throw a veil over the weakness which thus betrays my youthful ardour into a public avowal of that esteem and affection for

ent, she sees them trembling headlong from redhot rock to redhot rock into the fire-waving abyss, the victim of a trillion-f

red whatever related to the worship of the gods that had been brought into their country by the colonies from Phœnicia and E

. Human victims were occasionally sacrificed. The gods may be divided into Celestial, Marine, Terrestrial, and Infernal. We

ter I. Of the Different Orders of the Gods. The gods were divided into four orders. The first order comprised the superi

grief, and the like. The twenty gods of the first order were divided into two classes. The first class formed the council o

as soon as they were born. Cybele, his wife, having, however, brought into the world Jupiter and Juno at one birth, found me

stages of our existence; divides our terrestrial segment of eternity into the successive periods of hours, days, months, ye

re debate and impious war shall cease, Then the stern age be soften’d into peace: Then banish’d faith shall once again retur

avours all creatures; Fatua, because infants never cry till they come into the world; Pessinuntia, because an image of hers

nto the world; Pessinuntia, because an image of hers fell from heaven into the field of Pessinus in Phrygia. She is represen

ancient. Several authors affirm that it was Cadmus who introduced it into Europe. They relate that Dardanus, contemporary w

arth, which passed, with the other ceremonies of the Egyptians, first into Syria and Phœnicia, and afterwards into Phrygia,

onies of the Egyptians, first into Syria and Phœnicia, and afterwards into Phrygia, whence it at length arrived in Greece an

ving compassion upon a mortal whom she had loved so much, changed him into a pine tree, which was from that time consecrated

ne. With these arms they conquered Saturn. Jupiter threw him headlong into the bottom of Tartarus, with the Titans, under th

is, his son, succeeded. Obs. 2. — Jupiter’s throwing his father down into the infernal regions, may be thus accounted for:

ken refuge in Spain, the poets represented them as having been driven into the Infernal Regions. So they gave the name of Ta

r, and drowned in its waters, were represented as having been plunged into Tartarus. Some of them having been recalled from

incarnated them in monstrous forms and powers. The different animals into which the frightened gods figured themselves were

the stones. The stones thrown by Deucalion and by Pyrrha were changed into men and into women. “No pow’r the pride of morta

he stones thrown by Deucalion and by Pyrrha were changed into men and into women. “No pow’r the pride of mortals can contro

mals. The nymph Chelone refused to be present. Mercury threw her down into , a river, and changed her into a turtle (which he

to be present. Mercury threw her down into, a river, and changed her into a turtle (which her name signifies) that she migh

o deliver her from the persecution of Juno, Jupiter metamorphosed her into a cow. The trick could not deceive the goddess. S

nd killed him during his sleep. To reward Argus, Juno transformed him into a peacock, and impressed his eyes on its feathers

irgin, crowned with roses, and holding a vase or ewer, with a goblet, into which she pours nectar. Sometimes the eagle of Ju

her because her temple was in a grove, or because she brought infants into the tracts of light; Nuptialis, because married p

e yoke of matrimony on man and woman. Domiducus introduced the bride into the bridegroom’s house. Domitius was invoked to

iones. They worshipped her, when they put their designs and intrigues into execution. She appears with a head, but no legs,

he water of the Phlegethon at his face, and he was soon metamorphosed into an owl, a bird which announces misfortunes. Miner

, finding her overwhelmed with fear, changed her, at her own request, into a fountain, which she did in order to deliver her

her from the pursuits of the river Alpheus. Ceres metamorphosed Abbas into a lizard, for using towards her opprobrious langu

ble hunger, that he gnawed his own flesh; and she changed some clowns into frogs, because they prevented her drinking at a s

al queen’s immortal praise.” Pitt’s Virgil. Obs. 1. — In inquiring into the sense of the first of these fables, we find t

her gods to heaven. She was the last, who left the earth, and retired into that part of heaven which makes the sign of Virgo

sign of Scorpio (a scorpion.) It represents Orion whom Diana changed into that animal. 9. November, sign of Sagittarius (a

his complaints, granted him his request. He died, and was translated into heaven among the signs of the zodiac. 10. Decembe

old age that he chose rather to die than live. She metamorphosed him into a grasshopper, which the ancients deemed a happy

he earth on fire, Jupiter, with a stroke of thunder, precipitated him into the river Po. His sisters Lamethusa, Lampetia, an

river Po. His sisters Lamethusa, Lampetia, and Phaethusa were turned into poplars — weeping amber, because they constantly

his death. Cygnus, his brother, died of grief, and was metamorphosed into a swan. To the Grasshopper. Oh thou, of all crea

fused her that trifling service, and insulted her. Latona turned them into frogs. Apollo. Cicero mentions four Apollos. The

Niobe, because Niobe insulted their mother. Niobe herself was changed into a rock. His son Æsculapius had been killed by Jup

boy, Hyacinthus, whom he accidentally killed with a quoit, he turned into a violet. He changed into a cypress Cyparissus, w

accidentally killed with a quoit, he turned into a violet. He changed into a cypress Cyparissus, who died of grief for the l

, who died of grief for the loss of his pet deer; his mistress Daphne into a laurel; and his lover Leucothe, into a beautifu

pet deer; his mistress Daphne into a laurel; and his lover Leucothe, into a beautiful tree which drops frankincense. He des

because she discovered his amours with Leucothe; and she was changed into a sun-flower, or Heliotrope. He flayed Marsyas al

the queen, which caused the poets to say, that they had been changed into stones. Amphion soon died of sorrow or of the pla

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

o the cypress, a doleful and leafless tree. Apollo changed Cyparissus into cypress, to show that it was sacred to obsequies.

young prince on the shores of a river which bore the same name, fell into its waters, and was drowned. The large quantity o

long its banks, caused the poets to say that she had been transformed into a laurel. Pliny the naturalist affirms, that the

ed itself towards the sun, they published that Clytia had been turned into a sunflower, and that her form, having destroyed

o put that nymph to death, and repented of it too late. He turned her into a crow, and wished its doleful plumage and that o

s, either because they dwelt on Mount Pierus, or because they changed into magpies the nine daughters of Pierus, king of Mac

, the youth imprudently gazed on the goddess, who, casting the waters into his face, he was transformed into a stag. His own

he goddess, who, casting the waters into his face, he was transformed into a stag. His own hounds came up, and tore him in p

conduct you.” —  “Naxos,” replied the god “is my home.” Bacchus burst into tears, and the mariners laughed at his distress;

es appeared around the ship; the pirates, struck with madness, leaped into the sea, and were changed into dolphins. Bacchus

e pirates, struck with madness, leaped into the sea, and were changed into dolphins. Bacchus once more made the ship float o

. He fought in the shape of a lion, while the gods and goddesses fled into Egypt under the forms of different animals. He is

e present at his festivals, because they were licentious, was changed into a bat; and Pentheus, king of Thebes, for ridiculi

er; Triumphus, because as the conquerors were triumphantly proceeding into the capitol, the soldiers exclaimed, “Io Triumphe

Laughing at the farce of state.” Anacreon. Obs. 1. — In inquiring into the origin of the extraordinary fable relating to

goddess, formed, and in complete armour. She was immediately admitted into the assembly of the gods, and became Jupiter’s fa

ld have hung herself, but was suspended by Minerva, and metamorphosed into a spider. Minerva put out Tiresias’s eyes, becaus

placed in her ægis, or shield, because it had the property of turning into stone whoever beheld it. While the citadel of Tro

goddess, called the Palladium, is reported to have fallen from heaven into or near it. By the oracle of Apollo, the Trojans

wisdom was not invented by man, but has a celestial origin. She comes into the world, completely armed, because the wise man

. Mars, enraged at this discovery, transformed his favorite Alectryon into a cock, to punish him for not having warned him o

resent at the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, the goddess Discord threw into the assembly a golden apple, inscribed “to the fa

Cythera; Calva, because the women in her temple converted their hair into ropes for engines, when Rome was pressed by the G

when Peristera aided Venus. Cupid, enraged at his defeat, turned her into a dove, which her name signifies. The name of Cup

n of Cinyras, king of Cyprus, by Myrrha. This nymph was metamorphosed into a tree, which bears her name. At the moment of hi

ed by that animal, Venus changed the blood that flowed from his wound into the flower , which is said to have ever since ret

presented? Who was Cupid? Relate the fable of Cupid turning Peristera into a dove. Who was Cupid’s mistress? Who was Adonis?

tions of happiness, as time and experience imperceptibly fritter away into languid hopes and strengthening apprehensions. Th

ioness so frightened her, that after having dropped her veil, she ran into a cave. The lioness, just as she had come from th

ented of being the cause of her lover’s death, and plunging his sword into her own body; she fell on him, gave him a bitter

falling in love with his own workmanship, and begged Venus to make it into a living woman. This being done, he had by her Pa

claimed her as the prize of his victory. These two lovers were turned into a lion and lioness by Cybele, whose temple they h

as in Leucate, near Nisapolis, a high place from which persons leaped into the sea to find a remedy for love. This place was

nsibility of Phaon, she ran to the promontory, threw herself headlong into the sea, and perished. The river Selemus was also

m all he knew. The god was incensed at this duplicity, and turned him into a stone. At different times he is said, in sport,

is wand were such that every thing it touched, when awake, would sink into sleep, and when asleep, would awaken. When it was

s, not critical observers of chronology, confounded several Mercuries into one. The Mercury, son of Maia, and grandson of At

ct, that he overcome the Sirens. On this they precipitated themselves into the sea, and were changed into stones. Scylla was

. On this they precipitated themselves into the sea, and were changed into stones. Scylla was the daughter of Phorcus, or, a

oved with such violence, that she poured the juice of poisonous herbs into the waters of the fountain where Scylla was wont

which never ceased barking: for which metamorphosis she threw herself into the sea, and was turned into a rock. Charybdis is

or which metamorphosis she threw herself into the sea, and was turned into a rock. Charybdis is said to have been an avarici

which crime Jupiter struck her dead with thunder, and then turned her into a whirlpool. “Sirens were once sea-monsters, mer

that is good and desirable, when, in truth, they would but plunge us into scenes of voluptuousness, dissipation, and riot,

are of sea-calves, and other marine animals. He could convert himself into any shape he pleased, and had the gift of divinat

, and opposes her union. He rudely rushes to seize her, and she flees into a field, where a venomous serpent, hidden under t

the skin of a bull or heifer attracts insects, which are soon changed into bees. Obs. — Historians state, that Proteus was

h the poets metaphorically express by saying, that he changed himself into different forms. A fickle person is called a Prot

which he had emptied out his nets, after which they instantly leaped into the sea. He wished to try its effects upon himsel

s upon himself; and as soon as he had touched it, he instantly leaped into the sea, and became a sea-dog. . Portumnus, so c

pieces with her son Melicerta. Both precipitately ran away, and fell into the sea, and became sea-deities. The name of Ino

and very fond of hunting. In pursuing a stag, he leaped accidentally into the sea, where, exhausted with heat and fatigue,

ognized Ceyx. In the midst of her despair, she threw herself headlong into the sea. The gods, moved with compassion, changed

long into the sea. The gods, moved with compassion, changed them both into alcyons or king-fishers. Questions. What is said

f of Echo was so great as to consume away her flesh, and dissolve her into stones. When Narcissus pined away with self-love,

away with self-love, with the assistance of the gods, he was changed into a daffodil, which plant still bears his name. Ech

her two sons, Calais and Zethes. Boreas, having metamorphosed himself into a horse, gave birth to twelve colts of such swift

drear abode, he formed a mass of dirt upon which he sat, and, rising into the air, he surrounded the earth and formed the h

ast forth flames, he drew from its bowels ignited dirt, which he sent into heaven to give light to the world, and with which

’d, but on the wings of cherubim Uplifted, in paternal glory rode Far into Chaos, and the world unborn; For Chaos heard his

tumnus was the god of orchards and of spring. He could change himself into whatever forms he chose, but was usually represen

psacus, who erected temples to his honour. His worship was introduced into Rome, but he was more revered there as the god of

on was entrusted to the nymph Sinoe; but his unsightly form threw her into such terror, that she abandoned her charge. He be

him. Pan overtaking her, at her earnest prayer, she was metamorphosed into a bunch of reeds. Hearing the moaning but musical

ts to throw her headlong from the top of a rock. The gods changed her into a pine tree, a tree sacred to Pan. The origin of

riches, asked of him the gift of turning every thing he should touch into gold. His request was granted, but it soon become

eps of philosophy. Obs. 2. — The idea of Midas’ changing every thing into gold, is taken from his great riches gained by co

ce, his piety, and his courage; and entreated the gods to receive him into the abode of happiness. The audience applauded, u

united in eulogizing him, and congratulated the dead on having passed into eternity in peace, there to dwell in glory.” Such

de. Lovers whom despair has put to death, are found to wander farther into a forest of myrtles. Beyond that forest is found

choly aspect. Virgil thus desc ribes the descent of his hero Æ neas into the Infernal Regions: “Now to the left, Æneas d

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

rotia, takes its rise in the marshes of Acherusia, and empties itself into the Adriatic gulf, near Ambracia. The Cocytus (te

(tears, groans) also flowed in Epirus, or rather, Thessaly, and fell into the marsh of Acherusia. It was not strictly a riv

nions, he took her away. Cyane, endeavouring to oppose it, was turned into a fountain; and the god of Tartarus opened the ea

defending his life. Althaea, frantic with rage, threw the fatal stick into the fire, and Meleager died. Judges of Hell. “Hi

his prayer, Jupiter changed all the ants which were in a hollow oak, into men, who were afterwards called by Æacus myrmidon

youth, holding a bunch of poppies in his hand. He could turn himself into any form. Mors, the goddess of death, was the da

urning woods against heaven. Some huge stones which they hurled, fell into the seas, and became islands; others fell upon th

brethren; and the gods, under different figures, were obliged to flee into Egypt. Jupiter converted himself into a ram; Merc

t figures, were obliged to flee into Egypt. Jupiter converted himself into a ram; Mercury, into an ibis; Apollo, a crow; Jun

ed to flee into Egypt. Jupiter converted himself into a ram; Mercury, into an ibis; Apollo, a crow; Juno, a cow; Bacchus, a

Tityus attempted to offer Latona violence; for which he was cast down into hell, where, when stretched out, he covered nine

giants made war on Jupiter, who afterwards beat and precipitated them into hell. Phlegyas, a son of Mars by Chryse, was the

feast at Larissa his capital; and after he had met with him, cast him into a pit, which he had previously filled with wood a

er could not endure this open impiety, and therefore precipitated him into hell Æneas, on a visit to the infernal regions, r

ke Acherusia, beyond which the dead were buried, priests poured water into a tub full of holes, to show the impossibility of

s were covered with vipers, which had the power of transforming those into stones who looked at them. Their hands were braze

of the Gorgons.” Hanno, general of the Carthaginese, penetrated even into their country, and found women whose running equa

d by the fire; but the flames refused to unite, and they were divided into two parts. Questions. Present a brief view of the

of his course, and a scythe, to express his ravages. Time was divided into several parts, an age, generation, or a period of

e son of Erebus and Nox. His genius lay in finding fault, and turning into ridicule even the actions of the gods themselves.

ertain that Æsculapius was known in Phœnicia before he was introduced into Greece. Sanchoniathon, the most ancient of the Ph

ives, or of the goddesses by men; but St. Augustine, in his inquiries into idolatry, proves that the word hero comes from th

g its origin to Cadmus. They observe that this prince, having brought into Greece the laws, customs, and manners of Egypt an

and altars; and, at last, their tombs were seen to change themselves into temples. Every private man had the right of eulog

ing of Argos, by Jupiter, who is fabled to have metamorphosed himself into a shower of gold, while his mother was shut up in

rdered his daughter and the infant to be shut up in a chest, and cast into the sea. The chest was blown to the island Seriph

wards Mauritania, where, being rudely treated by Atlas, he turned him into the mountain which bears his name. Thence he went

he turned him into the mountain which bears his name. Thence he went into Ethiopia, where he delivered Andromeda from a mon

is body to putrefy, swell, and burst. Bellerophon fell from his horse into a field, called Aleius Campus, because in that pl

which he effected by showing him the head of Medusa, which turned him into a rock, and broke her chains. He then took her to

s had black sails, and Theseus had promised to change his black sails into white ones if he returned victorious. His father

ack. Whereupon, believing his son to be dead, he precipitated himself into the sea, which was afterwards called the Ægean, o

nd the feathers of birds; and by this means Dædalus flew out of Crete into Sicily; but the heat of the sun melted the wax on

he heat of the sun melted the wax on the wings of Icarus, and he fell into the sea, which is thence called the Icarian sea.

r to Minos. She gave Theseus a clue of thread by which he let himself into , as well as helped himself out of, the Labyrinth.

rness, until he expired. At the request of Diana, Æsculapius breathed into his nostrils, and resuscitated him. He afterwards

sence, killed herself. The poets published, that she had been changed into an almond-tree. The name of Phyllis, almost simil

iron, delighted in precipitating passengers, for whom he laid snares, into the sea. Theseus is said to have descended, in co

descended, in company with his bosom friend Pirithous, son of Ixion, into the infernal regions, to take away Proserpine fro

cally, Theseus was a king of Athens, the first who divided the people into tribes, and who gave a regular and civilized form

t very moment Hercules was born. The enraged goddess turned Galanthis into a weasel. When Hercules was a babe but eight mont

rs of Hercules.” A prodigious lion, said to have fallen from the moon into the forest of Nemæa, ravaged the country near Myc

, to which he had traced it by its vestiges in the snow. When dragged into the presence of Eurystheus, it excited in him so

rus, a triple-headed dog that guarded the gates of hell. He went down into hell by a cave on Mount Tænarus, and dragged the

y, from the whale in the following manner: armed cap-a-pie, he leaped into the mouth of the sea-monster to which she was exp

, queen of Lydia, that ne assumed a female dress, and turned his club into a distaff, and his arrows into a spindle. Omphale

ed a female dress, and turned his club into a distaff, and his arrows into a spindle. Omphale is said to have sometimes put

that animal;) hut Helle was seized with such giddiness, that she fell into that part of the sea, which, from her, was called

k, in which was written the necessary secret of converting all metals into gold. Questions. Who was Jason? Did Pelias resign

lways to be met with on that river: hence the poets introduced a swan into their fable. The beauty of Leda, the whiteness an

in suspense; that his strains melted the savage beasts of the forest into tameness; and even that mountains and woods yield

at they dissolved the most beautiful nymphs, his constant attendants, into melancholy, or elevated them into raptures of joy

ul nymphs, his constant attendants, into melancholy, or elevated them into raptures of joy — rendered their sorrows charming

loss of his devoted wife, that he descended with his lyre in his hand into hell, to recover her from Pluto and Proserpine; a

ed round, and she instantly disappeared. He endeavoured to follow her into hell, but was refused a second admittance. After

oquence of Orpheus and Amphion, that it dissolved habitual savageness into civilization. Arion, the son of Cyclops, of Meth

alth by the exercise of his talents. While he was sailing from Lesbos into Italy, his companions robbed him of his wealth, a

etly, that the dolphins flocked round the vessel. Upon this he leaped into the sea, and one of the dolphins took him up, and

uscany, a province in Italy; but having slain his brother, he retired into that part of Phrygia which borders on the Bosphor

seeing this immense colossus, deliberated whether they would admit it into their city. Laocoon was violently opposed to it;

t of so enormous a size as to prevent the Trojans from introducing it into their city. While the Trojans, who had rejoiced a

abulous matter; among which is a beautiful description of his descent into the infernal regions, after his father’s death, t

he disappointment, that he stabbed himself, and his blood was changed into the flower hyacinth. After the war was over, Ulys

ional delay in their returning home. Circe transformed his companions into swine; upon which Ulysses fortified himself again

s with an herb, called moly, which Mercury had given him. He then ran into her cave with his sword drawn, in order to demand

, or, according to Hesiod, two sons, Agrius and Latinus. He went down into the infernal regions to consult the prophet Tires

d himself to the mast. By this expedient, he escaped the fatal snares into which, by their melody, they drew men. He was civ

ospitably by him, he showed Atlas the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears his name. By his wife Pl

As the people saw him no more, they conceived that he was translated into heaven: whence, upon their observing a bright sta

; and that hero acquired the highest fame by introducing that science into Greece. In order to take some respite from his to

illar of the world. They also held that Perseus had metamorphosed him into a rock. Obs. 2. — The Hyades were merely poetic

he goddess. The Egyptians supposed the soul of Osiris to transmigrate into an ox; which animal, therefore, became an object

re, became an object of worship under the appellation of Apis. The ox into which it entered, was distinguished by the follow

h which he would load mankind; but Typhon, having opened the egg, put into it twelve black pyramidal figures, the source of

spread over the earth. He enclosed Osiris in an ark, and drove Horus into Chemnis, a floating island; to avoid his fury, al

g island; to avoid his fury, all the other deities changed themselves into different animals, which were afterwards deemed s

uninhabitable; but when time and culture had changed that vast tract into the most fertile plain in the world, the Egyptian

ieces, and its limbs borne in triumph through the city, and then cast into a fire, kindled in the amphitheatre. Before Serap

and the laws of the first Hermes, already noticed, and collected them into volumes, which were called “the treasure of remed

and simple manner. But these tenets of their primitive religion sunk into Sabism, or the adoration of the heavenly bodies.

d by Zeratusht (reported to be the same with Zoroaster, who travelled into India in search of braminical knowledge.) It divi

o travelled into India in search of braminical knowledge.) It divides into six intervals the period of the work of creation.

companions of Ahriman, with their subaltern spirits, were distributed into the different planets. Mithras unceasingly labour

the ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Scythians. It divides the world into ten parts, each of which is committed to the care

ings. After having remained in the egg for a long time, he divided it into two equal parts, from which he made heaven and ea

nto two equal parts, from which he made heaven and earth by breathing into it the breath of the subtle ether. Casayopa and

the name of Omorca, was the mistress of the universe. Bel divided her into two parts: one of these parts formed heaven, and

city of the sun, named Sippara; next, to construct a vessel, and put into it necessary provisions, himself, his relatives,

ecame horses and noble quadrupeds, and that mean persons were changed into bats, beetles, and disgusting reptiles. They supp

e person on a sudden declared that whoever should precipitate himself into the flames, would produce light. No sooner had tw

would produce light. No sooner had two men thrown themselves headlong into the fire, than they appeared in the heavens as th

soon after the deluge. It is in those countries that we must inquire into the origin of all that relates to worship and the

ed that custom from the Egyptians. From Egypt and Phœnicia, it passed into Greece, and thence to Rome. This last opinion is

d Janus, the first in Italy. The temples of the ancients were divided into various compartments, which it may be useful to n

er the temple. The second was the nave. The third was the holy place, into which none but the hierophant was ever admitted;

bbon. After these ceremonies, the people took this stone, and cast it into the ditch with such pieces of metal as had not pa

quietude of man, and the restlessness with which he endeavours to pry into the secrets of his future destiny. All was great

justness of taste, with elegance of design and execution, was brought into requisition to adorn it with his master pieces. T

of the same metal which were there employed, in order to convert them into the canopy of St. Peter’s at Rome, and the gross

d their strength ever be diminished, the work would be likely to fall into ruins. Knight Bernin, who long after aspired to s

e credit which some of his works had procured him. He therefore drove into these pillars narrow and useless stair cases. It

s of incredulity could not attribute to mere cheat. Without searching into the depth and profundity of these two opinions, o

ul institutions? What is, then, that concert, unknown till these came into vogue, which injures personal interests, and unit

s, having, in the excess of their phrenzy, thrown themselves headlong into the abyss, it became necessary to adopt means to

ath, to the priestess to go and consult Apollo. Before his expedition into Asia, Alexander came to Delphi during the time of

Praxiteles. When one comes to consult this oracle, before descending into the den where he receives the answer, he must pas

f man, in the form of an oven. Through it there is a narrow aperture, into which he descends by degrees with small ladders.

ney: (which is deemed necessary to be borne:) he then passes his feet into the cave, and is immediately carried away with gr

r without being perceived. Pausanias farther says; “I have descended into the den, and have consulted the oracle in order t

ch care as the oracles of the Pythian, could not have been translated into Greek. However, we will present what fable, blend

ndred pieces of gold, which were refused. She then cast three of them into the fire, and persisted in asking the same price

nder the dictatorship of Sylla. The Senate, to repair this loss, sent into divers places, Samos, Erythræa, Greece, and Asia,

the banks of the Tanais. Mithridates flying thither attracted Pompey into the deserts. This king of Pontus there sought an

ed to secure to him the respect of the people whom he wished to bring into subjection. Odin ruled, it is said, the Ases, a S

brica. These provinces did not resist him; and, soon after, he passed into Fionia, which immediately became his conquest. In

g in the same country. After these glorious expeditions, Odin retired into Sweden, where, feeling his end draw near, he woul

his skin with his sword. Whilst dying, he declared that he was going into Scythia, to take his place with the other gods at

ried to Sigutna, where, conformably to the usage which he had brought into the North, it was burnt with great pomp and magni

it gives too much importance to the history of the North, by putting into it too much interest, too much poesy, so to speak

necessity, that activity which, under the torrid zone, is apt to run into the channels of inquietude and levity. Notwithsta

ternal, the ancient, the living, and the terrible being, the searcher into hidden things, the immutable. It attributed to th

hich souls were the right of Odin. It was thought, that he often came into battle to inflame the fury of the combatants, to

, when he will be let loose, and devour the sun. The serpent was cast into the sea, where he will remain until conquered by

he will remain until conquered by the god Thor; and Hela was banished into the infernal abodes, where she has the government

spellheim;) and from this burning world, there incessantly slide away into the abyss, (which was in the north,) torrents of

north,) torrents of sparkling fire, which, in falling, were congealed into the abyss, and filled it up with scoria and ice.

s formed. The sons of Bor, or the gods, hurried the body of the giant into the abyss, and out of him fabricated the globe. W

(Nordure,) East, (Austere,) and West, (Westre.) They threw his brain into the air, and it formed the clouds. They there pla

r cups. All who died not imbrued with blood, had the fear of entering into Nislheim, a mansion composed of nine worlds, and

that were to be immolated; and near the chapel there was a deep well, into which victims were thrown headlong. All these tem

both within and without. Near the temple was a well, or deep spring, into which they sometimes cast a victim devoted to Fri

onder at it, when we consider how liable ignorant nations are to fall into error. Man is surrounded with dangers and evils f

ods like themselves. Hence, those bloody rites which plunge the blade into the breast of the unfortunate victim of superstit

e people of Asia and Greece, to seek all available means to penetrate into the secrets of futurity, operated with no less po

had this power; an ancient Icelandic ode describes him as descending into hell, where he consults a celebrated prophetess.

y lights superior to those of their reason. Chapter VI. Researches into the ancient religion of the primitive inhabitants

, if we wish to find the cradle of the human race. The more we search into history, the more clearly it appears that those r

hurried away by its bloody carnage, no more pressed so many to enter into that order. The number of priests accordingly dim

alizing their names, spared these dispensers of glory; attracted them into their camps; where gratitude and rewards animated

ration from the body. Valiant and virtuous men were received with joy into the ethereal palaces of their fathers, while the

that their power was not extended over men. A hero could never enter into the palace of his fathers, unless he had sung ove

Tacitus and Dion Cassius assure us, that it was the Gauls who brought into England the horrible custom of immolating human v

emote times, those first navigators of the world, brought their goods into Great Britain, and exchanged them for lead and ti

s, says the Abbé Banier, it may be supposed that the Gauls in passing into England, carried thither their religion; but that

tory informs us that the Phœnicians and Carthaginians penetrated even into the heart of the west: and hence, no doubt, that

ion which gives to the gods a human origin, and did not separate them into gods and goddesses. It was the same with the Drui

cruel degradation. The conquests of Julius Cesar introduced new gods into Gaul; and the first temples were at that time bui

habit them. The most celebrated of those lakes, was that of Toulouse, into which they cast gold and silver, taken from their

, where they discharge the duties of their religion. No one can enter into that wood, unless he bears a chain, a mark of his

s oak. The religious instructers of the ancient Britons were, divided into different classes. The Druids composed the first

them more celebrated than the Druids themselves. When Hannibal passed into Gaul, they still enjoyed supreme rights; for it w

thagoras, since they taught it long before that philosopher travelled into Gaul. From time immemorial, they were accustomed

s, though dead. One of their superstitions was that every letter cast into the tomb, arrived as directed. The Druids orally

re persuaded that they knew the influence of the stars, and could see into futurity. Those sages, so highly respected at fir

which must be covered with a part of the robe; and then made to pass into the left with swiftness, as if it had been stolen

ge. The Druids delighted in making it believed that they could change into any form at will, and cause themselves to be tran

a golden sickle, and the other Druids received it with great respect into the sagum, a kind of white coat of mail. After ha

it was over, they addressed prayers to divinity that it would infuse into that plant a happiness which might be felt by tho

t to be removed from sacrifices. 7. Souls are immortal. 8. Souls pass into other bodies after the death of those which they

ive there with them. 17. All letters given at the dying hour, or cast into funeral piles, are faithfully returned to the wor

ient be driven away; let them recive no justice; let them be received into no employment. 19. All fathers of families are ki

terprizes to their remembrance, they read to them poems and romances, into which was infused all the fire and ardour that he

say that Saturn devoured his children, and afterwards again sent them into the light, because intellect is converted to itse

roduce essences, intellects, and souls. Hence, they are distinguished into three orders. Of the mundane gods, likewise, some

nd other intermediate causes are necessary to the evolution of things into distinct existence. Hence, Jupiter, who is the Di

et it seems to our finite minds, that something must have brought Him into existence, and we conclude that back again of tha

ion, and chaos, God we know, however, existed and called the universe into being. All that we, in our present finite conditi

r brought mankind, the universe, and all animate and inanimate things into existence, and who rewards those of His children

e pointed unerringly to a First Cause, which originally launched them into being, and maintains the constant order of things

ned the various phases of creation. These finally became crystallized into a literature, or mythology, which has since been

ve descended to us. Their varying analyses, however, may be separated into two distinct classes or divisions, each of which

gument of the philologists that these fancies and reflections settled into definite shape in that far-away period when most

of Mythology. A A′bas [Abas], a son of Meganira, was turned into a newt, or water-lizard, for deriding the ceremon

ervening centuries. In this fierce struggle, Achelous changed himself into the form of a bull and rushed upon his antagonist

Achelous to free himself. He was defeated, and finally turned himself into a river, which has since been known by his name.

s, King of Thessaly. His mother, Thetis, plunged him, when an infant, into the Stygian pool, which made him invulnerable whe

of him crushed him by hurling a rock on him. Galatea turned his blood into a river — the Acis at the foot of Mount Etna. Ac

truded himself on Diana while she was bathing, and was changed by her into a deer, in which form he was hunted by his own do

nus, who held her train. He was killed by a boar, and turned by Venus into an anemone. “Even as the sun with purple-colored

t. Alec′tryon [Alectryon], a servant of Mars, who was changed by him into a cock because he did not warn his master of the

ain the blood of the victims. Some were provided with a kind of dish, into which frankincense was thrown to overpower the sm

devoured by a sea-monster. Anem′one [Anemone]. Venus changed Adonis into this flower. Angero′nia [Angeronia], otherwise V

st, but Minerva struck her on the head with a spindle, and turned her into a spider.     “… So her disemboweled web, Arachn

e been King of Arcadia. Ar′cas [Arcas], a son of Calisto, was turned into a he-bear; and afterward into the constellation c

s [Arcas], a son of Calisto, was turned into a he-bear; and afterward into the constellation called Ursa Minor. Archer, see

heus, a river god, and was enabled to escape by being turned by Diana into a rivulet which ran underground. She was as virtu

by Juno to watch Io, but, being slain by Mercury, was changed by Juno into a peacock. Ariad′ne [Ariadne], daughter of Minos

arried her, and the crown of seven stars which he gave her was turned into a constellation. Ari′on [Arion] was a famous lyr

ling from Lesbos his companions robbed him, and proposed to throw him into the sea. He entreated the seamen to let him play

tly that the dolphins flocked round the vessel. He then threw himself into the sea, and one of the dolphins took him up and

ruspices], sacrificial priests. Ascal′aphus [Ascalaphus] was changed into an owl, the harbinger of misfortune, by Ceres, be

nd he was victorious and married her. They were both afterward turned into lions by Cybele, for profaning her temple. A′te

toil or labor. For his inhospitality to Perseus that king changed him into the mountain which bears his name of Atlas. A cha

was slain by her father, but, according to Ovid, was afterward turned into a pine-tree. Aug′æas [Augæas], a king of Elis, t

Ovid. She shed so many tears for unrequited love that she was turned into a fountain. “Thus the Phœbeian Byblis, spent in

“opiate rod.” Calis′to [Calisto], an Arcadian nymph, who was turned into a she-bear by Jupiter. In that form she was hunte

y her son Arcas, who would have killed her had not Jupiter turned him into a he-bear. The nymph and her son form the constel

er of Priam and Hecuba, who was granted by Apollo the power of seeing into futurity, but having offended that god he prevent

cheron and Styx to the Elysian Fields. “Charon’s toll” was a coin put into the hands of the dead with which to pay the grim

Ulysses landed at Ææa, where she lived, she turned all his followers into swine. Cisse′ta [Cisseta]. The name of one of Ac

ee Atropos and Lachesis. Clowns of Ly′cia, The [Lycia], were changed into frogs by Latona, because they refused to allow he

stra and Ægisthus. Clyt′ie [Clytie]. A nymph who got herself changed into a sunflower because her love of Apollo was unrequ

r Coronis was daughter of a king of Phocis, and was changed by Athena into a crow. Coryban′tes [Corybantes] were priests of

Phaeton. He died of grief on the death of his friend, and was turned into a swan. Cyll′aros [Cyllaros], one of Castor’s ho

Cyn′osure [Cynosure]. One of the nurses of Jupiter, turned by the god into a conspicuous constellation. “Towers and battlem

very fond; and when he died he was changed, at Apollo’s intercession, into a cypress tree, the branches of which typify mour

urted her, but she fled from him, and was, at her own request, turned into a laurel tree.     “… As Daphne was Root-bound,

y a bullock’s hide, and when the purchase was completed, cut the hide into strips, and so secured a large tract of land. Her

h was so disconsolate, and shed so many tears, that Diana changed her into a fountain. E′gil [Egil]. The Vulcan of northern

e shield of Minerva, and all who fixed their eyes thereon were turned into stone. Graces, The, were the attendants of Venus

of Ulysses after the destruction of Troy, and was afterwards changed into a hound. “What’s Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba?

y were so sad that they stood mourning till they became metamorphosed into poplar trees, and their tears were turned into am

y became metamorphosed into poplar trees, and their tears were turned into amber. Hel′icon [Helicon]. A mountain in Bœotia

en boat which had wings. Hel′iotrope [Heliotrope]. Clytie was turned into this flower by Apollo. See Clytie. Hel′le [Helle

flower by Apollo. See Clytie. Hel′le [Helle] was drowned in the sea, into which she fell from off the back of the golden ra

which he could not be cured. In a fit of desperation he cast himself into a funeral pile on Mount Œta; but Jupiter had him

l. Hermi′one [Hermione], daughter of Mars and Venus, who was turned into a serpent, and allowed to live in the Elysian Fie

st was drowned; when Hero saw the fate of her lover she threw herself into the sea and was also drowned. Heroes, see Valhal

y. See Hercules. Hes′perus [Hesperus], brother of Atlas, was changed into the evening star. “To the ocean now I fly, And t

d the heat melting the wax, caused the wings to drop off, and he fell into the Ægean or Icarian sea and was drowned. Ichnob

Phryxus and Helle). Ino destroyed herself, and was changed by Neptune into a sea-goddess. Ino′a [Inoa] were festivals in me

Jupiter courted her, and was detected by Juno, when the god turned Io into a beautiful heifer. Juno demanded the beast of Ju

ulis, as food. The gods were so enraged at this that they turned Itys into a pheasant, Procne into a swallow, and Tereus int

were so enraged at this that they turned Itys into a pheasant, Procne into a swallow, and Tereus into a hawk. Ixi′on [Ixion

t they turned Itys into a pheasant, Procne into a swallow, and Tereus into a hawk. Ixi′on [Ixion], the son of Phlegyas, Kin

g of the Lapithæ. For attempting to produce thunder, Jupiter cast him into hell, and had him bound to a wheel, surrounded wi

cadia to which Syrinx fled when pursued by Pan, where she was changed into a reed, and where Pan made his first pipe. Læ′la

. Leucoth′ea [Leucothea]. The name of Ino after she was transformed into a sea nymph. Leva′na [Levana]. The deity who pre

who fled from Priapus, and only escaped from him by being transformed into a lotus-plant. Lo′tus-Plant [Lotus-Plant], see L

, Eros, Venus. Lu′cian [Lucian]. The impersonation of folly, changed into an ass. Lu′cifer [Lucifer]. The morning star. L

uman flesh, which Jove discovered, and punished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Lycian Clowns were turned into frogs by

unished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Lycian Clowns were turned into frogs by Latona or Ceres. Lymni′ades [Lymniades]

u′sa [Medusa]. One of the Gorgons. Minerva changed her beautiful hair into serpents. She was conquered by Perseus, who cut o

d it on Minerva’s shield. Every one who looked at the head was turned into stone. Ulysses, in the Odyssey, relates that he w

chus the special gift that everything that he touched might be turned into gold. The request was granted, and as soon as he

being overwhelmed with grief, escaped further trouble by being turned into a stone. No′mius [Nomius]. A law-giver; one of t

a cut off, and so betrayed her father to his enemies. She was changed into a lark, and the king into a hawk, and he still pu

her father to his enemies. She was changed into a lark, and the king into a hawk, and he still pursues his daughter, intend

fy the immense stream which it was supposed surrounded the earth, and into which the sun and moon and other heavenly bodies

ughter of Chiron, who had the gift of prophecy. She was metamorphosed into a mare. O′din [Odin]. In Scandinavian mythology

an the goddesses, and as a punishment she and her husband were turned into stone statues. Olives, see Aristæus. Olym′pius

the son of Mercury and Penelope. After his birth he was metamorphosed into the mythical form in which we find him depicted,

gon’s head to King Polydectes, and the monarch was immediately turned into stone. “Now on Dædalian waxen pinions stray, Or

omela] was a daughter of Pandion, king of Athens, who was transformed into a nightingale. She was sister to Procne, who marr

ntius. Pi′cus [Picus]. A son of Saturn, father of Faunus, was turned into a woodpecker by Circe, whose love he had not requ

ettled in Bœotia. They challenged the Muses to sing, and were changed into magpies. Pie′tas [Pietas]. The Roman goddess of

piter. He was killed by Neptune. Polydec′tes [Polydectes] was turned into stone when Perseus showed him Medusa’s head. See

A marine deity, who could foretell events and convert himself at will into all sorts of shapes. According to later legends,

s rules the state. He hears and judges each committed crime, Inquires into the manner, place, and time; The conscious wretch

of Mars and Ilia, and twin brother of Remus. The infants were thrown into the Tiber, but were miraculously saved and suckle

ealousy of Neptune’s wife, Amphitrite, and was changed by the goddess into a frightful sea-monster, which had six fearfully

s.” Virgil. Scyl′la [Scylla]. A daughter of Nysus, who was changed into a lark for cutting off a charmed lock of her fath

ph who, to escape from the importunities of Pan, was by Diana changed into reeds, out of which he made his celebrated pipes,

enever he extended his hand to seize them, were snatched by the winds into clouds and obscurity.” “There, Tantalus, along

aithfulness she took a terrible revenge (see Itys). Procne was turned into a swallow, Philomela into a nightingale, Itys int

rible revenge (see Itys). Procne was turned into a swallow, Philomela into a nightingale, Itys into a pheasant, and Tereus i

Procne was turned into a swallow, Philomela into a nightingale, Itys into a pheasant, and Tereus into a hoopoe, a kind of v

allow, Philomela into a nightingale, Itys into a pheasant, and Tereus into a hoopoe, a kind of vulture, some say an owl. Te

amous Achilles, whom she rendered all but invulnerable by dipping him into the River Styx. See Achilles. Thief, see Laverna

rora remained as fresh as the morning. The gods, however, changed him into a grasshopper, which is supposed to moult as it g

ng again. Tit′yus [Tityus]. A son of Jupiter. A giant who was thrown into the innermost hell for insulting Diana. He, like

mmediately blown back to Æolia. After Circe had turned his companions into swine on an island where he and they were shipwre

m thrown out of heaven; he was nine days falling, and at last dropped into Lemnos with such violence that he broke his leg,

f Vulcan, at which the victims (certain fish and animals) were thrown into the fire and burned to death. W War, see B

to the conclusion that a hand mighty enough to call all these wonders into life, could also have created the beautiful earth

f their gods, was placed in the exact centre. Their Earth was divided into two equal parts by Pontus (the Sea, — equivalent

t him, he seized them immediately after their birth, hurled them down into a dark abyss called Tartarus, and there chained t

safety. Angry beyond all expression, Gæa swore revenge, and descended into Tartarus, where she urged the Titans to conspire

ed to devise some plan to get rid of him; but, before he could put it into execution, he found himself attacked by his son,

the rebellious Titans were obliged to yield. Some of them were hurled into Tartarus once more, where they were carefully sec

piter became a ram, while Juno, his sister and queen, changed herself into a cow. The king of the gods, however, soon became

ers. To avoid quarrels and recriminations, he portioned the world out into lots, allowing each of his brothers the privilege

first moulded an image similar in form to the gods; bade Eros breathe into its nostrils the spirit of life, and Minerva (Pal

ne dark night, therefore, he set out for Olympus, entered unperceived into the gods’ abode, seized a lighted brand, hid it i

st time on the fair face of his beloved, he entreated her to come out into the fresh air and join in the merry games of thei

e little peep before he came in. Now, Jupiter had malignantly crammed into this box all the diseases, sorrows, vices, and cr

d upon the merrymakers without, whose shouts of joy were soon changed into wails of pain and anguish. Epimetheus and Pandora

their downcast spirits. Thus, according to the ancients, evil entered into the world. bringing untold misery: but Hope follo

sperous, hence called the Silver Age, when the year was first divided into seasons, and men were obliged to toil for their d

wings of winds were clogg’d with ice and snow; And shivering mortals into houses driven, Sought shelter from the inclemency

s much dreaded thunderbolts; and the king of gods was about to put it into instant execution, when his arm was stayed by the

s behind them. All those thrown by Deucalion were immediately changed into men, while those cast by Pyrrha became women. Thu

mmediately granted; and Jupiter, moreover, changed their humble abode into a superb temple, where they could offer daily sac

ge had made them long for death, Philemon and Baucis were transformed into majestic oaks, which stood for many a century in

ck. Instead of turning when he saw the foam-crested waves, he plunged into the midst of them, and in a few minutes disappear

es, is supposed to have invented the alphabet, and introduced its use into Greece. Although his career was very prosperous a

, in anger at this dereliction of duty, they changed him and Harmonia into huge serpents. Jupiter was, of course, very widel

ch he carried on in the guise of a cuckoo, to infuse a little romance into it. He evidently found favour in her sight, and w

ed adequate. The graceful girl was suddenly bereft of speech, changed into a rough, ungainly bear, and driven out into the s

bereft of speech, changed into a rough, ungainly bear, and driven out into the solitudes of the great forests, which were fr

in her power. At the conclusion of the services the ex-priestess went into the portico, where her sons had thrown themselves

or this doughty goddess, and on every occasion she was wont to plunge into the thickest of the fray with the utmost valour.

d rival was about to escape: so she quickly changed her dangling body into a spider, and condemned her to weave and spin wit

on, and then, seeing she paid no heed to their commands, they sprang into the shallow waters, and stirred up the mud at the

d; and Jupiter, in answer to her prayer, immediately transformed them into huge green frogs, which creatures have since then

ice; and Admetus mourned until Hercules, pitying his grief, descended into Hades, and brought her back from the tomb.      

imself near by, and played such inspiring tunes that the stones moved into place of their own accord. Then, his term of exil

some reminder of the departed, Apollo changed the fallen blood-drops into clusters of flowers, ever since called, from the

he pined away and finally died. Apollo then changed his lifeless clay into a cypress tree, which he declared should hencefor

illed with leaves. Her father had answered her prayer by changing her into a laurel tree. Apollo, coming up just then with o

ared the animals deserved to be remembered for ever, and changed them into statues, which retained all the spirited action o

lurking there ready to pounce upon him, he cast his unerring javelin into the very midst of the thicket, and pierced the fa

in Apollo’s eyes, and languished until the gods, in pity, changed her into a sunflower. Even in this altered guise Clytie co

d cheeks and distorted features, and impetuously threw the instrument into the water, vowing never to touch it again. “Henc

to his lips was the work of an instant; and no sooner had he breathed into it than the magic strain was renewed. No recollec

e.” Swift. Greatly dismayed by these new ornaments, Midas retreated into the privacy of his own apartment, and sent in hot

pirits, so that, incapable of enduring silence longer, he sallied out into a field, dug a deep hole, and shouted down into t

onger, he sallied out into a field, dug a deep hole, and shouted down into the bosom of the earth, —                       

ead; and when he fell in love with Eurydice, he brought all his skill into play, and wooed her with voice and glance and wit

ffering ensued; then Eurydice died, and her spirit was conducted down into the gloomy realms of Pluto, leaving Orpheus broke

as moved to compassion. He gave him permission, therefore, to go down into the Infernal Regions to seek his wife, but warned

that Cerberus’ rage was appeased, and he finally allowed him to pass into Pluto’s dark kingdom. The magic sounds penetrated

m to pass into Pluto’s dark kingdom. The magic sounds penetrated even into the remote depths of Tartarus, where the condemne

hed his ear.” Saxe. No living being had ever before penetrated thus into the Infernal Regions, and Orpheus wandered on unt

hat he should leave the Infernal Regions without turning once to look into his beloved wife’s face. Orpheus. J. M. Swan

of which he had caught a mere glimpse as she drifted reluctantly back into the dark shadows of Hades. “At that elm-vista’s

kers, that they tore him limb from limb, and cast his mangled remains into the Hebrus River. As the poet-musician’s head flo

t up his forlorn pipes, The gouty oak began to move,     And flounder into hornpipes.” Tennyson. This musician, a son of J

he stones moved in rhythmic time, and, of their own volition, marched into their places. The Story of Arion Next to hi

r hearts should be moved, quickly laid hands upon him, and hurled him into the water, where he fell upon the broad back of a

e was obliged to drink the waters of this river, which would lull him into senseless stupidity for one whole year. During ni

who had listened impatiently to cautions and directions, then sprang into the seat, gathered up the reins, signalled to Aur

eton, whose burned and blackened corpse fell from his lofty seat down into the limpid waves of the Eridanus River.         

, and bewailing their loss, until the gods, in pity, transformed them into poplar trees, and their tears into amber, which s

he gods, in pity, transformed them into poplar trees, and their tears into amber, which substance was supposed by the ancien

ually haunted the scene of his friend’s death, and repeatedly plunged into the river, in the hope of finding some more scatt

of finding some more scattered fragments, until the gods changed him into a swan; which bird is ever sailing mournfully abo

rd is ever sailing mournfully about, and frequently plunging his head into the water to continue his sad search. The Nine

nd wishing to rid herself of his burdensome presence, she changed him into a grasshopper. At this time the goddess fell in l

Then the gods, touched by the sight of woe so intense, changed Niobe into stone, just as she stood, with upturned face, str

melted. As soon as the young Goddess of the Moon had been introduced into Olympus, all the gods expressed a wish to marry h

ame up just in time to see seven snow-white pigeons wing their way up into the azure sky. There a second transformation over

There a second transformation overtook the Pleiades, who were changed into a constellation, composed of seven bright stars,

ght stars, and there they shone undimmed for ages; but when Troy fell into the enemy’s hands, all grew pale with grief, and

ace than he turned to obey her command, and found himself transformed into a stag, with slender, sinewy limbs, furry skin, a

discover her, cradled on a great blue wave; and they carried her down into their coral caves, where they tenderly nursed her

until all the gods had seen their humiliating plight, and turned them into ridicule. But when he at last set them free, Mars

Mars awakened him roughly, administered a sharp reproof, changed him into a cock, banished him into the barnyard, and conde

, administered a sharp reproof, changed him into a cock, banished him into the barnyard, and condemned him to give daily war

ath, and her passionate caresses met with no response. Then she burst into such a passion of tears that the wood and water n

tantly Mercury at last appeared to lead the soul of the departed down into the Infernal Regions, where it was welcomed by Pr

ile the red drops which had fallen from Adonis’ side were transformed into red roses. “As many drops as from Adonis bled, S

promised signal, which no sooner appeared than he exultantly plunged into the dark waves, and parted them with lusty stroke

increased in violence as the day wore on, until the waves were lashed into foam, while the wind howled more and more ominous

ot be parted from Leander. To hasten their meeting, she threw herself into the sea, and perished in the waves, close by his

Thus lived and died the faithful lovers, whose attachment has passed into a proverb. “Come hither all sweet maidens soberl

ught in his bloody mouth and tore to shreds, before beating a retreat into the forest. Shortly after, Pyramus came rushing u

in a fit of despair he drew his dagger from its sheath and thrust it into his heart. A few minutes later, Thisbe cautiously

s were in vain, she drew the dagger from his breast, and, plunging it into her own bosom, fell beside him lifeless.        

nrequited love; then, melancholy and longing to die, she wandered off into the mountains, far from the haunts of her former

d Narcissus, approaching noiselessly on tiptoe and cautiously peeping into the pool, became aware first of curly, tumbled lo

gazed compassionately down upon the beautiful corpse, and changed it into a flower bearing the youth’s name, which has ever

ooping its beauty o’er the watery clearness, To woo its own sad image into nearness: Deaf to light Zephyrus it would not mov

the exquisite image to his breast some of his own warmth was infused into the icy bosom, and as he pressed kiss after kiss

ing guards, along the deserted halls, and came to Psyche’s apartment, into which he glided unseen Stealthily he approached t

back in surprise; but, as he did so, one of his own love arrow; came into contact with his rosy flesh, and inflicted a woun

hung enraptured over the sleeping maiden, and let her fail image sink into his heart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, h

ous preservation from certain death, her aerial journey, her entrance into the enchanted palace, her love for her mysterious

more, the sisters constantly brooded over the tale Psyche had poured into their ears, and, hoping to secure as luxurious a

ead! Farewell! I come no more!’” Lewis Morris. When he had vanished into the dusky air without, the balmy night winds ceas

ghtened Psyche dared not remain alone in the palace, but hastened out into the gardens, where she soon lost consciousness of

once more to commit suicide, and, with that purpose in view, plunged into a neighbouring river; but the god of the stream c

erning the supposed theft, solemnly pointed to a comet rapidly coming into view, and declared that the gods had placed Beren

us warned of her coming, had but time to change the maiden beside him into a heifer, ere his wife alighted and inquired what

ildly from one country to another, forded streams, and Anally plunged into the sea, since called Ionian. After swimming acro

ity, and, leaving the mountain where they had grown up, journeyed out into the world to seek their fortunes. After some time

re assembled on the Forum, the magistrates slew Romulus, cut his body into pieces, and hid them under their wide togas. When

labour, accepted the offered cup, and allowed himself to be beguiled into renewing his potations, until he was quite intoxi

ss of his undertaking, his plot was discovered before he could put it into execution, and Jupiter, in punishment for his tem

ried, slew the monster just as he was about to drag poor Hesione down into his slimy cave. Laomedon was, of course, overjoye

on of the recently founded city of Athens, then nameless, and entered into the memorable contest in which he was signally de

the wildest storm, and cause the billows to roar with fury or subside into peaceful ripples.          “He spake, and round

en to Copreus, Pelops’ son. This marvellous horse passed successively into Hercules’ and Adrastus’ hands; and the latter won

her eyes before he had time to urge his wooing, suddenly changed her into a sheep, and conveyed her to the Island of Crumis

h and beauty, and when some drops of blood fell from her severed head into the salt sea foam, he produced from them the grac

rts, he could not overtake the fleeing pair, and in his anger plunged into a river, where he was drowned, and which from him

y fear’d trident shrinking, doth unlock Its deep foundations, hissing into foam. All mountain-rivers, lost in the wide home

rface of the earth, it was only in search of some victim to drag down into his dismal abode, or to make sure there was no cr

e, — an intimation that another soul would ere long find its way down into the dark kingdom of Hades. The Fates. Micha

ully clambered up the steep and slippery bank, and poured their water into the cask; but when, exhausted and ready to faint

nurse’s tone.” Ovid ( Addison’s tr.). There she immediately entered into conversation with her supposed nursling, artfully

h his arrows; and, to escape his murderous fury, Ino plunged headlong into the sea with her second child in her arms. The go

child in her arms. The gods, in pity for her sufferings, changed her into the goddess Leucothea and her son into a sea deit

or her sufferings, changed her into the goddess Leucothea and her son into a sea deity by the name of Palæmon. When still bu

velocity around oars, mast, and rigging, thus transforming the vessel into a floating arbour. Then a sound of music and reve

or sailors, that they lost all presence of mind, and jumped overboard into the sea, where they were drowned and changed into

nd jumped overboard into the sea, where they were drowned and changed into dolphins. On another occasion, Silenus, after a g

humbly besought the god to grant that all he touched might be changed into gold. “‘Give me,’ says he (nor thought he ask’d

touch, Changed from the nature which it held of old, May be converted into yellow gold.’” Ovid ( Croxall’s tr.). Bacchus i

tolus River, if he would be rid of the power which had so soon turned into a curse. Midas hastened off to the river and plun

urner, hastened to her side, and brought all his powers of persuasion into play to console her. His devotion at last induced

ate widower, who took the crown she had so often worn and flung it up into the air. It rose higher and higher, until the god

opened under his feet, through which horses and chariot plunged down into the darkness or the Lower World. Proserpina turne

k her child in all her favourite haunts, she quickly flung her girdle into the Cyane, and called to the water nymph to carry

to leave the child thus alone with a stranger, now stole noiselessly into the apartment, and with a wild shriek rushed to t

red. A moment later she was enveloped in a thick mist and transformed into a fountain. Alpheus could no longer see her, but

had ever existed before, surmised what had happened. Changing himself into an impetuous torrent, he rushed to join his belov

ough which she glided away from the bright sunlight she loved so well into the depths of Pluto’s realm. While gliding there

lian plains. The monotonous murmur of the fountain now subsided again into its usual undertone; and Ceres, knowing where to

see him once more, for Ceres heard her murmur contentedly as she sank into his arms and listened to his louder tones of rapt

asks.” Shelley. Maidens in Greece were wont to throw fresh garlands into the Alpheus River; and it was said the self-same

ct love must thrill the blended tide! And lost in each, till mingling into one, Their lot the same for shadow or for sun, A

at Pluto would never willingly relinquish her. She therefore withdrew into a dark cave to mourn unseen, and still further ne

e prevented the execution of his base purpose by changing the traitor into a lynx, the emblem of perfidy. Ceres was generall

r to her prayer, Neptune delivered her from servitude by changing her into a fisherman. When the master returned and found h

nish the boy for his rudeness, Ceres flung the remainder of the gruel into his face, and changed him into a lizard. Chap

Ceres flung the remainder of the gruel into his face, and changed him into a lizard. Chapter XV: Vesta The Worship

ays a virgin. The Romans fancied that her worship had been introduced into Italy by Æneas, their famous ancestor, who brough

this goddess, and were known as Vestals, or Vestal Virgins. Admitted into the temple at the early age of six, they were com

refore carried it out of Rome and down the Tiber, lest it should fall into the enemy’s hands. The Vestals continued their of

times holding a funeral urn or a reversed torch. The cave was divided into chambers, each one darker and more silent than th

emed too great a task for poor Halcyone, who immediately cast herself into the sea, to perish beside him. Touched by grief s

m. Touched by grief so real and intense, the gods changed both bodies into birds, since known as Halcyon birds, and decreed

patra and Chione. On another occasion, Boreas, having changed himself into a horse and united himself to the mares of Dardan

, however, before he met two beautiful women, who immediately entered into conversation with him, and drew from him a confes

. Hercules’ Madness In a fit of delirium he threw his offspring into the fire, and, we are told, slew his dearly belov

ster. But when Hercules learned he  was doomed to be a slave, he fell into such a passion that he nearly lost his reason aga

he could overtake him; and he only managed the capture by driving him into a deep snowdrift, in a distant northern land, fro

for his horses, Diomedes had decreed that all strangers who ventured into his kingdom should be seized, and, when sufficien

ome of his cows. To punish him for this theft Hercules forced his way into his cave, attacked him, and, after a memorable en

memorable encounter, slew him. The animals were soon after delivered into the hands of Eurystheus, who then sent Hercules i

e a cleft in the mountains, and allowed the waters of the Sea to flow into Oceanus; and ever since, the rocks on either side

e most difficult of all to perform. Hercules was commanded to descend into Hades and bring up the dog Cerberus, securely bou

although so lately escaped from servitude, was soon obliged to return into bondage; for in a fit of, anger he slew a man, an

er of assistance, quickly helped Deianeira to mount, saw them descend into the water, and prepared to follow, holding his bo

e opposite shore. All his strength and energy, therefore, were called into requisition and when he reached the shore, instea

arduous tasks. She was still young and charming, and his first glance into her sweet face rekindled all his former passion.

the fatal garment. It clung to his limbs, and the poison ate its way into his flesh, until the pain was greater than he cou

robe — by the foot, and flung him from the heights of Mount Œta down into the sea, where he perished. “And Lichas from the

with her for a little while. To avoid being seen, he changed himself into a golden shower, and gently dropped down on the t

rseus. The king no sooner learned this astonishing news, than he flew into a great rage, vowed that mother and child should

to punish her for her vanity, she changed her beautiful curling locks into hissing, writhing serpents, and decreed that one

ng locks into hissing, writhing serpents, and decreed that one glance into her still beautiful face would suffice to change

ce into her still beautiful face would suffice to change the beholder into stone. “Fatal Beauty! thou didst seem The phanto

cause the death of many an adventurous explorer. The drops which fell into the sea were utilised by Neptune, who created fro

eyes were stiff and cold; and it seemed to Perseus, as he rose again into the pale-yellow air, that the grey hairs which st

fts on a rough hillside.” Thus the mere sight of Medusa changed Atlas into the rugged mountains which have since borne his n

g its baleful face toward Phineus and his followers, changed them all into stone. “’Mid the fabled Libyan bridal stood Pers

ankle plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on his shield Looked into stone the raging fray.” Milman. The interrupted

de to his wishes and become his wife, he changed the importunate king into a rock by showing him his Medusa trophy, gave the

y evading the giant’s first onslaught, Theseus plunged his sword deep into his huge side ere he could renew the attack, and

to its upright position, and hurled the unfortunate traveller away up into the air, to be dashed to pieces against the rocky

ld suddenly raise his foot, kick him over the side, and hurl him down into the sea below, where a huge tortoise was ever wai

r to molest any one again, for Theseus kicked him over the precipice, into the breakers, where the tortoise feasted upon his

cruel giant, who, under pretext of entertainment, deluded travellers into entering his home, where he had two beds of very

d at Theseus’ side, which he immediately recognised. One swift glance into the youth’s open face convinced him that Æthra’s

ted by the light feathers, sank down faster and faster, until he fell into the sea, where he was drowned, and which, in memo

le Minotaur, Talus let it pass unharmed; and the victims were brought into the presence of Minos, who personally inspected e

ns, he fastened his twine to the entrance, and then boldly penetrated into the intricate ways of the labyrinth, where many w

. They were almost out of reach of the Cretan shores, when Talus came into view, and, perceiving that his master’s prisoners

rd and dealt the giant such a blow, that he lost his balance and fell into the deep sea, where he was drowned, and where the

iately concluded that his son was dead, and in his grief cast himself into the sea, since known as the Ægean, where he peris

which might help him forget his woes. He therefore made an excursion into the land of the Amazons, where Hercules had prece

, treacherously slew him by hurling him from the top of a steep cliff into the sea. As usual, when too late the Athenians re

he old dame with a kindly farewell, when she was suddenly transformed into a tall, handsome, imperious-looking woman, whom,

pon Jason’s naked foot, and he grew pale with horror as there flashed into his memory the recollection of an ancient oracle,

ly lost her hold on the golden fleece, and tumbled off the ram’s back into a portion of the sea since known as the Hellespon

over the fountain, the nymphs, enamoured of his beauty, drew him down into their moist abode to keep them company. Hercules,

. The Argo darted through the opening, and, when the rocks again came into contact, they merely grazed the rudder. Thus, as

nds she therefore slew her little brother, Absyrtus, and cut his body into pieces, which she dropped over the side of the ve

ty of his early manhood. To gratify Jason, Medea called all her magic into play, and by some mysterious process restored Æso

her also. The sorceress maliciously bade them cut their father’s body into small pieces, and boil them in a cauldron with ce

with true mother’s wit, snatched the brand from the fire, plunged it into an earthen jar filled with water, quenched the fl

y on her hearth. When the last bit of the precious wood crumbled away into ashes, Meleager died. All Althæa’s affection for

h offence he and his wife were severely punished by being transformed into a pair of lions, and doomed to drag Cybele’s car.

omplice, committed suicide. Œdipus, apprised of her intention, rushed into her apartment too late to prevent its being carri

ing his faithful daughter an affectionate farewell, he groped his way into the dark forest alone. The wind rose, the lightni

was almost completed, when the guards discovered her, and dragged her into the presence of Creon, who, although she was a re

rs were vain, he ran to the place where Antigone was confined, sprang into her narrow cell, wound his arms closely around he

en Hæmon saw she was no more, he, in utter despair, thrust his dagger into his side, and perished too.         “On himself

received this proposal with rapture; and Thebes, again besieged, fell into their hands, and was duly sacked, burned, and des

very outward sign of horror, the king read the missive, and then fell into a deep reverie. He did not like to take a strange

Pegasus was a wonderful winged steed, born from the blood which fell into the foam of the sea from Medusa’s severed head. T

d touching story was told by the ancients of a mortal who was changed into a Hamadryad. This young girl, whose name was Dryo

mplore aid; but, ere the words were spoken, her arms were transformed into twisted branches, and her hands were filled with

ty, Mercury carried him off to Olympus, where all the gods turned him into ridicule. Pan was widely worshipped in olden time

ct her. The prayer was scarcely ended, when she found herself changed into a clump of reeds, which the panting lover embrace

y nibbled, and, as if endowed with extraordinary powers, bounded back into the waves and swam away. Greatly surprised at thi

this peculiar grass, and immediately felt an insane desire to plunge into the sea, —  a desire which soon became so intense

n became so intense that he could no longer resist it, but dived down into the water. The mere contact with the salt waves s

ary likeness Paris bore to her other brothers; and then, breaking out into a prophetic strain, she foretold that he would br

eat warrior, and thus exposed to great danger, she plunged him wholly into the tide with the exception of one heel, by which

he equally fair Briseis. When Chryses heard that his child had fallen into the hands of the enemy, he hastened to Agamemnon’

nd the women, including his mother and beloved Andromache, borne away into bitter captivity.                               

ave the child back to Andromache and, with a farewell embrace, sprang into his chariot and drove away. “Sorrow not thus, be

ple, performed miracles of valour, and finally drove their assailants into their entrenchments. Death and defeat now dogged

ission to wear it and lead the Myrmidons, Achilles’ trusty followers, into the fray.      “Send me at least into the war, A

s, Achilles’ trusty followers, into the fray.      “Send me at least into the war, And let me lead thy Myrmidons, that thus

his mourning family. He also directed Mercury to lead Priam, unseen, into Achilles’ tent, to claim and bear away his son’s

n Paris, ever treacherous, stole behind him and shot a poisoned arrow into his vulnerable heel, thus slaying the hero who ha

; and when the flames of his funeral pyre rose around him, she rushed into their midst, and was burned to death on his corps

Two of Priam’s sons had already expired, and yet Troy had not fallen into the hands of the Greeks, who now heard another pr

n its walls. So Ulysses and Diomedes in disguise effected an entrance into the city one night, and after many difficulties s

Deaf to all warnings and entreaties, they dragged the colossal image into the very heart of their city, tearing down a port

hey returned to the site of their ten-years’ encampment, and were let into the city by Sinon, who also released their compan

the Greeks; but it was now too late, for the enemy had already broken into houses and palaces, and were killing, pillaging,

goddess of revenge, sent by the gods to punish him for taking justice into his own hands. Arrived at Delphi, Orestes consult

The stream of blood from his mangled remains was changed by the gods into an exhaustless stream of limpid water, which ever

on felt the ground shake beneath their feet, and saw the sheep throng into the cave and take their usual places; then behind

cave, preventing all egress. Ulysses’ companions had shrunk with fear into the darkest corners of the cave, whence they watc

t took down at a gulp little suspecting its effect. Very soon he sank into a deep drunken sleep; and then the men, at a sign

a sign from Ulysses, heated the point of the huge club and thrust it into his sole eye, in spite of his frightful cries and

e, sister of Æetes, and aunt of Medea. Here Ulysses’ crew was divided into two parties, one of which, led by Eurylochus, set

f the dead, condemned to sojourn there a while ere they were admitted into Hades. Ulysses embarked, and, according to Circe’

lled two black victims, furnished by Circe, and made their blood flow into the trench. Immediately all the spirits crowded a

daily she engulfed the surrounding waters, drawing even large galleys into her capacious jaws. As for Scylla, she too dwelt

of a love potion, prepared a loathsome drug, which she bade him pour into the water where Scylla was wont to bathe. Glaucus

the. Glaucus faithfully did as she commanded; but when Scylla plunged into the water, her body, and not her feelings, change

it has been customary to use the expression, “falling from Charybdis into Scylla.” The Cattle of the Sun Only too gla

sses Too weary to think of aught but rest, Ulysses dragged himself into a neighbouring wood, where he fell asleep on a be

d outwitted him, he was so angry that he changed the returning vessel into a rock, which blocked the harbour and put an end

renew his wanderings. He therefore prepared a fleet, and sailed “out into the West,” whence he never returned. The Greeks,

im, imploring him to remain, when suddenly Polites, their son, rushed into their presence, closely followed by Pyrrhus, or N

wed by Pyrrhus, or Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, who thrust his sword into the youth, and then murdered Priam also. “So Pri

g, and this grove of trees had sprouted from the spear-handles driven into his unhappy breast. After paying the customary fu

e Libyans regretted their compliance when they saw the ox-hide cut up into thin strips, which enclosed a considerable tract

and reclining on the queen’s bosom, secretly thrust one of his darts into her heart, and made her fall in love with Æneas.

th an effigy of her false lover, she set fire to the pyre, 330 sprang into the midst of the flames, and there stabbed hersel

f shepherd, a brawl ensued, which, fomented by Alecto, soon developed into a bloody war. Hostilities having thus begun, Turn

thanks to Diana’s aid, she reached unharmed, while her father plunged into the waves to join her. In his gratitude at findin

nfortunate youths passed through the camp unseen, but farther on fell into the hands of a troop of Volscian horsemen, who cr

nemy; but, instead of being consumed by the flames, they were changed into water nymphs by the intervention of the gods, and

ed,” existed as “floating talk among the people” long ere they passed into the literature of the nation: and while to us myt

ce is a fair example) were originally nature myths, have divided them into a few large classes, which include the myths of t

d the thunder and lightning, his Cyclop children, down from his abode into the abyss called Tartarus. Zeus (or Jupiter), who

ck Hollyer. Orpheus is also sometimes considered as the sun, plunging into an abyss of darkness, in hopes of overtaking the

f, “The sun is setting and the moon is rising “Selene kisses Endymion into sleep,” instead of, “It is night.” These express

y forced up a steep ascent, only to see it go rolling down and plunge into a dark abyss enveloped in a great cloud of dust,

as Perseus attains manhood, he is forced to journey against his will into the distant land of the mists (the Grææ), and con

rced to fight his way), then again plunging for a short space of time into the depths of Tartarus, whence he emerges once mo

th. He ends his eventful career by being hurled headlong from a cliff into the sea, —  an emblem of the sun, which often see

ff into the sea, —  an emblem of the sun, which often seems to plunge into the waves at eventide. In the story of the Argona

an emblem of the condensation of vapour, falls from her exalted seat into the sea, where she is lost. The ship Argo “is a s

saking her husband (the sun) in his old age, when he is about to sink into the sleep of death. Meleager is also a solar hero

(the dawn maiden), and is finally slain by his own mother, who casts into the flames the brand upon which his existence dep

possession of a criminal at the end of his course, and hurry him down into darkness to inflict horrible torments upon him. I

of the twilight, and ends his career by being hurled from the zenith into utter darkness by one of Jupiter’s deadly thunder

r of the earth was returning in all her beauty; and when summer faded into winter, they said that the beautiful child had be

ir untimely death, that she dissolves in a rain of tears, which turns into hard ice on the mountain summit. According to oth

ng up a great fire in which he consumed some of the herd, glided back into his cradle at dawn. With a low, mocking chuckle a

ckle at the recollection of the pranks he had played, he sank finally into rest. His name, derived from the Sanskrit Saramei

er.” It was first applied “to the storms which throw heaven and earth into confusion, and hence the idea of Ares is confined

the wealth-giver,” or “the unseen,” who greedily drew all things down into his realm, never to relinquish his grasp upon the

f Venus and Anchises, 88; Æneas’ descendants, 118; worship introduced into Italy by, 171; hero of Virgil’s Æneid, 322-339 Æ-

d steed; the offspring of Neptune and Ceres, 129. 2. Musician; thrown into the sea by pirates, saved by a dolphin, 63, 64 A

ar; attendant of Mars, 116 Ber-e-ni′ce. Queen whose hair was changed into a comet, 107, 348 Ber′o-e. Nurse of Semele, whos

; mother of Orpheus, 58 Cal-lis′to. Maiden loved by Jupiter; changed into a bear by Juno; the Great Bear, 36, 37 Cal′y-don

yx. King of Thessaly; shipwrecked, and changed with his wife Halcyone into birds, 181, 182 Cha′os. The first of all divinit

ias, 312 Cir′ce. Sister of Æetes; sorceress who changes Ulysses’ men into swine, 310-314; significance, 360, 361 Cle′o-bis

ificance, 358, 359 Clyt′i-e. Maiden who loves Apollo, and is changed into a sunflower, 54 Co-cy′tus. River in Hades, forme

tus near its mouth, 238 Daph′ne. Maiden loved by Apollo, and changed into a laurel tree, 50, 51; significance, 350, 353-360

s, supposed to watch over vegetation, 261 Dry′o-pe. Princess changed into a tree, 261-264 Dull′ness. Obscure deity put to

her, Night, 2; progenitor of egg, 4; dethroned, 6 E-rid′a-nus. River into which Phaeton fell from the sun chariot, 68; Herc

logy, 14; camp, 293 Greece. Highest peak in, 24; alphabet introduced into , 34; nations of, 35; art in, 38; Cecrops comes to

er the death of Hector, 327 He-li′a-des. Sisters of Phaeton; changed into trees, 68 Hel′i-con. Mountain in Greece, sacred

he Furies, 140; the murderers of, 141 Ic′a-rus. Son of Dædalus; fell into the Icarian Sea, 222 I′da. Mountain in Crete, and

ia, 150, 232; significance, 356 I′o. Maiden loved by Jupiter; changed into an heifer, 111-114; significance, 349, 361 I-ob′

Æolian Islands, where Ulysses landed, 184 Little Bear. Areas changed into the constellation of the, 37 Lo′tis. Nymph chang

reas changed into the constellation of the, 37 Lo′tis. Nymph changed into a lotus blossom, 263 Lo-toph′a-gi. People whose

rmnestra, who spared his life, 143 Lyn′cus. King of Scythia; changed into a lynx by Ceres, 169 Ly′ra. Orpheus’ lute; place

endants of, 339; significance, 365 Mar′sy-as. 1. Shepherd who enters into competition with Apollo, 55, 56. 2. Name of river

ld in two, 4 Medu′sa. Gorgon slain by Perseus, whose hair was turned into snakes, 210-216; Neptune marries, 130; Pegasus, o

ve his golden plague, 154 Pa-læ′mon. Son of Athamas and Ino; changed into sea god, 151 Pal-a-me′des. Messenger sent to sum

nerva, 43 Pan-do′ra. First woman; created in heaven, she brings evil into the world, 18-22, 24 Par′cæ. The Fates, or Mœræ;

of Pan, 265 Pe-ne′us. 1. River god; father of Daphne; changes Daphne into a laurel, 50. 2. Name of a river in Greece, 50 P

de statues of the gods, 35. 43 Phi-le′mon. Husband of Baucis changed into an oak, 29, 30 Phil-oc-te′tes. Friend of Hercule

41 Ple′ia-des. Seven of Diana’s nymphs; pursued by Orion and changed into stars, 78 Plu′to. Same as Hades, Dis, Orcus, Aid

fely passed by the Argo, 235 Syrinx. Nymph loved by Pan, and changed into reeds, 266, 267 T Tæ′a-rum, or Tæn′a-rus. T

p of Vesta abolished by, 173 The-oph′a-ne. Maiden changed by Neptune into a sheep, 1 30 The′seus. Son of Ægeus and Æthra;

gether departed from the abodes of men. Jupiter then divided the year into seasons, shortened the winter days, and let loose

ce reigned supreme; men were not satisfied to till the earth, but dug into its hidden mines, and drew thence gold and iron,

and at length fearlessly mounted on his back. He immediately plunged into the sea, and carried her to the unknown shores of

tioned the gods to deprive them of life. They were soon after changed into serpents. Ques. Relate the punishment of Lycaon

with lightning, and when the tyrant strove to fly, he was transformed into a savage wolf. Chapter III. Phœbus — Apollo.

esumptuous musician, but flayed him alive, and afterwards changed him into a river, which is still known by his name. The pu

pleased. Midas demanded that whatever he should touch might be turned into gold. This prayer was granted, and he was at firs

first overjoyed to see plants, stones and all around him transformed into glittering metal. He soon perceived his folly, ho

d to partake of the food placed before him, it was suddenly converted into gold, and when he would have quenched his thirst,

ld, and when he would have quenched his thirst, the water was changed into a golden stream. Famished in the midst of plenty,

the danger, and struck Phæton with a thunderbolt. His body was hurled into the river Po, where it was found and buried by th

is sisters were weeping around his tomb, they were changed by Jupiter into poplars. Ques. Who was Daphne? Ans. A nymph bel

ues. Who was Daphne? Ans. A nymph beloved by Apollo: she was changed into a laurel while she was flying from the pursuit of

ter. He strove to hide her from the anger of Juno by transforming her into a cow. The goddess suspected the deceit, and begg

l his eyes to sleep. Mercury disguised himself as a shepherd, entered into conversation with Argus, and at length played so

ted — Story of Semele — Infancy of Bacchus — Transformation of Nymphs into Stars — Silenus — How represented — Exploits of B

nt inflicted on Alcithoe and her Sisters — Transformation of Mariners into Dolphins. Ques. Who was Bacchus? Ans. He was

. Ques. How did Bacchus reward their care? Ans. He transformed them into the stars known as the Hyades. Ques. Who aided t

tween the gods and giants, taking the form of a lion to strike terror into the latter. Ques. What other actions are attribu

is, Alcithoe and her sisters were transformed by the power of Bacchus into bats; and the spindle and yarn with which they wo

ked were changed to ivy. Ques. Relate the transformation of mariners into dolphins? Ans. A ship touched at Chios for a sup

terrified sailors tried to leap overboard, they were suddenly changed into dolphins. The captain was spared, and landed with

Juno — Jealousy of the Goddess — Transformation of Callista and Arcas into Bears — Sacrifices offered to the Goddess — Plant

woman whom Jupiter loved. She transformed Callisto and her son Arcas into bears, and was extremely displeased when Jupiter

d castle of Minerva in Troy, a statue of the goddess fell from heaven into the castle, which was still unroofed. The oracle

efore, to steal the Palladium. Ulysses and Diomedes [Diome′des] crept into the city through the common sewers, and brought a

challenge Minerva to a trial of skill in weaving. The goddess wrought into her work the most beautiful designs, but it would

insult, and hung herself from a beam. Minerva immediately changed her into a spider, and permitted her to live only that she

ing hair; but having offended Minerva, that goddess changed her locks into serpents, and rendered her appearance so frightfu

whole country around covered with figures of men and animals changed into stone by the sight of the monster, he was obliged

in which Medusa’s head did him good service, by changing his enemies into stone. He afterwards gave the head to Minerva, wh

pomenes was ungrateful to Venus, who revenged herself by changing him into a lion, and the beautiful Atalanta into a lioness

enged herself by changing him into a lion, and the beautiful Atalanta into a lioness. Ques. Who was Adonis? Ans. He was a

Juno — Birth of Apollo and Diana — Transformation of Lycian Peasants into Frogs — Punishment of Tityus — Latona a Personifi

able for her use. Ques. Relate the transformation of Lycian peasants into frogs. Ans. Latona, while wandering with her bab

ut they mocked her prayers, and when she tried to approach they waded into the pool, and, stirring up the mud, defiled the w

The goddess was so much incensed, that she changed the cruel rustics into frogs, and condemned them to dwell forever in the

carcely heard, the goddess was moved with compassion, and changed him into a grasshopper. Ques. Who was Memnon? Ans. He wa

til′ochus], the son of Nestor, and threw the whole army of the Greeks into disorder. Achilles [Achil′les], however, appeared

mn pomp. The sparks, as they rose from the funeral pyre, were changed into birds, which divided into two flocks, and fought

ey rose from the funeral pyre, were changed into birds, which divided into two flocks, and fought together until they fell i

s, which divided into two flocks, and fought together until they fell into the flames and were consumed. According to the po

or called Vulcania. At these they sacrificed animals by throwing them into the fire to be burned to death. The Athenians als

e blind Cyclops, directed by the sound of their voices, hurled a rock into the sea, by which their vessel was almost swamped

have imagined that the Cyclops were a race of miners, who, descending into the deep recesses of the earth, and coming forth

ed her vow, attached her girdle to the prow, and drew the ship safely into port. Her innocence was established by this prodi

nant at the treachery of Ascalaphus, that she changed him immediately into an owl. Jupiter endeavored to appease the resentm

ch seem to prove that the person to be initiated was first introduced into a dark subterranean cave, where he was terrified

. After this, if his courage did not fail, he was suddenly introduced into a lovely garden, and the ceremonies concluded wit

ng Triptolemus with living coals, she cried out in terror, and rushed into the room to save him. Ceres punished her curiosit

 Astræa — Nemesis. Themis — Origin and Attributes — Astræa changed into the Constellation Virgo — Erigone — Nemesis — Her

st among the Immortals to abandon the earth. Jupiter then changed her into the constellation Virgo, one of the signs of the

who hung herself in despair, at the death of her father, was changed into the constellation Virgo. Ques. Who was Nemesis [

ntended to erect in honor of their expected victory. This marble fell into the hands of the Athenians, and a sculptor, said

d the Muses to a contest in music; they were defeated and transformed into magpies by the indignant goddesses. Thamyris [Tha

an? Ans. When the Gauls, under their King Brennus, made an irruption into Greece, and were about to plunder the temple of A

his god, that she prayed the water-nymphs to help her, and change her into reeds, which they did. Pan saw the transformation

found they produced the most melodious sounds, so that he formed them into a rustic pipe. Milk and honey were offered to Pan

nd childless, wept without ceasing until the pitying gods changed her into stone. This story has furnished the subject of a

y, Arethusa prayed to Diana for relief, and was immediately dissolved into a fountain. Alpheus resumed his watery form, and

an origin of this famous fount, it was asserted that a cup which fell into the river Alpheus in Greece, rose in the fountain

hing remained of her but her voice and bones. The latter were changed into stones, but the voice is still heard among rocks

his own shadow, gazed at it, lost in admiration, until he was changed into the flower that bears his name. According to anot

markable? Ans. For his power of transforming himself instantaneously into any shape he wished. Ques. Who was Triton? Ans.

llured all who sailed by those coasts; and after they had lulled them into a trance, drowned them in the sea. Ques. What wa

us, they knew that their hour had come, and flung themselves headlong into the sea, where they were transformed into rocks.

d flung themselves headlong into the sea, where they were transformed into rocks. Ques. Who was Circe? Ans. She was a skil

soned her husband, the king of the Sarmatians, she was obliged to fly into Italy, where she fixed her dwelling on the promon

avellers an enchanted cup; and after they had drunk, transformed them into wolves, swine or other animals. Ulysses escaped b

o wolves, swine or other animals. Ulysses escaped by throwing an herb into the cup, which rendered it powerless; he then rus

er of Phorcus, and that she was transformed by the jealousy of Circe, into a frightful monster. Scylla was so much grieved b

lla was so much grieved by this transformation, that she cast herself into the sea, where she was changed into a rock, made

sformation, that she cast herself into the sea, where she was changed into a rock, made famous by the many shipwrecks that o

is theft, Jupiter struck her dead with a thunderbolt, and changed her into the whirlpool which bears her name. The ancients

hus by dashing him against a wall, but Ino escaped, and threw herself into the sea with Melicertes in her arms. At the inter

ignify? Ans. It seems to imply, that when once the dead are received into Pluto’s kingdom, the gates are locked upon them a

ined the affections of Juno. For this insolence Jupiter cast him down into hell, where he was fastened to a wheel which revo

almoneus [Salmo′neus]? Ans. Salmoneus was king of Elis, and was cast into hell for imitating Jupiter’s thunder. Ques. What

reason, he was said to have three heads and three bodies, and passed into fable as a monster. He was probably a wicked and

properly begun, unless some portion of the viands had been first cast into the fire; in the more solemn form of marriage, th

s. Virginia, the daughter of Aulus, a patrician of high rank, married into a plebeian family. The noble ladies of Rome were

yon [Ger′yon], who had three heads and three bodies. Hercules brought into Italy the oxen of this monster, which were accust

, and bore away the precious fruit. Twelfth. Hercules descended alive into the infernal regions, and brought from thence the

ch was nothing else but the venom of the hydra which had been infused into the Centaur’s blood; and it was not long before h

he youth who had brought him the garment, by the foot, and hurled him into the sea. He then fled in his agony to the summit

intricate windings, that no one who was conducted a certain distance into the edifice, could find the entrance again. These

ieved from this that his son was dead. In his despair he cast himself into the sea, which was called Ægean [Æ′gean] from his

ory of Eurydice — Death of Orpheus — Transformation of Thracian Women into Trees — Arion — Amphion. Orpheus. Ques. W

he had treated them. After tearing him to pieces, they threw his head into the river Hebrus, and were surprised to hear its

was indignant at the cruelty of the Thracian women, and changed them into trees. Arion. Ques. Who was Arion? Ans. H

sepulture. If he cared not for this, he must immediately cast himself into the sea. Arion chose the latter alternative, but

melody. Then, commending himself to the friendly Nereides, he sprang into the sea. The waves closed above him, and the ship

in gold and purple, and holding his lyre as when he had cast himself into the sea. Overcome with terror, the guilty men con

s. Chapter XXX. Atlas — His Parentage — Transformed by Perseus into a Mountain — Explanation of the Fable — Pleiades

sperides — Orion — His Parentage, Exploits and Death — Transformation into a Constellation — Perseus — His Parentage — Rescu

at so much inhumanity, showed him the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears his name. The fable, tha

, he had seven daughters, who were called Pleiades; they were changed into stars, and form the beautiful group which we admi

and sent a scorpion to sting him. The hero was changed, after death, into a constellation which is known as the most resple

princess, and he now found means to visit her by transforming himself into a shower of gold, which we may take for a poetica

vail, he enclosed Danaë and her infant son in a coffer, which he cast into the sea. The coffer was carried by the waves to t

ster appeared, Perseus showed him the head of Medusa, and changed him into a rock, which was long famous upon that coast. Ph

pposed her marriage with Perseus, and changed the nuptial solemnities into a scene of discord and bloodshed. The head of the

e frightful trophy, upon which Phineus and his followers were changed into stone, in the very attitudes in which they fought

erseus, Andromeda, Cepheus, and Cassiopeia were changed, after death, into the constellations which bear their names. Ch

ed human form and became men, and those thrown by Pyrrha were changed into women. Ques. How is this fable explained? Ans.

ing him down from the summit of the Acropolis. Perdix was transformed into a partridge, a timid bird which seems still mindf

Ceyx borne towards her by the waves. In her despair, she cast herself into the sea, but the gods took pity on the faithful p

ea, but the gods took pity on the faithful pair, and transformed them into halcyons. According to the poets, it was decreed

of Meleager, the Furies took possession of her soul. Entering hastily into the palace, she snatched the fatal brand, so long

palace, she snatched the fatal brand, so long preserved, and cast it into the flames. At the same moment Meleager started w

leager wept his loss, until Diana, pitying their sorrow, changed them into birds called Meleagrides. Nisus and Scylla.

ung to the prow of his ship; but Nisus, who had just been transformed into a hawk, swooped down upon her from the sky. Scyll

into a hawk, swooped down upon her from the sky. Scylla cast herself into the sea, and was transformed at the same moment i

lla cast herself into the sea, and was transformed at the same moment into a lark. Erisichthon. Ques. Who was Erisich

f their impious foe. The goddess was moved, and delivered Erisichthon into the power of Famine. As the Fates had decreed tha

as Mestra was sold, she was transformed, by the favor of Neptune, now into a horse, now an ox, and now a stag; and so escape

obler pleasures of fame and friendship, but plunged without restraint into all the vices and follies of which the Roman capi

ith the earliest times, and closing with the changing of Julius Cæsar into a star. The stories are not themselves original;

ntence of banishment. In a fit of impatience and despair, he threw it into the flames. Some of his friends possessed copies,

ape from the vengeance of the Thracians, she was suddenly transformed into a dog. Chapter XXXV. Ulysses. Ulysses — Hi

ysses, that, as their vessel was returning to port, he transformed it into a rock, which continued ever after to obstruct th

he son of that monarch, which was so true and constant that it passed into a proverb. Orestes was urged by messages from his

unknowingly committed. In his despair, he put out his eyes, and went into exile, leaving the throne to his sons Eteocles [E

rthage — Departure of Æneas — Death of Dido — Funeral Games — Descent into the Infernal Regions — Landing of Æneas in Italy

pt, that if they would not eat, they might drink, and had them thrown into the sea. It is believed that the terrible defeat

f a water called Lethe, or oblivion, he descended by means of ladders into the first, or upper cavern. The opening into the

nded by means of ladders into the first, or upper cavern. The opening into the lower cave was extremely narrow, and there wa

be assigned; as Christianity spread, these impostures fell gradually into disrepute, and were at length entirely abandoned.

ually decreased as they went on, until the whole assembly burst forth into hooting and shouts of laughter, so absurd did the

ebrated. They were instituted in honor of Melicertes, who was changed into a sea deity. After falling into neglect, these ga

honor of Melicertes, who was changed into a sea deity. After falling into neglect, these games were restored by Theseus. Th

ls, by passages extending around the theatre, and again transversely, into wedge-like masses, by flights of steps which radi

which they had just witnessed. At other times the chorus broke forth into lamentations over the untimely fate of some perso

citadel of Athens in the year 1687. The Turks converted the Parthenon into a powder magazine; it was unfortunately struck by

of Egyptian temples. After the worship of this goddess was introduced into Rome, her image was adorned with different emblem

idden at Rome. Tiberius caused the images of the goddess to be thrown into the Tiber; her worship was, however, afterwards r

. The Egyptians maintained that the soul of Osiris passed after death into the body of Apis; and that as often as the sacred

of Apis; and that as often as the sacred animal died, the soul passed into the body of its successor. Sacrifices were offere

in the course of nature or by violence, the whole country was plunged into mourning, which lasted until his successor was fo

into mourning, which lasted until his successor was found. The animal into whom the divinity had passed, was known by many e

ended arms, they were lowered, and the little victim immediately fell into the fiery furnace placed at the foot of the idol.

rk is a part of the fire, and that finally all souls will be absorbed into Brahma, as drops of water are lost in the ocean.

ieve that if a man lead a pure life, his soul will pass, after death, into another human body, but that if he has been wicke

nto another human body, but that if he has been wicked, it will enter into the body of some unclean animal. They think the s

r relations. Ques. What are Castes? Ans. They are different classes into which the Hindoos have been divided from the earl

gift. He was so disgusted with the wickedness of men, that he retired into a desert place, where he spent six years in praye

ent countries. Ques. When was the worship of Buddha first introduced into China? Ans. About the year 65 of our era. From C

he third religion is Buddhism, which, as we have seen, was introduced into China in the first century of our era. Ques. Who

, considered that, among the ignorant, these rites always degenerated into superstition, and often into idolatry. The disput

ignorant, these rites always degenerated into superstition, and often into idolatry. The dispute was referred to Rome, and a

ne perpetuated? Ans. When the Lama dies, his soul enters immediately into the body of some child, so that he is simply said

ferior Lamas always succeed in finding the hidden divinity. The child into whom they supposed the Lama’s soul has entered, i

m and fertile regions, the temper, even of the barbarian, is softened into harmony with the scenes around him, and his super

this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source, froze into ice, which, gradually accumulating, the great dee

of his body formed the earth on which we live. His bones were changed into mountains, his hair into trees; of his skull they

rth on which we live. His bones were changed into mountains, his hair into trees; of his skull they made the heavens, and of

the entire universe. This tree had three roots, one of which extended into Asgard, the dwelling-place of the gods; another i

f which extended into Asgard, the dwelling-place of the gods; another into Jotunheim, the abode of the giants; and a third i

he gods; another into Jotunheim, the abode of the giants; and a third into Niffleheim, the region of darkness and cold. Unde

orts to throw off the weight cause earthquakes. The root that extends into Asgard is carefully tended by three Norns, who co

messenger to bring them to him. When they came, he threw the serpent into the deep ocean by which the earth is surrounded.

ng his tail in his mouth, he encircled the whole world. Hela was cast into Niffleheim, where she receives as her subjects al

liverance of the hero. Not having fallen in battle, Baldur had passed into the power of Hela, who ruled over the gloomy regi

k river, which was spanned by a bridge of gold; this was the entrance into Hell, and Hermod rode over it fearlessly, althoug

s magical power to escape their wrath. He changed himself at one time into a salmon, and hid among the stones of a brook. He

xcept at night, because the sun’s rays had the power of changing them into stones. Ques. Where did these dwell? Ans. The G

he plant with a golden sickle while two others received it reverently into a white mantle spread beneath. Two milk-white hei

ber was valued for certain mysterious properties; it was manufactured into beads by the Druids, and these were given as char

d the victim dragged thither by her companions. She plunged her knife into his heart, and watched carefully to obtain an ome

fernal regions, and consequently, there was no Pluto. The soul passed into another body, and the transmigration was happy, o

who were offered in sacrifice. These privileged souls passed at once into the presence of the Sun, whom they accompanied wi

t two of his children, Manco-Capac, and Mama Oello Huaco, to form men into regular communities, and teach them the arts of c

irected to take up their abode wherever the sacred emblem should sink into the earth of its own accord. This prodigy took pl

This prodigy took place in the valley of Cuzco, where the wedge sank into the ground, and disappeared forever. Here the chi

men in the arts of agriculture, while Mama Oello initiated the women into the mysteries of weaving and spinning. The rude,

d in life when he compiled his great work on geography. It is divided into seventeen books, and contains much valuable and i

was so high that its peak seemed to pierce through the clouds, up, up into the sky, till the eye could scarcely follow it. N

e in the sunset sky, when the pink and gold and purple cloudlets sink into the west, changing their shape each moment that w

land of shades; and the Greeks thought that people who died went down into this dark land. Its ruler was King Pluto. He was

ing and singing as she went along, all bitter feelings seemed to rush into her heart at once; and she hated Callisto so much

agic words. In an instant Callisto’s slender, white hands had changed into great, hairy paws; and where but a moment before

ting a long time, when, in following a deer’s track, he came suddenly into a little cleared space, and saw, standing within

as far as he could for Juno’s cruelty, he changed both mother and son into bright, glowing stars, and put them in the heaven

ight passes, they seem to sink lower and lower, and at last to vanish into the sea. That is what Juno meant by speaking of t

so strange as the whole springtime, with all its loveliness, changed into a human being, you would have looked but an insta

s to ask the girl for her consent; so, with a bold stride, he stepped into the midst of the happy circle. The young girls, f

ice. It opened, and, in an instant, horses, chariot, and all, plunged into the darkness below. But Proserpine knew that the

was closing over her, the girl seized her girdle and threw it far out into the river. She hoped that in some way the girdle

eavy with weeping. I can stay no longer now, O Ceres, for I must leap into the sunshine. The bright sky calls me, and I must

d no food while in Pluto’s kingdom. So the happy mother hastened down into Hades. But alas! that very day Proserpine had eat

Lowell. The Childhood of Apollo and Diana Mr. Frog, hopping into the water or sitting on a log in the middle of a

mproves very much on acquaintance. There was once a poet who went out into the woods to sing among the green trees; and his

n and the two helpless children, and he put something about the frogs into his tale. As he had not liked them at all, he mad

s is the story of the unhappy mother, and of the men who were changed into frogs because they were so unkind to her. Long ag

stful, and poor Latona was so tired and discouraged, that she stepped into the boat and pushed it off from the shore. She sa

hard-hearted indeed, and for answer they began to kick mud and stones into the water, so that in a few moments the clear lak

at pool!” The gods heard her prayer, and the men were at once changed into frogs; and to this day they haunt the quiet pools

day they haunt the quiet pools, now sitting on the rocks, now leaping into the water with ugly croaks. As for Latona, her ti

I chatter over stony ways,     In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays,     I babble on the pebbles. I cha

ction; so he pushed her aside very roughly, and fled from her farther into the woods. Poor Echo! His unkind looks had hurt h

en very poor and humble. Arachne, however, brought wealth and comfort into their little cottage, through her great skill in

nd leaning on her staff, as though too feeble to walk erect, she came into the little room where Arachne sat spinning. She j

least fear or awe; on the contrary, she again asked Minerva to enter into a trial of skill. Without more words, the goddess

g the story of a famous contest in which the gods had taken part; and into each of the four corners she wove a picture of th

now for repentance. The goddess seized the beautiful web, and tore it into shreds. Then she raised her shuttle and struck Ar

in reality it, too, had diminished in size. Her fingers were changed into ugly spider’s legs, and, hanging from her thread,

as wandering. This was just what he wanted. He shot the arrow of lead into her heart, and the girl felt a cold shiver run th

Daphne had been made to hate Apollo, and she turned to flee from him into the woods. Apollo followed in hot haste, calling

grew heavy, and a thin bark began to cover her skin. Her hair changed into green leaves, her arms to slender branches, and h

o the ground. Her father had answered her prayer, and had changed her into a laurel tree. When Apollo saw that his beautiful

tched toward him and her lips speaking a last farewell, she sank back into that Hades from which his love and his wonderful

t of music had so nearly saved her. In vain Orpheus tried to get back into Hades; and after sitting for seven days on the ba

at he could not play merry tunes. But when he refused, the women flew into a rage, and fell upon him, and put him to death w

them severely for their heartless action. They cast the singer’s body into the weeping river, His last words as he floated d

Orpheus himself, with a happy heart, crossed the dark River of Death into the realm of Hades. This time Charon gladly ferri

ter, and, eager to quench his thirst, parted the branches and stepped into an open space beyond. But what did he see? Lying

t. At the moment when Actaeon parted the branches, Diana was stepping into the rippling water. At sight of him, she paused,

und he could not utter a word. The angry goddess had changed his form into that of a deer, the animal which he and his faith

and her child. One day, some cruel people put Perseus and his mother into a boat, and set them adrift on the great, wide se

e wanted to know, and he set their hearts at rest by clapping the eye into the forehead of the sister standing nearest him.

ad of the sister standing nearest him. 10. “Perseus clipped the eye into her forehead.” Perseus and the Graeae (Burne-Jone

thrust, he cut off the head of the sleeping Gorgon, and then flew up into the air again, holding the horrid head behind him

verything. So, in some way, Jupiter felt Juno’s wrath before she came into the grove; and fearing that she might harm his co

ng that she might harm his companion, quick as a flash, he changed Io into a white heifer. When Juno came to the side of the

p, to her sisters, the water nymphs. They heard her and drew her down into the stream, and a moment later a clump of reeds g

ir for food, Ere their sweet and tender juices     Have been hardened into wood, That to the world are children;     Throug

saw. You can well understand how such a wonderful baby might grow up into a remarkable man. Hercules was, in fact, the stro

people. Juno still wanted to show her hatred of him, so she sent him into ail sorts of dangers. He had to fight hard battle

ord to show his innocence, Hercules seized him, and flung him far out into the sea. The gods took pity on him, and, as he wa

e sea. The gods took pity on him, and, as he was falling, changed him into a rock resembling a man in form; and the rock sti

ly Daedalus grasped his arm and pushed him over the edge of the cliff into the sea below. Perdix would surely have been drow

of wisdom, who loved him because he was so skillful. She changed him into a partridge, and he flew off across the waters.

Minos received him very kindly. But before long, Daedalus got himself into trouble by interfering with the king’s household,

ed to have one of them for his own. One day Icarus was looking now up into the sky where many birds were flying to and fro,

he signal to start. Slowly, like two great birds, father and son rose into the air. The fishermen and the sailors who saw th

he would do anything to win his love. No sooner had this thought come into her mind than it was followed by another. “Perhap

emed so dreadful a thing. The end of it was, that one night she crept into the room where her father lay sleeping, and quick

ould no longer think of anything but King Minos. Then she slipped out into the night, unbolted the bars, and, throwing the g

s.” Morning was breaking as he spoke; and, waking his men, he marched into the city and conquered it by his own bravery and

aring to go. When at length Minos threw off the last rope, she sprang into the water, and, grasping the helm of the boat, cr

e waves; but suddenly her body grew light as air she had been changed into a bird. Sorrowfully she flew above the city that

f getting any more; for they could not leave the city without falling into the enemy’s hands. Many people starved to death,

t the ship reached the island of Crete, and the young people were led into the king’s presence. At sight of those comely boy

passed, keeping firm hold of the precious thread; and at last he came into the open court. There lay the Minotaur, fast asle

first she pitied him and his helpless companions. Together they went into the courtyard, awoke the sleeping youths and maid

s no more milk in the house. But what was her surprise, when, looking into the pitcher, she saw that it was still full to th

he poor little grapes from the stunted vine in the garden had changed into great, luscious clusters of purple black. Althoug

l the village have been saved, and your humble cottage I have changed into a temple of the gods. ‘Before I leave this place,

ed him to take her with him. Ceyx would not think of leading Halcyone into such danger, and, although it grieved him to leav

d in the sky and a heavy gale arose. Soon the quiet waves had changed into great, white-capped mountains of water, that dash

ls flapped helplessly on the broken masts, and the water came pouring into the boat from all sides. At last there came a cra

s he drifted along, now rising on the top of a high wave, now sinking into the foaming depths below, he seemed to see before

tell her of his shipwreck.” Then Iris flew back out of the darkness, into the bright, sunlit sky. Somnus chose from among t

him. So she mounted a little rising knoll near the shore, and sprang into the sea. But she was not drowned. The gods so pit

drowned. The gods so pitied the loving couple that they changed them into white halcyon birds, or kingfishers, as they are

weary of the dizzy flight, that she dropped from the ram’s back, fell into a narrow sea over which they were passing, and wa

nd of the Golden Fleece. ——— The Arrow and the Song I shot an arrow into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For

flew, the sight Could not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For

The morning after their arrival at Colchis, the Greeks were brought into the palace of the king. The king had two children

oughed the four acres in a short time. 16. “He threw the magic drug into its eyes.” Jason and the Dragon ( Salvator Rosa

ce. Remembering Medea’s advice, he seized a large stone and hurled it into the midst of his foes. This made them turn from J

him a drug, to put the dragon to sleep, and Jason made his way alone into the dark wood. He had not gone far, when he notic

when he came within a few feet of the dragon, he threw the magic drug into its eyes; and after a few moments, the dragon was

th be the emblem of sorrow and death.” Then Apollo changed Cyparissus into a cypress tree, that he might continue to live in

minutes, what was the fisherman’s surprise to see them all leap back into the water and swim away! “Why, what wonderful gra

me over him; and at length he had such a mad longing to throw himself into the clear water, that almost before he knew what

clear water, that almost before he knew what he was doing, he plunged into the sea. Neptune, the god of the ocean, saw all t

sank beneath the surface, he caught him in his arms, and, taking him into his ocean palace, changed him from a poor fisherm

, taking him into his ocean palace, changed him from a poor fisherman into a god of the sea. Glaucus now lived entirely in t

little flask filled with a colorless liquid, and told him to throw it into the water where Scylla bathed. Glaucus hastened h

Scylla came to the little spring, and throwing off her robe, slipped into the clear water to enjoy its cool freshness. But

was most horrible, for it bred monsters. Scarcely had Scylla stepped into the water when her legs began to change their sha

she ran screaming to the top of the hill, and threw herself headlong into the foaming waves of the sea. She was changed to

of iron or some other heavy substance. The players hurled their discs into the air, the object of the game being to see who

, and were enjoying themselves very much. Apollo hurled his disc high into the air, and it shot up through the clouds, and,

ause, fell to the ground with a crash. 17. “He hurled his disc high into the air.” The Discobolus (Vatican, Rome). Then

in living for that alone. At last, one day, a beautiful thought came into his mind. Pygmalion seized his chisel and hammer

, that she who could work such wonders would change his marble statue into a real, living maiden. As he finished his prayer,

e day he went so far as to ask the great god Apollo to enter with him into a contest of musical skill. Apollo, the sun god,

s with a rake, and cut his shaggy beard with a scythe, and then gazed into the clear, still water to see how he looked. It s

, she ran away to join her lover by the banks of a stream that flowed into the sea. But Polyphemus,, when he found that the

ice began to roar, and his eye became fierce and flaming. He wandered into the woods, and all the wild animals hurried into

flaming. He wandered into the woods, and all the wild animals hurried into places of shelter when they felt the ground tremb

nder the heavy weight. Yet Acis did not die, for the gods changed him into a stream of we.cer, which gushed forth from under

became clearer and clearer, until at last, pure as crystal, it sprang into the sea and joined Galatea in her cave under the

fferent nations whose names, apparently different, have been resolved into the same root-word, or to a root of the same mean

circular disk of the earth was crossed from west to east, and divided into two equal parts by the Sea as they called the Med

o, except those forming Charles’s Wain, or Bear, rose out of and sunk into the stream of Ocean. There the sun-god embarked i

k of their food and hospitality. “Like mankind, the gods were divided into two sexes, — namely, gods and goddesses. They mar

itself, and Eros* (the love that combines all things in pairs) sprung into existence. Erebus* (Darkness) and Nyx* (Night) we

sprung Gigantes* (Giants) and Meliæ* (Melian Nymphs). From what fell into the sea sprung Aphrodite* (Venus). Uranus cursed

hite rams, and white horses. From the Egyptian name Horus those parts into which the sun divides the day are called horse or

d his thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from his seat. He fell into the river Eridanus* (Po). His sisters, the Heliad

). His sisters, the Heliades*, as they lamented his fate, were turned into poplar-trees on its banks, and their tears, which

ir tears, which still continued to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream. Cycnus*, the friend of the ill-fated

aethon, also abandoned himself to mourning, and at length was changed into a swan. “One who cannot guide the fiery horses si

ying his unhappy condition, exerted her divine power, and changed him into a grasshopper. Memnon, king of Ethiopia, celebrat

he death of u youth by saying that Eos loved him, and had carried him into immortal life. The views and fables connected wit

of his repose. The name Endymion denotes the sudden plunge of the sun into the sea. Endymion represents the tired sun hurryi

told of a name which, in order to have any meaning, had to be changed into a god or a hero. The setting sun once slept in th

ight; but now he sleeps on Mount Latmos, in Caria*. Endymion, sinking into sleep, was once the setting sun. In the ancient p

“the sun is setting and the moon is rising;” “Selene kisses Endymion into sleep,” instead of “it is night.” Representatio

feet, filled the air. The principal seat of her worship was at Crete, into which place this divinity was introduced by its f

frantic, rushed to the mountains and destroyed himself. He was turned into a pine-tree, into which his soul passed, while fr

the mountains and destroyed himself. He was turned into a pine-tree, into which his soul passed, while from his blood sprun

th her great beauty, and wishing to win her love, transformed himself into a beautiful white bull, and quietly approached th

notice of Zeus. On remarking this, Hera, in her jealousy, changed lo into a white heifer, and set the hundred-eyed Argus* t

other of a son named Arcas*. Hera being extremely jealous changed her into a bear. Her son, when he grew up, meeting her in

rsa Minor. Hera induced Oceanus and Tethys to forbid them from coming into their waters, and consequently the two constellat

that prowled all night about the fold Of the North Star, hath shrunk into his den. Scared by the blithesome footsteps of th

h received the punishment which his crime merited. He was transformed into a wolf, and his house was destroyed by lightning.

e day, as they were standing before the temple, they were transformed into trees, remaining forever side by side. Represen

in her house, which was upon the bank of a river. He threw the nymph into the river, and transformed her into a tortoise, w

nk of a river. He threw the nymph into the river, and transformed her into a tortoise, which was condemned to carry its hous

t at not being invited, she determined to cause dissension, and threw into the midst of the guests a golden apple, with the

d boars. The gall of victims was also offered. The bodies were thrown into the sea. The wife of Poseidon was Amphitrite*. Th

ss dismal nature, in which the other side of his character is brought into prominence. From this point of view he is represe

had quitted. These shades, as they were called, were driven by Aides into his dominions, where they passed their time in br

s or received in vessels as at other sacrifices, was permitted to run into the ground. The officiating priests wore black ro

ed them along to the great gate which closed the opening to Tartarus, into whose awful depths they were hurled, to suffer en

t water, but when he tried to quench his thirst, it suddenly vanished into the ground. Sisyphus, King of Corinth, was condem

ands on their wedding-night, were condemned to pour water continually into a cask full of holes, which could never be filled

read with a pair of scissors. That is, Clotho gives life or brings us into the world, Lachesis determines the fortunes that

of one inexorable, all-conquering fate became amplified by the poets into that described above. It was considered the funct

e rescued from the lower grades of hunters and shepherds, and brought into subjection to law and morality. She thus becomes

imprudent curiosity of his mother, who watched the goddess and rushed into the room, deprived him of the intended blessing.

eary and faint in the vain search for her daughter. She angrily threw into his face the remainder of the food, and changed h

ngrily threw into his face the remainder of the food, and changed him into a spotted lizard. Erysichthon* once cut down an o

gloomy, awe-inspiring deity, who pitilessly drags down all that lives into the hidden depths of the earth, whence the grave

, where it has been sown, as though dead, but afterwards breaks forth into new life. It was only natural to associate with t

Athene loosened the rope and saved her life, but the rope was changed into a cobweb, while Arachne became a spider. As Athen

to one account, he was born lame, and his mother cast him from heaven into the sea. The Oceanides Eurynome* and Thetis* tend

The streets were illuminated, fires were kindled, and animals thrown into the flames as a sacrifice to Vulcan for security

of love, and at the same time discharged his leaden arrow of aversion into that of Daphne*, daughter of the river-god Peneus

d from Apollo, and calling to her father for aid, she was transformed into a laurel-bush. Apollo sorrowfully crowned his hea

were performing the rites of Dionysus (Bacchus). His head was thrown into the river Hebrus, and, as it floated down the str

th the discus, it rebounded, and killed the youth. Apollo changed him into a flower, called for him the Hyacinth. Cyparissus

pined away, and died of a broken heart. He was transformed by the god into a cypress-tree. Apollo and Poseidon built for Lao

huge blocks of stone moved of their own accord, adjusting themselves into the places assigned for them. Marsyas* was a saty

ated the presumptuous mortal, flayed him while alive, and changed him into a river, which is still known by his name. King M

the secret to himself, that he dug a hole in the ground and whispered into it, “King Midas has the ears of an ass.” Some ree

censed at his audacity, sprinkled him with water, and transformed him into a stag. His own dogs tore him in pieces. Niobe*,

e lay slain by their arrows. Niobe, stiffening with grief, was turned into stone. “The beauty of the children of Niobe is t

e on the mountain-summits, where men fancy they see her form hardened into stone.” Cox . The Diana of the Romans was iden

Tullius, who is said to have introduced the worship of this divinity into Rome. The Nemoralia, or Grove Festivals, were cel

ared as a lion; terror seized the offenders, who leaped from the ship into the sea, where they were changed into dolphins. A

nders, who leaped from the ship into the sea, where they were changed into dolphins. A fine representation of this scene sti

of the vines. The voluptuous Bacchanalia* were afterwards introduced into Rome in imitation of the Greek orgies. Brumatia*

nged the Muses to a contest in music. They were defeated, and changed into magpies by the indignant goddesses. Thamyris* was

to shipwreck and destruction by their songs. The Sirens* once entered into a contest with the Muses. The songs of the latter

l she became nothing but bones and voice — the former the gods turned into stones; the latter may still be heard among the h

sformation in nature by means of which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms and the blossoms into fruit. He is gener

f which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms and the blossoms into fruit. He is generally represented crowned with w

uture events, and could assume any form at pleasure, changing himself into fire or water, plant or animal. Sometimes, when c

e had caught and thrown on the grass bite it, and instantly jump back into the water. His curiosity was excited, and he tast

s of the grass. No sooner was this done, than he precipitated himself into the sea. Oceanus and Tethys cleansed him from all

ival, blew the nymph down from a rock and killed her. Pan changed her into a pine-tree. Professor Müller explains that Borea

possible, she called on the gods for assistance. They transformed her into a reed just as Pan was about to seize her. While

s us that Pan, the wind, played with Syrinx, and that she was changed into a reed.” Müller . The Romans had an old Italia

ardens, with a libation of milk and honey. His worship was introduced into Rome, with that of Aphrodite, and he was identifi

or brass containing holy water (which had been consecrated by putting into it a burning torch taken from the altar), with wh

nkled. In the inmost recess of the sanctuary was the most holy place, into which none but the priests were permitted to ente

d, a fire was kindled on the altar; wine and frankincense were poured into it to increase the flame. In very ancient times t

carried to the sanctuary by a young maiden. The victim was conducted into the temple frequently to the accompaniment of mus

petus, made men of clay and water, after which Athene breathed a soul into them. The gods met at Mecone*, in order to adjust

t Prometheus, as the advocate of man, should slay an ox and divide it into two parts, and that the gods should select one po

that Pandora brought with her a box containing her marriage presents, into which each god had put some blessing. She opened

tion of civilization many evils which were before unknown to man came into existence, is expressed in the myth of Pandora.”

to destroy mankind by a flood. Warned by his father, he built an ark, into which he and his wife retired when the waters beg

ce which founded towns, and gradually drove their wild neighbors back into the mountains. He thinks the word Centaurs meant

lar, the work of Hephæstus. According to tradition, Cadmus introduced into Greece the letters of the alphabet, which were in

unger son, Melicertes*, to the verge of a rock, from which she sprung into the sea. The gods made them deities of the sea, I

of the Enchelians*, in Illyria. He and his wife were finally changed into serpents and sent by Zeus to the Elysian Plain.

the evening upon three?” Everyone who was unable to answer was hurled into the abyss. Creon, brother-in-law of Laius, had se

availing, he enclosed both mother and child in a chest, which he cast into the sea. It was cared for by Zeus, who caused it

ad of Medusa, which he held toward the king. Atlas became transformed into a stony mountain. Beard and hair extended themsel

transformed into a stony mountain. Beard and hair extended themselves into forests; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge

; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge rocks; and the head grew up into a craggy peak, which reached into the clouds. (At

me huge rocks; and the head grew up into a craggy peak, which reached into the clouds. (Atlas Mountains in northern part of

fore its eyes the head of Medusa, the hideous body became transformed into a huge black rock. Perseus then delivered the mai

their eyes; but on showing it to his adversaries, they all stiffened into stone. Perseus, accompanied by his bride, returne

d killed him. As a punishment, Amphitryon*, his step-father, sent him into the country where his flocks and herds were feedi

nt the boar. With loud shouts, Heracles drove him out of the thickets into the snow-drifts on the summit of the mountain, wh

ighboring hill and commenced to rattle them violently. The birds rose into the air in terror, when he shot them with his arr

m up in the air and squeezed him to death in bis arms. He then passed into Egypt, where Busiris* was in the habit of sacrifi

under his bonds and slew Busiris and his son. From Egypt he journeyed into Ethiopia, where he slew Emathion*, son of Eos and

been initiated in the Eleusinian Mysteries, Heracles made his descent into the lower world at Cape Tænarum. Close to the gat

drew, and when not long afterwards Iphitus*, the son of Eurytus, fell into his hands, he hurled him from a high tower into t

son of Eurytus, fell into his hands, he hurled him from a high tower into the plain below. This treacherous action was expl

Pythian priestess now commanded Heracles to allow himself to be sold into slavery for three years, the money to be given to

in compensation for the loss of his son. Accordingly, Hermes led him into Lydia and sold him to Omphale*, queen of that cou

his power to assume different forms, but, having transformed himself into a bull, Heracles broke off one of his horns, and

troyed, and Eurytus and his sons slain, while the beautiful Iole fell into the hands of the conqueror. Wishing to offer a sa

iron*, who compelled travelers to wash his feet, and then kicked them into the sea. Theseus overcame him and threw his body

the black sails, and, thinking his son had perished, he threw himself into the sea and was drowned. The sea was named for hi

rithous* originated in the midst of arms. Pirithous made an irruption into the plains of Marathon and carried off the herds

it. After Meleager had slain her brothers, she threw the fatal brand into the fire. As it burned, the vigor of Meleager was

she caused them to give offence to Cybele. That goddess changed them into lions and yoked them to her car, where they are s

off the top of a high tower. Athene, who saw him falling, changed him into a bird called the partridge. This bird always avo

rus to fly, and charged him to keep at a moderate height. Icarus fell into the sea, which was named for him Icarium* Mare, b

the air, she directed them to flee to Colchis. On the way, Helle fell into the sea and was drowned; so the sea was called fo

mitting Jason to put them to the plough, and quietly made the furrows into which he sowed the dragon’s teeth. Armed men spru

e. They set out together; Medea led the way, and they advanced boldly into the grove. The tall oak-tree was soon discovered,

ojans, the Greeks confined themselves to making plundering excursions into the surrounding country, in which Achilles was al

els of Achilles three times around the walls of Troy, and then thrown into the dust within the Greek camp. The gods, indigna

. Zeus caused the sparks and cinders of his funeral pyre to be turned into birds, which fight continually over the tomb of M

oping to appease her anger. The Trojans urged that it should be taken into the city without delay. In vain did Laocoon*, pri

horse, a breach was made in the walls, and it was conveyed in triumph into the heart of the city. The Trojans, believing tha

he horse descended and opened the gates to the Greek host, who rushed into the doomed city. A terrible scene of plunder and

f, Poseidon split it with a blow of his trident, and precipitated him into the waves, where he perished. Odysseus*, or Uly

Noman). After his supper, the giant lay down to repose, and soon fell into a heavy sleep. Then Odysseus and his companions t

soon fell into a heavy sleep. Then Odysseus and his companions thrust into the fire the end of a stake which they had alread

which they had already sharpened. When it was red hot, they thrust it into the eye of Polyphemus and effectually blinded him

heir departure gave Odysseus a leather bag tied with a silver string, into which he had placed all the contrary winds, and t

imals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s enchantments into the forms of beasts. The sounds of soft music wer

y, she touched them one by one with her wand, and they became changed into swine in “head, body, voice, and bristles,” yet w

* and Charybdis*. Scylla was once a beautiful maiden, and was changed into a snaky monster by Circe. She had six heads, each

. It was said Charybdis had been an avaricious woman, and was changed into a whirlpool, which three times a day absorbed and

shore on the island of Scheria*, the home of the Phæacians*. He crept into a thicket, and lying down on some dried leaves so

with compassion, and desired her maidens to bring the poor mendicant into her presence. She spoke kindly to him, inquiring

he hero implored her not to betray him. The next day Penelope brought into the hall the bow of Odysseus, which he had used i

n the long-separated husband and wife. The next morning Odysseus went into the country to see his aged father Laertes. While

l annihilation of the wicked, and the ultimate absorption of the good into the eternal Deity. “God created his own members,

companied by the souls of the “Supremely Blest,” and at night to pass into the regions of the dead. There were three orders

, about the time when the Nile began to rise, a golden cup was thrown into the river, and a grand festival was held to celeb

rshiped as Baal, in Babylon. His worship was also introduced by Ahab* into Israel*. The Phœnicians were widely known for the

s of happiness; but Ahriman marred this happiness by introducing evil into the world, and creating savage beasts and poisono

as tempting Sarama to be unfaithful; with the Greeks this phrase grew into the stealing of Helen by Paris, and the legend of

ieve that if a man lead a pure life, his soul will pass, after death, into another human body; but that if he has been wicke

nto another human body; but that if he has been wicked, it will enter into the body of some unclean animal. They think the s

auty. He was so disgusted with the wickedness of men, that he retired into a desert place, where he spent six years in praye

t in the adjacent countries. Buddhism appears to have been introduced into China about the year 65 of our era. From China it

s fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source they froze into ice, and one layer accumulating over another, the

except at night, because the sun’s rays had the power to change them into stones. They dwelt in mountain caverns and the cl

ber was valued for certain mysterious properties. It was manufactured into beads by the Druids, and given as charms to warri

r, moulded the little fragment of soil; and as he moulded it, it grew into an island, into a mountain, into a country, final

ittle fragment of soil; and as he moulded it, it grew into an island, into a mountain, into a country, finally into this gre

soil; and as he moulded it, it grew into an island, into a mountain, into a country, finally into this great earth that we

it, it grew into an island, into a mountain, into a country, finally into this great earth that we dwell upon. As it grew,

rth. Michabo, the Great Hare, formed the trees by shooting his arrows into the soil; they became tree trunks, and he then tr

literally translated, for, in the author’s opinion, poetry translated into literal prose is very unattractive reading. Neith

inest productions of poetry and art, both ancient and modern, to pass into oblivion. We propose to tell the stories relating

circular disk of the earth was crossed from west to east and divided into two equal parts by the Sea, as they called the Me

forming the Wain or Bear, and others near them, rose out of and sank into the stream of Ocean. There the sun-god embarked i

ompanion; and, armed with bow and arrows, he shot the darts of desire into the bosoms of both gods and men. There was a deit

that she was furnished with a box, containing her marriage presents, into which every god had put some blessing. She opened

han that of brass. Jupiter shortened the spring, and divided the year into seasons. Then, first, men had to endure the extre

which till now had been cultivated in common, began to be divided off into possessions. Men were not satisfied with what the

. Men were not satisfied with what the surface produced, but must dig into its bowels, and draw forth from thence the ores o

e plough. The fishes swim among the tree-tops; the anchor is let down into a garden. Where the graceful lambs played but now

s him not, nor his swiftness the stag. The birds fall with weary wing into the water, having found no land for a resting-pla

e, and if he would have revealed it, he might have been at once taken into favor. But that he disdained to do. He has theref

and he who gives oracles to all the world was not wise enough to look into his own fortunes. He saw her hair flung loose ove

open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!” Scarcely had she spoken, when a sti

querors lead up the triumphal pomp to the Capitol, you shall be woven into wreaths for their brows. And, as eternal youth is

be always green, and your leaf know no decay.” The nymph, now changed into a Laurel tree, bowed its head in grateful acknowl

ghborhood brought the young people together, and acquaintance ripened into love. They would gladly have married, but their p

ould slip away from watchful eyes, leave their dwellings and walk out into the fields; and to insure a meeting, repair to a

shall stain your texture,” said he, and drawing his sword plunged it into his heart. The blood spurted from the wound, and

und, and tinged the white mulberries of the tree all red; and sinking into the earth reached the roots, so that the red colo

eamed and beat her breast, embracing the lifeless body, pouring tears into its wounds, and imprinting kisses on the cold lip

ll serve for memorials of our blood.” So saying she plunged the sword into her breast. Her parents ratified her wish, the go

uld conquer. In the very attitude of life and action they were turned into stone. So lifelike and natural did they look, you

h, and, when he became aware of the approach of his wife, had changed into that form. Juno joined her husband, and noticing

rs: — “So did he feel who pulled the bough aside, That we might look into a forest wide,                            * * * *

maiden who excited the jealousy of Juno, and the goddess changed her into a bear. “I will take away,” said she, “that beaut

show it, I beseech you, by forbidding this guilty couple from coming into your waters.” The powers of the ocean assented, a

that prowled all night about the fold Of the North-star, hath shrunk into his den, Scared by the blithesome footsteps of th

mpulse for her arrows. As they were not at hand, she dashed the water into the face of the intruder, adding these words: “No

violence if she did not leave the place. Nor was this all. They waded into the pond and stirred up the mud with their feet,

n it. Sometimes they come out upon the bank, but soon leap back again into the water. They still use their base voices in ra

of in my fears for you. Look at my face — I would that you could look into my breast, you would there see all a father’s anx

y, and suffer me to light and warm the earth.” The agile youth sprang into the chariot, stood erect, and grasped the reins w

scorched with heat, and would fain, if it were possible, have plunged into the water; and the Serpent which lies coiled up r

them loose on their backs, dashed headlong, and unrestrained went off into unknown regions of the sky, in among the stars, h

concealed. Where he used to discharge his waters through seven mouths into the sea, there seven dry channels alone remained.

remained. The earth cracked open, and through the chinks light broke into Tartarus, and frightened the king of shadows and

scarce holds up his burden. If sea, earth, and heaven perish, we fall into ancient Chaos. Save what yet remains to us from t

.” His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented his fate, were turned into poplar trees, on the banks of the river, and thei

nd their tears, which continued to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream.   Milman, in his poem of Samor, make

e might wish. He asked that whatever he might touch should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented, though sorry that he had

carce had he touched the waters before the gold-creating power passed into them, and the river-sands became changed into gol

d-creating power passed into them, and the river-sands became changed into gold, as they remain to this day. Thenceforth Mid

it too much for his discretion to keep such a secret; so he went out into the meadow, dug a hole in the ground, and stoopin

re deliberating, Gordius with his wife and son came driving his wagon into the public square. Gordius, being made king, dedi

, fed it with leaves and dry bark, and with her scanty breath blew it into a flame. She brought out of a corner split sticks

ted the fate of their neighbors, that old house of theirs was changed into a temple. Columns took the place of the corner po

in the change being two wandering saints, and the house being changed into a church, of which Philemon is made the parson. T

timber many a load, Such as our ancestors did use, Was metamorphosed into pews, Which still their ancient nature keep By lo

our darts with which you conquer all, even Jove himself, and send one into the breast of yonder dark monarch, who rules the

g, and, having made ready, shot the arrow with its barbed point right into the heart of Pluto. In the vale of Enna there is

d man also stopped, though his load was heavy, and begged her to come into his cottage, such as it was. She declined, and he

ne. Diana cleft the ground, and I, endeavoring to escape him, plunged into the cavern, and through the bowels of the earth c

being an allegory. Proserpine signifies the seed-corn which when cast into the ground lies there concealed — that is, she is

e sea, came up again in Sicily. Hence the story ran that a cup thrown into the Alpheus appeared again in Arethusa. It is thi

t love must thrill the blended tide! Each lost in each, till mingling into one, Their lot the same for shadow or for sun, A

no longer restrain himself, but bidding farewell to earth, he plunged into the stream. The gods of the water received him gr

ver it incantations of mighty power. Scylla came as usual and plunged into the water up to her waist. What was her horror to

s, and tried to wreck the ships of Æneas, till at last she was turned into a rock, and as such still continues to be a terro

or, caused the flame on the altar to shoot up thrice in a fiery point into the air. When he returned home, he went to see hi

n the nymph Lotis, who, running from a base pursuer, had been changed into this form. This they learned from the country peo

n she told him the story of Atalanta and Hippomenes, who were changed into lions for their ingratitude to her. Having given

y lamentations shall be annually renewed. Your blood shall be changed into a flower; that consolation none can envy me.” Thu

ts. Him they call Icelos; and Phantasos is a third, who turns himself into rocks, waters, woods, and other things without li

eed he did feel it, and by the pitying gods both of them were changed into birds. They mate and have their young ones. For s

gate-post, on which he had often hung garlands, and putting his head into the noose, he murmured, ‘This garland at least wi

give thy mother a revenge as sweet as her injuries are great; infuse into the bosom of that haughty girl a passion for some

tle Zephyr raised her from the earth and bore her with an easy motion into a flowery dale. By degrees her mind became compos

tever your sister has to offer.” Then taking their hands she led them into her golden palace, and committed them to the care

p knife, and hid them out of sight of her husband. When he had fallen into his first sleep, she silently rose and uncovering

is is chiefly to be observed by you, that you never once open or look into the box nor allow your curiosity to pry into the

never once open or look into the box nor allow your curiosity to pry into the treasure of the beauty of the goddesses.” Psy

she returned the way she came, and glad was she to come out once more into the light of day. But having got so far successfu

went on till she passed the shallow channel of Cephisus and came out into the plain of Panope. There she stood still, and r

reath of his nostrils poisoned the air around. Now he twisted himself into a circle, then stretched himself out on the groun

ey ever injure any one.   There is a tradition that Cadmus introduced into Greece the letters of the alphabet which were inv

ostile ranks; she felt an impulse to cast herself down from the tower into the midst of his camp, or to open the gates to hi

o die, but not by your hand.” As the ships left the shore, she leaped into the water, and seizing the rudder of the one whic

. A sea-eagle soaring aloft, — it was her father who had been changed into that form, — seeing her, pounced down upon her, a

s beak and claws. In terror she let go the ship and would have fallen into the water, but some pitying deity changed her int

would have fallen into the water, but some pitying deity changed her into a bird. The sea-eagle still cherishes the old ani

grief, till at last all her flesh shrank away. Her bones were changed into rocks and there was nothing left of her but her v

smile upon me and answer my beckonings with the like.” His tears fell into the water and disturbed the image. As he saw it d

th unexperienced thought, and laid me down On the green bank, to look into the clear Smooth lake that to me seemed another s

aware of his death, and in her despair cast herself down from a tower into the sea and perished.   The story of Leander’s sw

, and there is a constant current setting out from the Sea of Marmora into the Archipelago. Since Byron’s time the feat has

g. To watch her, as she took the wool in its rude state and formed it into rolls, or separated it with her fingers and carde

t among the threads. The reed with its fine teeth strikes up the woof into its place and compacts the web. Both work with sp

ool of Tyrian dye is contrasted with that of other colors, shaded off into one another so adroitly that the joining deceives

animal Europa ventured to mount his back, whereupon Jupiter advanced into the sea and swam with her to Crete. You would hav

in the same attitude as when Minerva touched her and transformed her into a spider.   Spenser tells the story of Arachne i

ueror.” Scarce had she spoken, when the bow sounded and struck terror into all hearts except Niobe’s alone. She was brave fr

goddess deprived her of her charms and changed her beautiful ringlets into hissing serpents. She became a cruel monster of s

an aspect that no living thing could behold her without being turned into stone. All around the cavern where she dwelt migh

, he held up the Gorgon’s head. Atlas, with all his bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair became forests, his arm

hrown by a skilful slinger, when with a sudden bound the youth soared into the air. As an eagle, when from his lofty flight

youth darted down upon the back of the monster and plunged his sword into its shoulder. Irritated by the wound, the monster

ted by the wound, the monster raised himself in the air, then plunged into the depth; then, like a wild boar surrounded, by

ecame stone in the very attitude. Ampyx was about to plunge his sword into the body of a prostrate foe, but his arm stiffene

ankle-plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on his shield Looked into stone the raging fray; so rose, But with no magic

d out fire. At one time they put the gods to such fear that they fled into Egypt and hid themselves under various forms. Jup

ish, Mercury a bird. At another time the giants attempted to climb up into heaven, and for that purpose took up the mountain

the Chimæra. When Perseus cut off Medusa’s head, the blood sinking into the earth produced the winged horse Pegasus. Mine

suffered himself to be taken. Bellerophon mounted him, rose with him into the air, soon found the Chimæra, and gained an ea

himself the anger of the gods; it is said he even attempted to fly up into heaven on his winged steed, but Jupiter sent a ga

se from the ground like feathered Mercury, And vaulted with such ease into his seat, As if an angel dropped down from the cl

Ocyroe came forth to meet him, and at sight of the child burst forth into a prophetic strain, (for she was a prophetess,) f

cian with lightning, and killed him, but after his death received him into the number of the gods. Chiron was the wisest and

s and talons of such a size that the people of that country make them into drinking-cups. India was assigned as the native c

that the ram would convey them to a place of safety. The ram vaulted into the air with the children on his back, taking his

s Europe and Asia, the girl, whose name was Helle, fell from his back into the sea, which from her was called the Hellespont

hen she directed that Æson should be led forth, and having thrown him into a deep sleep by a charm, had him laid on a bed of

a cut the throat of the old man and let out all his blood, and poured into his mouth and into his wound the juices of her ca

the old man and let out all his blood, and poured into his mouth and into his wound the juices of her caldron. As soon as h

aldron as before. At her request an old sheep was brought and plunged into the caldron. Very soon a bleating was heard in th

when the cover was removed, a lamb jumped forth and ran frisking away into the meadow. The daughters of Pelias saw the exper

n dogs. But Meleager, after one unsuccessful stroke, drives his spear into the monster’s side, then rushes on and despatches

er whom he loved, forgot the claims of kindred, and plunged his sword into the offenders’ hearts. As Althea bore gifts of th

the sorrows of the house that once had aroused her anger, turned them into birds. Atalanta. The innocent cause of so mu

ed with impunity. She took from them their human form and turned them into animals of characters resembling their own: of th

of his progress, or, according to another account, rent one mountain into two and left half on each side, forming the strai

record was bringing Cerberus from the lower world. Hercules descended into Hades, accompanied by Mercury and Minerva. He obt

to run away with her, but Hercules heard her cries and shot an arrow into the heart of Nessus. The dying Centaur told Dejan

the garment became warm on the body of Hercules the poison penetrated into all his limbs and caused him the most intense ago

he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal robe, and hurled him into the sea. He wrenched off the garment, but it stuc

had an iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all travellers who fell into his hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he

he Amazons in their turn invaded the country of Athens and penetrated into the city itself; and the final battle in which Th

t it originated in the midst of arms. Pirithous had made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and carried off the herds

the several tribes by whom the territory of Attica was then possessed into one state, of which Athens was the capital. In co

was an edifice with numberless winding passages and turnings opening into one another, and seeming to have neither beginnin

t him how to fly, as a bird tempts her young ones from the lofty nest into the air. When all was prepared for flight he said

ors ingenuity, saw him falling, and arrested his fate by changing him into a bird called after his name, the Partridge. This

al years. Returning in triumph, he undertook to introduce his worship into Greece, but was opposed by some princes, who drea

a rope, found he had no arms, and curving his mutilated body, jumped into the sea. What had been his legs became the two en

charmed cup Whoever tasted lost his upright shape, And downward fell into a grovelling swine.)” Ariadne. We have see

iched with gems, and when she died, he took her crown and threw it up into the sky. As it mounted the gems grew brighter and

up into the sky. As it mounted the gems grew brighter and were turned into stars, and preserving its form Ariadne’s crown re

ith the trees which had been their abode and with which they had come into existence. It was therefore an impious act wanton

ound him asleep. She enfolded him with her wings and breathed herself into him, infusing her poison into his veins. Having d

him with her wings and breathed herself into him, infusing her poison into his veins. Having discharged her task, she hasten

she was changed by the favor of Neptune as often as she was sold, now into a horse, now a bird, now an ox, and now a stag, —

sband with her little son Melicertes in her arms, sprang from a cliff into the sea. The gods, out of compassion, made her a

nation. After the death of Numa the nymph pined away and was changed into a fountain. Byron, in Childe Harold, Canto IV.,

ervant of a mortal for the space of one year. Accordingly Apollo went into the service of Admetus, king of Thessaly, and pas

vadne, in the ardor of the fight declared that he would force his way into the city in spite of Jove himself. Placing a ladd

ught no happy omens with him. His very torch smoked and brought tears into their eyes. In coincidence with such prognostics,

and steep, in total silence, till they had nearly reached the outlet into the cheerful upper world, when Orpheus, in a mome

The maniacs tore him limb from limb, and threw his head and his lyre into the river Hebrus, down which they floated, murmur

gave information to his mother, who ordered that he should be brought into her presence. The river at her command opened its

f captured, his resort is to a power he possesses of changing himself into various forms. He will become a wild boar or a fi

, yield yourself to die on this spot; but if otherwise, cast yourself into the sea.” “Will nothing satisfy you but my life?”

th admiration. He strode forward to the vessel’s side and looked down into the deep blue sea. Addressing his lyre, he sang,

your guest, who throws himself upon your mercy!” So saying, he sprang into the deep sea. The waves covered him, and the seam

e terror of the spectators was such that many fainted and were thrown into convulsions, and the magistrates forbade a like r

efies the gods mingling freely in this throng of men that now presses into the amphitheatre. For now crowded together, row o

fy his theme, Simonides, who was celebrated for his piety, introduced into his poem the exploits of Castor and Pollux. Such

return of affection she threw herself from the promontory of Leucadia into the sea, under a superstition that those who shou

yed to the gods to change their form, and Jupiter in pity turned them into pigeons, and then made them a constellation in th

ence his feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she turned him into a grasshopper. Memnon was the son of Aurora and T

upiter caused the sparks and cinders of his funeral pile to be turned into birds, which, dividing into two flocks, fought ov

cinders of his funeral pile to be turned into birds, which, dividing into two flocks, fought over the pile till they fell i

which, dividing into two flocks, fought over the pile till they fell into the flame. Every year at the anniversary of his d

n weary, lay tranquilly in his cave. “There is a cliff which projects into the sea, which washes it on either side. Thither

ose up, and, like a raging bull that cannot stand still, wandered off into the woods. Acis and I thought no more of him, til

d utter. Ætna trembled at the sound. I, overcome with terror, plunged into the water. Acis turned and fled, crying, ‘Save me

hed from the chasm, uttered a pleasing murmur.” Thus Acis was changed into a river, and the river retains the name of Acis.

, in his Cymon and Iphigenia, has told the story of a clown converted into a gentleman by the power of love, in a way that s

wisdom, but on one occasion she did a very foolish thing; she entered into competition with Juno and Venus for the prize of

ir prey. Apollo granted the prayer of his priest, and sent pestilence into the Grecian camp. Then a council was called to de

, and to lend him his armor, that he might thereby strike more terror into the minds of the Trojans. Without delay the soldi

ll of ardor to the fight. Patroclus and his Myrmidons at once plunged into the contest where it raged hottest; at the sight

of his friend, and of the imminent danger that his remains would fall into the hands of the enemy, could see no suitable mes

e sight of this splendid armor. And now, arrayed in it, he went forth into the camp, calling all the chiefs to council. When

he had been deluded, gave up the chase. But when the rest had escaped into the town Hector stood without determined to await

ould have thrown herself headlong from the wall, but fainted and fell into the arms of her maidens. Recovering, she bewailed

t to sleep all the guards, and without hinderance he introduced Priam into the tent where Achilles sat, attended by two of h

valor; whereupon Ajax slew himself. On the spot where his blood sank into the earth a flower sprang up, called the hyacinth

osity. All wondered what it could be for. Some recommended to take it into the city as a trophy; others felt afraid of it. W

gard as a sacred object, and prepared to introduce with due solemnity into the city. This was done with songs and triumphal

-chief of the Greeks, the brother of Menelaus, and who had been drawn into the quarrel to avenge his brother’s wrongs, not h

le were accustomed to sacrifice to the goddess all strangers who fell into their hands. The two friends were seized and carr

irewood, which he threw down before the cavern’s mouth. He then drove into the cave the sheep and goats to be milked, and, e

ep. Ulysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge his sword into him as he slept, but recollected that it would on

Then Ulysses with his four select friends thrust the end of the stake into the fire till it was all one burning coal, then p

poising it exactly above the giant’s only eye, they buried it deeply into the socket, twirling it round as a carpenter does

was with the barbarous tribe of Læstrygonians. The vessels all pushed into the harbor, tempted by the secure appearance of t

ed them one by one with her wand, and they became immediately changed into swine, in “head, body, voice, and bristles,” yet

at the unhappy mariners were irresistibly impelled to cast themselves into the sea to their destruction. Circe directed Ulys

us, and remember that she was once a beautiful maiden and was changed into a snaky monster by Circe. She dwelt in a cave hig

f, nearly on a level with the water. Thrice each day the water rushed into a frightful chasm, and thrice was disgorged. Any

d soul And lap it in Elysium. Scylla wept, And chid her barking waves into attention, And fell Charybdis murmured soft appla

r means of escape could be found, the two friends leaped from a cliff into the sea, and swam to a vessel which lay becalmed

y to the town, Minerva caused the ball thrown by the princess to fall into the water, whereat they all screamed and Ulysses

, having sufficiently observed the scene, he advanced with rapid step into the hall where the chiefs and senators were assem

theme the “Wooden Horse,” by means of which the Greeks found entrance into Troy. Apollo inspired him, and he sang so feeling

his hands that on the return of the vessel to port he transformed it into a rock, right opposite the mouth of the harbor.  

at he should not be recognized. Minerva accordingly metamorphosed him into an unsightly beggar, and as such he was kindly re

d out towards them, and his immense height enabled him to advance far into the sea, so that the Trojans, in terror, took to

’s hide. When this was readily granted, she caused the hide to be cut into strips, and with them enclosed a spot on which sh

t esteemed philosophers. The region where Virgil locates the entrance into this abode is perhaps the most strikingly adapted

Sibyl, “summon up your courage, for you will need it.” She descended into the cave, and Æneas followed. Before the threshol

d, but strong and vigorous, who was receiving passengers of all kinds into his boat, magnanimous heroes, boys and unmarried

eturn to life! Next were situated the regions of sadness, divided off into retired paths, leading through groves of myrtle.

hey are not fit to be intrusted with human bodies, and these are made into brute animals, lions, tigers, cats, dogs, monkeys

the roaring water. His pursuers were already upon him, but he plunged into the river and swam across, and found the spear, w

ns, came among them and drew together the fierce savages, formed them into society, and gave them laws. Such peace and plent

enchments, and resisted all the efforts of the Rutulians to draw them into the field. Night coming on, the army of Turnus, i

isus, refuse to share your enterprise with me? and shall I let you go into such danger alone? Not so my brave father brought

mfort her in her distress. Promise me that and I shall go more boldly into whatever dangers may present themselves.” Iulus a

urn to receive it.” The two friends left the camp and plunged at once into the midst of the enemy. They found no watch, no s

d demanded who and whence they were. They made no answer, but plunged into the wood. The horsemen scattered in all direction

l pay the penalty of both,” he said, and would have plunged the sword into his bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment s

down by the plough. Nisus rushed upon Volscens and plunged his sword into his body, and was himself slain on the instant by

n by birth, who had left Argos, his native city, and followed Evander into Italy. The poet says of him with simple pathos wh

ors.” So saying, he called the timid followers and delivered the body into their hands. Mezentius meanwhile had been borne t

spair supplied the place of strength. He mounted his horse and dashed into the thickest of the fight, seeking Æneas. Having

, occupying now this body, now that, passing from the body of a beast into that of a man, and thence to a beast’s again. As

that he would give that chest of precious wood to whosoever could get into it. The rest tried in vain, but no sooner was Osi

it than Typhon and his companions closed the lid and flung the chest into the Nile. When Isis heard of the cruel murder she

n the body of Osiris imparted such strength to the shrub that it grew into a mighty tree, enclosing in its trunk the coffin

the depth of a forest, but Typhon discovered it, and cutting the body into fourteen pieces scattered them hither and thither

, about the time when the Nile began to rise, a golden cup was thrown into the river, and a grand festival was held to celeb

t a very early period that the goats feeding on Parnassus were thrown into convulsions when they approached a certain long d

o came to consult the oracle. After these preliminaries, he descended into the cave by a narrow passage. This place could be

r youth by a change of skin. The worship of Æsculapius was introduced into Rome in a time of great sickness, and an embassy

duced in the Pythoness, and the faculty of clairvoyance really called into action. Another question is as to the time when t

rmed men, was in fact an emigrant from Phœnicia, and brought with him into Greece the knowledge of the letters of the alphab

s, (Time,) which may truly be said to destroy whatever it has brought into existence. The story of Io is interpreted in a si

o the mind under the several names of deities was a task which called into exercise the highest powers of genius and art. Of

rials capable of containing such long productions were yet introduced into use. On the other hand it is asked how poems of s

more. Thus genius rose and set at ordered times, And shot a dayspring into distant climes, Ennobling every region that he ch

, Emerged all splendor in our isle at last. Thus lovely Halcyons dive into the main, Then show far off their shining plumes

bird a worm springs, and this worm, when grown large, is transformed into a bird. Herodotus describes the bird, though he s

e monster, too, as if conscious of the irregular way in which he came into the world, was supposed to have a great antipathy

been washing, and where there was a good fire of oak burning, looked into the flames and saw a little animal resembling a l

sbestos, a mineral, which is in fine filaments capable of being woven into a flexible cloth. The foundation of the above fab

s of happiness; but Ahriman marred this happiness by introducing evil into the world, and creating savage beasts and poisono

and the source from which all the individual deities have sprung, and into which all will ultimately be absorbed. “As milk c

l power of this god as a destroyer; that power not being to be called into exercise till after the expiration of twelve mill

hen all castes eat together. Castes. The division of the Hindus into classes or castes, with fixed occupations, existe

nics and laborers.) The four sons of Brahma, so significantly brought into the world, became the fathers of the human race,

ely over adjacent countries. Buddhism appears to have been introduced into China about the year 65 of our era. From China it

Christians, who were settled in Tartary when Buddhism was introduced into Thibet. Prester John. An early account, com

fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source, they froze into ice, and one layer accumulating over another, the

ang from the body of Ymir, and had three immense roots, extending one into Asgard, (the dwelling of the gods,) the other int

ots, extending one into Asgard, (the dwelling of the gods,) the other into Jotunheim, (the abode of the giants,) and the thi

se roots is a spring, from which it is watered. The root that extends into Asgard is carefully tended by the three Norns, go

feasting they amuse themselves with fighting. Every day they ride out into the court or field and fight until they cut each

nd most evil disposition. He is of the giant race, but forced himself into the company of the gods, and seems to take pleasu

the company of the gods, and seems to take pleasure in bringing them into difficulties, and in extricating them out of the

to send one to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent into that deep ocean by which the earth is surrounded.

ding his tail in his mouth he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Niffleheim, and gave her power over nine worlds o

cast into Niffleheim, and gave her power over nine worlds or regions, into which she distributes those who are sent to her;

the gateway. Then sat the gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation, inquiring of one another who among

began to neigh. The horse thereat broke loose and ran after the mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run aft

blow he shattered the giant’s skull to pieces and hurled him headlong into Niffleheim. The Recovery of the Hammer. Onc

f the Hammer. Once upon a time it happened that Thor’s hammer fell into the possession of the giant Thrym, who buried it

him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber, into which the others entered, but Thor remained at th

breakfast, and when they had done, Skrymir packed all the provisions into one wallet, threw it over his shoulder, and strod

ng his mallet, he dashed it with such violence that it forced its way into the giant’s skull up to the handle. But Skrymir s

upon he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from them into the forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or t

ve all seen these things weep when they are brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were returning, they

and the gods assembled to take him. He, seeing this, changed himself into a salmon, and lay hid among the stones of the bro

henever his beams fell upon any of them they changed them immediately into stones. Their language was the echo of solitudes,

places subterranean caves and clefts. They were supposed to have come into existence as maggots produced by the decaying fle

o skillfully was it wrought that when folded together it could be put into a side pocket. Ragnarok, the Twilight of the G

the whole universe is burned up. The sun becomes dim, the earth sinks into the ocean, the stars fall from heaven, and time i

landed on Iona he was attended by twelve followers whom he had formed into a religious body of which he was the head. To the

Marriage also was allowed them, and most of them seem to have entered into that state. True, their wives were not permitted

d without displeasure. I confess I wish to entice as many as possible into the pleasing regions of mythology, for I know fro

uctors. The legends which compose a nation’s mythology may be divided into two classes. The first will contain the true or f

Either then the true idea of One God has been resolved by the vulgar into that of a plurality ; or the numerous deities of

ell adapted to be the vehicle of mind7. He naturally, therefore, fell into the habit of assigning a human form to his gods ;

thes may, we think, be arranged under the following heads, which fall into two classes, namely, of things and of names. 1.

he river Ladôn. On the rocky faces of two of the hills, which advance into the plain, at a height of about fifty feet, runs

e. To free himself from this inconvenience, the worsted fiend plunged into the lake and dashed through the side of the mount

ifies a place abounding in potter's earth (argilla)21, may be divided into two words (Argi letum), signifying death of Argus

to Hastings, on coming to this place he took a bull’s hide and cut it into thongs, which he tied together, resolving to halt

been most prevalent in modern times. These may, we think, be divided into three classes : the Historic, the Philosophic, an

d nothing has tended more to the bringing of the science of mythology into neglect and contempt. The ancient Greeks were led

ver should be used in the application of this rule, or it may lead us into error and absurdity if carried beyond its legitim

t of the same objects. The ancient inhabitants of Greece were divided into a great variety of little communities, dwelling s

ich are related by subsequent writers, and many are altogether fallen into oblivion. These poems also bear evident testimony

ose of foreign countries. Whatever tales they learned, they interwove into their own system ; taking care, however, to avoid

of death. Philosophers took warning, and truth was no longer brought into public view. But such is the nature and connectio

tercourse had been opened with Asia and Egypt, mysteries came greatly into vogue in Greece. In these it is thought62, but pe

ed new mythes, and the local tales of foreign lands were incorporated into the Grecian mythic cycle. When the Ptolemies, tho

favourite subject of learned investigation. Some worked up the mythes into poems ; others arranged them in prose narratives 

the view in this paradise. The inhabitants of the island were divided into priests, warriors, and cultivators. All things we

we may perceive in the case of Diodorus of Sicily. It was translated into Latin by Ennius, of whose work some fragments rem

ranos. He collected the people, who had previously dwelt dispersedly, into towns, and taught them agriculture, and thus refo

Titans now grew jealous, and they murdered Hyperiôn, and flung Helios into the river Eridanos, where he was drowned. At the

s of Ephesus united several of these poems with the Ilias and Odyssey into one whole, commencing with the marriage of Heaven

ons, is absolutely requisite. Without it we shall be for ever falling into error ; and by applying to the productions of the

eks, and districts were continually reclaimed from fable, and brought into the circuit of truth and knowledge. Not to speak

siodic ages, it would seem that the World was a hollow globe, divided into two equal portions by the flat disk of the Earth9

ecame the navel of the earth 95. The Sea divided the terrestrial disk into two portions, which we may suppose were regarded

outhern, at first called Asia alone97, was in process of time divided into Asia and Libya98. The former comprised all the co

s and banquets106. A passage of the Odyssey107 divides the Æthiopians into two tribes, the one on the eastern, the other on

be the sun and the other heavenly bodies as rising out of and sinking into its placid current116. Its course was from south

rough which the sun-god and other deities ascended from and went down into the stream of Ocean. The celestial luminaries see

arded as moving under the solid heaven, for they rose out of and sank into the Ocean stream. The only ones mentioned by name

h opal towers and battlements adorned Of living saphir. It stretched into plains and rose into hills, was watered by lucid

tlements adorned Of living saphir. It stretched into plains and rose into hills, was watered by lucid streams, produced pla

d, …………on the wings of Cherubim Uplifted in paternal glory, rode Far into Chaos and the world unborn ; and placing his gol

This is apparently, however, an attempt at bringing Homer and Hesiod into harmony. The venerable Theogony of Hesiod is evid

gods worshiped in Greece. Chaos139 (Void Space) was first ; then came into being ‘broad-breasted’ Earth, the gloomy Tartaros

heir father, who, as soon as they were born, thrust them out of sight into a cavern of Earth141 , who, grieved at his unnatu

h to the Erinnyes, the Giants, and the Melian nymphs : from what fell into the sea sprang Aphrodite, the goddess of love and

had by Earth the Cyclopes and the Hundred-handed. He casts all these into Tartaros, and then the Titans are born ; who all,

mer Sleep says to Hera that, when once at her desire he had cast Zeus into a slumber, the god on waking sought him, and woul

god on waking sought him, and would have flung him from the sky down into the sea, but that he took refuge with Night, ‘the

am of Ocean Helios himself, his chariot and his horses, were received into a magic cup or boat made by Hephæstos, which, aid

d his thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from his seat. He fell into the river Eridanos. His sisters, the Heliades, as

nos. His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented his fate were turned into poplar trees229 on its banks, and their tears, wh

ir tears, which still continued to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream. Cycnos, the friend of the ill-fated P

aëthôn, also abandoned himself to mourning, and at length was changed into a swan (κύκνος)230. The age of this story is unce

d his hapless daughter alive. The god, unable to save her, turned her into the frankincense plant, and the neglected Clytia

antly heard277. Later poets say that out of compassion she turned him into a tree-hopper (τϵττιξ, cicada)278. In Homer the g

ymph Philyra : dreading the jealousy of his wife Rhea, he changed her into a mare, and himself into a horse. The produce of

he jealousy of his wife Rhea, he changed her into a mare, and himself into a horse. The produce of their love was the Centau

 ; he devours his own children, and time destroys what it has brought into existence. Perhaps, as has been ingeniously conje

eir full effect on our minds. But did the Grecian mythology not enter into our literature, and were we to remain unacquainte

y were one day standing before the temple, they were suddenly changed into an oak and a lime-tree401. It was the habit of th

which sent forth thunder, lightning, and darkness, and struck terror into mortal hearts, was formed for Zeus by Hephæstos40

en the Phœnicians, who also, we are assured, brought the first horses into Greece (as the Spaniards did into America, and as

e assured, brought the first horses into Greece (as the Spaniards did into America, and as much to the astonishment of the r

and men458. All the latter were sure to be sooner or later collected into his kingdom. His name appears to denote invisibil

is loves was the nymph Mentha, whom Persephone out of jealousy turned into the plant which bears her name463. Hades, Homer t

Greeks, the nether-world underwent a total change. It was now divided into two separate regions : Tartaros, which in the tim

favourite bird ; and Nonnus511 asserts that Argos himself was turned into this bird. The peacock (ταὼς), we must observe, w

s. It is an Indian bird, and was according to Theophrastus introduced into Greece from the East512. Peafowl were first broug

g to marry another ; and cutting down a handsome tree, they shaped it into the form of a woman, naming it Dædala, and arraye

odite ; and, for neglect of his task, he was changed by the angry god into the bird of his name555. Hesiod says556 that Harm

various metals ; no wood, or stone, or any other substance, entering into their composition : they were moreover frequently

in marriage593. It was apparently to bring the life of the gods more into harmony with that of men, that the office of cup-

es were insensible : they not only mocked at her distress, but jumped into and muddied the water. The goddess, though the mo

ol !” Her wish was instantly accomplished, and the churls were turned into frogs. Niobe, the daughter of Tantalos and wife o

by the arrows of these deities made a childless mother, and stiffened into stone with grief604. Tityos, the son of Earth or

ved to choose the site of his first temple, he came down from Olympos into Pieria : he sought throughout all Thessaly ; then

south of the Peloponnese a Cretan ship sailing for Pylos. He plunged into the sea, and in the form of a porpoise sprang on

he bay of Crissa a west-wind sprang up, and speedily brought the ship into port ; and the god in the form of a blazing star

the god in the form of a blazing star left the vessel, and descended into his temple. Then quick as thought he came as a ha

obably gave its aid, as it did also for that of the change of the god into the porpoise, and for his title Delphinios. The H

flew, and taking his stand on Parnassos shot his golden arrow of love into the heart of the son of Leto, and discharged his

e heart of the son of Leto, and discharged his leaden one of aversion into the bosom of the nymph of Peneios. Daphne loved t

o his master, who immediately discharged one of his inevitable arrows into the bosom of the frail fair one. Dying she deplor

nding his progress stopped by it, he slew his horses and cast himself into the stream, which from him derived its name Eveno

ident killed a favourite stag, pined away with grief, and was changed into the tree which bears his name631. The latter, a y

struck him in the face. The god, unable to save his life, changed him into the flower which was named from him, and on whose

ginally the same. When mysteries and secret doctrines were introduced into Greece, these deities were united, or perhaps we

ows, and Apollo used to carry in her game, till Heracles was received into Olympos, when for his strength that office devolv

temis were not numerous. She turned, as we shall relate below, Actæôn into a stag, for having unconsciously beheld her when

unconsciously beheld her when bathing674. Callisto was changed by her into a bear, for breach of chastity675. Oriôn perished

in marriage Hera and Artemis : the latter goddess, changing her form into that of a hind, sprang out between the two brothe

es. At length, being nearly overtaken by him, she sprang from a cliff into the sea, where she was saved in the nets (δίκτυα)

She then prayed to Artemis for relief, and was immediately dissolved into a fountain. Alpheios resumed his aqueous form, an

hich contained large fishes, and sent forth a copious stream of water into the sea685. From the original connexion between A

le to distinguish her, and thus was foiled. Finally she was converted into the coy nymph Arethusa690. A late pragmatising fo

m his importunities she passed over to Ortygia, where she was changed into a fountain, and Alpheios became a river691. In pr

he truth of this fable, it was asserted that a cup (ϕιάλη) which fell into the Alpheios rose in Arethusa, whose pellucid wat

Sun I will overtake you,» at which the Sun being offended, turned her into a doe697. Another legend said that Zeus carried a

Nemesis, and says that it is ἄρι-Θέμις 712. Mythologists are divided into two parties respecting the original nature of Let

r mother. Hesiod740 says she sprang from the foam (ἀϕρὸς) of the sea, into which the mutilated part of Uranos had been throw

hould no longer be exempt from the common lot. Accordingly he infused into her mind the desire of a union of love with morta

seized the hand of the goddess, and ‘led her blushing like the morn’ into the rustic shed. When evening approached, and the

rayed to the gods to make her invisible, and they in pity changed her into a myrrh-tree. In ten months afterwards the tree o

g Adonis came to light. Aphrodite, delighted with his beauty, put him into a coffer, unknown to all the gods, and gave him t

Other accounts, however, say that the goddess changed Adonis himself into this fragrant flower750. The tale of Adonis is ev

deity ; at first, probably, merely cosmogonic, but gradually adopted into the system of the Olympians, and endowed with som

woke, and flew away. Psyche caught his leg as he rose, and was raised into the air, but fell ; and as she lay, the god repro

dure this affront hung herself, and the goddess relenting changed her into a spider (ἀράχνη)801. The invention of the flute

aried or Invincible ; 6. People-rouser, &c. We are now to inquire into the signification of the name of this goddess and

was going out he met a tortoise, which he caught up and carried back into the cave ; where quick as thought he killed the a

ut out the fire, effacing all signs of it, and flung his twig-sandals into the river. With day-break he slunk home and stole

s twig-sandals into the river. With day-break he slunk home and stole into his cradle, not unobserved by his mother, who rep

but to no purpose. He then threatens the child that he will fling him into Tartaros unless he tells him where the cows are :

aling a few of the heedless herdsman’s cattle. He first cast the dogs into a deep slumber, and then drove off twelve heifers

d, incensed at his duplicity, struck him with his rod and changed him into a rock, ‘which the cold or the heat never leaves.

on her in vain ; at length, provoked by her obstinacy, he turned her into a black stone. Herse became the mother of Cephalo

im officiating as cup-bearer863. As a being whose operations extended into the interior of the earth, Hermes would seem to h

, and seeing the goddess, inquired who she was and why she did not go into the town. Demeter told them her name was Dôs, and

is, each of whose wives would, she was sure, be most happy to receive into her family a person who looked so god-like : but

the curved ploughs in the fields, in vain was the seed of barley cast into the ground ; ‘well-garlanded Demeter’ would suffe

f the ravisher, and Ascalaphos (who for his mischief-making is turned into an owl)887 tells of Persephone having plucked a p

ucked a pomegranate in the garden of Hades and put seven of the seeds into her mouth. In this, as in other legends, the fanc

eing an allegory. Persephone signifies the seed-corn, which when cast into the ground lies there concealed, — that is, she i

th desire, continually followed her. To elude him she changed herself into a mare, and mingled with the mares of Oncos ; but

the origin of the name Persephone, because we think critics have gone into an extreme respecting the religious opinions of t

which they were the great objects of adoration. But instead of going into all the mysticism which has been written respecti

most countries, the inhabitants of the various independent districts into which they were divided had very little communica

ancies of priests and philosophers have been by modern writers formed into a complete system, and Ste Croix in particular de

e knowledge and worship of these goddesses having come from the North into Hellas938. Almost all the mountains, grots, and s

strike it with his hoof. The Muses then turned the presumptuous maids into nine different kinds of birds940. The Muses did n

its quiet murmur induces calmness over the spirit, and puts the mind into a frame for the reception of poetic images955. He

have been originally regarded as the presidents of the three seasons into which the ancient Greeks divided the year964. As

as presiding over its parts also ; and when it was further subdivided into hours, these minor parts were placed under their

x-goad of the man-slaying Lycurgos ; and Dionysos in affright plunged into the waves of the sea, and Thetis received him in

the immortal gods.” Language more unsuitable surely could not be put into the mouth of Diomedes ; and we may observe that t

lion seized the captain, and the terrified crew to escape him leaped into the sea and became dolphins. The pilot alone rema

hracian worship of Dionysos, it is not improbable, was not introduced into Greece till after the time when the Æolians colon

m is not jealous, and readily permits the introduction of new deities into the system, particularly if their attributes or f

ntheus and Perseus, which are apparently real occurrences thrown back into the mythic age1097. The original Grecian festival

ian priesthood was, that all the religion of Greece had been imported into that country by colonies of Egyptians — a people,

le1101. Herodotus informs us how Melampûs, who introduced his worship into Greece, had learned it from Cadmos the Phœnician,

and Zeus, to save Dionysos from the machinations of Hera, changed him into a kid, under which form Hermes conveyed him to th

nd taught him her religious rites, which he now resolved to introduce into Hellas. When passing through Thrace he was so fur

he mountains, till Hermes touched them with his wand, and turned them into a bat, an owl, and a crow1109. Dionysos next proc

hesitate to concede that the contagion had secretly insinuated itself into Greece before the time of Pythagoras ? But it is

he former she made the pipes, and Attis was said to have been changed into the latter. We find from Pindar and the dramatist

ularly at Athens, in their time. The worship of Cybele was introduced into Rome a. u. c. 547, when a solemn embassy was sent

e of Osiris. Her worship was introduced during the Alexandrian period into Greece, and afterwards into Rome. The Isiac myste

introduced during the Alexandrian period into Greece, and afterwards into Rome. The Isiac mysteries were among the secret o

Europe. Vessels were allowed to enter that port alone ; and if driven into any other by stress of weather, they were obliged

oams through the woods, floats along the streams, or drives his sheep into a cave, and there plays on his reeds music not to

he habit of repairing ; and Midas1204, or his people, by pouring wine into the fount from which he was wont to drink, intoxi

el (ferula)1211. Πρίαπος. Priapus. Priapos was introduced late into Grecian mythology1212. He was a rural deity, wors

of earth and water with beautiful female forms called Nymphs, divided into various orders, according to the place of their a

ing from fountains and from sacred groves, And holy streams that flow into the sea1231. Yet these Nymphs are of divine natu

ring, he became enamoured of it, and pined away till he was converted into the flower which bears his name1239. These are fa

her dancing with them, and fell in love with her. He changed himself into a tortoise, with which they began to play and amu

e themselves. Dryope placing it in her bosom, the god changed himself into a serpent : the nymphs fled in affright, and he g

t informed the people of it, and the nymphs incensed turned them both into fir-trees1243. Terambos, who dwelt at the foot of

Pan also loved him, and one time warned him to drive his flocks down into the plain, as a most terrific winter was coming o

that Poseidôn had once when in love with one of them turned the rest into poplars, and kept them in that form as long as he

ith the paths and the trees. The nymphs then changed Terambos himself into the animal called by the Thessalians kerambyx (кϵ

und the god asleep, and seized him. Nereus on awaking changed himself into a variety of forms, but in vain : he was obliged

but the mythologists do not agree exactly in the names which they put into the catalogue. The best known of them are, Amphit

harms, by bestowing on them green hair, and turning their lower parts into those of a fish ; thus giving them a form exactly

rm. Pausanias1256 tells us that the women of Tanagra in Bœotia, going into the sea to purify themselves for the orgies of Ba

n to rest. The hero immediately seizes him, and the god turns himself into a lion, a serpent, a pard, a boar, water, and a t

egarded him as a symbol of the original matter which developed itself into the four elements whose form he took : the lion w

ch he had caught and thrown on the grass to bite it, and then to jump into the sea, his curiosity excited him to taste it al

band, with her little son Melicertes in her arms, sprang from a cliff into the sea. The gods out of compassion made her a go

ame of Poseidôn ; it may however be the Phœnician Melcart, introduced into the Cadmeian cycle when Cadmos became a Sidonian.

ad ceased to be regarded as personifications, and had been introduced into the mythe of Perseus. As in this mythe Medusa (Mi

ve that the Wind-gods of Homer are not winged. The Winds were divided into wholesome and noxious. The former, which were Bor

at event1320. Boreas is also said by Homer1321 to have turned himself into a horse out of love to the mares of Erichthonios,

he neighbourhood of volcanoes it was a simple process to convert them into smiths, the assistants of Hephæstos1340. As they

e Egyptian dæmon Baby, the opponent of Osiris. The flight of the gods into Egypt is a bungling attempt at connecting the Gre

all persons who approached her dwelling were turned by her magic art into swine. When the comrades of Odysseus, whom he sen

Odysseus obeyed the directions of the goddess in digging a small pit, into which he poured mulse, wine, water, flour, and th

she had been married to king Picus, whom by her magic art she changed into a bird1368. Another legend made her the mother of

iepeia (Magic-speech) ; and it was feigned that they threw themselves into the sea with vexation at the escape of Odysseus13

of Orpheus end their enchantment, and cause them to fling themselves into the sea, where they were changed into rocks1380.

cause them to fling themselves into the sea, where they were changed into rocks1380. It was afterwards fabled that they wer

the water in which Scylla was wont to bathe, and thus transformed her into a monster1399. According to another account the c

acles, and was in consequence struck with thunder by Zeus, and turned into a whirlpool1401. Φαέθοσα καὶ Λαμττϵτίη ἐν Θριν

te from all the other isles and coasts ; and he thus brought his hero into all parts of that sea, and informed his auditors

like gods, free from toils and care, and death was to them a sinking into gentle slumber ; and when earth had covered this

e with the narrative in the first chapters of Genesis, and introduced into Grecian literature by Hesiod, who may be regarded

ist simultaneously after it, — effeminacy and violence, the two vices into which virtue is most apt to degenerate, being the

d Zeus, it is added, struck him with his thunder and precipitated him into Erebos on account of his ‘insolence and excessive

later writers that for his share in the Titan-war Menœtios was hurled into Tartaros, but this arose from the misunderstandin

all the legends of this kind it is the god or man Atlas who is turned into or gives name to the mountain. Thus according to

displayed the head of Medusa, and the inhospitable prince was turned into the mountain which still bears his name. Another

ng ascended a lofty mountain to make his observations he fell from it into the sea, and both sea and mountain were named fro

in chains. But Heracles coming thither opened a passage for the Eagle into the sea, and thus freed the captive monarch1470.

avδώpa. Pandora. The celebrated mythe of the introduction of evil into the world by means of a woman is related at large

s now altered : a woman, whose chief attribute is curiosity, was come into the house : dying to know what the jar contained

which the evils were inclosed, and which lay in the house of the men, into a box brought with her from heaven by Pandora. It

of good and evil, and the jar of evils ; and the introduction of evil into the world by the first woman. But Eve was tempted

e of his father made himself an ark (λὰρνακα), and putting provisions into it entered it with his wife Pyrrha. Zeus then pou

the passage through which the Peneios carries off the waters that run into the vale of Thessaly, which is on all sides shut

n Thessaly, produced probably by the irruption of a Thesprotian tribe into that country1516, which caused a portion of the f

try1516, which caused a portion of the former inhabitants to emigrate into Bœotia and expel some of those whom they found th

nd the West. It was probably at this time that the word Hellenes came into use ; for the Greeks, finding themselves to diffe

lies. Any attempt therefore at introducing the accuracy of chronology into such a chaos is absurd in the extreme1527 ; and i

hase after the forms which float before him in the distance, but fade into mist when he attempts to grasp them. It is a regi

ious to explore ; where the search after truth is rewarded by insight into the powers and operations of the human mind, and

imagery. Though chronology, properly so called, cannot be introduced into mythic history, it has however a chronology of it

c history, it has however a chronology of its own, and may be divided into distinct periods. In the mythic history of Greece

he kingdom of his fathers which Zeus had given to Æolos. He then went into the house of his father, by whom he was joyfully

oring youth, and proving it by cutting up an old ram, and putting him into a pot whence issued a bleating lamb, she persuade

oing to marry Sterope the daughter of Acastos ; and without inquiring into the truth of the tale, the credulous Polymela str

us cut out the tongues of all the beasts which he killed and put them into his pouch. The companions of Acastos getting all

others, who add that he put Hippolyta to death and marched his troops into the town between her severed members1563. To rewa

lay in wait, and seized and held her fast, though she changed herself into every variety of form, becoming fire, water, a se

poem ascribed to Hesiod), Thetis cast her children as they were born into a caldron of boiling water, to try if they were m

a pit filled with fire, and covered over with bits of wood and dust, into which the unsuspecting prince fell and perished.

dôn having violated her, she prayed him as a compensation to turn her into a man, and grant that she should be invulnerable1

, which founded towns, and gradually drove their wild neighbours back into the mountains. He therefore thinks the exposition

yled Zeus in return. Zeus indignant at their impiety turned them both into birds, making him a sea-gull (κήϋξ), and her a ki

that his wife on finding his lifeless body on the strand cast herself into the sea. The gods out of compassion changed them

st herself into the sea. The gods out of compassion changed them both into the birds called Halcyôns. During seven days of w

to him, Ceÿx bears a gentle and amiable character. Ceÿx is introduced into the mythe of Heracles, whose friend he is said to

the slaughter of the men, the burning of the town, the dragging away into captivity of the women and children. Moved by the

took the billet from its place of concealment, and cast it once more into the flames. As it consumed, the vigour of Meleagr

e by the compassion of the gods, all but Gorgo and Deïaneira, changed into the birds called Meleagrides1621. There was anoth

a son named Illyrios. Shortly afterwards he and Harmonia were changed into serpents, and sent by Zeus to the Elysian Plain,

ave had its effect on the legend of the change of Cadmos and Harmonia into serpents. By the Spartans (Sown) in this legend a

, incensed at his intrusion, flung some water upon him and turned him into a stag. She also inspired with madness the fifty

safely till they came to the sea between Sigeion and the Chersonese, into which Helle fell, and it was named from her Helle

husband, sprang with her child from the cliff of Moluris near Corinth into the sea. The gods took pity on her and made her a

reign, Dionysos came from the East and sought to introduce his orgies into his native city. The women all gave enthusiastica

his orgies into his native city. The women all gave enthusiastically into the new religion, and Mount Cithærôn rang to the

o a bull let him drag her till she was dead : they then cast her body into the fount which was named from her. They expelled

prayed to the gods to take her out of the world, and she was changed into a nightingale (ύηδών). Zethos is also said to hav

iobe he finds evidence of the early introduction of the Lydian melody into Thebes. Λάϊος. Laïus. Laïos, when driven

lating on Mount Cithærôn, killed the female, and was suddenly changed into a woman. In this state he continued seven years ;

s returned to his pristine state. On some occasion Zeus and Hera fell into a dispute, whether the greater portion of the ple

d named the country Phlegyantis. He also built a city called Phlegya, into which he collected the bravest warriors of Greece

d naval power could have induced them to admit the distant Orchomenos into their association. Everything conspires, they thi

legend of Baucis and Philemôn might seem to show, early made its way into Greece. Müller regards the Phlegyans as being the

, king of Orchomenos, had been overcome by Heracles, his affairs fell into such a reduced state, that in order to retrieve t

children were but eight months old, when Hera sent two huge serpents into the chamber to destroy them. Alcmena in terror ca

the Nemean wood1735. Some time after his war with the Minyans he fell into madness, owing to the envy of Hera, and flung his

is own three children by Megara, and the two of his brother Iphicles, into the fire. As a punishment for this deed he went i

rother Iphicles, into the fire. As a punishment for this deed he went into voluntary exile, and was purified by Thestios. He

wonderful strength of Heracles, he prohibited his entrance in future into the city, and ordered him to announce the perform

the road leading from Lerna to Eleos. He cut the body of the hydra up into pieces, and dipped his arrows in her gall. Euryst

vain, the venom of the hydra was not to be overcome. Cheirôn retired into his cave, longing to die, but unable on account o

t the boar, and driving him from his lair with loud cries, chased him into a snow-drift, where he caught and bound him, and

en united : they cohered above, but below the loins they were divided into three. His oxen were of a purple hue, and were gu

. Heracles promised to do so, and entertained him ; but falling again into madness, he precipitated Iphitos from the walls o

ified by Deïphobos the son of Hippolytos. But he fell notwithstanding into a severe malady on account of the murder of Iphit

æ to offer sacrifice, he waylaid and killed them. He then led an army into Elis, took the city, slew Augeas and his sons, an

nclosure (τέμϵνος) of Athena. A famine coming on the land, Aleos went into the temenos of the goddess ; and searching about,

ad to contend for her with the river-god Acheloös, who turned himself into a bull ; in which form one of his horns was broke

e ill-fated bearer of the poisoned tunic, by the foot, and hurled him into the sea1782. He attempted to tear off the tunic,

ic age, — the conquest over death. This is represented by his descent into the under-world, and dragging Cerberos to light,

an weakness and the power of the evil principle. Hence Heracles falls into fits of madness, sent on him by Hera ; and hence,

mythe at length concludes most nobly with the assumption of the hero into Olympos. His protecting deity abandons him to the

ng to the Peloponnese ; the adventures there, he says, may be divided into two classes, the combats with men and those with

ong Heracleia in prose. The Attic tragedians also introduced Heracles into their dramas ; and as they viewed him as a Bœotia

r to communicate her story to her sister by means of characters woven into a peplos. Procne then sought out and released her

elves nearly overtaken by him, they prayed to the gods to change them into birds ; Procne immediately became a Nightingale (

wever the prevalent opinion. It was also said that Tereus was changed into a hawk1809, and that Itys became a wood-pigeon181

his youngest daughter Chthonia ; and her sisters, as they had entered into a resolution that when one lost her life the othe

ity. Though, as we have seen, an attempt was made to convert Cephalos into a historic personage, he is probably the son of H

ore a son named Eumolpos ; to conceal her weakness she threw the babe into the sea to the protection of his father. Poseidôn

she was drowned1828. Another legend1829 adds, that Nisos was changed into the bird called the Seaeagle (ἁλιάετος), and Scyl

was changed into the bird called the Seaeagle (ἁλιάετος), and Scylla into that named Ciris (κεȋρις 1830 ) ; and that the fa

n the operation, Scirôn would give him a kick, which tumbled him down into the sea, where a huge tortoise always lay ready t

ughts to legislation. The Attic territory had been divided by Cecrops into twelve Demes or villages, each of which had its o

s of Attica. He abolished the former division of the people of Attica into four tribes, and substituted that of a distributi

le of Attica into four tribes, and substituted that of a distribution into three classes, of the Nobles, the Agriculturists,

nated in the midst of arms. Peirithoös had one time made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and carried off the herds

, they are to be regarded as the introducers of the worship of Apollo into Attica, where it seems to have been originally co

for Pasiphae, he incurred the displeasure of the king and was thrown into prison. Having by means of Pasiphae escaped from

f feathers united by wax for himself and his son Icaros. They mounted into the air ; but Icaros ascending too high and appro

oaching too near the sun, its heat melted the wax, and the youth fell into the sea and was drowned. Dædalos arrived in safet

nied to man to reach, and exhausted in the effort falls suddenly back into the depths of earthly weakness. This is expressed

t patriarch of the latter was Deucaliôn, whose posterity were brought into connexion with the Cadmeians of Thebes and the Er

o one tradition, while another makes him collect the rude inhabitants into society and give them fire and social institution

ance on the murderers for the death of Apis. When Io had been changed into a cow, Hera gave the charge of watching her to Ar

ved by Zeus. When he found his amour suspected by Hera, he changed Io into a white cow, and swore to his spouse that he had

is the cause of offence, in both the nymph is changed by the goddess into her sacred animal1908. Argos is probably merely t

Cow-ford), feigning that she had swum across it1910. A similar strait into the Mæotis received the same name, and Io of cour

father ; and cutting off the heads of their husbands, they flung them into Lerna, and buried their bodies with all due rites

esty. Her father, at first, in his anger at her disobedience, put her into close confinement. Relenting however after some t

woods, the wastes of Argos and Arcadia, — fancying themselves changed into cows1928. Prœtos was greatly afflicted at the con

le that the characteristic trait of their fancying themselves changed into cows is only to be found in the Latin poet Virgil

and under the form of a golden shower he poured through the roof down into her bosom. Danae became the mother of a son, whom

protestations. Inclosing her and her child in a coffer, he cast them into the sea to the mercy of the winds and waves1935.

ing the adamantine scimitar (harpe) which Hermes gave him, he mounted into the air, accompanied by the gods, and flew to the

as at the time pregnant by Poseidôn. Perseus took up the head, put it into his wallet, and set out on his return. The two si

tained by that happy people1942. He is also said to have turned Atlas into a mountain on his return1943, and the drops of th

der the Gorgon’s head1945. When Dionysos came to introduce his orgies into Argos he was vigorously opposed by Perseus ; but

at it was Acrisios who opposed the introduction of the Bacchic orgies into his dominions1947. Andromeda bore to Perseus six

estroyed the dwelling of Lycaôn with lightning, and turned its master into a wolf. The deluge of Deucaliôn which shortly aft

ual virginity. But Zeus saw and loved Callisto ; and changing himself into the form of the huntress-goddess, accompanied the

on in her person was observed ; and Artemis, in her anger, turned her into a bear. While in this form she brought forth her

er and him, and brought them to Lycaôn. Some time afterwards she went into the temenos of Zeus Lycæos, which it was unlawful

Apollo that Zeus took. In some versions it is Zeus who turns Callisto into a bear to conceal her from Hera ; and this goddes

riend of Triptolemos, who taught him agriculture, which he introduced into his country, now called from himself Arcadia, and

sto we have another instance of the practice of converting an epithet into an attendant. On the way from the town to the Aca

e temenos of Zeus with their love, for which offence they were turned into lions1994. Other authorities make the name of the

from the power of Theseus, whose mother Æthra they dragged in return into captivity. They took part in all the great undert

ve, them the swift Xanthos and Cyllaros. The brothers themselves fell into the very same offence which they had punished in

was appointed to divide the booty. He killed an ox ; and dividing it into four parts, said that one half of the prey should

l maid. The god declared then who he was, and enjoining secrecy dived into the sea. Tyro conceived from the divine embrace t

rd for that goddess, slew her before it. The brothers afterwards fell into discord, and Pelias abode at Iolcos, but Neleus s

menos had been endowed by Poseidôn with the power of changing himself into various forms ; and he took successively those of

as he had said. The herdsmen of Iphiclos took him, and he was thrown into prison, where he was attended by a man and a woma

On attaining ‘the fruit of pleasing gold-crowned youth,’ Iamos went into the stream of the Alpheios ; and by night in the

being was originally an object of worship, and that he was converted into a hero in the usual manner. As the ancient Epeian

vacant interlunar cave.’ Endymiôn is perhaps the setting sun who goes into (ἐνδύϵι) the sea, or possibly in the Lelegian myt

ire, and was admitted to the table of the gods, his joy was converted into terror by his fancying a rock suspended over his

bout to partake. At the desire of Zeus, Hermes put all the parts back into the pot, and drew forth from it the boy perfect i

k an opportunity as they were driving along a cliff to throw Myrtilos into the sea, where he was drowned. Others say, that H

pted to offer her violence2066, and Pelops on her complaint flung him into the sea2067. To the vengeance of Hermes for the d

s much obscurity. We will commence our examination of it by inquiring into the Lydian origin of Pelops, a thing taken for gr

ge his son Myrtilos whom Pelops had murdered, put a gold-fleeced lamb into the flocks of Atreus, between whom and Thyestes,

ed in his favour, and he thus obtained the kingdom and drove Thyestes into exile2080. Another legend continues the tale in a

e on his brother. They seized and brought him to Atreus, who cast him into prison. Atreus then called Ægisthos, and directed

ughter of Thyestes, under pretence of examining the sword, plunged it into her bosom. Ægisthos drew it forth reeking with bl

ished the hitherto relentless maiden ; her violent hate was converted into ardent love ; and filled with pity for her lover,

killed the deserted shepherd, and Aphrodite in compassion changed him into a river of his own name. But his love still conti

beauty of Europa the daughter of Phœnix or of Agenôr, changed himself into a beautiful white bull, and approached her ‘breat

πδών. Minos, Rhadamanthus, et Sarpendo. These three brothers fell into discord for the sake of a beautiful youth named M

s. Glaucos the son of Minôs pursuing, when a child, a mouse, fell into a jar of honey, and was smothered. When he could

He did so ; but as he was taking leave, he desired his pupil to spit into his mouth. Glaucos obeyed, and lost the memory of

the Asopos carried coals along them2110. Zeus carried his fair prize into the desert isle of Œnone, afterwards named from h

grew up, his father to relieve him turned all the ants in the island into men and women2111. Æacos married Endeïs the daugh

sons, Telamôn and Peleus. By the Nereïs Psamathe, who changed herself into a fount to escape his embraces, he had another so

sterility and dearth, on account of the crime of Pelops, who had cut into pieces Stymphalos king of Arcadia, and scattered

s say, of walking on its surface2123. He married Side, whom Hera cast into Erebos for contending with her in beauty2124. It

ge communicating his discovery to mankind, till being chased with him into the sea by Lycurgos, Zeus in compassion raised th

beyond all doubt they were thus named long before they were converted into a hunter and nymphs on the earth. It has been cle

to Samothrace, and thence pursued their voyage through the Hellespont into the Propontis, where they came to an island with

gone for water, was laid hold on and kept by the nymphs of the spring into which he dipped his urn. Polyphemos, hearing him

l, went with his drawn sword to aid him, supposing him to have fallen into the hands of robbers. Meeting Heracles, he told h

wave urged on the Argo, and all escaped but Butes, who flung himself into the sea to swim to the Flowery Isle. Aphrodite to

king his stand on the rocks called the Melantian Neeks, shot an arrow into the sea : the arrow flashed a vivid light, and th

eltic mountains, from the opposite end of which another stream flowed into the Tyrrhenian sea ; he was followed by Apolloniu

re it divided, and then went down the other branch named the Saranges into the Mæotis, whence another stream ran northwards

æan mountains, and the Argo rushed through the narrow stream and came into the Ocean, called in that part by the Hyperborean

at the gates of the city. The fight began : the Cadmeians were driven into the city : Capaneus set a ladder against the wall

slew him. Arsinoe on upbraiding them with the murder was put by them into a chest and brought to Agapenôr the son of Ancæos

in the marsh ; and Boreas falling in love with them, changed himself into a horse, and by them had twelve foals, which like

d them all, and then the mother herself ; after which Zeus turned him into stone, whence Calchos the soothsayer announced th

ysseus, who had long meditated vengeance on Palamedes, now carried it into effect ; a forged letter, as from king Priamos, w

nce among the Achæans. Achilleus having called an assembly to inquire into the cause of it, Calchos declared the truth, addi

ers all over, break down a part of their walls, and drawing the horse into the city indulge in festivity2221. There was a de

igy Æneias forthwith retired to Mount Ida. Sinôn then, who had gotten into the town by means of a forged tale, raised torche

Coluthus sang the abduction of Helena, and Tzetzes in three books put into verse the events before, in, and after the Ilias.

een the personages and events of Grecian mythology gradually dissolve into air as we approached them, at times however showi

others are merely the heroes of different parts of Hellas introduced into the cycle of the Trojan war. Again, when we find

magination. At the waving of the mythologie wand they have all melted into air, and Grecian history appears to us emerging f

nsipid than the manner in which the pragmatisers seek to convert them into real history. Yet in the carlier and better days

hers, and digested in Grecian hexameters the events which it recorded into his Annals. Grecian forms now supplanted all the

mpler religion ; the homely old ballads of the Cossi and Cethegi fell into oblivion ; the entire literature of Rome became G

em we discern the influence of the principles of Euhemerus introduced into Rome by Ennius. The Etruscan Religion. Th

he vital powers, and Rome and other Italian towns politically divided into a Populus and a Plebes 2263. Another peculiar fea

ies Pater or Father Day2279. When the Greek philosophy was introduced into Rome Jupiter was regarded as the material heaven,

ng children to the light. She was invoked by women in labour2289, and into the treasury of her temple, which stood on the Es

ry. 80. In the former edition of this work we entered at some length into this subject. We are now aware that it is impossi

. Pherecydes (Sch. Apoll. Rh. iv. 1396.) first mentions this division into Europe and Asia. We find it even in Isocrates (Pa

and men must now give over their thoughts of getting the fine weather into their power. 164.  »Οϕιѕ, a serpent. 165. Cass

ts of Ovid. 251. Moschus (Idyll. ii. 87.), when describing the bull into which Zeus changed himself in order to carry off

. It is not known how or when the doctrine of the Metempsychosis came into Greece. We first meet it in Pindar, Ol. ii. 123.

ho also relates the legend (Met. v. 300. seq.), says they were turned into magpies, and he is followed by Statius (Silv. ii.

cies of Creuzer and others respecting the mysteries introduced by him into Greece long before the time of Homer. According t

H. x. 18. Diodor. iv. 87. Ovid (Met. iv. 276-8.) says she turned him into a rock. 1239. Ovid, Met. iii. 341. seq. Paus. ix

ker, ut sup. Æschylus, as it would appear, said that he flung the eye into Lake Tritonis. 1294. Apollod. ii. 4. 2. 1295. I

pleasure. They carried us back from the remote age of the war of Troy into a period removed still further in gray antiquity.

i. 22, 4. Catull. lxiv. 242. Others said he flung himself from a rock into the sea, which was named from him. Nicocrates (ap

the Coptic article Pe prefixed (that is, Pe-Apis), was easily changed into Epaphos, which signified the Touched. It is well

ouched. It is well known how fond people are of turning foreign words into such as have a signification in their own languag

uest of Hera, Tethys forbade the constellation of the Bear to descend into her waves. 1986. Apollod. ut sup. Hygin. ut sup.

to lament in the burning days of midsummer, and call out of the well, into which they fabled he had fallen, a god named Hyla

dirges, in a similar manner. This usage of the Bithynians was adopted into their mythology by the Greek inhabitants of Kios,

increased they deified heroes. The Gods of the ancients were divided into many classes. The principal, or Gods of the first

arts agree, That no unequal portions might be found, He moulded earth into a spacious round: Then, with a breath, he gave th

h, should dethrone him; and by his power he threw them down an abyss, into which the light of day could never penetrate. Thi

ut refused to destroy his children), took him prisoner, and threw him into Tartarus, from whence he was delivered by Jupiter

se his hospitality, granted to him the gift of memory, and of looking into the future. From this cause, Janus is represented

is said to have destroyed himself, and the goddess metamorphosed him into a pine-tree. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythol

stal was stripped of the habit of her order, and compelled to descend into the subterranean cavity, which was immediately sh

wings of winds were clogged with ice and snow; And shivering mortals into houses driven, Sought shelter from the inclemency

atrocious: his palace was reduced to ashes, and his form was changed into that of a wolf. From this Jupiter took the name w

d me now; I care not.     Second Fury. Dost imagine We will but laugh into thy lidless eyes?     Pro. I weigh not what ye do

evil. Cruel is the power which called You, or aught else so wretched into light!     Third Fury. Thou think’st we will live

the wife; The step-dame poison for the son prepares; The son inquires into his father’s years. Faith flies, and piety in exi

of her refusal, merited ‌the punishment she received of being changed into a tortoise, and became the symbol of silence. As

Juno had for her jealousy, and that her husband metamorphosed himself into a swan for Leda, into a shepherd for Mnemosyne, i

usy, and that her husband metamorphosed himself into a swan for Leda, into a shepherd for Mnemosyne, into a shower of gold f

orphosed himself into a swan for Leda, into a shepherd for Mnemosyne, into a shower of gold for Danae, and into a bull for E

, into a shepherd for Mnemosyne, into a shower of gold for Danae, and into a bull for Europa, she may easily be pardoned her

the drapery of the left breast, fading in bold, yet graduated lines, into a skirt, as it descends from the left shoulder, i

to smother the art taught by Ceres in its infancy, was metamorphosed into a lynx. Nor was this the only instance of the ven

ief crime was having laughed to see her eat with avidity, was changed into a lizard: while a Thessalian, who had desecrated

are so anxious to discover. “Thou power which all men strive to look into ! Thou power which dost elude all human search! To

e and woe, The past, the present, and the future known, Would sink us into deep and desperate sorrow.” Insérer image anonym

steria, her sister, disdaining the embraces of the God, threw herself into the sea, and was changed into the isle which bear

the embraces of the God, threw herself into the sea, and was changed into the isle which bears the name of Delos; where Lat

easants, whose cruel refusal to aid her she punished by changing them into frogs. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_18

he greatness of the misfortune which had overwhelmed her, was changed into stone. The bodies of Niobe’s children were left u

uried in the plains for nine successive days, because Jupiter changed into stones all such as attempted to inter them. On th

igue which oppressed her, when the Gods, at her entreaty, changed her into a laurel. Apollo took a branch and formed it into

treaty, changed her into a laurel. Apollo took a branch and formed it into a crown, and to this day the laurel remains one o

, Her hair to leaves, her arms extend to boughs,” ‌“The nymph is all into a laurel gone, The smoothness of her skin remains

rosia over her tomb, which penetrating as far as the body, changed it into the beautiful tree that bears the frankincense; w

y Clytie, tormented by remorse, and disdained by the God, was changed into a sunflower, the plant which turns itself without

on the green turf on which they were playing; while his blood sinking into the ground, produced the flower which still bears

at the death of Hyacinth, that, as we have seen, he changed his blood into a flower which bore his name, and placed his body

om he was attached, wishing to escape from his pursuit, threw herself into the waves, and was received by the nymphs of Amph

nt a stag of which Apollo was fond, expired of grief, and was changed into the tree which bears his name. Apollo now attache

rsued to the very foot of Parnassus, where the Gods metamorphosed her into a fountain. As Apollo was lamenting his loss on t

onsole, granted him the special favour of turning all that he touched into fine gold. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mytholog

Jupiter struck the rider with a thunderbolt, and hurled him headlong into the river Po. His body, consumed by fire, was fou

rs wept for four months, without ceasing, until the Gods changed them into poplars, and their tears into grains of amber; wh

ut ceasing, until the Gods changed them into poplars, and their tears into grains of amber; while the young king of the Ligu

e young king of the Ligurians, a chosen friend of Phaeton, was turned into a swan at the very moment he was yielding to his

the power of remaining ever young was joined with it, she changed him into a grasshopper. From their union sprang Memnon, wh

that is worthy within myself.” After frequent adventures, and passing into the possession of many, the tripod finally return

violent, yet Plutarch mentions one of the priestesses who was thrown into such excessive fury, that not only those who cons

spute with them the palm of singing; being overcome, they were turned into magpies, and since their transformation, they hav

this violation, though unintentional, of her privacy, she changed him into a stag, and inspiring with madness the dogs that

evince her detestation of the crime, her divine mistress changed her into a bear. This however was before “The veiled Dian

, neglecting the worship of Diana, the Goddess revenged it by sending into his kingdom a monstrous wild boar; and to rid the

killed his brothers. Indignant at this crime, the wife of Æneas threw into the flames a brand which bore with it the life of

destroyed herself, and the sisters of the unhappy victim were changed into fowls. Diana is usually represented in the costum

end thy lonely lamp, to lovers fond, And blend their plighted shadows into one: Still smile at even on the bedded child, And

their care of the son of Jupiter, in process of time, were translated into heaven. When Bacchus, for thus was he ‌named, had

nts when they invaded Olympus, he undertook his celebrated expedition into the East, to which he marched at the head of an a

t feet, Like any bleaching stones they wont to greet.     And thence into her lap have boldly sprung, Washing her weedy tre

acceptance a crown of seven stars, which after her death, was formed into a constellation.‌ “Where the rude waves in Dian

n. The shepherds residing in the neighbourhood of Athens, having come into the vine-yard of Icarius, drank to such excess of

n the fury of their intoxication, they slew their host, and threw him into a deep well. ‌To expiate his crime, the Icarian g

tion at the loss of all he loved, died in sorrow. Icarius was changed into the star Bootes, Erigone took the sign of the Vir

Unable to bear the horror of the sight, the robbers threw themselves into the sea, and Bacchus turned them into Dolphins, t

t, the robbers threw themselves into the sea, and Bacchus turned them into Dolphins, then seizing the helm steered the ship

érer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img060b The Bacchantes went into the mountains with torches in their hands, covere

when in June, Tall chesnuts keep away the sun and moon,     I rushed into the folly! “Within his car aloft, young Bacchus

e than their gestures, touching, as they do, the verge of distortion, into which their fine limbs and lovely forms are throw

hakspere. Venus, after shedding many tears at his death, changed him into a flower. “And in his blood, that on the ground

to some historians, a youth of the place secretly introduced himself into her temple, to offer his vows of adoration before

soft and mild enjoyment, and the curved lines of her fine limbs, flow into each other with a never ending sinuosity of sweet

h the smile that for ever circles round them, and the tremulous curve into which they are wrought, by inextinguishable desir

nd swimming with pleasure, and her small forehead fades on both sides into that sweet swelling, and then declension of the b

ting, as with the aspiration of delight, and flows with gentle curves into her perfect form. “Her form is indeed perfect. Sh

sband’s displeasure. The whirlwind employed by Jove, precipitated him into the island of Lemnos. ———— “I felt his matchless

at Rome, streets were illuminated, fires kindled, and animals thrown into the flames as a sacrifice. Romulus caused a templ

ddess, by assisting to fill her basket. In revenge, Cupid changed her into a dove. The beautiful fable of the winged deity’s

emembrance dear, And pardon that thy secrets should be sung,     Even into thine own soft-couched ear: Surely I dreamt to da

the earth was ruled,     By but a sleeping child? “I went then forth into the world,     To see what might be there; And th

d and grown up, from her father’s brain, and was immediately admitted into the association of the Gods, becoming one of the

he blows, and in despair at her defeat, hung herself, and was changed into a spider by Minerva. ———— “She sprinkled her wit

he beautiful locks of Medusa, which had inspired the love of Neptune, into ghastly and living serpents, as a punishment for

is less the horror than the grace,     Which turns the gazer’s spirit into stone: Whereon the lineaments of that dead face  

k, contended. To celebrate these festivals, also, the maidens divided into troops, and armed with sticks and stones, attacke

feared trident, shrinking, doth unlock Its deep foundations, hissing into foam. All mountain-rivers, lost, in the wide home

ythology_1842_img100 This famous lyric poet and musician, having gone into Italy, with Periander, tyrant of Corinth, he obta

had gone too far: it was too late to recede, and the poet was thrown into the deep. When lo! the dolphins, attracted by the

us tuned to woe His potent lyre, and sought the realms below; Charmed into life unreal forms respired, And list’ning shades

heir blood was not sprinkled on the altars, but permitted to run down into the earth to penetrate the realms of the God. The

The Syracusans paid yearly homage to him near the fountain of Cyane, into which one of the attendant maidens of Proserpine

s rules the state. He hears and judges each committed crime, Inquires into the manner, place, and time: The conscious wretch

There dangling pears exalting scents unfold, And yellow apples ripen into gold: The fruit he strives to seize, but blasts a

atron of travellers and shepherds; he conducted the souls of the dead into the infernal regions, and not only presided over

ermes, thou who couldst of yore     Amphion’s bosom warm, And breathe into his strains the power,     The rugged rocks to ch

is strains the power,     The rugged rocks to charm; Breathe, breathe into my lyre’s soft string, And bid its music sweet no

o laugh while you grieve, to deceive while you smile, When you chafed into wrath bright Apollo of old, His dun-coloured stee

highs, tail and feet hairy, like those of a goat. When he was brought into the world, the nurse, terrified at sight of him,

iful nymph of the same name, who, refusing his addresses, was changed into a reed. ———————— “A nymph of late there was, Wh

aid himself down by his side. The hero awoke, and kicked the intruder into the middle of the room. The noise aroused Omphale

The Gods, however, taking pity upon his melancholy fate, changed him into the flower Narcissus. Many morals have been attem

e soft note borne         From the shepherd’s horn, Wakes thee, Echo! into music leaping, Strange sweet Echo! into music lea

erd’s horn, Wakes thee, Echo! into music leaping, Strange sweet Echo! into music leaping.     “Then the woods rejoice,     

ault of Typhon, took the figures of various animals, changing himself into a goat, the skin of which was transported to Heav

ded from Faunus, son of Picus King of Italy, who was changed by Circe into a woodpecker. “Faunus who lov’st, thro’ woodland

should name. Midas demanded the power of turning all that he touched into gold. “‘Give me,’ says he, (nor thought he asked

touch, Changed from the nature which it held of old, May be converted into yellow gold:’ He had his wish: but yet the god re

; he performed the necessary ablution, and the very sands were turned into gold by the touch of Midas. Divine honours were g

surprised asleep in a cave; his voice was inarticulate, when brought into the presence of the Roman ‌general, and Sylla was

urity during the celebration. When however his worship was introduced into Rome, he became more the God of Orchards and Gard

o the swan’s wild note by the Iceland lakes, When the dark fir-branch into verdure breaks. From the streams and founts I ha

the old oak tree!         Where is the Dryad’s immortality?     Gone into mournful cypress and dark yew, Or wearing the lon

pring smiled with angel grace; Rosy Summer next advancing,     Rushed into her sire’s embrace: — Her bright haired sire, who

reated to her cave, He scarce had bound her fast, when she arose, And into various shapes her body throws; She went to move

was guardian of the subjects of Neptune, and had the power of looking into the future, from that God, because he had tended

gainst a wall; Ino fled with Melicerta in her arms, and threw herself into the sea from a high rock, and was changed into a

rms, and threw herself into the sea from a high rock, and was changed into a sea deity, by Neptune, who had compassion on he

s seized with a sudden desire to live in the sea. Upon this, he leapt into the water, and was made a sea deity by Oceanus, a

tune, who allowed him to give liberty to the winds, or to recall them into their caverns at his pleasure.     “Oh many a vo

e had Zetes and Calais, Cleopatra and Cheone. He once changed himself into a horse, to unite himself with the mare of Dardan

and finding on the morrow his body upon the shore, she threw herself into the sea. The Gods, touched by her fidelity, chang

e sea. The Gods, touched by her fidelity, changed her and her husband into the birds of the same name, who keep the waters c

d soul, And lap it in Elysium: Scylla wept And chid her barking waves into attention, And fell Charybdis murmured soft appla

vain. To punish her rival, Circe poured the juice of poisonous herbs into the waters of the fountain where Scylla bathed, a

r had the nymph entered, than her body, below the ‌waist, was changed into frightful monsters, like dogs, which never ceased

eeth. This sudden metamorphose so alarmed her, that she threw herself into that part of the sea which separates the coast of

which separates the coast of Italy and Sicily, where she was changed into rocks which continue to bear her name, and which

infects the place. Soon as the nymph wades in, her nether parts Turn into dogs, then at herself she starts. A ghastly horro

death, And fragile Age by worldly cares opprest, Sinks, softly sinks, into those arms for rest. And then methought death’s

he one bad, the other good. They had the power of changing themselves into whatever form they pleased, and of assuming whate

engaged in mocking the Gods, and whatever they did was freely turned into ridicule. He laughed at Minerva, who had made a h

with a countenance calm and severe, and on his brow a mitre, divided into two equal portions. His finger is placed upon his

This fraternal affection Jupiter rewarded by turning the two brothers into constellations, under the name of Gemini. Sparta,

lden prize. Yet him besprinkled with Lethean dew The fair enchantress into slumber threw; While the soft guest his drowsy ey

for his orders without the walls. He even made himself a hiding place into which he retired whenever Hercules returned. The

urable. He was ordered in his third labour to bring alive and unhurt, into the presence of Eurystheus, a stag, famous for it

ear the lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia. In his seventh, he brought alive into Peloponnesus a prodigious wild bull, which laid w

erberus. This was cheerfully undertaken by Hercules, and he descended into hell by a cave on Mount Tænarus. He was permitted

river god, who, finding himself inferior in strength, changed himself into a serpent, and afterwards into an ox. Serpent str

inferior in strength, changed himself into a serpent, and afterwards into an ox. Serpent strangling was, however, nothing n

lling him, with three of his sons, while his former lover, Iole, fell into his hands, and found that she still held no sligh

penetrated through his bones, and attaching itself to the flesh, eat into it like fire. “She now resolves to send the fata

aware of its dreadful power, he seized the messenger, and hurled him into the sea with fearful violence. Insérer image anon

on, Perseus was no sooner born, than Acresius caused him to be thrown into the sea, with his mother, Danae. The hopes of the

have recourse to the head of Medusa, and Atlas was instantly changed into a large mountain, which bore the same name in the

d; His locks, and beard, became a leafy wood: His hands and shoulders into ridges went, The summit head still crowned the de

And never curse it with Medusa more; That horrid head which stiffens into stone, Those impious men who daring death, look o

s, after he had employed Medusa’s head to turn the wicked Polydectes ‌ into stone, with those of his court who were accomplic

been guilty of the barbarous act of throwing his daughter and her son into the sea. This unfortunate murder preyed upon the

opped The current of life, and with his trident touch Hath struck him into marble.” Barry Cornwall. Insérer image anonyme_

, seeing a black sail upon his son’s ship, despairingly threw himself into the sea. “On a high rock that beetles o’er the f

ch other, were seized with a sudden and mutual friendship, and rushed into each others arms: from that time, their affection

rize. Shortly after, he assisted his friend in his attempt to descend into the infernal regions and carry away Proserpine, b

lf to rest. ‌ By the assistance of Hercules, however, in his descent into hell, the two heroes were released from their cap

ith his resistless lyre in his hands, he crossed the Styx, penetrated into the infernal regions, and gained admission to the

being thus broken, he saw her, but at the same moment she was turned into a shadow. “And fainting cries, ‘What fury thee p

more my eyes are seized with endless sleep, And now farewell, I sink into the deep.’ Oblivious cells surrounded all with ni

ght!” Dryden. After tearing his body to pieces, they threw his head into the Hebrus, which, as it rolled down the current,

gave him his daughter in marriage, and attempted to persuade Eteocles into some feeling of justice; but not only did the lat

charioteer would have claimed the reward of his infamy, he threw him into the sea, under pretext of punishing his negligenc

him in the camp. Disguised as a merchant, Ulysses introduced himself into the palace of the future hero, and as he paraded

having been deprived by Agamemnon of his favourite mistress, retired into his tent. Reverses of fortune instantly signalise

ded Agamemnon. A general melée ensued, the formidable Diomedes dashed into the midst of the Trojans, wounded Venus, who prot

that he slew himself, and the blood which flowed from him was turned into a hyacinth. Æneas, son of Venus and Anchises, too

f Sinon, beat down part of the wall to make an entrance for the horse into the city; they then celebrated the deliverance of

the life of her son, which was menaced by the Greeks: and accompanied into Epirus the ambassadors sent to claim from Pyrrhus

them drink under pretence of refreshing them, which transformed them into swine. One only tasted not of the enchanted drink

o prevent this misery, he determined to forsake the world, and retire into some solitary place, to end his days in peace. Ab

other, they both died on the same day, and their bodies were changed into trees, and placed before the ‌door of the Temple

in despair, and as she could not restore him to life, she changed him into a river, on the banks of which, she could still s

sion increased, and the gods, pitying his despair, changed the statue into that of a beautiful female, whom he married, and

me neglected; and in a fit of insupportable madness she threw herself into the sea.     “From Leucadia’s promontory Flung h

hom however he had the misfortune to lose; owing to which, he retired into the country that he might devote his time more un

e his wife. ‌ In her name he introduced all his laws and regulations into the state, and solemnly declared in the presence

merely to have contained the reasons why he had made the innovations into the ceremonies of their religion. “Egeria! sweet

persecuted. ‌ Cadmus was the first who introduced the use of letters into Greece, though others maintain that the alphabet

of the Egyptian and Phœnician deities, to the inhabitants of Greece, into which country, he is believed to have come about

ones among them, this work not having for its object a deep research into obscure mysteries, but is meant to excite useful

s, but is meant to excite useful and pleasing ideas, without entering into elaborate explanations. Brahma! Insérer imag

blutions in its waters, to die on its brink, to be thrown after death into its waves, are the supreme happiness of ‌the disc

riginate, which prepared the Mexicans for the coming of the Spaniards into their territory. The ceremonials attached to his

inities, they say, took his wife, and threw her with so strong an arm into the Sea, that she fell to the bottom, and by the

she fell to the bottom, and by the force of the concussion was broken into pieces. As she rebounded, lacerated, and divided

sion was broken into pieces. As she rebounded, lacerated, and divided into myriads of fragments of all sizes, they turned in

ated, and divided into myriads of fragments of all sizes, they turned into the rocks, the shoals, and the numerous isles of

s power. Loke then departed, and, cutting the mistletoe, converted it into a sharp pointed arrow. He returned to the assembl

parents of Psyche dared not disobey the oracle, but they were thrown into great affliction at the thoughts of parting with

with poppies, and when he shook it over the head of Psyche, she fell into a deep sleep. As soon as she was become insensibl

unreasonable and capricious, very likely he may, some night, take it into his head to kill you. You are extremely foolish t

when Psyche presumed that her husband was asleep, she arose, and went into the next room for a lamp, which she had purposely

ht one of his feet, hoping to detain him, but she was drawn after him into the open air, and instantly dropped to the ground

don.” Hearing this, Psyche, overwhelmed with shame and remorse, burst into tears, and wept bitterly. The cold earth on which

se to suffer.” The spirit of the stream heard her, and as she plunged into the waves he upheld her. She became senseless whe

she might be instructed how she ought to act. Therefore, she wandered into the country till she came to a rustic temple that

might have been Mercury, or Iris, whispered her that Cupid had fallen into a swoon, and she instantly withdrew to discover w

Venus again appeared. She struck Psyche several blows, and turned her into a barn. There stood an immense heap of different

tion was committed, and flew to her assistance. He gathered the cloud into its condensed form, restored it to the box, reviv

er. He was a great dog with three heads, who barked at those who went into the infernal regions, or abode of the dead. Ann.

es; it shows you that impertinent curiosity, such as Psyche’s looking into the box, is liable to punishment; and acting secr

down to select some, and to throw away the rest Each cast her portion into the lap of Proserpine, who was to distribute them

t Proserpina,” Were the last words of Cyane, for she was transformed into a fountain, and the young girls of Sicily who dwe

o of it. Proserpine was offended at Ascalaphus, and metamorphosed him into an owl. Ceres was so miserable, now that she must

son, who sat in the chimney corner, watching the pot, when Ceres came into the house and seated herself not far off. Becubo

, she threw in his face the contents of her dish, and transformed him into a lizard. At this sight, Becubo burst into tears,

dish, and transformed him into a lizard. At this sight, Becubo burst into tears, and reached out her hands to catch up the

le animal was become shy, like the rest of its species, and he glided into a hole from which his mother couldn’t recover him

relieve Pandion and his subjects; and he came with a sufficient army into Attica, and so effectually punished the barbarian