened
eceived him coldly, and bade him depart, as his cruelty to Polyphemus had awakened the gods’ wrath. “‘Hence with thee! Lea
d speared and devoured the unfortunate crews. Ulysses, ever cautious, had lingered without the harbour; and when, from afar
which was immediately carried out. The men feasted greedily, for they had fasted for many days, and Circe watched them with
n, and finally resolved to go back alone to the ships and report what had happened. Sword in hand, Ulysses then set out alo
rd in hand, Ulysses then set out alone to rescue his comrades; but he had , not gone far before he met a youth, — Mercury in
pproached. He was allowed to stoop down and drink; and, as soon as he had done so, he recovered the power of human speech,
rm the funeral rites for Elpenor, — one of his followers, a youth who had fallen asleep on one of the palace turrets, and b
n asleep on one of the palace turrets, and by an inadvertent movement had fallen to the ground, where he had been found dea
ts, and by an inadvertent movement had fallen to the ground, where he had been found dead. The Sirens These obsequies
nd sailed along until they drew near the rocky ledge where the Sirens had their abode. These maidens were wont to sit on th
heir leader free Charybdis and Scylla Now, although this danger had been safely passed, Ulysses was troubled in spiri
Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). This self-same Scylla, once a lovely maiden, had won the heart of the sea god Glaucus, but coquett
ive him some love potion strong enough to compel her love. Circe, who had long nursed a secret passion for Glaucus, was ang
ere to rest; but Ulysses reminded them that Tiresias, the blind seer, had warned them to avoid it, lest by slaying any of t
uctantly yielded to their entreaties, and all went ashore. After they had duly rested, they were still detained by unfavour
ould make them leave the Trinacrian shores. In the meantime, Lampetia had hastened to her father to apprise him of the crim
he immediately fulfilled by drowning all excepting Ulysses, who alone had not partaken of the sacred flesh, and who, after
shed ashore on the Island of Ogygia, where the fair sea nymph Calypso had taken up her abode. Ulysses and Calypso The
y entertained during eight long years; but he could not depart, as he had no vessel or crew to bear him away. At last Miner
t, as he had no vessel or crew to bear him away. At last Minerva, who had always befriended him, prevailed upon Jupiter to
leep, on his native shore. When Neptune discovered that the Phæacians had outwitted him, he was so angry that he changed th
and revelling in his palace, whence they refused to depart until she had made choice of a second husband; and also that Te
the suitors’ conduct, and guided and accompanied by his tutor Mentor, had set out in search of the father whom he could not
er his home and claim the usual hospitality. All was executed as they had planned. No one recognised the long-expected hero
hile over Argus the black night of death Came suddenly as soon as he had seen Ulysses, absent now for twenty years.” Home
was endeavouring to baffle her suitors; for, when urged to marry, she had replied that she would do so as soon as she had f
n urged to marry, she had replied that she would do so as soon as she had finished the tapestry upon which she was at work.
il, and dared insult his son.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). But Penelope had too long believed her husband dead to credit this
nd dead to credit this marvellous news; and it was only after Ulysses had given her an infallible proof of his identity, by
West,” whence he never returned. The Greeks, however, averred that he had gone in search of the Isles of the Blest, where h
sacred the inhabitants, and set fire to the beautiful buildings which had been the king’s pride and delight. Now you shall
on of Venus and Anchises, lay fast asleep in his palace; but the gods had not doomed him to perish, and sent the shade of H
king, alas! are names: Could Troy be saved by hands of men, This hand had saved her then, e’en then. The gods of her domest
e great uproar. A few minutes later he discovered that the Greek army had entered the town, and was even now killing, plund
soldiers the unfortunate daughter of Priam, Cassandra, whom the gods had endowed with prophetic powers, but whom no one wo
to the palace, hoping to save the aged king, who, at the first alarm, had seized his weapons, determined to fight to the ve
fair cause of all this war and bloodshed, — who, after Paris’ death, had married Deiphobus, his brother, —  and for a mome
mother, stayed his hand, and bade him remember that the immortal gods had long ago decreed that the city should fall, and t
and Anchises. Gilbert Bayes. A trysting-place near a ruined temple had already been appointed for his servants, and thit
nd home gods in my train.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). Although they had escaped from burning Troy and the swords of the G
escaped from burning Troy and the swords of the Greeks, their trials had only just begun. After many days’ sailing, they l
is former friend Polydorus, sent to Thrace to conceal some treasures, had been murdered there by an avaricious king, and th
ad been murdered there by an avaricious king, and this grove of trees had sprouted from the spear-handles driven into his u
until the aged Anchises remembered that one of his ancestors, Teucer, had once reigned in Crete. Thither they sailed, and h
their already sparse ranks. The Vision of Æneas One night Æneas had a vision, in which his household gods bade him se
sire Anchises!” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). Juno, in the meanwhile, had not been idle, and gloated over the dangers she h
in the meanwhile, had not been idle, and gloated over the dangers she had forced the unhappy Trojans to encounter during th
forced the unhappy Trojans to encounter during the seven years which had already elapsed since they first sailed from Troy
who came to the surface just in time to see all the misfortunes which had overwhelmed Æneas. He imperiously bade the winds
encountered Venus, disguised as a mortal, who informed them that they had landed upon the Libyan coast, which was under the
ido’s husband, Sychæus, King of Tyre, the possessor of untold riches, had been murdered by Pygmalion, his brother-in-law; b
es obediently hastened onward, and entered the town unseen, for Venus had enveloped them both in mist. Their attention was
queen, who was giving audience to some of their companions, who also had miraculously escaped from the waves. These men sp
ves. These men spoke to the queen of their renowned chief, whose fame had already reached her ear; and she gladly promised
servants make a funeral pyre, and place upon it all the objects Æneas had used during his sojourn in her palace; then, havi
they celebrated the usual games to commemorate Anchises’ death, which had occurred there just one year previous. While the
Acheron, on whose bank they saw the wandering shade of Palinurus, who had no obolus to pay his way across, and that of Dido
aughter Lavinia in marriage to Æneas. Lavinia was very beautiful, and had already had many suitors, among whom Turnus, a ne
nia in marriage to Æneas. Lavinia was very beautiful, and had already had many suitors, among whom Turnus, a neighbouring p
s suit; and the king would gladly have received him for a son-in-law, had he not twice been warned by the gods to reserve h
warned by the gods to reserve his daughter for a foreign prince, who had now appeared. In spite of all the years which had
foreign prince, who had now appeared. In spite of all the years which had elapsed since Paris scorned her attractions and b
hich had elapsed since Paris scorned her attractions and bribes, Juno had not yet forgotten her hatred of the Trojan race,
rred to Æneas. War with the Latins As Iulus and some companions had unfortunately wounded the pet stag of Silvia, dau
’s tr.). The Story of Camilla When but a babe in arms, Camilla had been carried off by her father, as he fled before
troops he supplied. Nisus and Euryalus Juno, still implacable, had in the meantime sent Iris to apprise Turnus of Æn
ereids rise.” Virgil. Meanwhile, Venus, who befriended the Trojans, had sought Vulcan’s detested abode, and had prevailed
, who befriended the Trojans, had sought Vulcan’s detested abode, and had prevailed upon him to forge a suit of beautiful a
d to allow Turnus to encounter such a formidable antagonist as Æneas, had determined to lure her favourite away from the fi
k to the scene of conflict. During Turnus’ involuntary absence, Æneas had ranged all over the battlefield in search of him,
ence, Æneas had ranged all over the battlefield in search of him, and had encountered and slain many warriors, among others
hers Lausus and his aged father Mezentius, two allies of Latinus, who had specially distinguished themselves by their great
e on the battlefield, finally encountered the long-sought Turnus, who had made his way back, and was now driving about in h
rded by his sister Juturna, who, the better to watch over his safety, had taken the place of his chariot driver. The two he
and which became for a time the capital of Latium. Æneas, as the gods had predicted, became the father of a son named Æneas
tion advanced. Cultured man recoiled from much of the grossness which had appeared quite natural to his ancestors in a sava
continued. Now, either because she perceived that the transformation had attracted attention, or to satisfy the childish i
and in Italian (ponte) would justify the conclusion that these terms had their origin in a common language, and that the p
mentators.” According to the philologists, therefore, these thoughts had already assumed a definite form in the remote epo
way with the original meaning of a word; and it is because “the Greek had forgotten that Zeus (Jupiter) meant ‘the bright s
n (Europa). Apollo, whose name of Helios is pure Greek for “the sun,” had therefore not lost all physical significance for
wife he loved so dearly.” His death in the forest, when his strength had all forsaken him, and his severed head floated do
is night.” These expressions remained long after their real meaning had ceased to be understood; and, as the human mind i
n’s heat, becoming too intense, burns up the fruit his fostering rays had produced, and men exclaimed, “Tantalus is slaying
Sphinx, whose very name means “one who binds fast,” — a creature who had imprisoned the rain in the clouds, and thus cause
den” Cora (or Proserpina), whose loss she grievously mourned; for she had been carried away by Pluto to the underworld, whe
and when summer faded into winter, they said that the beautiful child had been stolen away from her mother by dark beings,
de his pilgrimage back to the far east, another. As the ancient Aryan had the same word to denote cloud and mountain (“for
celestial drill which churns fire out of the clouds”); but the Greeks had so entirely forgotten this etymological meaning,
rimitive meaning to a great extent, “she continued to the end, as she had been from the beginning, the household altar, the
awn. With a low, mocking chuckle at the recollection of the pranks he had played, he sank finally into rest. His name, deri
ople north of Oceanus, a virtuous race, 4 Hy-pe′ri-on. The Titan who had charge of the sun chariot, 6, 8, 10 Hyp-erm-nes′
4 (1883) A Hand-Book of Mythology for the Use of Schools and Academies
which they saw in the world around them, they fancied that everything had the same kind of life which they had themselves.
em, they fancied that everything had the same kind of life which they had themselves. In this way they came to think that t
n the sun set, they said that the dawn with its soft and tender light had come to soothe her son, or her husband, in his dy
nd when, at last, the rain burst forth, they said that the bright sun had slain his enemy, and brought a stream of life for
ey scattered, and it came to pass that they kept the names which they had given to the sun, the clouds, and all other thing
the sun, the clouds, and all other things when their original meaning had been quite forgotten. Thus, mythology, as we call
. But the Greek, in whose language these physical meanings were lost, had long before the Homeric epoch come to regard Zeus
ivided into two sexes, — namely, gods and goddesses. They married and had children, just as mortals do. To make the resembl
elestials to the earth, and to receive them on their return. The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned,
ved them. The Romans, before they knew the Greek poetry, seem to have had no definite imagination of such an assembly of go
y readily adopted, selecting and appropriating those divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own; and thus they
the west. In later times poets invented the fiction that when Helios had finished his daily course, a winged boat, or cup,
en Helios had finished his daily course, a winged boat, or cup, which had been made for him by Hephæstus* (Vulcan), conveye
he day are called horse or hours. Helios and the ocean-nymph Clymene* had a son named Phaethon*. The claims of this youth t
e world was set on fire, and a total conflagration would have ensued, had not Zeus, at the prayer of Earth, launched his th
t of eternal youth. When Tithonus grew old, and lost the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos became disgusted with his
sing for her darling son, and her tears fall to the earth as dew. Eos had her own chariot, which she drove across the vast
eeks explained the death of u youth by saying that Eos loved him, and had carried him into immortal life. The views and fab
pposed that magicians and enchanters, particularly those of Thessaly, had an uncontrollable power over the moon, and that t
tual. It was said that Selene was enamored of Endymion*, on whom Zeus had bestowed the gift of perpetual youth, but united
tting sun was now told of a name which, in order to have any meaning, had to be changed into a god or a hero. The setting s
hres, the point where two roads cross, and lonely spots where murders had been committed. She was supposed to be connected
onos to drink a potion, which caused him to give back the children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus
aused him to give back the children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus was placed at Delphi, where it
where he was joined by Oceanus, Themis, Mnemosyne, and Hyperion, who had forsaken Chronos on account of his oppressions. C
p extended throughout the whole of Greece, though some of his shrines had a special importance. The most ancient of them wa
g that she should beget a son, who would deprive him of the empire it had cost him so much to attain. Soon after this, feel
Tyndareus*, and Pollux as immortal, and the son of Zeus. After Castor had fallen in the contest with the sons of Aphareus*,
s in the train of Artemis, devoted to the pleasures of the chase, who had made a vow never to marry, but Zeus, under the fo
s to all. At Argos*, there was an ancient wooden statue of Zeus which had a third eye in its forehead. The three eyes were
ealous in the highest degree, and, to stop her complaints, Zeus often had recourse to violence. He punished her cruelties t
the lord of light. In addition to his residence on Olympus, Poseidon had a splendid palace beneath the sea at Ægæ*, in Eub
ied by terrible marine monsters, which devoured those whom the floods had spared. It is probable that these sea-monsters ar
ted to scale heaven by piling mighty mountains one upon another. They had succeeded in placing Mount Ossa* on Pelion*, when
ws. Arion* was a horse, the offspring of Poseidon and Demeter*, which had the power of speech, the feet on the right side l
Poseidon. They both claimed the right to name the city which Cecrops* had built. The dispute was settled by an assembly of
ed the unseen world beneath the earth. When it was said that the dead had gone to Hades, all that was literally meant was t
he dead had gone to Hades, all that was literally meant was that they had gone to the unseen place. The Greek name Pluton,
ething mysterious and grim. He can, in fact, scarcely be said to have had a place in the public worship of the Greeks.” S
o exist, his spirit tenanted the shadowy outline of the human form it had quitted. These shades, as they were called, were
ed their time in brooding over the vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on earth, or in regretting the lost p
ey had experienced on earth, or in regretting the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life, but all in a state of semi-consc
The narcissus, maiden-hair fern, and cypress were sacred to Aides. He had temples erected to his honor at Olympia, Athens,
om dives, rich) and Orcus, from the dominions over which he ruled. He had no temple in Rome, but, in common with Proserpina
ruled. He had no temple in Rome, but, in common with Proserpina*, he had a subterranean altar in the Campus Martius, which
luto, also Tartarus*, a place of imprisonment. The souls of those who had lived a virtuous life were sent to the Elysian Fi
ld of Asphodel* was a place where spirits waited for those whose fate had not been decided. In the dominions of Aides were
e ferryman, a grim, unshaven old man. He took only those whose bodies had received funereal4 rites on earth, and who had br
nly those whose bodies had received funereal4 rites on earth, and who had brought with them the indispensable toll, which w
ades as the earth is distant from the skies. The waters of the Lethe* had the power of producing utter forgetfulness of for
f the transmigration of souls, it was supposed that, after the shades had inhabited Elysium* for a thousand years, they wer
, Phlegyas*, Ixion*, and the Danaides*. The punishment of Tityus, who had offered violence to Leto*, consisted in having an
ing an enormous vulture prey without ceasing upon his liver, Tantalus had been deemed worthy to hold intercourse with the g
n ever-revolving wheel. The Danaides, who, at their father’s command, had slain their husbands on their wedding-night, were
recise torture which the wicked should undergo for their crimes. They had sanctuaries in many parts of Greece. The sacrific
s of the wicked, and to torment the consciences of those whose crimes had not been made public. “Erinnys appears in Sanskr
o chastise and torment those shades who, during their earthly career, had committed crimes, and had not been reconciled to
se shades who, during their earthly career, had committed crimes, and had not been reconciled to the gods before descending
who relentlessly pursued and punished murderers, perjurers, those who had failed m duty to their parents, in hospitality to
elphi, and then defended him before the court of the Areopagus, which had been founded by Athene. Orestes was here acquitte
ne should be erected to them on the hill of the Areopagus. After they had taken possession of this sanctuary, they were ven
honey and water called Nephalia*. Besides the shrine in Athens, they had another near the city, a sacred grove in Colonus*
maiden. All this occurred with the knowledge of her father, Zeus, who had , unknown to Demeter, promised Persephone to Pluto
n Demeter missed her darling child, and none could tell her where she had gone, she kindled torches, and during many days a
d or sleep. At length, Helios, who sees everything, told Demeter what had happened, not disguising, however, that it had oc
ing, told Demeter what had happened, not disguising, however, that it had occurred with the consent of Zeus. Full of wrath
Ascalaphus* reported this, and, as it was a rule that if any immortal had tasted food in the realms of Pluto he must remain
ions of darkness and death. This legend grew out of the phrases which had at first described the change of summer and winte
eleus and commanded him to build a temple for her in Eleusis. When it had been hastily completed, with the assistance of th
o a brighter and better life, on the condition, of course, that a man had fully pleased the gods, and rendered himself wort
he sold all his substance, and finally his only daughter. As Poseidon had bestowed on this maiden the power of changing her
was said to have been produced from the head of Zeus, which Hephæstus had been ordered to cleave open. The goddess of war,
given to both Selene and Athene. The sacred olive-tree, which Athene had caused to grow at the time of her contest with Po
a, and established the general worship at Athens. The Athenæa*, which had been instituted by Erechthonius* (a serpent-legge
tica assembled at Athens, bringing sacrifices consisting of oxen that had never been under the yoke, rams, cows, and lambs.
the sacred peplos, upon which young daughters of the noblest families had embroidered in gold the triumphs of Athene. It wa
tant occasions of domestic life. No offering was made in which Hestia had not her share. Each town had its Prytaneum* (publ
fe. No offering was made in which Hestia had not her share. Each town had its Prytaneum* (public hall), where the prytanes*
blic spectacles. If they met a criminal on his way to execution, they had the power to pardon him, provided it could be pro
ed as fully clothed, which may account for the fact that the ancients had so few statues of the goddess. The best example w
the form of lightning. He was worshiped by the Greeks as the god who had mastered the mighty element and compelled it to d
od gave place to the popular image of the smith-god, or Mulciber, who had his forges in Ætna, or on the Lipari Isles. The c
te sinner, and who acted as the protector of those who, like Orestes, had committed a crime which required long years of ex
ved the boon, she refused to comply with the conditions upon which it had been granted. Unable to recall his gift, he rende
rite bird, the raven, flew to him with the intelligence that his wife had transferred her affections to another. Apollo ins
hunderbolts. Apollo was so exasperated that he killed the Cyclops who had forged it. For this offence he was banished from
them. Marsyas* was a satyr*, who, having found the flute which Athene had thrown away in disgust, discovered that, having t
anged him into a river, which is still known by his name. King Midas* had the bad taste to declare his preference for the m
lare his preference for the music of Pan, in a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caused his ears t
he departure of the Greeks for Troy. The Scythians in Tauris likewise had a goddess whom they propitiated with human sacrif
f seven sons and seven daughters, proudly set herself above Leto, who had but two children. The goddess complained to Apoll
. Wishing to prove the truth of the assertion made by Apollo, that it had the power of uniting all beings divided by hate,
hen Zeus appeared to her in all the splendor of his divine glory Hera had visited Semele in the form of her nurse (Beroe*),
glory Hera had visited Semele in the form of her nurse (Beroe*), and had persuaded her to request Zeus to appear to her in
uest Zeus to appear to her in the full majesty of his divine form. He had sworn by the Styx to grant whatever she desired,
other of the king, and her sisters, inspired with Bacchanalian* fury, had repaired to Mount Cithæron in order to join the w
ne-god. Pentheus resolved to see for himself the excesses of which he had heard such terrible reports, and he concealed him
ir ship, in the hope of obtaining a large ransom. No sooner, however, had they left the shore, than the cords with which th
*, daughter of Minos*, king of Crete, on the isle of Naxos, where she had been abandoned by Theseus*, and she became his wi
e had been abandoned by Theseus*, and she became his wife. The Romans had a divinity called Liber*, who presided over veget
Romans, but they honored in her the unfading vigor of the State. She had a separate chapel in the temple of Jupiter Capito
Zeus, and installed as cup-bearer to the gods. It was said that Zeus had observed him drawing water from a well on Mount I
ater from a well on Mount Ida, and, struck with his wonderful beauty, had sent his eagle to transport him to Olympus. Mo
t upon the man made by Prometheus was, that the new being should have had a window in his breast, that his thoughts might b
Man of the Sea.” His office was to tend the seals, or sea calves. He had the power of foretelling future events, and could
o have been originally a fisherman. One day, he saw the fish which he had caught and thrown on the grass bite it, and insta
rural divinities. He was the son of Hermes and an Arcadian nymph. He had horns sprouting from his forehead, beard and feet
reature, and they bestowed upon him the name of Pan (all), because he had delighted them all. Pan was regarded as the prote
Syrinx, and that she was changed into a reed.” Müller . The Romans had an old Italian deity called Faunus*, who, as the
ygian shepherds once found Silenus when in a state of intoxication he had strayed from his companions. They took him to Mid
nd Romans. Temples. In very early times the Greeks and Romans had no shrines nor sanctuaries devoted to public wors
iption were considered sacred to certain deities, so almost every god had a form of building peculiar to himself, which was
temple stood a vessel of stone or brass containing holy water (which had been consecrated by putting into it a burning tor
near unto the altar of the Lord thy God.” Statues. The Greeks had no representations of their gods until the time o
ifts, and offerings would be most acceptable to the gods. Every deity had a different order of priests consecrated to his w
way through the ground in the early spring after the frost of winter had disappeared, and so they naturally concluded that
ough warned by Prometheus to beware of Zeus and his gifts. Epimetheus had in his house a jar in which were kept all kinds o
with her a box containing her marriage presents, into which each god had put some blessing. She opened the box incautiousl
which always grew again during the night. After thirteen generations had passed away, Heracles was permitted to kill the e
in all religious matters, and the doctrine they taught was, that man had been created by the gods, and that there had been
hey taught was, that man had been created by the gods, and that there had been successive ages which were called Golden, Si
g childless, adopted and named it Œdipus* (swollen-foot). When Œdipus had grown to manhood, a Corinthian noble taunted him
rrival at Thebes he found the people afflicted by the Sphinx,13 which had been sent by Hera to torment them. This monster h
e Sphinx,13 which had been sent by Hera to torment them. This monster had the face of a woman, the body of a lion, and the
to answer was hurled into the abyss. Creon, brother-in-law of Laius, had seized the government of Thebes, and when his son
thou art wedded to his widow, thine own mother.” The old servant who had exposed the infant on Mount Cithæron, and the she
nt who had exposed the infant on Mount Cithæron, and the shepherd who had carried him to the king of Corinth, identified hi
sister to Adrastus. On the occasion of the marriage of Amphiaraus, it had been agreed, that if he ever differed in opinion
fe should decide the question. Polynices offered her the collar which had been presented to Harmonia, if she would induce h
on and Parthenopæus fell under the swords of the enemy; Capaneus, who had mounted the walls, was killed by a flash of light
ve sepulture to his remains, and Creon buried her alive. His son, who had been betrothed to Antigone, in despair threw hims
soil deposited by the stream at its mouth. Unfortunately, Callirrhoe had heard of the robe and collar of Harmonia, and she
ossess them. Alcmæon returned to Arcadia, and telling Phegeus that he had suffered from another attack of insanity, and tha
he had suffered from another attack of insanity, and that the oracle had informed him that his malady would be cured only
dusa*, if he desired it. The king accepted the proposal which Perseus had made rashly, and the latter was filled with terro
e Grææ*, sisters of the Gorgons, who were gray from their births, and had but one eye and one tooth, which they shared in c
re the only ones who could direct him to the abode of the Nymphs, who had charge of the winged shoes, the magic wallet, and
er. Atlas refused the hospitality which the hero demanded, because it had been predicted that his orchard, in which the tre
to her parents. Cassiopea*, mother of Andromeda and wife of Cepheus*, had dared to compare her own beauty with that of the
in marriage. Phineus*, however, brother of Cepheus, to whom Andromeda had been betrothed, appeared at the wedding-feast, ac
ed by his bride, returned to Seriphos, where he found that Polydectes had been treating Danae with great cruelty. He procee
ey were taken to the Nymphs. He gave the Gorgon’s head to Athene, who had it placed in the middle of her shield. He then se
diction. Feeling unwilling to occupy the throne of one whose death he had caused, he exchanged kingdoms with the king of Ti
ting him to death. Iobates, however, did not read the letter until he had hospitably received Bellerophon, after which he,
ites of hospitality. Nevertheless, he concluded that Prœtus must have had good reasons for his conduct, and that probably B
have had good reasons for his conduct, and that probably Bellerophon had been guilty of a crime which deserved death, so h
Chimæra, a monster which was at that time devastating the country. It had the head of a lion, the body of a goat, the tail
olate places. After death he was honored at Corinth as a hero, and he had a shrine in the grove of Poseidon*. “There was a
editating upon what use to make of the wonderful powers with which he had been endowed by the gods. Two female figures appe
her Iphicles. When he regained his reason he was horrified at what he had done, and went to Thestius* to be purified. He th
n one day the stables of Augeas, king of Elis, whose wealth in cattle had become proverbial. Heracles presented himself bef
ls, and thus carried off the filth. When Augeas learned that Heracles had undertaken the labor at the command of Eurystheus
sts. 9. The Girdle of Hippolyte*. — Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, had received from Ares a beautiful girdle, which she
venture with Hesione*, daughter of Laomedon*, king of Troy. This king had refused Poseidon and Apollo the rewards he had pr
ing of Troy. This king had refused Poseidon and Apollo the rewards he had promised them for their assistance in building th
g consulted, declared that the plague would never cease till Laomedon had given his daughter, Hesione, to be devoured by th
en his daughter, Hesione, to be devoured by the monster. The princess had just been chained to a rock when Heracles arrived
destroy the monster if Laomedon would give him the horses which Tros had received from Zeus as a compensation for the loss
as to capture the cattle belonging to the giant Geryon*. This monster had three bodies united at the waist, three heads, si
heroes Theseus* and Pirithous seated on an enchanted rock, where they had been placed by Aides as a punishment for attempti
ng chained him, he conducted him to the upper world. After Eurystheus had seen Cerberus, Heracles returned him to his place
n marriage to Iolaus. He then proceeded to the court of Eurytus*, who had promised his daughter, Iole*, in marriage to the
was explained by the story that Iphitus was a friend of Heracles, and had advocated his cause with Eurytus, and that Heracl
Heracles, and had advocated his cause with Eurytus, and that Heracles had been suddenly seized with insanity. Heracles soug
onted by the angry deity Apollo. A violent struggle would have ensued had not Zeus interfered by separating them with his l
rm by which she could always retain the love of her husband. Heracles had long meditated vengeance on Eurytus, who had refu
of her husband. Heracles had long meditated vengeance on Eurytus, who had refused to give him his daughter, Iole, after he
on Eurytus, who had refused to give him his daughter, Iole, after he had won her by shooting with the bow. He now marched
ed, mounted it, and implored the bystanders to set fire to it. No one had the courage to obey him until Pœas*, the father o
of strength, and was especially honored as patron of the gymnasia. He had temples and festivals in various parts of Greece.
plicated of all the Greek myths. It sprung from the old phrases which had spoken of the sun as toiling for so poor and weak
nking finally to his rest after a fierce battle with the clouds which had hindered his journey. “Darkness of night is meant
hat, if her child should be a son, not to send him to Athens until he had become strong enough to raise the stone, and then
ssus* he met the giant Damastes*, called Procrustes* (Stretcher), who had two iron beds, one being long and the other short
nger awaited the hero. The sons of Pallas*, the brother of Ægeus, who had flattered themselves with the hope of succeeding
the island of Naxos, where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, because Athene had appeared to him in a dream and warned him that Ar
awaiting his son’s return, saw the black sails, and, thinking his son had perished, he threw himself into the sea and was d
is memory. Calydonian Hunt. Œneus*, king of Calydon, in Ætolia, had incurred the displeasure of Artemis by inadverten
ed the hunters, also the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta*. After Œneus had entertained his guests for nine days, the hunt be
the monster, and presented the head and hide to Atalanta, because she had been the first to wound the boar. The uncles of M
f her brothers, her grief and anger knew no bounds. The Mœræ* (Fates) had appeared to Althea soon after the birth of Meleag
natched it from the flames and carefully treasured it. After Meleager had slain her brothers, she threw the fatal brand int
her hasty deed, put an end to her own life. Atalanta. Atalanta had been told by the oracle to avoid marriage, as it
withstanding this hard condition, some would try, and numerous youths had paid the penalty of their rashness, when Hippomen
us, and Pelias, happening to see him, shuddered when he saw the youth had but one sandal, because he had been warned by the
e him, shuddered when he saw the youth had but one sandal, because he had been warned by the oracle to beware of the one-sa
dren of their danger, and, placing them on a golden-fleeced ram which had been given her by Hermes, and which, like the cel
hryxus arrived safely in Colchis. He sacrificed to Zeus the ram which had borne him thither, and suspended the skin or gold
the European coast, where the prophet Phineus* reigned, whom the gods had punished with blindness. To complete his misery,
overcome the dangers awaiting them. They once more set sail, but they had not proceeded far on their course, when they hear
et and separated, crushing everything that came between them. Phineus had told the heroes to let loose a dove, and if it ve
e perilous passage in safety. The rocks then became immovable, for it had been decreed they should if any vessel passed thr
, the gods of the country, and the shades of those of the heroes that had died on the voyage. It was decided that Jason, wi
rness to a plough two brazen-footed, fire-breathing bulls which Æetes had received from Hephæstus, and with them to till an
in it the teeth of the serpent killed by Cadmus, some of which Athene had given to Æetes; and, finally, to overcome the arm
met there by Medea*, daughter of Æetes, and a great enchantress, who had fallen in love with him the instant she beheld hi
e. The bulls rushed upon him, but the powerful charm with which Medea had armed him suddenly made them tame and obedient. W
membering the instructions of Medea, hurled amidst them the stone she had given him, and they immediately attacked each oth
lain bodies. Æetes not only refused to give Jason the Fleece which he had so bravely earned, but he determined to destroy a
the fugitives, but Medea slew her young brother, Absyrtus*, whom she had taken with her, and scattered his limbs in the se
were assailed by a storm, and a voice was heard from the plank which had been taken from the speaking oak of Dodona, “You
t she severely reprimanded them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty. The Argo at length arrived safely at
who was a descendant of Zeus and Electra, one of the Pleiades*. Tros had three sons, Ilus*, Assaracus*, and Ganymedes. The
e mountain, to perish. This was accordingly done; but the servant who had left him, found five days later that a bear had t
; but the servant who had left him, found five days later that a bear had taken care of the infant. Surprised at the incide
me of Alexander (man-aider). He married the nymph Œnone*,14 whom Rhea had taught prophecy. It was about this time that Pari
yed all the privileges of a prince of Troy. Hesione, sister of Priam, had been carried away captive by Heracles, and given
amon*. Although she lived happily with her husband, her brother Priam had never ceased to regret her loss, and it was now p
ous foreign expedition of uncertain duration. Hearing that Palamedes* had come to summon him to the field, he pretended to
t in the right heel, by which she held him. Calchas*, the soothsayer, had declared that Troy could not be taken without the
ed before the queen and her maidens various ornaments, among which he had placed some arms. By the order of Ulysses, a trum
for a fair wind. Just as the expedition was about to start, Agamemnon had the misfortune to kill a hind sacred to Artemis,
oke out between Achilles and Agamemnon respecting a female slave that had been taken captive. Achilles, in his wrath, retir
dered the corpse, and the Trojans celebrated the obsequies of him who had been the hope and stay of Troy. Penthesilea*.
um. The arrows of Heracles were in the possession of Philoctetes, who had remained on the island of Lemnos, his wound still
himself in single combat with Eurypylus*, a grandson of Heracles, who had come to aid the Trojans. The third and most diffi
wooden horse, which they examined with curiosity. The crafty Odysseus had left his trusty friend Sinon* with full instructi
, alleging that the Greeks, in obedience to the command of an oracle, had attempted to immolate him as a sacrifice, but tha
an oracle, had attempted to immolate him as a sacrifice, but that he had contrived to escape, and now sought protection fr
of her sacred image, the Palladium, from her temple in Troy, that she had refused all further aid to the Greeks until it wa
id to the Greeks until it was restored to its place; hence the Greeks had returned home in order to seek fresh instructions
rned home in order to seek fresh instructions from an oracle. Calchas had advised building this gigantic horse as a tribute
mph into the heart of the city. The Trojans, believing that the siege had been abandoned, and that they now had a sacred ob
ojans, believing that the siege had been abandoned, and that they now had a sacred object in the place of the Palladium, ab
he inhabitants of the country, though even in Roman times learned men had begun to declare that “Old Troy” must have had an
oman times learned men had begun to declare that “Old Troy” must have had another site. Now, when the very existence of Hom
t have had another site. Now, when the very existence of Homer’s Troy had been declared a fable, the palace and the traces
. In consequence of the acts of desecration and cruelty of which they had been guilty during the destruction of Troy, the w
im of his impending fate. During his absence, his wife, Clytemnæstra, had married Ægisthus*. She received Agamemnon with ev
s of wanderings, they finally reached their home. Ajax, the Locrian*, had offended Pallas Athene by desecrating her temple
name means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that was placed in the middle of
xt morning two more of the Greeks were despatched as their companions had been the night before. Polyphemus then moved away
and his companions thrust into the fire the end of a stake which they had already sharpened. When it was red hot, they thru
ength. The sheep were very large, and Odysseus, with bands of willow, had linked them together three abreast, and under eac
ow, had linked them together three abreast, and under each centre one had secured one of his companions, Odysseus himself b
truction. Odysseus next arrived at the island of Æolus*, to whom Zeus had intrusted the command of the winds. He treated th
gave Odysseus a leather bag tied with a silver string, into which he had placed all the contrary winds, and then, having c
ountry. Nine days they sailed before the wind, all that time Odysseus had stood at the helm without sleep. At last, quite e
, quite exhausted, he lay down to sleep. His comrades, thinking Æolus had given hira a treasure in the bag which he so sedu
of the strangers, were tame and harmless as lambs. All these animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s en
tame and harmless as lambs. All these animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s enchantments into the for
gladly entered except Eurylochus, who suspected danger. The sorceress had her guests served with wine and delicacies. When
e sorceress had her guests served with wine and delicacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one wit
efore. When Odysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had befallen his companions, he resolved to make an e
palace was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had his companions, and then touched him with her wan
nhabited by the shades of the dead, Odysseus obeyed the directions he had received. Favored by gentle breezes they soon rea
seus brandished his sword and allowed none to approach until Tiresias had appeared. The great prophet, after drinking of th
ch. Among them he recognized his mother. From her he learned that she had died of grief at her son’s protracted absence, an
beautiful maiden, and was changed into a snaky monster by Circe. She had six heads, each of which took a man out of every
which took a man out of every ship that passed. It was said Charybdis had been an avaricious woman, and was changed into a
a (Sicily), where the sun-god pastured his flocks and herds. Odysseus had been warned by both Tiresias and Circe to avoid t
n of them to the offended powers. Odysseus was horrified at what they had done, especially on account of the portentous sig
rosperous for many days; but Poseidon, still enraged at the hero, who had blinded and insulted his son, caused a tempest to
the beautiful daughter of the king, Alcinous*, and his queen, Arete*, had come down to the shore, accompanied by her maiden
h the linen which was to form part of her marriage portion. When they had finished their task, they bathed and sat down to
without disturbing him, and left him with the treasure King Alcinous had bestowed upon him. It was now twenty years that O
Alcinous had bestowed upon him. It was now twenty years that Odysseus had been away from Ithaca, and when he awoke he did n
airs at his palace. Many nobles of Ithaca and the neighboring islands had for years harassed Penelope with their solicitati
as they believed Odysseus to be dead. In order to gain time, Penelope had promised to make a choice among them as soon as s
ime, Penelope had promised to make a choice among them as soon as she had finished weaving a burial-robe for the aged Laert
-robe for the aged Laertes; but by secretly undoing at night what she had done in the day, she prevented the completion of
n the day, she prevented the completion of the work. One of her maids had betrayed her, and the suitors were now more clamo
who accompanied him under the form of a man named Mentor, Telemachus had gone to the courts of the other kings who had ret
amed Mentor, Telemachus had gone to the courts of the other kings who had returned from the Trojan expedition, hoping to ga
t Odysseus announced himself as his father, and explained that Athene had changed his appearance.                         
he came. He gave her a fictitious account of himself, but told her he had seen Odysseus, who would certainly arrive before
ld nurse, was bathing his feet, her eye fell on a scar which Odysseus had received in his youth, and instantly recognizing
next day Penelope brought into the hall the bow of Odysseus, which he had used in former times, and declared that she would
end this bow and send an arrow through twelve rings (a feat which she had seen Odysseus perform.) All the suitors tried the
et, looked around for arms, but, in obedience to Odysseus, Telemachus had removed them. He, with his father and Eumæus, sle
mmanded that his own bed should be brought from his chamber. This bed had been made by Odysseus himself from an ohve-tree,
an ohve-tree, which was still rooted in the ground, and around it he had built the walls of the chamber. Knowing, therefor
f the Greeks, especially of Odysseus, or Ulysses, and his companions, had their origin in phrases which described the gener
s his ray through the cloud-rift, and scatters the heavy vapors which had gathered round the dawn-hght. “‘Penelope’ is the
neas recollected that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom Priam had sent to be brought up in Thrace, away from the ho
king to whom he was sent murdered him, and seized the treasures which had been sent with him. Æneas and his companions hast
city, but a pestilence broke out among them, and the fields that they had planted yielded no crops, Æneas was warned in a d
alled Hesperia, whence Dardanus, the true founder of the Trojan race, had originally migrated. The Trojans sailed without d
tle, some of which they slew, and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves at the table, than the Har
Helenus*, one of the sons of Priam, was reigning in that country. He had married Andromache*, widow of Hector. Helenus and
he Cyclopes dwelt. Here, meeting one of the companions of Ulysses who had been left behind, and had since lived in constant
eeting one of the companions of Ulysses who had been left behind, and had since lived in constant dread of the Cyclopes, th
e tears and reproaches of the queen. When Dido found that the Trojans had really departed, she ascended a funeral pyre whic
he Trojans had really departed, she ascended a funeral pyre which she had previously had constructed, and slew herself with
really departed, she ascended a funeral pyre which she had previously had constructed, and slew herself with the sword Ænea
had previously had constructed, and slew herself with the sword Æneas had left behind him. Æneas returned to Sicily, where
Sicily, where he celebrated funeral games in honor of his father, who had been dead exactly a year. He left with Acestes*,
at Cumæ, in Italy. This was the abode of a famous Sibyl, whom Helenus had directed Æneas to consult. She foretold labors an
ber. Latinus*, third in descent from Saturn, governed the country. He had a daughter named Lavinia, whose hand had been pro
rn, governed the country. He had a daughter named Lavinia, whose hand had been promised to Turnus*, prince of the Rutulians
there is no doubt that, like the Greek myths, those of the Egyptians had their foundation in phrases which described the s
s of mythology grew up quite independently of each other. After Egypt had been thrown open to Greek commerce, the Greeks we
the west, even the general idea of time and space. Each month and day had its own god. The Nile, as the source of the count
ach of these gods, as well as the many others connected with the sun, had his own specific character. This complex sun-god
people — was made up of forms and forces of Nature. Each town or city had its especially-honored triad of deities to whom i
e could subdue only by charms and exorcisms. The Assyrians apparently had no set religious festivals. When a feast was to b
re established by the early Aryans. I. The Brahmins*, or priests, who had the right of interpreting the sacred books, and p
eastern peninsula. Afterwards, a long-continued persecution in India had the effect of entirely abolishing it in the count
a had the effect of entirely abolishing it in the country in which it had originated, and of spreading it in the adjacent c
l systems of the tribes of Northern Europe, like those of the Greeks, had their germ in phrases which described the sights
ed a fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source they froze into ice,
emory), who flew every day over the whole world and reported all they had seen and heard. At his feet lay two wolves, Geri*
im both food and drink. None were admitted to Valhalla but heroes who had fallen in battle. Women, children, and all who ha
lla but heroes who had fallen in battle. Women, children, and all who had died a peaceful death were excluded. The joys of
ful of all the dwellers in Valhalla; but, although all the other gods had sworn not to hurt him, no oath had been taken fro
; but, although all the other gods had sworn not to hurt him, no oath had been taken from Loki, who destroyed him with the
mplexion, and were never seen except at night, because the sun’s rays had the power to change them into stones. They dwelt
achery, Brynhild urged Gunnar to slay Sigurd, but he and his brothers had sworn not to injure the hero. They therefore indu
what the sea yields; and it seems they were poetic men these, men who had deep thoughts in them and uttered musically their
ghts in them and uttered musically their thoughts. Much would be lost had Iceland not been burst up from the sea, not been
ife of everything,” or “the source of all beings.” This name probably had affinity with the Phœnician Baal. The Druids as w
ling of the sacred fire, from which the fires in the district — which had all been extinguished — might be relighted. This
the preaching of St. Columba, a native of Ireland, where Christianity had been established for nearly a century. America
long, even so that he came up utterly exhausted, but reported that he had not reached bottom. Then the hare sent down the o
the disappointment of the company on the raft, for what better divers had they than the beaver and the otter? “In the midst
, which became branches. It was said that he married the muskrat that had been of such service to him, and they were the an
d Ioskeha of this, and he set out for his brother’s country, for they had divided the earth between them. He soon came to t
has risen.” Brinton . “Neither the redskin nor the Indo-European had any choice as to the main features of the career
. Read “The Finding of the Lyre.” —  Lowell. 13. The Egyptian Sphinx had the head of a man, the body of a lion, and had no
3. The Egyptian Sphinx had the head of a man, the body of a lion, and had no wings. 14. Read Tennyson’s “Œnone.” 15. On t
5 (1833) Classic tales : designed for the instruction and amusement of young persons
is forgotten, a very long time ago, reigned a good king and queen who had three daughters. The elder two were pretty, but n
e daughters. The elder two were pretty, but not amiable, so that they had an ill-natured look, and their friends on that ac
d, and she shall dislike him, and he shall make her miserable.” Venus had a son called Cupid. He was the god who made young
while to look upon Psyche, who appeared to him the loveliest being he had ever beheld; and at last, when he once more winge
I will go, and trust the gods that they will take care of me.” Psyche had a good conscience, she knew she had been good, an
hey will take care of me.” Psyche had a good conscience, she knew she had been good, and she hoped no misfortune would happ
ly down under some flowering myrtle trees in the garden whither Cupid had directed them. When Psyche opened her eyes, she p
her sisters, without appearing very unkind; but he was sorry that she had made the request, because he knew that the prince
that belonged to it. This abode was more elegant than any place they had ever seen, and they were so mean as to envy their
his features. If be should be found to be a very shocking object, you had best kill him. I will give you a dagger. When you
ormed object you suppose him to be, you will know what to do.” Psyche had the weakness to listen to this foolish and wicked
his foolish and wicked counsel. The very next night after her sisters had left her, when Psyche presumed that her husband w
asleep, she arose, and went into the next room for a lamp, which she had purposely placed there. With the lamp in her hand
her son, after his return from earth, she perceived that an accident had happened to him, and she inquired why his fair sh
y, who does the messages of all the gods, and telling him that Psyche had been insolently compared with her, and moreover a
her where the audacious mortal could be found. Poor Psyche, when she had quite come to herself, and felt the warm sun, and
syche, when she had quite come to herself, and felt the warm sun, and had drunk a draught of milk, which a young girl that
syche saw on a hill was dedicated to Ceres, a benevolent goddess, who had first taught these people to divide their fields,
ople to divide their fields, to sow seeds, and to reap the wheat. She had invented and given to them the plough and the sic
at. She had invented and given to them the plough and the sickle, and had improved their manners by teaching them to respec
r manners by teaching them to respect one another’s property; and she had made them comfortable by giving them bread, and k
ffering her rams and wheat sheaves in their sacrifices to her. Psyche had heard of all the goodness of this compassionate g
her. Venus instantly appeared, and Psyche protested to her, that she had never designed to offend her. She had, it was tru
yche protested to her, that she had never designed to offend her. She had , it was true, for a moment, harboured the thought
oured the thought of murdering her unknown husband: she confessed she had been guilty of that unworthy design — she could n
e gods, it might have been Mercury, or Iris, whispered her that Cupid had fallen into a swoon, and she instantly withdrew t
Venus left Psyche to her impracticable labour. As Psyche, when Venus had left her alone, stood looking at the enormous tas
appointed, came to the granary, and perceived that the work which she had allotted to Psyche was accomplished, she immediat
, and with fear and trembling proceeded to the fountain; but scarcely had she come in sight of it, when an eagle darted dow
nd she might have presented the cosmetic to Venus without difficulty, had not Psyche committed a slight fault. As she was r
urning to earth, thinking of all the strange and wonderful things she had seen, she imagined the box that Proserpine had gi
d wonderful things she had seen, she imagined the box that Proserpine had given her to renew the faded bloom of Venus, must
e faded bloom of Venus, must contain some curious substance which she had never seen; she longed to look at it, and to refr
eir union. Jupiter received Cupid with a gracious smile, and after he had heard his petition, made some good natured object
d declared that Psyche was worthy of a place among the immortals. She had been tried by many sorrows and much persecution,
had been tried by many sorrows and much persecution, and now that she had repented of her faults, and been punished for the
ll the gods and goddesses. He next informed all the gods that his son had declared that he could not enjoy heaven itself if
on one day read die story of Cupid and Psyche to her mother. When she had finished reading, they conversed together concern
her false gods and goddesses? Mother. They did not know better. They had not been told, like the Hebrews, that there was o
ages of wood and stone? Mother. Most likely those gods and goddesses had been men and women, who were very useful and some
sland of Sicily. It is a beautiful country. Once the people of Sicily had nothing but chestnuts and acorns to eat; but Cere
ightful plain of Enna, which was covered with fragrant flowers. Ceres had a beautiful daughter, whom she loved excessively;
, as if she would force her away while the damsels, their companions, had ran away, and hidden themselves. “Stay, oh stay,
rsuasive voice, as he came near, and seized the hand which Proserpine had raised to her eyes, to shade them from the lustre
in Enna a fountain, whose waters made a mournful murmuring, where she had never seen water before, and the veil of Proserpi
eil of Proserpine lay beside it; this was all she could learn of what had happened. Night came, and no Proserpine returned;
d destruction, but mine is to bestow comfort and happiness. Oh that I had not lost the dearest object I possessed myself — 
Have you never seen or heard of my child?” Arethusa then told her she had seen the descent of her daughter, and the transfo
e descent of her daughter, and the transformation of Cyane. No sooner had Ceres heard this, than she instantly harnessed tw
It happened that as Proserpine was walking in the Elysian fields, she had plucked a pomegranate and eat it. It does not app
est enough to tell the truth to her mother or to Pluto; she hoped she had not been seen, but one Ascalaphus saw her eating
le of food. They make a sort of pudding of it, called polenta. Becubo had polenta for the supper of herself and her little
him to live with his family, while he should stay in Greece. Pandion had two amiable daughters, and Tereus was so well ple
Philomela. Progne lived happily enough in Thrace for a few years. She had a little boy, whom she named Itys, and she loved
tay at home, while Tereus went to fetch Philomela. Tereus went, as he had proposed, and Pandion received him kindly; but th
and Pandion received him kindly; but the old king wept because Tereus had not brought Progne with him. Tereus told him the
d man was then satisfied. But Pandion wept afresh when Tereus said he had come to ask a favour of him — it was to part with
eus formed a plan to prevent Philomela from seeing her sister. Tereus had become tired of Progne, and when he saw Philomela
and she quickened her steps through the thick wood into which Tereus had entered, supposing she should soon embrace Progne
Bacchus. Progne was among them, and the old woman also, from whom she had got the web of Philomela; the latter guided Pragu
manded must be granted; accordingly the keeper, to whom the old woman had entrusted Philomela, instantly admitted them. As
; and they told lies to their father, pretending that some wild beast had killed Joseph. Mother. You see that they were en
nderfully. Baucis and Philemon. “When the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the
in, there are so many rogues in the world;” and a third declared, “He had seen the taller stranger before. He was the same
and might have gone back to Olympus, to the golden beds4 which Vulcan had constructed for them, if a poor cottage had not a
golden beds4 which Vulcan had constructed for them, if a poor cottage had not attracted their notice. It was low, and its r
happy pair. They were poor, but they did not desire to be rich. They had no servants to command, and they needed none; the
hese,” she said, “will ease your weary limbs.” They were the best she had , and, though coarse, were as comfortable as an em
r old goose yonder.” “The old 6 goose — nobody knew how old she was — had served them as a sentry for forty years. They kep
y they went, as fast as they could travel, nor ever stopped till they had nearly reached the mountain top; then they turned
re drowned, their houses were inundated, and their fields and gardens had disappeared. A fruitful plain was converted to an
ne day, as they stood at the gate discoursing with some strangers who had come thither, and were relating the transformatio
cis and Philemon? Ann. Very much. But I should like to know why they had no glass windows in their cottage, as I suppose t
now why they had no glass windows in their cottage, as I suppose they had not, for their room was dark till the fire blazed
ined in this fable? Mother. It might be, that where a, virtuous pair had lived, a temple was built, and an oak and a linde
first entered the palace of Cecrops, he met the princess Aglauria. He had folded up his wings, and appeared like a handsome
ever entered, and it was stained all over with the bipod of those she had wounded or killed. When Minerva entered this cave
ps, and glided unnoticed into the apartment of Aglauria. The princess had thrown herself down upon her couch, vexed and mor
m she knew not. She supposed he might be gone to torment Herse. Herse had gone to the procession, attended by two young wom
nd slept again, and again she dreamed. She beheld the same youth, who had presented the veil to her sister, but she now dis
cury obtained Herse of her father, and they were married, as Aglauria had foreseen in her dream. Conversation: Mother an
was king of Athens is true. He was the first king the Athenians ever had . He was the founder, or beginner of their city.
aught them a great deal more, which they did not know before. Cecrops had learned this in Egypt, where he came from. Ann.
d distributed com to people all over Egypt. So, you see the Egyptians had a king, and the king had a court, and that he and
le all over Egypt. So, you see the Egyptians had a king, and the king had a court, and that he and his officers wore rich c
ich clothes and ornaments, which the people made; and that the people had laws, and obeyed them. All that shows you the Egy
d to her the following story. Narcissus. Lyriope, a sea-nymph, had a pretty infant, whom she named Narcissus. Like t
o quarrelled. Once Jupiter and Juno, who you know was the god’s wife, had a dispute; and they could not settle it, so they
s, and said he should decide for them. Tiresias heard what each party had to say, and then he told Juno that she had been w
sias heard what each party had to say, and then he told Juno that she had been wrong, and Jupiter was right. Jupiter was sa
it would be at this time, in our houses hung with mirrors. The Greeks had no glass; sometimes they used plates of polished
s of polished brass or steel to see their faces in. Lyriope certainly had none in the coral cave where she dwelt; so little
He thought he saw a beautiful water-nymph — the most lovely image he had ever seen — and he longed to dive into the water,
d when the young girls came to look at him lying on the bank, as they had seen him, he was no longer there, but in his plac
her friends. They all thought the bull the most beautiful animal they had ever seen. Europa wove a wreath for his horns, an
he went into Greece, but he did not know where to fix himself till he had prayed to the gods for instruction. The oracle to
e was walking slowly before him. Cadmus, obedient to the direction he had received, followed her. After crossing the little
e Cadmus built an altar, and slew a victim. This was the heifer which had been his guide. Water was necessary in these sole
d them. This fountain was consecrated to the god Mars; that means, it had been dedicated, by the rude people living near, t
it had been dedicated, by the rude people living near, to Mars. They had said it belonged to that god, and that none but h
armed men arose before him. These children of earth, as soon as they had takes breath, began to fight among themselves; an
ragon’s teeth, he only appeased, or made friends of the armed men who had killed his followers. But they fought among thems
the daughter of Mars and Venus, and they lived happily together. They had one son and four daughters. Their son was Polydor
ntinoe, and Semele. Antinoe married a prince named Aristeus, and they had a son called Acteon. This Acteon was one of the m
eity, and she watched over modest young girls. Acteon did not know he had entered a consecrated grove, and he fell asleep t
a consecrated grove, and he fell asleep there, through weariness. He had not slumbered long, when he was awaked by dashing
y from the offended goddess, weeping bitterly at the metamorphosis he had undergone. He was soon met by one of his own dogs
other. Yes; it teaches caution, or care, in all that we do. If Acteon had been cautious, he would not have gone to sleep in
t so. Ino, the eldest daughter of Cadmus, was married to Athamas, who had a little kingdom of his own, not far from Thebes.
ation, and would often boast that her nephew was one of the gods, and had his abode with Jupiter, at Olympus. Juno took upo
his foolish pride of Ino. Athamas and Ino loved one another, and they had very fine children, whom they loved dearly. They
they had very fine children, whom they loved dearly. They were rich, had a better house than their neighbours, and were be
ium, Tartarus, and Erebus. Elysium was the abode of men and women who had obeyed the gods during their lives. Tartarus was
rpetual silence reigned. There the indolent, those who in their lives had been of no service to others, had their portion a
indolent, those who in their lives had been of no service to others, had their portion after death. The near approach to H
y gates of burnished brass, and admitted her. Here she saw giants who had revolted against Jupiter, and the Titans, who wou
e turned the gods out of Olympus. Among the condemned was Tityas, who had offered an insult to Latona, the mother of Apollo
as often grew again. There, too, Juno saw the wretched Tantalus, who had caused his son Pelops to be murdered. As a punish
by delicious fruits and sweet waters. Beside these was Sisyphus, who had been a noted robber. He was condemned to roll, to
r Sisyphus was Ixion, who was whirling upon an ever-turning wheel. He had pretended that Juno preferred him to Jupiter, and
ess vessels from a cistern at their feet. They were the Danaides, who had murdered their husbands. Juno cast an unpitying l
ries soon learned Juno’s errand; and Tisiphone, having heard what she had to say, shaking her head, to throw back the serpe
bath of living water, prepared by her handmaid Iris. As soon as Juno had left the murky abode of the Furies, the cruel Tis
hes and sorcerers mixed together sundry incongruous substances, which had the property, when certain words were said over t
o hurt These muttered words were the incantation, or spell. Tisiphone had a mixture of this sort. It was compounded of the
wly drawn, and the juice of water hemlock. These and other substances had been boiled in a brazen helmet. When Athamas and
s, they said he was some god. Semele, one of the daughters of Cadmus, had a little boy, who was called Bacchus. His mother
he lay asleep under a tree, near the seaside, from a place where they had landed to procure water. The pirates imagined tha
pite of his remonstrances, carried off the prize. Soon after the ship had put off from the shore, Bacchus awaked, and perce
Thebes, was the grandson of Cadmus. His grandfather, now become old, had resigned the kingdom to Pentheus. Pentheus detest
d their folly. Agave and her sisters did not perceive who it was they had killed, and they cut off his head and fixed it up
m that injures thee, my father.’’” Potter’s Euripides. As if Cadmus had said, as he stood over the disfigured body of his
theus. Cadmus was an affectionate old man, and a generous one, for he had given a kingdom to his grandson. Mother. And wha
n tame wild beasts. Danæ and Perseus. Acrisius, king of Argos, had a beautiful daughter, whose name was Danæ. While
the billows with her child. But Neptune, who was the god of the sea, had compassion on them, and the winds wafted the ches
afresh. Dictys saw the affliction of Danæ, and it grieved him, for he had a compassionate heart. “Young stranger,” said he
ing her husband, but was much surprised at the sight of Danæ, for she had never, in her life, seen a lady so dressed, and s
ucted her to a bed of clean rushes, which was the best the poor woman had , but there, after all her fatigue, she found rest
cause he was manly, and generous, and kind. But Polydectes, though he had been very kind to Dana; and her son, did not love
had been very kind to Dana; and her son, did not love Perseus when he had grown up to be a man. Perseus was young, handsome
therefore she might be killed; but her sisters were immortal. Medusa had been very beautiful, but she once behaved imprope
etrifying power of her ugliness. So he used the shield, which Minerva had given him, as a mirror, and in that he beheld her
ening when the people saw the sun set, they said the horses of Apollo had descended to refresh themselves, after their glor
onjecturing what the scene meant. It was caused by a prediction which had been made long before, but which Atlas now recoll
had been made long before, but which Atlas now recollected. An oracle had declared, that the gardens of the Hesperides shou
in the form of a man bearing the earth upon his shoulders. ——— Æolus had shut up the winds in their prison, the night was
oughman, admonished them that the hour to commence their daily labour had arrived. Perseus still slumbered, but Aurora unba
was handsomer than Juno or the Nereides. Neptune, as god of the sea, had a great regard for the Nereides. They were fifty
or the Nereides. They were fifty daughters of the sea-god Nereus, and had their habitation in the ocean. Milton calls them
afety. Then he went to the king and told him, in a few words, that he had seen his daughter; that he would preserve her and
ngs which Mercury lent me. When I reached the country whither the god had directed me, I saw first some ugly women, called
ttention. This intruder was Phineus, to whom the parents of Andromeda had promised her before they knew Perseus. Phineus, s
posed to Andromeda to visit his grandfather, Acrisius, in Argos. Danæ had often related to Perseus the cruelty of her fathe
to Perseus the cruelty of her father to herself and to him; but they had both forgiven him. They knew that believed his gr
that believed his grandson would live to be his murderer, and that he had only attempted to save his own life, by taking th
andfather no longer its king. His brother, Phætus, a very artful man, had deposed the old king, and taken his place. Perseu
tely resolved to expel the usurper, and reinstate his grandfather. He had nothing to do but to exhibit the Medusa, and Phæt
Medusa, and Phætus became a statue in that very palace from which he had banished his brother. Perseus having restored his
ood time at Seriphus. Polydectes became the persecutor of Danæ, as he had been of her son, and to protect herself from his
unish Polydectes, for his base conduct, and he did not long delay. He had only to expose to the sight of Polydectes, the hi
eus? Mother. Yes; he was a prince of Peloponnesus, in Greece, and he had many children, and they became founders of cities
who was he that shut up the winds? Mother. Æolus, the wind god, who had a cave where be kept the winds. These were Boreas
erpsichore, Thalia, Urania, Clio, and Calliope.” Soon after Minerva had received the head of Medusa, she went to pay a vi
rom the place where they were seated, in the valley below, a fountain had lately gushed from the rock long sealed and dry.
nce women. Their father was Pierus, king of Macedonia. The princesses had delightful voices; they sung sweetly, but they we
es, the ox, the ibis, and the ichneumon. “When she princess of Pieria had ended her strain, Calliope took her turn. The hil
n set in the sea, the pagans who worshipped Apollo, said his coursers had gone to bathe and refresh themselves in the tooli
the bosom of the Egean, on purpose to receive her. Terra (the earth) had refused to protect Latona, but Neptune metamorpho
, and they sent offerings to him yearly to Delos, because that island had been the refuge of Latona, and the birth-place of
ooting at the fleet and timid animals of the island of Delos. When he had become sufficiently expert at this exercise, he r
ll of arrows, he attacked the Python, but he did not kill him till he had shot away every one of his arrows, or darts. Apol
Apollo and the Python. Ann. What are some of them? Mother. After he had killed the Python, he was sometimes called Pythia
Mother. The Python is supposed to have been some fatal disease, which had destroyed great numbers o people; at length, it w
w and arrow in his hands, and a quiver at his back. Soon after Apollo had conquered the Python, he met Cupid in the woods.
us, or the Nile. These rivers, or river gods, are represented to have had children and friends, and to have loved them, as
ce to the afflicted Peneus; the venerable Inachus only was absent. He had hidden himself in the inmost recesses of his rock
rocky dwelling, there to weep for the absence of his daughter Io, who had withdrawn herself, he knew not whither. Io was a
rom Olympus to converse with her. Io knew that her celestial mistress had strictly forbidden the young women who served at
and I can dispel it.” Io instantly recognised the silver tones which had first accosted her in her return from her paterna
nged, and finally ended by begging of him to give her to her. Jupiter had ho excuse for denying this request, and was force
to Argus, a person renowned for his vigilance. Argus was said to have had an hundred eyes, some of which were always awake.
was, he took up a flute and began to play upon that instrument. Argus had never before beard a flute, and he was ravished a
tion.” ——— Mercury then began a sweet air, and soon perceived that he had almost lulled Argus to sleep; he next touched, wi
e sharp-sighted Argus in his power, he drew forth a cemetery which he had concealed under his cloak, and with one blow seve
e luminary.” It is related that Io, after she became queen of Egypt, had a son named Epaphus, who was the favourite friend
which lay beneath their flying feet, and attended by the winds, which had risen to accompany them through the fields of eth
ented of his rashness, but it was too late; already the burning axles had set fire to the earth; the forests on the mountai
that he might know how difficult was the task, and how little Phæton had deserved to die because he had failed in it. Jupi
lt was the task, and how little Phæton had deserved to die because he had failed in it. Jupiter, however, persuaded Apollo
Tartarus. This princess was married to Amphion, king of Thebes. Niobe had lived in Mæonia, of Asia Minor, and had heard of
mphion, king of Thebes. Niobe had lived in Mæonia, of Asia Minor, and had heard of the fate of Arachne; she was shocked at
eyed. Crowning their heads with the ever-verdant foliage which Apollo had consecrated, and bearing incense in their hands,
story, you must know that, previous to the birth of her children, she had not a dwelling, and Terra refused her one, so tha
but, without warning, they fell, struck by the fatal arrows. Scarcely had tidings of this misfortune reached their mother,
ifices of Latona and her children, and all the solemnities which they had forsaken were repeated anew. All that was believe
dulous Thebans. An old husbandman, from the neighbouring country, who had come into the city to attend one of these sacrifi
y a heap of rushes and cinders, indicating a recent offering. When we had come to the verge of the lake, my companion stopp
nce, exclaimed, ‘Henceforward, be this lake thy habitation!’ Scarcely had she pronounced these words, when they were all ch
6 (1832) A catechism of mythology
r minds a name so justly entitled to their admiration and esteem, has had no small degree of influence in urging me to take
all nations, admired whatever related to the worship of the gods that had been brought into their country by the colonies f
erwards come to the subordinate gods, of whose residence the ancients had no positive idea. Questions. Why did the fabulous
he first and the greatest of the gods, was subject to his decrees. He had his kind of worship; but, as he could not be comp
ut it was out of their power to define and comprehend him, since they had forgotten the instructions which God had given to
d comprehend him, since they had forgotten the instructions which God had given to the first patriarchs. Chapter I. Of th
named Dii minorum gentium, gods of the smaller nations, because they had no place in heaven, and were not in the council o
these gods. The fourth order contained the virtues by which great men had been distinguished, as fidelity, concord, courage
tan finding that the conditions were broken, sent for the Titans, who had each fifty heads and one hundred hands, overcame
restored them to liberty. But before Jupiter released his father, he had usurped the kingdom; and, fearing that Saturn wou
vine, to make bread, and to raise temples and altars to the gods, who had been previously worshipped in groves. Janus presi
en previously worshipped in groves. Janus presided over the year, and had twelve altars, because it was composed of twelve
t of a young man, regarding the year that has just commenced. He also had empire over highways, doors, gates, locks, and al
and divided his empire with Saturn. It also records that that prince had medals with two faces stamped, to announce that t
ust Janus’ deity implore? Because I hold the door, by which access Is had to any god you would address.” Ovid. “Two gate
es, Corybantes, Telchines, Cabiri, Idæi, Dactyli, &c. At Rome she had a temple, called Opertum, to which men were never
wn of towers upon her head. Before she became the wife of Saturn, she had seen Atys, a Phrygian youth, to whom she wished t
lose his life, when Cybele, having compassion upon a mortal whom she had loved so much, changed him into a pine tree, whic
ng his daughter in marriage to the young Atys. Cybele warned that she had a rival, collected troops, ran to Pessinuntus, an
er. Cybele was so called from the name of the mountain upon which she had been exposed. Some etymologists suppose this name
ea, and the sister of Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, Juno, and Ceres. Vesta had a round temple at Rome founded by Numa, who insti
to attend upon it. She was held in high estimation by the Romans. She had empire over the entrances of houses, (which from
re not exempted from the priesthood nor permitted to marry until they had attained the age of thirty. They also took care o
The vestals enjoyed great privileges. When they met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; when they went abroad, they
eclarations were admitted for an oath. Vesta, as the goddess of fire, had no statues; but as the guardian of houses and hea
his enemies, if he would set at liberty those Titans whom his father had shut up in Tartarus, and if he could engage them
been the last and the most celebrated of his wives. By these wives he had a great number of children, and he was often conn
en, and he was often connected with female mortals, by whom, also, he had children. Jupiter is described as having had reco
rtals, by whom, also, he had children. Jupiter is described as having had recourse to the most unworthy artifices in order
altars were never defiled with human sacrifices. Almost every nation had its Jupiter. Varron enumerates three hundred as a
ans; Belus, by the Assyrians. He was surnamed Capitolinus, because he had the first temple at Rome on the Capitoline hill;
ich he conquered. Jupiter, king of Crete, also named Cœlus or Uranus, had married Titea, or Terra, his sister, by whom he h
Cœlus or Uranus, had married Titea, or Terra, his sister, by whom he had several, children: Titan, Ocean, Japetus, and Chr
urn having been dethroned by his son Jupiter was treated by him as he had treated his father. After a glorious reign, he di
reated his father. After a glorious reign, he died in Crete, where he had a tomb with this epitaph: “Here lies Zeus, who wa
Japetus by Clymene, one of the Oceantides. He animated a man whom he had formed of clay, with fire, which, by the assistan
released by Hercules. — See Fig. 7. Fig. 7. Prometheus. Prometheus had a son named Deucalion, who was king of Thessaly,
escaped the general calamity by saving themselves in a vessel that he had constructed, according to his father’s advice. Th
id not dare to refuse her. Juno set her under the guard of Argus, who had one hundred eyes. This spy of the goddess could n
was removed from the office, and Ganymede, a beautiful youth, whom he had taken up to heaven, was appointed in her stead. S
of rest, and was supposed to be the donor of peace and quietness. She had a temple without the walls of Rome. Meditrina wa
h. She is said to have repented of the improper demeanor of which she had been guilty, put on mourning garments, and kept h
in such privacy, that a famine would have afflicted the whole world, had not Pan discovered her. She taught Triptolemus, s
to Jupiter, who decreed that Pluto should restore Proserpine, if she had eaten nothing in hell. But she had eaten a pomegr
should restore Proserpine, if she had eaten nothing in hell. But she had eaten a pomegranate. Ascalphus informed Ceres; wh
(a bow-man.) He represents the Centaur Chiron, who draws his bow. He had been the preceptor of Hercules; but in the battle
aurs, Hercules wounded him accidentally with one of his arrows, which had been dipped in the blood of the hydra. The wound
nd Somnus fly before her. Aurora was not faithful to her husband. She had Memnon and Æmathion by Tithonus, and Phaeton by C
ne, out of compassion for her, made the island Delos immovable, which had previously wandered about in the Ægean Sea. Here
immediately with his arrows destroyed the serpent Python, which Juno had sent to persecute his mother. In conjunction with
eir mother. Niobe herself was changed into a rock. His son Æsculapius had been killed by Jupiter with his thunderbolts for
s’ ears,” for prefering Pan’s music to his. Jupiter, thinking that he had now been sufficiently punished, recalled him to h
the raven, the crow, and the swan, because they are thought, to have had the gift of foreseeing futurity. Hence they serve
call’d below.” Hyacinthus. “Behold the blood, which late the grass had dy’d, Was now no blood; from which a flower full
r of Tantalus, and sister of Pelops. She married Amphion, by whom she had fourteen children. A cruel plague haying ravaged
he misfortunes of the queen, which caused the poets to say, that they had been changed into stones. Amphion soon died of so
cia, where she ended her days in sorrow. The poets gave out, that she had been turned into a rock, because the excess of he
laurels which grew along its banks, caused the poets to say that she had been transformed into a laurel. Pliny the natural
er always inclined itself towards the sun, they published that Clytia had been turned into a sunflower, and that her form,
ts painted the regrets and jealousy of Marsyas, by saying that Apollo had flayed him. Obs. 6. — Apollo is represented with
presented writing history. — See Fig. 12. Fig. 12. Clio. 2. Thalia had garments tressed up short for a free motion, wore
of all, is Hercules. — See Fig. 14. Fig. 14. Melpomene. 4. Euterpe had a tiara of flowers, and was surrounded with flute
tly touches the earth. See Fig. 16. Fig. 16. Terpsichore. 6. Erato had a headdress of rose and myrtle, and bore in one h
ged into magpies the nine daughters of Pierus, king of Macedonia, who had challenged them to sing; Citherides (Mount Cyther
he goddess of hunting. She devoted herself to perpetual celibacy, and had for her attendants sixty of the Oceanides and twe
etimes she is represented in a chariot drawn by hinds. At Ephesus she had a great number of breasts. — See Fig. 21. Fig. 
had a great number of breasts. — See Fig. 21. Fig. 21. Diana. She had two temples of high celebrity; one at Ephesus, an
was the goddess of magic and enchantments. The magicians of Thessaly had the fame of drawing the moon down from heaven by
ff from the island of Naxos with a view to sell him for a slave. They had already proceeded on their voyage, when Bacchus,
tion. Ariadne brought him a son, named Hymen, the god of marriage. He had many other children, but they deserve no particul
birth; Evius, Evous, Evan, or Hye, because Jupiter found that Bacchus had defeated the giants under the form of a lion, and
ated in Nisa, a city of Arabia Felix, to which place his father Ammon had sent him. They recognized in the Bacchus adopted
most valuable gift on the city should give his name to it. No sooner had Neptune struck the earth with his trident, than a
edusa, whose snaky head she placed in her ægis, or shield, because it had the property of turning into stone whoever beheld
ther because her father brought her forth three months after his head had been struck, or because she was educated on lake
of Athens. These feasts were afterwards named Parthenia, when Theseus had collected the twelve boroughs of Attica, and cons
d, and a helmet in her left, but without wings, which Victory usually had . In general, Minerva appears as a beautiful woman
e; in a word, every member of society solicited her influence, as she had empire over Sense, Taste, and Reason. — See Fig. 
ians say that this fable was designed to represent a difference which had arisen between the sailors, who recognized Neptun
commerce. The poets consecrated this judgment by saying, that Neptune had been surpassed by Minerva, and that the twelve gr
Neptune had been surpassed by Minerva, and that the twelve great gods had decided it. Obs. 4. — The fable of Arachne, is n
thighs and bodies. At Comona, in Cappadocia, Bellona is said to have had 3000 priests. — See Fig. 24. Fig. 24. Bellona.
or Acheron. She assisted Minerva in the fight against the giants. She had several temples in Greece and at Rome. It was in
, he hastily retreated to heaven, complaining to Jupiter that Minerva had directed the weapon of his antagonist. Mars had t
Jupiter that Minerva had directed the weapon of his antagonist. Mars had temples in all countries. His priests at Rome wer
iests at Rome were called Salii. They were twenty-four in number, and had the care of the twelve ancilia, or sacred shields
Corytaix, stirring his helmet, to paint him bloody and terrible. Mars had a numerous progeny; the chief of whom were Cupid,
history for the brilliant attire of poetry. They gave out, that Mars had been acquitted by the twelve great gods, because
ars represented? What were the different names of Mars? What children had Mars? Chapter XX : Venus, Cupid, Adonis. Ve
ns, daughters of Jupiter and Themis, and was conducted to heaven. She had for her retinue Smiles, Graces, and Jests. Cicer
called Cestus, which, being worn by a female either ugly or handsome had the power of rendering her charms irresistible to
He was the youngest and strongest god. He was called Eros, because he had a golden dart, which causes love; Anteros, becaus
, however; and in a fit of frantick joy, they set forth the danger he had run, by saying that he had returned from the infe
frantick joy, they set forth the danger he had run, by saying that he had returned from the infernal regions. Questions. Wh
aving dropped her veil, she ran into a cave. The lioness, just as she had come from the slaughter of some cattle, found the
ight, came forth to the mulberry tree, where, in agonizing grief, she had to encounter the awful scene of his death, and fe
and begged Venus to make it into a living woman. This being done, he had by her Paphos, from whom the isle of Paphos had i
. This being done, he had by her Paphos, from whom the isle of Paphos had its name. Atalanta was daughter to Schœnus, king
vers were turned into a lion and lioness by Cybele, whose temple they had profaned, when they were too impatient to have th
me, but having offended Jupiter by relieving his mother, whom Jupiter had suspended by a chain from the threshold of heaven
s, but she appears to have despised her deformed husband, and to have had children by Mars, Mercury, Bacchus, Neptune, and
king in the caverns of Mount Ætna. Apollo slew them all, because they had forged the thunderbolts with which Jupiter killed
ubled strokes of the Cyclops on their anvils. They are fabled to have had but one eye; to explain which, some suppose they
cted them to Charon’s boat, to be ferried across the Styx. After they had spent some time in the nether world, he led them
l frame; but when applied to the dead, they returned to life. It also had the power of settling controversies: two implacab
d in the other, a purse. —  See Fig. 30. Fig. 30. Mercury. Mercury had many children. The most celebrated were Hermaphro
e name of Mount Cyllenus on which he was born, or because his statues had neither hands nor feet; Nomius, on account of the
over their fortunes and destinies; and hence, too, every element has had its divinity. But the gross ignorance of miserabl
d of the seas. Every river, every fountain, every collection of water had its particular deity. This worship varied accordi
er surpassed those of heaven and other parts of the universe. Oceanus had by Tethys, seventy-two nymphs, named Oceanides; N
uitfulness. Oceanus was married to Tethys, by whom he is said to have had three thousand children. His nymphs were called a
th a long flowing beard, and sky-coloured head. By his wife Doris, he had fifty daughters, called Nereides, who compose the
ous city. Neptune laid waste the Trojan territories, because the king had refused him a stipulated reward. Neptune was marr
was married to Amphitrite, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. A dolphin had persuaded her to take Neptune for her husband, no
ptune for her husband, notwithstanding her vow of celibacy. By her he had Triton. But like Jupiter, he was unfaithful to hi
btedly a prince, hero, or captain who, commanding a great naval army, had signalized himself by his talents and heroic expl
Charybdis? Chapter IV. Proteus. Proteus, an amphibious deity, had for his mother the nymph Phœnice. He was called V
rine animals. He could convert himself into any shape he pleased, and had the gift of divination. The fable of Aristæus ill
the fishes recovered their strength by touching an herb upon which he had emptied out his nets, after which they instantly
the sea. He wished to try its effects upon himself; and as soon as he had touched it, he instantly leaped into the sea, and
oddess, because they dreaded for their children the misfortunes which had overwhelmed Leucothea and her son. No female slav
fortunes which had overwhelmed Leucothea and her son. No female slave had a right to enter her temple. Phorcys or Phorcus,
r to build their nests on the waves, even during winter. The ancients had a superstition that, for fourteen days, from the
, Bassarides, Eloides, and Thyades, were the nymphs of Bacchus. Diana had hunting nymphs for her attendants. Nereides atten
Than now she has; which never could be more, Than to repeat what she had heard before. This change impatient Juno’s anger
d that souls wandered about tombs, or in gardens and woods which they had loved while they were united with the body. Those
mphs of Apollo? By what names were the nymphs of Bacchus called? Whom had Diana for her attendants? What sea nymphs attende
the attendants or secretaries of Æolus. Their names were Boreas, who had empire over the north-wind; Eurus, over the east-
ince. He therefore blew her away, and carried her to Thrace; where he had by her two sons, Calais and Zethes. Boreas, havin
self became a divinity. Woods, harvests, gardens, meadows, countries, had divine protectors. Houses had their gods, Lares a
harvests, gardens, meadows, countries, had divine protectors. Houses had their gods, Lares and Penates, and each of them h
ss, pale, and deformed, always inhabiting the bowels of the earth. He had Eternity and Chaos for his companions. Fig. 32.
acte was sacred to her. It was once said to be on fire; but no sooner had her image been removed thence, than the grove bec
found him with Janus. — See Fig. 36. Fig. 36. Vertumnus. As Pomona had received the addresses of all the rural gods with
white goat or dog, Pan won the heart of Diana. By the nymph Echo, he had a son, called Lynx, or, according to some, a daug
plunder the city of Delphi, at whose sight they fled, as if an enemy had been at their heels. Others say that it originate
oods, and fields, and who were usually found in the train of Bacchus, had their upper part like a man and their lower parts
on which he was directed to bathe in the river Pactolus, which thence had the fame of having golden sands. Sylvanus was an
ith asses’ ears. His barber not having ventured boldly to say that he had asses’ ears, had entrusted his secret to a marsh,
His barber not having ventured boldly to say that he had asses’ ears, had entrusted his secret to a marsh, where the reeds,
piter, Juno, and Minerva, are often invoked as the Penates. When they had empire over kingdoms and provinces, they were cal
e third, the fire. Some ancient philosophers advanced, that every man had two Genii allotted to him, a Bonus Genius, or a g
me dæmons? Did not some ancient philosophers advance, that every man had two Genii? How were the Manes distinguished from
ven those to whom, on account of crime or debt, the honours of burial had been refused. When the descendants of the poor be
eternal prison, with three impenetrable walls, and an iron tower. It had gates of adamant, which no power could demolish.
ron tower. It had gates of adamant, which no power could demolish. It had five rivers at its entrance. Acheron, whose water
rs amidst the mud and slime of the shores. When the souls of the dead had passed over the rivers, they stopped at the gate
f Lamentations, where neither joy nor punishment was experienced, and had a magnificent, but a sad and melancholy aspect.
, (which means anguish or howling) was repelled into hell, because it had quenched the thirst of the Titans, during their f
. Pluto, Proserpine, Plutus. Pluto, the son of Saturn and Cybele, had , for his share, the empire of the universe, and p
e art of burying and honouring the dead with funeral obsequies. As he had a grim, dismal countenance, and a gloomy abode, a
ot, he is drawn by black horses. — See Fig. 39. Fig. 39. Pluto. He had no temples raised to his honour. To him were, how
. This work being done under ground, gave rise to the saying, that he had penetrated the Infernal regions, and mastered the
reached from earth to heaven. Lachesis, in a robe strewed with stars, had a multitude of spindles. Atropos, dressed in blac
siphae, his wife, overwhelmed him with grievous complaints. By her he had three sons, and two celebrated daughters, Ariadne
elamon and Peleus. His first wife was Psamatha, of Nereus, by whom he had Phocus. All his subjects being swept away by a pe
built to her by Adrastus, king of the Argives; Rhamausia, because she had a temple at Rhamus, a town of Attica: — See Fig.
ch of day. — See Fig. 42. Fig. 42. Nox. Somnus, the god of sleep, had Erebus and Nox for his parents. His palace was a
e sufferers in hell. The Giants were the sons of Cœlus and Terra, who had uncommonly large bodies. They had fifty heads and
re the sons of Cœlus and Terra, who had uncommonly large bodies. They had fifty heads and one hundred arms each; their mout
hundred arms each; their mouths belched out flames; and for legs they had serpents; and for claws, the feet of dragons. The
oduced from the blood of the slain. Some say, that Typhœus or Typhon, had no father, and that Juno was his mother. He had a
at Typhœus or Typhon, had no father, and that Juno was his mother. He had a collar of one hundred dragon-heads round his ne
and adders. Snakes grew from the ends of his fingers; for his feet he had the folds of a serpent’s body; he vomitted flames
ed by the three promontories, Pelorus, Pachynus, and Lilybæus. Typhon had Pelorus for his right hand, Pachynus for his left
and Elara. So prodigious was his size, that his mother, whom Jupiter had hidden in a subterraneous cave to avoid the fury
was the king of the Lapithæ in Thessalia. Being informed that Apollo had behaved rudely towards the nymph Coronis his daug
order to mingle them with his own, knew his bulls by a mark which he had put on the bottom of their feet; and by this mean
t of a hill a huge and unwieldly stone, which fell down as soon as it had touched the summit. Some say, that he was doomed
was on account of his having informed Asopus where his daughter Ægina had been carried by Jupiter; but most writers assign
Eioneus or Deioneus, and promised him a valuable present, because he had chosen his daughter for his wife; but his failure
ted his father-in-law to a feast at Larissa his capital; and after he had met with him, cast him into a pit, which he had p
capital; and after he had met with him, cast him into a pit, which he had previously filled with wood and burning coals. So
Jupiter sent a cloud in the likeness of Juno to the place where Ixion had agreed to meet her, and the deceived lover embrac
d. Jupiter expelled him heaven; but as he boasted every where that he had won the affection of Juno, the god struck him dow
son of Æolus by Enarette, was king of Elis. By his wife Alcidice, he had a daughter, named Tyro. He was not contented with
uses of this severe sentence are variously reported. Some say that he had discovered to the river Asopus, the place where J
stolen her away. Others affirm that he stole away a dog which Jupiter had set to watch his temple at Crete. Others state th
nd of hers, that, having been introduced at the table of the gods, he had revealed their secrets, and stolen away the ambro
nd gave him an ivory shoulder as a substitute for the one which Ceres had eaten. This Pelops, by Hippodamia, had Atreus and
titute for the one which Ceres had eaten. This Pelops, by Hippodamia, had Atreus and Thyestes; the latter of whom was expel
treus, his brother. But on his return, he ate up his children whom he had killed; and when they were served up in dishes, A
er honourable acquital. Some suppose that Lynceus murdered Danaus, as had been predicted by an oracle. According to some, t
œnicia, and haunted many, whom they affected with severe hunger. They had the power of predicting future events. Obs. — Am
Medusa. In lieu of hair, their heads were covered with vipers, which had the power of transforming those into stones who l
golden; their bodies were covered with impenetrable scales; and they had one eye and one tooth, which served them all by t
nd the eye which the Gorgons mutually lent to each other. Those ships had prows representing monsters. Perseus met them in
Medusa. The Chimæra was a monster begotten of Typhon and Echidna. He had the head and breast of a lion, the body of a goat
a and Antigone. In process of time, he found, by clear proof, that he had killed his father, and married his mother: upon w
to put out his eyes, and would have laid violent hands upon himself, had not Antigone, his constant attendant, prevented h
e.) Cicero says that immortality animated Hope, and that virtue alone had the right to depend upon her. Rome raised to her
sented her with an anchor. —  See Fig. 51. Fig. 51. Hope. Eternity had neither temples nor altars. She was painted in th
raised a temple to Filial Piety on the foundations of the house which had been inhabited by the Roman woman who fed her fat
. He therefore constructed two, contiguous to each other, so that one had to pass through the temple of Virtue in order to
. In the same temple all who professed the arts, assembled, when they had to sustain their rights and prerogatives that the
f plenty, which she procures, and in the other, and the caduceus. She had given her, by some, Venus and the Graces for her
eir Liberty as the Romans, could not fail to make her a divinity. She had several temples. She was represented, leaning on
strives to break a table of laws and the balance of Justice. Silence had his altars. The Orientals worshipped him under th
epresented Silence as a goddess whom they called Ageronia. The latter had also the god of speech, whom they called Aius Loc
ig. 60. Fortune. Opportunity was represented in like manner; but she had a tuft of hair on her head in order to leave a ho
ngthened figure; hair pulled down, and fixed looks. The Lacedæmonians had placed the temple of Fear near the tribunal of th
ff from the celestial court in disgrace. Of the first man that Vulcan had fashioned, Momus said, that he ought to have plac
through which his inmost thoughts might have been seen. When Neptune had formed the bull, he observed that the eyes were t
to insure an effective blow. Having examined the house which Minerva had built, and having found it complete both within a
dicine, was the son of Apollo, by the nymph Coronis. After his mother had been shot for her infidelity by Apollo, he was ex
-bolts. Apollo, to avenge the death of his son, slew the Cyclops, who had forged those formidable weapons. Æsculapius was c
ormidable weapons. Æsculapius was chiefly worshipped at Epidaurus. He had also a temple at Rome, and was worshipped there u
tudying medicine. — See Fig. 66. Fig. 66. Æsculapius. By Epione he had two sons, Machon and Podalirius, famous in the Tr
ing impiety. Heroines enjoyed the same honours as heroes. Their tombs had no difference. Both were raised in the middle of
tombs were seen to change themselves into temples. Every private man had the right of eulogising his ancestors, and even o
y public decrees, the protecting heroes of the people among whom they had lived; and often other nations adopted them, and
carried them to king Polydectes, who fell in love with the lady, and had her son educated. When Perseus was grown up, he o
d a short dagger of diamond, called herpe, the helmet of Pluto, which had power to make the bearer invisible, and the buckl
e nymphs extended their wrath over the whole country. The inhabitants had recourse to the oracle of Ammon which replied, th
Labyrinth; but he extricated himself by the help of Ariadne, after he had destroyed the Minotaur. He forgot the promise he
riadne, after he had destroyed the Minotaur. He forgot the promise he had made to his father at the moment of his departure
his father at the moment of his departure. The ship of the prisoners had black sails, and Theseus had promised to change h
his departure. The ship of the prisoners had black sails, and Theseus had promised to change his black sails into white one
the island Naxos, where she was found and married by Bacchus. Theseus had several wives. The first was Anthiope, or Hippoly
olyte, their queen, prisoner, married her to Theseus. By Hippolyte he had a son named Hippolytus, perfect beauty, a mighty
ds settled in Italy, where he changed his name to Viribus, because he had been a man twice. Phædra was so tormented with th
caused by his absence, killed herself. The poets published, that she had been changed into an almond-tree. The name of Phy
e threw him unawares from a high rock, and he perished in the sea. He had a temple at Athens, one of the richest and most m
o the state. Some poets, in return for various benefits with which he had loaded them, added illustrious particulars to his
ho was Ariadne? Had Theseus any wives? Who were the Amazons? What son had Theseus by Hyppolyte? Who was Demophoon? What els
to retard the birth of Hercules. Galanthis, the companion of Alcmena, had just brought forth a fine boy. Juno, surprised, w
increased by the excellent education he received. For his tutors, he had Castor, who taught him pugilistics; Eurytus, who
nded to destroy a vast hydra, which infested the marshes of Lerna. It had seven heads, some say fifty, others a hundred, on
rymanthus in Arcadia. He seized the monster in a thicket, to which he had traced it by its vestiges in the snow. When dragg
azen vessel. On his way to Erymanthus, he destroyed the Centaurs, who had aggrieved him; and among them, he accidently slew
m, he accidently slew his former preceptor Chiron, to whom the others had fled for protection. When translated to the skies
nsed the stable of Augeas, king of Elis, in which three thousand oxen had been kept for thirty years, and from which the fi
housand oxen had been kept for thirty years, and from which the filth had never been removed. This he effected by turning t
ne, Aconitum. Thus Hercules accomplished the twelve labours, which he had undertaken with unprecedented cheerfulness and go
ificed Busiris, king of Egypt, on the same altar on which that tyrant had been wont to immolate strangers to his father Nep
mes put on his armour, and ridiculed him as he sat at her distaff. He had likewise a wife whose name was Dejanira, daughter
lent and incurable pains. After dashing out the brains of Lichas, who had brought it, he raised a funeral pile on Mount Œte
were concealed the eminent services, which some good and powerful man had rendered to his fellow creatures. In moralizing t
d, advised him to go to Colchis, and gain the golden fleece. The gods had given Athamas, king of Thebes, a ram, the fleece
fidy, Medea not only murdered in his sight the two children which she had borne him, but also enclosed fire in a little box
also enclosed fire in a little box, and sent it to Creusa. No sooner had the box been opened, than the fire burst forth, a
ses. These two heroes recovered their sister Helena from Theseus, who had stolen her, by vanquishing the Athenians who foug
, called Helena, they accounted it ruinous to them. Castor and Pollux had a famous temple in the forum at Rome; for it was
Ægisthus. He likewise killed Pyrrhus, in Apollo’s temple, because he had taken away Hermione, daughter to Menelaus, who wa
stead; and Iphigenia was made, by king Thoas, priestess to Diana, and had the direction of the sacrifices solemnized with h
r this, Thoas was slain, and the image of Diana was removed, after it had been hidden in a bundle of sticks: and from that
sisters, it may be observed, that the rooms of palaces, at that time, had the form of an egg. They were born in Laconia, ne
of life, on condition that Orpheus would not look at her, until they had both ascended to the tracts of day. On his way, h
id his complaints. Periander caused all the mariners, when their ship had returned, to be crucified. “He on his crouching
to the city of Troy, and the name of Troas to the whole country. Tros had three children. The eldest, Ganymede, was taken a
ntry around Troy, Hercules, after having stolen away Hesione, whom he had delivered from the monster to which Ladomedon, he
hom he had delivered from the monster to which Ladomedon, her father, had exposed her by order of the oracle, gave her in m
of the Grecian states took up arms, to resent the injury which Paris had inflicted on Menelaus, in return for his hospital
ge, pretended to retreat without farther molestation; and, as if they had wished to repair the injury done to Minerva by th
made a wooden horse, in which they shut up armed soldiers. No sooner had they entered the island Teneos, than the Trojans,
, said that it was the vow of the Greeks to appease Minerva, and they had constructed it of so enormous a size as to preven
e Trojans from introducing it into their city. While the Trojans, who had rejoiced at the retreat of their enemies, were bu
pulled down. Sinon opened the horse’s flanks, and fifty warriors, who had been concealed in it, appeared with Ulysses at th
haca. Questions. Who was the first king and the founder of Troy? Whom had Dardanus for his successor? Who succeeded Erichth
being preserved by his immortal mother, he escaped unhurt. No sooner had the Grecians set the city on fire, than Æneas too
id that his mother concealed him in the night under a fire, after she had anointed him in the day-time with ambrosia. He wa
he escaped safely from the fire; and afterwards, Achilles, because he had but one lip, with the other burnt off in the act
and an argument, when it is irrefragible, is called Achilleum. Thetis had learned from an oracle, that Achilles was to be k
ch he succeeded against Troy. He removed the ashes of Laomedon, which had been preserved upon the gate Scæa in Troy. He car
ty; slew Rhœsus, king of Thrace, and took away his horses before they had drank of the river Xanthus, on which depended the
nd; and sailing to Æolia, he obtained from Æolus, all the winds, that had proved adverse to his voyage, and wrapped them up
d himself against her charms with an herb, called moly, which Mercury had given him. He then ran into her cave with his swo
their original shapes. After this he reconciled himself to Circe, and had by her one son, Telegonus, or, according to Hesio
e, rushed upon the suitors of Penelope, and slew them all, after they had treated him in the most insolent manner. After th
ng the long absence of Ulysses, that he was dead, notwithstanding she had not heard from him for twenty years, yet her fond
uld be finished; but she took care to unweave, in the night, what she had woven in the daytime. Hence the proverb, “to weav
e them with distinguished hospitality, this man killed the only ox he had . The gods, admiring his goodness of heart and his
caused Orion to spring from the skin of that very ox, which skin they had formed with earth diluted with water. Orion becam
d him into the mountain which bears his name. By his wife Pleione, he had seven daughters, whose names were Alcyone, Merope
sometimes Virgiliæ, and sometimes Atlantides. By his wife Æthras, he had seven more daughters, whose names were Ambrosia,
se, they called it Phosphorus, Lucifer, or the Morning Star. Hesperus had three daughters, Egle, Prethusa, and Hesperethusa
, painted him as the pillar of the world. They also held that Perseus had metamorphosed him into a rock. Obs. 2. — The Hya
ion of the universe, says: “In the beginning the heaven and the earth had but one form, being mingled together by their nat
e earth, tempered by the waters of the Nile.” The Egyptian Mythology had two senses, one sacred and sublime, the other sen
t shall be, and no mortal has ever taken off my veil.” Their theology had , therefore, two significations, one holy and symb
all things. They believed that there was a supreme intelligence that had created the world; and that there was also in man
elves were not admitted to a knowledge of those mysteries, until they had passed through the most terrible trials. These tr
ft of prophecy. He was ceremoniously conducted to the Nile; and if he had lived the time allowed, they drowned him, embalme
ped at Heliopolis; but this is said to have been sacred to Iris. Apis had generally two temples or stables. If he ate from
he mouth of the god, and then withdrew, closing their ears, till they had left the temple. The first sounds that were heard
shed with attributes, was an allegory to represent a cruel tyrant who had long caused the misfortune of Egypt. The Egyptian
its vapours long rendered it uninhabitable; but when time and culture had changed that vast tract into the most fertile pla
, a branch of palm. He is commonly called Barker; also Hermanubis. He had temples and priests, and his image was found in a
ng. In a later stage of the Egyptian history, when the shepherd kings had totally changed the customs, manners, and taste o
tor a sacred book, written in a celestial language. Fourteen Mahabads had either appeared, or were to appear, in a human fo
orm, to have the direction of mundane affairs. A parallel reformation had been accomplished by Camugers, great-grand-son of
in the shape of a serpent, and introduced other evil spirits which he had seduced from their obedience. The man-bull died o
latter was overcome. The name of the second man-bull was Tasehter. He had three bodies, of a man, a horse, and a bull; from
rs environ’d, and melodious founts, Which sooth’d the solemn mansion, had revealed, How Oromazes, radiant source of good, O
o its present form and order by the self-existent, invisible God, who had dispelled the gloom by displaying the five elemen
with the mountain Mandar, she arose from it, and threw up all that it had swallowed. Varuna is the genius of the waters.
which is yet encouraged by the Bramins, but which civil authority has had little influence in abolishing. Questions. What i
e lord of the dead; Baal Zebub, the god of flies; and so forth. Belus had a temple, consisting of eight ascending towers, o
elus had a temple, consisting of eight ascending towers, one of which had an apartment containing a magnificent bed and a g
an apartment containing a magnificent bed and a golden table. He also had a gigantic statue of solid gold, and a throne of
off. Dagon his name; sea-monster; upwards man, And downward fish; yet had his temples high, Rear’d in Azotus, dreaded throu
to have left behind him some writings, in which he taught that there had been a time in which every thing was darkness and
egan to be uncovered. Then he opened the vessel, and, finding that it had rested on a mountain, he came out of it, with his
ter them in vain. A voice was heard, announcing to them that Xixutrus had gone up to heaven, and sat in the rank of gods wi
hem to be religious, and after they should discover the memoirs which had been deposited at Sippara, to proceed to Babylon.
d precipitate himself into the flames, would produce light. No sooner had two men thrown themselves headlong into the fire,
Mexico, says that that empire contained forty thousand temples. They had houses in which strangers were allowed to worship
nt for 500 houses, and was surrounded by a wall of stone and lime. It had four gates, fronting east, west, north, and south
temples. At a suitable age, she was permitted to marry. The Mexicans had 14 principal gods. They called their supreme god
o him, and then move to another kingdon, called Tla-pal-la. No sooner had Quet-zal-cot taken the drink, than he disappeared
ge of the god. After this, they drank for a medicine some water which had been blessed by the priest. Coat-li-cue, the Flo
forces the conclusion, that most of the gods were men, whose exploits had rendered them illustrious, and that others were f
t events, the remembrances of which tradition and religious canticles had preserved. The gods and fables of the poets must
ot erected until long after. It appears that the Egyptians themselves had none before the time of Moses. This is indicated
was wrapped up in it. What serves to show this, is, that this temple had hidden places, which were called Adyta, and which
ourth was the under-temple. This last was not in all temples; but all had porticoes and steps. The interior of the temples
pecially votive pictures, such as the prows of ships, saved when some had escaped shipwreck, the arms taken from enemies, t
k this stone, and cast it into the ditch with such pieces of metal as had not passed through the crucible. When the edifice
h many ceremonies. Nothing could equal the respect which the ancients had for their temples. Arian says, that it was forbid
s at Memphis, and that of Minerva at Sais. The works of the Egyptians had the true characteristics of grandeur. They loved
res, and employed immense stones in their construction, although they had to bring them from the quarries of Elephantine, a
ys’ journey. We may cite, for example, the famous chapel which Amasis had constructed in Upper Egypt, and which he transpor
om was also the most highly adorned, and the one for which the people had the greatest veneration. “In it,” says Herodotus,
it through brazen doors, in the construction of which Nebuchadnezzar had employed the sea of brass, and the other utensils
yed the sea of brass, and the other utensils of the same metal, which had been taken from the temple at Jerusalem. This tow
s one forty feet in height. It was probably that which Nebuchadnezzar had consecrated in the plains of Dura. Diodorus Sicul
talents. The temple of which he spoke, was that which Nebuchadnezzar had enlarged, and to which he had added the golden st
he spoke, was that which Nebuchadnezzar had enlarged, and to which he had added the golden statue forty feet in height. Fro
ut, there was a golden altar, upon which were immolated animals which had just been born. Near that place was a great altar
attaining its last degree of perfection. Pliny relates, that all Asia had concurred, and contributed to the building of it
s, came to take refuge in the temple of Diana, at Ephesus, after they had fled from the banks of the Thermodon. Pliny gives
their allies, when they took and sacked the city of Pisa. This temple had for its architect, Libon, originally of the count
ering were of very fine marble, drawn from Mount Pantelica. Antiquity had nothing more magnificent or perfect than the thro
f brass, in imitation, no doubt, of the brazen room in which Acrisius had shut up his daughter Danæ. This temple was destro
ion of the Amphictyons, with the treasures and gifts which the people had appropriated for this purpose. In order to form a
e a knowledge of futurity; but they could obtain no reply, until they had made a considerable present. These presents were
ions. Chapter VI. Pantheon of Rome. Rome and the rest of Italy had no fewer temples than Greece. Many of them were r
be; and in like manner, and for the same reason, many antique temples had this form. The portico, more surprisingly grand a
undered or concealed under ground. When the celebrated Michael Angelo had thoroughly studied the whole of the Pantheon, he
r, architect, and sculptor, made a will, in which he declared that he had given nothing to the pillars which support that c
ingular; and the artist as abusing the credit which some of his works had procured him. He therefore drove into these pilla
that it was considered a great glory, when, in a long reign, a prince had constructed only a single portico. Chapter VII
Could oracles have so long preserved their credit and eclat, if they had been the result of mere deception? This is a grav
ona, the most ancient in Greece, and that of Jupiter Ammon, in Libya, had the same origin; and both owed their establishmen
mber of credulous consulters appeared. These two doves, says Servius, had been given by Jupiter to his daughter Thebe. They
, says Servius, had been given by Jupiter to his daughter Thebe. They had the gift of speech. Herodotus has sought after t
t of an oak, a small chapel in honour of Jupiter, whose priestess she had been at Thebes. Herodotus adds that the name of t
in comprehending what she said, he gave out that the dove, or Pleiai, had spoken. Such is said to have been the origin of t
ered his vanity, by saluting him as the son of Jupiter; but Alexander had already been covered with glory, and all obeyed h
n an opening of the ground, was a machine called a tripod, because it had three bars laid on the rock. A woman was seated o
arranged, and given out in the form of verse, a connexion which they had not in the mouth of the priestess. As soon as the
us was but a hero, and even, according to some authors, a brigand, he had a very famous oracle in Bœotia. Pausanias, who pr
e same manner. Some heard; others saw. One came out of the cave as he had entered it, lying down upon the earth. Soon after
ntered it, lying down upon the earth. Soon after he was asked what he had seen, but before he had time to recover from the
on the earth. Soon after he was asked what he had seen, but before he had time to recover from the agitation excited, he wa
rmitted him to resume his senses. Next, he wrote upon a table what he had seen or heard, and the priests proceeded to inter
Almost all the gods, and the greatest number of demigods and heroes, had their oracles. None of them, however, had so larg
ber of demigods and heroes, had their oracles. None of them, however, had so large a number as Apollo. All were not of the
, by Nero, and at last by the Christians. When the Christian religion had triumphed over idolatry, the oracles fell; and th
e oracles. Crœsus, dissatisfied with the oracles of Delphi, though he had inundated it with presents, wished to surprise it
then having a lamb with a turtle served up. The fact was true: Crœsus had imagined this odd food in hopes of embarrassing h
ridiculous. The governor then unsealed the billet, and showed that he had written these words: shall I immolate thee a whit
seized on her, and caused her to be burnt alive, saying, that, if she had wished to deceive them, they would punish her; an
e had wished to deceive them, they would punish her; and that, if she had spoken the truth, they would thereby assure thems
e written in Greek; which would not have been the case, if the Sibyls had been of different countries. He believes this mys
age succeeded her blooming years. In the time of Æneas, she said she had already lived seven hundred years; after which, h
es in the bottom of a den, placed in the temple of this god. This den had one hundred gates, whence issued so many terrible
tunes, such as a revolt, a defeat, a plague, or a famine, they always had recourse to the Sibylline verses. These were a pe
Delphi by the Grecians. As to the other oracles of the Sibyls, which had been collected, policy and ambition well knew how
l of Cumæ, and honoured her as a divinity in the very place where she had delivered her oracles. 5. The fifth Sibyl was the
d burn the last three, gave her the sum she demanded. After this king had acquired them, he entrusted the charge of them to
capitol; but, as there were many Apocryphas, as much faith in them as had been placed in their predecessors, they never rec
nd celebrated with songs of victory. They wore a triumphal crown, and had the first places in the assemblies: their cities
e Altis, in which were placed statues, erected in honour of those who had won the prize in these games. They were all made
es of Pindar which are extant immortalize those who, in his lifetime, had triumphed in the four most solemn games, the Olym
ogress, and leaving some of his sons to rule over them. Thus Suavlami had Russia; Baldeg, Western Saxony or Westphalia; Seg
ciold to be acknowledged king, a title which no ruler of that country had yet borne, (according to the annals of Iceland,)
of the religious and magic sciences of this prince. So many conquests had not yet satisfied his ambition. The desire of spr
would not await, through the series of a disease, that death which he had so many times braved in battle. Having assembled
geously in battle, should die with arms in their hands. As soon as he had breathed his last, his body was carried to Sigutn
body was carried to Sigutna, where, conformably to the usage which he had brought into the North, it was burnt with great p
well as the injuries done to their founder and to all those whom she had stripped and trampled under her feet, by overwhel
difficult affairs, the head of a certain Mimer, who, during his life, had a great reputation for wisdom. This man having ha
, during his life, had a great reputation for wisdom. This man having had his head cut off, Odin embalmed it, and knew how
Odin embalmed it, and knew how to persuade the Scandinavians that he had given him speech by his enchantments. He always c
Ancient Religion of Northern Europe. The Greek and Latin authors had but little intercourse with the northern people,
and temple was every thing in the visible world. These intelligences had the direction of its operations: the earth, water
public. The testimony of some authors proves that the ancient Germans had retained its principal tenets, while other nation
introducing himself to the people of the North as an awful divinity, had no other end than to secure dominion. Chapter
t and superior to all created intelligences. So reasonable a doctrine had so great influence over their minds, that they of
mixed up divers opinions, in order to consolidate the empire which he had usurped over men and over their minds. Some trace
or Walfadur, because he was the father of all who fell in battle. He had upwards of one hundred and twenty names. The resi
other creatures; and upon this belief was founded the veneration they had for Earth. They called her mother earth, the moth
he beautiful god of archery and skating, was invoked by duellists. He had a silver circle round the down of his chin. His e
he gods. Besides that club, which returned of itself to the hand that had hurled it, and which he grasped with iron gauntle
ans considered themselves under the safeguard of Thor; and the Swedes had for their tutelary god Freya, who, according to t
hing tremble. By his wife Scala, daughter of the mountain Thiasse, he had the beautiful, beneficent, and mighty Frei and Fr
husiasm. She brought him Forfete, who was the god of concord, and who had a palace, called Glitner, supported by pillars. T
eloquence, wisdom, and poetry, which, from him, is called Bragur. He had a golden telyn, and swept the cords, which emitte
s, which emitted a sweet sound. His wife Iduna, the goddess of youth, had charge of certain apples, of which the gods ate w
e among mortals surpass him in the art of perfidy and of cunning . He had several children of Signie, his wife. Three monst
he head of whom was Frea or Frigga, the consort of Odin. Each of them had her peculiar offices. Eira was the goddess of med
ing with twelve rivers (Eliwagar issuing from this fountain.) The sun had no palace; the stars did not know their homes; th
on Bor married Belsta, daughter of the giant Mountain-Gate. By her he had three sons, Odin, Wile, and Ve. There arose a bet
me in heaven, others under heaven. Days were distinguished, and years had their number. They made the earth round, and gird
race of men, which now inhabit the earth. The giant Narfi (darkness) had a daughter named Nott, (night.) She was thrice ma
.) She was thrice married. By her husband Nagelfari, (air, ether) she had a son, Andur, (matter;) by Anar, (the forming pri
minates the world with his manes. Mundelfari (the mover of the axis,) had two beautiful children, Sool (sun,) and Maan (moo
dmitted three Fairies or Nornas, who determined all events. Every man had a fairy, who was present at his birth, watched ov
ward courage and violence than virtue. Those only who died in battle, had a right to the happiness which Odin prepared in t
the Valkyrias filled their cups. All who died not imbrued with blood, had the fear of entering into Nislheim, a mansion com
ugh its circumference was nine hundred ells. Haquin, count of Norway, had built one near Drontheim, almost equal to that of
se riches; and among other things, a very costly golden ring. Iceland had also its temples. The chronicles mention two that
ar symbols. Odin held a sword in his hand. Thor, on the left of Odin, had a crown on his head, a sceptre in one hand, and a
iod that they received the lights of Christianity, and the arts which had softened the manners of the Greeks, and Romans. T
them. Strangers assembled in crowds. The access was shut to those who had lost their honor by some blemish, and especially
e who had lost their honor by some blemish, and especially to all who had lost their courage. In time of war, they chose th
l, were treated with so many honors and caresses by the assembly, and had so many promises of life to come, that they somet
, called Odin’s, was filled up with bodies of men and of animals that had been sacrificed. They were sometimes carried off
n the smoke arose quickly, the people doubted not but these offerings had been most agreeable to him. When they immolated a
well as its sacrifices. It was generally thought, that some diviners had familiar spirits, which did’not leave them, and w
ombs, and forced them to relate the destinies. Odin gave out, that he had this power; an ancient Icelandic ode describes hi
ough the seas in order to fix themselves in the isles, only when they had become somewhat populous. We know that the Celts
ed between the Britons and the Gauls, leaves no doubt of their having had a common origin. It appears that the Gallic colon
t of the druids. Tremnor, great-grandfather to the celebrated Fingal, had been elected vergobert by the victorious tribes t
d Fingal, had been elected vergobert by the victorious tribes that he had conducted to victory. The druids were deputed to
not having talents enough to paint truth in interesting colours, they had recourse to puerile inventions. The wonderful rid
all nature as the temple of divinity. It cannot be doubted that they had ideas of the existence of a Supreme Being, since
n. A hero could never enter into the palace of his fathers, unless he had sung over him the funeral hymn. This hymn appears
d, yet they gave warnings by some kind of omen. Every man believed he had his tutelary shade that incessantly followed him.
thought that, as soon as a warrior ceased to exist, the arms which he had at home, appeared to be stained with blood; that
t, that Esus, Dis, Pluto, Samothes, Teutates, and various other gods, had not come to their knowledge until by their commun
ict each other; the former, by saying that the religion of the Druids had its birth in England; the latter, by alleging tha
ds he, is the origin of the profound respect which the Druids of Gaul had for those of England, whom they considered as the
world, continues the Abbé, at first formed but one common family, and had but one creed. In separating from each other, men
e capital point of belief among both the Persians and the Gauls: both had neither temples nor statues. The Persians adored
t appear evident that the religion of the Magi and that of the Druids had the same origin; the differences between them mig
hey fell with old age. That respect clung to the grand idea that they had divinity; and they were persuaded that temples co
hat temples could not include it, nor statues represent it. The Gauls had the highest respect for lakes and marshes, becaus
reeks, fountains, and fire. In the middle of those forests, the Gauls had spaces consecrated to worship and to religious ce
. Hence, misinformed historians have asserted, that the ancient Gauls had temples. “Those people,” says Tacitus , “have no
ng the superiority of the knowledge which the Druids of Great Britain had over them. Chapter IX. Of the different classe
their will, and could not even remain in their presence, unless they had obtained their permission. The inferior ministers
e moment in which two armies were going to combat, or even after they had commenced it, they laid down their arms to listen
ards were not wholly confined to sing the praises of heroes; but they had likewise the right of censuring the actions of th
uth, and inspired them with virtuous sentiments. The Cubages or Vates had the care of sacrifices, and applied themselves to
they exercised their functions separately from men. Their divination had , at one time, rendered them more celebrated than
departed to taste an eternal happiness in the bosom of divinity. They had tombs and epitaphs. But the blessings of the immo
gs of the immortality of the soul were not to be universal. They, who had adorned their lives by no exploit, either warlike
he dead, their valuable furniture, and the cedula of money which they had lent. They wrote even letters to their friends, t
hat people are always more fond of the marvellous than of truth. They had some knowledge of botany; but they mingled so man
he robe; and then made to pass into the left with swiftness, as if it had been stolen. The one who gathered it, must, moreo
collected before sunrise on the first day of the dog-star, after one had offered to Earth a sacrifice of expiation in whic
and if one rubbed himself with it, he could obtain all he wished. It had power to conciliate hearts alienated by enmity; a
e plant grows on several other trees; but the Druids thought that God had chiefly chosen the oak to entrust to it that valu
Tacitus delight in eulogizing the respect which the Gauls and Germans had for their wives; but the wives of the Druids some
rds as far as any other nation. Faithful to the one which their heart had chosen, they never had several wives at once: and
nation. Faithful to the one which their heart had chosen, they never had several wives at once: and often the wife in disg
inistry. The almost idolatrous veneration which the Gauls and Germans had for their women, caused them to imagine, that the
nature could produce this visible world without media; since, if this had been the case, all things must have been, like hi
7 (1855) The Age of Fable; or, Stories of Gods and Heroes
manities of old religion, The Power, the Beauty, and the Majesty That had their haunts in dale or piny mountain. Or forest,
he Celestials to earth, and to receive them on their return. The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned,
. Jupiter, or Jove, (Zeus,) though called the father of gods and men, had himself a beginning. Saturn (Cronos) was his fath
n alludes to them in Paradise Lost. He says the heathens seem to have had some knowledge of the temptation and fall of man,
ey called Ophion, with Eurynome, (the wide- Encroaching Eve perhaps,) had first the rule Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn
his wife. Jupiter gave her to Vulcan, in gratitude for the service he had rendered in forging thunderbolts. So the most bea
d of gods. Venus possessed an embroidered girdle called Cestus, which had the power of inspiring love. Her favorite birds w
, was told by her that it was because he was solitary, and that if he had a brother he would grow apace. Anteros was soon a
he caduceus. Ceres (Demeter) was the daughter of Saturn and Rhea. She had a daughter named Proserpine, (Persephone,) who be
arly correspond to our word Ghost. The Romans believed that every man had his Genius, and every woman her Juno: that is, a
y man had his Genius, and every woman her Juno: that is, a spirit who had given them being, and was regarded as their prote
formation on the subject which we derive from the pages of Scripture, had their own way of telling the story, which is as f
provided for, who was to be superior to all other animals, Epimetheus had been so prodigal of his resources that he had not
her animals, Epimetheus had been so prodigal of his resources that he had nothing left to bestow upon him. In his perplexit
utioned by his brother to beware of Jupiter and his gifts. Epimetheus had in his house a jar, in which were kept certain no
ain noxious articles, for which, in fitting man for his new abode, he had had no occasion. Pandora was seized with an eager
noxious articles, for which, in fitting man for his new abode, he had had no occasion. Pandora was seized with an eager cur
hastened to replace the lid; but, alas! the whole contents of the jar had escaped, one thing only excepted, which lay at th
ed with a box, containing her marriage presents, into which every god had put some blessing. She opened the box incautiousl
y law, nor was there any magistrate to threaten or punish. The forest had not yet been robbed of its trees to furnish timbe
not yet been robbed of its trees to furnish timbers for vessels, nor had men built fortifications round their towns. There
tened the spring, and divided the year into seasons. Then, first, men had to endure the extremes of heat and cold, and hous
keels to ships, and vex the face of ocean. The earth, which till now had been cultivated in common, began to be divided of
a projecting hilltop, and a few, in boats, pulled the oar where they had lately driven the plough. The fishes swim among t
s, she insnared Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged On him who had stole Jove’s authentic fire.” Prometheus and Epi
drew down on himself the anger of the ruler of gods and men. Jupiter had him chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a
nt might have been brought to an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to his oppressor; for he p
f Mount Parnassus. Apollo slew him with his arrows — weapons which he had not before used against any but feeble animals, h
, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!” Scarcely had she spoken, when a stiffness seized all her limbs
uses there was a crack, caused by some fault in the structure. No one had remarked it before, but the lovers discovered it.
e, he on his, as they could come no nearer. Next morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the fro
nearer. Next morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the
th, looking anxiously for the youth, eager to tell him the danger she had escaped. When she came to the spot and saw the ch
was Procris. She was a favorite of Diana, the goddess of hunting, who had given her a dog which could outrun every rival, a
in his wife and his woodland sports. Now it happened some angry deity had sent a ravenous fox to annoy the country; and the
than he darted off, quicker than their eye could follow him. If they had not seen his footprints in the sand they would ha
enly he saw both dog and game stop instantly. The heavenly powers who had given both were not willing that either should co
one was going to bark, the other to leap forward. Cephalus, though he had lost his dog, still continued to take delight in
at the spot. A cry from his beloved Procris told him that the weapon had too surely met its mark. He rushed to the place,
ved it suddenly grow dark, and immediately suspected that her husband had raised a cloud to hide some of his doings that wo
e; for it was Io, the daughter of the river god Inachus, whom Jupiter had been flirting with, and, when he became aware of
flirting with, and, when he became aware of the approach of his wife, had changed into that form. Juno joined her husband,
she delivered the heifer to Argus, to be strictly watched. Now Argus had a hundred eyes in his head, and never went to sle
ould have stretched out her arms to implore freedom of Argus, but she had no arms to stretch out, and her voice was a bello
nd. Inachus recognized it, and discovering that his daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hidden under this disgui
lled the Syrinx or Pandean pipes. Argus listened with delight, for he had never seen the instrument before. “Young man,” sa
and followed the chase. You would have thought it was Diana herself, had you seen her in her hunting dress, only that her
ill she came to the bank of the river, where he overtook her, and she had only time to call for help on her friends the wat
rument which he called Syrinx, in honor of the nymph.” Before Mercury had finished his story he saw Argus’s eyes all asleep
r nets and our weapons are wet with the blood of our victims; we have had sport enough for one day, and to-morrow we can re
extremity of the valley was a cave, not adorned with art, but nature had counterfeited art in its construction, for she ha
th art, but nature had counterfeited art in its construction, for she had turned the arch of its roof with stones as delica
followed the effort. He groaned, and tears flowed down the face which had taken the place of his own. Yet his consciousness
gorges that seemed impracticable, he fled and they followed. Where he had often chased the stag and cheered on his pack, hi
aised his eyes, and would have raised his arms in supplication, if he had had them. His friends and fellow-huntsmen cheered
d his eyes, and would have raised his arms in supplication, if he had had them. His friends and fellow-huntsmen cheered on
ey were all around him, rending and tearing; and it was not till they had torn his life out that the anger of Diana was sat
ddess Latona, but not with impunity. When I was young, my father, who had grown too old for active labors, sent me to Lycia
. The workmanship surpassed the material; 4 for upon the walls Vulcan had represented earth, sea, and skies, with their inh
like, nor yet unlike, — but such as sisters’ ought to be. 5 The earth had its towns and forests and rivers and rustic divin
he glare all around him, the sight of his eyes grew dim. He wished he had never touched his father’s horses, never learned
upiter omnipotent, calling to witness all the gods, including him who had lent the chariot, and showing them that all was l
his old schoolmaster and foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old man had been drinking, and in that state wandered away, a
should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented, though sorry that he had not made a better choice. Midas went his way, rej
d the same. He took an apple from the tree; you would have thought he had robbed the garden of the Hesperides. His joy knew
ction, he strove to divest himself of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. But all in vain; starvation seeme
, and wash away your fault and its punishment.” He did so, and scarce had he touched the waters before the gold-creating po
a worshipper of Pan, the god of the fields. On a certain occasion Pan had the temerity to compare his music with that of Ap
long a thick bed of reeds sprang up in the meadow, and as soon as it had gained its growth, began whispering the story, an
eople and made king, in obedience to the command of the oracle, which had said that their future king should come in a wago
ded in subjecting all Asia to his sway, people began to think that he had complied with the terms of the oracle according t
aucis, a pious old dame, and her husband Philemon, united when young, had grown old together. Not ashamed of their poverty,
stened to obey, and, staff in hand, labored up the steep ascent. They had reached to within an arrow’s flight of the top, w
ld Philemon saw Baucis changing in like manner. And now a leafy crown had grown over their heads, while exchanging parting
de the parson. The following may serve as a specimen: — “They scarce had spoke, when, fair and soft, The roof began to mou
spense to dwell, ’Tis now no kettle, but a bell. A wooden jack, which had almost Lost by disuse the art to roast, A sudden
e wonder more. The number made the motion slower; The flier, though’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce cou
s and Scylla. [Proserpine.] When Jupiter and his brothers had defeated the Titans and banished them to Tartarus
were the giants Typhon, Briareus, Enceladus, and others. Some of them had a hundred arms, others breathed out fire. They we
that is, the father, mother, and little girl, for they were all; they had no servants. They spread the table, and put upon
a solemn charm, then went and laid him in the ashes. His mother, who had been watching what her guest was doing, sprang fo
is own dominions. The river nymph would have told the goddess all she had witnessed, but dared not, for fear of Pluto; so s
of Pluto; so she only ventured to take up the girdle which Proserpine had dropped in her flight, and waft it to the feet of
roserpine of Pluto. The wily monarch consented; but, alas! the maiden had taken a pomegranate which Pluto offered her, and
alas! the maiden had taken a pomegranate which Pluto offered her, and had sucked the sweet pulp from a few of the seeds. Th
kiss.” Glaucus and Scylla. Glaucus was a fisherman. One day he had drawn his nets to land, and had taken a great man
Glaucus was a fisherman. One day he had drawn his nets to land, and had taken a great many fishes of various kinds. So he
, nor ever visited by any but himself. On a sudden, the fishes, which had been laid on the grass, began to revive and move
and swam away. He did not know what to make of this, whether some god had done it or some secret power in the herbage. “Wha
power?” he exclaimed; and gathering some of it, he tasted it. Scarce had the juices of the plant reached his palate when h
d trailed behind him on the water; his shoulders grew broad, and what had been thighs and legs assumed the form of a fish’s
the favorite of the water-nymphs, rambling on the shore, and when she had found a sheltered nook, laving her limbs in the c
r she turned to run immediately on the sight of him, and ran till she had gained a cliff overlooking the sea. Here she stop
holly to it.” Then he told the story of his metamorphosis, and how he had been promoted to his present dignity, and added,
he was not insensible to the attractions of the sea-green deity, “You had better pursue a willing object; you are worthy to
abhor the sex, and resolved to live unmarried. He was a sculptor, and had made with wonderful skill a statue of ivory, so b
altars smoked, and the odor of incense filled the air. When Pygmalion had performed his part in the solemnities, he stood b
them at the same moment on her lover. Venus blessed the nuptials she had formed, and from this union Paphos was born, from
e, when she perceived blood dropping from the places where her sister had broken them off the stem. The plant was no other
was no other than the nymph Lotis, who, running from a base pursuer, had been changed into this form. This they learned fr
en it was too late. Dryope, horror-struck when she perceived what she had done, would gladly have hastened from the spot, b
ugh the air. But Adonis was too noble to heed such counsels. The dogs had roused a wild boar from his lair, and the youth t
stretched him dying upon the plain. Venus, in her swan-drawn chariot, had not yet reached Cyprus, when she heard coming up
nscribed with my regrets.” While Apollo spoke, behold the blood which had flowed on the ground and stained the herbage ceas
to discourage him, by describing the violence of the winds, which she had known familiarly when she lived at home in her fa
ill return before the moon shall have twice rounded her orb.” When he had thus spoken, he ordered the vessel to be drawn ou
deck, waving his hand to her. She answered his signal till the vessel had receded so far that she could no longer distingui
that of her husband; he seemed to pour forth genuine tears; his hands had the gestures of Ceyx. Halcyone, weeping, groaned,
see if he was still present, for the servants, alarmed by her cries, had brought a light. When she found him not, she smot
taken me with thee! It would have been far better. Then I should have had no remnant of life to spend without thee, nor a s
image of a reaper! With a hay band tied round him, one would think he had just come from turning over the grass. Sometimes
imes he would have an ox-goad in his hand, and you would have said he had just unyoked his weary oxen. Now he bore a prunin
ociated vine, equally. “But,” said she, “if the tree stood alone, and had no vine clinging to it, it would have nothing to
sent to unite yourself with some one? I wish you would. Helen herself had not more numerous suitors, nor Penelope, the wife
vows to written tablets, and often hung at her door garlands which he had moistened with his tears. He stretched himself on
towards her mansion, he fastened a rope to the gate-post, on which he had often hung garlands, and putting his head into th
entations of the mourners met the ears of her whom the avenging deity had already marked for punishment. “‘Let us see this
et, whence through an open window she looked upon the funeral. Scarce had her eyes rested upon the form of Iphis stretched
oung fruits, nor furious winds scatter your blossoms!” When Vertumnus had spoken thus, he dropped the disguise of an old wo
ruit.” Chapter XI. Cupid and Psyche. A certain king and queen had three daughters. The charms of the two elder were
ess of his wound, his whole thought now was to repair the mischief he had done, and he poured the balmy drops of joy over a
f to demand her in marriage. Her two elder sisters of moderate charms had now long been married to two royal princes; but P
, sick of that beauty which, while it procured abundance of flattery, had failed to awaken love. Her parents, afraid that t
of flattery, had failed to awaken love. Her parents, afraid that they had unwittingly incurred the anger of the gods, consu
e lute, and all closed in the wonderful harmony of a full chorus. She had not yet seen her destined husband. He came only i
isters, not satisfied with this reply, soon made her confess that she had never seen him. Then they proceeded to fill her b
and a sharp knife, and hid them out of sight of her husband. When he had fallen into his first sleep, she silently rose an
on the ground, filling the place with mournful lamentations. When she had recovered some degree of composure she looked aro
degree of composure she looked around her, but the palace and gardens had vanished, and she found herself in the open field
y love, my lord, inhabits there,” and directed her steps thither. She had no sooner entered than she saw heaps of corn, som
al.” Thus Psyche became at last united to Cupid, and in due time they had a daughter born to them whose name was Pleasure.
rmidons. [Cadmus.] Jupiter, under the disguise of a bull, had carried away Europa, the daughter of Agenor, king
and where she stopped, should build a city and call it Thebes. Cadmus had hardly left the Castalian cave, from which the or
pure water for a libation. Near by there stood an ancient grove which had never been profaned by the axe, in the midst of w
vibrated a triple tongue, and showed a triple row of teeth. No sooner had the Tyrians dipped their pitchers in the fountain
und, and planted the teeth, destined to produce a crop of men. Scarce had he done so when the clods began to move, and the
f them said to him, “Meddle not with our civil war.” With that he who had spoken smote one of his earth-born brothers with
e is so dear to the gods, I would I were myself a serpent.” No sooner had he uttered the words than he began to change his
nd fountains and drank till they died, without quenching thirst. Many had not strength to get away from the water, but died
es around to take a last look, then closed them in death. “What heart had I left me, during all this, or what ought I to ha
. “What heart had I left me, during all this, or what ought I to have had , except to hate life and wish to be with my dead
an form. Then I awoke, and my first impulse was to chide the gods who had robbed me of a sweet vision and given me no reali
g even your hopes!’ I went forth; I saw a multitude of men, such as I had seen in my dream, and they were passing in proces
have seen these persons; their dispositions resemble those which they had in their former shape. They are a diligent and in
nd all the poets and writers of fiction since his day, when they have had occasion to describe a similar scene, have borrow
ara. Nisus was king of Megara, and Scylla was his daughter. The siege had now lasted six months and the city still held out
repair, and look abroad over the tents of the hostile army. The siege had lasted so long that she had learned to distinguis
the tents of the hostile army. The siege had lasted so long that she had learned to distinguish the persons of the leaders
n of their course. A sea-eagle soaring aloft, — it was her father who had been changed into that form, — seeing her, pounce
She was a favorite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one failing; she was fond of talking, and whether
ld have the last word. One day Juno was seeking her husband, who, she had reason to fear, was amusing himself among the nym
in her power. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and had her answer ready. One day the youth, being separa
s not the only instance. He shunned all the rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo. One day a maiden who had in vain
he rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo. One day a maiden who had in vain endeavored to attract him uttered a praye
y degrees he lost his color, his vigor, and the beauty which formerly had so charmed the nymph Echo. She kept near him, how
it returned as soon with answering looks Of sympathy and love. There had I fixed Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain d
divinity; but it was defensive war only that she patronized, and she had no sympathy with Mars’s savage love of violence a
me in competition with Minerva. That mortal was Arachne, a maiden who had attained such skill in the arts of weaving and em
adorned it with her needle, one would have said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not be
f an old woman and went and gave Arachne some friendly advice “I have had much experience,” said she, “and I hope you will
ustrating the displeasure of the gods at such presumptuous mortals as had dared to contend with them. These were meant as w
e scene represented Leda caressing the swan, under which form Jupiter had disguised himself; and another, Danaë, in the bra
himself; and another, Danaë, in the brazen tower in which her father had imprisoned her, but where the god effected his en
ry. The two stanzas which follow tell what was done after the goddess had depicted her creation of the olive tree: — “Amon
learn the lesson of humility. It was Niobe, the queen of Thebes. She had indeed much to be proud of; but it was not her hu
; and truly the happiest of mothers would Niobe have been if only she had not claimed to be so. It was on occasion of the a
took him as he fled. Two others, younger boys, just from their tasks, had gone to the playground to have a game of wrestlin
ot his intercessions; and Apollo would have spared him, but the arrow had already left the string, and it was too late. The
ople and grief of the attendants soon made Niobe acquainted with what had taken place. She could hardly think it possible;
. She could hardly think it possible; she was indignant that the gods had dared and amazed that they had been able to do it
sible; she was indignant that the gods had dared and amazed that they had been able to do it. Her husband, Amphion, overwhe
w, destroyed himself. Alas! how different was this Niobe from her who had so lately driven away the people from the sacred
? Bereaved as I am, I am still richer than you, my conqueror.” Scarce had she spoken, when the bow sounded and struck terro
piter and Danaë. His grandfather Acrisius, alarmed by an oracle which had told him that his daughter’s child would be the i
es sent him to attempt the conquest of Medusa, a terrible monster who had laid waste the country. She was once a beautiful
re she dwelt might be seen the stony figures of men and animals which had chanced to catch a glimpse of her and had been pe
es of men and animals which had chanced to catch a glimpse of her and had been petrified with the sight. Perseus, favored b
surpassed that of all other men. He was rich in flocks and herds and had no neighbor or rival to dispute his state. But hi
I seek rest and food.” But Atlas remembered that an ancient prophecy had warned him that a son of Jove should one day rob
of which Cepheus was king. Cassiopeia his queen, proud of her beauty, had dared to compare herself to the Sea-Nymphs, which
he approach of the serpent. She was so pale and motionless that if it had not been for her flowing tears and her hair that
and that of her country, and her mother’s pride of beauty. Before she had done speaking, a sound was heard off upon the wat
with his broad breast. The virgin shrieked, the father and mother who had now arrived at the scene, wretched both, but the
s the monster floated near he gave him a death stroke. The people who had gathered on the shore shouted so that the hills r
ed the giants proved a formidable enemy. Some of them, like Briareus, had a hundred arms; others, like Typhon, breathed out
a monster which infested the high-road. It was called the Sphinx. It had the body of a lion and the upper part of a woman.
e it should pass safe, but those who failed should be killed. Not one had yet succeeded in solving it, and all had been sla
ed should be killed. Not one had yet succeeded in solving it, and all had been slain. Œdipus was not daunted by these alarm
m in marriage their queen Jocasta. Œdipus, ignorant of his parentage, had already become the slayer of his father; in marry
eave to try him As soon as he was seated on his back the horse, which had appeared at first vicious, and afterwards spirit-
earance was the signal of bloody warfare to the puny inhabitants, who had to take up arms to defend their cornfields agains
re lived in Thessaly a king and queen named Athamas and Nephele. They had two children, a boy and a girl. After a time Atha
bulls with brazen feet, and sow the teeth of the dragon which Cadmus had slain, and from which it was well known that a cr
the crop of armed men sprang up, and, wonderful to relate! no sooner had they reached the surface than they began to brand
rush upon Jason. The Greeks trembled for their hero, and even she who had provided him a way of safety and taught him how t
ding their numbers overwhelming, he resorted to the charm which Medea had taught him, seized a stone and threw it in the mi
done by scattering over him a few drops of a preparation which Medea had supplied. At the smell he relaxed his rage, stood
stood for a moment motionless, then shut those great round eyes, that had never been known to shut before, and turned over
nd after all, like many other golden prizes, not worth the trouble it had cost to procure it.   This is one of those mythol
uld be led forth, and having thrown him into a deep sleep by a charm, had him laid on a bed of herbs, like one dead. Jason
his mouth and into his wound the juices of her caldron. As soon as he had completely imbibed them, his hair and beard laid
ias, our readers will recollect, was the usurping uncle of Jason, and had kept him out of his kingdom. Yet he must have had
uncle of Jason, and had kept him out of his kingdom. Yet he must have had some good qualities, for his daughters loved him,
qualities, for his daughters loved him, and when they saw what Medea had done for Æson, they wished her to do the same for
r their vengeance would have been terrible. She escaped, however, but had little enjoyment of the fruits of her crime. Jaso
had little enjoyment of the fruits of her crime. Jason, for whom she had done so much, wishing to marry Creusa, princess o
to attribute every degree of atrocity. In her flight from Colchis she had taken her young brother Absyrtus with her. Findin
roclaims his own valor, and defies alike the boar and the goddess who had sent it; but as he rushes on, the infuriated beas
he rest opposed the gift, and snatched from the maiden the trophy she had received. Meleager, kindling with rage at the wro
which once she rescued from the flames, the brand which the Destinies had linked with Meleager’s life, she brings forth, an
ollable grief; till Diana, pitying the sorrows of the house that once had aroused her anger, turned them into birds. Atal
uly say was boyish for a girl, yet too girlish for a boy. Her fortune had been told, and it was to this effect: “Atalanta,
d devoted herself to the sports of the chase. To all suitors (for she had many) she imposed a condition which was generally
ry of Argos, and dwelt in a swamp near the well of Amymone. This well had been discovered by Amymone when the country was s
uffering from drought, and the story was that Neptune, who loved her, had permitted her to touch the rock with his trident,
took up his position, and Hercules was sent to destroy him. The Hydra had nine heads, of which the middle one was immortal.
r labor was the cleaning of the Augean stables. Augeas, king of Elis, had a herd of three thousand oxen, whose stalls had n
Augeas, king of Elis, had a herd of three thousand oxen, whose stalls had not been cleansed for thirty years. Hercules brou
in great numbers down to the ship. Hercules, thinking that Hippolyta had acted treacherously, slew her, and taking her gir
les did not know where to find them. These were the apples which Juno had received at her wedding from the goddess of the E
received at her wedding from the goddess of the Earth, and which she had intrusted to the keeping of the daughters of Hesp
les arrived at Mount Atlas in Africa. Atlas was one of the Titans who had warred against the gods, and after they were subd
are supposed by some to be the oranges of Spain, of which the Greeks had heard some obscure accounts.   A celebrated explo
hero slept. That their foot-prints might not serve to show where they had been driven, he dragged them backward by their ta
their tails to his cave; so their tracks all seemed to show that they had gone in the opposite direction. Hercules was dece
ived by this stratagem, and would have failed to find his oxen, if it had not happened that in driving the remainder of the
des he obtained the liberty of Theseus, his admirer and imitator, who had been detained a prisoner there for an unsuccessfu
the love of her husband. Dejanira did so and before long fancied she had occasion to use it. Hercules in one of his conque
fancied she had occasion to use it. Hercules in one of his conquests had taken prisoner a fair maiden, named Iole, of whom
aused him the most intense agony. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal robe, and hurled him into t
d on board a ship and was conveyed home. Dejanira, on seeing what she had unwittingly done, hung herself. Hercules, prepare
make her regret the determination of her husband. So when the flames had consumed the mother’s share of Hercules, the divi
away the stone and take them from under it. When she thought the time had come, his mother led Theseus to the stone, and he
. One of these evil-doers was called Procrustes, or the Stretcher. He had an iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all tra
onger than the bed, he lopped off a portion. Theseus served him as he had served others. Having overcome all the perils of
ched Athens, where new dangers awaited him. Medea, the sorceress, who had fled from Corinth after her separation from Jason
sorceress, who had fled from Corinth after her separation from Jason, had become the wife of Ægeus, the father of Theseus.
eglected to raise the white sails, and the old king, thinking his son had perished, put an end to his own life. Theseus thu
s is his expedition against the Amazons. He assailed them before they had recovered from the attack of Hercules, and carrie
st intimate nature, yet it originated in the midst of arms. Pirithous had made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and
looked on, sometimes running to gather up the feathers which the wind had blown away, and then handling the wax and working
s achievements that he could not bear the idea of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix under his charge to be taug
were the offspring of Leda and the Swan, under which disguise Jupiter had concealed himself. Leda gave birth to an egg from
e Trojan war, was their sister. When Theseus and his friend Pirithous had carried off Helen from Sparta, the youthful heroe
h it. As he approached his native city Thebes, Pentheus the king, who had no respect for the new worship, forbade its rites
s only made him more violent. But now the attendants returned whom he had despatched to seize Bacchus. They had been driven
the attendants returned whom he had despatched to seize Bacchus. They had been driven away by the Bacchanals, but had succe
ed to seize Bacchus. They had been driven away by the Bacchanals, but had succeeded in taking one of them prisoner, whom, w
ame is Acetes; my country is Mæonia; my parents were poor people, who had no fields or flocks to leave me, but they left me
hem a prize, as they thought, a boy of delicate appearance, whom they had found asleep. They judged he was a noble youth, p
as pilot, and bore away from Naxos. “Then the god, pretending that he had just become aware of their treachery, looked out
eard and the odor of fragrant wine spread all around. The god himself had a chaplet of vine leaves, and bore in his hand a
hands but fins; another, trying to raise his arms to a rope, found he had no arms, and curving his mutilated body, jumped i
ad no arms, and curving his mutilated body, jumped into the sea. What had been his legs became the two ends of a crescent-s
that she should have an immortal lover, instead of the mortal one she had lost. The island where Ariadne was left was the f
ed Dryads or Hamadryads, were believed to perish with the trees which had been their abode and with which they had come int
perish with the trees which had been their abode and with which they had come into existence. It was therefore an impious
xpressing the gratitude of suppliants to the nymph of the tree. Often had the Dryads danced round it hand in hand. Its trun
the reward of your piety;” and turned against him the weapon which he had held aside from the tree, gashed his body with ma
ands of his appetite, but his hunger continued unabated. At length he had spent all and had only his daughter left, a daugh
te, but his hunger continued unabated. At length he had spent all and had only his daughter left, a daughter worthy of a be
e. He heard her prayer, and though her new master was not far off and had his eye upon her a moment before, Neptune changed
for some time.” He was deceived and went his way, thinking his slave had escaped. Then she resumed her own form. Her fathe
ust ready to fall, ordered his servants to prop it up. The nymph, who had been on the point of perishing with the tree, cam
e created the horse and was the patron of horse races. His own horses had brazen hoofs and golden manes. They drew his char
urged in his behalf his descent from Jove and his labors by which he had exceeded the exactions of Juno, his step-mother.
s.’ With that he advanced towards me, and I was ashamed, after what I had said, to yield. I threw off my green vesture and
d himself upon my back. I tell you the truth, it was as if a mountain had fallen on me. I struggled to get my arms at liber
ion of his son, and wreaked his vengeance on the innocent workmen who had made the thunderbolt. These were the Cyclopes, wh
nsom, and perhaps remembering the declarations of attachment which he had often heard from his courtiers and dependents fan
thought of dying for him on the bed of sickness; and old servants who had experienced his bounty and that of his house from
h a cost; but there was no remedy. The condition imposed by the Fates had been met, and the decree was irrevocable. Alcesti
rds their law. “And day by day more holy grew     Each spot where he had trod, Till after-poets only knew     Their first-
unrelenting fate, dooming them to destruction. Œdipus in his madness had torn out his eyes, and was driven forth from his
d, and then returned to Thebes. Her brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, had agreed to share the kingdom between them, and rei
turn. But Amphiaraus, on his marriage to Eriphyle, the king’s sister, had agreed that whenever he and Adrastus should diffe
r to his interest. This collar or necklace was a present which Vulcan had given to Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus, an
lcan had given to Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus, and Polynices had taken it with him on his flight from Thebes. Erip
sulted the soothsayer Tiresias as to the issue. Tiresias in his youth had by chance seen Minerva bathing. The goddess in he
statue to Modesty on the spot where they parted. Ulysses and Penelope had not enjoyed their union more than a year when it
tter relaxed somewhat of their hardness, softened by his notes. Hymen had been called to bless with his presence the nuptia
llowing, through passages dark and steep, in total silence, till they had nearly reached the outlet into the cheerful upper
e management of bees, was the son of the water-nymph Cyrene. His bees had perished, and he resorted for aid to his mother.
the bodies of the animals, and, wonderful to relate! a swarm of bees had taken possession of one of the carcasses and were
Of his lost bees to her maternal ear.” Milton also appears to have had Cyrene and her domestic scene in his mind when he
hunting and tending the flocks. Meanwhile Antiope, their mother, who had been treated with great cruelty by Lycus, the usu
nd and sea continued propitious. Not a cloud dimmed the firmament. He had not trusted too much to the ocean — but he had to
mmed the firmament. He had not trusted too much to the ocean — but he had to man. He overheard the seamen exchanging hints
here could we go to escape from Periander, if he should know that you had been robbed by us? Your gold would be of little u
idst find thy Eurydice, and lose her again as soon as found; when she had vanished like a dream, how didst thou hate the ch
elves safe from all danger of detection. But the strains of his music had drawn round him the inhabitants of the deep to li
de spread fame.” Then he told Periander all the wonderful events that had befallen him, who heard him with amazement. “Shal
k its chords. They fell prostrate at his feet, as if a lightning bolt had struck them. “We meant to murder him, and he has
he Isthmus of Corinth, which attracted all of Grecian lineage. Apollo had bestowed on him the gift of song, the honeyed lip
dy the towers of Corinth crowning the height appeared in view, and he had entered with pious awe the sacred grove of Neptun
h disfigured with wounds, was recognized by the friend in Corinth who had expected him as a guest. “Is it thus I find you r
to the door, but looked in vain for the visitors. Scarcely, however, had he left the banqueting hall when the roof fell in
ath the ruins. On inquiring as to the appearance of the young men who had sent for him, Simonides was satisfied that they w
uin of Troy, for that city was founded by her son Dardanus. The sight had such an effect on her sisters that they have look
old. When his hair was quite white she left his society; but he still had the range of her palace, lived on ambrosial food,
d the Trojans fled in dismay. Aurora, who from her station in the sky had viewed with apprehension the danger of her son, w
Scylla was a fair virgin of Sicily, a favorite of the Sea-Nymphs. She had many suitors, but repelled them all, and would go
sea;” and tears stopped her utterance, which when the pitying maiden had wiped away with her delicate finger, and soothed
ngled with passionate reproaches of my coldness and cruelty. “When he had finished he rose up, and, like a raging bull that
parta. Now Helen, the wife of Menelaus, was the very woman whom Venus had destined for Paris, the fairest of her sex. She h
woman whom Venus had destined for Paris, the fairest of her sex. She had been sought as a bride by numerous suitors, and b
ts to recover his wife. They generally came forward, but Ulysses, who had married Penelope, and was very happy in his wife
, who had married Penelope, and was very happy in his wife and child, had no disposition to embark in such a troublesome af
ero was the son of that Thetis at whose marriage the apple of Discord had been thrown among the goddesses. Thetis was herse
t to the palace and offered for sale female ornaments, among which he had placed some arms. While the king’s daughters were
roy, and Paris, the shepherd and seducer of Helen, was his son. Paris had been brought up in obscurity, because there were
ed, for the Grecian armament now in preparation was the greatest that had ever been fitted out. Agamemnon, king of Mycenae,
l. But Troy was no feeble enemy. Priam, the king, was now old, but he had been a wise prince and had strengthened his state
nemy. Priam, the king, was now old, but he had been a wise prince and had strengthened his state by good government at home
t the first onset Protesilaus fell by the hand of Hector. Protesilaus had left at home his wife, Laodamia, who was most ten
otesilaus and Laodamia for the subject of a poem. It seems the oracle had declared that victory should be the lot of that p
ang,     And on the joys we shared in mortal life, The paths which we had trod, — these fountains, flowers; My new planned
he tomb of him for whom she died;     And ever when such stature they had gained That Ilium’s walls were subject to their v
mer, The Iliad, begins. The Greeks, though unsuccessful against Troy, had taken the neighboring and allied cities, and in t
ale captive, by name Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo, had fallen to the share of Agamemnon. Chryses came be
that Achilles should yield to him in her stead Briseis, a maiden who had fallen to Achilles’ share in the division of the
us war as the parties themselves. It was well known to them that fate had decreed that Troy should fall, at last, if her en
the cause of the dispute, with ample gifts to atone for the wrong he had done. Agamemnon consented, and Ulysses, Ajax, and
sted in his resolution to embark for Greece without delay. The Greeks had constructed a rampart around their ships, and now
Trojans, Jupiter saw nothing of what was going on, for his attention had been drawn from the field by the wiles of Juno. T
tion had been drawn from the field by the wiles of Juno. That goddess had arrayed herself in all her charms, and to crown a
That goddess had arrayed herself in all her charms, and to crown all had borrowed of Venus her girdle, called Cestus, whic
d to crown all had borrowed of Venus her girdle, called Cestus, which had the effect to heighten the wearer’s charms to suc
him also how, at the time of departing for Troy, Achilles and himself had been charged by their respective fathers with dif
address, and hastened back to Achilles, revolving in his mind all he had seen and heard. He told the prince the sad condit
or, struck with terror, looked everywhere for refuge. First those who had got possession of the ship and set it on fire lef
of Sarpedon, where it received due funeral rites. Thus far Patroclus had succeeded to his utmost wish in repelling the Tro
quire the cause. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproach that he had indulged his resentment so far, and suffered his
rocure for him a suit of armor from Vulcan more than equal to that he had lost. He consented, and Thetis immediately repair
es’ feet at the dawn of day. The first glow of pleasure that Achilles had felt since the death of Patroclus was at the sigh
ispleasure against Agamemnon and bitterly lamenting the miseries that had resulted from it, he called on them to proceed at
as so close in pursuit that that would have been impossible if Apollo had not, in the form of Agenor, Priam’s son, encounte
d to fly, and taken the way apart from the city. Achilles pursued and had chased his supposed victim far from the walls, wh
walls, when Apollo disclosed himself, and Achilles, perceiving how he had been deluded, gave up the chase. But when the res
ceiving how he had been deluded, gave up the chase. But when the rest had escaped into the town Hector stood without determ
es swiftly pursued. They ran, still keeping near the walls, till they had thrice encircled the city. As often as Hector app
r his bread on the charity of strangers. When Achilles and the Greeks had taken their revenge on the killer of Patroclus th
imself at the feet of Achilles, and kissed those terrible hands which had destroyed so many of his sons. “Think, O Achilles
bravest sons, so late the flower of Ilium, all have fallen. Yet one I had , one more than all the rest the strength of my ag
some god, for without aid divine no mortal even in his prime of youth had dared the attempt. I grant thy request, moved the
e torch; while all Troy thronging forth encompassed the pile. When it had completely burned, they quenched the cinders with
s grief, and was in consequence slain by the hero. Achilles by chance had seen Polyxena, daughter of King Priam, perhaps on
n the heel, the only vulnerable part about him. For Thetis his mother had dipped him when an infant in the river Styx, whic
s of Hercules. They were in possession of Philoctetes, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last and lighted his fu
n with Hercules at the last and lighted his funeral pyre. Philoctetes had joined the Grecian expedition against Troy, but h
pyre. Philoctetes had joined the Grecian expedition against Troy, but had accidentally wounded his foot with one of the poi
In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in his prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had
in his prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had married when a youth, and had abandoned for the f
tten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had married when a youth, and had abandoned for the fatal beauty Helen. Œnone, reme
andoned for the fatal beauty Helen. Œnone, remembering the wrongs she had suffered, refused to heal the wound, and Paris we
k, Sinon by name, and that in consequence of the malice of Ulysses he had been left behind by his countrymen at their depar
preventing its being carried within the city; for Calchas the prophet had told them that if the Trojans took possession of
the traitor Sinon, opened the gates of the city to their friends, who had returned under cover of the night. The city was s
as slain at last on the fatal night when the Greeks took the city. He had armed himself and was about to mingle with the co
and her daughter Cassandra were carried captives to Greece. Cassandra had been loved by Apollo, and he gave her the gift of
predictions should never be believed. Polyxena, another daughter, who had been loved by Achilles, was demanded by the ghost
r. On the fall of Troy Menelaus recovered possession of his wife, who had not ceased to love him, though she had yielded to
ed possession of his wife, who had not ceased to love him, though she had yielded to the might of Venus and deserted him fo
the general-in-chief of the Greeks, the brother of Menelaus, and who had been drawn into the quarrel to avenge his brother
t so fortunate in the issue. During his absence his wife Clytemnestra had been false to him, and when his return was expect
n disguise to Argos, pretending to be a messenger from Strophius, who had come to announce the death of Orestes, and brough
                             “The repeated air Of sad Electra’s poet had the power To save the Athenian walls from ruin ba
name means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that placed in the middle of the
humbly, stating that they were Greeks, from the great expedition that had lately won so much glory in the conquest of Troy;
ose them all to certain destruction, as the rock with which the giant had closed up the door was far beyond their power to
nd dashed their brains out, and made his evening meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses appro
and made his evening meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses approaching him handed him a bowl
hey on his cry flocked round the den, and inquired what grievous hurt had caused him to sound such an alarm and break their
ut, that Ulysses and his men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had made his men harness the rams of the flock three
ed safe, Ulysses himself being on the last one that passed. When they had got a few paces from the cavern, Ulysses and his
land, so that it barely escaped being swamped by the waves. When they had with the utmost difficulty pulled off shore, Ulys
o so. He could not forbear, however, letting the giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited till they had rea
he giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited till they had reached a safer distance than before. The giant a
Ulysses next arrived at the island of Æolus. To this monarch Jupiter had intrusted the government of the winds, to send th
untry. Nine days they sped before the wind, and all that time Ulysses had stood at the helm, without sleep. At last quite e
were driven far from their course, and back again to the island they had just left. Æolus was so indignant at their folly
sels with their crews were destroyed, except Ulysses’ own ship, which had remained outside, and finding no safety but in fl
who suspected danger. The goddess conducted her guests to a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies. When
a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one wit
palace was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done his companions, and after he had eaten and d
rce, who entertained him as she had done his companions, and after he had eaten and drank, touched him with her wand, sayin
ass safely by the coast of the Sirens. The Sirens were sea-nymphs who had the power of charming by their song all who heard
goddess! Circe, feel my prayer!” Scylla and Charybdis. Ulysses had been warned by Circe of the two monsters Scylla a
om whence she was accustomed to thrust forth her long necks, (for she had six heads,) and in each of her mouths to seize on
re them away, shrieking, to her den. It was the saddest sight Ulysses had yet seen; to behold his friends thus sacrificed a
ced and hear their cries, unable to afford them any assistance. Circe had warned him of another danger. After passing Scyll
flocks and herds, but content themselves with what provision they yet had left of the supply which Circe had put on board.
elves with what provision they yet had left of the supply which Circe had put on board. So long as this supply lasted the p
on his return to the shore, was horror-struck at perceiving what they had done, and the more so on account of the portentou
le roasting. The wind becoming fair they sailed from the island. They had not gone far when the weather changed, and a stor
t conceal themselves from solitary wayfarers when they met them. They had abundance of wealth and lived in the enjoyment of
ay sleeping on his bed of leaves, Nausicaa, the daughter of the king, had a dream sent by Minerva, reminding her that her w
f ball, the princess singing to them while they played. But when they had refolded the apparel and were about to resume the
d maidens, chiding their alarm, and reminding them that the Phæacians had no enemies to fear. This man, she told them, was
agon. When this was done, and Ulysses, retiring to a sheltered place, had washed his body free from the sea-foam, clothed a
a young woman bearing a pitcher forth for water. It was Minerva, who had assumed that form. Ulysses accosted her and desir
them that the next day he would call them to council to consider what had best be done for the stranger. When the guests ha
l to consider what had best be done for the stranger. When the guests had departed and Ulysses was left alone with the king
zing the clothes which he wore as those which her maidens and herself had made) from whom he received those garments. He to
arena for games of running, wrestling, and other exercises. After all had done their best, Ulysses being challenged to show
ouths, seized a quoit of weight far heavier than any of the Phæacians had thrown, and sent it farther than the utmost throw
y his true name, and at their request, recounted the adventures which had befallen him since his departure from Troy. This
city and palace of the king, to justify the princess Nausicaa having had resort to her chariot and to luncheon when she we
he court to wash their garments.” Fate of the Suitors. Ulysses had now been away from Ithaca for twenty years, and w
. More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca and of the neighboring islands had been for years suing for the hand of Penelope, hi
his house. Telemachus, his son, was absent in quest of his father. He had gone to the courts of the other kings, who had re
uest of his father. He had gone to the courts of the other kings, who had returned from the Trojan expedition. While on the
caution was necessary with regard to the suitors, who, as Telemachus had learned, were plotting to intercept and kill him.
s should also go as a beggar, a character which in the rude old times had different privileges from what we concede to it n
ed his head, with ears erect. It was Argus, Ulysses’ own dog, that he had in other days often led to the chase.           
                * * * Then his destiny released Old Argus, soon as he had lived to see Ulysses in the twentieth year restor
, one of them, raised a stool and with it gave him a blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his indignation at seeing h
ter of the house, though young, and protector of his guests. Penelope had protracted her decision in favor of either of her
rove that his return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile, her son had grown up, and was able to manage his own affairs.
to have the queen for his prize. A bow that one of his brother heroes had given to Ulysses in former times was brought from
, and with its quiver full of arrows was laid in the hall. Telemachus had taken care that all other weapons should be remov
but found all his efforts fruitless; and modestly confessing that he had attempted a task beyond his strength, he yielded
arms, but found none, neither was there any way of escape, for Eumæus had secured the door. Ulysses left them not long in u
tainty; he announced himself as the long-lost chief, whose house they had invaded, whose substance they had squandered, who
e long-lost chief, whose house they had invaded, whose substance they had squandered, whose wife and son they had persecute
invaded, whose substance they had squandered, whose wife and son they had persecuted for ten long years; and told them he m
on of Æneas that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom his father had sent with ample treasures to the neighboring land
, at a distance from the horrors of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him and seized his treasures. Æneas and
eir city, but sickness broke out among them, and the fields that they had planted failed to yield a crop. In this gloomy as
alled Hesperia, whence Dardanus, the true founder of the Trojan race, had originally migrated. To Hesperia, now called Ital
They were sent by the gods to torment a certain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of his sight, in punishment of his cruel
y slew as many as they wished and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves at the table than a horrib
ed, and to their astonishment learned that certain Trojan exiles, who had been carried there as prisoners, had become ruler
that certain Trojan exiles, who had been carried there as prisoners, had become rulers of the country. Andromache, the wid
ying, she was left regent of the country, as guardian of her son, and had married a fellow-captive, Helenus, of the royal r
re with Polyphemus, and besought them to take him off with them as he had no means of sustaining his existence where he was
e his appearance; a terrible monster, shapeless, vast, whose only eye had been put out. 21 He walked with cautious steps,
. The Trojans plied their oars and soon left them out of sight. Æneas had been cautioned by Helenus to avoid the strait gua
nsters Scylla and Charybdis. There Ulysses, the reader will remember, had lost six of his men, seized by Scylla while the n
e against them revive, for she could not forget the slight that Paris had put upon her, in awarding the prize of beauty to
t this crisis, Neptune, hearing the storm raging, and knowing that he had given no orders for one, raised his head above th
y the clouds from before the face of the sun. Some of the ships which had got on the rocks he pried off with his own triden
bition tossing us repressed.” Dido. Carthage, where the exiles had now arrived, was a spot on the coast of Africa op
when she found that he was gone, she mounted a funeral pile which she had caused to be erected, and having stabbed herself
sasters, but press onward the more bravely.” 25 Æneas replied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He
replied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He had but one request to make. Having been directed in
n over.” Æneas grieved at recollecting some of his own companions who had perished in the storm. At that moment he beheld P
oled him by informing him that the people of the shore where his body had been wafted by the waves should be stirred up by
t sound that struck their ears was the wailing of young children, who had died on the threshold of life, and near to these
ho had died on the threshold of life, and near to these were they who had perished under false charges. Minos presides over
udge, and examines the deeds of each. The next class was of those who had died by their own hand, hating life and seeking r
etired paths, leading through groves of myrtle. Here roamed those who had fallen victims to unrequited love, not freed from
the accents of love. “Unhappy Dido! was then the rumor true that you had perished? and was I, alas! the cause? I call the
fall, keeping them in a state of constant alarm. These were they who had hated their brothers, or struck their parents, or
ers; the last being the most numerous class. Here also were those who had violated the marriage vow, or fought in a bad cau
bad cause, or failed in fidelity to their employers. Here was one who had sold his country for gold, another who perverted
re purged away, are sent back to life endowed with new bodies, having had the remembrance of their former lives effectually
ly may have sprung from the reports of some storm-driven mariners who had caught a glimpse of the coast of America. J. R. 
oks, and returning offered the remaining books for the same price she had asked for the nine. The king again rejected them;
, returned and asked for the three remaining the same price which she had before asked for the nine, his curiosity was exci
, third in descent from Saturn, ruled the country. He was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming daughter
rn, ruled the country. He was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming daughter, Lavinia, who was sought in
the Rutulians, was favored by the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been warned in a dream by his father Faunus, that
r that in the conflict with the Harpies one of those half-human birds had threatened the Trojans with dire sufferings. In p
herdsman. A javelin from the hand of Iulus wounded the animal, and he had only strength left to run homewards, and died at
as Mezentius, a brave and able soldier, but of detestable cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neighboring cities,
of her own sex, and ranged herself on the side of Turnus. This maiden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff or th
iden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff or the loom, but had learned to endure the toils of war, and in speed
the surface of the water without dipping her feet. Camilla’s history had been singular from the beginning. Her father, Met
phs, and a rude race of men who sprang from the trees themselves, and had neither laws nor social culture. They knew not ho
and his countrymen. Nisus and Euryalus. In the meanwhile Turnus had collected his bands and made all necessary prepar
Euryalus made prize of a helmet brilliant with gold and plumes. They had passed through the enemy’s ranks without being di
horsemen scattered in all directions to intercept their flight. Nisus had eluded pursuit and was out of danger, but Euryalu
s’s shield glanced off and hit Anthor. He was a Grecian by birth, who had left Argos, his native city, and followed Evander
ollowers and delivered the body into their hands. Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the riverside, and washed his wound
his shield, turning every way to meet them. At last, after Mezentius had three times made the circuit, Æneas threw his lan
r struck down by her battle-axe. At last an Etruscan named Aruns, who had watched her long, seeking for some advantage, obs
length the final conflict took place between Æneas and Turnus. Turnus had avoided the contest as long as he could, but at l
, but at the instant his eye fell on the belt of Pallas, which Turnus had taken from the slaughtered youth. Instantly his r
ase and division. Three was called the number of the whole because it had a beginning, middle, and end. Four, representing
: As he was passing through a forest he saw the trunk of a tree which had been partially split open by wood-cutters, and at
civil organization, and taught them how to worship the gods. After he had thus made the valley of the Nile a happy country,
king’s return. He then caused a box or chest to be brought in, which had been made to fit exactly the size of Osiris, and
me; for when the chest, carried by the waves to the shores of Byblos, had become entangled in the reeds that grew at the ed
there in honor of the god, and at every place where one of his limbs had been found minor temples and tombs were built to
he was not permitted to live beyond a certain period, and if, when he had attained the age of twenty-five years, he still s
ollo at Delphi, a city built on the slopes of Parnassus in Phocis. It had been observed at a very early period that the goa
he intoxicating air, he was affected in the same manner as the cattle had been, and the inhabitants of the surrounding coun
behold the wandering moon Riding near her highest noon, Like one that had been led astray In the heaven’s wide, pathless wa
hose natural phenomena which he cannot understand; and not a few have had their rise from a similar desire of giving a reas
re, among the barbarous people and in a severe climate, the poet, who had been accustomed to all the pleasures of a luxurio
the sacred place. The reader will, we apprehend, by this time have had enough of absurdities, but still we can imagine h
                 “What seemed its head The likeness of a kingly crown had on.” Shelley, in his Ode to Naples, full of the
ars of age, my father, happening to be in a little room in which they had been washing, and where there was a good fire of
perceiving what it was, he called for my sister and me, and after he had shown us the creature, he gave me a box on the ea
equally distinguished by the uncommon beauty of his person. No sooner had he grown to years of maturity than he began to re
en carried to Ceylon, and to the eastern peninsula. But afterwards it had to endure in India a long-continued persecution,
had to endure in India a long-continued persecution, which ultimately had the effect of entirely abolishing it in the count
tely had the effect of entirely abolishing it in the country where it had originated, but to scatter it widely over adjacen
ed a fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source, they froze into ice
caused the vegetable world to bud and sprout. Shortly after the gods had created the world they walked by the side of the
d to support the whole universe. It sprang from the body of Ymir, and had three immense roots, extending one into Asgard, (
his name is sometimes used in a way that shows that the Scandinavians had an idea of a deity superior to Odin, uncreated an
that the band was to be removed again. Tyr (the god of battles) alone had courage enough to do this. But when the wolf foun
s Once on a time, when the gods were constructing their abodes and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
lf more of the toilsome work than his master. Their bargain, however, had been concluded, and confirmed by solemn oaths, fo
ng the gods, especially when Thor should return from an expedition he had then undertaken against the evil demons. As the w
en one and another the whole night was lost, so that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man, seeing that
ods now clearly perceived that it was in reality a mountain giant who had come amongst them. Feeling no longer bound by the
ole down with three tuns of mead. Loki, however, assured him that she had not tasted any thing for eight long nights, so gr
s her desire to see her lover, the renowned ruler of Jotunheim. Thrym had at length the curiosity to peep under his bride’s
und lying near him a huge giant, who slept and snored in the way that had alarmed them so. It is said that for once Thor wa
But what has become of my glove?” Thor then perceived that what they had taken overnight for a hall was the giant’s glove,
hall was the giant’s glove, and the chamber where his two companions had sought refuge was the thumb. Skrymir then propose
Thor consenting, they sat down to eat their breakfast, and when they had done, Skrymir packed all the provisions into one
strongly; but when Thor tried to open the wallet, he found the giant had tied it up so tight he could not untie a single k
on the giant’s head. Skrymir, awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and whether they had supp
ely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and whether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answer
fares it with thee, Thor?” But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and that as it was only midnight
ght, there was still time for sleep. He, however, resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third blow, it shoul
ver his shoulders and turned away from them into the forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of his
ntil they met in the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while his adversary had dev
it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and the trough to b
ng the large horn which his followers were obliged to empty when they had trespassed in any way against the law of the feas
t, but when he took the horn from his mouth, it seemed to him that he had drunk rather less than before, although the horn
nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to the great Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means wh
is utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending his back, had , notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, only one of
upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in the hall t
ate of the city, and on parting asked Thor how he thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any men s
asked Thor how he thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any men stronger than himself. Thor told
ronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought great shame on himself. “And what grieves
live and have my way thou shalt never enter again. And, by my troth, had I known beforehand that thou hadst so much streng
ith thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days had it fallen on me, but I slipped aside and thy blow
mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests you have had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunge
the horn, thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous that had I not seen it myself I should never have believed
hold of his mallet and would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and when Thor would have returned to
his coal-black steed.” But the other gods, feeling that what Frigga had done was quite sufficient, amused themselves with
ooked at each other, and all were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they were obliged to delay the
d lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it as m
n Hel.” Hermod then rode back to Asgard and gave an account of all he had heard and witnessed. The gods upon this despatche
ht him by the tail and compressed it, so that salmons ever since have had that part remarkably fine and thin. They bound hi
account of the region where the strange stories we have been reading had their origin. Let the reader contrast it for a mo
what the sea yields; and it seems they were poetic men these, men who had deep thoughts in them and uttered musically their
ghts in them and uttered musically their thoughts. Much would be lost had Iceland not been burst up from the sea, not been
in the manner of a table upon other stones set up on end. The Druids had also their high places, which were large stones o
g of the sacred fire, from which all the fires in the district, which had been beforehand scrupulously extinguished, might
praying that God would render his gift prosperous to those to whom he had given it.” They drink the water in which it has b
en Columba landed on Iona he was attended by twelve followers whom he had formed into a religious body of which he was the
tion was called a monastery and the superior an abbot, but the system had little in common with the monastic institutions o
s were not permitted to reside with them at the institution, but they had a residence assigned to them in an adjacent local
ptum. —  Virgil . A horrible monster, misshapen, vast, whose only eye had been put out. No. 11. Page 350. Tantæne a
ty Cronos (Time,) which, as it brings an end to all things which have had a beginning, may be said to devour its own offspr
8 (1889) The student’s mythology (2e éd.)
ance, that it is believed by many that the principal mythical systems had one common origin. To trace these analogies, and
gies the same? Ans. They were, to a great extent. The ancient Latins had , undoubtedly, their own gods and their peculiar s
gods and their peculiar superstitions, but they do not appear to have had any regular mythology. When the Romans received t
f sin. This was the Golden Age. Avarice and discord were unknown; men had not learned to slay animals for food, nor had the
scord were unknown; men had not learned to slay animals for food, nor had the earth been disturbed by the plough. Neither t
r to that of gold; but virtue still dwelt on earth, and the Immortals had not altogether departed from the abodes of men. J
entrails first the precious ore (Which next to hell the prudent gods had laid,) And that alluring ill to sight displayed.
the passage of the Celestials when they descended to earth. Each god had his own dwelling, but all were obliged to repair,
ous sentiment. Whatever their origin, there can be no doubt that they had an unfavorable influence on the pagan world, and
e courtiers, and perhaps the oracles, pretended that it was a god who had taken her away. As this report was flattering to
y a terrible event. The attendants of Cadmus, in searching for water, had entered a grove sacred to Mars, which was guarded
ice which threatened him with the vengeance of the god whose grove he had desecrated. Cadmus was at first dismayed, but Min
ity. Cadmus married Hermione [Hermi′one], the daughter of Venus; they had four daughters, all of whom suffered persecution,
of Lycaon [Lyca′on]. Ans. During the Iron Age the wickedness of men had grown to such a height that Jupiter resolved to s
er, sought hospitality of Lycaon, king of Arcadia. The impious prince had just received an ambassador from the Molossians.
with his twin-sister Diana, born at Delos, an island in which Latona had taken refuge from the anger of Juno. This goddess
he god is represented as darting rays. Apollo, like other divinities, had many names. Ques. What was the cause of Apollo’s
es. What was the cause of Apollo’s being driven from heaven? Ans. He had a son named Æsculapius, who was so skilled in med
nt? Ans. He guarded the flocks of Admetus, king of Thessaly. Here he had the misfortune accidentally to kill Hyacinthus, a
The punishment inflicted on King Midas was not so cruel. This prince had the bad taste to declare his preference for the v
s preference for the vulgar music of Pan, in a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caused his ears t
’ ears!” Ques. Is anything else related of King Midas? Ans. Yes; he had kindly and hospitably entertained Silenus, the pr
the vigilance which guards against surprise. Ques. What other names had Mars? Ans. He was called Quirinus [Quiri′nus] wh
ppy Io to the guardianship of Argus. Escape seemed hopeless, as Argus had a hundred eyes, of which he closed only two in sl
d. They were set up in the fields, and at all cross roads. The Greeks had pillars of stone, which they called Hermæ, but th
ailors to land him at Naxos. This the captain promised, but when they had set sail, the mariners took possession of the shi
requently sent to promote strife and dissension. Ques. What children had Juno? Ans. Vulcan, Mars and Hebe. Hebe was calle
Who was Minerva? Ans. She was the goddess of wisdom and of war. She had no mother, but sprang full armed from the head of
roidery. Ques. Who was Arachne? Ans. She was a maiden of Lydia, who had the presumption to challenge Minerva to a trial o
as asleep, Minerva guiding his sword, he struck off her head. Mercury had lent Perseus his wings, and as he flew over the L
es. Ques. What was there remarkable in the Cestus of Venus? Ans. It had the property of conferring grace, beauty, and irr
ace, beauty, and irresistible attractions on the wearer. Ques. Where had Venus temples? Ans. In many places. The most cel
e prize of beauty adjudged to Venus? Ans. All the gods and goddesses had been invited to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis
Mount Ida. This prince was the son of Priam, king of Troy. An oracle had foretold before his birth that he was destined to
unt Ida, where he was found and cared for by some shepherds. After he had grown up, he acquired a great reputation for the
ly renowned for her beauty and her swiftness in running. As an oracle had declared that marriage would be fatal to her, she
out mercy. Hippomenes determined to undertake the race, but first, he had recourse to Venus. This goddess gave him three go
of Delos, where she gave birth to Apollo and Diana. Terra (the earth) had promised Juno to give no shelter to her rival, bu
the sun and moon) and the nurse of the earth and stars. The Egyptians had the same allegory, with a little variation, as, a
fterwards reconciled to Cephalus, and gave him two presents which she had received from Diana. These were, a dog that was a
t it was too late, and Procris expired in his arms, acknowledging she had fallen a victim to her own groundless jealousy.
us sounds. Such was the supposition of the Persian king Cambyses, who had the statue cleft asunder from the head to the mid
ation. Mr.  Wilkinson tried the experiment, and was convinced that he had discovered the secret of this famous statue. The
the visits of different illustrious persons, and testifying that they had heard the mysterious voice of Memnon. Chapter 
y represented with two faces, and was called hence, Janus Bifrons. He had many temples in Rome. The gates of the chief temp
irst Punic war; and Augustus closed the temple the third time when he had given peace to the world. This occurred just befo
nvil with tools in his hand. Ques. What was his occupation? Ans. He had a blacksmith shop in Lemnos, where he manufacture
can? Ans. The attendants of Vulcan were called Cyclops, because they had each one eye in the middle of the forehead; they
scending into the deep recesses of the earth, and coming forth again, had a lamp attached to their foreheads, to give them
hed, all public and private business was suspended until the accident had been expiated. Ques. What laws existed with rega
evere laws, the Vestals were treated with extraordinary respect. They had the most honorable seats at games and festivals,
is related by a Roman historian. Appius Claudius Audax, a consul who had rendered himself obnoxious to the people, was att
lebrated. Her statue in this temple was simply a large aerolite which had fallen in the vicinity, and was regarded by the p
and other grains, so that men ate wholesome bread, where before they had lived on roots and acorns. Ques. How is Ceres re
my kingdom. He determined, nevertheless, to obtain a wife, even if he had to do so by violence. Proserpine, the daughter of
e, through which he descended with his prize. Ceres, ignorant of what had occurred, wandered through the world in search of
l floating on its waters; and the nymph Arethusa informed her of what had taken place. Ceres repaired immediately to Olympu
accompany her mother, when Ascalaphus [Ascal′aphus] reported that he had seen her eat some seeds of pomegranate. The hopes
ted to these rites, because they believed that the souls of those who had not been initiated were left to wallow in mud and
ust vengeance. It was her office to follow and punish guilty men. She had wings, but generally went on foot, which signifie
ple was but a short distance from the plain of Marathon. The Persians had brought with them a great block of Parian marble
fterwards almost universal, is said to date from this epoch. Terminus had a temple on the Tarpeian rock. It is said that wh
er of Jupiter and Latona, and the twin-sister of Apollo. This goddess had three names. On earth she was called Diana, and w
of men, and frequented the woods, attended by a train of virgins who had resolved, like her, never to marry. Ques. Who we
he insulted Latona, and refused to offer incense at her shrine. Niobe had seven beautiful sons, and as many lovely daughter
ne. Niobe had seven beautiful sons, and as many lovely daughters, and had boasted of their number as rendering her superior
ng women who attended on Diana and the greater goddesses. Some, also, had charge of certain fountains and rivers, and were
esses. As she fled from his presence, he pursued. The terrified nymph had sped through all Arcadia; the shades of evening w
e flower that bears his name. According to another version, Narcissus had a twin-sister who resembled him closely in form a
g the walls of Troy. Ques. How was Neptune worshipped? Ans. Neptune had an altar in the Circus at Rome where sacrifices w
ich the people worshipped him as a god. There was another Phorcus who had three daughters, concerning whom a remarkable cir
rs, concerning whom a remarkable circumstance is related. The sisters had but one eye for their common use; each one wore i
d Charybdis. Ques. Who were the Sirens? Ans. They were monsters who had the faces of women, but the bodies of flying-fish
singing, they allured all who sailed by those coasts; and after they had lulled them into a trance, drowned them in the se
e and matter of their songs to the inclination of their hearers. They had bold and stirring strains to entice the ambitious
Circe; he therefore stopped the ears of his companions with wax, and had himself firmly bound to the mast of the ship, by
melody that the music of the Sirens attracted no attention. The Fates had decreed that the Sirens should live until some on
had decreed that the Sirens should live until some one who passed by, had listened to their songs unmoved. When they saw th
en they saw themselves overcome by Orpheus, they knew that their hour had come, and flung themselves headlong into the sea,
æum. She presented to all travellers an enchanted cup; and after they had drunk, transformed them into wolves, swine or oth
ess with his sword, and forced her to restore his companions whom she had transformed. After this, Circe entertained Ulysse
carry the dead to the other side of the lake. The ghosts of those who had not been buried with funeral rites, were obliged
lled, because when the dead drank of its waters, they forgot all that had passed upon this earth. Ques. What monster kept
represented? Ans. As hideous women with terrible countenances; they had twining serpents instead of hair, and carried sna
torments the wicked. When the ancients said of a man, that the Furies had taken up their abode with him, they meant that th
Phlegyas, or, according to some, of Mars. He boasted falsely that he had gained the affections of Juno. For this insolence
od men? Ans. After being purified from whatever slight offences they had committed in life, they were conducted to a place
conducted to a place abounding in delights, called Elysium. When they had passed many ages in this blissful abode they retu
y drank of the river Lethe, that they might forget the happiness they had enjoyed. Chapter XXIV. Fabulous Monsters.
robably a wicked and cruel prince. There were also the Harpies, which had the faces of women and the bodies of birds. Ques
hat was the Chimæra? Ans. A fabulous monster, which vomited fire. It had the head and breast of a lion, the body of a goat
could be found until some one should solve the riddle that the Sphinx had proposed, and which she had learned from the Muse
e should solve the riddle that the Sphinx had proposed, and which she had learned from the Muses. The question was this: “W
the evening?” The Thebans often met to try their skill, and when they had failed, the Sphinx carried off and devoured one o
plumage, and fed only on frankincense and sweet gums. When the Phœnix had attained the age of five hundred years, it built
ool, and heads of garlic and poppy, in place of the human heads which had been formerly offered. The ordinary altar of the
o family repast was properly begun, unless some portion of the viands had been first cast into the fire; in the more solemn
ut off his childish dress, and consecrated the golden bulla, which he had worn around his neck from infancy, to the domesti
rom infancy, to the domestic Lares. The soldier whose term of service had expired dedicated his arms to these powerful geni
aturn, because Time always brings truth to light. Fides, or Fidelity, had a temple near the Capitol, which was said to have
mblems have been described in the article on the goddess Astræa. Hope had a temple at Rome in the herb market. It was destr
e herb market. It was destroyed by lightning. Misericordia, or Mercy, had an altar at Athens This was a public sanctuary fo
red of Hercules, after the death of that hero. Pudicitia, or Modesty, had two temples, much frequented by the Roman matrons
she built, in the Via Longa, a temple similar to that from which she had been expelled, and dedicated it likewise to Pudic
s supposed to exercise a supreme dominion over human affairs. Fortune had many splendid temples in Italy. Servius Tullius d
cules. Ques. Who were the Demigods? Ans. They were brave men, who had rendered themselves famous in life by illustrious
him that he must obey Eurystheus, which he accordingly did. Hercules had been carefully instructed by the Centaur Chiron,
ch lasted an entire year, a famous stag which was sacred to Diana. It had golden horns and brazen feet. Fifth. He killed,
of their queen, Hippolyte [Hippol′yte]. Seventh. Three thousand oxen had been kept thirty years in the stables of Augeas [
had been kept thirty years in the stables of Augeas [Au′geas], which had never been cleaned during the entire period. Herc
food to these same horses. Tenth. He overcame Geryon [Ger′yon], who had three heads and three bodies. Hercules brought in
iants to flight. Ques. Relate the death of Hercules? Ans. This hero had slain the Centaur Nessus to revenge an insult off
on, she could secure his constancy by making him wear a garment which had been sprinkled with this potion. The credulous De
the philter, which was nothing else but the venom of the hydra which had been infused into the Centaur’s blood; and it was
ood; and it was not long before her jealousy led her to use it as she had been directed. Hercules had plundered Œchalia, an
ore her jealousy led her to use it as she had been directed. Hercules had plundered Œchalia, and carried off, among other c
med even the marrow of his bones. In his fury he caught the youth who had brought him the garment, by the foot, and hurled
m. Jason accepted the conditions, but would inevitably have perished, had not Medea, the king’s daughter, saved him by her
him Medea, whom he married, in fulfilment of the engagement which he had made. Ques. What else is related of Medea? Ans.
She murdered, in the sight of their father, the two children whom she had borne to Jason, and consumed his palace and bride
hundred rooms above ground, and as many underneath. These apartments had so many doors, and were connected by such intrica
was so ungrateful as to abandon her on the island of Naxos, where she had fallen asleep on the shore. Ariadne was afterward
and miseries which flew abroad through the world. When he saw what he had done, he shut the box quickly, and prevented Hope
an eagle fed on his liver, which was continually renewed. Prometheus had , at one time, rendered Jupiter a service. The kin
y the Thracian women, who were incensed at the coldness with which he had treated them. After tearing him to pieces, they t
rked for this purpose at Sarentum, taking with him the riches that he had amassed. During the voyage the mariners agreed am
, not from pity, but they desired to hear so famous a minstrel; music had charms even for their rude hearts. Arion attired
above him, and the ship held on its way. The inhabitants of the deep had gathered around as Arion sung, and now, as he was
ed if they knew anything of Arion. They replied confidently that they had left him well and happy at Sarentum. Upon this Ar
ed forth, clothed in gold and purple, and holding his lyre as when he had cast himself into the sea. Overcome with terror,
he guilty men confessed their crime, and suffered the punishment they had so well deserved. This event was commemorated by
. He is represented as sustaining the heavens on his shoulders. Atlas had been warned that he would suffer much from a son
were the children of Atlas? Ans. By his wife Pelione [Peli′one], he had seven daughters, who were called Pleiades; they w
he beautiful group which we admire in the constellation Taurus. Atlas had seven other daughters who underwent the same tran
ard the precious fruit. This monster was the offspring of Typhon, and had a hundred heads, so that it never slept. Orion
d of Danaë, the only daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos. This prince had been warned by an oracle that his daughter would
ty of such an event, he imprisoned her in a brazen apartment which he had diligently guarded. Jupiter had seen and admired
ed her in a brazen apartment which he had diligently guarded. Jupiter had seen and admired the young princess, and he now f
t he bribed the guards. When Acrisius discovered that his precautions had been of no avail, he enclosed Danaë and her infan
as the daughter of Cepheus, king of Ethiopia. Her mother, Cassiopeia, had boasted that she was fairer than Juno and the Ner
er to ravage the dominions of Cepheus. The people, in their distress, had recourse to the oracle of Jupiter Ammon, but the
him into a rock, which was long famous upon that coast. Phineus, who had been betrothed to Andromeda, opposed her marriage
to stone, in the very attitudes in which they fought. Polydectes, who had persecuted Danaë in the absence of Perseus, was p
was received with much kindness by Prœtus, king of Argos. Bellerophon had not, however, been long at Argos when the king wa
him to fight against certain people, called Solymi [Sol′ymi], whom he had much difficulty in subduing. He next defeated the
m. Bellerophon might have ended his days in happiness and prosperity, had he not irritated the gods by his pride. He concei
her of all, they gathered stones which they cast behind them, as they had been commanded, when a great prodigy ensued. The
and quenched the brand, which she secured in an oaken chest. Meleager had already attained the years of manhood when he too
part in the expedition generally known as the Calydonian hunt. Œneus had , upon one occasion, in offering sacrifice to the
eheld the bodies of her murdered brothers. When she learned that they had fallen by the hand of Meleager, the Furies took p
losely besieged by Minos, but all his efforts were vain, as the Fates had decreed that it should not be taken, so long as a
Crete. In despair, she clung to the prow of his ship; but Nisus, who had just been transformed into a hawk, swooped down u
ved, and delivered Erisichthon into the power of Famine. As the Fates had decreed that this goddess and Ceres should never
to obtain relief; he was reduced to misery and famished as before. He had one daughter called Mestra, an only child, whom h
his slave, questioned the supposed fisherman. Mestra replied that she had seen no one, and he proceeded to search for the f
orm, and returned to her father, who was well pleased to find that he had still both his daughter and the money for which h
o find that he had still both his daughter and the money for which he had sold her. He again resorted to this base expedien
re, the care of cattle, the raising of bees, etc. These peaceful arts had been much neglected in Italy during the civil war
was the ostensible reason set forth by the emperor; but these verses had been written many years before. It is evident, th
ssessed copies, and the poem was thus preserved. If the Metamorphoses had been destroyed by this rash act, we would have lo
for a long time at Aulis, owing to the wrath of Diana, whom Agamemnon had offended by killing one of her favorite deer. Cal
f the daughters of Priam, fell to the lot of Agamemnon. This princess had been endowed by Apollo with the gift of prophecy,
on, believing, and perhaps hoping, that her husband would not return, had given a promise of marriage to Ægisthus, who alre
is strange treatment, and Achilles remained subject to death. Calchas had declared that Troy could not be taken without his
r was then obliged to join the expedition. During the siege, Achilles had a dispute with Agamemnon, concerning some female
of Hector, at length aroused him to action. Achilles’ armor, which he had lent to Patroclus, had become the spoil of Hector
oused him to action. Achilles’ armor, which he had lent to Patroclus, had become the spoil of Hector, and it was upon this
soon after the sad fate of her son Polydorus. This young prince, who had been commended by Priam to the care of Polymnesto
y Ulysses. Ques. Who was Ulysses? Ans. He was king of Ithaca, and had been, like many other princes of Greece, a suitor
princes of Greece, a suitor of the beautiful Helen. Believing that he had no hope for success among so many competitors, Ul
joyed in the company of Penelope. Hearing that Palamedes [Palame′des] had come to summon him to the field, he pretended to
eward for his services, he received the armor of Achilles, which Ajax had disputed with him. After the fall of Troy, Ulysse
ds, and were filled with a sort of indolent contentment, so that they had no other desire than to remain always in that cou
where the cattle of Hyperion (the Sun) fed in verdant pastures. Circe had warned the voyagers that these flocks should be h
of land, when a violent storm arose, in which he would have perished had he not been aided by a compassionate sea nymph; M
re him, and he swam safely to land. The Phæacians, on whose shores he had been cast, received him kindly, and fitted out a
the deliverance of his wife, the faithful Penelope. When a long time had elapsed after the fall of Troy, and no tidings we
o tidings were received of Ulysses, it was generally believed that he had perished. More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca an
their number. She promised, at length, that she would do so when she had completed a certain web of embroidery on which sh
indly received by Eumæus, a swine-herd, from whom he learned all that had transpired, and the present distress of Penelope.
and the present distress of Penelope. Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, had been absent for a long time in search of his fath
Ulysses, had been absent for a long time in search of his father. He had visited the courts of the other kings who had tak
earch of his father. He had visited the courts of the other kings who had taken part in the Trojan war, but without obtaini
, fawned upon his old master, and expired. It was Argus, whom Ulysses had often led to the chase. The banquet proceeded, bu
ses had often led to the chase. The banquet proceeded, but Telemachus had much difficulty in dissembling his feelings when
o yield it in turn, amid the raillery of his companions. When several had failed in the same manner, Ulysses begged that he
the suitors were amazed to see him handle the mighty weapon as if it had been a plaything. Their surprise was still greate
and the Pythia declared that Orestes would not be delivered until he had visited the Tauric Chersonesus [Chersone′sus], an
estess was no other than Iphigenia, the sister of Orestes, whom Diana had saved when she was about to be immolated at Aulis
ant of all the Trojan chiefs who fought against the Greeks. The Fates had decreed that Troy should not be taken as long as
from its ruins. Diligent search was therefore made for the child, who had been concealed by his mother in the recesses of H
in Thebes before he discovered his parentage, and the crimes which he had unknowingly committed. In his despair, he put out
ar alternately. Eteocles first ascended the throne; but when the year had expired, he refused to resign the crown. Polynice
seven gates of Thebes. After all the Argive leaders, except Adrastus, had perished before the walls, it was proposed that E
d. Creon, the uncle of the fallen princes, was now king of Thebes; he had the body of Eteocles honorably buried, but he lef
rom the Elysian fields. Antigone [Antig′one], the daughter of Œdipus, had , meanwhile, accompanied her father in his exile,
and brought before Creon. She defended nobly the pious act which she had performed, and was condemned by the tyrant to be
e was born on Mount Ida, where he was nurtured by the Dryads until he had attained his fifth year, when he was brought to h
as joined by the greater part of the Trojans, both men and women, who had escaped from the horrors of that fatal night. The
ey concealed themselves in the neighboring mountains until the Greeks had departed, after which they constructed a fleet of
Hel′enus], one of the sons of Priam, was reigning in that country. He had married Andromache, and the meeting of Æneas with
subject of a very beautiful passage in the Æneid. The Penates of Troy had appeared at night to Anchises, and revealed to hi
elenus, who was endowed with the gift of prophecy, now confirmed what had been already foretold. He rendered his exiled cou
queen. When Dido found that all was unavailing, and that the Trojans had already embarked, she killed herself in despair.
Sicily, where he celebrated funeral games in honor of his father, who had died there the preceding year. He left with Acest
ce named Latinus, the son of Faunus and the nymph Marica. This prince had one child, a daughter named Lavinia. Her hand had
Marica. This prince had one child, a daughter named Lavinia. Her hand had been promised to Turnus, prince of the Rutulians,
ld demand. The sibyl desired that she might live as many years as she had grains of sand in her hand; but as she forgot to
hful bloom, this long life proved rather a burden than a benefit. She had rejected the suit of Apollo, and the god refused,
to withdraw his gift or mitigate the severity of her lot. This sibyl had already lived seven hundred years when Æneas came
y natural contempt, that if they would not eat, they might drink, and had them thrown into the sea. It is believed that the
the discouragement of the sailors, who supposed that their commander had forfeited the favor of the gods by this act of sa
who came to consult the god. The Pythia could not prophesy until she had become intoxicated by the vapor from the sanctuar
of the apparent variation in the temperature of the fountain. Belzoni had no thermometer with him, so that he was unable to
the oracles of Æsculapius? Ans. It would seem that the priests, who had probably some skill in medicine, made use of ever
hile he was yet in a private station. When he ascended the throne, he had the fountain shut up with stones. Ques. What opi
piads were reckoned only from the year 776, B. C., although the games had been revived by Iphitus more than a century earli
hat they were free, of pure Hellenic blood, and that their characters had never been stained by any base or immoral act. So
ng the bearer of joyful tidings. The first announced that his general had gained a great victory; the second, that his hors
at his general had gained a great victory; the second, that his horse had won the prize in the Olympic games; while the thi
offering, the charioteer was also represented; which proves that she had not driven the chariot herself at the games. This
historic account, they originated at the time when the Delphic oracle had already gained some reputation. The Amphictyonic
e orchestra, and opposite the lower seats, was the stage itself. This had a very wide front and but little depth. The actor
ve been quite lost, while the large and finely colored masks may have had a very good effect. Nothing would have seemed mor
instability of human affairs as exemplified in the scenes which they had just witnessed. At other times the chorus broke f
s, prayed the birds to discover and avenge the crime which they alone had seen. The murderers heard this appeal, to which,
ich it was theirs to wreak on the secret murderer, on him whose crime had been vainly hidden from mortal eye. Thus they san
multitude. Each one asked what this exclamation might mean, and what had the cranes to do with him. A cry was raised to se
had the cranes to do with him. A cry was raised to seize the man who had spoken, and the one to whom his speech had been a
aised to seize the man who had spoken, and the one to whom his speech had been addressed. The wretched murderers, thus betr
n guilty fears, confessed the crime, and suffered the punishment they had deserved. Attempts have been made by French and G
sted until his successor was found. The animal into whom the divinity had passed, was known by many extraordinary marks; a
l. It is supposed this book was written after our era by some one who had heard imperfect accounts of the life of our Lord.
n order to benefit his fellow men. We may see, therefore, that Buddha had more reasonable and humane ideas than those who c
time, a fierce and continued persecution was raised against it. This had the effect of suppressing the sect almost entirel
s certain Lao-tze spent some time in Persia and Syria. The Ten Tribes had just been dispersed over Asia by the conquests of
o marry; to keep up their numbers they buy young children, who may be had in China for a few sapecks, and these are trained
y, and the stories which it contains of the Northern gods and heroes, had been long familiar to the people in the recitatio
ious fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source, froze into ice, whi
lder. They were the parents of the whole human race. Ques. What idea had the ancient Scandinavians of the form of the eart
that the ash tree Ygdrasill, supported the entire universe. This tree had three roots, one of which extended into Asgard, t
occasionally used in a way that seems to prove that the Scandinavians had an idea of a divinity superior to Odin, Uncreated
ed to enjoy them? Ans. None were admitted to Valhalla but heroes who had fallen in battle. Women, children, and all who ha
lla but heroes who had fallen in battle. Women, children, and all who had died a peaceful death, were excluded as unworthy.
Ans. Thor was most anxious to recover his hammer, but the giant Thrym had buried it eight fathoms deep under the rocks of J
raughts of mead. Loki bade him not to wonder at this, as her thoughts had been so much occupied by her approaching nuptials
oughts had been so much occupied by her approaching nuptials that she had not eaten for many days. When Thrym was startled
ise, and rushed upon Thrym, whom he slew with all his followers. Loki had served Thor in this adventure; on another occasio
the Gnomes. These skillful workmen gave him a head of hair which they had spun from the purest gold, and which was so wonde
casket certain apples which the gods, when they felt age approaching, had only to taste to renew the vigor and bloom of you
Thor; he was often employed like Mercury as messenger of the gods. He had sandals which sustained him equally in the air, a
chief. He was very handsome, but of fickle and malicious temper. Loki had three children, the wolf Fenris, the Midgard serp
. He inquired of Frigga, in his turn, if it were really true that she had exacted an oath of all created things, to spare B
ring the deliverance of the hero. Not having fallen in battle, Baldur had passed into the power of Hela, who ruled over the
aldur. He set out, therefore, mounted on Odin’s horse Sleipnir, which had eight legs and could outstrip the wind. For nine
m by the tail, and compressed it so, that all salmons ever since have had that part remarkably thin. Being restored to his
mplexion, and were never seen except at night, because the sun’s rays had the power of changing them into stones. Ques. Wh
e acquainted with the secret stores of gold and silver which the gods had hidden in the earth. Many stories are related of
ern Ocean; in other parts of Germany, Druidism prevailed. The Germans had , however, their own deities and their own superst
inity. Superior to the Roman Jupiter, or the Zeus of the Greeks, Esus had no parentage; was subject to no fate; he was free
ry act. The Druids taught that excepting this Supreme God, all things had a beginning, but that nothing created would ever
tributes, Thoth, the Mercury of Egypt and Phœnicia. The ancient Gauls had no idols, nor did they ever attempt any visible r
n found among the druidical remains in Ireland, which prove that they had made a certain progress in this science. Like the
utions, and offerings of bread and wine. The vervain and other plants had also their distinct ceremonial. Amber was valued
al authority? Ans. Yes; they were the legislators of the people, and had the right of deciding in all controversies. There
tion, presided at fearful rites. Strabo tells us that when the Cimbri had taken prisoners of war, they were offered in sacr
contrary, as the actions performed during its last state of existence had been good or evil. According to the Druids, death
They believed that on every feast of the moon, the souls of those who had died during the year, were obliged to repair thit
ighlands. This missionary was a native of Ireland, where Christianity had been established for nearly a century. Ques. Wha
n in primitive times, as we learn from Scripture; when the Israelites had crossed the dry bed of the Jordan, Joshua placed
of the miracle. Jacob marked in the same manner the spot on which he had been favored by a celestial vision. In certain pl
s Quetzalcoatl? Ans. The Aztecs, like many nations of the old world, had their Golden Age. During this blissful period, Qu
where he took leave of his followers, promising that, when many years had rolled away, he would revisit their descendants.
onfidently for the return of the benevolent deity, and this tradition had no small influence in preparing the way for the f
the calendar. Some were engaged in the education of youth, and others had charge of the hieroglyphical paintings and oral t
as supposed to represent. When the fatal day arrived, the victim, who had been trained to perform his part with calmness an
ed. The Peruvians maintained that white and bearded men from the east had visited the country in ancient times, and instruc
a is to the devout follower of Mahomet, and he would consider that he had neglected a sacred duty, if he had not made at le
met, and he would consider that he had neglected a sacred duty, if he had not made at least one pilgrimage to the holy shri
was saved by the presence of mind of his brother Aminias. The latter had won much glory in the Persian war, and now, while
exterously dropped his mantle so as to expose the stump of the arm he had lost at Salamis. The silent appeal was not withou
public speaking, on philosophy and jurisprudence. This great man, who had saved Rome from the plots of Catiline, and render
n a style at once eloquent and persuasive, and it is believed that it had the desired effect, and was the immediate cause o
was too much under the influence of the heathen philosophers whom he had assembled at his court, to judge impartially in t
d that one of the satires of Juvenal was directed against himself; he had not the magnanimity to overlook the offence, and
d commentary on the value of human greatness. His constitution, which had never been strong, was weakened by excess. He was
but found no one; while he was looking to see which way the strangers had gone, the roof of the palace fell with a terrible
h the ruins. On being informed of the appearance of the young men who had sent for him — of their snow white steeds and shi
s and shining armor, he knew that it was indeed Castor and Pollux who had acknowledged, in this manner, the homage of his v
information with regard to the manners and customs of the nations he had visited. Little was known at that time of the ext
e American continent. The Peruvians knew nothing of their origin, but had a vague tradition that they were built by giants
9 (1838) The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy (2e éd.) pp. -516
e the errors in facts, as I did not always recollect to verify what I had written from perhaps a bad edition of a classic a
was only a learner when I aspired to become a teacher ; and though I had attained to correct principles, I had not acquire
become a teacher ; and though I had attained to correct principles, I had not acquired the habit of applying them with read
could think of the calm pursuit of literature, it may be said to have had more success than could have been reasonably anti
mic romance sings, To the wars my necessities take me away, But if I had money at home I would stay ; so I may say of mys
le visions of fame that led me to make literature my profession ; for had I been free to choose, I had certainly trodden th
e to make literature my profession ; for had I been free to choose, I had certainly trodden the fallentis semita vitœ. Enga
en at whose office they are printed, are my own. When the booksellers had refused the present work, they enabled me to give
from γηρύω) is only another form of Hades. They both, we may observe, had herds of oxen, and the two-headed dog of the form
phy, slowly retracing the steps of error, returned to the truth which had been lost. It is utterly impossible to fix histor
ut to be, like him, under the influence of passion and appetite. They had their favourites and enemies among mankind, were
period to their duration. In the eyes of their worshipers these gods had each his distinct personal existence and sphere o
ief, Strife, Prayers, which are strictly speaking such. When a people had thus formed for themselves a System of gods so li
elf to be actual and real facts, all those who heard of them, and who had at the same time a firm belief in the avenging po
priest Chryses was, would pronounce, with as full conviction as if it had been something which they had seen and experience
ounce, with as full conviction as if it had been something which they had seen and experienced themselves, that it was the
ich they had seen and experienced themselves, that it was the god who had sent the pestilence on the prayer of his priest9.
things and of names. 1. The sages of remote antiquity appear to have had a peculiar fondness for enveloping moral and phys
veil the transgression of one of its daughters by feigning that a god had penetrated the recesses of her chamber, or met he
, and by the moderns Katavóthra. The plain of the district of Pheneos had two of these passages piercing the surrounding mo
ditionary ceremonies and observances, the memory of whose true origin had been lost. The festival of the Hyacinthia at Spar
heads. 6. The epithets of gods, when their true origin was unknown or had been lost, were usually explained by some legend.
heroic ; and the Celtic tribes of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands had also a small heroic cycle, of which Cuchullin, Fi
e credit to the cunning priesthood of Egypt, and to believe that they had received their religion from that country ; and i
t improbable that these ancient priests, if such there were, may have had their religion arranged systematically, and have
to me to have gotten over this difficulty by saying, that those gods had indeed reigned, but that they had been overcome b
fficulty by saying, that those gods had indeed reigned, but that they had been overcome by their Zeus ; and that the goddes
ut that they had been overcome by their Zeus ; and that the goddesses had indeed cohabited with Zeus, but they had not been
eus ; and that the goddesses had indeed cohabited with Zeus, but they had not been his lawful wives. And this, if I mistake
physical truths were enveloped ; in which in reality many such truths had been studiously enveloped by ancient priests and
iously enveloped by ancient priests and sages61. After an intercourse had been opened with Asia and Egypt, mysteries came g
quiring a new and recondite sense, another class of men, the artists, had laid hold of them. The gods of their forefathers
xample, adorning those deities and mythic personages to whom the poet had in figurative style applied the expression winged
thic cycle. When the Ptolemies, those munificent patrons of learning, had assembled around them at Alexandria the scholars
ve a brief account of it70. Euhemerus said, in this work, that having had occasion to make a voyage in the Eastern ocean, a
old tissue. The priests derived their lineage from Crete, whence they had been brought by Zeus after he had succeeded his p
eir lineage from Crete, whence they had been brought by Zeus after he had succeeded his predecessors Uranos and Kronos in t
n pillar in the temple the deeds of Uranos, Zeus, Artemis, and Apollo had been inscribed by Hermes in Panchæic letters, whi
ere the same with the sacred characters of the Egyptian priests. Zeus had , according to this monument, been the most potent
nt, been the most potent of monarchs : the chief seat of his dominion had been Crete, where he died and was buried, after h
ng who ruled over them was named Uranos. He collected the people, who had previously dwelt dispersedly, into towns, and tau
they identified the gods of Greece with such of their own deities as had a resemblance to them. Thus Hermes became Mercuri
bject by the most accomplished Romans of his time. After the conflict had commenced between Heathenism and Christianity, th
orporated with the pure religion of the Gospel, and Christianity also had soon a mythology of its own to display. On the fi
heir remaining works preserve much mythic lore. After the epic poetry had ceased, and writing, by means of the Egyptian pap
d a number of mythic narratives unnoticed by preceding writers, which had probably been transmitted from father to son from
e may meet the Ptolemaïc astronomy and judicial astrology, after both had been exploded. The Greeks of the days of which Ho
t surprising tales of the marvels of the remote regions to which they had penetrated. According to the ideas of the Homeric
y suppose were regarded as equal. These divisions do not seem to have had any peculiar names in the time of Homer. The nort
certain ; and the imagination of the poets, or the tales of voyagers, had placed in the more remote parts of it several isl
m toils and warfare, and, conscious of no evil thoughts or acts, they had not to fear the awful goddess Nemesis103. On the
he western part of the Sea. Of Colchis and Caucasus they seem to have had no knowledge whatever in these early ages. They w
rn margin of the earth108. In later ages, when knowledge of the earth had increased, the Æthiopians or sun-burnt men were p
earance was the signal of bloody warfare to the puny inhabitants, who had to take up arms to defend their corn-fields again
rface as the abode of Jehovah and his holy angels, the place where he had formed his magazines of hail, rain, snow, and fro
ing-star (Hesperos.) There is no reason to suppose the Greeks to have had any knowledge of the signs of the Zodiac until af
signs of the Zodiac until after their intercourse with Asia and Egypt had commenced. Tartaros was, as we have already remar
30. In like manner in the time of Pindar131 and Æschylus132 the Ocean had increased to the dimensions of a sea, and Herodot
and contained minerals in its bowels like earth ; like which also it had the vicissitudes of night and day135. Chaos was
space of nine days ‘through the frighted deep.’ At length Hell, which had meantime been created, Yawning received them who
me other nations, closely united. The sages of antiquity seem to have had a strong persuasion that, to bring creation and s
xcept Kronos, who lying in wait with the sickle with which his mother had armed him, mutilated his unsuspecting sire. The d
ng’ Nereus,Thaumas (Wonder), Phorcys, and ‘fair-cheeked’ Keto. Nereus had by Doris, a daughter of the Titan Oceanos, the fi
torms and whirlwinds. The progeny of the Titans was numerous. Oceanos had by his sister Tethys all the rivers that flow on
and Eôs (Dawn) ; and Phœbe to Coios, Asteria (Starry) and Leto. Crios had by Eurybia (Wide-strength), the daughter of Ponto
e was fated to be deprived by one of his sons of the kingdom which he had taken from his father, devoured his children as f
his stone he afterwards threw up143, and with it the children whom he had devoured. When Zeus was grown up, he and the othe
tan-war therefore could have formed no part of the original mythe. It had its origin in the figurative terms bind and loose
us Pherecydes157 commences with saying that Uranos reigned first, and had by Earth the Cyclopes and the Hundred-handed. He
ir father among them by lot159. The Titan-war, as this critic thinks, had its origin and example in those of Typhôn, the Al
they called Ophiôn with Eurynome (the wide- Encroaching Eve perhaps) had first the rule Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn
cean172. In Homer Sleep says to Hera that, when once at her desire he had cast Zeus into a slumber, the god on waking sough
th. It was, as we shall see, the custom of the poets (or perhaps such had been previously the popular creed) to bestow char
the popular creed) to bestow chariots and horses on those deities who had a long course to perform. We do not however find
the grove with laurel shaded The son of Zeus went into202. Mimnermus had the following lines in his poem named Nanno. Hel
ing steeds’. It is probable that, like the other Homeric gods, Helios had originally only two horses ; but Euripides and th
flock and herd : they neither bred nor died. At Tænaron also this god had a flock of ‘long-wooled’ sheep219. He had also he
d. At Tænaron also this god had a flock of ‘long-wooled’ sheep219. He had also herds of oxen at Gortyna in Crete220, and sa
by Iphiboe226. By the nymph Rhodos, the daughter of Aphrodite, Helios had the seven Heliades, who were the first inhabitant
he world is set on fire, and a total conflagration would have ensued, had not Zeus, at the prayer of Earth, launched his th
the Olympian gods he was not honoured with temples in Greece, but he had altars at Corinth, Argos, and some other places.
make a new allotment, but Helios would not suffer him, saying that he had seen a fertile land lying beneath the ‘hoary sea’
orse, as it appeared to him ; but others said it was a mule, and they had a silly legend respecting it. The Latin Festus248
s make steers or heifers the draught-cattle of Selene250. This notion had its very natural origin in the contemplation of t
edes. It was said that Selene was enamoured of Endymiôn, on whom Zeus had bestowed the boon of perpetual youth, but united
sos for her steed, and the scholiasts inform us that, when this horse had thrown Bellerophôn down to earth, Eôs asked and o
at he might be among the gods275.’ She also carried off Cephalos, and had by him a son named Phaëthôn276. But her strongest
t affection was for Tithonos, son of Laomedôn, king of Troy. When she had carried him off, she besought Zeus to bestow on h
æos, as we have just seen, was by Eôs the father of the Winds. Pallas had by Styx the Ocean-nymph, Envy and Victory, Streng
nd Perses married Asteria the daughter of Coios and Phœbe, by whom he had Hecate. There is some difficulty about these pers
sometimes only re-united those which were really the same, but which had been separated in the progress of time. In Hecate
ced before her, which the poor would then come and eat, saying Hecate had eaten them304. The reason of this offering is sai
n his view of the subject312. At a later period it was said that Zeus had released the Titans313. Hesiod in his didactic po
cean. There were no temples of Kronos in Greece328; but the Athenians had a festival in his honour named the Kronia, which
heroic ages. Zeus was king of the region of the air and clouds, which had fallen to him by lot on the dethronement of his f
atered by streams ; the Ladôn, the Alpheios, and their kindred floods had not yet appeared. “Dear Earth ! do thou too bring
. By Semele he was the father of Dionysos, who became a god. By Io he had a son named Epaphos. Many other heroes could also
he summit they turned round to look, and beheld a lake where the town had stood. Their own house remained, and, as they gaz
ery fourth year the Olympian games were celebrated in his honour : he had also a splendid fane in the isle of Ægina. But, t
. At Argos there was an ancient wooden statue (ξόανον) of Zeus, which had a third eye in its forehead. The tradition was th
eus, which had a third eye in its forehead. The tradition was that it had been the domestic image of Priamos, and had been
The tradition was that it had been the domestic image of Priamos, and had been brought from Troy by Sthenelos. The three ey
aced the dolphin among the stars418. Poseidôn, like his brother Zeus, had a numerous progeny both by goddesses and mortals.
id that when Rhea brought him forth, she pretended to Kronos that she had been delivered of a foal, which she gave him to d
posed contests are laid451. Beside his residence on Olympos, Poseidôn had a splendid palace beneath the sea at Ægæ452. Home
r such legends of the gods as Grecian fancy delighted in ; yet he too had his love-adventures. The tale of his carrying off
es as pictured in the Odyssey. It is in fact surprising, that men who had such a dreary prospect before them should not hav
s were472. In process of time, when communication with Egypt and Asia had enlarged the sphere of the ideas of the Greeks, t
the former asserted, and the latter believed, that Orpheus and Homer had both learned wisdom on the banks of the Nile ; an
d Charôn in the language of Egypt) over the Acherusian lake, after it had received its sentence from the judges appointed f
usæos, Melampûs and Dædalos — not one of whom probably ever existed —  had all visited Egypt483. But enough of such mendacit
Hestia. This goddess does not appear in the poem of Homer, though he had abundant opportunities of noticing her. By Hesiod
om she was carefully nurtured in their grotto-palace500. She and Zeus had however previously ‘mingled in love’ unknown to t
the last spouse of Zeus502. According to the Argive legend, Zeus, who had long secretly loved his sister, watched one day w
s then resuming his proper form accomplished his wishes. But when she had implored him in the name of her mother to spare h
her by his menaces. On one occasion he reminds her how once, when she had raised a storm, which drove his son Heracles out
dess herself formed this last bird from the many-eyed Argos, whom she had set as keeper over the transformed Io. Moschus509
m we first meet this legend), when describing the basket which Europa had in her hand when, as she was gathering flowers, s
nknown in the days of Homer, when, as we have already shown, the gods had not as yet any favourite animals. It is an Indian
e discerned. The tradition of Stymphalos in Arcadia was521, that Hera had been brought up there by Temenos, who raised thre
nd to it probably to prevent her flight from Zeus. The cakes may have had some analogy with the confarreatio of the Romans5
eece, this Samian custom was pragmatised529. The temple, it was said, had been built by the Lelegians and the Nymphs ; Adme
le, in their search after it, finding it on the sea-shore, thought it had run away of itself, and bound it to a willow to p
at it belonged to the ante-Dorian period. In Bœotia the popular mythe had taken a somewhat different view of the character
on from the following circumstance. Halirrhothios, a son of Poseidôn, had offered violence to Alcippe, the daughter of Ares
he son of Hera alone, who was unwilling to be outdone by Zeus when he had given birth to Pallas-Athene. He was born lame, a
from heaven by Zeus for attempting to aid his mother Hera, whom Zeus had suspended in the air with anvils fastened to her
edes (Joy-promoter), so well suited to a cup-bearer, a feminine title had been formed for Hebe. Hebe was called by the poet
infant deity, and Themis gave him nectar and ambrosia. As soon as he had tasted the divine food, his bands and swaddling-c
bringing them thither. He invites them to land, and says, that as he had met them in the form of a porpoise (δελὶν) they s
ic Apollo is a being of remarkable purity, and the poet seems to have had a strong feeling of the dignity of his character,
e promised return ; and the indignant deity, unable to recall what he had bestowed, made it useless by depriving her predic
s thunder deprived him of life. Apollo incensed slew the Cyclopes who had forged the thunderbolts, for which bold deed Zeus
y praised for their beauty and swiftness, and it is added that Apollo had reared them in Pieria643. At the funeral-games, t
of both, and even to sell the latter for a slave. The task of Apollo had been to tend the herds of the Trojan king in the
n to the lyre of Apollo, was pronounced overcome by Mount Tmolos, who had been chosen judge ; and all present approved the
s, having found the pipe which Athena for fear of injuring her beauty had flung away, contended with Apollo before the Muse
aws for a whole year among those men, when the time was come which he had appointed for the Delphic tripods also to resound
lo Belvidere shows at the same time the conception which the ancients had of this benign deity, and the high degree of perf
of this benign deity, and the high degree of perfection to which they had attained in sculpture. Few deities had more appel
ee of perfection to which they had attained in sculpture. Few deities had more appellations than the son of Leto. He was ca
om a Phrygian word signifying mouse, of which animal a legend said he had been the destroyer in Troas. He was also styled66
and Gold-haired ; 7. Unshorn-locked ; 8. People-rouser, etc. This god had several epithets apparently connected with the Gr
re of late origin, and formed after the derivation from λύκιος, wolf, had become the prevalent one. Apollo was also named A
arrows676. With her brother she destroyed the children of Niobe, who had presumed to prefer herself to Leto677 ; and in a
ine or lentisk were used instead of myrtle, as a branch of the latter had caught her garments and impeded her flight. Leavi
wake, and mingled with them. But the goddess, suspecting his design, had daubed her own face and those of her nymphs with
dition of the place was, that they, who were two Hyperborean maidens, had been the companions of Apollo and Artemis when th
os. Leucophryne was therefore no more than an epithet of Artemis, who had also a temple at Leucophrys on the coast704 ; and
mer, in whose time, as we have more than once observed, that practice had not yet commenced ; but as he mentions the island
iliar with those distant regions, zeal for the honour of the poet who had sung so well the wanderings of Odysseus, and the
the foam (ἀϕρὸς) of the sea, into which the mutilated part of Uranos had been thrown by his son Kronos. She first, he adds
ld by a Homerid ; the following is an analysis of his hymn. Aphrodite had long exercised uncontrolled dominion over the dwe
g his leisure by playing on the lyre. When he beheld the goddess, who had divested herself of the usual marks of divinity,
mphs and other maidens, and a great crowd was standing around, Hermes had snatched her away, and carried her through the ai
carried her through the air over hills and dales and plains, till he had brought her to Ida, where he informed her that sh
of Anchises ; and then, having instructed her in what she was to do, had departed, leaving her alone in the mountains. She
id of her nurse, unknown to its object745. When Cinyras found what he had unwittingly done, he pursued his daughter with hi
s daughter with his drawn sword, to efface her crime in her blood. He had nearly overtaken her, when she prayed to the gods
satisfactory answer to these questions. According to Homer, Aphrodite had an embroidered girdle (κεστὸς ἱμὰς), which had th
ng to Homer, Aphrodite had an embroidered girdle (κεστὸς ἱμὰς), which had the gift of inspiring love and desire for the per
s made for them one of Pcntelican marble of rare beauty774. Erôs also had altars at Athens and elsewhere. The poetic epithe
was told by her that the cause was his being solitary, and that if he had a brother he would grow apace. Anterôs was soon a
ung down his back, which was bright and clean as that of a person who had just bathed. All present were in amazement : the
ent : the philosopher then leading them to the other spring did as he had done before ; and instantly another Love, similar
to light. The two embraced, and clung round the philosopher as if he had been their father ; and after caressing them for
e time, he restored them to their native element. His companions, who had been previously disposed to regard him as an impo
give in an abridged form. There were one time a king and a queen who had three daughters, of whom the youngest named Psych
ses her in the softest accents, and she becomes his wife. Her sisters had meanwhile come to console their parents for the l
e for them, causes them to cast themselves from the rock on which she had been exposed, and through their credulity they pe
ep slumber from its effects. In this state she is found by Cupid, who had escaped by the window of the chamber where he had
found by Cupid, who had escaped by the window of the chamber where he had been confined by his mother : he awakens her with
as Adam, though he could see, did not see that he was naked until he had eaten of the tree of desire. At the impulsion of
brilliant wings from the dull groveling caterpillar-state in which it had previously existed, fluttering in the blaze of da
daughter of Zeus ; in one place784 it seems to be intimated that she had no other parent. In the Theogony Zeus swallows Me
wer of gold on Rhodes, the sacred isle of the Sun-god. Stesichorus787 had already sung how the goddess issued from the head
oak wrought by herself796. She taught this art to mortal females, who had won her affection797. When Pandora was formed by
on her father’s floor Let fall her peplus various, which she Herself had wrought, and laboured with her hands. The tunic t
oud of her skill in weaving and embroidery, in which arts the goddess had instructed her, ventured to deny her obligation,
λὸς) is also ascribed to this goddess. When Perseus ; says Pindar802, had slain Medusa, her two remaining sisters bitterly
ς), on account of the number of the serpents whose lugubrious hissing had given origin to it. Others803 say the goddess for
da, and played before the liquid mirror. Satisfied that the goddesses had had reason for their mirth, she threw her pipe aw
and played before the liquid mirror. Satisfied that the goddesses had had reason for their mirth, she threw her pipe away :
dy related. The favourite plant of Athena was the olive, to which she had given origin. Among animals the owl and the serpe
lendid festivals of the Panathenæa were celebrated in her honour. She had also temples at Thebes, Argos, Sparta, and elsewh
e805. As this is her constant title in Homer, it is manifest that she had long been regarded as the tutelar deity of Athens
the moon. There are two other interpretations of this name which have had more general currency. The one supposes it to sig
Libyan Tritôn in the days of Homer, or probably till after the colony had been settled at Cyrene, this theory seems to have
improbable that the Pelasgian goddess of Argos and other places, who had been identified with the Athenian Maid, may have
her wounded daughter829, she reminds her how others of the Celestials had suffered similar calamities inflicted by mortals.
the mountain-nymph Maia, in a cavern of Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He had scarcely been laid in his cradle, when he got up
n planting his vineyard, whom he straitly charged not to tell what he had seen. He then pursued his way by ‘shady hills, re
rived in Olympos, Apollo relates the theft, and tells what reasons he had for suspecting the baby of being the thief. All t
hen, on going to drive the others on, he finds that the art of Hermes had rooted their feet to the ground. Hermes then begi
e fidelity of Battos, and, changing his form, came and inquired if he had seen any one driving stolen cattle by, offering a
ent to bathe, he stole their clothes, and did not return them till he had amused himself well with laughing at their perple
of Phylas. The god having seen her, singing in the choir of Artemis, had fallen in love with her. She bore him privately a
e tenth morning Hecate met her, but she could not tell her who it was had carried away Persephone. Together they proceed to
, telling her that it was Aïdoneus, who by the permission of her sire had carried her away to be his queen ; and he exhorts
ot go into the town. Demeter told them her name was Dôs, and that she had been carried off by pirates from Crete, but that
pirates from Crete, but that when they got on shore at Thoricos, she had contrived to make her escape, and had wandered th
y got on shore at Thoricos, she had contrived to make her escape, and had wandered thither. She entreats them to tell her w
-like : but she prays her not to be precipitate, but to wait till she had consulted her mother Metaneira, who had a young s
ipitate, but to wait till she had consulted her mother Metaneira, who had a young son in the cradle, of whom if the strange
the princesses took up their pitchers and went home. As soon as they had related their adventure to their mother, she agre
horror. The goddess threw the infant on the ground, declaring what he had lost by the inconsiderateness of his mother, but
mother, but announcing that he would be great and honoured, since he had ‘sat in her lap and slept in her arms.’ She tells
of perishing, the dwellers of Olympos of losing gifts and sacrifices, had not Zeus discerned the danger and thought on a re
‘like a bird,’ and kissed her mother’s hands and head. When their joy had a little subsided, Demeter anxiously inquired if
joy had a little subsided, Demeter anxiously inquired if her daughter had tasted anything while below ; for if she had not,
inquired if her daughter had tasted anything while below ; for if she had not, she would be free to spend her whole time wi
her whole time with her father and mother ; whereas if but one morsel had passed her lips, nothing could save her from spen
d a cavern on Mount Elæon, to which Demeter retired when her daughter had been carried off, clothing herself in deep black.
honoured in a festival named Thes-mophoria at Athens and Ephesus. She had a temple at Megara under the title of, 12. Sheep-
nts of the various independent districts into which they were divided had very little communication with each other, and a
nd a stranger was regarded as little better than an enemy. Each state had its own favourite deities, under whose especial p
either sex and of every rank, provided they came at the proper time, had committed no inexpiable offence, had performed th
ed they came at the proper time, had committed no inexpiable offence, had performed the requisite previous ceremonies, and
thers, — retained ever after a lively sense of the happiness which he had enjoyed when admitted to view the interior of the
t contained, when to his excited imagination the very gods themselves had seemed visibly to descend from their Olympian abo
appearances according in general to the system of philosophy which he had embraced923. It was thus that Porphyrius conceive
r describes the Eleusinian mysteries with as much minuteness as if he had been actually himself initiated924. It is to be o
ndry and planting. Polymnia, the muse of Eloquence and the Mimic art, had the fore-finger of her right hand on her mouth, o
in Dorion (in the Peloponnese), as he was returning from Œchalia. He had boasted that he could excel them in singing ; and
welled up with delight, so that his summit would have reached the sky had not Poseidôn directed Pegasos to strike it with h
a son named Linos941, who was killed by his pupil Heracles. She also had by the same sire Orpheus, whose skill on the lyre
een particularly attached to the goddess of love, the queen of heaven had authority over them977 ; and she promises Pasithe
hissos. They were three in number, but it was not known what names he had given them983. The Lacedæmonians worshiped but tw
ing together : sometimes they are naked, sometimes clad. The Charites had the epithets common to goddesses. Εἰλείθυιαι.
ίδες)1021, both of which were apparently placatory appellations. They had a temple in Achaia, which if any one polluted wit
daughter of Night1055. The tradition at Rhamnûs in Attica, where she had a temple (whence she was named Rhamnusia), was th
ses such arbitrary dominion over human affairs, was also deified, and had her temples and altars in Greece. By Hesiod and b
ncertain. The image of this goddess made by Bupalos for the Smyrnæans had a hemisphere (πόλος) on its head, and a horn of A
ith the Seeva of that country. According to him, the Vishnoo-religion had , at a period far beyond that of history, spread i
ollo, the god of the sun and light. The wild religion of Seeva, which had overcome the milder one of Vishnoo on their natal
d Glaucos encounter in the field of battle. Here the former hero, who had just wounded no less than two deities, asks the l
a daughter of Cadmos (a name which does not occur in the Ilias), ‘who had before been a speaking mortal, but was now allott
gods, and possesses fair-ankled Hebe.’ It is not however said that he had obtained the power of a god1092. Supposing the
sage in the sixth book of the Ilias to be genuine, some account of it had possibly reached the ears of Homer. The Thracian
anced by the Egyptian priesthood was, that all the religion of Greece had been imported into that country by colonies of Eg
eople, by the way, without ships, or materials for building them, who had no ports, and who held the sea in abhorrence1100 
otus informs us how Melampûs, who introduced his worship into Greece, had learned it from Cadmos the Phœnician, who had der
is worship into Greece, had learned it from Cadmos the Phœnician, who had derived his knowledge of course from Egypt1102. A
ionysos, as appears by the Homeridian hymn above-cited. The Egyptians had fabled that their god Osiris had made a progress
dian hymn above-cited. The Egyptians had fabled that their god Osiris had made a progress through the world, to instruct ma
, inhabited by mingled Greeks and barbarians, throughout all which he had established his dances and his religious rites. W
ished his dances and his religious rites. When Alexander and his army had penetrated to the modern Caubul, they found ivy a
atterers of the conqueror thence took occasion to fable that Dionysos had , like Heracles and their own great king, marched
nd their own great king, marched as a conqueror throughout the East ; had planted there the ivy and the vine ; had built th
queror throughout the East ; had planted there the ivy and the vine ; had built the city Nysa ; and named the mountain Mero
of him to Nysa, one of the daughters of Aristæos ; while Athena, who had lately sprung from the earth on the banks of the
h Panchaia, and other happy retreats of the same nature. It therefore had verdant meads, abundant springs, trees of every k
iew of the manner in which the intercourse with Asia and Egypt, which had such an injurious effect on the religion of Greec
most happy age whose image we behold expressed in the poems of Homer had passed away, a great change took place in civil a
present, careless of the future, prompt to act, mindless of what they had done, were aloof from all the causes of anxiety a
mber and the insignia of the priests, especially when the regal power had been abolished, increased. But that at the same t
crileges, and whatever piacular offences either individuals or states had committed.” Having enumerated the principal of th
edulity of the other1134, will hesitate to concede that the contagion had secretly insinuated itself into Greece before the
ation : and these were posterior to Homer ; for if his contemporaries had known anything of that art, he needed not to have
d their eyes to the former realms of the Trojan monarchs, whose power had been broken ; and the first colonies were planted
welling in the woods she formed a strict friendship with Marsyas, and had a love-affair with a youth named Attis. She was a
elled locks she roamed, to the sound of the drums and pipes which she had invented, over various regions of the earth, even
t to Attalus king of Pergamus, to request the image at Pessinos which had fallen from heaven. The monarch readily yielded c
Megalesia was celebrated every year in her honour1142. As the Greeks had confounded her with Rhea, so the Latins made her
t indecency and licentiousness1145. Bendis, another Thracian goddess, had some analogy with Artemis and Hecate1146, and she
most ancient statue of the Artemis of Ephesus was a black stone which had fallen from heaven, — an aërolite of course. Her
uld have given. Egyptian antiquity knows nothing of tripods. The poet had merely picked up some obscure reports of a rich c
hich reason Memphis might very well be the Thebes of Homer. This poet had no knowledge of the true site of Thebes.” From He
the Egyptians1159 ), word was brought to Psammitichos that brazen men had landed and were plundering. Calling to mind the o
the little stranger ; and they named him Pan (i. e. All), because he had charmed them all. Others fabled that Pan was the
0. Long before this time the Grecian and Egyptian systems of religion had begun to mingle and combine. The goatformed Mende
y shoulders and thy sides Pelt with their squills when little meat is had  ; But if thou otherwise incline, may pain Seize t
ram1179. He was fortunate in an amour with the nymph Echo, by whom he had a daughter named Iambe1180 ; but he could not gai
to be the consequence of encountering the rural deities. The ancients had two modes of representing Pan. The first, accordi
ities relating to moisture. Midas, king of the Brygians in Macedonia, had at the foot of Mount Bermion a garden, in which g
ed, from the employment usually assigned him by the Romans after they had adopted his worship – merely the god of gardens,
he was the son of Dionysos by Chione, or a Naïs ; others1222, that he had a long-eared father, — Pan or a Satyr perhaps, or
his master, reminding them of the numerous sacrifices which Odysseus had offered to them. In another part of the poem1233
him not to cut The trunk of an oak tree, which, with herself Coeval, had endured for many a year. But, in the pride of you
fall to the ground, ordered his slaves to prop it up. The Nymph, who had been on the point of perishing with the tree, cam
is vow, and the threatened penalty was inflicted1238.” The nymph Echo had been, as we have seen, beloved by the god Pan. Sh
very loquacious character, used to keep Hera in chat till the nymphs had time to make their escape. When Hera discovered t
242. Dryops, the son of the river Spercheios, who dwelt at Mount Œta, had a daughter named Dryope. She fed the flocks of he
us at all, but of Deino daughter of the Spercheios, and that Poseidôn had once when in love with one of them turned the res
. Nereus was married to Doris, one of the Ocean-nymphs, and by her he had the nymphs named Nereïdes1251. Νηρηΐδϵς. Nereï
and the god is described as of a blue colour, the hue which painters had been pleased to bestow on the marine deities : he
e son he is in some accounts1265. Like the marine gods in general, he had the gift of prophecy ; we find him appearing to t
aring to the Argonauts1266 and to Menelaos1267, and telling them what had happened, or what was to happen. In later times s
d1271, of Anthedôn in Bœotia, and observing one day the fish which he had caught and thrown on the grass to bite it, and th
said1272 that he obtained his immortality by tasting the grass which had revived a hare he had run down in Ætolia ; also12
ined his immortality by tasting the grass which had revived a hare he had run down in Ætolia ; also1273 that he built and s
the sea. Glaucos, we are told1274, seeing Ariadne in Naxos, where she had been abandoned by Theseus, became enamoured of he
presiding deity, who deity in it and directed its waters. These gods had their houses and children ; and the love-adventur
ght Ocean’ opposite where Atlas stood supporting the heaven, and they had charge of the trees that bore the golden fruit. I
rew the golden fruit, and other places of light and bliss. When Atlas had been fixed as a mountain in the extremity of Liby
295 ; and when describing Hectôr eager for slaughter, he says that he had ‘the eyes of Gorgo and of man-destroying Ares’129
the calm soft-flowing Ocean, whither they were transported when they had ceased to be regarded as personifications, and ha
nsported when they had ceased to be regarded as personifications, and had been introduced into the mythe of Perseus. As in
rtile as spontaneously to produce them wheat, barley, and vines. They had no social institutions, neither assemblies nor la
gers there, inquired who they were ; and on Odysseus saying that they had been shipwrecked, and appealing to his mercy and
of two-and-twenty fourwheeled waggons could not move, — with which he had closed the door, he refrained. Against the next e
had closed the door, he refrained. Against the next evening Odysseus had prepared a piece of the Cyclôps’ own olive-staff,
was as large as the mast of a merchant-vessel ; and when the monster had devoured two more of his victims gave him wine to
phemos roaring out with pain, the other Cyclopes came to inquire what had befallen him ; but on his informing them that Nob
t on his informing them that Nobody (Οὔτις) — the name which Odysseus had given himself — was killing him, thinking it was
en sail on further, and come to the land of the Cyclopes ;’ and if it had been an island, he would, as usual, have noticed
 : he would also have told us with what wind they sailed to it, if it had been at anything like the distance which Sicily i
e Theogony became one-eyed giants in the hands of our poet. When they had been localised in the neighbourhood of volcanoes
x sons and as many daughters, whom, after the fashion set by Zeus, he had married to each other. The isle had no other tena
after the fashion set by Zeus, he had married to each other. The isle had no other tenants. The office of directing and rul
le had no other tenants. The office of directing and ruling the winds had been conferred on Æolos by Zeus ; and when he was
 : on the tenth they were within sight of Ithaca ; when Odysseus, who had hitherto held the helm himself, fell asleep : his
the helm himself, fell asleep : his comrades, who fancied that Æolos had given him treasure in the bag, opened it : the wi
e winds rushed out, and hurried them back to Æolia. Judging from what had befallen them that they were hated by the gods, t
their crews which were within the harbour, — that of Odysseus, which had not entered, alone escaping. When describing the
ν Αἰαίῃ. Circe in Ææa. When Odysseus and his surviving companions had escaped from the Læstrygonians, they sailed on, t
When the comrades of Odysseus, whom he sent to explore her residence, had tasted of the drugged draught which she set befor
d him the medicated bowl he drank of it freely, and Circe thinking it had produced its usual effect, striking him with her
t the Ocean and entered the Sea, it was at Ææa. Circe is said to have had by Odysseus a son named Telegonos (Far-born), who
r all the renowned Tyrsenians.’ Hesiod said elsewhere1365 that Helios had brought Circe in his chariot to her isle off the
eing an island offered no difficulty, as it was asserted that it once had been surrounded with water to a great extent1367.
with their own scanty mythology. It was fabled, for example, that she had been married to king Picus, whom by her magic art
a, in opposition to the country beyond the Ocean, from which his hero had just returned, lay within the realms of day1372.
annot help fancying that our poet, in the plenitude of his authority, had seized on the Argonautic cycle, and transferred Æ
s of Circe, Odysseus stopped the ears of his companions with wax, and had himself tied to the mast, and thus was the only p
ed the music of the spheres ; and when (Ol. 94, l.) the Lacedæmonians had laid siege to Athens, Dionysos, it is said, appea
ving escaped the Sirens, and shunned the Wandering Rocks, which Circe had told him lay beyond the mead of these songsters,
came to the terrific Scylla and Charybdis, between which the goddess had informed him his course lay. She said1392 he woul
hat its summit is for ever enveloped in clouds, and no man even if he had twenty hands and as many feet could ascend it. In
Odysseus sailed by, Scylla took six of his crew ; and when, after he had lost his ship and companions, he was carried by w
Phaëthusa and Lampetia in Thrinakia. Both Teiresias and Circe1402 had straitly charged Odysseus to shun the isle of Thr
Charybdis. Odysseus was desirous of obeying the injunctions which he had received ; but as it was evening when he came to
. Odysseus on awaking was filled with horror and despair at what they had done ; and the displeasure of the gods was manife
eventh the storm fell, and they left the island ; but as soon as they had lost sight of land, a terrible west-wind, accompa
t. Καλυψ ἐν Ὠγυγίῃ. Calypso in Ogygia. Odysseus, when his ship had gone to pieces, fastened the mast and keel togeth
nceal themselves from solitary wayfarers when they met them1416. They had abundance of wealth, and lived in the enjoyment o
rk sea’1421 ; and when the storm by which Poseidôn destroyed his raft had subsided, he was carried along, as he swam, by a
e position ; and a passage in which Alcinoös says, that the Phæacians had conveyed Rhadamanthys to Eubœa1425 and returned o
ter, he says that Odysseus, when shipwrecked after leaving Thrinakia, had reached Scheria, and had gone thence to Thesproti
s, when shipwrecked after leaving Thrinakia, had reached Scheria, and had gone thence to Thesprotia, which was consequently
or the nurse of Eumæos was daughter of Arybas a wealthy Sidonian, who had been carried away from her native country by Taph
y on the ‘shipman’s tale’ of marvellous adventure and frequent peril, had filled the little-explored waters of the Mediterr
and death was to them a sinking into gentle slumber ; and when earth had covered this race, they became good terrestrial d
delight was in war and deeds of violence. They ate not corn, but they had souls of steel, and prodigious strength. Their ar
which bore the golden apples. An ancient prophecy delivered by Themis had announced to him that his precious trees would be
n whatever to Prometheus. Hesiod says1463, that when the gods and men had a controversy at Mecone, Prometheus took an ox, a
ey without ceasing on his liver, which grew every night as much as it had lost in the day. After a long interval of time, h
t when he came to survey the work, he found that the silly Epimetheus had abundantly furnished the inferior animals, while
ds to blow, and thus gave them life1473. A third said that Prometheus had formed a man of clay, and Athena beholding it off
they were disputing, Earth arose and asserted her right to it, as she had furnished the body. They took Saturn for arbitrat
ody. They took Saturn for arbitrator, and he decided that, as Jupiter had given it life, he should have the body, but that
Jupiter had given it life, he should have the body, but that as Care had formed it she should possess it while it lived, a
d to account for properties and relations of animals. When Prometheus had stolen fire from heaven for the good of mankind,
ht by Hermes to the dwelling of Epime-theus ; who, though his brother had warned him to be upon his guard and to receive no
felt. In the house of these first men stood a closed jar, which they had been forbidden to open. Forethought, as may be su
ich they had been forbidden to open. Forethought, as may be supposed, had rigidly obeyed this direction, and had hitherto k
rethought, as may be supposed, had rigidly obeyed this direction, and had hitherto kept his brother also from transgressing
to the rank of creator of mankind, to whom he gave the fire which he had stolen from heaven. Yet even so late as the times
d, this mythe underwent a further change, and it was fabled that Zeus had inclosed all blessings in a jar, which he set in
ing the earth. Hope alone remained, as he let down the lid before she had escaped1486. Such is what may be regarded as the
untouched, and in the epigrammatist Macedonius1491. It seems to have had as little charms for the Latin poets ; even Ovid
ys and nights until he reached Mount Parnassos. By this time the rain had ceased, and he got out and sacrificed to Zeus Fli
Deucaliôn, yet at the same time intimates that he and his wife alone had been preserved in the catastrophe. What is said o
e vale of Thessaly, which is on all sides shut in by lofty mountains, had been closed by some accident, they overflowed the
to assert that this inundation was a real event, of which the memory had been retained by tradition from times long anteri
in all their institutions a considerable degree of civilisation. They had not yet any common name, and seem to have had but
e of civilisation. They had not yet any common name, and seem to have had but little previous intercourse with foreign nati
the Homeric poems record, were this Pelasgian race1514, or one which had conquered them, is what we have no means of deter
original meaning also of many mythes may have gone out of use ; what had been symbolical and allegorical may have been und
s, genius, and national character of the Greeks of the historie times had their roots in those of the ante-historic and eve
of Hellên, who was the father of Doros, Æolos, and Xuthos, which last had two sons, Achæos and Iôn. Of these personified ra
f Æolos married Tyro the daughter of his brother Salmoneus. By her he had three sons, namely Æsôn, Amythaôn and Pheres1530.
g to come just at this time to the house of Admetos, and hearing what had occurred, went and sat at the tomb, and when Deat
dea. Cretheus was succeeded in the dominion over Iolcos, which he had founded, by his son Æsôn. This prince married Alc
lacos, or, as others said, Polymede daughter of Autolycos, by whom he had a son named Iasôn1534. By force or fraud he was d
the Centaur Cheirôn, to whose care they committed him1536. An oracle had told Pelias to beware of the ‘one-sandaled man,’
years none such appeared to disturb his repose. At length, when Iasôn had attained the age of twenty, he proceeded unknown
his mule-car ; and the moment he looked on him, and perceived that he had but one sandal, he shuddered. He asked him who he
him that he was come to demand the kingdom of his fathers which Zeus had given to Æolos. He then went into the house of hi
ne of his sandals. It is said that Hera, out of enmity to Pelias, who had neglected to sacrifice to her, took the form of a
acle, and sending for him next day, asked him what he would do, if he had the power, had it been predicted to him that he s
ng for him next day, asked him what he would do, if he had the power, had it been predicted to him that he should be slain
rned to Iolcos in safety1540. But during the absence of Iasôn, Pelias had driven his father and mother to self-destruction,
to death their remaining child. Desirous of revenge, Iasôn, after he had delivered the fleece to Pelias, entreated Medeia
rpents, and fled to Athens, where she married king Ægeus, by whom she had a son named Medos ; but being detected in an atte
ans. Medeia returning unknown to Colchis, found that her father Æetes had been robbed of his throne by his brother Perses :
love. Iasôn brought her from the realm of her father Æetes, where he had achieved the many grievous tasks which the haught
hieved the many grievous tasks which the haughty insolent king Pelias had imposed on him. He made her his spouse, and she b
ch however he shortly after gave up to Acastos the son of Pelias, who had accompanied him on his voyage, and retired with M
efore rewarded her by making her children immortal1555, — a thing she had vainly attempted to do herself by hiding them in
, in which there were legends of Medeia, was Corcyra, an island which had been colonised by the Corinthians. Æetes himself
rge, but not thinking that he could lawfully put to death one whom he had purified, invited him to join in a hunt on Mount
ing killed no game ; but pulling out the tongues, he declared that he had killed just so many. He fell asleep on Mount Peli
ll asleep on Mount Pelion, and Acastos taking his famous sword, which had been made by Hephæstos, and hiding it under the c
n marriage. The spouse selected for him was the sea-nymph Thetis, who had been wooed by Zeus himself and his brother Poseid
d him unknown to Peleus each night in the fire, to purge away what he had inherited of mortal from his father ; and by day
into a caldron of boiling water, to try if they were mortal. Several had perished, unable to stand the test, when Peleus l
fetch them. Deïoneus accordingly came, but his treacherous son-in-law had prepared in his house a pit filled with fire, and
s resembling their dams, the upper their sire. By his wife Dia, Ixiôn had a son named Peirithoös, who married Hippodameia d
Calydôn, who built towns of their own name. Agenôr the son of Pleurôn had by Epicaste (the daughter of Calydôn) Porthaôn an
æa daughter of Thestios, a son of Demonica by the god Ares. By her he had four sons, Toxeus, Thureus, Clymenos, and Meleagr
the consequence. Althæa did not long survive her son, whose death she had caused. After her death Œneus married Peribœa the
her death Œneus married Peribœa the daughter of Hipponoös, by whom he had a son named Tydeus1613 ; who, having slain either
father was now too old to reign, he gave the kingdom to Andræmôn, who had married Gorgo the daughter of Œneus1615. He took
d a war was the consequence. As long as Meleagros fought, the Curetes had the worst of it, and could not keep the field ; b
torious Curetes : for Althæa, grieved at the fate of her brother, who had fallen in the fight, had with tears invoked Aides
hæa, grieved at the fate of her brother, who had fallen in the fight, had with tears invoked Aides and Persephoneia to send
mained inexorable, till his very chamber was shaken, when the Curetes had mounted the towers and set fire to the town. Then
ed to ashes, his life terminated. Repenting when too late of what she had done, Althæa put an end to her life by a cord or
gypt. The latter having gone to Europe married Telephassa, by whom he had three sons, Cadmos, Phœnix, and Cilix, and one da
, ordered his sons to go in quest of her, and not to return till they had found her. They were accompanied by their mother
his prediction was verified. Cadmos became king of the Illyrians, and had a son named Illyrios. Shortly afterwards he and H
victorious in war. The name of this people (Ἐγχέλεις, eels) may have had its effect on the legend of the change of Cadmos
to fancy or feign that in the mythic ages their patron-gods or heroes had already taken possession of the place in which th
the evil influence of the dog-star1656. Now Actæôn’s father Aristæos had done just the same at Ceos, and this shows a conn
o Athamas, son of Æolos, and king of Orchomenos. Athamas, it is said, had been already married to Nephele (Cloud), by whom
, it is said, had been already married to Nephele (Cloud), by whom he had two children, Phrixos and Helle. He then espoused
y both her son and her daughter, and gave them a gold-fleeced ram she had obtained from Hermes, which carried them through
in the grove of Ares. Athamas, through the enmity of Hera to Ino, who had suckled the infant Dionysos, was afterwards seize
m himself Athamantia ; and marrying Themisto the daughter of Hypseus, had by her four children, Leucôn, Erythroe, Schœneus,
by the direction of Hera and married Nephele, who left him after she had borne two children, on finding that he still kept
h them. Thus Euripides in his Ino said that Athamas thinking that Ino had perished in the woods married Themisto ; but Ino,
hemisto unwittingly killed her own children, and then seeing what she had done slew herself1663. We will now endeavour to p
were said to be the descendents of Kytissoros the son of Phrixos, who had come from Colchis and saved his grandfather Atham
im as a sin-offering by command of the oracle. By this act Kytissoros had drawn the anger of the gods on his posterity. It
Lycos the brother of Nycteus. Both Lycos and his brother, it is said, had fled from Eubœa for killing Phlegyas the son of A
sented with a lyre and taught to play on it by Hermes. Meantime Lycos had put Antiope in bonds, and she was treated with th
ays they lay in blood, and there was none To bury them, for Kronides had made The people stones ; but on the tenth the god
670 Zethos was married to Aëdôn the daughter of Pandareos, by whom he had only a son named Itylos, and a daughter Neïs. Aëd
k she killed him instead of Amaleus1671. When she discovered what she had done she prayed to the gods to take her out of th
or, as others say, the neatherds of Polybos found the infant after it had been exposed, and brought it to Peribœa the wife
count of its swollen feet 1685 ; for Laïos, previous to its exposure, had pierced its heels. Many years afterwards Laïos, b
s a monster named the Sphinx1687, sprung from Typhôn and Echidna. She had the face of a woman ; the breast, feet, and tail
; the breast, feet, and tail of a lion ; and the wings of a bird. She had been taught riddles by the Muses, and she sat on
told the Thebans that they would not be delivered from her until they had solved her riddle. They often met to try their sk
d Œdipûs now unknowingly accomplished the remainder of the oracle. He had by his mother two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices,
sage of the Odyssey, and to the epic poem the Œdipodeia1691, Epicasta had not any children by her son, Eurygeneia the daugh
ding to the cyclic Thebaïs1692, the fatal curse of Œdipûs on his sons had the following origin. Polyneices placed before hi
wing origin. Polyneices placed before his father a silver table which had belonged to Cadmos, and filled a golden cup with
their satisfaction, they agreed to refer the matter to Teiresias, who had known either state. His answer was that of ten pa
ith a portion of the spoil to Delphi, according to the vow which they had made. In obedience to the command of the oracle,
osterity, on Eteocles’ dying childless, the kingdom came : for Halmos had two daughters, Chrysogeneia and Chryse ; the form
a remarkable fact, that Orchomenos was one of the seven cities which had a share in the Amphictyonic assembly on the Argol
γαμήδης. Trophonius et Agamedes. When Erginos, king of Orchomenos, had been overcome by Heracles, his affairs fell into
Erginos accordingly following the counsel of the Pythia, married, and had two sons, Trophonios and Agamedes ; though some s
rds swallowed up by the earth1714. According to Pindar1715, when they had finished the temple of Delphi they asked a reward
Ares confined for thirteen months in a brazen prison (κεράμῳ), and he had perished there if their stepmother Eribœa had not
prison (κεράμῳ), and he had perished there if their stepmother Eribœa had not informed Hermes, who stole him out of it. Ody
t. Odysseus sees in Erebos Iphimedeia the wife of Alœus, who said she had ‘mingled’ with Poseidôn, and she bore two sons Ot
ssa, in order to scale heaven, but Apollo killed them before the down had grown on their cheeks1720. Thus far Homer. Pindar
ης. Hercules 1727 . Electryôn, the son of Perseus king of Mycenæ, had given his daughter Alcmena in marriage to his nep
ven his daughter Alcmena in marriage to his nephew Amphitryôn. Having had the misfortune to kill his father-in-law, Amphitr
phitryôn was absent on an expedition against the Teleboans, Zeus, who had become enamoured of Alcmena, assumed the form of
ias, he learned that it was no less a personage than Zeus himself who had assumed his form1728. Alcmena brought forth twins
Heracles, unaware of this design, fancied that but one of the maidens had enjoyed his embraces1731. Revolving time, however
e payment of this tribute was as follows : the charioteer of Menœcios had wounded Clymenos, king of the Minyans, with a sto
settle. The Pythia then first named him Heracles1736, for hitherto he had been called Alceides from his grandfather, and sh
. Hera, pretending incredulity, exacted from him an oath that what he had said should be accomplished. Zeus, unsuspicious o
al offering to himself as a hero. When he came to the Nemean wood and had discovered the lion, he began to ply him with his
es. Some even say that the terror of Eurystheus was so great, that he had a brazen jar made, in which he used to hide himse
Pelops, to set him his tasks1740. This Copreus, having slain Iphitos, had fled to Mycenæ, and abode there with Eurystheus w
lain Iphitos, had fled to Mycenæ, and abode there with Eurystheus who had purified him. The second task was to destroy the
t on the land, and kill the cattle and ravage the country. This hydra had a huge body with nine heads, eight of them mortal
denied that this was to be reckoned among the twelve tasks, since he had not destroyed the hydra alone, but with the assis
was to fetch the horned hind alive to Mycenæ. This hind haunted Œnœ, had golden horns, and was sacred to Artemis. Heracles
theus, not only refused to stand to his agreement, but denied that he had promised anything, and offered to lay the matter
mony against his father ; and Augeas in a rage, even before the votes had been given, ordered both his son and Heracles to
ver refused to count this also among the twelve tasks, saying that he had done it for hire. The sixth task was to drive awa
rrows1747. His seventh task was to fetch the Cretan bull. This animal had been sent up by Poseidôn when Minôs had vowed to
the Cretan bull. This animal had been sent up by Poseidôn when Minôs had vowed to sacrifice whatever should appear from th
fered to give him any two he wished in the place of the companions he had lost. He chose Alcæos and Sthenelos, the sons of
horses, and came down to the ship. Heracles, thinking that Hippolyta had acted treacherously, slew her, and taking her gir
n in great distress from the wrath of Poseidôn and Apollo. These gods had contracted with Laomedôn, king of Troy, to build
nsulted declared that there would be no end of the evil till Laomedôn had given his daughter Hesione1750 for food to the mo
ffered to deliver her if Laomedôn would give him the mares which Zeus had presented to Trôs, in exchange for his son Ganyme
ysaôr1752 (Gold-sword), and Callirrhoe (Fair-flowing), an Oceanis. He had the bodies of three men united : they cohered abo
his journey1753. Being scorched with the burning rays of the sun, he had the hardihood to bend his bow against the Sun-god
n the same place the oxen of Hades, having informed Geryoneus of what had befallen, he pursued and overtook Heracles, as he
oxen to Eurystheus, who sacrificed them to Hera. The preceding tasks had been performed in the space of eight years and a
hanges of form, bound and held him fast, and never let him go till he had told him where the golden apples were. Having got
s the hero feigned consent, but begged him to hold the heaven till he had made a pad to put on his head. Atlas threw down t
goddess carried them back to the garden of the Hesperides whence they had been taken1764. The twelfth and last task imposed
eusis, desirous to be initiated ; but he could not be admitted, as he had not been purified of the blood of the Centaurs. E
the gates of the palace of Hades he found Theseus and Peirithoös, who had attempted to carry off Persephone, and had in con
heseus and Peirithoös, who had attempted to carry off Persephone, and had in consequence been fixed on an enchanted rock by
ff Ascalaphos, the son of Acherôn and Gorgyra, the rock which Demeter had cast on his body. Wishing to give the shades bloo
m severely. He brought him through Trœzên to Eurystheus ; and when he had shown him, took him back to the under-world. The
imself to marry again, and hearing that Eurytos, king of Œchalia1768, had declared that he would give his daughter Iola to
d his other sons refused, lest he should destroy her children, if she had any, as he had done those of Megara. Shortly afte
s refused, lest he should destroy her children, if she had any, as he had done those of Megara. Shortly afterwards the oxen
d her to choose one among the captives to be set at liberty. When she had fixed on her brother Podarkes, Heracles replied t
s death, collected an army. At Tegea in Arcadia he asked Cepheus, who had twenty sons, to join in the expedition : but Ceph
might make an attempt on Tegea, declined the proposal. Heracles, who had in a water-urn a brazen ringlet of the Gorgôn, wh
, who had in a water-urn a brazen ringlet of the Gorgôn, which Athena had given him, presented it to Aërope the daughter of
ut the babe was protected by the care of the gods ; for a hind, which had just calved, came and suckled him ; and the sheph
, where he sought the hand of Deïaneira the daughter of Œneus1778. He had to contend for her with the river-god Acheloös, w
On their way they came to the river Euenos, where Nessos the Centaur had taken his abode, and carried over travellers, say
e Centaur had taken his abode, and carried over travellers, saying he had received this office from the gods as a reward fo
of the Dorians, against whom the Lapiths under the command of Coronos had made war, on account of a dispute respecting thei
ad made war, on account of a dispute respecting their boundaries, and had besieged him in his town. Heracles slew Coronos,
slew Coronos, and put Ægimios in possession of the whole country that had been in dispute. He afterwards killed Laogoras ki
e sacrifices to Pytho. Cycnos fell in the combat ; and when Ares, who had witnessed the fate of his son, would avenge him,
, together with his sons ; and having buried those of his own men who had fallen, among whom were Hippasos the son of Ceÿx,
to Trachis ; where Deïaneira, on learning the consequence of what she had done, hanged herself ; and Heracles, charging Hyl
os his eldest son by her to marry Iola when he was of sufficient age, had himself carried to the summit of Mount Œta, and t
nd being reconciled to Hera he espoused her daughter Hebe, by whom he had two children named Alexiares (Aider-in-war) and A
e Dorians, whose princes were supposed to be descended from Heracles, had relations with all these countries, Müller1788 vi
ct which is quite conclusive, as the ancient deities of a city always had their temples on or near the citadel. Returning t
Argive goddess. We do not think that the identification with Melcart had much influence beyond that of localising some of
s it were from, the land ; and, like autochthones in general, to have had a body composed of those of a man and a snake. In
s, Herse, and Pandrosos. Erysichthôn died without children ; Agraulos had by Ares a daughter named Alcippe1792, and Herse b
e is said to have been the first who used the four-horsed chariot. He had by the Naïs Pasithea a son named Pandiôn, who suc
; or, according to others, by the goddess herself, whose favourite he had been, and whom in life she had often visited1801.
he goddess herself, whose favourite he had been, and whom in life she had often visited1801. Another account of the birth o
le to rise. Hephæstos was called to set his mother free ; but he, who had done it through malice for her having flung him o
hrough malice for her having flung him out of heaven, replied that he had no mother. Dionysos contrived to make him drunk,
arios. Pandiôn married Zeuxippe, the sister of his mother, by whom he had two sons, Erechtheus and Butes, and two daughters
contest, he gave him his daughter Procne in marriage, by whom Tereus had a son named Itys. After some time Procne became d
story is told with considerable variations. According to some, Tereus had early conceived a passion for Philomela, and he o
t ; and elsewhere he is said1813 to have related that the nightingale had been deprived of all her sleep, the swallow of on
Erechtheus married Praxithea, a grand-daughter of the Cephissos, and had by her five sons, Cecrops, Pandoros, Metiôn, Orne
offered up his youngest daughter Chthonia ; and her sisters, as they had entered into a resolution that when one lost her
phalos went constantly to the chase ; and Procris, suspicious, as she had failed herself, fancied that he was attracted by
m to put the faith of Procris to the test. Procris on finding how she had been deceived fled to Crete, where Minôs gave her
of the dog and dart he sought to obtain them. The terms were those he had himself proposed to Procris. He yielded ; Procris
above related1818. According to another account the virtue of Procris had not been proof against the offer of a golden coro
r of Erechtheus, married Zuthos the son of Hellên, to whom his father had assigned the Peloponnese. Her sons by him were Iô
Iôn was the fruit of the secret love of Creüsa with Apollo. When she had given birth to him she laid him in the cave where
o. When she had given birth to him she laid him in the cave where she had met the god ; and Hermes, at Apollo's desire, con
his son-in-law, and retiring to the Peloponnese built Pylos. Pandiôn had four sons, Ægeus, Pallas, Nisos, and Lycos, who c
s taken by the treachery of Scylla the daughter of Nisos. This prince had a golden or purple lock of hair growing on his he
e grave of the Cyclôps Geræstos the four daughters of Hyacinthos, who had settled there. This bloody deed was of no avail ;
he proper age, his mother led him to the stone under which his father had deposited his sword and shoes, and he removed it
hed to the ground and killed. Theseus, on being challenged, though he had never before attempted such a feat, held down the
sea, where the robber Scirôn — from whom the pass derived its name —  had fixed his abode. The practice of Scirôn was, when
r Stretcher (Προκρούστης), and the Hurtful (Πολυπήμων). This Damastes had two iron bedsteads, one long, the other short. Wh
The Pallantids, or sons and grandsons of Pallas the brother of Ægeus, had long seen with jealousy the sceptre in the hands
en acknowledged him in the presence of all the people. The Pallantids had recourse to arms, but Theseus defeated and slew t
with Æthra discovered to him who he was1842. The bull which Heracles had brought from Crete was now at Marathôn, and the c
s to pay his vow : for ere setting out on his perilous expedition, he had made a vow to send annually, if successful, to th
land to Aphrodite a statue made by Dædalos, on account of the aid she had given him. He moreover, to commemorate his victor
ointed by his father, and returned under the same sails with which he had departed ; and the old king, thinking he was bere
The hero now turned his thoughts to legislation. The Attic territory had been divided by Cecrops into twelve Demes or vill
been divided by Cecrops into twelve Demes or villages, each of which had its own government and chief magistrate, and was
hip between him and Peirithoös was of a most intimate nature ; yet it had originated in the midst of arms. Peirithoös had o
imate nature ; yet it had originated in the midst of arms. Peirithoös had one time made an irruption into the plain of Mara
ishment of his audacious attempt1847. After the death of Antiope, who had borne him a son named Hippolytos, Theseus married
f clearing himself, the blinded prince, calling to mind that Poseidôn had promised him the accomplishment of whatever wish
It is well known that none but the ancient deities of the nation ever had temples or altars on the citadel ; but we find a
ould probably never have been king of Megara, if the Neleids of Pylos had not come to Attica at the time of the Dorian Migr
t was the thoroughfare between Hellas and the Peloponnese ; and as it had a port on each sea, the wares of the East and the
ounder of Ephyra. He married Merope the daughter of Atlas, by whom he had four sons, Glaucos, Ornytiôn, Thersandros and Hal
rprise of the thief, selected his own beasts out of the herd ; for he had marked the initial of his name under their hoofs1
hoofs1868. Autolycos forthwith cultivated the acquaintance of one who had thus proved himself too able for him ; and Sisyph
lated to Diomedes by Glaucos the grandson of Bellerophontes. The gods had endowed Bellerophontes with manly vigour and beau
se-fingered Dawn appeared,’ he asked to see the token (σῆμα) which he had brought from his son-in-law. When he had received
ee the token (σῆμα) which he had brought from his son-in-law. When he had received it, he resolved to comply with the desir
emenos of arable and plantation land. By this princess Bellerophontes had three children, Isandros, Hippolochos, and Laodam
ise us if the ancient form of the legend was that a prince of Corinth had , by the aid of a winged horse, ridden through the
Oceanos and Tethys, married his sister the Oceanis Melia, by whom he had a son named Phoroneus1890, the first man accordin
became the tutelar deity of Argos1892. By the nymph Laodice Phoroneus had a son named Apis, from whom the peninsula was nam
e also took vengeance on the murderers for the death of Apis. When Io had been changed into a cow, Hera gave the charge of
Hera, he changed Io into a white cow, and swore to his spouse that he had been guilty of no infidelity. The goddess, affect
it was said that her father's name was Peirên, that her keeper Argos had four eyes, and that the isle of Eubœa derived its
country. Such was perhaps the original simple legend, and it may have had its source in the notions of the loves, the marri
they named the adjacent strait Bosporos (Cow-ford), feigning that she had swum across it1910. A similar strait into the Mæo
milar strait into the Mæotis received the same name, and Io of course had wandered thither. Finally, when the Greeks first
usual manner inferred that she was their own Io, with whose name hers had a slight similarity. At Memphis they afterwards b
He married, we are told, Memphis the daughter of the Nile, by whom he had a daughter named Libya, who bore to Poseidon Agen
re to Poseidon Agenor the father of Cadmos and Europa, and Belos, who had by another daughter of the Nile named Anchinoe tw
t from himself. By many wives he was the father of fifty sons. Danaos had by several wives an equal number of daughters. Di
d Athena purified them from the guilt of their deed. But Hypermnestra had spared Lynceus, for the delicate regard which he
But Hypermnestra had spared Lynceus, for the delicate regard which he had shown to her modesty. Her father, at first, in hi
At length he himself met the fate which he deplored in others1918. He had three sons, Palamedes, Oïax, and Nausimedôn. In t
fact there was no part of Greece more thoroughly Hellenic, none which had less similarity in religion or institutions with
t Prœtides. Lynceus succeeded his father-in-law on the throne. He had by Hypermnestra a son named Abas, to whom he left
d by Hypermnestra a son named Abas, to whom he left his kingdom. Abas had twin children, Prœtos and Acrisios, who struggled
he reigned himself at Argos, and his brother dwelt in Tiryns. Prœtos had three daughters, Lysippe, Iphinoe, and Iphianassa
and Prœtos gave them in marriage to Melampûs and his brother Bias. He had afterwards a son named Megapenthes1929. The madne
. Acrisios married Eurydice the daughter of Lacedæmôn, by whom he had a daughter, whom he called Danae. He inquired of
nd her nurse, in order that she might never become a mother. But Zeus had seen and loved the maiden ; and under the form of
he mother of a son, whom she and her nurse reared in secrecy until he had attained his fourth year. Acrisios then chanced t
p, was an invincible obstacle to the accomplishment of his wishes. He had therefore recourse to artifice to deliver himself
Grææ, whose eye and tooth he stole, and would not restore until they had furnished him with directions to the abode of the
Andromeda ; but Phineus the brother of Cepheus, to whom the princess had been betrothed, plotted to destroy the hero ; who
now proceeded to Seriphos, where he found that his mother and Dictys had been obliged to fly to the protection of the alta
ately went to the royal residence ; and when at his desire Polydectes had summoned thither all the people to see the formid
e Peloponnese. But feeling ashamed to take the inheritance of one who had died by his means, he proposed an exchange of dom
e. This goddess was one of the most ancient deities of Argos, for she had a temple on the Larissa or citadel1951, whence sh
hitryon et Alcumena. Perseus was succeeded by his son Alcæos, who had a son named Amphitryôn. Alcæos left the throne to
amed Amphitryôn. Alcæos left the throne to his brother Electryôn, who had married his daughter Anaxo, by whom he had severa
his brother Electryôn, who had married his daughter Anaxo, by whom he had several children. Mestôr, the third son of Perseu
d son of Perseus, married Lysidice the daughter of Pelops, by whom he had a daughter named Hippothoe, whom Poseidôn carried
s, who settled at Taphos, and called his people Teleboans, because he had gone far from his native land1963. He had a son n
eople Teleboans, because he had gone far from his native land1963. He had a son named Pterolaos, whom Poseidôn made immorta
made immortal by setting a golden lock of hair on his head. Pterolaos had several sons, and one daughter who was named Comæ
s. The Taphians fled in their vessels, leaving the cattle, which they had driven away, in the charge of Polyxenes king of t
eemed them ; for Electryôn, desirous to avenge the death of his sons, had given to Amphitryôn the kingdom and his daughter
Alcmena, binding him by oath not to claim a husband’s rights until he had returned from his expedition against the Teleboan
the Teleboans. But as Amphitryôn was driving home the cattle which he had recovered, one of the cows chancing to run aside,
covered, one of the cows chancing to run aside, he flung the stick he had in his hand after her, which happening to strike
s. Alcmena still refusing to admit the embraces of Amphitryôn till he had avenged her brothers, he applied to Creôn to assi
Asclepios is called by Homer an excellent physician (Tάνταλος), who had been instructed by Cheirôn. His sons Podaleirios
s children1974. Asclepios was one of those who sailed in the Argo. He had by Lampetia the daughter of the Sun two sons, Mac
herb and by means of it restored Glaucos1976. Others said that Athena had given him the blood of the Gorgon, and with what
bœa or the nymph Cyllene the father of Lycaôn king of Arcadia. Lycaôn had many wives, by whom he became the father of fifty
mos who reigned over Arcadia at the time of Deucaliôn’s flood, Lycaôn had a daughter named Callisto1984, who dedicated hers
the sacrifice of Iphigeneia, and that it was a bear, not a hind, that had been substituted1991. The resemblance between Arc
bstituted1991. The resemblance between Arcas and ἄρκτος may also have had some effect on the formation of this legend1992.
overtook him she was to kill him, if not he was to win her hand. Many had thus run and perished, and their heads were fixed
of contest, when her cousin Meilaniôn offered himself to contend. He had three golden apples, which Aphrodite had given hi
fered himself to contend. He had three golden apples, which Aphrodite had given him ; these he threw as he ran ; Atalanta w
em up, and Meilaniôn won the race. Atalanta became his wife, and they had a son named Parthenopæos. It is added that they a
daughter of Eurotas, the grandson of the autochthon Lelex, by whom he had Amyclas and Eurydice, which last was married to A
d Eurydice, which last was married to Acrisios king of Argos. Amyclas had , by Diomede the daughter of Lapithas, Cynortes an
os was the father of Tyndareos, Icarios, and Hippocoôn1998. Hippocoôn had twelve sons, who drove their uncles Icarios and T
ccording to the Cypria she was the offspring of Zeus and Nemesis, who had long fled the pursuit of the god, and to elude hi
d Nemesis, who had long fled the pursuit of the god, and to elude him had taken the form of all kinds of animals2000. At le
s. The brothers themselves fell into the very same offence which they had punished in Theseus. Being invited to the wedding
ing-feast by their cousins Idas and Lynceus the sons of Aphareus, who had married their cousins Phœbe and Hilaeira the daug
nto four parts, said that one half of the prey should fall to him who had first eaten his share, and the remainder to him w
rship. The Tyndarids, Dioscuri or Kings (Ἂνακϵς), as they were named, had their temples and statues2015 ; as also had the L
κϵς), as they were named, had their temples and statues2015 ; as also had the Leucippides2016, who, in perhaps the more cor
rect form of the legend, are their wives2017. Helena, in like manner, had her temples2018 ; and there is some reason to sup
2019. The Apharids were not objects of worship ; perhaps because they had merely been devised as opponents to the Tyndarids
of Amphiôn, the son of Iasos of the Minyan Orchomenos2023. By her he had several sons, of whom the principal were Periclym
Nestôr, who was a child, and reared among the Gerenians. Periclymenos had been endowed by Poseidôn with the power of changi
s. He married Eidomene the daughter of his brother Pheres, by whom he had two sons, Bias and Melampûs. This last lived in t
the cows of his mother Tyro, which Iphiclos of Phylace detained, and had them guarded by a dog whom neither man nor beast
t then get the cattle, set out for Phylace. Everything fell out as he had said. The herdsmen of Iphiclos took him, and he w
the head, the woman at the foot, Melampûs himself at the middle. They had not gotten quite out of the house, when the roof
re brought the vulture, who said that Phylacos the father of Iphiclos had pursued him with a knife when he was a child, for
for having done something unseemly ; but not being able to catch him, had stuck the knife in a wild pear-tree, where the ba
n a wild pear-tree, where the bark grew over it. The terror, he said, had deprived Iphiclos of his generative power ; but i
would have a child. All was done as the prophet desired, and Iphiclos had a son named Podarkes. Melampûs drove the kine to
he oracle about this unhappy affair. While he was absent, Euadne, who had gone to the fount, felt her pains come on. She la
foliage brought forth her ‘divine-minded’ son. The ‘gold-haired’ god had sent the mild Eleutho and the Moiræ to ease her l
returned from ‘rocky’ Pytho, he inquired after the child which Euadne had borne ; for Phœbos, he said, had told him that he
nquired after the child which Euadne had borne ; for Phœbos, he said, had told him that he would be a renowned prophet, and
d prophet, and that his race would never fail. All declared that they had seen or heard nothing of the babe, who was now fi
to officiate2032. The Theban bard here sings the mythic origin which had been assigned to the soothsaying Iamids of Olympi
ταλος. Tantalus. Odysseus, when relating to the Phæacians what he had beheld in Erebos, says2052, And Tantalos I saw g
untain atop of him ; for Pandareos having stolen the golden dog which had guarded the goat that reared the god, gave it to
d the inordinate pursuit of honours ; for when Tantalos, it was said, had attained his ultimate desire, and was admitted to
sed his son Pelops, and to have set him for food before them. Demeter had eaten one of the shoulders before the gods were a
ps, carried him off in his golden car to Olympos. But when his father had drawn on himself the indignation of the gods, the
Pelops once more among the ‘swift-fated race of men2060.’ When Pelops had attained to manhood he resolved to seek in marria
hand, and if he overtook the unhappy lover ran him through. Thirteen had already lost their lives when Pelops came2061. In
; and Thyestes, out of revenge, sent Atreus’ son Pleisthenes, whom he had brought up as his own, to murder his father. Atre
the brothers. Hermes, in order to avenge his son Myrtilos whom Pelops had murdered, put a gold-fleeced lamb into the flocks
eeced lamb : Thyestes, however, having corrupted Atreus’ wife Aërope, had gotten the lamb ; and when Atreus could not exhib
en Atreus could not exhibit it as he promised, the people thinking he had deceived them deprived him of the kingdom. Someti
he went down to the river to wash the dirt from her garment. When she had taken it off, Thyestes, covering his head that he
him to restore him to his native country. Meantime famine and plague had come to punish the crime of Atreus ; and the orac
ne and plague had come to punish the crime of Atreus ; and the oracle had responded, that to remove it Atreus should bring
— whence he derived his name, Ægisthos. Atreus, hearing he was alive, had him sought for, and brought him up as his own son
eath. Ægisthos went to the prison, bearing the sword which his mother had given him ; and the moment Thyestes beheld it, he
m ; and the moment Thyestes beheld it, he knew it to be that which he had lost, and asked the youth how he had come by it.
, he knew it to be that which he had lost, and asked the youth how he had come by it. He replied that it was the gift of hi
atrocities above related. It was probably at the time when the Greeks had become familiar with Asia and the barbarous regio
y. On the division of the spoils at Troy, Eurypylos the son of Euæmôn had gotten a coffer containing a statue of Dionysos,
was said, and given to Dardanos by Zeus. Cassandra, it was also said, had thrown this coffer in the way of the Greeks, know
lost his senses : his reason however did not entirely depart, and he had lucid intervals. In consequence of this calamity,
In Patræ stood a temple of the Calydonian Dionysos, whose statue had been brought thither from Calydôn. The following
Calydonians, of which many of them perished. In their distress, they had recourse to the oracle of Dodona, and they learne
mity was the infliction of Dionysos, and would not cease till Coresos had sacrificed Callirrhoe, or some one who was willin
n legends by Thucydides, the introduction to whose admirable work has had too much influence on the minds of some modern in
nce on the minds of some modern inquirers, who seem to forget that he had only the same sources of information respecting t
nôs married Pasiphae, the daughter of the Sun and Perseis, by whom he had several children, the most celebrated of whom wer
in war, and extended his dominion over the isles of the Ægæan. Minôs had a brazen man named Talôs given to him by Hephæsto
out from his only vein, and he thus died2099. The bull which Poseidôn had sent out of the sea being of large size and of a
, and inspired Pasiphae with a strange passion for him, but which she had no means of gratifying. Dædalos, the celebrated A
to spit into his mouth. Glaucos obeyed, and lost the memory of all he had learned2108. On taking a survey of the circumstan
er-god Asopos married Metope the daughter of the river-god Ladôn, and had by her several children. His daughter Ægina attra
Psamathe, who changed herself into a fount to escape his embraces, he had another son named Phocos2112, whom his brothers,
ted with sterility and dearth, on account of the crime of Pelops, who had cut into pieces Stymphalos king of Arcadia, and s
 ; and the hero gave him Hesione the daughter of Laomedôn, by whom he had a son named Teucros. By Peridæa the grand-daughte
e had a son named Teucros. By Peridæa the grand-daughter of Pelops he had already a son called Aias ; for Heracles having p
he beasts o'er the asphodelian mead, Which in the lonely mountains he had slain, Bearing his brazen aye-enduring club. Ori
hospitably entertained. Pleased with their host, they inquired if he had any wish which he desired to have gratified. Hyri
ish which he desired to have gratified. Hyrieus replied, that he once had a wife whom he tenderly loved, and that he had sw
replied, that he once had a wife whom he tenderly loved, and that he had sworn never to marry another. She was dead : he w
us of being a father. The gods took the hide of his only ox, which he had sacrificed in their honour ; they buried it in th
them, and prayed for their happy return2154. At the close of day they had reached the mouth of the bay of Pagasæ. Here they
nds, unable to endure them, took to their beds the captives whom they had brought from Thrace. The Lemnian wives, incensed
Hypsipyle alone saved her father, whom she kept concealed. This event had occurred about a twelvemonth before. The women se
fallen into the hands of robbers. Meeting Heracles, he told him what had happened ; and both proceeded in quest of the you
their future voyage. The Symplegades were the first danger which they had to encounter. These were huge floating rocks, whi
mplegades now became fixed ; for so it was in the fates, since a ship had passed through them uninjured. Having escaped the
Æetes, in number two, and breathing flame from their throats. When he had yoked these, he was to plough with them a piece o
f land, and sow the serpent’s teeth which Æetes possessed, for Athena had given him one half of those which Cadmos sowed at
hment of these hard tasks, when Medeia, the daughter of the king, who had conceived a sudden affection for him, proffered h
tect alike against fire and steel. She further told him, that when he had sown the teeth, a crop of armed men would spring
light, and they beheld an island, on which they landed. As this isle had appeared (ἀνϵϕῄνατο) so unexpectedly, they named
dventure, he says that a dream and the response of the Delphic oracle had directed him to go to Ææa and fetch back the soul
back the soul of Phrixos and the ‘thick-wooled’ skin of the ram which had saved him. From various circumstances it seems cl
ing afterwards proved by Artemidorus and Eratosthenes that the Phasis had its source in the mountains, this course had to b
osthenes that the Phasis had its source in the mountains, this course had to be given up ; a geographer named Timagetas the
aintained that they must have gone up the Tanaïs ; in this however he had been preceded by the historian Timæus2170. Accord
ban Wars. When Œdipûs, on the discovery of his involuntary crime, had either died or abandoned his throne, his sons Ete
clamour Adrastos came forth and put an end to the conflict. An oracle had told this prince that he should marry his two dau
wife of Amphiaraos, to his interest ; for on his marriage Amphiaraos had agreed, that whenever he and Adrastos should diff
ant of water, Hypsipyle, the Lemnian princess, whom her country-women had sold when they found that she had saved her fathe
an princess, whom her country-women had sold when they found that she had saved her father, and who was now nurse to the in
As he lay expiring, Athena hastened to him with a medicine which she had obtained from Zeus, and which would make him immo
was about, cut off the head of Melanippos, whom Tydeus though wounded had slain, and brought it to him. The savage warrior
ars afterwards the children (Ἐπίγονοι, descendents) of the chiefs who had fallen resolved to avenge the fate of their sires
os. Alemæôn would however first punish his mother ; but Eryphile, who had received the robe of Harmonia from Thersandros th
of Capaneus, Eurypylos of Mecisteus, were the other leaders. Alcmæôn had the chief command2185. They ravaged the villages
Thersandros placed on the throne. Alcmæôn on learning that his mother had taken a bribe against himself, as well as his fat
that the Erinnys would never quit him except in a place which the sea had disclosed posterior to his parricide2186. He went
Harmonia, and refused to admit the embraces of her husband until she had obtained them. Alcmæôn returned to Psophis, and t
Psophis, and telling Phegeus that his madness would never end till he had deposited the collar and robe at Delphi2188, got
enôr the son of Ancæos, at Tegea, and accused of the crime which they had committed. When Callirrhoe heard of the fate of h
Callirrhoe heard of the fate of her husband, she prayed to Zeus, who had loved her, that her sons by Alcmæôn might at once
nos afflicted at the death of his brother left Samothrace, where they had dwelt, and passed over to the main-land, where Te
nos. On the death of Teucros, he named the whole country Dardania. He had two sons, Ilos and Erichthonios, the former of wh
falling in love with them, changed himself into a horse, and by them had twelve foals, which like the celestial steeds cou
ves of the sea2193. By Astyoche, daughter of the Simoïs, Erichthonios had a son named Trôs, who succeeded him on the throne
eed2194. Assaracos married a daughter of the river Simoïs, by whom he had a son named Capys, who was by Themis the daughter
son of Ilos married Strymo the daughter of the Scamandros, by whom he had Tithonos (who was carried off by Eôs), Lampôs, Cl
mos2197 and Hesione, and two other daughters ; by the nymph Calybe he had a son named Bucoliôn2198. Priamos reigned over Il
r his son Æsacos, by a former wife Arisbe the daughter of Merops, who had been reared and taught to interpret dreams by his
beyed, but on returning at the end of five days, he found that a bear had been nursing the infant. Struck with this strange
erified his mother's dream2203. Beside his children by Hecabe Priamos had several by other women. The whole number of his o
lexandros the son of Priamos. The prize was awarded to Aphrodite, who had promised the judge the beautiful Helena in marria
his marriage with Helena2207. Menelaos being informed by Iris of what had occurred, returns home and consults with his brot
veral towns. Soon after Achilleus being desirous of seeing Helena, he had an interview with her by means of Thetis and Aphr
view with her by means of Thetis and Aphrodite ; and when the Achæans had thoughts of giving over the enterprise he prevent
aughter of Chryses, the priest of Apollo, to Agamemnôn. Odysseus, who had long meditated vengeance on Palamedes, now carrie
ey may perform her obsequies. Thersites railing at the hero, as if he had been in love with the slain, is killed by him ; t
e celebrated, and Thetis proposing his armour as the prize of him who had done most to save his corse, Aias and Odysseus co
which prodigy Æneias forthwith retired to Mount Ida. Sinôn then, who had gotten into the town by means of a forged tale, r
These were Agamemnôn and Menelaos sons of Atreus (the former of whom had the chief command), Nestôr the son of Neleus, and
reached their homes in safety2224. Cassandra the daughter of Priamos had fallen to the share of the king of Mycenæ in the
ere Ægisthos the son of Thyestes resided. During his absence Ægisthos had carried on an adulterous intercourse with Clytæmn
lterous intercourse with Clytæmnestra, the queen of Agamemnôn, and he had set a watchman, with a promise of a large reward,
ied the throne ; but Orestes the son of Agamemnôn was still alive. He had been saved by one of his sisters, and sent to Pho
Erinnyes of his mother persecuting him, he fled to Delphi, whose god had urged him to commit the deed, and thence went to
his father, and married Hermione the daughter of Menelaos, by whom he had two sons, Tisamenos and Penthilos, who were drive
s killed at Delphi Neoptolemos the son of Achilleus, to whom Menelaos had given Hermione in marriage2227. The daughters of
tes was giving the funeral feast for his mother and Ægisthos, whom he had slain2233. Helena was, according to Homer, the co
d not believe the Trojans, that she was not in their c ity, till they had taken it ; and that then Menelaos sailed to Egypt
e. On the third day, the weather clearing, they put again to sea, and had a prosperous voyage till they were doubling Cape
and one of their magic vessels conveyed him and the gifts which they had given him to his native isle ; the sailors depart
ng to oppose him fell by his hand2239. Telegonos, on learning whom he had unwittingly slain, took Penelope and Telemachos a
e.’ As the former rested on the voyages of the Minyans, so the latter had its origin in the early settlements of the Greeks
settlements of the Greeks on the coast of Asia and the contests they had to sustain with the original owners of the soil.
fore noticed the Grecian habit of supposing that their gods or heroes had already visited or conquered the country which th
es had already visited or conquered the country which they themselves had acquired, and supposing therefore Achæans from th
hey may easily have conceived that the great hero of Argos, Heracles, had done the same, or that a monarch of Argos had led
ero of Argos, Heracles, had done the same, or that a monarch of Argos had led a host thither and taken and plundered a larg
ined the adoption of Grecian rites and Grecian deities. When her arms had penetrated to the south of the Peninsula, and the
bed to a subterranean dæmon named Tages, who, the Tuscan legend said, had risen up, a babe in form, an aged man in wisdom,
Menrfa, was the original of the Minerva of Rome. These three deities had always contiguous temples on the citadel of every
is probable belonged originally to the Etruscan system. The Etruscans had also deities answering to the Neptunus, Mars, Sat
ms and rain. The people and their king were terrified, and the latter had recourse to the counsel of the nymph Egeria. She
n, to get free ; and the pious prince, apologising for what necessity had obliged him to do, entreated that they would info
named it Ancile. He regarded it as the pledge of empire ; and having had eleven others made exactly like it by the artist
no Romana or Capitolina, as one of the great tutelar deities of Rome, had her share in the stately temple on the Capitol. O
the origin is quite uncertain2283. Juno Regina, the Kupra of Etruria, had a temple on the Aventine. During the siege of Vei
f Etruria, had a temple on the Aventine. During the siege of Veii she had been evoked in the usual manner and promised a st
Of this festival, which was common to all Latium, and which probably had a rural origin, the Roman annals told a legend co
a chapel of Venus Murtia, so named it is said from the myrtles which had grown there2321. At Lavinium there was a temple o
word μûθοѕ is in Homer equivalent to λόγοѕ. In the time of Pindar it had acquired the signification in which it is here em
nation is that given by Hermann (Ueber das Wesen, &c. p. 84.). He had given a different one previously (De Myth. Ant. O
ly one that has alluded to this fiction in modern times. He evidently had it in view in the following lines : ……… The gild
believe, only to be found in this poet, but we may be certain that he had Greek authority for it. In another place (Fasti,
xiii. 23. seq. It is worthy of notice that while the chariots of men had sometimes three horses (Il. viii. 80-87 ; xvi. 14
xvi. 148-154.), or perhaps even four (viii. 185.), those of the gods had never more than two. Il. v. 768 ; viii. 41-45 ; x
erson and place certainly). It is plain that neither of these writers had correct ideas on this subject. 470. Od. xi. 488.
. Voss, Anti-Symb. i. 203, 204. The ancient Hebrews seem also to have had gloomy ideas of Sheôl, their under-world ; the Ce
770. Ap. Plut. Amator. 20. Nonnus, xxxi. 110. 111. This strange poet had a little before (xxix. 334.) called Hephæstos the
terless (ἀγέλαστος). Sch. Aristoph. Knights, 782. 886. The Egyptians had a similar story of their Isis, borrowed no doubt,
he episodes viii. 350-484 ; xi. 179-217. 1043. Ver. 574. He probably had in view Hom. Hymn i. 114. 1044. 1. ἀελλόπος : 2.
umius (Livy, xxxix. 8.) lived before history was written at Rome, and had the Bacchic orgies obtained a footing in that cit
mystic theory, expressly denies in his Indian Library that the Greeks had , previous to the conquests of Alexander, any idea
 11. 12. 1335. Od. ix. 80. 1336. Ἔνθϵν δὲ προτέρω πλέομϵν. The wind had been north-east, and it is not said that it had c
έρω πλέομϵν. The wind had been north-east, and it is not said that it had changed. We apprehend that by προτέρω the poet al
of the stealing of the fire, and that it would seem from it that Zeus had deprived mankind of it in consequence of the tric
s, she ensnared Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire. Par. Lost, iv. 712.
e (ap. Sch. Theocr. v. 53.) said he was taught them by the nymphs who had reared him. 1645. Apoll. Rh. ii. 506. seq. Sch.
. iii. 511. seq. 1668. Il. xxiv. 602-17. It is here said that Niobe had six sons and six daughters. Hesiod (Sch. Eur. Phœ
w of nature which we ascribe to a Pelasgian sage. Milton in his youth had a similar idea. In his Hymn on the Nativity he ca
roy by Heracles, on account of the horses, relating to which Laomedôn had broken his word. 1750. Hesione is the same as Eï
ponent, from ἀντὶ). This legend was perhaps invented after the Greeks had settled in Libya, and was designed to express the
xxi. 23. Æsch. Agam. 1048. Soph. Trach. 252. seq. 1770. The Lydians had a hero named Sandôn similar to Heracles (Lyd. de
alian Galley, was maintained to be the very same one in which Theseus had sailed ; though it had been so often repaired, as
ained to be the very same one in which Theseus had sailed ; though it had been so often repaired, as to give occasion to a
Arab chief, delivers him and his castle up to Shâh-pûr, with whom she had fallen in love. 1859. Pherecydes, ap. Sch. Apoll
behold the wandering moon Riding near her highest noon, Like one that had been led astray Through the heaven’s wide pathle
There was a legend in Italy that Ardea, the capital of the Rutulians, had been founded by Danae. (Virg. Æn. vii. 372. 410.
chus was the earliest writer who to Pausanias’ knowledge (x. 31, 12.) had mentioned the stone. 2058. Alcman ap. Sch. Pind.
ays of midsummer, and call out of the well, into which they fabled he had fallen, a god named Hylas. The Maryandinians lame
occur in Homer. 2209. In the Ilias (xxiv. 765.) Helena says that she had been twenty years at Troy. According to Tzetzes (
). 2212. See above, p. 367. 2213. The common account is that Thetis had concealed him as a maiden among the daughters of
d the Little Ilias of Lesches commences. 2220. Paris when a shepherd had married the nymph Œnone, who warned him against t
to have meditated the recovery of the dominion of which the Dardanids had deprived Tantalos. 2244. “Οἷos γàρ ἐρύϵτo Ἴλιoν
ound in Bryant’s ‘Dissertation on the War of Troy,’ an essay which we had not read when the above was written. 2246. Work
s on this account on the religion of the Romans, which we may observe had no deity answering to the Erôs of the Grecks. In
tus, s. v. Servius (Æn. ix. 570.) says this was his name in Oscan. It had gone so completely out of use that Virgil (ut sup
10 (1842) Heathen mythology
thing very pleasing and very poetical in the thought, that each river had its nymph, and every wood its god: that a visible
eye of a Greek, was haunted with superior intelligences. Every stream had its presiding nymph, who was thanked for her drau
residing nymph, who was thanked for her draught of water. Every house had its protecting gods which had blessed the inmate’
d for her draught of water. Every house had its protecting gods which had blessed the inmate’s ancestors; and which would b
Love, Cybele, and Proserpine. Besides these more important ones, they had others, such as Chaos; which did not belong to an
did on her own foundations lie; Nor seas about their shores the arms had thrown; But earth, and air, and water were in one
is often mentioned in the history of the Gods, but seems only to have had a momentary reign. He is the most ancient of all,
nd mount the throne of heaven.” Hesiod. Saturn devoured this, as he had the previous offerings; and emboldened by her suc
rwards, by administering a potion, compelled him to yield up those he had already swallowed. Jupiter, the first whom the Go
p those he had already swallowed. Jupiter, the first whom the Goddess had saved by her artifice, was brought up secretly in
however, the latter discovered, as he eventually did, that his hopes had been deceived, and his ‌agreement broken, he asse
est, she received the name of Cybele from the mountain where her life had been preserved. She is called also the ancient Ve
ed by the high priest. The privileges of the Vestals were great: they had the most honourable seats at the public games and
alked in public; they were carried in chariots when they pleased, and had the power of pardoning criminals if they encounte
gy_1842_img015 Jupiter. The nymphs of mount Ida, to whom Cybele had confided her son, educated him with great care; b
the Horn of Plenty. As Jupiter emerged from infancy, we have seen he had to strive with the Titans, who disputed with him
e overthrown, and crushed beneath the mountains which they themselves had prepared to execute their vengeance on Jupiter. M
Heaving in pain.” Keats’ Hyperion. After his victory, Jupiter, who had driven Saturn from Heaven, and was in consequence
iolated all the laws of hospitality by the massacre of his guests. He had the cruelty to offer up to Jupiter, in one of the
n offering to the God. But his punishment was as swift as his conduct had been atrocious: his palace was reduced to ashes,
under the name of Jupiter Ammon, i. e. — sandy. By this time mankind had owed their creation to the King of the Gods. Prom
anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img018 Enraged at this daring, Jupiter had him conveyed to Mount Caucasus, where being chain
from the Gods, the woman was called Pandora, which intimates that she had received every necessary gift. Jupiter, after thi
o Prometheus. The artful mortal was sensible of the deceit; and as he had always distrusted Jupiter, he sent away Pandora w
entrails first the precious ore, Which next to hell the prudent Gods had laid, And that alluring ill to sight displayed. T
Iliad. “Twelve days were passed, and now the dawning light, The Gods had summoned to the Olympian height. Jove first ascen
ted with the utmost rigour: but when it is remembered what cause Juno had for her jealousy, and that her husband metamorpho
Europa, she may easily be pardoned her restless spirit. When Jupiter had assumed the form of a bull, he mingled with the h
urrounding meadows. Europa caressed the beautiful animal, and at last had the courage to sit upon his back. Jupiter took ad
riginal shape, and declared his love. The nymph consented, though she had previously taken the vows of perpetual celibacy;
e.” Ovid. At length Juno, unable to bear the many injuries her love had sustained, left Jupiter, and retired to the Isle
rave matrons with a portion of the skin of a kid, which they asserted had formed one of the vestments of the Goddess. In th
ounded, tossing in a flood of corn.” Thomson. Loved by Jupiter, she had by the God a daughter called Proserpine, whom Plu
ethusa of the dwelling place of her child, and of the name of him who had torn her beloved one from her paternal care. Cere
of any nourishment while there; and it was discovered that though she had refused all ordinary food, she had been tempted w
it was discovered that though she had refused all ordinary food, she had been tempted while in the gardens of Pluto, to pl
eat with avidity, was changed into a lizard: while a Thessalian, who had desecrated and attempted to destroy a sacred fore
ing her residence at her father’s court, Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, had the insolence to prefer herself to Latona, who ha
ghter of Tantalus, had the insolence to prefer herself to Latona, who had but two children, while Niobe possessed seven son
n ridiculed the worship which was paid to Latona, observing, that she had a better claim to altars and sacrifices than the
Diana; while Niobe, stricken by the greatness of the misfortune which had overwhelmed her, was changed into stone. The bodi
iety, smote him with a thunderbolt. Indignant at the punishment which had been awarded Æsculapius, Apollo sought the isle o
t the isle of Lemnos, to immolate the Cyclops to his indignation, who had forged the thunderbolt. But so insolent an act co
om Heaven. While on earth, he loved the nymph Daphne, and Mercury who had invented the lyre, gave it to him that he might t
Apollo once more sighed for the nymph Perses, daughter of Ocean, and had by her the celebrated Circe, remarkable for her k
h in vain.” Hood. After this, Apollo lost the young Cyparissus, who had replaced Hyacinth in his favour, and guarded his
ed, and swore to the truth of his promise by the river Styx. Scarcely had he uttered the oath, than the gods, who could not
the arts and sciences. Among their possessions, the Muses and Apollo had a winged horse, named Pegasus. This courser, born
The God, upon this, tied his opponent to a tree, and punished him as had been agreed. The ‌death of Marsyas was universall
o this sagacious confessor he went, And told her what a gift the Gods had sent: But told it under matrimonial seal, With st
placed a swan. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img046 He had temples and statues in every country, particularl
f the tripod will be found to afford much interest. The fishermen who had found it in their nets, sought the oracle to cons
ffer it to the wisest man in Greece. They presented it to Thales, who had told them that the most difficult of all human kn
d them, and they took shelter in the palace of Pyrenæus: but scarcely had they entered, when the tyrant shut the ‌gates, an
ng adventure, and throwing himself from the top of the tower as if he had wings, was killed in the attempt. Notwithstanding
pon their metamorphosed master, who, in horrible dread of the fate he had himself so often inflicted, fled rapidly from the
s induced to enter a temple at Lycaen (where, with her son Arcas, she had been brought), and which it was not lawful to ent
in all probability, she would have perished by the hands of her son, had not Jupiter snatched both to the sky, and placed
him first, but she would have fallen beneath the fury of its revenge, had it not been for Meleager, son of Æneas, who slew
ostratus, the same day that Alexander the Great was born. This madman had no other end, than to render his name for ever no
ere Diana was worshipped, the presiding priest was always a slave who had slain his predecessor in office, and warned by th
ve who had slain his predecessor in office, and warned by the fate he had inflicted on others, he never went without a dagg
mbitious of his office, and reckless of his crime. ‌ In another, she had an altar, whereon they immolated all those whom s
er, she had an altar, whereon they immolated all those whom shipwreck had thrown on their inhospitable shores. Insérer imag
hen-mythology_1842_img055 Semele, daughter of Cadmus, king of Thebes, had yielded to the licentious Jupiter, and felt withi
within her the effect of her indiscretion. Jealous at the object who had again taken her lord’s affections, Juno sought fo
e, were translated into heaven. When Bacchus, for thus was he ‌named, had grown out of their guidance, Silenus became his p
subjects to pay adoration to this new God, and when the Theban women had gone out of the city to celebrate his orgies, he
ssed him, daughter of Memnos, whom Theseus, conqueror of the minotaur had abandoned after having seduced her. The God was s
ed of the youth Bacchus. When dwelling in the Isle of Naxos, where he had been for some years, becoming oppressed with the
ing him for a slave: and so sound was the sleep of the God, that they had proceeded for a long space on their journey befor
ty only of not loving, was crowned and led to the altar, where he who had once been her lover, stood ready to be her slayer
er, stood ready to be her slayer. At sight of her, his passion, which had slumbered for a while, burst forth anew, and in a
act enthusiasm, with the wild errors from which it sprung. In Rome it had a more familiar, wicked, and dry appearance; it w
’s foam the lovely goddess bore,” after the mutilated body of Uranus had been thrown there by Saturn, is the most known, a
ighted, and at last received a mortal wound from a wild boar which he had speared; and great was the misery evinced by Venu
lory, and Venus the fairest woman in the world for a wife. When Paris had heard their several claims, he adjudged the prize
nd of Cyprus; and received the name of Paphia, because at Paphos, she had a temple with an altar, on which it was asserted
exactly to the eye. They were sometimes reckoned among the Gods, and had a temple at Corinth, where worship and sacrifices
, accompanied with tears, that the king of heaven must have complied, had it not been for the more touching and feminine at
ew.” Homer. It is stated that Bacchus made him intoxicated after he had been expelled from Olympus, and then prevailed on
ets love to call him, was the offspring of Venus and Mars; when Venus had given birth to him, Jupiter foresaw the mischief
rus, where he was suckled by the wild beasts of the forest. No sooner had strength come with years, than Cupid, forming a b
nd arrows of the cypress, ungratefully turned against the animals who had supported him. “His quiver, sparkling bright wit
greatest number in the least time. Cupid would have been triumphant, had not Perestere, who accompanied them, attempted to
he found himself compelled to pay the same homage to her which others had done; and finished by becoming deeply enamoured h
h great secrecy, and by his divine power, conveyed her to a palace he had formed in a region full of beauty: here, when the
ad formed in a region full of beauty: here, when the shadows of night had visited the earth, Cupid sought the presence of h
— loneliness, and fearful thunder.” Keats. But the happiness which had fallen to the lot of the beautiful Psyche, was to
r beautiful lot, or in the enchanted place which the power of the God had raised for her, though few could be so delightful
d as they kneel unites their willing hands.” Darwin. The love which had fallen upon Psyche, and the affection which dropp
efore told them of the glories of her marriage; though her bridegroom had never made himself visible to her, and though to
ridegroom had never made himself visible to her, and though to her he had no name save that fond one of husband, yet still
ppiness which was no fault. They affected to believe that her husband had wicked designs in his concealment, and that he wo
t his Psyche if he became visible to her — or they asserted that they had no doubt though the lips and skin of this mysteri
, Young Psyche stood the sleeping Eros by, What time she to the couch had , daring, trod; And, by the glad light, saw her br
ntil Cupid, luckily escaping from the confinement to which his mother had subjected him, found his lost love, and reproache
serable, who, not content with being taken for the goddess of beauty, had concluded by seducing from her the duty of her so
arms embraced, and their pinions too;     Their lips touched not, but had not bade adieu, As if disjoined by soft handed sl
erfect and masterly, the Goddess was so vexed at the subjects Arachne had chosen, that she struck her two or three times on
he beauty of her hair. Neptune became enamoured of her. “Medusa once had charms, to gain her love A rival crowd of envious
rovoked Minerva, and she changed the beautiful locks of Medusa, which had inspired the love of Neptune, into ghastly and li
in this combat, were devoted to infamy, while they who conquered, and had received no wounds, were honoured with triumphant
ished in Lybia, were transferred to Athens, the city to which Minerva had granted the olive tree, and which she had taken u
, the city to which Minerva had granted the olive tree, and which she had taken under her protection. She was adored at Tro
and hastily retreated to Heaven, complaining to Jupiter that Minerva had directed the unerring weapon of his antagonist.
not seem equivalent to the empire of heaven and earth, which Jupiter had claimed; he therefore conspired with the other go
ited with a pestilence sent by Apollo. Besides the dispute this deity had with Minerva, related in her history, he claimed
r of Ocean, in marriage, through the skill of a dolphin, although she had made to herself a vow of perpetual celibacy; and
in, although she had made to herself a vow of perpetual celibacy; and had by him, Triton, one of the sea deities. To the st
native country with his riches, the sailors of the vessel in which he had embarked, resolved to murder him, that they might
traitors were struck silent, and hesitated in their course, but they had gone too far: it was too late to recede, and the
deep. When lo! the dolphins, attracted by the sweet tones which they had heard, gathered round him; and Arion, mounted on
h garlands, as the God in whose honour the festivals were instituted, had produced the horse, an animal so beneficial for t
for the use of mankind. As monarch of the sea, he is supposed to have had possession of the deep, and all the treasures whi
those sent to him by Death, while any to whom the rites of sepulchre had not been granted, were for a hundred years allowe
a golden bough; and Charon was once imprisoned for a year, because he had ferried Hercules over without this passport. Cerb
ntain of Cyane, into which one of the attendant maidens of Proserpine had been metamorphosed, and where he had, according t
attendant maidens of Proserpine had been metamorphosed, and where he had , according to the received traditions, disappeare
ng, that he might be eternally employed in this punishment; Ixion who had dared to offer impure vows to Juno, and was affix
re also there, who, in obedience to the cruel advice of their parent, had caused their husbands to perish; with Tityus, who
parent, had caused their husbands to perish; with Tityus, who having had the audacity to attempt the honour of Latona, was
lood.” While here he saw the ghosts of all those famed in story, who had descended to the infernal regions for punishment.
chants yearly celebrated a festival in his honour. After the votaries had sprinkled themselves with water, they offered pra
em, and to forgive any artful measures, perjuries, or falsehoods they had used in the pursuit of gain; and this may be cons
particularly necessary when it is remembered that the merchants, who had promised him all the incense in the world to obta
the incense in the world to obtain his ‌protection, proved that they had profited by his principles, by offering him only
d by his principles, by offering him only a hundredth part, when they had secured his good offices. Jupiter soon missed the
the infant’s face. When fifteen years, in Ida’s cool retreat, The boy had told, he left his native seat, And sought fresh f
manded the waves of the ocean, and were implored as its deities. They had altars chiefly on the coast of the sea, where the
s attended by his daughters, who often danced in chorus round him. He had the gift of prophecy, and informed those who cons
hs, and often with success. Though deformed in shape and features, he had the good fortune to captivate Diana in the appear
he queen; but there seeing the lion’s skin of Hercules, he fancied he had made a mistake, and repaired to that of the hero;
repaired to that of the hero; where the female dress which the latter had adopted, deceived the rural God, and he laid hims
, and ‌wandered over hill and dale in search of the youth on whom she had lavished all her affections, but who unfortunatel
y of Echo’s love for him may be less familiar to the mind. After Echo had been dismissed by Jupiter, for her loquacity in p
cissus said, ‘Then let us join,’ replied the ravished maid.” In vain had the wondering youth up to this moment looked for
up to this moment looked for the frolic companions, whom he imagined had hid themselves in play. But Echo, charmed with hi
‌Half maddened by the appearance of a beauty, of which hitherto he had been unconscious, he made every possible effort t
1842_img120 Narcissus fancied that the nymph upon whom he supposed he had been gazing, was deserting him, and unable to bea
life without her would be insupportable. Echo, however resentful she had felt for the scorn with which he had treated her,
ble. Echo, however resentful she had felt for the scorn with which he had treated her, hovered near his footsteps and witne
ymph replied. Now pale and breathless on the grass he lies, For death had shut his miserable eyes.” The Gods, however, tak
rcissus pining o’er the mountain spring? In some delicious ramble, he had found A little space, with boughs all woven round
t; Some fainted dreamings o’er his fancy shot; Nor was it long ere he had told the tale Of young Narcissus, and sad Echo’s
ee replying.” Hemans. This god, so adored and loved in the country, had the power of spreading terror and confusion when
then we bleed: All wept, as I think both ye now would, If envy or age had not frozen your blood,                      At th
e nature which it held of old, May be converted into yellow gold:’ He had his wish: but yet the god repined, To think the f
brought to Sylla, as that general returned from Thessaly; the monster had been surprised asleep in a cave; his voice was in
was beloved by a water-nymph who desired to render him immortal; she had recourse to the sorceress, and Circe gave her an
ll Of that voice that was drowned in the dash of the stream! How fain had I followed, and plunged with that scream Into dea
sting frame, behold the various occupations and pleasures in which he had formerly joined. “I once had a haunt near a cot.
s occupations and pleasures in which he had formerly joined. “I once had a haunt near a cot. where a mother Daily sat in t
the willows unbosomed their secret, and never I returned to a spot I had startled for ever; Tho’ I oft longed to know, but
eeze; and beside him a speckled snake lay Tight strangled, because it had hissed him away From the flower at his finger; he
. “Now brave Perithous, bold Ixion’s son, The love of fair Hippodamé had won. The cloud begotten race, half men, half beas
, one of the most zealous, pursued her with unchanging ardour. “Long had she laboured to continue free From chains of love
nfess.” Ovid. ‌The pertinacious wooing of the metamorphosed deity, had , at last its effect, in preparing Pomona for Vert
ds desire, And both the lovers glow with mutual fire.” Ovid. Pomona had a temple at Rome, and a regular priest, who offer
were spread; There were voices that rung thro’ the sapphire sky, And had not a sound of mortality! Are they gone? is their
was permitted to solicit her hand. Thetis refused him, but the lover had the artifice to catch her when asleep, and by bin
glassy flood, And broken accents fluttered where he stood. Bright Sol had almost now his journey done, And down the steepy,
ft the briny wave, And, as she used, retreated to her cave, He scarce had bound her fast, when she arose, And into various
ey were immortal. Achilles would have shared the same fate, if Peleus had not snatched him from her hand, as she was going
armour; but after it was done, she refused to fulfil the promise she had made to the god. When Achilles was killed by Pari
ued out of the sea with the Nereids to mourn his death, and after she had collected his ashes in a golden urn, raised a mon
n of Oceanus and Thetis, was guardian of the subjects of Neptune, and had the power of looking into the future, from that G
d had the power of looking into the future, from that God, because he had tended for him the monsters of the sea. “The she
a from a high rock, and was changed into a sea deity, by Neptune, who had compassion on her misfortunes. It is supposed by
carried away Orithya, who refused to receive his addresses. By her he had Zetes and Calais, Cleopatra and Cheone. He once c
into a horse, to unite himself with the mare of Dardanus, by which he had a female progeny of twelve, so swift, that they r
bs into the waters of the fountain where Scylla bathed, and no sooner had the nymph entered, than her body, below the ‌wais
ustice and of Vengeance, was the daughter of Necessity. This divinity had wings, a fillet of serpents round her brow, and a
inities. They were originally the manes of the dead, but when mankind had been taught by superstition to pay deep reverence
tentions. Some of the ancient philosophers maintained, that every man had two of these, the one bad, the other good. They h
d, that every man had two of these, the one bad, the other good. They had the power of changing themselves into whatever fo
death, they delivered up to judgment the person with whose care they had been entrusted; and according to the evidence he
ery united with moderation. The worship of the Graces appeals to have had birth in Samothracia; then Elis, Perinthia, Delph
re he joined the philosophy in which he ultimately became so eminent, had taken the chisel in his hand, and represented the
they did was freely turned into ridicule. He laughed at Minerva, who had made a house, because she had not formed it movea
to ridicule. He laughed at Minerva, who had made a house, because she had not formed it moveable, that the annoyance of a b
st dreamt of trying Those gay knots of Hymen’s tying; Dames, who long had sat to watch him Passing by, but ne’er could catc
efore her marches Necessity, the inflexible goddess. ‌ In Bœotia she had a statue, represented as holding Plutus in her ar
mnestra. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img167 Scarcely had Pollux emerged from childhood, when, being on an
avourable to sailors. During the Argonautic expedition, in which they had accompanied Jason, when a violent storm was ragin
to Tyndarus. Becoming enamoured of the two women whose nuptials they had met to celebrate, they resolved to carry them off
he youthful Jason, whose right of succession to the throne of Iolchos had been wrested from him by Pelias, was entrusted to
presence of the usurper of the kingdom of Iolchos, because the latter had been informed by an oracle that one of the descen
d by an oracle that one of the descendants of Æolus, (from whom Jason had come) would dethrone him. After he had distinguis
nts of Æolus, (from whom Jason had come) would dethrone him. After he had distinguished himself by the most rapid success i
the market place. Pelias came to see him with the others, and, as he had been warned by the oracle, to beware of a man who
re, and the other shod, the appearance of Jason, who as we have seen, had lost one of his sandals, alarmed him, and his ter
epaired to the palace of Pelias, and demanded the kingdom of which he had been unjustly deprived. The boldness of Jason int
us of glory, Pelias reminded him that their common relation, Phryxus, had been inhumanly murdered by Æetes, king of Colchis
promised to restore the golden fleece for the possession of which he had slain Phryxus, provided the invaders consented to
sparkling eyes, So flamed the virgin’s breast. For chance, that day, had with uncommon grace; Adorned the lovely youth, an
she underwent the penance necessary to purify her from the crimes she had committed, after which she became the wife of Kin
om she bore a son called Medus. Before his intimacy with Medea, Ægeus had a son named Theseus, who had been sent to Athens
s. Before his intimacy with Medea, Ægeus had a son named Theseus, who had been sent to Athens with his father’s sword, by t
as Theseus attempted to make himself known to his father, Medea, who had grown jealous of the glory he had achieved, tried
elf known to his father, Medea, who had grown jealous of the glory he had achieved, tried to poison him at an entertainment
he had achieved, tried to poison him at an entertainment to which he had been invited. She failed in her purpose. The king
e king, recognized by the sword he bore, his long lost son, and Medea had recourse to her dragons once more, to make her es
y life; and, as he was reposing one day by the side of the ship which had borne him to Colchis, a large beam fell upon and
ro was, after his death, as a reward for the many courageous deeds he had performed, placed among the gods, and rewarded wi
e; Theseus. Doth the much suffering Hercules say this? Hercules. He had not suffered this, had ills a mean. Theseus. The
uch suffering Hercules say this? Hercules. He had not suffered this, had ills a mean. Theseus. The brave protector, the k
ent to the commands of Eurystheus for twelve years, and that after he had been successful in the labours to be imposed upon
rally known as the twelve labours of Hercules. The favors of the gods had completely armed him when he undertook his labour
f the gods had completely armed him when he undertook his labours. He had received a coat of arms and helmet from Minerva,
The second labour of Hercules was to destroy the Lernæan hydra, which had seven heads. This celebrated ‌monster he attacked
sprang up, and the labour of Hercules would have remained unfinished, had he not commanded his friend Iolas, who accompanie
ompanied him, to burn, with a hot iron, the root of the head which he had crushed to pieces. This succeeded, and Hercules b
was ordered to clean the stables of Augias, where three thousand oxen had been confined for many years. For the sixth, he w
ience, he artfully left the burden, and seized the apples which Atlas had thrown on the ground. According to other accounts
im away. Hercules, as some report, carried him back to hell, after he had brought him before Eurystheus. Besides these ardu
the Trojans yearly presented a marriageable maiden; and when the hero had fulfilled his task, Laomedon refused to give him
don refused to give him the tribute of six beautiful horses, which he had promised to him. Hercules, incensed at his treach
Iole who was willing to assist him in obtaining her. After some time had passed, he was purified from this murder, and his
ed him from his servitude and married him. When the term for which he had been sold expired, Hercules left her, and returne
a. After this, he became one of the numerous suitors of Dejanira, who had been promised by her father in marriage to that o
ox. Serpent strangling was, however, nothing new to Hercules, and he had but little trouble with his enemy as an ox, until
worst part of the water in safety, prepared to follow, but no sooner had the Centaur landed with Dejanira, than he attempt
limbed Nessus thus officious cried, For he the shallows of the stream had tried, ‘Swim thou, Alcides, all thy strength prep
ed them both with great favour, but Hercules could not forget that he had been refused the hand of Iole, although in posses
e to Jupiter. Dejanira, aware of his purpose, and of the affection he had manifested for her rival, sent to him the tunic g
sent to him the tunic given her by the Centaur, Nessus, but no sooner had he put it on, than the poison with which it was s
his swimming brain.” Ovid. When Lychas, by the command of Dejanira, had brought the fatal scarf, and Hercules became awar
rsers fly, And lodge the hero in the starry sky.” Ovid. If his fame had been universal, his worship soon became equally s
place where his worship was established, or from the labours which he had achieved; his temples were numerous and magnifice
he underwent, and became so powerful after his death, that they alone had the bravery to invade the Peloponnesus.‌ “‘Take
was incurable, and death inevitable, he determined to die the hero he had lived, and giving his bow and arrow to Philoctete
rrounded with dark smoke, the fire burned like a furnace, and when it had consumed the mortal portion of Hercules, a chario
erected an altar to his memory, upon the spot where the burning pile had been. Perseus. This hero was the son of Jup
the son of Jupiter and Danae, the daughter of Acresius. As the latter had confined his daughter in a brazen tower, to preve
were received with much kindness, and the priests of Minerva’s temple had the charge of the youthful Perseus entrusted to t
rable, and unable to submit to the position of being the only one who had brought no present, and unwilling to appear infer
and their tooth while sleeping, and refused to return them until they had informed him where their sisters, the Gorgons res
re their sisters, the Gorgons resided. When the necessary information had been received, Perseus sought the habitation of t
, looked around for the murderer of their sister, but in vain, for he had already put on the invisible helmet of Pluto, and
. It occurred to the recollection of Atlas, that an ancient tradition had announced that his gardens were to be plundered o
Andromeda, exposed to the fury of a sea-monster, which for some time had ravaged the country, and to appease which, the or
avaged the country, and to appease which, the oracle of Jupiter Ammon had declared, ‌nothing could avail, excepting the exp
res, The more he looks, the more he still admires. Th’ admirer almost had forgot to fly, And swift descended, fluttering, f
And swift descended, fluttering, from on high.” Ovid. This princess had been promised in marriage to Phineus, her uncle,
nt a sea-monster to ravage the country, because Cassiope, her mother, had boasted herself fairer than Juno and the Nereides
ensued, and Perseus must have fallen a victim to the fury of Phineus, had he not employed the same arms which had proved so
ictim to the fury of Phineus, had he not employed the same arms which had proved so successful against Atlas. “Fierce Phin
Minerva, to save herself from the violence of Polydectes; Dictys, who had preserved her and Perseus from the sea, had attem
f Polydectes; Dictys, who had preserved her and Perseus from the sea, had attempted to defend her from her enemy, and Perse
t and of his humanity, placed him on the throne of Seriphos, after he had employed Medusa’s head to turn the wicked Polydec
throwing the quoit, but in this he was attended by an evil fate, and had the misfortune to kill a man with a quoit which h
evil fate, and had the misfortune to kill a man with a quoit which he had thrown in the air: this proved to be Acresius, wh
the air: this proved to be Acresius, who thus met the fate the oracle had decreed, and to avoid which, he had been guilty o
who thus met the fate the oracle had decreed, and to avoid which, he had been guilty of the barbarous act of throwing his
accept it, fearing it would constantly remind him of the parricide he had committed; and exchanged his kingdom for the mari
orsook the maid Who, doating saved him from the Cretan toil, Where he had slain the Minotaur. Alas! Fond Ariadne, thee did
me to maturity, he was sent by his mother to Ægeus, and a sword which had been hidden beneath a stone until he became of ag
Athens as his son, all of whom gladly hailed the illustrious man, who had cleansed them of robbers and pirates, as the offs
there, he was driven by contrary winds on the Isle of Naxos, where he had the meanness to desert Ariadne, whose conduct had
of Naxos, where he had the meanness to desert Ariadne, whose conduct had been the means of his glorious triumph, and to wh
, he forgot, in the height of his success, to hoist the white sail he had promised his father, who, seeing a black sail upo
as one of the most forward to defend: and when Pirithous, after this, had lost Hippodamia, he agreed with Theseus to carry
heir scheme upon Helen, the beautiful daughter of Leda, and when they had obtained their victim, cast lots for her: Theseus
ed on Ixion’s wheel, and Theseus secured to a large stone on which he had seated himself to rest. ‌ By the assistance of H
ptivity, and when Theseus returned to Athens, he found that Mnestheus had usurped the crown which should have fallen upon h
so instituted in his honour, to commemorate the actions of a hero who had rendered such signal services to the Athenian peo
r dwelt, And every year was human tribute paid By the Athenians. They had bowed in war; And every spring the flowers of all
Phædra, daughter of Minos, sister of the unfortunate Ariadne whom he had left to perish. Phædra, however, unhappily, felt
ion, Phædra accused his son to Theseus of the very crime of which she had herself been guilty, and excited the father’s ire
; after taking poison she confessed to Theseus the crime of which she had been guilty, and Hippolytus was restored to the a
tus was restored to the affections of his father. The name of Theseus had been rendered by his bravery so conspicuous and s
ched Tantalus’ burning mouth, and even the Furies relented. “Already had he passed the courts of Death, And charmed with s
wheel, And Sysiphus’ stone for once stood still; The ravenous vulture had forsook his meal, And Titius felt his growing liv
nes came and ranged themselves in order. He married Niobe, by whom he had seven sons and seven daughters; the trials of thi
beauty. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img214 No sooner had the marriage of Laius taken place with Jocasta, t
xclaimed with rage, Returned his menace, and bade him retire. Already had we met: he from his side, Unsheathed a dagger, an
e met: he from his side, Unsheathed a dagger, and upon me leap’d. ‌I had no dagger, but I lacked not courage. Me he assail
od he lay transfixed.’” Alfieri. Ignorant of the rank of the man he had killed, he continued his way to Thebes, attracted
he continued his way to Thebes, attracted thither by the noise which had been vented about of the Sphynx, a frightful mons
dipus mounted the throne, and married Jocasta, his mother, by whom he had two sons, Polynice and Eteocles, and two daughter
of King Laius was banished from the country. The slayer of this king had never been discovered, and the whole of Thebes wa
rms an infant? Phor. He did, and oh! I wish to all the gods, Phorbas had perished in that very moment. Œd. Moment! thou s
her own bowels Without a cause. Phor. There was a dreadful one Which had foretold that most unhappy son Should kill his fa
d across his mind, that he was to die in a place like this, that such had been the decree of the oracle, and that he was to
hat on his arrival he would make known to him the resolution which he had made. Theseus came, and found Œdipus with his fac
and took to himself the first period of government; but when his year had past, the throne had proved so agreeable, that he
he first period of government; but when his year had past, the throne had proved so agreeable, that he refused to keep his
e walls of Thebes; nor was this an ungrateful task to the warrior who had been so treacherously assaulted. ‌ —————— “Frow
th should reach him; and when Alcmeon heard that his father’s chariot had been swallowed by the earth, which opened to rece
bes was conducted with fierce and vigorous bravery, by the chiefs who had assembled for its attack, until Eteocles and Poly
Jupiter, and supplied with an ivory shoulder, in place of that which had been devoured by Ceres, and to which was granted
fter marrying his daughter. Here he treated his brother Thyestes, who had followed him to the court, with great kindness, b
ren born to him by the connexion with his brother’s wife, all of whom had been sacrificed to his vengeance. When the repast
ne son left, named Egisthus, who, himself the fruit of a great crime, had been brought up by Agamemnon, and to him did the
es appear, to exhort him to revenge upon his brother the cruel act he had performed; nor were the fates satisfied until the
uel act he had performed; nor were the fates satisfied until the deed had been accomplished, which revenged upon Atreus the
treus the infamous and atrocious conduct at which the very sun itself had started. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
, was one of the numerous visitors at his court. To this prince Venus had promised the possession of the finest woman in Gr
of Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, could suffice, as the latter had excited the wrath of Diana, by killing a favourit
he ground with the stroke of a hatchet, while Egisthus, with whom she had dishonoured herself during Agamemnon’s absence, g
remendous cries Resound on every side throughout the palace. Cly. He had no power to escape, or to resist, Entangled in th
our house’s shame. Aga. Never may’st thou, Iphigenia! feel it! Aulis had no sharp sword, thou would’st exclaim, Greece no
nger, as more than valour was necessary to take the city; for destiny had dictated the conditions to be fulfilled, ere its
e fulfilled, ere its capture could be accomplished. An ancient oracle had foretold that among the besiegers must be one of
hat among the besiegers must be one of the descendants of Eachus, who had worked on the wall of ‌of Ilion, and Achilles, so
es, son of Thetis, considered Eachus as his ancestor. This young hero had been hidden by his frightened mother in the isle
were also to possess the arrows of Hercules, which this hero in dying had bequeathed to Philoctetes, who, however, would no
is tent at night and slew him; they then carried off the horses which had been the innocent causes of his melancholy fate.
mbroidered throng, That tied his helmet dragged the chief along. Then had his ruin crowned Atrides’ joy, But Venus trembled
om the combat. After this bloody action, in which the Gods themselves had taken part, the two armies engaged in several ski
on of thinking that the remains should be given to the aged Priam. He had the cruelty to tie the body to his chariot, and i
f Troy, Polyxena was sacrificed to the manes of Achilles. So glorious had been his arms, that Ajax and Ulysses disputed for
perfidious man said that his brothers in arms, irritated against him, had abandoned him, and that this horse was an offerin
. Their soldiers disembarked, and penetrated through the breach which had been made to admit the horse. At the same time th
en-mythology_1842_img241 Following the fortunes of Ulysses — scarcely had he quitted the Phrygian shores, than he and his c
m he received every hospitality. At the end of the repast to which he had been invited, he related his wonderful adventures
slept; then, assisted by his companions, he put out his eye. Ulysses had provided for their escape, for fastening himself
they landed in an isle where abode Circe, a famous magician. When he had anchored, he sent some of his men on shore, to di
r of the absence of Ulysses from his home, during which time his wife had held him in continual remembrance, and though she
h time his wife had held him in continual remembrance, and though she had been pressed by her numerous suitors to consider
still his mind was uneasy and disturbed, as Tyresias, the soothsayer, had informed him that he should be killed by one of h
the palace of Dido, Queen of Carthage, a new town in which this queen had built the most gorgeous edifices; in one of which
blow she smote herself to the heart, and fell dead upon the pile she had erected. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
ples. These divinities, the number of whom was constantly increasing, had both altars and temples consecrated to them: and
with the olive branch of peace, as the reward of bravery. At Rome he had two temples; one founded by Marcellus, at the sam
gy_1842_img249 Fidelity was adored even before Romulus and Numa had given laws to their people; and the oath sworn in
which attend her reign. She was the goddess of sensual pleasures, and had a temple at Rome, where she was worshipped under
beheld Jupiter and Mercury in the place of the miserable beings they had received; the ancient couple throwing themselves
entertainment; but could not forget the inhospitality with which they had been received by their countrymen, and let loose
e changed into trees, and placed before the ‌door of the Temple which had arisen on the ruins of their lowly cottage. “Los
were two young Thebans, who, being greatly enamoured of one another, had their union opposed by their friends, between the
ir union opposed by their friends, between the families of whom there had been a variance for many years. “But to prevent
th snowy fruit encumbered, made. A wide spread mulberry tree its rise had took Just in the margin of a gurgling brook.” Ov
s anxious gaze, which he instantly recognized, and concluded that she had been torn to pieces by wild beasts. In his despai
agony which overcame her, she fell upon the weapon with which Pyramus had destroyed himself, and joined him in his endless
d with it, the cause of all the scorn and indifference, with which he had been treated. ————— “At once he saw His rival, a
er, nor was he long in expressing his love to the beautiful being who had won it. In the very temple of the goddess, whose
whose priestess she was, and while warmed with the rites at which she had been assisting, Leander avowed his passion. “Her
erce sweep of its waters; he thought only of the beautiful bride, who had sate watching, and waiting for the weary sun to g
es; and sought and gained in safety the shore which the blazing light had signalled. And, oh! the tenderness of that meetin
y met again — The blue sea rolled between them — but in vain! Leander had no fear, he cleft the wave, What is the peril fon
terror, as but rarely is known to mortals; for the first time Leander had not sought her bower, and an indistinct shadow br
Leander!” L. E. L. The melancholy tale is told; storm nor tempest had power to keep the husband from his wife, and in t
nged the statue into that of a beautiful female, whom he married, and had by her a son called Paphos, who founded the town
then as now, and he grew tired, even conceiving a disdain for her who had so quickly given herself to his arms. To a mind l
this became insupportable; life was a burthen; song, now that the one had gone whose praise she valued more than all beside
      Wandering thro’ bowers beloved,                 Roving where he had roved, Yearn for his presence, as for one expecte
y: he married Tatia, the daughter of the Sabine king, whom however he had the misfortune to lose; owing to which, he retire
y guards who usually attended upon the Roman Emperor, thus showing he had no distrust of his subjects. His great object was
them to bury it near Mount Jerusalem, with some of the books which he had written, which being accidentally found four hund
e senate. They are stated merely to have contained the reasons why he had made the innovations into the ceremonies of their
ing alarmed at their delay, he went in search of them, and found they had desecrated a fountain sacred to Mars, and that th
a fountain sacred to Mars, and that the dragon which presided over it had slain them. He arrived but just in time to witnes
He arrived but just in time to witness him finishing the meal, which had followed their destruction. In fierce despair Cad
the city. He soon after married Hermione, the daughter of Venus; and had by her four sons and four daughters, whom Juno, o
ed his second name of Bellerophon or the murderer of Beller; after he had committed which, he fled to the court of Prœtus,
it up. This man was one of the disciples of Pythagoras, whose life he had saved, by supporting the whole weight of the buil
mountain,         None hath seen its secret fountain;             It had its birth, so sages say,                 Upon the
the fish, the very diseases were sworn to respect his life. No sooner had this been done, than his brothers determined to s
ad this been done, than his brothers determined to see, if indeed, he had a charmed life, and essayed successively the vari
nyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img281 Each of the three superior deities had their respective priests, who exercised absolute
oon, and the flashing of torches. The field where his holy ceremonies had been celebrated, was sown with stones, and from t
ities, in oppressive famine, for instance, if the people thought they had a sure pretext to impute the cause of it to the k
r, and not the least celebrated of the gods adored by the Germans; he had a magnificent temple, and a statue, which represe
slaughtered the priests on the threshold of the very place which they had so often deluged with human blood. One column how
Saxons, holier and dearer in its melancholy reminiscences, than if it had still possessed the statue of the god, which the
h was regarded as sacred, and was filled with the bodies of those who had been sacrificed. Occasionally the blood of their
t of a lake. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img285 They had , besides these, Tangatanga, an idol which was, ac
hand in hand, as an emblem of mutual affection. ‌ The Mexicans also had a goddess of old age, to whom they rendered honou
crificed. Cortez found in an enormous edifice the skulls of those who had been slain, the number of which amounted to upwar
ons, when a sacrifice of prisoners is to be made, recourse however is had to them, to give an additional solemnity to the p
postor, who enquired whether everything in nature, without exception, had taken the required oath. Frigga replied, that the
that there was only one small shrub, (the mistletoe,) from which she had exacted no promise, because, it being so feeble,
11 (1898) Classic myths in english literature
the spirit and mien of ancient art. But in each case regard has been had to the æsthetic value of the poem or the citation
ve as a whole may be maintained while careful and continual review is had of the numerous allusions and references to earli
ht of men; wedded at eventide the violet light (Œnone, Iole) which he had forsaken in the morning; sank as Hercules upon a
peoples who invented these stories of supernatural beings and events had , with due allowance for the discrepancy in mental
to the Theory of Deterioration, or Human Depravity, man, although he had in the beginning knowledge of common facts, pure
s. Jupiter, Odin, and Hercules were accordingly men who, after death, had been glorified, then deified, then invested with
nt languages every such word as day, night, earth, sun, spring, dawn, had an ending expressive of gender, which naturally p
heory rests upon two unproved assumptions: one, that all nations have had a’ chance to be influenced by the same set of rel
the allegorical element in myths is the addition of later peoples who had attained to purer ideas of divinity, yet dared no
d the existence of certain myths in Egypt many centuries before India had any known history: such as, in all probability, t
ed germ or idea in common would not, with any probability, after they had been developed independently of each other, posse
mention in his Tour of Greece, of the sacred customs and legends that had maintained themselves as late as his time (160 a.
supremacy over literary form even after the influence of Christianity had revolutionized national thought.34 The Eddas. —
y, attributed to Orpheus, asserts that Time was in the beginning, but had himself no beginning; that from him proceeded Cha
g again under the advice of Gæa, released from Tartarus, where Uranus had confined them, the Cyclopes and the Hecatonchires
s shoulders. But a more famous son of the same Titan, Prometheus, who had espoused the cause of Jove, acquired dignity here
licts, the subject of many a tale among the ancients. Gæa, though she had aided her grandson Jupiter in the war against Cro
hich attributes the making of man to Prometheus, whose father Iapetus had , with Cronus, opposed the sovereignty of Jupiter.
Jupiter. In that conflict, Prometheus, gifted with prophetic wisdom, had adopted the cause of the Olympian deities. To him
rs. Then since Epimetheus, always rash, and thoughtful when too late, had been so prodigal of his gifts to other animals th
, nor was there any in authority to threaten or to punish. The forest had not yet been robbed of its trees to yield timbers
ad not yet been robbed of its trees to yield timbers for vessels, nor had men built fortifications round their towns. There
k and wine, and yellow honey distilled from the oaks. This Golden Age had begun in the reign of Cronus.58 And when these he
— the champion of man against the Olympians.59 For the son of Cronus had grudged mortals the use of fire, and was, in fact
n in a hollow tube. Pandora. — Doubly enraged, Jupiter, in his turn, had recourse to stratagem. He is declared to have pla
d to have planned for man a curse in the shape of woman. How the race had persisted hitherto without woman is a mystery; bu
e race had persisted hitherto without woman is a mystery; but that it had done so, with no slight degree of happiness, the
his ways. And the caution was not groundless. In the hand of Pandora had been placed by the immortals a casket or vase whi
nt might have been brought to an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to his oppressor; for he p
he Celestials to earth, and to receive them on their return. The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned,
the most ancient in Greece. According to one account two black doves had taken wing from Thebes in Egypt. One flew to Dodo
golden-throned. Glorious, beyond compare, was her presence, when she had harnessed her horses, and driven forth the golden
nos, and little life was left in me.” Had he not been lame before, he had good reason to limp after either of these catastr
ipod (or three-legged stool), where the expectant priestess of Apollo had taken her seat. At last, when the year was warm,
his advent was not altogether peaceful. An enormous serpent, Python, had crept forth from the slime with which, after the
ful combat slew, with arrows, weapons which the god of the silver bow had not before used against any but feeble animals, —
the future mother of Diana and Apollo, flying from the wrath of Juno, had besought, one after another, the islands of the Æ
kin, or edible portions of the deer that Artemis of the golden arrows had herself vouchsafed him. The holy maid, however, t
oe, and ferried them across, if the money requisite for their passage had been placed in their mouths, and their bodies had
e for their passage had been placed in their mouths, and their bodies had been duly buried in the world above.95 Otherwise
e been wholly imaginary. It is, however, not impossible that the myth had its origin in the reports of storm-driven mariner
t the myth had its origin in the reports of storm-driven mariners who had caught a glimpse of occidental lands. In these Is
old, Nor wither with the waning time, But each man keeps that age he had When first he won the fairy clime. The night fall
s, sons of Jupiter and judges of the shades in the lower world. Æacus had been during his earthly life a righteous king of
uring his earthly life a righteous king of the island of Ægina. Minos had been a famous lawgiver and king of Crete. The lif
a. They punished with the frenzies of remorse the crimes of those who had escaped from, or defied, public justice. The head
r, Hesperis, and a dragon, guarded the golden apples of the tree that had sprung up to grace the wedding of Jove and Juno.
s and goddesses109 whose characteristics and adventures they assumed, had developed an independent worship in Italy: Jupite
e nearly correspond to our ghosts. The Romans believed that every man had his Genius, and every woman her Juno; that is, a
y man had his Genius, and every woman her Juno; that is, a spirit who had given them being, and was regarded as a protector
of Jupiter turn upon his love affairs. Among the immortals, his queen had rivals in his affection: for instance, Latona, a
ay, perceiving the skies suddenly overcast, surmised that her husband had raised a cloud to hide some escapade. She brushed
s Io, whom Jupiter, when he became aware of the approach of his wife, had changed into that form. The ox-eyed goddess joine
dess delivered the heifer to Argus, to be strictly watched. Now Argus had a hundred eyes in his head, and never went to sle
have stretched out her arms to implore freedom of Argus, but that she had no arms to stretch out, and her voice was a bello
nd. Inachus recognized it, and discovering that his daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hidden under this disgui
strument and called it Syrinx, in honor of the nymph.” Before Mercury had finished his story he saw the eyes of Argus all a
Asia and the further shore, both in the shape of women. Of these one had the guise of a stranger, the other of a lady of t
about her maiden, and kept saying how she was her mother, and herself had nursed Europa. But that other with mighty hands,
om her strown bed in terror, with beating heart, in such clear vision had she beheld the dream… And she said, “Ah! who was
a, and how graciously she herself did welcome me, and regard me as it had been her own child! Ye blessed gods, I pray you,
were about to follow her. But the bull leaped up immediately, now he had gotten her that he desired, and swiftly he sped t
was daughter to Mars and the laughter-loving Venus. To Semele Jupiter had appeared, and had paid court in unostentatious ma
rs and the laughter-loving Venus. To Semele Jupiter had appeared, and had paid court in unostentatious manner and simple gu
mysterious words — I knew not what; hints of unearthly things That I had felt on solemn summer noons, When sleeping Earth
died. ‘Died?’ — So the Theban maidens think, and laugh, Saying, ‘She had her wish, that Semele!’ But sitting here upon Oly
upon him. He was condemned to Hades, and attempting to escape thence, had resort to a series of deceptions that resulted in
punishment.118 On the other hand, the inhabitants of the island that had the misfortune to bear Ægina’s name incurred the
g even your hopes!’ I went forth; I saw a multitude of men, such as I had seen in my dream. While I gazed with wonder and d
s to inform her children of her kinship to them. As it happened, they had been ordered to execute the cruel sentence upon t
t her perish by her own device.120 While among the herdsmen, Amphion had been the special care of Mercury, who gave him a
ho gave him a lyre and taught him to play upon it. His brother Zethus had occupied himself in hunting and tending the flock
ethus. [Relief in the Palazzo Spada: Roscher 2: 311.] … ’Tis said he had a tuneful tongue, Such happy intonation, Wherever
ceived them, where Baucis, a pious old dame, and her husband Philemon had grown old together. Not ashamed of their poverty,
hour may take us both from life.” Their prayer was granted. When they had attained a great age, as they stood one day befor
into a church, of which Philemon is made the parson: — … They scarce had spoke, when, fair and soft, The roof began to mou
spense to dwell, ’Tis now no kettle, but a bell. A wooden jack, which had almost Lost by disuse the art to roast, A sudden
e wonder more, The number made the motion slower; The flier, though’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce cou
leobis. One Cydippe, an ancient priestess of the white-armed goddess, had desired to behold the famous new statue of Hera a
are. With Mars’ savage love of violence and bloodshed she, therefore, had no sympathy. Athens, her chosen seat, her own cit
t. In the reign of Cecrops, the first king of Athens, the two deities had contended for the possession of the city. The god
n with the gray-eyed daughter of Jove. This was Arachne, a maiden who had attained such skill in the arts of carding and sp
o in the doing. To watch her one would have said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not be
dent, and appeared to have just smitten the Earth, from which a horse had leaped forth. The bright-eyed goddess depicted he
d herself with helmed head, her ægis covering her breast, as when she had created the olive-tree, with its berries and its
ustrating the displeasure of the gods at such presumptuous mortals as had dared to contend with them. These were meant as w
me, with the might of a god. Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish there amid the grisly heap
d I long endured anguish there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless from the smitings of the spear
and where she stopped should build a city and call it Thebes. Cadmus had hardly left the Castalian cave, from which the or
pure water for a libation. Near by there stood an ancient grove which had never been profaned by the axe, in the midst of w
vibrated a triple tongue, and showed a triple row of teeth. No sooner had the Tyrians dipped their pitchers in the fountain
rians dipped their pitchers in the fountain, and the ingushing waters had made a sound, than the monster, twisting his scal
ding him to take the dragon’s teeth and sow them in the earth. Scarce had he done so when the clods began to move, and the
f them said to him, “Meddle not with our civil war.” With that he who had spoken smote one of his earth-born brothers with
red serpent, Cadmus served Mars for a period of eight years. After he had been absolved of his impiety, Minerva set him ove
e is so dear to the gods, I would I were myself a serpent.” No sooner had he uttered the words than he began to change his
from their house until the sons of their great-great-grandson Œdipus had by fraternal strife ended themselves and the fami
ed proficiency in it. In order to revenge himself upon the mother who had so despitefully used him, he fashioned in the dep
bed.140 On his return, slaying with his golden arrows the Python that had infested- the slopes near Delphi, he sang for the
ith another monster of darkness and winter, the god of the silver bow had the assistance of his sister Diana. By their uner
heir unerring fiery darts they subdued the giant Tityus, who not only had obstructed the peaceful ways to the oracle of Del
ot only had obstructed the peaceful ways to the oracle of Delphi, but had ventured to insult the mother of the twin deities
nscribed with my regret.” While the golden god spoke, the blood which had flowed on the ground and stained the herbage, cea
mother Clymene. She sent him to Phœbus to ask for himself whether he had not been truly informed concerning his parentage.
pyres of the dead burnt continually in multitude. Nor until Agamemnon had sent back his winsome captive to her father did A
is Niobe was the daughter of a certain Tantalus, king of Phrygia, who had been received at the table of the gods by his fat
not his supplication; and Apollo would have spared him, but the arrow had already left the string, and it was too late.
Fig. 43. Niobe. [Statue: Müller.] When Niobe was acquainted with what had taken place, she was indignant that the gods had
acquainted with what had taken place, she was indignant that the gods had dared and amazed that they had been able to do it
place, she was indignant that the gods had dared and amazed that they had been able to do it. Her husband, Amphion, overwhe
Bereaved as I am, I am still richer than thou, my conqueror.” Scarce had she spoken, when the bow sounded and struck terro
is Stood Niobe: she rais’d her head above Those beauteous forms which had brought down the scath Whence all nine fell, rais
holy lays by the mothers and children of Argos, especially by such as had lost by death their own beloved. § 79. Æsculapius
uction of this son, wreaked his vengeance on the innocent workmen who had made the thunderbolt. These were the Cyclopes, wh
nt workmen who had made the thunderbolt. These were the Cyclopes, who had their workshop under Mount Ætna, from which the s
Fearless, or brimmed their eyes with dew. Then King Admetus, one who had Pure taste by right divine, Decreed his singing n
ve, because of him. And day by day more holy grew Each spot where he had trod, Till after-poets only knew Their first-born
som, and, perhaps remembering the declarations of attachment which he had often heard from his courtiers and dependents, fa
thought of dying for him on the bed of sickness; and old servants who had experienced his bounty and that of his house from
h a cost; but there was no remedy. The condition imposed by the Fates had been met, and the decree was irrevocable. As Adme
s sickened, rapidly sank, and died. Just after the funeral procession had left the palace, Hercules, the son of Jupiter and
caught, And over shoulder cast the lion-shag, Let the club go, — for had he not those hands? And so went striding off, on
friend surveyed him steadily. That friend looked rough with fighting: had he strained Worst brute to breast was ever strang
d woman-like, Propped by the heartbeats ‘neath the lion-coat. When he had finished his survey, it seemed, The heavings of t
again.” But Admetus would admit no woman into the hall that Alcestis had left empty. Then cried Herakles, “Take hold of he
heart, To keep back joy: procrastinate the truth Until the wife, who had made proof and found The husband wanting, might e
e, Hear, see, and feel him renovated now — Able to do now all herself had done, Risen to the height of her: so, hand in han
ded Neptune to build the walls of Troy, just as Amphion, in his turn, had aided in the building of Thebes. Apollo’s life as
ollo, Pan, and Midas. 155 — It is said that on a certain occasion Pan had the temerity to compare his music with that of Ap
then we bleed: All wept, as I think both ye now would, If envy or age had not frozen your blood, At the sorrow of my sweet
appears that Apollo, seeing the boy playing with his bow and arrows, had tauntingly advised him to leave warlike weapons f
nd content himself with the torch of love. Whereupon the son of Venus had rejoined, “Thine arrows may strike all things els
, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!” Scarcely had she spoken, when a stiffness seized her limbs; an
e, shut herself up in a trunk; And, though ’twas a step into which he had driven her, He somehow or other had never forgive
though ’twas a step into which he had driven her, He somehow or other had never forgiven her; Her memory he nursed as a kin
ut now, As they left me forever, each making its bough! If her tongue had a tang sometimes more than was right, Her new bar
t a cold sweat came over her. In less time than it takes to tell, she had become a fountain. Alpheüs attempted then to ming
regret that he should be away. He earnestly wished he was. But Diana had no pity for him, nor was her anger appeased till
t Diana had no pity for him, nor was her anger appeased till the dogs had torn his life out. Fig. 49. Actæon torn by his
aid, left her place that she might not behold the ruin of Troy, which had been founded by her son Dardanus. The sight had s
e ruin of Troy, which had been founded by her son Dardanus. The sight had such an effect on her sisters that they blanched,
It is easy to imagine the satisfaction with which Venus, who so often had been reproached by Diana with her undue fondness
g. When, finally, her love was discovered, Jupiter gave Endymion, who had been thus honored, a choice between death in any
ugh the air. But Adonis was too noble to heed such counsels. The dogs had roused a wild boar from his lair; and the youth t
another year. § 94. Cupid and Psyche.178 — A certain king and queen had three daughters. The charms of the two elder were
Heedless of his wound, his thought now was to repair the mischief he had done. He poured, at once, the waters of joy over
n by Venus, derived no benefit from her charms. Her two elder sisters had long been married to princes; but Psyche’s beauty
uty failed to awaken love. Consequently her parents, afraid that they had unwittingly incurred the anger of the gods, consu
isters, not satisfied with this reply, soon made her confess that she had never seen him. Then they proceeded to fill her b
obably her husband was a dreadful monster, such as the Pythian oracle had prophesied. Probably he was a direful serpent, wh
knife, and hid them out of sight of her husband. That night, when he had fallen into his first sleep, she silently rose an
. Love cannot dwell with suspicion.” And so he flew away. When Psyche had recovered some degree of composure, she looked ar
me degree of composure, she looked around her. The palace and gardens had vanished. She found herself not far from the city
ask, sat stupid and silent, nor would the work have been accomplished had not Cupid stirred up the ants to take compassion
ections of the compassionate river-god, crossed when the noontide sun had driven the cattle to the shade, gathered the wool
k, and nothing she remembered Of all her life, yet nought of rest she had , The hope of which makes hapless mortals glad; Fo
ir arms embraced, and their pinions, too; Their lips touched not, but had not bade adieu, As if disjointed by soft-handed s
Atalanta’ s Race. 183 — Atalanta, the daughter of Schœneus of Bœotia, had been warned by an oracle that marriage would be f
, — of mortal form, and with a woman’s heart. To all suitors (for she had many) she made answer: “I will be the prize of hi
it was too late, Only one step, only one breath, too late. Hippomenes had toucht the maple goal With but two fingers, leani
, As after chanc’d, they did each other spy. So fair a church as this had Venus none; The walls were of discolored jasper-s
abhor the sex and resolved to live unmarried. He was a sculptor, and had made with wonderful skill a statue of ivory, so b
altars smoked, and the odor of incense filled the air. When Pygmalion had performed his part in the solemnities, he stood b
led at the sight, for though her eyes, Her very lips, were such as he had made, And though her tresses fell but in such gui
h as he had made, And though her tresses fell but in such guise As he had wrought them, now was she arrayed In that fair ga
ought them, now was she arrayed In that fair garment that the priests had laid Upon the goddess on that very morn, Dyed lik
upon, the wall, she on her side, he on his. One morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the fro
e on his. One morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the
th, looking anxiously for the youth, eager to tell him the danger she had escaped. When she came to the spot and saw the ch
that he stole not the cows, nor knew even what cows might be, for he had only that moment heard the name of them. Apollo p
wain appeared before their sire, and Apollo entered his complaint: he had not seen nor ever dreamed of so precocious a catt
coward to bully a helpless little newborn thing that slept, nor ever had thought of “lifting” cattle. The wink with which
-lash, and installed him herdsman of his oxen. Nay even, when Mercury had sworn by sacred Styx no more to try his cunning i
generally tipsy, and would have broken his neck early in his career, had not the Satyrs held him on his ass’s back as he r
ave and grandson of Harmonia and Cadmus, was king. Pentheus, however, had no respect for the new worship, and forbade its r
olent. § 103. The Story of Acetes. — Soon the attendants returned who had been despatched to seize Bacchus. They had succee
he attendants returned who had been despatched to seize Bacchus. They had succeeded in taking one of the Bacchanals prisone
, replied that he was Acetes of Mæonia; that his parents, being poor, had left him their fisherman’s trade, which he had fo
s parents, being poor, had left him their fisherman’s trade, which he had followed till he had acquired the pilot’s art of
, had left him their fisherman’s trade, which he had followed till he had acquired the pilot’s art of steering his course b
t’s art of steering his course by the stars. It once happened that he had touched at the island of Dia, and had sent his me
stars. It once happened that he had touched at the island of Dia, and had sent his men ashore for fresh water. They returne
y returned, bringing with them a lad of delicate appearance whom they had found asleep. Judging him to be a noble youth, th
ard, and the odor of fragrant wine spread all around. The god himself had a chaplet of vine leaves, and bore in his hand a
us. Fig. 56. A Bacchante in frenzy. [Marble vase: Wælcken.] So far had Acetes advanced in his narrative, when Pentheus,
fterward found Ariadne, — the daughter of Minos, king of Crete, — who had been deserted by her lover, Theseus. How Bacchus
ame result. He took an apple from the tree; you would have thought he had robbed the garden of the Hesperides. He ordered h
nd P.] He strove to divest himself of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. He raised his arms, all shining w
and its punishment in the fountain head of the river Pactolus. Scarce had Midas touched the waters, before the gold-creatin
y, and became a worshipper of Pan, the god of the fields. But that he had not gained common sense is shown by the decision
a solemn charm, then went and laid him in the ashes. His mother, who had been watching what her guest was doing, sprang fo
the river Cyane. The river nymph would have told the goddess all she had witnessed, but dared not, for fear of Pluto; so s
Pluto; so she ventured merely to take up the girdle which Proserpine had dropped in her flight, and float it to the feet o
eing this, laid her curse on the innocent earth in which her daughter had disappeared. Then succeeded drought and famine, f
t last, the fountain Arethusa made intercession for the land. For she had seen that it opened only unwillingly to the might
d seen that it opened only unwillingly to the might of Pluto; and she had also, in her flight from Alpheus through the lowe
Proserpine of Pluto. The wily monarch consented; but alas! the maiden had taken a pomegranate which Pluto offered her, and
alas! the maiden had taken a pomegranate which Pluto offered her, and had sucked the sweet pulp from a few of the seeds. A
y of Hesione,212 the daughter of Laomedon of Troy. Neptune and Apollo had fallen under the displeasure of Jupiter, after th
one might fail in that race and come off alive. Since an oracle, too, had warned Œnomaüs to beware of the future husband of
ad warned Œnomaüs to beware of the future husband of his daughter, he had provided himself with horses whose speed was like
nd was as happy as before in his wife. She being a favorite of Diana, had received from her, for the chase, a dog and a jav
e was changed with his victim into stone. For the heavenly powers who had made both, and rejoiced in the speed of both, wer
e next morning, and concealed herself in the place which the informer had indicated. Cephalus, when tired with sport, stret
mal, he threw his javelin at the spot. A cry told him that the weapon had too surely met its mark. He rushed to the place,
ltogether different story is the following:218 — Procris, the nymph, had wedded Cephalus; — He, till the spring had warmed
218 — Procris, the nymph, had wedded Cephalus; — He, till the spring had warmed to slow-winged days Heavy with June, untir
phor, the Star of Morning. His son Ceÿx, king of Trachis in Thessaly, had married Halcyone, daughter of Æolus.219 Their rei
, and delivered her message to the god, who, scarce opening his eyes, had great difficulty in shaking himself free from him
from the drowsiness creeping over her, and returned by her bow as she had come. But Somnus called one of his sons — Morpheu
couch of the wretched wife, and told her that the winds of the Ægean had sunk his ship; that he was dead. Weeping and groa
owing old. When his hair was white she left his society; but he still had the range of her palace, lived on ambrosial food,
t made The reeds give out that strain impassion’d. ’Twas Pan himself had wandered here, A-strolling through the sordid cit
ping to the civic ear The prelude of some pastoral ditty! The demigod had cross’d the seas, — From haunts of shepherd, nymp
embodiment of self-conceit. He shunned the rest of the nymphs, as he had shunned Echo. One maiden, however, uttered a pray
ld have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found. In its place had sprung up a flower, purple within and surrounded
f the hunt. But they were believed to perish with certain trees which had been their abode, and with which they had come in
sh with certain trees which had been their abode, and with which they had come into existence. Wantonly to destroy a tree w
axe a grove sacred to Ceres. A venerable oak, whereon votive tablets had often been hung inscribed with the gratitude of m
the nymph of the tree, — an oak, round which the Dryads hand in hand, had often danced, he ordered his servants to fell. Wh
ads invoked punishment upon Erysichthon. The goddess Ceres, whom they had supplicated, nodded her assent. She despatched an
to a fisherman; and in that form she assured the slave-owner that she had seen no woman or other person, except herself, th
as none other than a nymph, Lotis, who, escaping from a base pursuer, had been thus transformed. Dryope would have hastened
e would have hastened from the spot, but the displeasure of the nymph had fallen upon her. While protesting her innocence,
ening to see an oak just ready to fall, propped it up. The nymph, who had been on the point of perishing with the tree, exp
broad sky looked bluer than its wont, And he could scarce believe he had not wings, Such sunshine seemed to glitter throug
n a distant shore, Raking the sea-worn pebbles up and down. The night had gathered round him: o’er the plain The city spark
akes, Fanned by the breeze, its fever-cooling fruit.”238 This nymph had scorned the offers of love made her by Pan, Sylva
Pan, Sylvanus, and innumerable Fauns and Satyrs. Vertumnus, too, she had time and again refused. But he, the deity of gard
ne her arms. Then he told how the worthy Iphis, spurned by Anaxarete, had hanged himself to her gate-post; and how the gods
d by Anaxarete, had hanged himself to her gate-post; and how the gods had turned the hard-hearted virgin to stone even as s
ics with baskets. [Ant. d’Hercul.: Thompson’s Horace.] When Vertumnus had thus spoken, he dropped his disguise, and stood b
avenge them. Therefore, as we shall see, they persecuted Orestes, who had slain his mother. Therefore, like the accusing vo
and I was thy guide on the way. But to leave loving thee, when once I had seen thee, neither afterward, nor now at all, hav
ame in sight of Galatea and Acis, in the hollow of a rock, where they had hearkened to the strains of the Cyclops. The mons
phus who was punished in Hades for his treachery to the gods. Glaucus had been a comely young fisherman; but having noticed
y, Minos II. of Crete, with whom, although the kings were at war, she had fallen violently in love. It seems that Nisus had
gs were at war, she had fallen violently in love. It seems that Nisus had on his head a purple lock of hair, upon which dep
o Minos. But recoiling from the treacherous gift, that king, after he had conquered Megara, bound Scylla to the rudder of h
rd continually the prey of the sea-eagle, whose form her father Nisus had assumed. § 129. Leucothea. 248 — Another sea-chan
ian games were celebrated. By the Romans he was called Portumnus, and had jurisdiction of ports and shores. § 130. Proteus
wild beast, in rapid succession; nor did he succumb till all schemes had failed to set him free. Then he resumed his own f
turning to the grove, on the ninth day, he found that a swarm of bees had taken possession of one of the carcasses, and wer
as Danaë, of surpassing loveliness. In consequence of an oracle which had prophesied that the son of Danaë would be the mea
attempt the conquest of the Gorgon Medusa,271 a terrible monster who had laid waste the country. She had once been a maide
gon Medusa,271 a terrible monster who had laid waste the country. She had once been a maiden whose hair was her chief glory
ere she dwelt might be seen the stony figures of men and animals that had chanced to catch a glimpse of her and had been pe
res of men and animals that had chanced to catch a glimpse of her and had been petrified at the sight. Perseus, favored by
oached first the cave of the three Grææ: — There sat the crones that had the single eye, Clad in blue sweeping cloak and s
seek rest and food.” But Atlas, remembering an ancient prophecy that had warned him against a son of Jove who should one d
se above The sea-nymphs and their powers offended.”275 These nymphs had consequently sent a sea-monster to ravage the coa
and that of her country, and her mother’s pride of beauty. Before she had done speaking, a sound was heard upon the water,
the monster appeared. The virgin shrieked; the father and mother, who had now arrived, poured forth lamentations and threw
he festivities, a noise was heard of warlike clamor; and Phineus, who had formerly been betrothed to the bride, burst in de
for his own. In vain, Cepheus remonstrated that all such engagements had been dissolved by the sentence of death passed up
d by the sentence of death passed upon Andromeda, and that if Phineus had actually loved the girl, he would have tried to r
there, turned into stone Polydectes and his court, because the tyrant had rendered Danaë’s life intolerable with his attent
wners the charmed helmet, the winged shoes, and the pouch in which he had conveyed the Gorgon’s head. The head itself he be
Argos to seek his grandfather. But Acrisius, still fearing his doom, had retired to Larissa in Thessaly. Thither Perseus f
cure, if possible, the horse Pegasus for the conflict. Now this horse had been caught and tamed by Minerva, and by her pres
tryon, king of Thebes, — a grandson of Perseus and Andromeda. The lad had the best of teachers. Rhadamanthus trained him in
madness he slew his children, and would have slain Amphitryon, also, had not Minerva knocked him over with a stone, and pl
compelled to perform his commands. This humiliation, Juno, of course, had decreed. Eurystheus enjoined upon the hero a succ
e country of Argos, and dwelt in a swamp near the well of Amymone. It had nine heads, of which the middle one was immortal.
h labor was the cleaning of the Augean stables. Augeas, king of Elis, had a herd of three thousand oxen, whose stalls had n
Augeas, king of Elis, had a herd of three thousand oxen, whose stalls had not been cleansed for thirty years. Hercules brin
rmed, and beset the ship. Whereupon Hercules, thinking that Hippolyta had acted treacherously, slew her, and taking her gir
also, obtained the liberty of Theseus, his admirer and imitator, who had been detained there for an attempt at abducting P
e the hero slept. That their footprints might not indicate where they had been driven, he dragged them backward by their ta
as deceived by the stratagem, and would have failed to find his oxen, had it not happened that while he was driving the rem
it; but the nymphs all clung to his hand, for love of the Argive lad had fluttered the soft hearts of all of them. Then do
d with eighteen ships against Troy. For Laomedon, king of that realm, had refused to give Hercules the horses of Neptune, w
t realm, had refused to give Hercules the horses of Neptune, which he had promised in gratitude for the rescue of his daugh
Hesione to Telamon, who, with Peleus, Oïcles, and other Greek heroes, had accompanied him. Also worthy of mention among the
delivery, according to prophecy, of Prometheus, who, until that time, had remained in chains upon the Caucasian Mountains.2
the poison penetrated his limbs. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal robe, and hurled him into t
on board a ship, and was conveyed home. Dejanira, on seeing what she had unwittingly done, hanged herself. Hercules, prepa
, whose father, Hellen, was the son of Deucalion of Thessaly. Athamas had , by his wife Nephele, two children, Phryxus and H
that of Athamas, was ruled over by his nephew Æson. Æson, although he had a son Jason, surrendered the crown to a half-brot
et; and that he, then, should sow the teeth of the dragon that Cadmus had slain. Jason, although it was well known that a c
ants at bay; but he surely would have been overwhelmed by the numbers had he not resorted to a charm which Medea had taught
overwhelmed by the numbers had he not resorted to a charm which Medea had taught him: seizing a stone, he threw it in the m
scattering over him a few drops of a preparation, which, again, Medea had supplied. Jason then seized the fleece, and with
into his mouth and his wound the juices of her caldron. As soon as he had completely imbibed them, his hair and beard lost
he caldron, but, as might be expected, with no success. Medea herself had taken care to escape before they discovered the t
lf had taken care to escape before they discovered the treachery. She had , however, little profit of the fruits of her crim
owever, little profit of the fruits of her crime. Jason, for whom she had sacrificed so much, put her away, for he wished t
Calydonian Hunt. 307 — One of the heroes of the Argonautic expedition had been Meleager, a son of Œneus and Althæa, rulers
ents were cousins, descended from a son of Endymion named Ætolus, who had colonized that realm. By ties of kinship and marr
they were allied with many historic figures. Their daughter Dejanira had become, as we have already noted, the wife of Her
y concerned in the Trojan War. When her son Meleager was born, Althæa had beheld the three Destinies, who, as they spun the
st her violently And cast the fresh crown from her hair, and now They had rent her spoil away, dishonoring her, Save that M
therein, lived upon human victims. For, it is said that, after Minos had subdued Megara,321 a tribute of seven youths and
with wax. Then poising themselves in the air, they flew away. Icarus had been warned not to approach too near to the sun,
rned not to approach too near to the sun, and all went well till they had passed Samos and Delos on the left and Lebynthos
to Sicily with a great fleet; and Dædalus would surely have perished had not one of the daughters of Cocalus disposed of M
t is said that Dædalus could not bear the idea of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix under his charge to be taug
he goddess Minerva, who brought him up in her temple. His son Pandion had two daughters, Procne and Philomela, of whom he g
, king of Thrace (or of Daulis in Phocis). This ruler, after his wife had borne him a son Itys (or Itylus), wearied of her,
Theseus. Ægeus, on parting from Æthra, before the birth of the child, had placed his sword and shoes under a large stone, a
of the child, had placed his sword and shoes under a large stone, and had directed her to send the child to him if it shoul
which Pittheus, Æthra’s father, was king. When Æthra thought the time had come, she led Theseus to the stone. He removed it
portant was his slaughter of Procrustes, or the Stretcher. This giant had an iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all tra
hens; but here new dangers awaited him. For Medea, the sorceress, who had fled from Corinth after her separation from Jason
ceress, who had fled from Corinth after her separation from Jason,331 had become the wife of Ægeus. Knowing by her arts who
y said to have been imposed by Minos upon the Athenians because Ægeus had sent Androgeüs, the son of Minos, against the Mar
ent Androgeüs, the son of Minos, against the Marathonian bull, and so had brought about the young man’s death. Fig. 89.
ureless sorrow incessant, Frantic, bosoming torture of thorns Erycina had planted…. Then, they say, that at last, infuriat
inward vision of Theseus. Dropped oblivion down, enshrouding vows he had cherished, Hiding away all trace of the solemn be
or, as was said before, Ægeus, on the departure of his son for Creta, had given him this command: “If Minerva, goddess of o
ong down from the horrid steep to destruction, — Weening hateful Fate had severed the fortune of Theseus. Theseus, then, as
ent Theseus knew himself what manner of evil He with a careless heart had aforetime dealt Ariadne, — Fixed Ariadne that sti
ealt Ariadne, — Fixed Ariadne that still, still stared where the ship had receded, — Wounded, revolving in heart her countl
r of Minos a happier fate was yet reserved. This island, on which she had been abandoned, was Naxos, loved and especially h
the vine wooed and won her. After her death, the golden crown that he had given her was transferred by him to the heavens.
dertook an expedition against the Amazons. Assailing them before they had recovered from the attack of Hercules, he carried
Thessaly, son of Jupiter, originated in the midst of arms. Pirithoüs had made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and
arms. Pirithoüs had made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and had carried off the herds of the king of Athens, Thes
racles. Shortly after this event, the city of Thebes, to which Œdipus had repaired, was afflicted with a monster that infes
th a monster that infested the highroad. It was called the Sphinx. It had the body of a lion, and the upper part of a woman
e it should pass safe, but those who failed should be killed. Not one had yet succeeded in guessing it. Œdipus, not daunted
him in marriage their queen, Jocasta. He, ignorant of his parentage, had already become, the slayer of his father; in marr
m struck the pupils of his eyes, With words like these: “Because they had not seen What ills he suffered, and what ills he
om they ought never to have seen, Nor know the dear ones whom he fain had known.” With such like wails, not once or twice a
ade regent of the realm for the two sons of Œdipus. But, after Œdipus had grown content to stay, these sons of his, with Cr
ther daughter, Ismene, at first, stayed at home. Cursing the sons who had abandoned him, but bowing his own will in submiss
his limbs, And clothed them in the garment that is meet. And when he had his will in all they did, And not one wish contin
foretime, her filial affection. Her brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, had meanwhile agreed to share the kingdom between the
n from Thebes; but on his marriage to Eriphyle, the king’s sister, he had agreed that whenever he and Adrastus should diffe
ined her to his interest. This was the self-same necklace that Vulcan had given to Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus; Po
t Vulcan had given to Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus; Polynices had taken it with him on his flight from Thebes. It s
soothsayer Tiresias as to the issue. Now, this Tiresias in his youth had by chance seen Minerva bathing; and had been depr
w, this Tiresias in his youth had by chance seen Minerva bathing; and had been deprived by her of his sight, but afterwards
va bathing; and had been deprived by her of his sight, but afterwards had obtained of her the knowledge of future events. W
d so for me to bear this doom of thine Has nothing fearful. But, if I had left My mother’s son unburied on his death, In th
ear of Harmonia has not yet fulfilled its baleful mission. Amphiaraüs had , with his last breath, enjoined his son Alcmæon t
reus and Doris. Such was the beauty of the nymph that Jupiter himself had sought her in marriage; but having learned from P
asted their eyes upon it: — Then when Thessaly’s youth, long gazing, had of the wonder Their content, they gan give place
untold misfortune to their favored town of Troy. … When now the gods had reclined their limbs on the ivory couches, Viands
mb should be sacrificed the fair Polyxena, daughter of Priam, whom he had loved. “So,” says Catullus , “sang the Fates. Fo
to wife Aërope, granddaughter of Minos II., king of Crete, and by her had two sons, Agamemnon, the general of the Grecian a
me, revived, in due time, against Agamemnon the treacherous feud that had existed between their fathers. § 165 c . Tyndareu
d Pollux are mentioned here because of their kinship with Helen. They had , however, disappeared from earth before the Siege
honored as patrons of voyagers. When Theseus and his friend Pirithoüs had carried off Helen from Sparta, the youthful heroe
gaged in a combat with Idas and Lynceus of Messene, whose brides they had attempted to abduct. Castor was slain; but Pollux
he star-like sorrows of immortal eyes, Spoke slowly in her place. “I had great beauty: ask thou not my name: No one can be
167. Its Origin. — At the nuptials of Peleus and Thetis all the gods had been invited with the exception of Eris, or Disco
sex, was unfortunately the prize destined for Paris. This fair queen had in time past been sought by numerous suitors; but
ey all, at the suggestion of Ulysses, son of Laërtes, king of Ithaca, had taken an oath that they would sustain her choice
. They came forward with a few exceptions. Ulysses, for instance, who had married a cousin of Helen’s, Penelope,347 daughte
ant to the palace, and offered for sale female ornaments, among which had been placed some arms. Forgetting the part he had
aments, among which had been placed some arms. Forgetting the part he had assumed, Achilles handled the weapons, and thereb
n Wall painting: Roscher 1: 27.] It seems that from early youth Paris had been reared in obscurity, because there were fore
ed; for the Grecian armament now in preparation was the greatest that had ever been fitted out. Agamemnon, king of Mycenæ a
of Laomedon and brother of Tithonus and Hesione, was now old; but he had been a wise prince, and had strengthened his stat
Tithonus and Hesione, was now old; but he had been a wise prince, and had strengthened his state by good government at home
ome and numerous alliances with his neighbors. By his wife Hecuba, he had a numerous family; but the principal stay and sup
hrone was his son Hector, one of the noblest figures of antiquity. He had , from the first, a presentiment of the ruin of Tr
the Greeks, Protesilaüs, fell by the hand of Hector. This Protesilaüs had left at home his wife Laodamia (a niece of Alcest
e atmosphere of the classics. The oracle, according to the tradition, had declared that victory should be the lot of that p
hang, And on the joys we shared in mortal life, — The paths which we had trod — these fountains, flowers; My new-planned c
ut the tomb of him for whom she died; And ever when such stature they had gained That Ilium’s walls were subject to their v
he Wrath of Achilles. — The Greeks, though unsuccessful against Troy, had taken the neighboring and allied cities; and in t
ale captive, by name Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo, had fallen to the share of Agamemnon. Chryses came be
that Achilles should yield to him in her stead Briseis, a maiden who had fallen to that hero’s share in the division of th
as did the parties themselves. It was well known in heaven that fate had decreed the fall of Troy, if her enemies only per
den, the cause of dispute, with ample gifts to atone for the wrong he had done. Agamemnon assented; and Ulysses, Ajax, and
Trojans, Jupiter saw nothing of what was going on, for his attention had been drawn from the field by the wiles of Juno. T
tion had been drawn from the field by the wiles of Juno. That goddess had arrayed herself in all her charms, and to crown a
That goddess had arrayed herself in all her charms, and to crown all had borrowed of Venus her girdle, the Cestus, which e
harms to such a degree that they were irresistible. So prepared, Juno had joined her husband, who sat on Olympus watching t
also how, at the time of the departure for Troy, Achilles and himself had been charged by their respective sires: the one t
y this address, hastened to his friend, revolving in his mind what he had seen and heard. He told the prince the sad condit
or, struck with terror, looked everywhere for refuge. First those who had got possession of the ship and set it on fire all
native land, and there received due funeral rites. Thus far Patroclus had succeeded to the utmost in repelling the foe and
quire the cause. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproach that he had suffered his friend to fall a victim to his resen
rocure for him a suit of armor from Vulcan more than equal to that he had lost. He consented, and Thetis immediately repair
of Agamemnon and Achilles. — The first glow of pleasure that Achilles had felt since the death of Patroclus was at the sigh
ispleasure against Agamemnon and bitterly lamenting the miseries that had resulted from it, he called on them to proceed at
about to rush upon him, — when Neptune, looking out upon the contest, had pity upon Æneas, who was sure to have the worst o
as so close in pursuit that that would have been impossible if Apollo had not, in the form of Agenor, Priam’s son, first en
flight, and taken the way apart from the city. Achilles pursued, and had chased his supposed victim far from the walls bef
e the god disclosed himself. The Fall of Hector. — But when the rest had escaped into the town Hector stood without determ
es swiftly pursued. They ran, still keeping near the walls, till they had thrice encircled the city. As often as Hector app
his bread on the charity of strangers. After Achilles and the Greeks had thus taken their revenge on the slayer of Patrocl
himself at the feet of Achilles and kissed those terrible hands which had destroyed so many of his sons. “Think, O Achilles
bravest sons, so late the flower of Ilium, all have fallen. Yet one I had , one more than all the rest the strength of my ag
some god, for without aid divine no mortal even in his prime of youth had dared the attempt. I grant thy request, for I am
e torch, while all Troy thronging forth encompassed the pyre. When it had completely burned, they quenched the cinders with
spot; for Thetis having dipped him when an infant in the river Styx, had rendered every part of him invulnerable except th
s of Hercules. They were in possession of Philoctetes, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last, and had lighted h
f Philoctetes, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last, and had lighted his funeral pyre. Philoctetes361 had join
ercules at the last, and had lighted his funeral pyre. Philoctetes361 had joined the Grecian expedition against Troy; but h
In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in his prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had
in his prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had married when a youth, and had abandoned for the f
tten. This was the nymph Œnone, whom he had married when a youth, and had abandoned for the fatal beauty of Helen. Œnone, r
oned for the fatal beauty of Helen. Œnone, remembering the wrongs she had suffered, refused to heal the wound; and Paris we
the encampment broken up and the fleet gone, concluded that the enemy had abandoned the siege. The gates of the city were t
, Sinon by name; and that in consequence of the malice of Ulysses, he had been left behind by his countrymen at their depar
preventing its being carried within the city; for Calchas the prophet had told them that if the Trojans took possession of
the traitor Sinon, opened the gates of the city to their friends who had returned under cover of the night. The city was s
as slain at last on the fatal night when the Greeks took the city. He had armed himself, and was about to mingle with the c
and her daughter Cassandra were carried captives to Greece. Cassandra had been loved by Apollo, who gave her the gift of pr
o gave her the gift of prophecy; but afterwards offended with her, he had rendered the gift unavailing by ordaining that he
predictions should never be believed. Polyxena, another daughter, who had been loved by Achilles, was demanded by the ghost
ll of Troy, Menelaüs recovered possession of his wife, who, it seems, had not ceased to love him, though she had yielded to
on of his wife, who, it seems, had not ceased to love him, though she had yielded to the might of Venus and deserted him fo
so fortunate in the issue. During his absence, his wife Clytemnestra had been false to him; and when his return was expect
ana in Tauris was no other than Iphigenia, the sister of Orestes, who had been snatched away by Diana, at the moment when s
und and round the spicy downs the yellow Lotos-dust is blown. We have had enough of action, and of motion we, Roll’d to sta
humbly, stating that they were Greeks, from the great expedition that had lately won so much glory in the conquest of Troy;
ose them all to certain destruction, as the rock with which the giant had closed up the door was far beyond their power to
s, dashed their brains out, and made his evening meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses appro
and made his evening meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses approaching him handed him a bowl
y, on his cry, flocked round the den, and inquired what grievous hurt had caused him to sound such an alarm and break their
ut, that Ulysses and his men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had made his men harness the rams of the flock three
ed safe, Ulysses himself being on the last one that passed. When they had got a few paces from the cavern, Ulysses and his
o so. He could not forbear, however, letting the giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited till they had rea
he giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited till they had reached a safer distance than before. The giant a
untry. Nine days they sped before the wind, and all that time Ulysses had stood at the helm, without sleep. At last quite e
were driven far from their course, and back again to the island they had just left. Æolus, indignant at their folly, refus
ssels with their crews were destroyed, except Ulysses’ own ship which had remained outside, and finding no safety but in fl
tamed by Circe’s art, for she was a powerful magician. These animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s en
for she was a powerful magician. These animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s enchantments into the for
who suspected danger. The goddess conducted her guests to a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies. When
a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one wit
palace, was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done his companions; but, after he had eaten and
ce, who entertained him as she had done his companions; but, after he had eaten and drunk, touched him with her wand, sayin
cted them how to pass safely by the coast of the Sirens. These nymphs had the power, as has been already said, of charming
ly times called by the Siren’s name. Scylla and Charybdis. — Ulysses had been warned by Circe of the two monsters Scylla a
rom whence she was accustomed to thrust forth her long necks (for she had six heads), and in each of her mouths to seize on
was unable to afford any assistance. The Cattle of the Sun. — Circe had warned him of another danger. After passing Scyll
cks and herds, but to content themselves with what provision they yet had left of the supply which Circe had put on board.
elves with what provision they yet had left of the supply which Circe had put on board. So long as this supply lasted the p
n his return to the shore, was horror-struck at perceiving what- they had done, and the more so on account of the portentou
le roasting. The wind becoming fair they sailed from the island. They had not gone far when the weather changed, and a stor
t conceal themselves from solitary wayfarers when they met them. They had abundance of wealth, and lived in the enjoyment o
ay sleeping on his bed of leaves, Nausicaä, the daughter of the king, had a dream sent by Minerva, reminding her that her w
f ball, the princess singing to them while they played. But when they had refolded the apparel, and were about to resume th
d maidens, chiding their alarm, and reminding them that the Phæacians had no enemies to fear. This man, she told them, was
wagon. When this was done, and Ulysses retiring to a sheltered place had washed his body free from the sea-foam, and cloth
t a young woman bearing a pitcher forth for water. It was Minerva who had assumed that form. Ulysses accosted her and desir
them that the next day he would call them to council to consider what had best be done for the stranger. When the guests ha
l to consider what had best be done for the stranger. When the guests had departed, and Ulysses was left alone with the kin
zing the clothes which he wore as those which her maidens and herself had made) from whom he received those garments. He to
arena for games of running, wrestling, and other exercises. After all had done their best, Ulysses being challenged to show
e youths, seized a quoit of weight far heavier than any the Phæacians had thrown, and sent it farther than the utmost throw
his true name, and, at their request, recounted the adventures which had befallen him since his departure from Troy. This
posite the mouth of the harbor. § 173. Fate of the Suitors. — Ulysses had now been away from Ithaca for twenty years, and w
More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca, and of the neighboring islands, had been for years suing for the hand of Penelope, hi
brother Icarius, a Spartan prince. Ulysses, seeking her in marriage, had won her over all competitors. But, when the momen
statue to Modesty on the spot where they parted. Ulysses and Penelope had not enjoyed their union more than a year when it
the swine-herd, a faithful servant of his house. Telemachus, his son, had , for some time, been absent in quest of his fathe
t in quest of his father, visiting the courts of the other kings, who had returned from the Trojan expedition. While on the
caution was necessary with regard to the suitors, who, as Telemachus had learned, were plotting to intercept and kill him.
s should also go as a beggar, a character which in the rude old times had different privileges from what we concede to it n
ed his head, with ears erect. It was Argus, Ulysses’ own dog, that he had in other days often led to the chase. Soon as h
a tear Unmarked. … Then his destiny released Old Argus, soon as he had lived to see Ulysses in the twentieth year restor
d, one of them raised a stool and with it gave him a blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his indignation at seeing h
y overwhelmed the crone, and she would have revealed him to Penelope, had not Ulysses enjoined silence upon her. Penelope h
him to Penelope, had not Ulysses enjoined silence upon her. Penelope had protracted her decision in favor of any one of he
prove that his return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile her son had grown up, and was able to manage his own affairs.
to have the queen for his prize. A bow that one of his brother heroes had given to Ulysses in former times, was brought fro
, and with its quiver full of arrows was laid in the hall. Telemachus had taken care that all other weapons should be remov
but found all his efforts fruitless; and modestly confessing that he had attempted a task beyond his strength, he yielded
arms, but found none, neither was there any way of escape, for Eumæus had secured the door. Ulysses left them not long in u
tainty; he announced himself as the long-lost chief, whose house they had invaded, whose substance they had squandered, who
e long-lost chief, whose house they had invaded, whose substance they had squandered, whose wife and son they had persecute
invaded, whose substance they had squandered, whose wife and son they had persecuted for ten long years; and told them he m
on of Æneas that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom his father had sent with ample treasures to the neighboring land
, at a distance from the horrors of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him, and seized his treasures. Æneas and
ir city; but sickness broke out among them, and the fields, that they had planted, failed to yield a crop. In this gloomy a
They were sent by the gods to torment a certain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of his sight, in punishment of his cruel
slew as many as they wished, and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves at the table, than a horri
ed, and to their astonishment learned that certain Trojan exiles, who had been carried there as prisoners, had become ruler
that certain Trojan exiles, who had been carried there as prisoners, had become rulers of the country. Andromache, the wid
s, had become rulers of the country. Andromache, the widow of Hector, had become the wife of one of the victorious Grecian
ing, she was left regent of this country, as guardian of her son, and had married a fellow-captive, Helenus, of the royal r
e with Polyphemus, and besought them to take him off with them, as he had no means of sustaining his existence where he was
The Trojans plied their oars, and soon left them out of sight. Æneas had been cautioned by Helenus to avoid the strait gua
nsters Scylla and Charybdis. There Ulysses, the reader will remember, had lost six of his men, seized by Scylla, while the
e against them revive, for she could not forget the slight that Paris had put upon her, in awarding the prize of beauty to
t this crisis, Neptune, hearing the storm raging, and knowing that he had given no orders for one, raised his head above th
y the clouds from before the face of the sun. Some of the ships which had got on the rocks, he pried off with his own tride
y shaken. The Sojourn at Carthage. Dido. — Carthage where the exiles had now arrived, was a spot on the coast of Africa op
hen she found that he was gone, she mounted, a funeral pile which she had caused to be prepared, and having stabbed herself
asters, but press onward the more bravely.” 384 Æneas replied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He
replied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He had but one request to make. Having been directed in
n over.” Æneas grieved at recollecting some of his own companions who had perished in the storm. At that moment, he beheld
oled him by informing him that the people of the shore where his body had been wafted by the waves should be stirred up by
t sound that struck their ears was the wailing of young children, who had died on the threshold of life; and near to these
ho had died on the threshold of life; and near to these were they who had perished under false charges. Minos presides over
udge, and examines the deeds of each. The next class was of those who had died by their own hand, hating life and seeking r
etired paths, leading through groves of myrtle. Here roamed those who had fallen victims to unrequited love, not freed from
fall, keeping them in a state of constant alarm. These were they who had hated their brothers, or struck their parents, or
ers; the last being the most numerous class. Here also were those who had violated the marriage vow, or fought in a bad cau
bad cause, or failed in fidelity to their employers. Here was one who had sold his country for gold, another who perverted
freer air, and saw all objects clothed in a purple light. The region had a sun and stars of its own. The inhabitants were
re purged away, are sent back to life endowed with new bodies, having had the remembrance of their former lives effectually
, third in descent from Saturn, ruled the country. He was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming daughter
rn, ruled the country. He was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming daughter, Lavinia, who was sought in
the Rutulians, was favored by the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been warned in a dream by his father Faunus, that
that in the conflict with the Harpies, one of those half-human birds had threatened the Trojans with dire sufferings. in p
herdsman. A javelin from the hand of Iulus wounded the animal, which had only strength left to run homeward, — and died at
as Mezentius, a brave and able soldier, but of detestable cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neighboring cities,
of her own sex, and ranged herself on the side of Turnus. This maiden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff or th
iden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff or the loom, but had learned to endure the toils of war, and in speed
the surface of the water without dipping her feet. Camilla’s history had been singular from the beginning. Her father, Met
phs, and a rude race of men who sprang from the trees themselves, and had neither laws nor social culture. They knew not ho
untrymen. Turnus attacks the Trojan Camp. — In the meanwhile, Turnus had collected his bands, and made all necessary prepa
Euryalus made prize of a helmet brilliant with gold and plumes. They had passed through the enemy’s ranks without being di
horsemen scattered in all directions to intercept their flight. Nisus had eluded pursuit and was out of danger, but Euryalu
g Æneas’ shield glanced off and hit Antores, — a Grecian by birth who had left Argos, his native city, and followed Evander
ollowers and delivered the body into their hands. Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the river-side, and had washed his
heir hands. Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the river-side, and had washed his wound. Soon the news reached him of La
h his shield, turning every way to meet them. At last after Mezentius had three times made the circuit, Æneas threw his lan
r struck down by her battle-axe. At last an Etruscan named Aruns, who had watched her long, seeking for some advantage, obs
length the final conflict took place between Æneas and Turnus. Turnus had avoided the contest as long as he could; but at l
, but at the instant his eye fell on the belt of Pallas, which Turnus had taken from the slaughtered youth. Instantly his r
in. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, Vergelmer, and when they had flowed far from their source, they froze into ice
ut. Shortly after the gods (the Anse-race, Anses, Aesir, or Asa-folk) had created the world, they walked by the side of the
whole universe. It sprang from the body of Ymir, — this earth, — and had three immense roots, extending one into Asgard (t
his name is sometimes used in a way that shows that the Scandinavians had an idea of a deity superior to Odin, uncreated an
’) mouth as a pledge that the band was to be removed again. Tyr alone had courage enough to do this. But when the wolf foun
he Deeds of Thor. — When the gods were constructing their abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
lf more of the toilsome work than his master. Their bargain, however, had been concluded and confirmed by solemn oaths, for
s, — still less, indeed, if Thor should return from the expedition he had then undertaken against the evil demons. As the w
en one and another the whole night was lost, so that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man, seeing that
ods now clearly perceived that it was in reality a mountain giant who had come amongst them. Feeling no longer bound by the
ole down with three tuns of mead. Loki, however, assured him that she had not tasted anything for eight long nights, so gre
s her desire to see her lover, the renowned ruler of Jötunheim. Thrym had at last the curiosity to peep under his bride’s v
and found lying near him a huge giant, still snoring in the way that had alarmed them. For once Thor was afraid to use his
But what has become of my glove?” Thor then perceived that what they had taken overnight for a hall was the giant’s glove,
hall was the giant’s glove, and the chamber where his two companions had sought refuge was the thumb. Skrymir then propose
and Thor consenting, they sat down to eat their breakfast. When they had done, Skrymir packed all the provisions into one
strongly, but when Thor tried to open the wallet, he found the giant had tied it up so tight he could not untie a single k
ow on the giant’s head. Skrymir awakening merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and whether they had supp
ely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and whether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answer
fares it with thee, Thor?” But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and that as it was only midnight
night, there was still time for sleep. He however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third blow, it shoul
er his shoulders, and turned away from them into the forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of his
ntil they met in the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while his adversary had dev
it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and the trough to b
ng the large horn which his followers were obliged to empty when they had trespassed in any way against the law of the feas
t, but when he took the horn from his mouth, it seemed to him that he had drank rather less than before, although the horn
nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to the great Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means wh
is utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending his back, had , notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, only one of
pon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them’ to desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in the hall t
ate of the city, and on parting asked Thor how he thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any men s
asked Thor how he thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any men stronger than himself. Thor told
ronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought great shame on himself. “And what grieves
live and have my way thou shalt never enter again. And, by my troth, had I known beforehand, that thou hadst so much stren
ith thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days had it fallen on me, but I slipped aside, and thy blo
mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunge
the horn, thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not seen it myself, I should never have believe
hold of his mallet and would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and when Thor would have returned to
her in Hela’s dominions. But the other gods, feeling that what Frigga had done was quite sufficient, amused themselves with
y strewn swords, axes, darts, and spears, Which all the gods in sport had idly thrown At Balder, whom no weapon pierced or
accuser gave To Höder, and unwitting Höder threw — ‘Gainst that alone had Balder’s life no charm. And all the gods and all
ef, for Balder, though the brightest god of heaven, and best beloved, had but met the doom ordained at his birth by the Nor
d lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it as m
Hel.” Hermod then rode back to Asgard and gave an account of all he had heard and witnessed. The gods upon this despatche
ht him by the tail and compressed it so, that salmons ever since have had that part remarkably fine and thin. They bound hi
in the midst stood Branstock, a great oak tree, about which the hall had been built, and the limbs of the tree spread over
’s gleam. And such was the guise of his raiment as the Volsung elders had told Was borne by their fathers’ fathers, and the
, as in a happy dream We stir not lest we waken; but there his speech had end And slowly down the hall-floor, and outward d
ney for the sword, but Sigmund scorned the offer. But in time Siggeir had his vengeance. Inviting King Volsung and his sons
oing battle against Lyngi, the son of Hunding, — a chieftain who also had loved the fair Hiordis, — he got his death-wound:
, the wonder of all lands, On the foemen, on the death-heap his deeds had piled that day. To Hiordis, after Sigmund’s deat
and measureless now did the tide of his love arise, For their longing had met and mingled, and he knew of her heart that sh
peech-flood moved. Brynhild, it was, — the Valkyrie, — who long time had lain in that enchanted sleep that Odin, her fathe
who long time had lain in that enchanted sleep that Odin, her father, had poured over her, dooming her to mortal awakening
dooming her to mortal awakening and to mortal love, for the evil she had wrought of old when she espoused the cause in bat
of old when she espoused the cause in battle of those whom the Norns had predestined to death. Her might none but the fear
predestined to death. Her might none but the fearless awaken; and her had Sigurd awakened; and she loved him, for he was wi
ld not ride through the flames drawn up around her hall. After Gunnar had made two unsuccessful attempts, Sigurd, assuming
ing; and told all things to Gudrun, giving her the fatal ring that he had regained from Brynhild. In ten days came Brynhild
o the Hall of the Niblungs, and, though she knew well the deceit that had been practised on her, she made no sign; nay, was
n Gunnar’s bride, and knew the Brynhild of old, the Valkyrie, whom he had loved; “And Byrnhild’s face drew near him with ey
y, Brynhild plotted revenge. She loved Sigurd still, and he, since he had regained his memory, could not overcome his love
Atli, the Budlung. He, in order to obtain the hoard of Sigurd, which had passed into the hands of the Niblungs, — Gudrun’s
lled upon her ancient lover, Sigurd, to come and look upon her, as he had promised, from his abiding-place among the dead.
, as he had promised, from his abiding-place among the dead. And thus had the words of her sorrow an end. Her sons slew Kin
t and one-eyed, — Odin the forefather of the Volsungs,— the same that had borne Sigi fellowship, and that struck the sword
, and that brought Sigurd the matchless horse Greyfell, and oft again had appeared to the kin of the Volsungs; — the same g
ow wrought the end of the Niblungs. The hoard and the ring of Andvari had brought confusion on all into whose hands they fe
ppily with her, enjoying the moneys of the Nibelungen hoard, which he had taken not from a dwarf, as in the Norse version,
in the Burgundian land, husband of the proud Brunhild, whom Siegfried had won for him by stratagem not altogether unlike th
her unlike that of the Norse story. For the Brunhild of the Ysselland had declared that she would marry no man save him who
iegfried, wearing the Tarnkappe, a cloak that rendered him invisible, had fulfilled for Gunther. He had also succored poor
e, a cloak that rendered him invisible, had fulfilled for Gunther. He had also succored poor Gunther after his marriage wit
e with Brunhild. For that heroine, in contempt of Gunther’s strength, had bound him hand and foot and suspended him from a
pended him from a nail on their bed-room wall. By agreement Siegfried had again assumed Gunther’s form, and after a fearful
ain assumed Gunther’s form, and after a fearful tussle with the queen had reduced her to submission, taking from her the ri
e secret sources of her strength, and leaving her to imagine that she had been conquered by her bridegroom, Gunther. The ri
n conquered by her bridegroom, Gunther. The ring and girdle Siegfried had bestowed upon Kriemhild, unwisely telling her at
ers no explanation, it is evident that the injured queen of Ysselland had recognized Siegfried during this ungallant intrig
ed during this ungallant intrigue; and we are led to infer that there had been some previous acquaintance and passage of lo
happily at Xanteh by the Rhine; and all might have continued in peace had not Brunhild resented the lack of homage paid by
not Brunhild resented the lack of homage paid by Siegfried, whom she had been led to regard as a vassal, to Gunther, his r
elicate, acquainted her haughty sister-in-law with the deception that had twice been practised upon her by Siegfried and Gu
orated her statement by displaying both ring and girdle that Brunhild had lost. The altercation came to the ears of the kin
he one spot where the hero was vulnerable. Then the crafty Hagen, who had been suborned by Brunhild to the baleful deed, bi
ne of her husband’s knights, Hildebrand, who, with Dietrich of Berne, had played a prominent part among the associates of K
n,’ to represent sounds of ‘th’ and ‘w,’ for which the Latin alphabet had no letters provided. Each rune was named after so
se Lost 10: 581, refers to the tradition of Ophion and Eurynome, who “ had first the rule of high Olympus, thence by Saturn
e civil war, 1641-1649, away from poetry, music, and the art which he had sedulously cultivated, into the stormy sea of pol
th, Ritual, etc., 2: 201), this is intelligible, “if the vermin which had once been sacred became a pest in the eyes of lat
me a pest in the eyes of later generations.” Oracle of Delphi. — It had been observed at a very early period that the goa
he intoxicating air, he was affected in the same manner as the cattle had been; and the inhabitants of the surrounding coun
tful, winsome, flowerfaced, blushing, swift-eyed, golden-crowned. She had temples and groves in Paphos, Abydos, Samos, Ephe
eme antiquity among the Romans, but not of great importance until she had acquired certain attributes of the Eastern Aphrod
ehold the wandering moon, Riding near her highest noon, Like one that had been led astray, Through the heaven’s wide pathle
whom the island of Cyprus was beloved. Mygdonian flutes: the ancients had three species or modes of music, depending, respe
Lydian and Dorian. Shaker of the World: Neptune. Crete: where Jupiter had been concealed from his father Cronus, and nouris
years: the usual period of penance. Apollo, after slaying the Python, had to clear himself of blood-guiltiness by serving A
oldest Theban state; that the selection of the spot on which a heifer had lain down was a frequent practice among settlers,
they called Ophion, with Eurynome (the wide-Encroaching Eve perhaps), had first the rule Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn
and round in the same track” (Chips 2: 113). Nearly all Greek heroes had to undergo servitude, — Hercules, Perseus, etc. N
musical ability. It seems that the flute, an invention of Minerva’s, had been thrown away by that goddess because Cupid la
was sacred to Apollo Smintheus, the Mouse-Apollo, probably because he had rid that country of mice as St. Patrick rid Irela
, “All day long, In devious forest, Grove, and fountain side, The god had sought his Daphne,” etc.; Lyly, King Mydas; Apoll
the word Acroceraunian as synonymous with steep, dangerous. If so, he had the practice of Ovid behind him (Remedium Amoris
sland in the Egean. Lemnos: another island in the Egean, where Vulcan had a forge. Interpretative. — The ancients were won
Pactolus: in Lydia. Midas: the son of one Gordius, who from a farmer had become king of Phrygia, because he happened to fu
. That Proserpine should be under bonds to the underworld because she had partaken of food in Hades accords with a supersti
representation for the future. (Pollux IV: 110.) Probably the chorus had only fifteen performers. Illustrative. — § 51 C
siepea, or Cassiope) became a constellation. The sea-nymphs, however, had her placed in a part of the heavens near the pole
tling with Death and overcoming him, restoring happiness where sorrow had obtained. No grander conception of manliness has
— See § 67. According to one tradition, Cecrops was autochthonous and had one son, Erysichthon, who died without issue, and
o some, the Amazonian wife of Theseus was Hippolyta; but her Hercules had already killed. Theseus is said to have united th
city and palace of the king, to justify the princess Nausicaa having had resort to her chariot and to luncheon when she we
oks, and returning offered the remaining books for the same price she had asked for the nine. The king again rejected them;
, returned and asked for the three remaining the same price which she had before asked for the nine, his curiosity was exci
on of Panthus, and fell by the spear of Menelaüs. Lately, he said, he had recognized his shield hanging among the trophies
, the Ostrogoth, who, between 493 and 526 a.d., ruled from Italy what had been the Western Empire. In these poems, however,
the Hunnish king; and, even so, is confounded with uncles of his who had been retainers of Attila: for the historic Theodo
Horus. Ha′thor or Athor: a goddess often identified with Isis. She had the head of a cow and wears the sun’s disk, and p
. 1: 720): as Apis represents the living Osiris, so S. the Osiris who had passed into the underworld. Ra: originally the d
ter of Eurytus who refused to give her to Hercules, although the hero had fairly won her by his success in archery. Eurytus
f Callisto. Her husband, Cresphontes, the Heraclid, king of Messenia, had been slain with two of his sons by rebellious nob
olt, reigned in his stead. But Æp′y-tus, the third son of Merope, who had been concealed by her in Arcadia, returned thence
12 (1860) Elements of Mythology, or, Classical Fables of the Greeks and the Romans
the habitable earth, they forgot and altered the revelation which God had made to Adam, Noah, and other patriarchs, and inv
rophet was our Saviour Jesus Christ, who came into the world as Moses had predicted. Moses was succeeded by other prophets.
law could be read to the people. Long before this time, all that God had taught the patriarchs concerning himself had been
this time, all that God had taught the patriarchs concerning himself had been altered or corrupted, as it was told from on
r the gods, as they called the Supreme Being,) to be as wicked as men had become themselves. They invented a god of wine fo
Besides the gods there were demi-gods. These were originally men who had performed great actions, and whom, after their de
n, Rhea or Cybele, the wife of Saturn, concealed one of her sons, and had him secretly educated. This son was Jupiter. Nept
ed that one of his brother’s sons, contrary to a promise which Saturn had made him, was permitted to live, he made war upon
considered as a most direful presage. If either of the vestal virgins had neglected her duty, or violated her vows, nothing
as supposed to open and shut the gates of heaven. The images of Janus had in one hand a key, to denote his power in heaven,
Just, wise, and powerful as Jove was represented by the heathens, he had not the infinite purity of the true God, for his
have piled mount Pelion upon Ossa. Jupiter defeated them all. Jupiter had several oracles; that of Dodona, in Epirus, and t
Thebes, entreated the god to appear to her as he did to Juno. Jupiter had sworn by the Styx to grant her whatever she shoul
imputed to Apollo, as well as to other of the heathen deities. Apollo had a son named Esculapius. Esculapius was the best p
death of Esculapius, destroyed the Cyclops, huge one-eyed giants who had forged the thunderbolts of Jupiter. The Cyclops w
suffered them to run wild, and they would have set the world on fire, had not Jupiter struck Phaeton into the Po, where he
he caduceus. This was a wand entwined with two serpents. The caduceus had a power to induce wakefulness, or to cause sleep.
ap called the petasus, and with wings for his feet called talaria. He had also a small sword which could render him invisib
e former people. The priests of Mars at Rome were called Salii, — hey had the care of Ancilia, or sacred shields. These shi
ld, in order to learn its origin. The oracle declared that the shield had fallen from heaven, and that Mars would favour th
first, though afterwards they were increased to twenty-four. Bellona had a temple at Rome. She usually harnessed the terri
rough the field of battle. Victory was also an attendant of Mars. She had several temples in Greece and Rome. Games were in
ancients sometimes marked the spot where they supposed a thunderbolt had fallen, enclosed the place, and held it in revere
refore called, from the Cyclops, the Cyclopean architecture.1 Vulcan had many Cyclops; the chief were Brontes, Steropes, a
, Steropes, and Pyracmon. The Cyclops were of prodigious stature, and had each but one eye, placed in the middle of their f
ived on such fruits and herbs as the earth spontaneously affords, and had no laws. All this only describes rude men, living
were forced to shield their faces with a piece of stiff leather, that had in the middle of a single perforation through whi
, was angry at Prometheus for the manifold blessings which the latter had bestowed upon mankind, because Jupiter himself ch
e, famine, discord, envy, calumny, and all the evils which Prometheus had endeavoured to banish from the earth. Prometheus,
ents, however, represented her under different characters. The Romans had a mild Juno, who had a benevolent and gracious co
ented her under different characters. The Romans had a mild Juno, who had a benevolent and gracious countenance. In general
s the daughter of Jupiter and Juno. She was the goddess of youth, and had the power of imparting to others her own perpetua
revolving light. Iliad, Book I. The heathen deities, like mortals, had their day and night.                            
s were settled; before the hills was I brought forth: while as yet he had not made the earth nor the fields, nor the highes
ance, and in her left a buckler, called the Egis. The Egis of Minerva had embossed upon it the head of Medusa. Medusa was o
served with great vigilance in the citadel of Troy, because an Oracle had declared, that, as long as it remained there, the
ung at the Panathenæa were commonly the eulogium of some citizen, who had performed a distinguished service to the state. T
d that among certain figures, engraved upon the shield of Minerva, he had placed likenesses of himself and of Pericles. In
ed with poppies and corn, and her left carried a lighted torch. Ceres had splendid temples, and she was worshipped by husba
e beauty of Proserpine, Pluto was resolved to make her his queen, and had come to carry her off with him. The young virgins
y wisely look upon. Barry Cornwall. It appears, however, that Pluto had nothing frightful in the apprehension of Proserpi
er lost child. Ceres, after a while, discovered whither Proserpine had been carried. Angry and grieved at this act of vi
to comfort and appease Ceres, consented, on condition that Proserpine had not tasted any thing in hell. Ceres, upon this, d
to earth with her mother. Pluto, however, was not to be deceived; he had employed a spy called Ascalaphus to watch Proserp
serpine, and when she was about to depart Ascalaphus declared that he had seen her eating a pomegranate. Therefore Proserpi
ther than Ascalaphus. When Proserpine heard him inform Pluto that she had eaten the pomegranate, in her anger she sprinkled
rated it to Venus. Some instances are related of beautiful ladies who had grown old, and no longer could take pleasure in t
in the reflection of their own faces, who would send the mirror they had been accustomed to use, and hang it up in the tem
accustomed to use, and hang it up in the temple of Venus, as if they had said. Time has robbed me of my beauty; I only see
. Sometimes she appears in a chariot of silver, drawn by hinds. Diana had two temples famous in history. The first was that
ses, from a Greek word, signifying to meditate, to inquire. The Muses had each a name derived from some particular accompli
y of her voice. She presided over rhetoric and epic poetry. The Muses had favourite haunts in Greece, — the vale of Tempe i
s were Hippocrene, and Castalia at the foot of Parnassus. Their horse had wings, and was called Pegasus — when Pegasus stru
d believed that not only the sea itself, but every fountain and river had its peculiar divinities. Oceanus and Nereus both
us both represented the ocean. Nereus was the son of Oceanus. Oceanus had seventy-two daughters, called the Oceanides, and
. Oceanus had seventy-two daughters, called the Oceanides, and Nereus had fifty, these were the Nereides. There were a grea
s. Polyphemus was a son of Neptune, a giant who, like the Cyclops had but one eye. He kept sheep in the island of Sicil
ia, seeing the corpse of her husband driven on shore by the tide, who had been shipwrecked on his return from consulting th
Harpies, certain disgusting demons mentioned by Virgil. The Harpies had human faces, but bodies of vultures, with long cl
f goats. Terminus was a Roman deity. Numa, finding the laws which he had established for the security of property insuffic
rned armies to flight. These frights are called Panics. The Athenians had a statue of him, like that of Mars. And in some a
ndividuals. Among these divinities, were ranked the souls of them who had faithfully served the state; and families placed
erpents. The Genii presided over the birth and life of men. Each spot had a local genius — one of the place. Cities, groves
in a chariot drawn by black horses, with a helmet on his head, which had the power of rendering him invisible. The victims
roar. The Infernal Regions was the place of reception for souls who had lived upon the earth. Immediately upon death, acc
does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.” The Greeks had notions of this divine justice, tempered with mer
e sentenced to the continued toil of filling with water vessels which had no bottom. Who were the more remarkable criminal
a region of grief and horror, proper for the punishment of those who had made themselves vile. Notwithstanding the heathen
gratified by the society of each other, and by those occupations that had been agreeable to them during their lives. Whenc
ction of his own face and form; it was more lovely than any object he had ever seen; he desired above all things, to posses
ipped health under the name of Hygeia. The Romans call her Salus. She had a temple at Rome, and her priests offered up supp
s already described, the Greeks offered worship to heroes, or men who had rendered eminent services to society. In what man
manded of the Thebans the tribute of a hundred oxen, because a Theban had slain his father. These public services induced C
duous labours, Eurystheus reminding him at the same time that Jupiter had given him the power to command him. Hercules upon
and bring alive to Eurystheus, a stag consecrated to Diana. This stag had golden horns, and brazen feet, and was of incredi
h labour was the cleansing of the stables of Augias, where 3,000 oxen had been confined many years. This was effected by tu
Hercules checked the inundation of a river, and that when the waters had subsided, the soil, which had been overflowed, pr
on of a river, and that when the waters had subsided, the soil, which had been overflowed, produced fruits and flowers. Bef
o her. After that time, Hercules, remembering that the father of Iole had refused him his daughter, took upon himself to ma
rs as fearless and full of hope as himself. A certain king of Thebes, had a son and daughter, named Phryxus and Helle, who
e of their father’s wives. Phryxus and Helle, to escape from Ino, who had determined to offer them as sacrifices to some go
in sum, which he might gain in a voyage of traffic, though such a one had never been before attempted by any Greeks. After
n taming the bulls, etc. The fleece being thus obtained, Jason, as he had promised, took Medea for his wife, and returned i
onnesus, and Theseus resolved to expel them. Æthra, during his youth, had never informed Theseus that his father was King o
nto the sea. The third, Procrustes, in the wantonness of his cruelty, had invented a bed into which he forced his victims;
s executed, Theseus appeared to his father with the sword which Æthra had given him. Ægeus knew the sword, and readily beli
e sword, and readily believed Theseus when he related what his mother had told him. Ægeus was delighted with his new-found
e vessel appeared in sight, and with it the fatal black sail. Theseus had forgotten to remove it. As soon as Ægeus saw the
soon as Ægeus saw the black sail, he apprehended that some misfortune had happened to his son, and, in his despair, precipi
efully; but he became tired of quiet; he remembered the days which he had spent in hazardous enterprises; in killing robber
to Athens. The Athenians could no longer respect Theseus, because he had abandoned his duty, and had shown no regard to th
uld no longer respect Theseus, because he had abandoned his duty, and had shown no regard to the rights of other princes, a
, about four centuries before Christ, took up the remains of Theseus, had them removed to Athens, and there buried. Over th
them that the former should be killed by his son. As soon as Jocasta had a son, Laius commanded her to kill him; but no mo
nd took him to the palace of the king. The Queen of Corinth, Peribœa, had no child, and she soon loved the little Œdipus, a
oved the little Œdipus, as the foundling was called, as well as if he had been her own son; as well as the Egyptian princes
his father, and marry his mother. Œdipus did not know what to do: he had no home but the house of Polybus, and he resolved
ipus, uncertain whither he should go, took the road to Phocis, but he had not proceeded far, when he met on the way a chari
ear that people set much value upon life. Œdipus did not care whom he had killed, but went on towards Phocis • At that time
ghbourhood of Thebes. This monster was, perhaps, a robber. The Sphinx had proposed a riddle, and it was said, whoever shoul
covered and punished. Œdipus loved his people, and forgetting that he had ever killed a man himself, resolved upon discover
d herself; and Œdipus, in his distress, tore out his own eyes. Œdipus had four children: two sons and two daughters: the so
les and Polynices, and the daughters, Antigone and Ismene. The oracle had pronounced that Œdipus should not die in Thebes,
ne. As soon as Theseus approached him, Œdipus exclaimed that the gods had appointed that spot on which he stood for his bur
entreated her sister Ismene to help her in this sad duty; but Ismene had less courage, and dared not comply with Antigone’
she buried Polynices in the night. Creon being informed that Antigone had disobeyed him, ordered her to be buried alive. Hæ
but another man, one Aristæus, loved her also. The Greeks of that age had never heard of the commandment, “Thou shalt not c
scended to the infernal regions, and played most delightfully when he had entered the domain of “gloomy Dis.” At the sou
proceeded to the region of day, and Eurydice followed; but before he had set his foot upon earth, Orpheus forgot the comma
s produced by Orpheus? What caused the death of Eurydice? What effect had the music of Orpheus in the Infernal Regions? Upo
history, that Leucippus, a prince who was uncle to these adventurers, had two daughters, Phœbe and Talaria; these young wom
n of Laomedon, was the last king of Troy; his wife was Hecuba, and he had according to the story, fifty children; the most
passed his life in rural quiet and honour, if the deities themselves had not intruded upon his peaceful obscurity. Peleus,
ctionately acknowledged Paris. Some years before this event, Hercules had carried off Hesione, the sister of Priam, and mar
ject. His real design, however, was to obtain the princess whom Venus had promised him. Paris visited Sparta, and Menelaus,
m and his family refuse to receive her. When Helen was young, Theseus had carried her off, but she was recovered, and her n
ces, and demanded of them to assist him in punishing the Trojans, who had encouraged Paris in his perfidy. Menelaus, with m
Paris engage? How did Paris requite the hospitality of Menelaus? Who had vowed to punish those who should carry off Helen?
s. Calchas being consulted in this emergency, declared that Agamemnon had provoked Diana, by killing her favourite stag, an
accordingly. The mythologists explain this story thus: they say Diana had compassion upon the innocent virgin, and carried
rgive host, as Homer often calls the Greeks, departed from Aulis, and had a favourable passage to Troy. At Troy, the Grecia
horse, went out of their gates to examine the wonder, and afterwards had it drawn within their walls. When the Greeks, con
other story is told concerning the taking of Troy. It is said that it had been decreed by the gods that Troy should not fal
f the Trojans should be slain by the arrows of Hercules. These arrows had been dipped in the blood of the Lernean Hydra, an
umbers of the Trojans with the fatal arrows, among others, Paris, who had caused the war. Sophocles has made a drama of the
. Agamemnon brought with him Cassandra, the daughter of Priam. Apollo had conferred upon Cassandra the gift of prophecy, bu
complished? Orestes and Pylades. Besides Iphigenia, Agamemnon had two children, a son and a daughter; these were El
Electra sent him to the care of Strophius, King of Phocis. Strophius had a son, whose name was Pylades, and so much did Or
o aid her brother’s purpose, Electra caused it to be reported that he had died in Phocis. Clytemnestra and Egisthus rejoice
d, watching their approach, killed his father’s murderers, alter they had reigned seven years. After this horrid act, howev
e. To be tormented by the Furies, means that he was sorry for what he had done; that he thought constantly of his murdered
the king as to save both. She told them as she was a Greek, that she had friends in Greece, and that one or other of them
ual. Iphigenia confessed that she was that daughter of Agamemnon, who had miraculously escaped from Aulis, and she instantl
, and brought them back to Scythia, but Minerva informed him that all had been done according to the will of the gods. The
calms confined Heaven to my fleet refused a prosperous wind; No vows had we preferred, nor victim slain! For this the gods
y, he slew a flock of sheep, supposing them to be sons of Atreus, who had bestowed the armour upon Ulysses, and at length k
s taken, Ajax pursued Cassandra into the Temple of Minerva. Cassandra had fled thither as an asylum, a place where she migh
chantress metamorphosed all his companions into hogs. The god Mercury had given Ulysses an herb called Moly, which preserve
onsulted the prophet Teresias, how he might return to Ithaca. Ulysses had compelled Circe to restore his men to their natur
d to detain him in her island as long as he should live; but after he had resided with her seven years, the gods commanded
e, and she obeyed him, and the hero departed once more for Ithaca. He had almost reached Corcyra, when Neptune recollected
ost reached Corcyra, when Neptune recollected that his son Polyphemus had had his single eye put out by Ulysses, and though
reached Corcyra, when Neptune recollected that his son Polyphemus had had his single eye put out by Ulysses, and thought it
od raised a storm and sunk Ulysses’ ship, and the latter, not till he had suffered many perils, arrived safely at the islan
ate his adventures. Ulysses readily complied, and afterwards Antinöus had him safely conveyed to his own kingdom, which he
at his feet. During the absence of Ulysses, the neighbouring princes had severally importuned Penelope to marry one of the
queen of Phocia? In what character did Ulysses go to his palace? Who had taken possession of the palace of Ulysses in his
person being defended by a suit of impenetrable armour, which Thetis had procured to be made for him by Vulcan. Among the
the battle, and after his separation, the Trojans prevailed. Achilles had a friend whom he tenderly loved: this was Patrocl
fice on the tomb of Achilles, to celebrate the hero, and the poet who had transmitted his fame to posterity. Who was Achil
e-maker. When Achilles and Agamemnon, in the first book of the Iliad, had their fierce quarrel concerning the captive Brise
ed, Words sweet as honey from his lips distilled. Two generations now had passed away, Wise by his rules and happy by his s
t presume upon, who should abandon his duties for ten years. His wife had married a stranger, and his subjects had become r
ties for ten years. His wife had married a stranger, and his subjects had become regardless of all laws; so he left his cou
hes the most obdurate heart. The wretched Priam kissed the hands that had been stained with the blood of his dear son, and
rted Achilles to restore his mangled form. Achilles, implacable as he had shown himself, could not refuse a request so reas
he king of the country, who gave him his daughter Lavinia, though she had been previously promised to Turnus, for a wife. E
met also with a kind reception from Evander, a prince of Arcadia, who had brought a colony into Italy, had dispossessed the
om Evander, a prince of Arcadia, who had brought a colony into Italy, had dispossessed the aborigines, or natives, of a lit
the aborigines, or natives, of a little tract adjacent to Latium, and had established himself there. This prince gave Eneas
ek cities of Asia Minor perhaps possessed as much knowledge, that is, had made as many discoveries in science, and had made
much knowledge, that is, had made as many discoveries in science, and had made as many useful inventions as the most intell
chons, or chief magistrates of Athens, just before the time of Solon, had established laws, which the Athenians could not e
thyself.” —  “Desire nothing too much,” was often in his mouth. Chilo had a beloved and accomplished son — the young man ga
land of Lesbos. The Egean islands sometimes enjoyed independence, and had lawgivers and defenders of their own. When Lesbos
nts; or assumes on earth, the form of some animal; unless its offence had been so heinous as to merit a vegetable, or even
ow up the sacred things, and animals, and the water of life, which it had swallowed. Varuna, the genius of the waters. Agni
den, and feeling the approach of death, and wishing to meet it, as he had often braved it in the field, he assembled his co
Imir, the supreme creator, sitting in “lonely sadness” because earth had no intelligent inhabitants. The ninth stanza supp
akes birds of the morning celebrate the day when “God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good.” The eleventh
under their influence dared not disobey them in any thing. The Druids had no letters nor any costly temples. They composed
d quaffed nectar from the skulls of their enemies, and that those who had loved the chase upon earth, the shades of heroes,
tating the idolatries of the Syrians. For many centuries, the Hebrews had but one place of worship, and most of them being
off. Dagon his name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish; yet had his temple high, Reared in Azotus dreaded through
Dagon? What does the passage captive ark, etc. refer to? What effect had the presence of the ark upon the statue of Dagon,
ment of the temple, and inquired for the god in whose honour the fane had been built, one of the pastophori, an attendant o
ers environed and melodious founts. Which soothed the solemn mansion, had revealed, How Oromazes, radiant source of good. O
revelations of God to the first men, some imperfect accounts that God had long ago declared himself to his creatures, savag
story of Samson, and the sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter. The Greeks had a fable that the world had been drowned; that a g
crifice of Jephthah’s daughter. The Greeks had a fable that the world had been drowned; that a good man and woman, Deucalio
ects to be industrious, and to love one another. The ancient Mexicans had a Golden Age, which was commenced under the instr
cans in any respect resemble that of ancient Rome? ——— The Mexicans had no writings, but they represented their religion,
of the Hindus believe in the Metempsychosis to this day. The Mexicans had thirteen principal gods, besides the god Teotl. T
ed? How was the image of Tez-cat-li-po-ca described? ——— The Greeks had a fable, that all the elements which form the uni
of Mexico, the goddess of fertile fields and of harvest. This goddess had a multitude of priests employed in her worship, a
re made every year. These North American savages, besides these gods, had a goddess of hunting, a god of fishing, a goddess
, another of drugs, and a god of wine. Ix-lil-tot, the god of physic, had a temple, to which sick children were carried, in
ge of the god; and after that ceremony, some consecrated water, which had been blessed by the priest, was given to be drunk
iven to be drunk as a medicine. Coat-li-cue, the goddess of flowers, had a temple in Mexico. Baskets and bunches of flower
g of the temple of Mexitli, at first a miserable hovel. When the city had become populous and rich, this sanctuary was rebu
. The stones of its pavements were wrought to an exquisite polish. It had four gates, fronting east, west, north, and south
ur times a day, the Mexicans offered incense to their idols, and they had censers in all their houses, to use in their dome
ht of the new truth. About this time, the law against foreign deities had fallen into neglect at Athens; for the gods of Th
had fallen into neglect at Athens; for the gods of Thrace and Phrygia had obtained a place among the ancient divinities. Th
turies before Christ, found an Arcadian people in Italy, and they too had carried thither the religion, which supposes that
be raised, was bound by garlands of flowers and fillets. Persons who had lucky names, (according to the superstition of th
g; entreating that the divine mercy would accomplish what human piety had begun. This prayer being concluded, a great compa
lively expressions, was drawn by their united force to a trench which had been marked in the soil, for the reception of the
econd time: still she returned again, having but three books, for she had burnt three of the six, and still she demanded th
The augurs, after some mysterious consultations, told Tarquin that he had been guilty of impiety in refusing a gift from th
pillar would be erected where some extraordinary mercy or deliverance had occurred. In the twenty-eighth chapter of Genesis
“And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone which he had put for his pillow, and set it up for a pillar, a
ar, shall be God’s house.” Doubtless, all who came that way knew what had happened there, and stopping, worshipped at the p
had happened there, and stopping, worshipped at the place which Jacob had called “the gate of heaven.” In a similar manner.
ver the Greek empire. The Greek empire signifies, wherever the Greeks had established colonies, and founded cities, and tra
Clark, “the form of the temple has sustained a greater injury than it had already experienced from the Venetian artillery.”
he Parthenon wore light hats slightly confined by ribands. The Greeks had two external covers for the head, the Petasus, an
, or as a Christian sanctuary, was lighted only by means of lamps; it had no windows.” “The remains of many ancient buildin
rophet . It appears from all antiquity, that though the Hebrews alone had true prophets, all nations believed that the gods
to the temples; these were either designed to pacify the deity, if he had been offended, or to procure some favour, or to e
own or other person’s faults, are sometimes called curses. The Greeks had a most superstitious fear of curses. Kings, paren
mes to express the will of God, and could not be recalled. When Isaac had blessed Jacob, and given him the inheritance of E
raw the blessing, and give his property to the first-born, because he had , as it were, promised them in a solemn manner to
use he had, as it were, promised them in a solemn manner to Jacob who had deceived him. An oath is a solemn promise made in
of mariners was to thank the gods for their preservation; and if they had been safely landed after tempests, their custom w
er tempests, their custom was to consecrate the garment in which they had escaped, out of gratitude to their deliverers, an
ind for so many ages in ignorance of himself; though men of all times had some true notions of the divine character and gov
rnment. Nineteen centuries before Christ, God instructed Abraham, who had then no child, that from him should descend a rac
amely, our Lord Jesus Christ. Four hundred and thirty years after God had given this promise to Abraham, his posterity was
n all; the heathens worshipped gods many, and lords many. The Hebrews had a moral law that taught them their duty to God an
God and their neighbours; the heathens were a law to themselves; they had not the ten commandments which God gave to Moses.
hey had not the ten commandments which God gave to Moses. The Hebrews had a holy Sabbath; the heathens had no day of rest,
which God gave to Moses. The Hebrews had a holy Sabbath; the heathens had no day of rest, and of instruction. The Hebrews h
ath; the heathens had no day of rest, and of instruction. The Hebrews had true prophets, whose predictions were accomplishe
se oracles and diviners, whose lies were only delusions. The heathens had a religion which lasted for a few centuries, and
w centuries, and then gave place to another and a better; the Hebrews had a religion which was the first lesson of eternal
ens, in their knowledge of the character of God? What moral advantage had the Hebrews over heathens? What superior religiou
e had the Hebrews over heathens? What superior religious institutions had the Hebrews? Did the ceremonies of Judaism at all
eism? Jewish Priests. The Hebrew religion, like the Pagan, had its holy persons, holy times, holy places, holy a
esthood. The Egyptians, and all the distinct orders of Greek priests, had their hierarch. Christian churches have followed
se eldest sons were hereditary high-priests ever after, provided they had no bodily imperfection. The rest of Aaron’s desce
13 (1895) The youth’s dictionary of mythology for boys and girls
eated in a philosophical manner. This school maintains that the myths had their origin in a “disease of the language, as th
ek, and Sanskrit, the great languages of antiquity, they demonstrate, had their foundation in a single source which is stil
g the ceremonies of the Sacrifice. Absy′rtus [Absyrtus]. After Jason had slain the dragon which guarded the golden fleece,
ress, and daughter of Æetes, who pursued with great energy, for Medea had taken with her the most precious treasure of the
Deianeira. To decide who should have the bride, Hercules and Achelous had recourse to a wrestling bout, the fame of which e
ictionary”). The current of the river Acheron, across which all souls had to pass to hear their decree from Pluto, was so s
available. He would allow no soul to enter this leaky craft until he had received the obolus, or fare, which the ancients
, that they might not be delayed in their passage to Pluto. Those who had not their fare were forced to wait one hundred ye
nto the Stygian pool, which made him invulnerable wherever the waters had washed him; but the heel by which he was held was
ge, encountering Diomed, and even Achilles himself. When the Grecians had set the city on fire Æneas took his aged father,
a thunderbolt. To revenge his son’s death Apollo slew the Cyclops who had forged the thunderbolt. By his marriage with Epio
yclops who had forged the thunderbolt. By his marriage with Epione he had two sons, Machaon and Podalirus, both famous phys
nor of Æsculapius, and votive tablets were hung therein by people who had been healed by him; but his most famous shrine wa
ower. Angero′nia [Angeronia], otherwise Volupia, was the goddess who had the power of dispelling anguish of mind. Anna Pe
d of Jason, to fetch the Golden Fleece. Ar′gus [Argus] was a god who had a hundred eyes which slept and watched by turns.
er of misfortune, by Ceres, because he informed Pluto that Proserpine had partaken of food in the infernal regions, and thu
r that marriage would be fatal to her, but, being very beautiful, she had many suitors. She was a very swift runner, and, t
tains in Africa is called after him, and so is the Atlantic Ocean. He had seven daughters by his wife Pleione, they were ca
ey were called by one common name, Pleiades; and by his wife Æthra he had seven more, who were, in the same manner, called
owner of the stable which Hercules cleansed after three thousand oxen had been kept in it for thirty years. It was cleansed
that form she was hunted by her son Arcas, who would have killed her had not Jupiter turned him into a he-bear. The nymph
nitor of Zephyrus, the west wind. Cen′taur [Centaur]. A huntsman who had the forepart like a man, and the remainder of the
A wild illusion, personified in the monster slain by Bellerophon. It had the head and breast of a lion, the body of a goat
il gods. Dan′ae [Danae] was a daughter of Acrisius and Eurydice. She had a son by Jupiter, who was drifted out to sea in a
us. Flute, see Marsyas. Fortu′na [Fortuna], the goddess of fortune, had a temple erected to her by Servius Tullius. She w
en him. Glauko′pis [Glaukopis]. A name given to Minerva, because she had blue eyes. Gno′mes [Gnomes], a name given by Pla
ddess of youth. She was cup-bearer to Jupiter and the gods, until she had an awkward fall at a festival, causing her to ali
ioteer of the sun, who went home every evening in a golden boat which had wings. Hel′iotrope [Heliotrope]. Clytie was turn
us. Fifth, To cleanse the stable of King Augeas, in which 3,000 oxen had been kept for thirty years, but had never been cl
King Augeas, in which 3,000 oxen had been kept for thirty years, but had never been cleaned out. Sixth, To destroy the St
eration he cast himself into a funeral pile on Mount Œta; but Jupiter had him taken to heaven in a four-horse chariot, and
th the sun, threatens rain. Hy′dra [Hydra]. A monster serpent, which had a hundred heads. It was slain by Hercules. See He
ond wife of Athamas, King of Thebes, father of Phryxus and Helle. Ino had two children, who could not ascend the throne whi
and restored to human shape. Juno continued her persecutions, and Io had to wander from place to place till she came to Eg
æ. For attempting to produce thunder, Jupiter cast him into hell, and had him bound to a wheel, surrounded with serpents, w
ms which she gave him he overcame all the difficulties which the king had put in his way. He took away the Golden Fleece an
he goddess of marriage, and the protectress of married women; and she had special regard for virtuous women. In the competi
e Hindoo god of riches. L La′be [Labe]. The Arabian Circe, who had unlimited power of metamorphosis. Lab′or [Labor]
he Greeks and Romans, and the great dread of their children, whom she had the credit of constantly enticing away and destro
eing starved he was compelled to ask the god to withdraw the power he had bestowed upon him. He was told to bathe in the ri
was married to Amphitrite, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, by whom he had a son named Triton. He was also father of Polyphe
ands of flowers. Nere′us [Nereus]. A sea deity, husband of Doris. He had the gift of prophecy, and foretold fates; but he
and of Doris. He had the gift of prophecy, and foretold fates; but he had also the power of assuming various shapes, which
alus, and is the personification of grief. By her husband Amphion she had seven sons and seven daughters. By the orders of
d means swift of flight. Ocy′roe [Ocyroe]. A daughter of Chiron, who had the gift of prophecy. She was metamorphosed into
Sophocles. Œno′ne [Œnone]. Wife of Paris, a nymph of Mount Ida, who had the gift of prophecy. Ogyg′ia [Ogygia]. An islan
Olym′pius [Olympius]. A name of Jupiter, from Olympia, where the god had a splendid temple, which was considered to be one
[Onarus]. A priest of Bacchus, said to have married Ariadne after she had been abandoned by Theseus. Onu′va [Onuva]. The V
ode of Vulcan, who gave him a guide. He then consulted an oracle, and had his sight restored, as Longfellow says, by fixing
th Orpheus, but on condition that he did not look behind him until he had reached the terrestrial regions. Orpheus, however
iven Apollo, from pæan, the hymn which was sung in his honor after he had killed the serpent Python. Pæans were solemn song
[Paris], the son of Priam, king of Troy, and of his mother Hecuba. It had been predicted that he would be the cause of the
ordered him to be strangled as soon as he was born; but the slave who had been entrusted with this mission took the child t
r, found the infant and took care of him. He lived among them till he had grown to man’s estate, and he then married Œnone,
Ida. At the famous nuptial feast of Peleus and Thetis, Discordia, who had not been invited, attended secretly; and when all
ould first be cut up and put in a caldron of boiling water. When this had been done, Medea refused to fulfil her promise. P
When this had been done, Medea refused to fulfil her promise. Pelias had four daughters, who were called the Peliades. Pe
given to the gods, who, when they found out what the father of Pelops had done, restored the son to life, and he afterward
o beautiful that Sappho became enamored of him; but when the ointment had all been used Phaon returned to his former condit
he death of Hercules, and received from him the poisoned arrows which had been dipped in the blood of Hydra. These arrows,
ather of Faunus, was turned into a woodpecker by Circe, whose love he had not requited. Pier′ides [Pierides]. A name of th
ried a mortal, and was ashamed to show herself among her sisters, who had all been married to gods.                       
es come so slowly. Plu′vius [Pluvius]. A name of Jupiter, because he had the rain in his control. Podalir′ius [Podalirius
on. He presumed to make clay men, and animate them with fire which he had stolen from heaven. This so displeased Jupiter th
re daily preyed upon his liver, which grew in the night as much as it had been reduced in the day, so that the punishment w
ng the soul or spirit. Pygma′lion [Pygmalion]. A famous sculptor who had resolved to remain unmarried, but he made such a
ed Janus Quadrifrons. Qui′es [Quies]. The Roman goddess of rest; she had a temple just outside the Colline gate of Rome.
mnusia]. A name of Nemesis, from Rhamnus, a town in Attica, where she had a temple in which was her statue, made of one sto
d to the particular god to whom the sacrifice was offered. The victim had its horns gilt, and was adorned with a chaplet si
salt water. See Amphitrite. Sal′ii [Salii]. The priests of Mars who had charge of the sacred shields. Salmo′neus [Salmon
e, and was changed by the goddess into a frightful sea-monster, which had six fearfully ugly heads and necks, and which, ri
Bacchus (Dionysus), who was born in a miraculous manner after Jupiter had visited her, at her special request, in all his t
to destruction. To avoid the snare when nearing their abode, Ulysses had the ears of his companions stopped with wax, and
r abode, Ulysses had the ears of his companions stopped with wax, and had himself tied to the mast of his ship. They thus s
hus sailed past in safety; but the Sirens, thinking that their charms had lost their powers, drowned themselves. Sis′yphus
Laverna, Mercury. Thor. The Scandinavian war-god (son of Odin), who had rule over the aerial regions, and, like Jupiter,
inds, and the ships were immediately blown back to Æolia. After Circe had turned his companions into swine on an island whe
lysses was reported to be dead, she would not marry any one else, and had the satisfaction of finding her husband return af
us indirectly caused the Trojan War, for, when the goddess of discord had thrown among the goddesses the golden apple inscr
of Saturn and Cybele, was the goddess of the hearth and its fire. She had under her special care and protection a famous st
14 (1836) The new pantheon; or, an introduction to the mythology of the ancients
the Heathens to the false divinities whom their deluded imaginations had devised, that from the contemplation of such a sp
r superior powers. Where did Idolatry begin? Idolatry appears to have had its origin in very early ages, in India, Egypt, a
ands. In the time of Moses, the illustrious Hebrew lawgiver, Idolatry had attained to so great a height that, through him,
lestial populace. They were called the Inferior Gods of Nations. They had no place in heaven; nor were they admitted to the
apius, Castor, Pollux, &c. Heroes likewise, who, by their valour, had raised themselves to the rank of immortals, had a
who, by their valour, had raised themselves to the rank of immortals, had a place among these. What was the fourth order? T
at was the fourth order? The fourth order contained the virtues which had formed great men; Fidelity, Concord, Courage, Pru
? Rhea, or Cybele, the wife of Saturn, concealed one of her sons, and had him privately educated; but all her precautions c
uld not prevent Titan, the elder brother, from being informed of what had passed; who, wishing to preserve to his children
people, who were living in a wild and savage state; and when success had crowned his efforts, gratitude raised altars to h
ken off during the festival of the Saturnalia, to shew that his reign had been that of happiness and liberty. He is frequen
and, on that account, was called Magna Mater — the Great Mother. She had many names, the most common of which are: Dindymé
ise of drums and cymbals, and with frightful yells and cries.‌ 3 She had a temple at Rome, called Opertum, into which men
considered as a most direful presage. If either of the Vestal virgins had neglected her duty, or violated her vows, nothing
him as an animated God, as one of those men whose illustrious actions had procured him divine honours, contradicted themsel
otus, was the Jupiter of the Assyrians. In short, almost every nation had its own Jupiter. The Ethiopians called him Assabi
s the person afterwards known under the name of Jupiter Ammon. Japhet had for his share the maritime parts of Asia, with th
h caused him to be accounted, in aftertimes, the God of the sea. Shem had the rest of Asia, where the worship of fire becam
his children, caused them all to be confined. Rhea, Jupiter’s mother, had the address to save him, and sent him from Arcadi
ther, gave them another defeat, and thus terminated the war, after it had lasted ten years. Becoming master of such a might
, salt, or incense. The oak and the olive were consecrated to him. He had three oracles, much celebrated; that of Dodona, t
as an earthly monarch, he would have been a truly illustrious Prince, had he not been excessively addicted to pleasure, and
hter, and that Pluto should be compelled to restore her, provided she had neither eaten nor drunken during her residence in
nor drunken during her residence in his dominions. Unfortunately she had taken part of a pomegranate, which was perceived
them, adorned with a crown, sang the praises of Ceres; and after they had offered an oblation of wine mixed with honey and
ow immortality upon Tithonus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy, whom she had married, forgetting to request perpetual youth to
to meditate, to inquire. What are the proper names of the Muses? They had , each, a name derived from some particular accomp
ed over rhetoric and epic poetry. Had the Muses any other names? They had names common to them all. Heliconides, from Mount
drawn by hinds. Where were situated her most celebrated temples? She had two temples famous in history. The first was that
rn in Egypt, and educated at Nysa, a city in Arabia Felix; whither he had been sent by his father, Jupiter Ammon. From them
rved, with great vigilance, in the citadel of Troy, because an Oracle had declared, that, as long as it remained there, the
e Helmet. Where were his temples and what were his priests called? He had several temples at Rome, and among the Greeks and
d other warlike nations. His priests, at Rome, were called Salii, and had the care of the Ancilia, or sacred shields. What
istory? There were many princes of this name, and almost every nation had its own Mars. The original Mars is supposed to be
horses of Mars for battle, and with disheveled hair driving them. She had a temple at Rome, and her priests offered to her,
on themselves. Who was Victory? The daughter of Styx and Acheron. She had several temples in Greece and Rome. Games were in
a, as produced from the foam of the sea; and Paphia, from Paphos. She had likewise the appellations of Mother; the Victorio
before which stood a colossal statue seventy feet high. What children had he? Erictheus, fourth king of Athens, was his son
from his being the first who paid particular attention to eloquence, had the name of Hermes given to him, He is said to ha
or chases, sleep with wond’rous pow’r, And opes those eyes that death had seal’d before. Thus arm’d, on wings of wind subli
. What were the divinities of the waters? Each river and fountain had its peculiar Divinity. The Egyptians held the Sea
her of the terrible Gorgons; Proteus, and Triton. Polyphemus. Scarce had he said; when lo! th’ enormous swain, Huge Polyph
ife of Ceyx, king of Trachinia, seeing the corpse of her husband (who had been shipwrecked on his return from consulting th
eptre, and controls their rage; Or, down the void, their rapid whirls had driven Earth, air, and ocean, and the tow’rs of h
males were veiled. Who was Terminus? Numa, finding the laws which he had established for the security of property insuffic
consternation which sometimes turned armies to flight. The Athenians had a statue of him, like that of Mars. And in some a
ndividuals. Among these Divinities, were ranked the souls of them who had faithfully served the state; and families placed
Charon4, the aged, surly, boat- man, receives those into his bark who had been honoured with funeral rites, but rejects ine
sentenced to the continued toil of filling, with water, vessels which had no bottom. Did not the ancients strangely multipl
, were, after their death, placed in the rank of subordinate Deities; had temples built in honour of them, and a high degre
destroyed, in the lake of Lerna, the Hydra, a dreadful serpent, which had seven heads; as fast as either one of which was c
y turning a river through it, he cleansed the stable of Augeas, which had not been emptied for thirty years, though three t
e burnt himself to death on a funeral pile, formed of trees, which he had torn up by the roots, when driven to distraction
e. This was an expedition undertaken to recover some treasures, which had been carried thither from their own country. This
was their appearance, as to turn into stone all who beheld them. They had the faces and breasts of women, and the tails of
from the chariot of the sun, to animate the figure of a man which he had formed of clay, with exquisite skill. For this th
visible objects; such as deified illustrious men, &c     When men had gradually departed from the only living and true
hen men had gradually departed from the only living and true God, and had lost the sublime idea of an invisible but ever pr
, celebrated heroes, sages, and legislators, who, during their lives, had obtained great fame and extensive respect, by bri
ose waters lie, Blue and transpicuous, like another sky, The elements had rear’d their king’s abode. And form’d a palace wo
ts; or assumes, on earth, the form of some animal; unless its offence had been so heinous, as to merit a vegetable, or even
ow up the sacred things, and animals, and the water of life, which it had swallowed. Varuna, the genius of the waters. Agni
cts of Egyptian worship, under various forms and names. The Egyptians had several methods of representing, by symbols, the
er or the lower half of the Zodiac. While in the upper hemisphere, he had wings of a brilliant hue; but in the wintry month
erious sympathy. Such was the religion of the vulgar; but the learned had better knowledge, and sounder philosophy, which t
in general, but chiefly in the city Cynopolis. The statue of this god had the head of a dog: dogs were accounted sacred to
the gods, his image was the leader of the pompous processions; and he had the office of conducting the souls of the dead to
e he was received with great pomp, and reconducted to Egypt, after he had been exhibited at the annual festival of the Ethi
be the effect of his inspiration. Like other Egyptian deities, Thoth had a sacred animal appropriated to him, whose figure
several governments, each having its own monarch. At that time Egypt had no foreign commerce, but confined her attention t
e second age of Egyptian history, when the shepherd kings, from Asia, had inundated the country with their barbarous multit
the face of things, with respect to customs, manners, and taste, and had introduced gross idolatry, the second Hermes, sur
y third day, in each lunation, was consecrated to her; and her images had the form of a female vulture, with the wings spre
nd was so terrified by the horrible impiety which he imagined that he had committed by this involuntary act, that he became
tuted, the people imagined that they still adored the same being, who had only undergone a new transmigration. He was a bla
rated sunbeams, was preserved with the greatest care. The priests who had the charge of this fire; of conducting the simple
ness, and the Man-Bull resided in an elevated region, which the Deity had assigned him. At last, an evil being, named Ahrim
a serpent, and introduced a number of evil demons or spirits, whom he had seduced from obedience to the great Deity. By his
rs environ’d, and melodious founts. Which sooth’d the solemn mansion, had revealed, How Oromazes, radiant source of good, O
ruel rites. The priests of this religion were called Druids, and they had the entire direction of all theological concerns.
n has thus described a druidical grove: “Not far away, for ages past had stood An old unviolated sacred wood; Whose gloomy
system. They associated to the Supreme God, many of those genii, who had been always considered as subordinate to him, and
den, and feeling the approach of death, and wishing to meet it, as he had often braved it in the field, he assembled his co
as instinct with life, and voluntarily returning to his hand after he had hurled it at his foes; his belt, inspiring streng
alla in the city of Midgard, or Asgard; where the souls of heroes who had fallen in battle, enjoy their supreme felicity. T
and drink mead, of ale, out of the sculls of their enemies, whom they had killed in their mortal life. It mentions Odin’s s
rocess of time, was heightened into religious reverence. The Arabians had , likewise, a great number of other idols; each tr
off. Dagon his name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish; yet had his temple high, Rear’d in Azotus, dreaded throug
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