et, of New York. Respected Madam, In dedicating to you a work for which I conceive it difficult to find, among the most d

a more suitable patroness, I am actuated by those feelings of respect which your high, literary attainments and exalted virtu

cit from every honest heart. The consideration, also, that this work, which is chiefly designed for the entertainment and imp

f one who continually exhibits in that elevated station in society in which superior mental endowments and an ample fortune h

of manners, that moderation, and aversion to ostentatious display, by which your private life is so eminently distinguished,

s to good, cannot but be the happy results. But that retiring modesty which adorns your character, admonishes me not to soil

those elegant, colloquial accomplishments, and those revered virtues which enlighten and enliven the female circle in which

hose revered virtues which enlighten and enliven the female circle in which you preside. Allow me to believe, My Dear Madam,

, that the goodness of your heart will throw a veil over the weakness which thus betrays my youthful ardour into a public avo

hful ardour into a public avowal of that esteem and affection for you which will always be cherished by Your much obliged and

free this subject from those licentious and indelicate stories, with which it has so long been encumbered and defaced, and w

e stories, with which it has so long been encumbered and defaced, and which are totally unfit for the eye of youth. The work

fantastical and preposterous; but the elegant and agreeable fictions which Mythology furnishes, are admirably suited to the

the fairy, the fantastical, the sublime    —  these are the feasts in which imagination revels; the beauties and the terrors

oly, serious, gay, ingenious, interesting, new — are the subjects for which she seeks with restless assiduity. How many times

with the productions of Homer, Herodotus, Virgil, Horace, and so on, which are held out as models of fine writing. To improv

These contain many allegorical and mystical things, the true sense of which , though not suited to vulgar apprehension, the re

rvations have been given; while poetical extracts have been selected, which cannot fail to show how Mythology is mingled with

him to a more minute and useful investigation of the various subjects which are laid before him, the author would recommend h

way of translation from the French, the author has added some things which that popular author does not contain, namely, an

a knowledge of the true God, to worship some object for the blessings which he receives, the artifices of priests and legisla

gy? Have not the Scriptures been looked upon as the grand source from which the ancients formed much of their fabulous histor

e fortunes of mankind are wrapped up. Placed before him was a book in which futurity was written out. All the gods were to co

define and comprehend him, since they had forgotten the instructions which God had given to the first patriarchs. Chapter

received among these gods. The fourth order contained the virtues by which great men had been distinguished, as fidelity, co

ided into two classes. The first class formed the council of Jupiter; which was composed of six gods and six goddesses. Jupit

esses? Of what was the second class composed? What deities were there which were neither of the first nor of the second class

e birth, found means to hide Jupiter, and substituted for him a stone which Saturn devoured. Cybele, wishing to conceal Jupit

of Jupiter, the priests of Cybele instituted a sort of dance, during which they beat brazen shields. Titan finding that the

offered him his services. His reign was called the golden age; during which the earth afforded the inhabitants sustenance wit

a temple of brass was erected to him by Numa Pompilius, the doors of which remained constantly opened in time of war, and sh

unonius, because Juno committed to his care the calends of the month, which belonged to her; Patulacius and Clausius, because

adore, I first must Janus’ deity implore? Because I hold the door, by which access Is had to any god you would address.” Ovi

, Idæi, Dactyli, &c. At Rome she had a temple, called Opertum, to which men were never admitted. Her favorite was named A

Cybele is called Ops, because she succours and cherishes every thing which the earth sustains; Rhea, because benefits incess

her garments of divers colours are descriptive of the various hues in which the face of nature is bedecked. Obs. 2. — The wo

e of Isis. Such appears to be the origin of the worship of the Earth, which passed, with the other ceremonies of the Egyptian

turn. It was she who first fortified the walls of cities with towers; which gave rise to the representation of a crown of tow

he goddess revenged herself upon Atys, by binding Sangaris to a tree, which was cut down, and the nymph perished. Atys, in de

on a mortal whom she had loved so much, changed him into a pine tree, which was from that time consecrated to her. This fable

the city. Atys in vain resisted the attack. He was mortally wounded, which caused the despair and death of Sangaris. Concern

y her father. Cybele was so called from the name of the mountain upon which she had been exposed. Some etymologists suppose t

timation by the Romans. She had empire over the entrances of houses, ( which from her were called Vestibula,) altars, and hear

attained the age of thirty. They also took care of the palladium, on which the very existence of Rome was supposed to depend

dium, on which the very existence of Rome was supposed to depend, and which was brought from Troy by Æneas. If they let the s

ires.” Obs. 1. — Vesta is taken for the elements of earth and fire, which is accounted for by two different deities of that

the fire of the artificer; the other is expressive of that vital heat which cherishes health and vigour, and pervades organiz

n Mount Ida, in Crete. He was fed with the milk of the goat Amalthea, which he afterwards placed among the constellations. Th

they were favoured with every thing, they wished for. The shield with which he singly fought the giants, was made of the skin

t, a sceptre of cypress surmounted with an eagle with expanded wings, which is his armour bearer; his vesture is an embroider

ry with Abraham. He reigned in Thrace, Phrygia, and a part of Greece, which he conquered. Jupiter, king of Crete, also named

eant the conspiracy of his enemies who attacked him on Mount Olympus, which was, no doubt, a fortress in Thessaly. Let our re

ets have associated with Jupiter, only mark the different employments which the lords of his court filled. Mercury was his se

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

ves were nothing but their images carved on the prows of the ships in which they made away. A further account of them will be

Oceantides. He animated a man whom he had formed of clay, with fire, which , by the assistance of Minerva, he stole from heav

e, which, by the assistance of Minerva, he stole from heaven; a theft which so offended Jupiter, that he sent him Pandora wit

given by Jupiter. When opened, it was found to contain all the evils, which instantly escaped, and spread over the earth. But

tues. Prometheus taught the Scythians to live mildly and comfortably; which gave rise to the saying that he made a man with t

forge’s in Scythia, or because he was the inventor of the steel with which we elicit fire from flints. King Jupiter having d

his kingdom, Prometheus hid himself in the forests on mount Caucasus, which seemed to be inhabited by eagles and vultures. Th

asus, which seemed to be inhabited by eagles and vultures. The sorrow which he experienced in so cruel an exile was figured b

oubtless an attempt to account for the cause of that wonderful truth, which could not escape the observation even of the anci

Mercury threw her down into, a river, and changed her into a turtle ( which her name signifies) that she might keep eternal s

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

is sacred to her; Cingula, because it was she who unloosed the girdle which the bride wore when she was married; Dominduca an

livered from misfortunes by Pilumnus, so called from the pestle, with which the ancients pounded their corn, before they made

ith a hatchet or an axe to make fires. Deverra invented brooms, with which to brush all things cleanly. Janus opened the do

the goddess of medicines; her festivals were called Meditrinalia, in which the Romans drank new and old wine, which served t

were called Meditrinalia, in which the Romans drank new and old wine, which served them for physic. The Romans gave thanks to

narii were grave-diggers. Porta Libitina at Rome was the gate through which the corpses were conveyed to be burnt. By Ratione

g the earth. She is said to have repented of the improper demeanor of which she had been guilty, put on mourning garments, an

was carried off by Pluto, the god of Tartarus. The fountain Arethusa, which flowed under ground, was the witness of this rape

Arethusa, which flowed under ground, was the witness of this rape; of which she informed Ceres, who ran over the world with t

g in hell. But she had eaten a pomegranate. Ascalphus informed Ceres; which enraged her so much that she cast the water of th

gethon at his face, and he was soon metamorphosed into an owl, a bird which announces misfortunes. Minerva, however, took it

ion, because it watches and discerns objects in the dark (an allegory which perfectly agrees with wisdom, always guarding aga

rwhelmed with fear, changed her, at her own request, into a fountain, which she did in order to deliver her from the pursuits

alphus determined on Proserpine’s receiving Pluto for her husband; at which Ceres was dissatisfied, and Ascalphus became the

ften taken for the moon, and one expressed by this fable, the time at which she appeared to us, and the time at which she dis

by this fable, the time at which she appeared to us, and the time at which she disappeared from us. Some explain it still mo

sented with a head surrounded with rays, holding a globe in one hand; which is never observed in the representation of Apollo

of the sun. 1. March, sign of Aries (a ram.) He represents that upon which Phryxus and Helle fled away to escape from the pe

but when that was over, being unable to bear the sight of the crimes which men committed, she returned with the other gods t

as the last, who left the earth, and retired into that part of heaven which makes the sign of Virgo. 7. September, sign of Li

ber, sign of Libra (a balance.) It represents Justice, the balance of which always ought to be perfectly equal. It also signi

e Centaurs, Hercules wounded him accidentally with one of his arrows, which had been dipped in the blood of the hydra. The wo

ctar to Jupiter and the other gods. He also designates abundant rains which fall during this month. 12. February, sign of Pis

2. February, sign of Pisces (the fishes.) They represent the Dolphins which conducted Amphitrite to Neptune. The names of the

e, as the rays are red at that moment; the second marks the moment at which the rays are more clear; the third figures noon,

t at which the rays are more clear; the third figures noon, a time at which that luminary is in all its splendor; and the fou

ged of Aurora that she would favour him with the gift of immortality, which she did accordingly. But as she forgot to offer h

se rather to die than live. She metamorphosed him into a grasshopper, which the ancients deemed a happy and long lived insect

gs. Obs. 2. — The fable of Tithonus is a pretty allegory, the end of which is to warn us that we form many indiscreet vows,

om heaven, and raised against her a frightful serpent, called Python, which the poets suppose to have been formed of the mud

Neptune, out of compassion for her, made the island Delos immovable, which had previously wandered about in the Ægean Sea. H

as born, he immediately with his arrows destroyed the serpent Python, which Juno had sent to persecute his mother. In conjunc

im this instrument in exchange for the famous caduceus, or staff with which Apollo drove the flocks of Admetus. His favorite

s Daphne into a laurel; and his lover Leucothe, into a beautiful tree which drops frankincense. He despised Clytia, because s

steem at Delphi; Didymæus, because he was twin-brother to Diana, from which circumstance we understand that they are used for

Pythius, on account of his victory over the serpent Python, a victory which must be attributed to the sun, which, while enlig

er the serpent Python, a victory which must be attributed to the sun, which , while enlightening and drying up the mud, kills

s, on account of the promontory of Actium, celebrated for the victory which rendered Augustus master of Rome and of the world

; Palatinus, because Augustus built him on Mount Palatine a temple to which he added a library. Apollo is represented as a ta

m the great physician call’d below.” Hyacinthus. “Behold the blood, which late the grass had dy’d, Was now no blood; from w

hold the blood, which late the grass had dy’d, Was now no blood; from which a flower full blown, Far brighter than the Tyrian

1. — The haughty Niobe derided the sacrifices of Latona; an indignity which brought on her the wrath of Apollo and Diana. The

, they all died; and, as this plague was ascribed to an extreme heat, which the night itself could not abate, the fable of th

the children of Niobe remained unburied for nine days, at the end of which the gods themselves buried them. Those children b

for themselves, appeared insensible to the misfortunes of the queen, which caused the poets to say, that they had been chang

ly, called Peneus, pursued by a young prince on the shores of a river which bore the same name, fell into its waters, and was

fell into its waters, and was drowned. The large quantity of laurels which grew along its banks, caused the poets to say tha

Jupiter’s thunderbolts, for its dispersing those pestilential vapours which are fatal to mankind. He is called the sun in hea

ted with a lyre, as being the inventress of harmony. Her countenance, which is raised towards heaven, announces that she pres

s mathematical instruments around her. She holds a globe in her hand, which is sometimes laid on a tripod; a compass is then

singing, and meditation; but Homer and Hesiod reckon nine, viz. Clio, which signifies glory; Thalia, flourishing; Melpomene,

y nine in number, there must be added three months in the year during which people rest from the toils of agriculture. Howeve

t she was the goddess of hunting. The moon smiles upon the world, for which we allegorically take Pan. Diana is said to have

n retired to the mountains in Caria, where he often spent his nights, which caused the fable of Diana’s nocturnal visits to h

panthers, and dolphins. Bacchus showed unexampled boldness in the war which the giants carried on against heaven. He fought i

He presented her with a crown of seven stars, called Gnassia Coronia, which , at her death, he placed in the heavens as a cons

his messenger, to Nysa, a city near a mountain called Meros, a word, which signifies thigh. This fable has no other origin.

chus, born in Egypt, was educated in Nisa, a city of Arabia Felix, to which place his father Ammon had sent him. They recogni

e represents Bacchus with horns: they allude to the two rays of light which shone on the forehead of Moses. Bacchus was educa

acts of gratitude, and to allow themselves to indulge that happiness which a generous heart always experiences when it disch

anate in her right hand, and a helmet in her left, but without wings, which Victory usually had. In general, Minerva appears

he Ægis was a shield covered with the skin of a monster, called Ægis, which vomitted whirlwinds of flame. In process of time

. — The Ægis represents allegorically the Eye of Omnipresence, before which the guilty flee. Obs. 3. — The fable of Minerva’

historians say that this fable was designed to represent a difference which had arisen between the sailors, who recognized Ne

the common events of life, and is attentive to the lessons of wisdom, which improve his experience, and enable him to foresee

of age and under the fresh and charming appearance of youth. The owl, which surmounts her helmet, announces that wisdom often

me. It was in her temple that the Romans placed the statue of Cybele, which they brought from Pessinus. The Arcadians, when t

man poets say, of Juno alone. Flora showed her a flower, the touch of which made her pregnant. His education was entrusted to

hill where afterwards the celebrated court of Areopagus was held,) by which he was acquitted. Mars won the affections of Venu

band of their intrigue, he spread around the lovers invisible nets in which they were taken. The jealous husband exposed them

er, and had the care of the twelve ancilia, or sacred shields, one of which was supposed to have fallen from heaven. His vict

he Greeks and other ancient nations. It was suggested by the jealousy which Juno experienced in seeing the manner in which Ju

gested by the jealousy which Juno experienced in seeing the manner in which Jupiter brought forth Wisdom. Obs. 2. — The acco

t woman in the world. He carried off Helen from her husband Menelaus, which outrage kindled up the flames of war, and finally

hdrawing.” She was girt about the waist with a girdle, called Cestus, which , being worn by a female either ugly or handsome h

allusion to her origin; likewise a cornucopia, to express the riches which the commerce of the sea produces. The statue of V

and strongest god. He was called Eros, because he had a golden dart, which causes love; Anteros, because his leaden dart pro

ra aided Venus. Cupid, enraged at his defeat, turned her into a dove, which her name signifies. The name of Cupid’s mistress

of Cupid’s mistress was Psyche, a Greek word for the soul, to figure which her fable is a plain allegory. Her symbol is a bu

king of Cyprus, by Myrrha. This nymph was metamorphosed into a tree, which bears her name. At the moment of his birth, the t

became passionately fond of hunting. Mars, jealous of the attentions which Venus bestowed upon her favorite, raised an enorm

Venus changed the blood that flowed from his wound into the flower , which is said to have ever since retained the colour of

bs. 1. — The ancients thought that water was the primitive element of which all things were formed; and Venus is allegoricall

In Homer and Virgil, we find Jupiter addressing Venus as his father, which is illustrated by the different views given of he

se who have not the gift of pleasing. It represents unequal unions in which the unequal gifts of nature are balanced by those

asure; Cupid or Love was given her for her son, and all master-pieces which the arts and the poets could produce, were consec

god of love. By his arrows are meant the shafts of love, a wound from which puts one out of the power of resistance. He was o

e fancy of the lover paints his mistress in qualities, the reality of which does not exist. He has wings, because favour is d

th. He attempts to paint by this allegorical personage, the moment at which the earth was peopled by men and animals. The poe

of love. By love some attempted to designate the physical principle, which served to unite the separate particles of matter

tory of Astarte with that of Venus, gave rise to the fable of Adonis, which is thus explained. That young prince reigned over

for conjugal happiness. They solicited the consent of their parents, which was refused by reason of a previous misunderstand

r through a chink in the wall, where they conversed undiscovered, and which , at their parting, they carefully shut on both si

ed to meet under the shade of a large white mulberry tree, to cherish which a fountain sent forth its bubbling stream. Taking

hyrus sprinkled the blood of the slain lovers upon the mulberry tree, which before bore white berries, but afterwards red. P

most blooming complexion, were so animated as to excite the passions which they expressed. When clad in sensibility’s faires

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

umanity, with all the rare and pleasing marks of sensibility; virtues which add new softness to their sex, and even beautify

ach us that we should, by reciprocal benefits, strengthen those bands which attach us to each other, and that we should be gr

d, delicately made, and blessed with a symmetry of colour and feature which raises delight and admiration in the beholder. Be

. Apollo slew them all, because they had forged the thunderbolts with which Jupiter killed his son Æsculapius. The chief work

ettlement was probably made at the foot of Mount Etna; and the flames which it vomits forth, caused it to be regarded as the

on their anvils. They are fabled to have had but one eye; to explain which , some suppose they wore a mask to keep off the fi

re a mask to keep off the fire with one hole above their eyes through which to see their works. Questions. Who was Vulcan? Di

ans and orators; Cyllenius, either from the name of Mount Cyllenus on which he was born, or because his statues had neither h

statues had neither hands nor feet; Nomius, on account of the laws of which he was the author; Camillus, because he served th

a little after Moses. He was the author of ancient books on religion, which the Egyptians carefully preserved. Obs. 2. — To

truct himself in the sciences and arts. The delicate negociations, in which he was employed, caused him to be deemed the inte

er, the god of the water, was represented by a vessel, full of holes, which they called Hydria. The Persians having pretended

at time nothing equalled the respect of the Egyptians for the Hydria, which they also called Canopus, their god. According to

y that admirable circulation of rivers, fountains, clouds, and rains, which carry every where fruitfulness. Oceanus was marri

of the sea. He engaged the gods to dethrone his brother Jupiter; for which offence, Neptune and Apollo were condemned to ser

were condemned to serve Laomedon, king of Troy, for one year, during which they built the walls of that famous city. Neptune

represented as half man and half fish, blowing a wreathed sea-shell, which serves him for a trumpet with which to convene th

sh, blowing a wreathed sea-shell, which serves him for a trumpet with which to convene the water deities when Neptune require

and the pupils of Apollo punished them by pulling off their wings, of which they made crowns. The Sirens appear as beautiful

omrades with wax, and caused himself to be bound fast to the mast, by which means he safely passed the fatal coast. Orpheus p

h, with twelve feet, and with the lower parts of the body, like dogs, which never ceased barking: for which metamorphosis she

e lower parts of the body, like dogs, which never ceased barking: for which metamorphosis she threw herself into the sea, and

to have been an avaricious woman, who stole away Hercules’ oxen, for which crime Jupiter struck her dead with thunder, and t

king of dogs. Scylla and Charybdis represent lust and gluttony, vices which render our voyage through life equally hazardous

is, he will resume his original form, and will tell him the secret of which he is in need. Proteus, surprised by Aristaeus, a

en exposed to the sun, the skin of a bull or heifer attracts insects, which are soon changed into bees. Obs. — Historians st

an war, famed for wisdom, foresight, secrecy, cunning, and eloquence, which the poets metaphorically express by saying, that

ved that the fishes recovered their strength by touching an herb upon which he had emptied out his nets, after which they ins

gth by touching an herb upon which he had emptied out his nets, after which they instantly leaped into the sea. He wished to

that goddess, because they dreaded for their children the misfortunes which had overwhelmed Leucothea and her son. No female

found herself long detained by her tedious discourses; a circumstance which afforded the nymphs time to quit the company of J

ove, with the assistance of the gods, he was changed into a daffodil, which plant still bears his name. Echo. “She was a nym

a sound; Yet of her tongue no other use was found, Than now she has; which never could be more, Than to repeat what she had

“My love does vainly on myself return, And fans the cruel flames with which I burn. The thing desir’d I still about me bore,

ple believed that souls wandered about tombs, or in gardens and woods which they had loved while they were united with the bo

The deification of the wind, proceeded from the great veneration with which the ancients, during the Trojan war, held Æolus,

low. This knowledge he acquired by closely observing the direction in which the smoke of the volcanoes was sent by the winds.

mand the elements, and that, having unceasingly withstood the dangers which threatened his life, he was in need of assistance

l became confounded together. They counted twelve of the first order, which were called Consentes. These differed from the tw

ly spoken. Jupiter and Terra were the first two. The Sun and the Moon which so materially influence crops and vegetation were

f voice. Philosophers considered this divinity as the spirit of heat, which produces plants, and gives them life. The people

ith the tediousness of his drear abode, he formed a mass of dirt upon which he sat, and, rising into the air, he surrounded t

and formed the heaven. Having passed on to the mountain Acroceraunia, which cast forth flames, he drew from its bowels ignite

aunia, which cast forth flames, he drew from its bowels ignited dirt, which he sent into heaven to give light to the world, a

dirt, which he sent into heaven to give light to the world, and with which burning matter he formed the sun, which he gave t

light to the world, and with which burning matter he formed the sun, which he gave to the earth for her husband. These produ

ced Tartarus and Nox. Demogorgon, disturbed in his den by the sorrows which Chaos experienced, issued out of the bottom of th

Among the different names borne by Earth, the most ancient is Titæa, which signifies dirt, or earth, as Uranus does heaven.

allegorical divinity, representing that confused mass of matter, from which the universe was formed. The idea of this generat

deities sprang from the Earth and the sun? What nation was the first which considered the earth animated by a genius? What w

usiness with certainty and facility. Such is the origin of those laws which caused men to mark their property by boundaries.

ora was worshipped among the Latins before the foundation of Rome, in which city Tatius built her a temple. In the season of

und and smiling, the Romans instituted games to her, called Floralia, which were celebrated with the most licentious rites. Z

he pruning hook, or in engrafting, or hollowing lines in the turf, in which to conduct the rills to promote the growth of her

indifference, it devolved upon Vertumnus to gain her affection; to do which he assumed the different shapes of a fisherman, a

at is the portrait of Pomona? Who was Vertumnus? Relate the manner in which he married Pomona? Who was Priapus? What was the

urel, and sulphur. They kindled great fires of straw, around and over which they danced and leaped; and offered to the goddes

deities were of Roman origin. They bore their names from the offices which they performed, and were unknown to the Greeks. Q

orphosed into a bunch of reeds. Hearing the moaning but musical sound which was made by the whistling of the wind through the

ade by the whistling of the wind through them, he made of them pipes, which , from her, he called Syrinx, and which are now fa

h them, he made of them pipes, which, from her, he called Syrinx, and which are now familiarly entitled Pandean pipes, or mou

rase panic fear, is uncertain. Some attribute it to the sudden fright which Pan excited among the Gauls under Brennus when th

riginated from frightful noises, or strange and unaccountable sounds, which are sometimes heard in solitary places. Hence, a

ient. The Egyptians worshipped the whole world under the name of Pan, which means all. His image represents the universe, of

e name of Pan, which means all. His image represents the universe, of which he is the symbol. His upper parts are descriptive

icated as to be almost incapable of keeping his seat. The cup, out of which he drank, was called Cantharus; and a staff with

he cup, out of which he drank, was called Cantharus; and a staff with which he supported himself when he walked with a stagge

ed with a staggering step, Ferula. His attendants were called Sileni, which name was applied to those who were advanced in ye

old. When half starved, he entreated the God to recall his gift; upon which he was directed to bathe in the river Pactolus, w

his gift; upon which he was directed to bathe in the river Pactolus, which thence had the fame of having golden sands. Sylva

ious, and was considered merely the result of the deep attention with which he meditated. The fondness of Silenus for wine, a

s has asses’ ears.” Many of the ridiculous fables of the ancients, by which they attempted to amuse and instruct the vulgar,

residence, Pentrale. They endue us with that heat, spirit, and reason which enable us to live and exercise our understanding.

r, of human. Some considered the Lares as nothing else than the manes which they imagined to be continually hovering over the

eavoured carefully to preserve this necessary bridle to the passions, which alone can check the progress of general corruptio

ubts of this important and sublime truth; — a truth, the disbelief of which is so plainly contradicted by the voice of every

habited by souls.”“The ocean,” continues Diodorus , “is the Nile, to which river the Egyptians gave that name.” “The city of

ed.” “In funeral ceremonies, they began with designating the day on which the body should be interred. The judges were firs

l; and if the accusations were proved, the judges passed the sentence which deprived the dead of the honour of burial; but wh

eternity in peace, there to dwell in glory.” Such were the ceremonies which Orpheus witnessed when in Egypt, and upon which,

h were the ceremonies which Orpheus witnessed when in Egypt, and upon which , by adding some circumstances which accorded with

witnessed when in Egypt, and upon which, by adding some circumstances which accorded with the customs of the Greeks, he found

nd believed it descended to hell. The poets did not agree on the time which souls ought to pass in Elysium. Some fixed it at

three impenetrable walls, and an iron tower. It had gates of adamant, which no power could demolish. It had five rivers at it

t its entrance. Acheron, whose waters were extremely bitter; Styx, by which the gods used to swear, and which made nine times

ers were extremely bitter; Styx, by which the gods used to swear, and which made nine times the circuit of hades; Cocytus, fl

lling with waves of fire; and Lethe, so called from the forgetfulness which its waters produced; for those who drank of it, i

forgot all past transactions. Avernus was the first door of hell, at which the iron beds of the Furies were placed. At the e

45. Charon. Near Avernus, a road led to the Acheron, on the banks of which an innumerable multitude of ghosts flocked togeth

am. Charon ferried them in the boat Barris over the Stygian lake, for which he charged them an obolus, a small brass coin of

. They could not enter the boat without a regular burial, for want of which they wandered one hundred years amidst the mud an

d passed over the rivers, they stopped at the gate of Pluto’s palace, which was kept by Cerberus. Cerberus, the son of Typho

ightful abode is found an eternal increase of departed souls, some of which have been justly driven from the tracts of light,

hoarse, rough, mingled din, that thunders round.” “The sacred stream which heaven’s imperial state Attests in oaths, and fea

ght, Such deadly stenches from the depth arise, And steaming sulphur, which infects the skies; Hence do the Grecian bards the

of the rivers of hell, furnished the poets with ample materials upon which to employ their lively imagination. The Acheron,

aterials upon which to employ their lively imagination. The Acheron, ( which means anguish or howling) was repelled into hell,

a muddy marsh. The Styx (water of silence) is a fountain in Arcadia, which flows from a rock, and forms a subterraneous broo

ea with the other. The Phlegethon was likewise a marsh, the waters of which exhaled sulphurous vapours, and burning slime. Le

appears black and ugly, and sits on a throne of sulphur; from beneath which flow the rivers Lethe, Phlegethon, Cocytus, Styx,

each holding in her hands the distaff, the spindle, and the scissors, which are the emblems of their office. When he rides in

his honour. To him were, however, offered black victims, the blood of which was always spilt on the earth. Black sheep were t

f Jasion and Ceres. He was educated by Pax; the goddess of peace; for which reason Pax was represented at Athens as holding t

cus, were the judges of hell. They tried at their tribunal, the souls which Mercury led to hell. The place in which the tribu

at their tribunal, the souls which Mercury led to hell. The place in which the tribunal was held was called the Field of Tru

spindle wherewith to draw out the thread; and Atropos, scissors with which to cut it. The poets held that, in order to spin

red robe, wore a crown of seven stars, and held in her hand a distaff which reached from earth to heaven. Lachesis, in a robe

y of Meleager, the son of Œnus, king of Œtolia, illustrated the ideas which the ancients entertained of the Parcæ. The Fates

. Among other exploits, Meleager slew the wild-boar of Calydon, after which he killed Troxeus and Flexippus, the brothers of

. At that moment he saw a bull of extreme elegance on the shore, with which he was so charmed, that he would not immolate him

le his kingdom. In answer to his prayer, Jupiter changed all the ants which were in a hollow oak, into men, who were afterwar

. Obs. 2. — The fable of the Furies exhibits an image of that frenzy which remorse figures to offenders, and which haunts th

ibits an image of that frenzy which remorse figures to offenders, and which haunts them day and night, attends them both in s

arcæ? How are the Parcæ represented? What story illustrates the ideas which the ancients entertained of the Parcæ? Chapter

ep and gloomy cavern with two gates, one made of clear ivory, through which false dreams escaped, and the other of transparen

hich false dreams escaped, and the other of transparent horn, through which true visions passed; the whole space being filled

the wind. The god reposes on a downy bed with black curtains, around which are strewed poppies and somniferous herbs. — See

images like these, — tender, touching, sublime — are the subjects for which vivid imagination fondly seeks as the themes on w

he subjects for which vivid imagination fondly seeks as the themes on which she loves often to expatiate. “All have their ma

time, darted oaks and burning woods against heaven. Some huge stones which they hurled, fell into the seas, and became islan

inated Trinacria because it is shaped like a triangle, the corners of which are constituted by the three promontories, Peloru

one throw; but Jupiter threw him down, and put him under Mount Ætna, which sends forth great flames of fire every time he mo

ssage out of the cave. Tityus attempted to offer Latona violence; for which he was cast down into hell, where, when stretched

of ground with his body. A vulture perpetually fed upon his entrails, which grew again as soon as devoured. “There Tityus to

t, every moment, he imagined it would fall down upon him; a situation which induced him to warn men to observe the rules of j

hbours in order to mingle them with his own, knew his bulls by a mark which he had put on the bottom of their feet; and by th

d in hell to roll to the summit of a hill a huge and unwieldly stone, which fell down as soon as it had touched the summit. S

issa his capital; and after he had met with him, cast him into a pit, which he had previously filled with wood and burning co

h odium, that he was refused the performance of the usual ceremony by which he might have been purified of murder. But he obt

s pardon from Jupiter, who promoted him to heaven. Such a favour, for which he ought to have been thankful, increased his ins

d agreed to meet her, and the deceived lover embraced the cloud, from which the centaurs were produced. Jupiter expelled him

ruck him down to hell, and ordered Mercury to tie him fast to a wheel which perpetually whirls round. — See Fig. 47. Fig. 4

in the water up to the chin, with a bough bent with delicious fruits, which are just above his reach. The causes of this seve

after having stolen her away. Others affirm that he stole away a dog which Jupiter had set to watch his temple at Crete. Oth

m to life, and gave him an ivory shoulder as a substitute for the one which Ceres had eaten. This Pelops, by Hippodamia, had

’ve heard, does stand chin deep In water, yet he cannot get a sip: At which you smile; now all of’t would be true, Were the n

fearing his brother would prove too powerful for him by the alliances which he might form from the marriages which his daught

erful for him by the alliances which he might form from the marriages which his daughters might otherwise contract. To avoid

rict orders to kill their respective husbands on their wedding night, which orders they all obeyed, except Hypermnestra, whos

observed by the Egyptians at Memphis. Near the Lake Acherusia, beyond which the dead were buried, priests poured water into a

land Erythia, near Gades, (now Cadiz,) where he kept numerous flocks, which were guarded by a two-headed dog, called Orthos,

uarded by a two-headed dog, called Orthos, and a seven-headed dragon, which devoured the strangers who visited them. Hercules

mons, influencing the terrors and ravages of the storm, the nature of which their names are descriptive. The Gorgons were thr

e, and Medusa. In lieu of hair, their heads were covered with vipers, which had the power of transforming those into stones w

covered with impenetrable scales; and they had one eye and one tooth, which served them all by turns. This tooth exceeded in

rs; but they were overcome by Perseus, who cut of the head of Medusa, which he presented to Minerva. The latter placed it on

resent the Gorgons as female warriors of great beauty. The admiration which their appearance produced, banished the power of

Such is, says he, the explanation of the tooth, the horn, and the eye which the Gorgons mutually lent to each other. Those sh

lecting that there was a volcano in Lycia, called Chimæra, the top of which being covered with desolate wilds, was occupied b

be explained. She proposed the following riddle: “What animal is that which walks on four feet in the morning, on two feet at

ther. Laius commanded Œdipus to give way to him: an affray ensued, in which Laius and his armour-bearer both lost their lives

ar proof, that he had killed his father, and married his mother: upon which he became so frantic as to put out his eyes, and

reigned the first year, and then refused his brother his crown; upon which a war followed, and they were both killed in sing

Fig. 50. Felicity. Hope, that last source of men against the evils which overwhelm them, was early deified. The Greeks hon

n that of a globe, because it has no bounds; or in that of a serpent, which forms a circle by biting its tail; sometimes also

o in that of an elephant, on account of the longevity of that animal: which demonstrates the faint ideas the ancients enterta

abrio raised a temple to Filial Piety on the foundations of the house which had been inhabited by the Roman woman who fed her

imitated them, and gave to those temples the name of Asylums. Virtue, which alone can secure happiness, was adored by the anc

book of the city of God, by St. Augustine, some traces of the worship which was paid to her. Scipio, the destroyer of Numanti

d as a young virgin, covered with a suit of clothes, the whiteness of which equalled that of snow. Democritus said that “Trut

of the goddess of Peace might banish all hatred and all the asperity which is apt to arise in disputes. This goddess was rep

ive, and roses, holding in one hand ears of corn, a symbol of plenty, which she procures, and in the other, and the caduceus.

delity presided over good faith in treaties and in commerce. The oath which the people made by her or by Jupiter Fidius, was

bald woman, with wings to her two feet. The one is placed on a wheel, which turns swiftly; and the other, in the air. She pre

xed and awed by the development and progress of events, the causes of which they could not penetrate, blind and bigoted man p

lind and bigoted man proceeded to deify those imaginary or real evils which agitated him, and excited his superstitious fears

ars, and to such chimeras, offered up vows and prayers. The period in which this kind of worship commenced, is enveloped in u

nce led near them. It will always be easy to supply the numerous list which , not to fatigue our readers, we suppress. The poe

us said, that he ought to have placed a window in his breast, through which his inmost thoughts might have been seen. When Ne

from the horns to insure an effective blow. Having examined the house which Minerva had built, and having found it complete b

y in one hand, and raising a mask from his face with the other, under which a satirical smile beams from his countenance. — S

rformed many wonderful cures, and raised many of the dead to life, of which Pluto complained to Jupiter, who killed him with

because he is said to have been nourished by that animal, and a cock, which is considered the most vigilant of all birds; for

man, with-a beard, and a crown of laurel, leaning on a staff, around which a serpent twines. The knots in his staff represen

, holding a serpent wreathed around her arm, and feeding out of a cup which she held in her hand. Obs. 1. — The singular nam

ther to the first Mercury, and lived two centuries before the deluge, which period was more than one thousand years before th

d was written, Winter and Summer. One of her hands held a legend upon which was written, Far and Near. These words and symbol

f uncommon stature. Homer and the other poets make them employ darts, which the ordinary strength of four men could not have

ry, proves that the word hero comes from the Greek word Hera or Hero, which personage was the son of Juno. His name was conse

de in their honour; but the celebration of their funeral pomp, during which they sang their most brilliant exploits, was conf

tombs had no difference. Both were raised in the middle of some wood, which was considered sacred, and called lucus. There we

libations, to them. It is very difficult to fix precisely the time in which the worship of the heroes began. The ancients hav

ons, and offerings. At first, they raised them remarkable tombs; from which they proceeded to make libations to their statues

ll notice the most celebrated, according to the order of the times in which they flourished. Consequently, we begin with the

et, and a short dagger of diamond, called herpe, the helmet of Pluto, which had power to make the bearer invisible, and the b

h had power to make the bearer invisible, and the buckler of Minerva, which served the purpose of a looking-glass. By the hel

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

ce he went into Ethiopia, where he delivered Andromeda from a monster which was ready to devour her. By the head of Medusa, h

Helicon, he struck the top of it with his hoof, and opened a fountain which is called in Greek, Hippocrene, and in Latin, Fon

that place he wandered, here and there, blind till his death. Letters which the bearer imagines to be written in his favor, b

th. Letters which the bearer imagines to be written in his favor, but which are really intended to effect his ruin, are prove

he whole country. The inhabitants had recourse to the oracle of Ammon which replied, that, in order to appease the anger of t

hen Perseus, riding on Pegasus, perceived her, and ran to her rescue, which he effected by showing him the head of Medusa, wh

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

poets, was an allegory. By the wings of Mercury, they meant the ship which conducted Perseus to the African coasts. The helm

p which conducted Perseus to the African coasts. The helmet of Pluto, which covered his head, was nothing but the secret of w

elmet of Pluto, which covered his head, was nothing but the secret of which he stood in want in order to succeed in his under

is undertaking; and the shield of Minerva, was the symbol of prudence which was necessary to him. Perseus, on his return to G

They represented the genius of poetry in the form of a winged horse, which overcame every obstacle; and the fountain Hippocr

ed horse, which overcame every obstacle; and the fountain Hippocrene, which Pegasus opened by striking the earth with his hoo

he returned victorious. His father descried from a beacon, the ship, which he found to be black. Whereupon, believing his so

, believing his son to be dead, he precipitated himself into the sea, which was afterwards called the Ægean, or Black sea, fr

the Cretan Labyrinth. Minos confined him there for some offence, upon which Dædalus made wings for himself and his son Icarus

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

. Ariadne was daughter to Minos. She gave Theseus a clue of thread by which he let himself into, as well as helped himself ou

t, fled away in a chariot. But he met with some monstrous sea-calves, which frightened his horses in such a manner as to thro

d men alive in a brazen bull, and burnt them with a slow fire, during which torture their cries resembled the lowing of a bul

ellers, stripped them, and tied their limbs to the branches of trees, which , when bent down, threw them up, and tore their li

o the infernal regions, to take away Proserpine from her husband; for which rash act, Pirithous was fastened to his father’s

ed form to the state. Some poets, in return for various benefits with which he had loaded them, added illustrious particulars

me of her milk being spilt upon the clouds, occasioned the milky-way, which is called in Greek, Galaxia. Lilies are said to h

d afterwards wore his skin. He was commanded to destroy a vast hydra, which infested the marshes of Lerna. It had seven heads

f Lerna. It had seven heads, some say fifty, others a hundred, one of which being struck off by the club of the hero, another

of Iphiclus, to burn the wound with a red hot iron; in consequence of which , one head was cut off in a moment, and the cauter

ying the monster. He dissected it, and dipped his arrows in the gall, which impregnated them with such deadly poison, that th

his third labour to bring alive to Eurystheus, an immense wild-boar, which spread destruction in the plains of Erymanthus in

ains of Erymanthus in Arcadia. He seized the monster in a thicket, to which he had traced it by its vestiges in the snow. Whe

as to kill the Stymphalides, monstrous birds, the beaks and talons of which were of iron, and which resided on the shores of

des, monstrous birds, the beaks and talons of which were of iron, and which resided on the shores of the lake Stymphalus in A

theus. In one day, he cleansed the stable of Augeas, king of Elis, in which three thousand oxen had been kept for thirty year

in which three thousand oxen had been kept for thirty years, and from which the filth had never been removed. This he effecte

lity. Augeas promised to give him the cattle, but broke his word; for which dishonourable breach, Hercules slew him with his

ing neglected the worship of Neptune, that god sent a monstrous bull, which destroyed numbers of the islanders. Hercules brou

ing away the purple-coloured oxen of Geryon, king of Gades, in Spain, which lived on men’s flesh. The king himself was a mons

n the garden of the Hesperides. They were guarded by Melius, a dragon which never slept; but Hercules slew the dragon, and ob

wolf’s-bane, Aconitum. Thus Hercules accomplished the twelve labours, which he had undertaken with unprecedented cheerfulness

ing match. He sacrificed Busiris, king of Egypt, on the same altar on which that tyrant had been wont to immolate strangers t

Jupiter, and was accordingly furnished with a shower of stones, with which he vanquished his adversaries. This is said to ha

vens upon his shoulders. He separated two mountains, Calpe and Abyla, which were previously united, but thence called the Pil

nner: armed cap-a-pie, he leaped into the mouth of the sea-monster to which she was exposed; and after being confined three d

nd came away safe, having lost only his hair. Being denied the reward which Laomedon promised him, he plundered the city of T

v’n, and the great author of thy race. Receive the grateful off’rings which we pay, And smile propitious on thy solemn day.”

y. Under the fables of Hercules, were concealed the eminent services, which some good and powerful man had rendered to his fe

the ancients took Hercules for the strengh of reason and philosophy, which subdues and conquers our irregular passions; and

. Eurystheus allegorically represents the dictates of conscience; for which Virtue discharges her arduous functions. Omphale

es her arduous functions. Omphale may represent the love of Pleasure, which sometimes causes one to neglect his duties, and g

ece. The gods had given Athamas, king of Thebes, a ram, the fleece of which was of a golden colour. Phryxus, the son of Atham

seized with such giddiness, that she fell into that part of the sea, which , from her, was called Hellespont. When Phryxus ar

st noble and famous in Greece. He built a ship, called the Argo, from which they were called Argonauts, among whom were Hercu

ge his perfidy, Medea not only murdered in his sight the two children which she had borne him, but also enclosed fire in a li

Alchymists and gold-makers pretended that this fleece was a book, in which was written the necessary secret of converting al

swan, in order to gain her love. Leda produced two eggs, from one of which sprang Pollux and Helena, who inherited their fat

Castor was killed by Lynceus, or, according to others, by Idas; upon which Pollux entreated Jupiter to restore him to life.

Hermione, daughter to Menelaus, who was first engaged to Orestes. For which reason the Furies demanded satisfaction for his c

es. For which reason the Furies demanded satisfaction for his crimes, which he was ready to expiate by offering his own blood

edition against Troy. He killed a favourite stag of Diana’s at Aulis, which accident provoked the goddess to such a degree, t

cident provoked the goddess to such a degree, that she caused a calm, which rendered the Grecian fleet, bound for Troy, immov

t musician. His instructer, Mercury, gave him a lute, at the sound of which the stones were seen to answer each other, to lay

d. “He on his crouching back sits all at ease, With harp in hand, by which he calms the seas, And for his passage with a son

y; but having slain his brother, he retired into that part of Phrygia which borders on the Bosphorus, where he built the city

Ilius, succeeded his father, and gave the name of Ilion to a citadel which he built at Troy. Laomedon succeeded his father

on succeeded his father Ilius. He built the walls of that citadel, in which he was so successful, that the work was attribute

wife was Hecuba, who bore him several children, the most renowned of which were Hector and Paris. In ravaging the country ar

having stolen away Hesione, whom he had delivered from the monster to which Ladomedon, her father, had exposed her by order o

fleet in order to recover his aunt. Paris entered Sparta, the king of which was Menelaus. This prince received him very court

e. The whole of the Grecian states took up arms, to resent the injury which Paris had inflicted on Menelaus, in return for hi

rva by the profanation of the Palladium, they made a wooden horse, in which they shut up armed soldiers. No sooner had they e

s the history of Æneas, interspersed with much fabulous matter; among which is a beautiful description of his descent into th

reby rendered every part of his body invulnerable, except the heel by which she held him. It is said that his mother conceale

n, and nourished with the entrails of lions, and the marrow of bears, which nourishment rendered him vigorous and active. Tho

ng assumed the habit of a merchant, took with him thither some goods, which he offered for sale. The young princesses turned

Apollo, and wounded him in the heel with an arrow, in consequence of which he died. When Troy was taken, the ghost of Achill

taken, the ghost of Achilles insisted on having the murder expiated, which the Greeks, under the direction of his son Neopto

s retreat, and received the arrows of Hercules from Philoctetes, with which he succeeded against Troy. He removed the ashes o

th which he succeeded against Troy. He removed the ashes of Laomedon, which had been preserved upon the gate Scæa in Troy. He

d took away his horses before they had drank of the river Xanthus, on which depended the destiny of Troy. He disputed with Aj

the eloquence of Ulysses, that they gave judgment in his favour; upon which Ajax was so frantic with rage, and chagrined at t

eir returning home. Circe transformed his companions into swine; upon which Ulysses fortified himself against her charms with

ysses fortified himself against her charms with an herb, called moly, which Mercury had given him. He then ran into her cave

self to the mast. By this expedient, he escaped the fatal snares into which , by their melody, they drew men. He was civilly e

conciled to Penelope, and ruled in peace fifteen years, at the end of which he was slain by Telegonus. Penelope, the daughter

uld induce her to marry another man, and violate the vows of fidelity which she gave to Ulysses when he departed. She was bes

to make choice of one of them, as soon as a piece of needlework about which she was busied, should be finished; but she took

The three gods caused Orion to spring from the skin of that very ox, which skin they had formed with earth diluted with wate

habit of boasting, he provoked Diana. She therefore sent a scorpion, which killed him. He was placed in the heavens as a con

n, which killed him. He was placed in the heavens as a constellation, which constellation is supposed to predict fair weather

he showed Atlas the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears his name. By his wife Pleione, he had seven

ir brother Hyas. Hesperus was brother to Atlas. He settled in Italy, which country was called Hesperia from him. He was accu

lled the Hesperides. These were appointed to guard the golden apples, which Juno is reported to have given to Jupiter on the

er of the stars, and the first who represented the world by a sphere; which gave rise to the fable in which he is said to hav

ho represented the world by a sphere; which gave rise to the fable in which he is said to have sustained the heavens on his s

ulgar and literal. The figures of animals represented in temples, and which they seemed to worship, were nothing but hierogly

e attributes. In studying their sacred language, the hieroglyphics of which were emblems, one sees that they generally believ

that there was also in man an intelligence superior to the body, and which was called the soul. But this great and sublime i

htened than the multitude: and, as they highly appreciated an opinion which elevated them so far above other men, they envelo

iled — the unfortunate fruits of a superstitious worship. The stories which history affords in relation to the Egyptian mytho

utes of others with his. They bestowed on him the divine honours with which Jupiter, Bacchus, Serapis, Pluto, Pan, Anubis, an

ates the story: his brother Typhon raised a rebellion in his absence, which he tried to quell by conciliatory means; but Typh

ed was, that the inundations of the Nile were occasioned by the tears which Isis shed for the loss of Osiris. Her worship was

The Egyptians supposed the soul of Osiris to transmigrate into an ox; which animal, therefore, became an object of worship un

ecame an object of worship under the appellation of Apis. The ox into which it entered, was distinguished by the following ma

ody, and buried it with great pomp in the city of Memphis. His death, which was sometimes natural, produced universal bewaili

nued till another ox was discovered, with the proper characteristics, which was hailed with deafening acclamations, as if Osi

is, or the city of the Nile, previous to his entering Memphis, during which time none but women could appear before him. This

cense was burnt on an altar, and a piece of money placed on it; after which the inquirers applied their ears to the mouth of

brate such riotous feasts. Obs. — The ox or cow, under the figure of which Osiris or Iris was worshiped, is supposed emblema

he evaporation of the earth. Osiris shut up in the primitive egg from which the world was drawn, twelve white pyramidal figur

, twelve white pyramidal figures, to show the infinite blessings with which he would load mankind; but Typhon, having opened

ury, all the other deities changed themselves into different animals, which were afterwards deemed sacred. At length, he was

m to life, and rendered him immortal. Obs. 1. — The fable of Typhon, which the Egyptians, and also the Greeks, embellished w

Egypt. The Egyptians, painted him in the form of a terrific monster, which was produced from the pestilential vapours of the

vapours of the Nile. This river, in overflowing the portion of Egypt which now forms the Delta, at first seemed to be an imm

ring in Egypt in the spring, and raising whirlwinds of burning sands, which suffocate travellers, and obscure the face of the

f the first Hermes, already noticed, and collected them into volumes, which were called “the treasure of remedies for the sou

selmen, who, by violent means, established Islamism, or Mahometanism, which is now the prevailing religion, though numbers st

on earth in the shape of a serpent, and introduced other evil spirits which he had seduced from their obedience. The man-bull

lict now ensued between the author of good and the author of evil, in which the latter was overcome. The name of the second m

ter. He had three bodies, of a man, a horse, and a bull; from each of which he poured down rain, in drops as large as the hea

s and the Genii, residing in the stars. They were enclosed in an egg, which Ahriman broke. Thence followed confusion and evil

ll the latter shall be destroyed. Oromasdes resides in the pure fire, which fills all space, and by which spirits and bodies

ed. Oromasdes resides in the pure fire, which fills all space, and by which spirits and bodies are rendered visible. He is th

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

ardian spirits, and is contained in their sacred books, called Vedas, which means to know. These books are written in Sanscri

gnyastra. The Hindoos believe that water was the primitive element in which the universe was immersed and that all was darkne

his motion generated a golden egg, blazing like a thousand suns, from which sprang Brahma, the parent of rational beings. Aft

in the egg for a long time, he divided it into two equal parts, from which he made heaven and earth by breathing into it the

t’s head, the symbol of sagacious discernment, and attended by a rat, which the Indians look upon as a wise and provident ani

gorgeous and brilliant appearance, with a thousand heads, on each of which is a crown set with resplendent gems, with a glit

ith a robe bespangled with eyes, having six heads, and numerous hands which grasp sabres and other weapons of war. Seraswatt

Among the temples erected in honour of the sun, was one, the walls of which “were of red marble, interspersed with streaks of

ibed as a magnificent, vast, and circular edifice, from the middle of which , in an oriental aspect, the immense image of a bu

gh; with nine flights of steps, leading to an extensive inclosure, in which is a large dome, built with stone, and having rou

ch is a large dome, built with stone, and having round it a border on which appear various human figures, representing differ

ge, imaginary creatures. The horrible idol is paraded in a lofty car, which exhibits indecent figures; and deluded pilgrims p

use they have great faith in metempsychosis. The Sanscrit language in which their sacred books are written is known only to t

sts and the learned. The Hindoos consider the moon as a male deity on which they confer the appellation of Chandra, and which

as a male deity on which they confer the appellation of Chandra, and which is represented as being seated in a splendid char

m of women, burning themselves with their deceased husbands; a custom which is yet encouraged by the Bramins, but which civil

ceased husbands; a custom which is yet encouraged by the Bramins, but which civil authority has had little influence in aboli

deans and Phœnicians adored the sun under the name of Belus or Baal, ( which means lord.) The characters of that idol were var

rth. Belus had a temple, consisting of eight ascending towers, one of which had an apartment containing a magnificent bed and

t in the waters. He is said to have left behind him some writings, in which he taught that there had been a time in which eve

d him some writings, in which he taught that there had been a time in which every thing was darkness and water; and that this

all animals and beings were of an irregular form, representations of which were displayed in the temple of Bel. A woman by t

parts: one of these parts formed heaven, and the other, earth; after which , monsters of irregular forms disappeared. Bel nex

from the earth, and arranged the universe. Having destroyed animals, which could not sustain the brightness of the light, an

n order to mix with the blood, earth, and form men and animals, after which he formed the stars and planets, and thus finishe

adrupeds. Xixutrus immediately executed these orders, and made a ship which was two stadia wide and five long. It was no soon

n. Some time after, seeing the waters abated, he sent out some birds, which , finding neither food nor place to rest upon, ret

rest upon, returned to the ship. Some days after, he sent out others, which returned with a little mud in their mouths. The t

ir mouths. The third time he sent them out, they returned no more, by which he knew that the earth began to be uncovered. The

rted them to be religious, and after they should discover the memoirs which had been deposited at Sippara, to proceed to Baby

. This spirit produced Mot or Mob, that is, the mud or watery mixture which became the principle of all things and of the gen

degree of heat, communicated to the earth, produced winds and clouds, which distributed rain. This rain, attracted by the sun

e sun, produced storms; and the thunderclap awoke intelligent beings, which began to move on the earth and in the sea. The fa

great drought prevailing, they stretched their hands towards the sun, which they regarded as the only god and master of heave

that that empire contained forty thousand temples. They had houses in which strangers were allowed to worship, and reservoirs

n which strangers were allowed to worship, and reservoirs of water in which the priests performed their ablutions, and a sacr

which the priests performed their ablutions, and a sacred fountain of which they drank, and buildings in which were preserved

blutions, and a sacred fountain of which they drank, and buildings in which were preserved the heads of human victims, the nu

ngs in which were preserved the heads of human victims, the number of which in one collection, amounted to 136,000. Altars we

city of Mexico was begun with the building of the temple of Mexitli, which was a miserable hovel. But when they became so po

ng cotton, and growing corn. He was the reputed author of their laws; which were characterized by profound wisdom, admirable

, and offered him immortality, provided he would take a certain drink which Tez-cat-li-po-ca presented to him, and then move

he Earth. His residence was on the summits of those high mountains in which rivers take their rise. People repaired thither t

he image of the god. After this, they drank for a medicine some water which had been blessed by the priest. Coat-li-cue, the

ur, and the lower people two. The number of these gods, besides those which we have briefly mentioned, was immense. The Spani

d the better to secure his usurpation, he preserved some of the forms which were admired in her. He took the perfidious cours

ed in their works the accounts of ancient events, the remembrances of which tradition and religious canticles had preserved.

he literal sense to allegory, and from allegory to the literal sense; which occasions the mixture of their images, the obscur

ual night; and, consequently, we see in the Sun of Revelation, before which its moral enemies, Doubt, Pride, and the like, fl

of temples is incontestible; but we do not know the precise manner in which the first were built. Idolatry began in Phœnicia

concerning them. It is very reasonable to believe that the tabernacle which that legislator of the Hebrews made in the wilder

acle which that legislator of the Hebrews made in the wilderness, and which may be looked upon as a portable temple, was the

ng some for themselves. The temple of Dagon among the Philistines, of which Scripture speaks, was probably an imitation of th

speaks, was probably an imitation of the tabernacle and of the place which was wrapped up in it. What serves to show this, i

it. What serves to show this, is, that this temple had hidden places, which were called Adyta, and which answered to the Sanc

is, that this temple had hidden places, which were called Adyta, and which answered to the Sancta Sanctorum. Many facts serv

. The temples of the ancients were divided into various compartments, which it may be useful to notice in order to understand

nderstand their descriptions of them. The first was the vestibule, in which was found the pool, containing the lustral water,

vestibule, in which was found the pool, containing the lustral water, which the priests employed to purify those who wished t

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

s always highly adorned. In them were placed the statues of the gods, which were generally made of gold, ivory, ebony, or of

sanctified it by a solemn sacrifice, afterwards he touched the stone which was to serve as the first foundation; and then it

was consecrated with many ceremonies. Nothing could equal the respect which the ancients had for their temples. Arian says, t

the Egyptian temples. The most celebrated, next to that of Belus, of which we shall very soon speak, were, that of Jupiter a

is, twenty days’ journey. We may cite, for example, the famous chapel which Amasis had constructed in Upper Egypt, and which

e, the famous chapel which Amasis had constructed in Upper Egypt, and which he transported to Sais with incalculable labour a

he works constructed by order of Amasis, is the temple of mere stone, which two thousand pilots and sailors transported from

rteen in width and eight in heighth.” The dimensions of this chapel, which still exists, are, according to Mr.  Savary, in h

in the number of fables, if the remains of such colossal structures, which have braved the rust of so many centuries, did no

called the Tower of Babel, formed in its basis a square, the sides of which were each a stadium in length. The stadium was on

a stadium in length. The stadium was one hundred and twenty toises1, which gave half one thousand in circumference. The whol

hole work was composed of eight towers, built the one upon the other, which went on decreasing as they ascended. Some authors

erodotus, pretend that each of these stories was a stadium in height, which would have carried the elevation of the whole to

xty-nine toises. This elevation is better accommodated to the measure which we may conceive. According to this proportion, th

tained by pillars. Around these rooms, were constructed smaller ones, which served as resting places to those who mounted the

The most lofty room was also the most highly adorned, and the one for which the people had the greatest veneration. “In it,”

narch, according to Berosus, gave it much more extent by the edifices which he built around it, and a wall which included the

much more extent by the edifices which he built around it, and a wall which included the whole. People entered it through bra

whole. People entered it through brazen doors, in the construction of which Nebuchadnezzar had employed the sea of brass, and

employed the sea of brass, and the other utensils of the same metal, which had been taken from the temple at Jerusalem. This

ues of gold, there was one forty feet in height. It was probably that which Nebuchadnezzar had consecrated in the plains of D

and a great number of sacred vessels of the same metal, the weight of which , according to Diodorus Siculus, amounted to more

s Siculus, amounted to more than five thousand talents. The temple of which he spoke, was that which Nebuchadnezzar had enlar

re than five thousand talents. The temple of which he spoke, was that which Nebuchadnezzar had enlarged, and to which he had

of which he spoke, was that which Nebuchadnezzar had enlarged, and to which he had added the golden statue forty feet in heig

adds, that near this chapel, without, there was a golden altar, upon which were immolated animals which had just been born.

without, there was a golden altar, upon which were immolated animals which had just been born. Near that place was a great a

imals which had just been born. Near that place was a great altar, on which perfumes were burnt every year, and the weight of

eat altar, on which perfumes were burnt every year, and the weight of which amounted to more than one hundred thousand talent

ucted by Menes, the first king who reigned in Egypt after the time in which the Egyptians pretended that the gods alone reign

he ground tempered by the waters, they made use of pounded coal, over which they spread the skins of sheep, bound with their

length by two hundred in width. One hundred and twenty-seven columns, which sustained the edifice, were presented by as many

architect of this prodigious temple. The grandeur of the architraves which he employed was chiefly observed; and, however im

latter a master piece of the immortal Phidias, were among the spoils which the people of Elis won from the inhabitants of Pi

ce, there were employed stones of singularly fine quality and beauty; which the country it self furnished. The height of the

ation. It would be impossible to describe all the riches and beauties which this temple contained. The pavement of the temple

compared with the throne and statue of Jupiter Olympius. A cave from which issued some exhalations that caused a kind of dru

uilt a temple of brass, in imitation, no doubt, of the brazen room in which Acrisius had shut up his daughter Danæ. This temp

st year of the fifty-eighth Olympiad. At length the last was erected, which still existed in the days of Pausanias, and was i

under the direction of the Amphictyons, with the treasures and gifts which the people had appropriated for this purpose. In

appropriated for this purpose. In order to form an idea of the riches which it united, it must be observed, that, in consulti

to our mind the natural inquietude of man, and the restlessness with which he endeavours to pry into the secrets of his futu

s of his future destiny. All was great in the motives and conceptions which led to the construction of the temple of Jupiter

bours of a great man are often sufficient to give light to the age in which he lives, and to perpetuate its remembrance. In t

ing was refused; but almost all were anxious to gratify that ambition which is inseparable from personal interest and petty p

ient, and say, that he only repaired it, and added to it the portico, which now makes its finest ornament. An opening in the

rippa, placed on a chariot with four horses. The body of the edifice, which remains still entire, is laid on foundations so s

fice, and seem to form a single mass of stone. The statues and riches which once adorned it are no longer to be seen. The Emp

. The Emperor Constantine III. carried away the plates of gilt bronze which covered the whole vault, and Pope Urban VIII made

le vault, and Pope Urban VIII made use of the beams of the same metal which were there employed, in order to convert them int

the canopy of St. Peter’s at Rome, and the gross pieces of artillery which are in the palace of St. Angelo. The statues of t

llery which are in the palace of St. Angelo. The statues of the gods, which filled the niches, have been plundered or conceal

d to those who admired it: “I shall raise upon four pillars a temple, which may well astonish you.” It was at that time he co

ry man — this great painter, architect, and sculptor, made a will, in which he declared that he had given nothing to the pill

a will, in which he declared that he had given nothing to the pillars which support that cupola, but that strength which was

n nothing to the pillars which support that cupola, but that strength which was necessary to support it; at the same time ann

upon this will as very singular; and the artist as abusing the credit which some of his works had procured him. He therefore

useless stair cases. It is to this rash attempt that the large chinks which are now in the great vault, are to be attributed.

Peter’s at Rome. Such are the most celebrated temples; the memory of which is recorded among men. The temple, or rather the

. Of Oracles. Van Dale has produced a very learned treatise, in which he strives to prove, that oracles have no other o

pacity of the ordinary reader. The system of Van Dale, and the origin which he gives to oracles, counteract in every thing th

given us a second treatise, no less learned than that of Van Dale, in which he attempts to prove, without denying the impostu

nected with oracles,) the interposition of a demon in the predictions which all efforts of incredulity could not attribute to

e depth and profundity of these two opinions, or attempting to decide which is preferable, it may be admitted that many refle

a rich man, the indiscretion and infidelity of a priest, the jealousy which must spring up among the oracles consulted, and e

hich must spring up among the oracles consulted, and especially those which seemed to be despised, the harshness of some repl

o be despised, the harshness of some replies, the horrible sacrifices which the oracles often commanded, sufficient means to

ons? What is, then, that concert, unknown till these came into vogue, which injures personal interests, and unites so many ch

iter Ammon, the priest, on seeing him, called him the son of Jupiter, which was the sole object of his journey. The impossibi

x her residence in the forest of Dodona, where she gathered the acorn which served as nourishment to the Greeks. She construc

dotus, and relates that there was in the forest of Dodona, a fountain which flowed with a mild murmur at the foot of an oak.

me cauldrons of brass were suspended near a statue of the same metal, which held a whip in its hand, and which was equally su

d near a statue of the same metal, which held a whip in its hand, and which was equally suspended. When the wind shook this f

otion; and thereby all the others were shaken, and sent forth a sound which lasted for some time. It was on this noise that f

odona forest also delivered their oracles. The beam of the ship Argo, which the Argonauts consulted, was taken from that fore

. The ship was adorned with a great number of ancient cups of silver, which hung on both sides of it. The priests announced t

e, but the most celebrated, and it continued the longest. The time at which it was established, is not known, which goes to p

nued the longest. The time at which it was established, is not known, which goes to prove its great antiquity. Apollo was not

ollo did not commonly inspire the Pythia, except in the month Busion, which corresponds to the beginning of Spring. Daring th

o gave intelligence of his arrival in the temple by a dreadful crash, which caused the edifice to tremble even to its foundat

herself up to him, and uttered by intervals some incoherent speeches, which the prophets carefully collected. These were arra

These were arranged, and given out in the form of verse, a connexion which they had not in the mouth of the priestess. As so

thusiasm. Thus, it appears, that the Pythia was but the instrument of which the priests made use to discover the will of Apol

ey who placed the priestess in such a manner as to receive the vapour which exhaled from the abyss, over which stood the trip

a manner as to receive the vapour which exhaled from the abyss, over which stood the tripod. They collected her speeches, an

n verse. These verses were often harsh, ill done, and always obscure, which gave rise to the raillery, that Apollo, chief of

alf opened under his feet, he was swallowed up in the gap or crevice, which is now called the ditch of Agamedes, and seen in

beautiful cities in Greece. There is a sacred wood near that city, in which is situated the temple of Trophonius, with his st

er, surrounds it with sacred fillets, and conducts him to the oracle, which he approaches by ascending a mountain; at the top

he oracle, which he approaches by ascending a mountain; at the top of which is an inclosure formed of white stones, and upon

at the top of which is an inclosure formed of white stones, and upon which are raised brazen obelisks. In this inclosure app

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

by degrees with small ladders. A second cavern then presents itself, which he enters by lying down on the ground, and holdin

enters by lying down on the ground, and holding in each hand honey: ( which is deemed necessary to be borne:) he then passes

massacred him, and caused his body to be thrust through the outlet of which they made use themselves to enter without being p

he oracle. Trophonius, says Pausanias, prescribed himself the worship which he desired. It appears, therefore, that Saon was

le, and saw a man who said to him: Black. He carried back this reply, which , at first, appeared ridiculous. The governor then

late thee a white or black bull? A priestess of Dodona made an answer which became fatal to her. She said to the Bœotians who

n regard to their number, their countries, and names, and the time in which they flourished. Varro, the most learned of the R

e spoken of them. We shall follow the opinion of Varro, and the order which he prescribes himself in naming them. 1. The Pers

Delphi. Diodorus says that she was often smitten with a divine fury; which gave her the name of Sibyl. 4. The Sibyl of Cumæ,

on by saying that all the verses of the Sibyls were written in Greek; which would not have been the case, if the Sibyls had b

ls spoke in Greek; and, secondly, he shows not why their predictions, which were collected with as much care as the oracles o

sensible of his regard for her, and promised to grant her any request which she should make of him. She desired to live as ma

e of Æneas, she said she had already lived seven hundred years; after which , her body being wasted away by time, there was no

asted away by time, there was nothing remaining of her but her voice, which destiny would forever preserve. This fable was fo

stiny would forever preserve. This fable was founded on the longevity which was attributed to the Sibyls. That of Cumæ, who w

his den had one hundred gates, whence issued so many terrible voices, which caused the answers of the prophetess to be heard.

hat of Delphi by the Grecians. As to the other oracles of the Sibyls, which had been collected, policy and ambition well knew

being proclaimed king. His partisans published a sibylline oracle, by which it was said that the Parthians could not be subdu

of nine books. Herophile asked for them three hundred pieces of gold, which were refused. She then cast three of them into th

nd continued to demand the three hundred pieces of gold for the three which remained. Tarquin, fearing that she would burn th

second collection. There remains to be mentioned a third collection, which contained eight books. It included several of the

considered it as a fantastical mixture of paganism and Christianity, which deserved no confidence. In it were found the myst

e sacrifice of human victims, and afterwards predicts the misfortunes which threaten the Romans, if they do not abandon the w

ird were the Scenical consisting of tragedies, comedies, and satires, which were represented in the theatre, in honour of Bac

odes of proceding. 1. Music, both instrumental and vocal. 2. Running, which was performed on foot or in chariots. 3. Leaping

or in chariots. 3. Leaping and the quoit, a stone of a certain weight which they strove to throw as far as possible. 4. Wrest

eight which they strove to throw as far as possible. 4. Wrestling, in which one exerted all his strength to throw down his ad

nd of leather cuff, called the cestus. Mount Olympius was the spot on which Jupiter is said, by the poets, to have held his c

, and rain. An eternal spring was supposed to flourish on its summit, which , it was pretended, reached to the very heavens. A

se games, however, were discontinued in the reign of Iphitus in Elis, which was four hundred and forty-two years after. Greec

imperfectly acquainted with antiquity. It is the Olympiads, how ever, which have spread the greatest light over the chaos of

Cynisca’s victory, women were not permitted to approach the places in which the games were celebrated. Every attempt of this

, their number was afterwards increased to ten. The prodigious crowds which the celebration of the games attracted to Olympia

Olympius. Around this temple was a sacred wood, called the Altis, in which were placed statues, erected in honour of those w

all made by the most celebrated Grecian sculptors. The odes of Pindar which are extant immortalize those who, in his lifetime

sung by Pindar. His genius, says Bacon, was an imperious sceptre with which he subjugated minds. The descendants of Hellen we

re so numerous and powerful in Greece, that they established a law by which that family only was allowed to be admitted at th

people, by their institutions, and by their ancient usages, (some of which still exist,) informs us that an extraordinary pe

annot be contested; but the origin of this wonderful man, the country which gave him birth, the time in which he flourished,

of this wonderful man, the country which gave him birth, the time in which he flourished, and various other circumstances of

urity, impenetrable to the acute eye of research. All the testimonies which deserve any sort of confidence are comprised in a

orron, an ancient historian of Norway, together with the commentaries which Torfacus has added to his account. The Roman repu

its acme of power, and found nothing in the known parts of the world which did not acknowledge her laws, when an event occur

e Romans, he sought in countries unknown to his enemies, that liberty which he found not in his own. His real name was Frige,

gods, or because he was the first priest or the chief of the worship which was paid to the god Odin. It is known that severa

ige, filled with his ambitious projects, did not fail to usurp a name which was calculated to secure to him the respect of th

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

land, it is said; he made a long stay, and built the city of Odensus, which still perpetuates in its name, the remembrance of

In Denmark, he caused his son Sciold to be acknowledged king, a title which no ruler of that country had yet borne, (accordin

that country had yet borne, (according to the annals of Iceland,) and which passed to his descendants, called from his name S

and unanimously yielded the title and power of king to his son Yngue, which descended to his remoter posterity. Hence, the Yn

h descended to his remoter posterity. Hence, the Ynglinglians, a name which has long served to designate the first kings of S

near, he would not await, through the series of a disease, that death which he had so many times braved in battle. Having ass

ast, his body was carried to Sigutna, where, conformably to the usage which he had brought into the North, it was burnt with

speak, so that I can scarcely consent to yield to the various proofs which have been adduced in its favour. It is, doubtless

ed by the Icelanders, confirm these conjectures. One of the artifices which he employed with the greatest success, in order t

. He always carried it with him, and made it pronounce the oracles of which he stood in need. This artifice reminds us of the

les of which he stood in need. This artifice reminds us of the pigeon which carried to Mahomet the orders of Heaven, and show

oint of resemblance between these two imposters is the eloquence with which both were endowed. The chronicles of Iceland repr

of his discourses. Sometimes he mingled his harangues with the verses which he composed. Not only was he a great poet, but he

nd skill in arms, rendered him formidable in battle. The terror, with which he inspired his enemies, was so great, that, in o

easily pass for a god in a country where nobody equalled him, and in which the people gave the name of prodigies to all at w

gorous exertion, turns first upon objects of necessity, that activity which , under the torrid zone, is apt to run into the ch

e he reigned in silence, and rendered himself sensible by the respect which he inspired. To represent him in a human figure,

ains, lakes, winds, thunder, and tempests, received religious homage, which , at first, was directed only towards the intellig

liant. Such are a few of the leading characteristics of that religion which , for several centuries, was adopted and practised

da of the Icelanders and their ancient poesies are the sole monuments which can give us any light on the ancient religion of

orth. From these sources wo learn, that the most important alteration which it received after Odin, related to the number of

pped by the greater portion of the Scythians, as the god of war: than which rank, according to them, no honour could be more

culated to make his power conspicuous. Hence, those hideous pictures, which , in the Icelandic mythology, show us Odin as the

Warriors going to fight vowed to send him a certain number of souls; which souls were the right of Odin. It was thought, tha

according to the ancient Icelandic mythology, that terrible divinity, which took pleasure in shedding the blood of men, was t

nded and mixed up divers opinions, in order to consolidate the empire which he had usurped over men and over their minds. Som

spear Gungner. His steed is called Sleipner. In the centre of Asgard, which is in the valley of Ida, was situated the place o

him by the Latin name of Jupiter; but Lucian gives him another name, which more nearly resembles that of Thor: he calls him

hich more nearly resembles that of Thor: he calls him Taranis, a name which , among the Gauls again signifies thunder. The aut

ronounces him the most valiant of the sons of Odin; and the club with which he is armed, and which he throws in the air at th

valiant of the sons of Odin; and the club with which he is armed, and which he throws in the air at the giants, designates a

oked upon as the defender and avenger of the gods. Besides that club, which returned of itself to the hand that had hurled it

at club, which returned of itself to the hand that had hurled it, and which he grasped with iron gauntlets, he possessed a gi

d it, and which he grasped with iron gauntlets, he possessed a girdle which renewed strength in proportion as one needed it.

tnings of battle. Brage was the god of eloquence, wisdom, and poetry, which , from him, is called Bragur. He had a golden tely

om him, is called Bragur. He had a golden telyn, and swept the cords, which emitted a sweet sound. His wife Iduna, the goddes

is wife Iduna, the goddess of youth, had charge of certain apples, of which the gods ate when they felt the approach of old a

the gods ate when they felt the approach of old age, and the power of which was to make them grow young again. Hiemdal, a son

d held in one hand a sword, and in the other, a trumpet, the noise of which was heard in all worlds. Hermode, the messenger o

nto the infernal abodes, where she has the government of nine worlds, which she divides among those who are sent to her. Loke

reached to the heavens. It was supported by three large roots, one of which extended even to the ninth world, or to hell. On

things, three virgins continually drew a kind of precious water, with which they watered the tree. This water keeps up the be

branches, it falls back on the ground, where it keeps up the dew with which bees compose their honey. The three beautiful vir

uch were the principal divinities of the North, or, rather, the ideas which the poets gave of them to the credulous. It was b

an abridgment of the whole Mythology of the North. That portion of it which the Mythology of Iceland has preserved, deserves

was nothing but a vast, herbless, and seedless abyss, (Nislheim,) in which flowed the fountain, (Hwergelmer,) swallowing up

rom this burning world, there incessantly slide away into the abyss, ( which was in the north,) torrents of sparkling fire, wh

into the abyss, (which was in the north,) torrents of sparkling fire, which , in falling, were congealed into the abyss, and f

d the cow (Audumbla,) from whose dugs flowed four streams of milk, on which Ymer lived. The cow fed on the salt stones, which

streams of milk, on which Ymer lived. The cow fed on the salt stones, which she was one day licking, when, in the evening, hu

wound in so great abundance, that it caused a general inundation, in which all the giants except one, perished. He being sav

ments of his broken bones. They made of his skull the arch of heaven, which is sustained by four dwarfs, named South, (Sudre,

placed flambeaux to enlighten it, and fixed to other fires the space which they were to survey; some in heaven, others under

the earth round, and girded it with the deep Ocean, on the shores of which they placed giants. One day as the sons of Bor, o

he gods, walked there, they found two floating pieces of wood, out of which they formed man and woman. The elder of the sons

d science; the third endowed them with speech, hearing, and sight, to which he added beauty and dress. It is from this man, n

this woman, named Embla, (Alder,) that is descended the race of men, which now inhabit the earth. The giant Narfi (darkness)

earth daily. Nott was first drawn by her horse Hrimfaxi, (blackmane,) which every morning bedews the earth with the foam from

on, the vestiges of a general tradition, the various circumstances of which most nations have embellished, altered, or suppre

eeks and Romans, we shall doubtless be convinced, That the conformity which is found between the leading circumstances of the

e. The description of chaos given in the Edda; that quickening breath which produced the great giant Ymer; that sleep, during

kening breath which produced the great giant Ymer; that sleep, during which a man and a woman were born of his sides; that ra

orn of his sides; that race of the sons of the gods; that deluge from which one man alone escaped with his family in a boat;

n alone escaped with his family in a boat; that renewing of the world which followed the deluge; that first man, that first w

same fictions, the same desire of explaining the phenomena of nature, which have decked out fables among all people. In consi

fables among all people. In considering the style of these fables, in which are blended, sometimes the sublime, with the peur

out form and life, was animated and disposed by the gods in the order which we now admire it. No heathen religion has granted

ents of the divine will. Hence, that error common to so many nations, which caused the trembling of leaves, the crackling of

will be rent; the wolf Fenris, unchained, will open his enormous jaws which will reach from earth to heaven; fire will issue

rass; and with his broad cymeter in his hand, attack the wolf Fenris, which will devour him, and both perish together. Thor w

both perish together. Thor will be smothered in the torrents of vemon which the dragon will emit while dying. The fire will c

divine justice, pronounce decrees, and establish the sacred destinies which will always last. Widar, (the conqueror,) and Wal

e composed of the carcasses of serpents. Torrents will flow there, in which will be plunged perjurers, assassins, and those w

of the unhappy who are shut up therein. Notwithstanding the obscurity which pervades these descriptions, we see by them that

in battle. Were it not for that monument of the Icelandic mythology, which we have referred to, we should know but little of

m the beginning of the world down to that general downfall of nature, which was to be followed by a second generation. The se

to the places of punishment, two were likewise distinguished. One of which , called Nislheim, was to last only until the end

n virtue. Those only who died in battle, had a right to the happiness which Odin prepared in the Valhalla. All wounds receive

d in Norway, amidst plains and on hills, are still found altars about which they assembled for sacrifices and other religious

summit of a small hill, serve as a basis to a large flat stone, under which is ordinarily a cavity, which probably served to

as a basis to a large flat stone, under which is ordinarily a cavity, which probably served to receive the blood of victims.

y, and nicer proportions. In Selande one still remains, the stones of which are of a prodigious size. Even at this day, men m

of machinery. What increases our astonishment is, that the stones of which this structure is composed, are very rare in the

this structure is composed, are very rare in the isle of Selande; for which reason they must have been transported a great di

oody place. It was there that idols were placed upon an altar, around which were ranged the victims that were to be immolated

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

Denmark embraced Christianity, and the very remembrance of the places which they occupied, is lost; but some tables of altars

, on the left of Thor, was represented with various attributes, among which the goddess of pleasure might be recognized. Odin

he winter solstice. The night was called the night-mother, being that which produced all others. This epoch also marked the b

duced all others. This epoch also marked the beginning of their year, which , among the people of the North generally, was com

lebrated with a great deal of elact at the commencement of spring; at which time they asked of that god, much fighting and su

at period that they received the lights of Christianity, and the arts which had softened the manners of the Greeks, and Roman

or animals, were immolated. But the most solemn sacrifices were those which were made at Upsal every ninth year. Then, the ki

distinguished individuals, were present, and brought their offerings which were placed in the large temple. The absent sent

entrails to read futurity in them; and afterwards roasted the flesh, which was distributed in the assembly. When they immola

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

r the temple of Upsal was a wood of this kind, every tree and leaf of which was looked upon as most holy. This wood, called O

he return of a good season. The ceremony was terminated by feasts, in which was displayed all the magnificence known in that

chief lords first gave toasts or salutes in honor of the gods; after which each one drank whilst making his prayer or vow. W

en his temper, and spread over his soul that quietness and moderation which cause the social and kindlier affections to sprin

ng up, he is soon surrounded with a thousand black cares and terrors, which make him ferocious and distrustful. All those bei

or revenge, and that eagerness for the destruction of his fellow man, which cannot be quenched whilst he entertains no respec

others: and hence too, those impious prejudices, and dark conceptions which make men imagine sanguinary gods like themselves.

en imagine sanguinary gods like themselves. Hence, those bloody rites which plunge the blade into the breast of the unfortuna

crime and force, from all other rights. The same spirit of inquietude which induced the people of Asia and Greece, to seek al

s. It was generally thought, that some diviners had familiar spirits, which did’not leave them, and which they could consult,

hat some diviners had familiar spirits, which did’not leave them, and which they could consult, under the form of small idols

ding into hell, where he consults a celebrated prophetess. Ignorance, which caused poetry to be considered as supernatural, c

e similar exertions to veil their real origin; but that their fables, which were a fantastical admixture of real remembrances

f real remembrances and of the flights of imagination, become records which , to no small extent, depose in favour of truth. T

d taken from a foreign language; and these etymologies are the traces which truth leaves behind her, and which all the exerti

d these etymologies are the traces which truth leaves behind her, and which all the exertions of self-love cannot efface. In

all the exertions of self-love cannot efface. In the general view, by which we have attempted to trace out the origin of idol

neither the memory nor the monuments of men have preserved any record which might indicate the period of their separation. It

l enough to extend our observations to those ages and early histories which have left some vestiges, where the mind can walk

; whose longest period will be but an imperceptible point in eternity which precedes and follows it. Without pretending to in

h precedes and follows it. Without pretending to indicate the time in which England was first peopled, it is probable that Ga

ons separated from each other by immense forests is the only monument which remains to us to point out that fact; but it thro

ius Cesar and Tacitus relate that Great Britain was the first country which the Celtic Gauls peopled. The relative situation

eir statement probable; and the conformity of language and of customs which existed between the Britons and the Gauls, leaves

that the Gallic colony at first settled in that portion of the island which is opposite to Gaul. They then extended towards t

eir pretended intercourse with heaven, and by their manner of living, which was as austere as retired. It was by the influenc

im to resign his power. The refusal of Tremnor caused a civil war, in which a very large number of druids perished. Those who

ar language appears to him to fall below the dignity of those actions which he wishes to celebrate. He knows that measure and

nd hence, no doubt, is the origin of poetry among all nations; an art which constituted a considerable portion of the religio

tering self-love: and even pride itself grows weary of the praises of which it inwardly acknowledges itself unworthy. The gre

but assert that, when in those colleges, there was proposed a subject which involved deep discussion, it was sent to be exami

Ossian represents those people as invoking their god, around a statue which he calls the stone of power . He condemns this w

ve arrows. His body was again covered with a second bed of clay, upon which a wooden stag, or some other wild beast, was plac

th a piece of select earth, and four stones ranged on the four sides, which marked the extent of the tomb. A bard alone could

nate souls were attributed the frequent and sometimes mortal diseases which are caused by the vapours of lakes and marshes. P

marshes. People foresaw with what care the bards kept up the opinions which rendered their ministry so consolatory and so nec

y traversed the air, their motions were graceful, and the light noise which was heard, was gentle and soothing. At the moment

enerally thought that, as soon as a warrior ceased to exist, the arms which he had at home, appeared to be stained with blood

is shade visited the place of his birth, and appeared to his mastiff, which made doleful howlings at its aspect. The most nat

, which made doleful howlings at its aspect. The most natural effects which their ignorance could not comprehend were attribu

uld not comprehend were attributed to the agency of spirits. The echo which struck upon the ear was the voice of the spirit o

ear was the voice of the spirit of the mountain. The deafening noise which precedes tempests was the roaring of the spirit o

himself constantly surrounded by them. In spite of all the melancholy which such ideas inspired, yet how deeply interesting a

t we must, no doubt, attribute the smallness of the number of deities which were honoured in England. It appears very evident

t in its purity. Such, adds he, is the origin of the profound respect which the Druids of Gaul had for those of England, whom

e of Scythians, Celtic-Scythians, and Celts, peopled the vast regions which separate us from Asia; others, more bold, attempt

arated, both by sea and land. This view clearly explains the parallel which has often been drawn between the Magi and the Dru

y the sole ministers of their religion. The Magi rejected the opinion which gives to the gods a human origin, and did not sep

d to divination and magic, and tolerated those horrible sacrifices in which human victims were immolated to Esus and Teutates

of their antique religion, amidst the forests, the majestic shades of which inspired religious awe and holy fear. Those woods

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

bears a chain, a mark of his dependence, and of the supreme dominion which God has over him.” Nothing is more celebrated in

ree colleges united in acknowledging the superiority of the knowledge which the Druids of Great Britain had over them. Cha

ions. The name Druids comes, no doubt, from the Celtic word deru, which means oak. The religious instructers of the ancie

igh consideration, that if they presented themselves at the moment in which two armies were going to combat, or even after th

The Druids formed different colleges in Gaul; the most celebrated of which was that of the country of Chartres, whose chief

rules. Their clothing differed a little according to the provinces in which they lived, and the degrees which they held. The

ittle according to the provinces in which they lived, and the degrees which they held. The ceremony of entering upon the prof

passed through it, exchanged his usual dress for that of the Druids, which was a tunic falling half way down the legs. This

falling half way down the legs. This dress designated priesthood, to which women could never be admitted. The authority of t

ould raise one of those magistrates even to the dignity of vergobret, which equalled that of a king; but this pretended king

old, or of reforming them, were the offices and the unlimited powers which they enjoyed undisputed. Their state dispensed wi

y of learning and retaining in memory the prodigious number of verses which contained their maxims on religion and political

Gaul, they still enjoyed supreme rights; for it was said in a treaty which he made with the Gauls: “If a Carthaginian should

ey pretended to know the whole of the universe; and the retirement in which they lived, allowed them all the time necessary t

ed the soul as immortal; and it was the belief in that sublime truth, which caused them to consider death as a sure means of

destroy all things. They believed in the doctrine of metempsychosis, which they could not have learned from Pythagoras, sinc

e arms of the dead, their valuable furniture, and the cedula of money which they had lent. They wrote even letters to their f

; but they mingled so many superstitious practices with the manner in which they collected their plants, as left it easy to b

ed with only a very small number of them. Pliny relates the manner in which they collected the selage: it must be plucked wit

selage: it must be plucked without a knife, and with the right hand, which must be covered with a part of the robe; and then

dog-star, after one had offered to Earth a sacrifice of expiation in which they employed fruits and honey. This plant having

prayers to divinity that it would infuse into that plant a happiness which might be felt by those to whom particles of it sh

re immortal. 8. Souls pass into other bodies after the death of those which they have animated. 9. If the world perish, it wi

rage. But it is not easy to reconcile with these sublime maxims, that which gave to fathers the right of life and death over

d respect. Julius Cesar and Tacitus delight in eulogizing the respect which the Gauls and Germans had for their wives; but th

e in Gaul temples erected, even since the conquests of the Romans, in which the Druidesses alone ordained and regulated all t

hose virtuous regards as far as any other nation. Faithful to the one which their heart had chosen, they never had several wi

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

ld produce. We have no doubt of the existence of that atrocious maxim which gave the Druids the horrible right of employing f

ecute. The most ordinary residence of the Druidesses was in the isles which bordered on the coasts of Gaul and England. The D

ives this portion of their ministry. The almost idolatrous veneration which the Gauls and Germans had for their women, caused

elieved in. Accordingly, they sent them all questions on futurity; to which they returned so judicious answers, that their re

se this article by citing what is well known respecting the period in which the order of the Druids and Druidesses became who

tended to speak only of the abolition of human sacrifices, the use of which that emperor interdicted. The Druids were found i

ry. It appears that their order became extinct, not until the time in which Christianity completely triumphed over the supers

ne key to this religion is the philosophy of Pythagoras and Plato ‌,2 which , since the destruction of the schools of the phil

ccurately exhibits to our view all the links of that golden chain, of which deity is one extreme, and body the other. “In the

alled intellectual; the second vivific; the third Pxonian, and so on; which the ancients desiring, to signify to us by names,

e power Jupiter; and such like, but we ought to explore the things to which they allude. Thus, for instance, by a Saturnian p

rses, and that he is perpetually young, signifying by this his power, which is motive of the whole of nature subject to his d

ecause, as these till the ground, so the Moon governs all those parts which surround the earth. “According to this theology,

Apollo, and the Graces in Venus. We may also behold the spheres with which they are connected, viz. Vesta with the earth; Ne

near to others.’ By the rising and setting gods, he means the stars, which , according to the pagan theology, are divine anim

t mythology is simply a phase in the growth of language, the study of which has explained many things in mythology which hith

f language, the study of which has explained many things in mythology which hitherto appeared contradictory. Cox says, “ The

removed not a few perplexities, and has solved not a few difficulties which press hard on many thinkers. It has raised and st

gthened my faith in the goodness of God, and has justified the wisdom which has chosen to educate mankind through impressions

e to the people who then lived on the earth, men talked of the things which they saw and heard in a manner very different fro

f speaking now. We talk of the sun rising and setting as of something which is sure to happen; but they did not know enough t

life with him. Knowing but little about themselves and of the things which they saw in the world around them, they fancied t

d around them, they fancied that everything had the same kind of life which they had themselves. In this way they came to thi

, as longing to overtake her, and as killing her with his bright rays which shone like spears. “We talk of the clouds which s

with his bright rays which shone like spears. “We talk of the clouds which scud along the sky, but they spoke of the cows of

ouds which scud along the sky, but they spoke of the cows of the sun, which the children of the morning drove every day to th

ning he wove for his bride in the heavens a fairy net-work of clouds, which re-appeared when she came back to him in the even

ses of his chariot through the sky. As they looked on the dark clouds which rested on the earth without giving any rain, they

g as men remained in the same place, there was no fear that the words which they spoke would be misunderstood; but as time we

went on they scattered, and it came to pass that they kept the names which they had given to the sun, the clouds, and all ot

ythology, as we call it now, is simply a collection of the sayings by which men once described whatever they saw and heard in

atever they saw and heard in the countries where they lived. This key which has unlocked almost all the secrets of mythology

endous, personal Agencies, as gods and demons. “The close resemblance which runs through the legends of different lands leads

or phrases used by the most ancient tribes in speaking of the things which they saw, heard, or felt in the world around them

e powers of Nature personified. “Every heathen conception of deity in which we are likely to be interested has three distinct

t each deity represent, figuratively, the action of the natural power which it represents; such as the rising and setting of

ns were supposed to send forth the piercing blasts of the north wind, which chilled the people of Hellas, Greece. Their count

nto the stream of Ocean. There the sun-god embarked in a winged boat, which conveyed him round by the northern part of the ea

ollo, the god of music, delighted them with the tones of his lyre, to which the Muses sung in responsive strains. “The follow

ss azure-eyed, Rose to Olympus, the reputed seat Eternal of the gods, which never storms Disturb, rains drench, or snow invad

ly, they found there a mythology belonging to the Celtic inhabitants, which , according to the Greek custom of paying reverenc

n, they readily adopted, selecting and appropriating those divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own; and thus

eatest affinity to their own; and thus they formed a religious belief which naturally bore the impress of its ancient Greek s

ion of their Greek neighbors, leaves its mark on the Roman mythology, which is far less fertile in fanciful conceits, and def

eficient in all those fairy-like stories and wonderfully poetic ideas which so strongly characterize that of the Greeks.” B

t Greek legend represents the world as having been formed from Chaos, which was regarded as a heterogeneous mass containing a

an. It is not always easy to distinguish the god from the stream over which he rules. Cœus* and Phœbe*. — The offspring of t

nt hands on Uranus. Uranus was mutilated, and from the drops of blood which fell upon the earth sprung Gigantes* (Giants) and

ies. It is a principle of all cosmogony that darkness preceded light, which sprung from it; a truth here expressed by making

d Æther. Nyx, with her two sons, Thanatos and Hypnos, dwelt in a cave which Hesiod places in the west, “behind where Atlas su

the air, coming towards the earth as if to extinguish a flaming torch which she carries in her hand. 3. A floating figure, cl

nts the tips of the mountains, and draws aside the misty veil through which her brother is about to appear. When he has burst

s his flame-darting chariot along the accustomed track. This chariot, which is of burnished gold, is drawn by four fire-breat

is of burnished gold, is drawn by four fire-breathing steeds, behind which the young god stands erect with flashing eyes, hi

nded with rays, holding in one hand the reins of those fiery coursers which in all hands save his are unmanageable. When towa

e dusky night. Homer and Hesiod give no explanation of the manner in which Helios reaches the east in the morning after havi

hat when Helios had finished his daily course, a winged boat, or cup, which had been made for him by Hephæstus* (Vulcan), con

rams, and white horses. From the Egyptian name Horus those parts into which the sun divides the day are called horse or hours

is fate, were turned into poplar-trees on its banks, and their tears, which still continued to flow, became amber as they dro

e the fiery horses sits in the chariot of the sun.” So ran the phrase which , scarcely disguised in the myth of Phaethon, rose

s said, her limbs rooted in the ground, her face became a sun-flower, which turns on its stem so as always to face the sun th

it that of eternal youth. When Tithonus grew old, and lost the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos became disgusted with

son, and her tears fall to the earth as dew. Eos had her own chariot, which she drove across the vast horizon both morning an

n represents the tired sun hurrying to his rest, and dead to the love which is lavished upon him. The original meaning of End

n, what was told originally of the setting sun was now told of a name which , in order to have any meaning, had to be changed

an with a crescent on her head. 2. Clothed in a long robe, and a veil which covers the back of the head. Sometimes on her bro

and her sway extended over earth, heaven, and the lower regions, for which reason she was invoked as the “triple goddess.” H

only by the dogs, whose barking announced her approach. Her statues, which were dog-headed, were set up at Athens and elsewh

e new moon, the wealthy sent suppers to be placed before her statues, which the poor would then come and eat. This was called

Metis* (Prudence), who artfully persuaded Chronos to drink a potion, which caused him to give back the children he had swall

hich caused him to give back the children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus was placed at Delphi, wher

lopes and Hecatoncheires. The former brought tremendous thunderbolts, which the latter, with their hundred hands, hurled down

banished from his kingdom and deprived forever of the supreme power, which now became vested in his son Zeus. This war was c

in honor of Saturn was erected at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in which were deposited the public treasury and the laws o

Chronia*. The Roman festival in his honor was called “Saturnalia,” of which the Carnival is a survival. The Saturnalia was de

es*. Her worship was always of a riotous character. At her festivals, which took place at night, the wildest music of flutes,

filled the air. The principal seat of her worship was at Crete, into which place this divinity was introduced by its first c

as introduced by its first colonists from Phrygia*, in Asia Minor, in which country she was worshiped under the name of Cybel

mountains and destroyed himself. He was turned into a pine-tree, into which his soul passed, while from his blood sprung a wr

of Rhea, by beating their shields together, kept up a constant noise, which drowned the cries of the child and frightened awa

he sent to overthrow the dominion of Zeus. A great battle took place, which shook heaven and earth. Zeus, by means of his nev

heaven. The Gigantes are said to have sprung from the drops of blood which fell on the earth from the mutilated Uranus. From

storm Olympus by piling Pelion* upon Ossa*. After a fierce battle, in which all the gods took part, they were conquered, and

llied to wisdom and prudence. His union with Themis typifies the bond which exists between divine majesty and justice, law an

reck. In this latter character they are lauded by an Homeric hymn, in which they are represented as darting through the air o

more than what is commonly called St. Elmo’s fire — an electric flame which is often seen playing round the tops of the masts

is often seen playing round the tops of the masts during a storm, and which is regarded by sailors as a sign of its speedy ab

he Thessalian plain in the evening, just as the pale and tender light which precedes the sun’s rising re-appears only to die

er the guise of mental disorder. In the south-east — the direction in which Egypt lay from Greece — Io again appears as the f

s not to be deceived, and the impious monarch received the punishment which his crime merited. He was transformed into a wolf

at he might seem to hear with greater readiness the different prayers which were daily offered to him from every part of the

pitious to all. At Argos*, there was an ancient wooden statue of Zeus which had a third eye in its forehead. The three eyes w

iter Hammon*. Siwah still bears the ruins of the oracle and shrine to which it owes its fame. Not only the surrounding countr

his oracle a deference and respect unsurpassed by the veneration with which they consulted the oracular deities of Dodona and

illery. Hermes was sent in search of her, and found her in her house, which was upon the bank of a river. He threw the nymph

threw the nymph into the river, and transformed her into a tortoise, which was condemned to carry its house upon its back; a

d hanging anvils to her feet. Hephæstus attempted to release her, for which Zeus threw him out of heaven, and his leg was bro

ive in the deep waters, and he stood in the same relation to Poseidon which Helios, who was believed to dwell in the sun, bor

his horses with golden manes and brazen hoofs. Like the element over which he presided, he was described by the poets as bei

s supposed to vent his displeasure by sending disastrous inundations, which completely destroyed whole countries, and were us

countries, and were usually accompanied by terrible marine monsters, which devoured those whom the floods had spared. It is

ared. It is probable that these sea-monsters are the poetical figures which represent the demons of hunger and famine necessa

s arrows. Arion* was a horse, the offspring of Poseidon and Demeter*, which had the power of speech, the feet on the right si

the body like a horse. The favorite animal of Poseidon was the horse, which he was supposed to have created. This may, perhap

een Athené and Poseidon. They both claimed the right to name the city which Cecrops* had built. The dispute was settled by an

he ground with his trident, and the horse sprung forth. From the spot which Athené touched with her wand issued the olive-tre

ea upon the land. The Romans invested Neptune with all the attributes which belong to the Greek Poseidon. The Roman commander

eption was subsequently supplanted by one of a less dismal nature, in which the other side of his character is brought into p

offering unbounded riches to mankind in the shape of precious metals, which lie in his subterraneous passages and chambers. “

e they passed their time in brooding over the vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on earth, or in regretting t

y had enjoyed in life, but all in a state of semi-consciousness, from which the intellect could be roused to full activity on

erected to his honor at Olympia, Athens, and in Elis. His sacrifices, which took place at night, consisted of black sheep, an

at at the close of the Titan war the Cyclopes made for Pluto a helmet which rendered the wearer invisible. The Romans suppose

the earth a vast, gloomy, and impenetrably dark cavity called Orcus, which formed a place of eternal rest for the dead. But

tions being Dis (from dives, rich) and Orcus, from the dominions over which he ruled. He had no temple in Rome, but, in commo

with Proserpina*, he had a subterranean altar in the Campus Martius, which was uncovered and used once a year. Only black an

nth. It continued from the eighteenth to the end of the month, during which time presents were carried to the graves of decea

s to Hades; the most celebrated was in Italy, near Lake Avernus, over which it was said no bird could fly, so noxious were it

rites on earth, and who had brought with them the indispensable toll, which was a small coin (obolus), usually placed under t

se tribunal was guarded by the terrible triple-headed dog Cerberus*,5 which , with his three necks bristling with snakes, lay

f solid adamant were surrounded by the river Phlegethon, the waves of which rolled flames of fire, and lit up, with their lur

judge, Rhadamanthus*, who declared to each comer the precise torments which awaited him in Tartarus. The wretched sinners wer

urged them with their whips, and dragged them along to the great gate which closed the opening to Tartarus, into whose awful

ence of his numerous crimes, to roll a huge stone up a high mountain, which , on reaching the top, always rolls down again to

, were condemned to pour water continually into a cask full of holes, which could never be filled. “The story of Tantalus me

us means that the sun, when he glared too fiercely, killed the fruits which his warmth was ripening, and dried up the streams

e fruits which his warmth was ripening, and dried up the streams over which he passed. “The stone of Sisyphus is an emblem of

is an emblem of the indestructibility of hope. It symbolizes the sun, which , daily after reaching the highest point, seems to

e Mœræ only, the daughter of Night, who represents the moral force by which the universe is governed, and to whom both mortal

of the Mœræ to indicate to the Erinnys* (Furies) the precise torture which the wicked should undergo for their crimes. They

personified the torturing pangs of an evil conscience and the remorse which inevitably follows wrong-doing. Their office was

ot been made public. “Erinnys appears in Sanskrit as Sarunya, a word which signifies the light of morning creeping over the

hence supposed to be the embodiment of all the terrible imprecations which the defeated deity called down upon the head of h

civilization, and society began to surround itself with regular laws which protected individual life from arbitrary assaults

e Erinnys. They constantly held up a mirror to his horrified gaze, in which he beheld the face of his murdered mother. At len

r at Delphi, and then defended him before the court of the Areopagus, which had been founded by Athene. Orestes was here acqu

n Athens, they had another near the city, a sacred grove in Colonus*, which was celebrated as the last refuge of the unfortun

iculture, and represented that portion of Gæa (the whole solid earth) which we call the earth’s crust, and which produces all

n of Gæa (the whole solid earth) which we call the earth’s crust, and which produces all vegetation. It is necessary to keep

e, with its mighty subterranean forces; Rhea is that productive power which causes vegetation to spring forth, thus sustainin

to her influence. She was regarded as the patroness of all those arts which are connected with agriculture, by means of which

s of all those arts which are connected with agriculture, by means of which men were rescued from the lower grades of hunters

leave of her husband, he presented to her a few seeds of pomegranate, which , in her excitement, she thoughtlessly swallowed.

he regions of darkness and death. This legend grew out of the phrases which had at first described the change of summer and w

the change of summer and winter, and it signified the temporary loss which mother-earth sustains every year when the icy bre

flowers, fruits, and grain. The sorrow of Demeter typifies the gloom which falls upon the earth during the cheerless months

myth, namely, the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. The grain, which , as it were, remains dead for a time in the dark

sed in a newer and lovelier garb, was supposed to symbolize the soul, which , after death, is free from corruption and lives i

Closely connected with this beautiful and expressive myth is another which refers to the institution of the Eleusinian* Myst

solemn rites of her service. In order to spread abroad the blessings which agriculture confers, Demeter presented to Triptol

Stellio was a youth who ridiculed the goddess for the eagerness with which she was eating a bowl of porridge, when weary and

ged him into a spotted lizard. Erysichthon* once cut down an oak-tree which was sacred to Demeter. As a punishment, she affli

lovely daughter of Demeter, a personification of that force of nature which yearly causes the most luxuriant vegetation to sp

hat narrower sense, Persephone may be regarded as a type of the grain which long remains in the ground, where it has been sow

e with this last conception, ideas of the immortality of the soul, of which , in the secret doctrines of the Eleusinian Myster

Zeus and Hera, represents war from its fatal and destructive side, by which he is clearly distinguished from Athene, the wise

idon summoned Ares to appear before the tribunal of the Olympic gods, which was held upon a hill in Athens. Ares was acquitte

is supposed to have given rise to the name Areopagus (Hill of Ares), which afterwards became so famous as a court of justice

ved the name of Nero*. Campus Martius* (Field of Mars) was a field in which the Roman youth practised gymnastic and warlike e

from the noblest families in Rome. Every year in the month of March, which was sacred to Mars, they bore the sacred shields

Neith*. Athene was said to have been produced from the head of Zeus, which Hephæstus had been ordered to cleave open. The go

her eyes) is given to both Selene and Athene. The sacred olive-tree, which Athene had caused to grow at the time of her cont

Attica, and established the general worship at Athens. The Athenæa*, which had been instituted by Erechthonius* (a serpent-l

o the Erechtheum*8 and place it upon the olive-wood statue of Athene, which was said to have fallen from heaven. The processi

ship moved automatically. It bore for a sail the sacred peplos, upon which young daughters of the noblest families had embro

the fixed, steady position of the hearth in the centre of the room in which the family assembled. The hearth possessed among

on all important occasions of domestic life. No offering was made in which Hestia had not her share. Each town had its Pryta

duty was to watch and feed the ever-burning flame, the extinction of which was regarded as a national calamity of ominous im

ng was accidental. The Vestals were vowed to chastity, a violation of which was punished by the offender being buried alive.

e. The Roman festival Vestalia* was celebrated on the 9th of June, on which occasion the Roman women made a pilgrimage, baref

ity of her character, Hestia was always represented as fully clothed, which may account for the fact that the ancients had so

that the ancients had so few statues of the goddess. The best example which has been preserved is the Vesta Giustiniani, whic

. The best example which has been preserved is the Vesta Giustiniani, which belongs to the private collection of Prince Torlo

tended him for nine years in a deep grotto of the sea, in return for which he made them many ornaments. Another story is tha

he first work of Hephæstus was a throne of gold, with secret springs, which he presented to Hera. When seated, she found hers

s, he forged for Zeus his thunderbolts. He constructed the palaces in which the gods resided, made the golden shoes with whic

ted the palaces in which the gods resided, made the golden shoes with which they trod the air or water, built for them their

d with brass the horses of celestial origin. He also made the tripods which moved automatically, and formed for Zeus the far-

vorites, or those of Zeus among men. Among these were the golden dogs which guarded the house of Alcinous*, king of the Phæac

inous*, king of the Phæacians*, the brass-footed, fire-breathing bull which guarded the Golden Fleece. He formed for Minos*.

Lipari Isles. The chief shrine of the god in Rome was the Volcanal*, which was not really a temple, but merely a covered fir

as to leave the right arm and shoulder free; he wears a pointed cap, which is the badge of an artisan; he holds a hammer and

ust ready to strike with the hammer; at others turning a thunderbolt, which an eagle beside him is waiting to carry to Zeus.

the foam of the sea, and first touched land on the island of Cyprus, which was henceforth sacred to her. She was probably a

of all the goddesses. She possessed a magic girdle called the cestus, which was endowed with the power of inspiring affection

regarded by the earlier Italian tribes as the goddess of spring, for which reason April, the month of buds, was held sacred

or slumber during the cheerless and unproductive portion of the year which we call winter. The Horæ were also the deities of

very morning in yoking the celestial horses to the chariot of the sun which they help to unyoke when he sinks to rest. They w

aia*, and Thalia*. They were believed to preside over those qualities which constitute grace, modesty, unconscious beauty, ge

Muses, received from the Graces additional refinement and beauty, for which reason they are always regarded as the friends of

em. Charitesia* were festivals in honor of the Charites or Graces, in which athletic games, music, and dancing held prominent

os is apparently a personification of the principle of attraction, on which the coherence of the physical world depends. Eros

f Ares and Aphrodite. His characteristic weapon is a golden bow, with which he shoots forth his arrows from secret lurking-pl

ion of the Greek Eros. The rose was held specially sacred to him, for which reason he often appears crowned with roses.9 The

e divine love and the human soul, and of the trials and purifications which the latter must undergo in order to be perfectly

gentle Zephyrus* transported her to a verdant meadow, in the midst of which stood a stately palace surrounded by groves and f

of the arts and sciences. He represented, first, the great orb of day which illumines the world, and, secondly, the heavenly

b of day which illumines the world, and, secondly, the heavenly light which animates the soul of man. We find Apollo, in late

ecy. His oracle of Delphi was in high repute all over the world. That which raised the whole moral tone of the Greek nation w

ed as the protector of those who, like Orestes, had committed a crime which required long years of expiation. The Greeks cele

n in this festival. The most splendid temple of Apollo was at Delphi, which was considered the centre of the earth. The oracl

ipod over a chasm in the earth, whence issued a cold vapor, by aid of which , assisted sometimes by chewing leaves of laurel o

by draughts of water from a sacred well, she was excited to a frenzy, which prepared her to receive the intimations of the wi

re her to him. He struck the chords of his lyre, and drew forth tones which softened the heart of the stern monarch of Erebus

e the coming night. Eurydice lost on her return means the early light which appears in the morning, but is seen no more when

ing received the boon, she refused to comply with the conditions upon which it had been granted. Unable to recall his gift, h

assigned for them. Marsyas* was a satyr*, who, having found the flute which Athene had thrown away in disgust, discovered tha

mptuous mortal, flayed him while alive, and changed him into a river, which is still known by his name. King Midas* had the b

ad taste to declare his preference for the music of Pan, in a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caus

t celebrated of all the statues of Apollo is the “Apollo Belvedere*,” which was discovered in 1503, near Antium, and is now i

ure, in marble, more than seven feet high, nude, except for the cloak which is fastened around the neck and hangs over the ex

victorious divinity is in the act of stepping forward. The left arm, which seems to have held the bow, is outstretched, and

tory arose that Iphigenia was conveyed by the goddess to Tauris, from which place she subsequently, assisted by her brother O

of the stag, whilst with the other she draws an arrow from the quiver which hangs over her shoulder. The famous hunter Actæon

Niobe is the beauty of clouds flushed with the light of the morning, which are scattered from before the face of the morning

from before the face of the morning sun. Her tears are the rain-drops which turn to ice on the mountain-summits, where men fa

after his birth he set forth to steal some of the cattle of the gods which fed in Pieria, at the foot of Mount Olympus, unde

of Apollo. At the door of the cavern he found a tortoise-shell, from which he formed the lyre.12 Arriving in Pieria, he drov

. When the divine shepherd heard the music of the lyre, the chords of which Hermes touched as if by chance, he was so entranc

g all beings divided by hate, Hermes threw it down between two snakes which were fighting. They curled around the staff and r

e. “The story of Hermes sprung from the varying actions of the wind, which he personified. He was simply air in motion, whic

tions of the wind, which he personified. He was simply air in motion, which in one hour may breathe as softly as a child in i

ts cradle, and in the next may tear up forests in its rage. The music which he produced was the melody of the winds. The cows

ge. The music which he produced was the melody of the winds. The cows which he stole were the bright clouds driven across the

s) and winged shoes (Talaria). The wings were emblematic of the wings which language gives to the thoughts of men. “While Ap

and Semele*, and he was snatched by Zeus from the devouring flames in which his mother perished when Zeus appeared to her in

god and his attendants soon became intoxicated with its juice, after which , crowned with wreaths of ivy, and accompanied by

vy, and accompanied by nymphs, satyrs and fauns, he ranged the woods, which resounded with the cries of his inspired worshipe

of the wine-god. Pentheus resolved to see for himself the excesses of which he had heard such terrible reports, and he concea

the patron of the drama, and at the state festival of the Dionysia*, which was celebrated with great pomp in the city of Ath

city of Athens, dramatic entertainments took place in his honor, for which all the renowned Greek dramatists of antiquity co

oration of the removal of this statue from the Lenæon* to Ceramicus*, which , according to an old legend, was once done by sat

bag. Out of the skin of the slaughtered goat was made a leather bag, which was inflated and smeared with oil; the young men

ey were destructive to vineyards. The most celebrated among the myths which testify to the wondrous power of Dionysus is the

som. No sooner, however, had they left the shore, than the cords with which the smiling boy was fastened fell off, and a frag

olds in his right hand a cnp, and in his left a cluster of grapes, of which a little satyr is endeavoring to take a taste. In

stinguished by the almost feminine expression of face. His soft hair, which falls about his shoulders in delicate ringlets, i

ent, and future, while Apollo’s lute accompanies their sweet strains, which gladden the hearts of the gods as they sit assemb

Sirens were personifications of the numerous rocks and unseen dangers which abound on the sea-coast. They were gifted with su

service of the Muses. He seems to represent that poetical inspiration which tends to develop man’s higher nature, and causes

aters of Hippocrene*, afterwards so renowned as the sacred fount from which the Muses quaffed their richest draughts of inspi

of prophecy. They were personifications of the vaporlike exhalations which , in warm climates, are emitted from the sea, more

s, etc. Like all the nymphs, they possessed the gift of prophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains over whi

of prophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains over which they presided were believed to inspire mortals wh

hey received special names from the particular mountains or districts which they inhabited. The most celebrated among them wa

stal, and the goddess caused him to fall in love with his own shadow, which was reflected in the water. The object of his des

of having slipped while serving them, she was deprived of her office, which was then assigned to Ganymedes*. After the deific

sented in connection with the colossal statues of Zeus and Athene, in which case she is life-sized, and stands on a ball held

ated temple was erected to this divinity on the Acropolis, at Athens, which is still to be seen, and is in excellent preserva

had a window in his breast, that his thoughts might be seen. A house which Athene constructed did not please Momus because i

e is also sometimes seen with a wheel, to symbolize the rapidity with which she executes justice. As the avenger of crimes, s

earth. In this character he was the protecting deity of the home, for which reason little shrines were erected to him over th

ommon places of resort, and at cross-roads, or of arched passages, in which the image of the god was erected. The “Temple of

us,” near the Forum, was a sanctuary of this kind, closed with doors, which were open only in time of war. Janus is always re

e of seasons and that process of transformation in nature by means of which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms and

pastoral goddess of the Italian tribes, from whom the name Palatine —  which originally meant a pastoral colony — was derived.

al, it was customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that the

as said to have been originally a fisherman. One day, he saw the fish which he had caught and thrown on the grass bite it, an

pect. They were the parents of the Gorgons*, the Grææ* and the dragon which , with the Hesperides*, guarded the golden apples.

g of the Æolian* Islands, to whom Zeus gave the command of the winds, which he kept shut up in a deep cave, and which he free

e the command of the winds, which he kept shut up in a deep cave, and which he freed at his pleasure or at the command of the

ded as distinct divinities, whose aspect accorded with the winds with which they were identified. The principal winds were Bo

t Athens, there was a celebrated octagonal temple, built by Pericles, which was dedicated to the winds. The ruins of this tem

ntsmen, and the patron of fishing and bee-keeping. Mountain caves, in which flocks and herds were gathered together at night

eather, were held sacred to him. All sudden and unaccountable sounds, which startle travelers in lonely places, were attribut

n fear. The Athenians ascribed their victory at Marathon to the alarm which he created among the Persians by his terrible voi

ith the powers of prophecy, and he possessed an oracle in Arcadia, in which state he was more especially worshiped. The usual

e ruinous gift. Dionysus directed him to bathe in the river Pactolus, which has ever since washed down gold in its sands. Sil

with a native Italian divinity named Mutunus. The statues of Priapus, which were set up in gardens and vineyards, served as s

his mode of worship gradually suggested the idea of erecting edifices which would afford means of shelter from the inclemency

ties, so almost every god had a form of building peculiar to himself, which was deemed more acceptable to him than any other.

of the temple stood a vessel of stone or brass containing holy water ( which had been consecrated by putting into it a burning

crated by putting into it a burning torch taken from the altar), with which all those admitted to take part in the sacrifices

. In the inmost recess of the sanctuary was the most holy place, into which none but the priests were permitted to enter. Tem

ost ancient representations consisted of square blocks of stone, upon which the name of the deity intended to be represented

ages with a head and a shapeless trunk tapering slightly to the feet, which , however, were not divided, the limbs being in no

an act of sacrilege. The most ancient altars were adorned with horns, which were emblems of power and dignity, as wealth, and

the altar, sprinkled it with a mixture of meal and holy water, after which he also sprinkled the worshipers, and exhorted th

he altar, and a portion of the meal and water poured upon the animal, which was then killed. If the victim escaped the stroke

ly appointed for that purpose. One month in the year was set apart in which to consult the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. The fo

t, or vintage, and were celebrated with rejoicings and merry-makings, which lasted several days. The firstfruits of the field

igin of the human race differ very widely. The most ancient are those which describe men as having sprung from the earth. Men

metheus, son of the Titan, Japetus, made men of clay and water, after which Athene breathed a soul into them. The gods met at

divide it into two parts, and that the gods should select one portion which in all future sacrifices should be set apart for

to beware of Zeus and his gifts. Epimetheus had in his house a jar in which were kept all kinds of diseases and ills. Pandora

Pandora brought with her a box containing her marriage presents, into which each god had put some blessing. She opened the bo

mer. “The idea that with the introduction of civilization many evils which were before unknown to man came into existence, i

Mount Caucasus, where during the daytime an eagle devoured his liver, which always grew again during the night. After thirtee

had been created by the gods, and that there had been successive ages which were called Golden, Silver, Brazen, and Iron Ages

stroy mankind by a flood. Warned by his father, he built an ark, into which he and his wife retired when the waters began to

onishment. At length it occurred to Deucalion that it must be stones, which may be called the bones of the earth, the great p

and well adapted to labor. The most distinguished persons of the race which occupied Greece after the restoration of mankind

urs* and Lapithæ*. Centaurs* and Lapithæ* are two mythic tribes which are always mentioned together. According to the a

wine, attempted to carry off the bride. A dreadful conflict arose in which several of the Centaurs were slain; the others we

te two opposite races of men; the former, the rude horseriding tribes which tradition records to have been spread over the no

spread over the north of Greece; the latter, the more civilized race which founded towns, and gradually drove their wild nei

mself in Phœnicia, Cilix in Cilicia. Thasos founded in Thrace a town, which he named for himself. Telephassa died, and Cadmus

eighboring spring, where they were slain by a dragon, sacred to Ares, which guarded the spring. Cadmus then went himself, and

tradition, Cadmus introduced into Greece the letters of the alphabet, which were invented by the Phœnicians. The children of

fled with her younger son, Melicertes*, to the verge of a rock, from which she sprung into the sea. The gods made them deiti

he refused to make way for them, the herald killed one of his horses, which so exasperated Œdipus, that he killed both the st

his arrival at Thebes he found the people afflicted by the Sphinx,13 which had been sent by Hera to torment them. This monst

d and he disappeared. “This legend has localized a number of phrases which described originally some phenomena of the outer

, Jocasta dies, and Œdipus tears out his eyes. “Antigone is the light which looks forth from the east when the sun sinks down

his wife should decide the question. Polynices offered her the collar which had been presented to Harmonia, if she would indu

and powerful army advanced against Thebes. A fierce battle ensued, in which the Theban leader fell by his hand. The Thebans,

precautions unavailing, he enclosed both mother and child in a chest, which he cast into the sea. It was cared for by Zeus, w

the head of Medusa*, if he desired it. The king accepted the proposal which Perseus had made rashly, and the latter was fille

, who were gray from their births, and had but one eye and one tooth, which they shared in common. They were the only ones wh

the winged shoes, the magic wallet, and the helmet of Aides (Pluto), which made its wearer invisible. Hermes contrived to ta

their petrifying visages, he turned towards them the polished shield which he bore, and looking on Medusa as she was reflect

ia, of whom he sought rest and shelter. Atlas refused the hospitality which the hero demanded, because it had been predicted

the hero demanded, because it had been predicted that his orchard, in which the trees bore golden fruit, would be robbed by a

eus was exasperated, and produced from his wallet the head of Medusa, which he held toward the king. Atlas became transformed

and limbs became huge rocks; and the head grew up into a craggy peak, which reached into the clouds. (Atlas Mountains in nort

he land with disastrous floods, but also sent a terrible sea-monster, which devoured men and beasts. The oracle of Ammon decl

s. “The golden shower in the prison of Danae is the light of morning which streams in upon the darkness of night. By the swo

of morning which streams in upon the darkness of night. By the sword which Perseus bears is meant the piercing rays of the s

he same person, and this personification has grown out of the phrases which originally described the course of the sun in its

o die when the sun rises; her sisters represent the absolute darkness which it was supposed the sun could not penetrate. “The

“The Grææ* represent the twilight or gloaming, or else the graymists which are seen at the mouth of caverns near the sea-sho

romeda. His common attributes are the winged sandals, the sickle with which he slew Medusa, and the helmet of Aides. In bodil

er written in strange characters, desiring him to avenge the crime of which the bearer was accused, by putting him to death.

t read the letter until he had hospitably received Bellerophon, after which he, too, abhorred the thought of violating the sa

his conduct, and that probably Bellerophon had been guilty of a crime which deserved death, so he decided to send him on dang

eserved death, so he decided to send him on dangerous enterprises, in which he would in all probability lose his life. He fir

ility lose his life. He first sent him to kill the Chimæra, a monster which was at that time devastating the country. It had

crifice a bull to Poseidon, and then to repair to a certain spring at which the winged steed Pegasus was wont to drink, to ap

the hero mounting him rose in the air above the reach of the monster, which he slew with his spear. Iobates then sent him on

o heaven by means of Pegasus. Zeus sent a gad-fly to sting the horse, which became so restive that his rider was precipitated

he resort of lions on account of its desolate wilderness; the middle, which was fruitful, was covered with goats, and at the

n is the rapid descent of the sun towards evening, and the plain over which he wandered is the broad expanse of somber light

n over which he wandered is the broad expanse of somber light through which the sun is sometimes seen to travel sullenly and

ying up, by means of the sun’s rays, of the furious mountain torrents which flood the cornfields.” Cox . Heracles* (Her

ed hero of antiquity, was the son of Zeus and Alcmena*. On the day on which he was to be born, Zeus announced to the gods tha

the vault of the sky the milk that fell from her breast, the marks of which form the Galaxy, or Milky Way, on which the gods

from her breast, the marks of which form the Galaxy, or Milky Way, on which the gods walk. Heracles grew up in Thebes, and wa

ry spot meditating upon what use to make of the wonderful powers with which he had been endowed by the gods. Two female figur

ue. The first exploit of Heracles was the slaying of an enormous lion which was in the habit of destroying the herds grazing

forming a helmet. His next act was to free the Thebans from a tribute which they were compelled to pay to the Minyans*, a nei

and was told that he must serve Eurystheus by performing twelve tasks which should be imposed by him, after which he would be

heus by performing twelve tasks which should be imposed by him, after which he would be made immortal. The Twelve Labors of

e Twelve Labors of Heracles. 1. The Nemean Lion. — The first task which Eurystheus imposed upon Heracles was to bring him

s imposed upon Heracles was to bring him the skin of the Nemean* lion which ravaged the country, and whose skin bade defiance

Hydra*. — The Hydra* was a monster serpent having nine heads, one of which was immortal. After driving her from her lair by

Ladon; but in order to secure her he was obliged to wound her, after which he lifted her on his shoulders and carried her th

elf before the king, and offered to cleanse in one day the stables in which there were three thousand oxen, provided he shoul

he refused to give him the stipulated reward — a breach of faith for which Heracles afterwards took terrible vengeance on th

yte, queen of the Amazons, had received from Ares a beautiful girdle, which she wore as a sign of her royal power and authori

n. The Amazons attacked Heracles and his followers, and in the battle which ensued Hippolyte was killed. The hero secured the

f his perfidy, Apollo sent a pestilence, and Poseidon, a sea-monster, which swallowed all the people that came within his rea

offered to destroy the monster if Laomedon would give him the horses which Tros had received from Zeus as a compensation for

eads, six hands, and six feet. He possessed a herd of splendid cattle which were famous for their size, beauty, and color. Th

ilous expedition, he erected the famous “Pillars of Heracles,” one of which he placed on each side of the Strait of Gibraltar

when he was overtaken by Geryon. A desperate encounter took place in which the giant perished. Heracles is then supposed to

es is then supposed to have placed the oxen in the boat of Helios, in which he recrossed the ocean, and then journeyed on foo

d by Eurystheus was to bring him the golden apples of the Hesperides, which grew on a tree presented by Gæa to Hera on her we

s guarded by four maidens called Hesperides, and by a terrible dragon which never slept. The hero was in total ignorance of t

he far west, where Atlas supported the heavens on his shoulders, near which lay the Garden of the Hesperides. On arriving at

ved in exchange that of the goat Amalthea, called the Horn of Plenty, which produced everything its owner desired. After his

is poisoned arrows. He directed Deianeira to secure some of the blood which flowed from his wound, assuring her that it would

h flowed from his wound, assuring her that it would act as a charm by which she could always retain the love of her husband.

ial robe. Hearing of the beauty of Iole, Deianeira anointed the tunic which she sent with the blood of Nessus. Heracles array

ra, full of sorrow and despair on beholding the terrible suffering of which she was the innocent cause, hanged herself. The h

tes*, happened to pass by and rendered him the service, in return for which Heracles presented him with his bow and arrows. A

In Marathon, games were celebrated in his honor every four years, at which silver cups were given as prizes. The fourth day

st complicated of all the Greek myths. It sprung from the old phrases which had spoken of the sun as toiling for so poor and

he many legends connected with his name may be traced back to phrases which spoke of the sun as born to a life of toil, as en

as sinking finally to his rest after a fierce battle with the clouds which had hindered his journey. “Darkness of night is m

at sunrise and sunset. The ‘golden apples,’ the golden-colored clouds which are grouped around the sun as he sinks in the wes

lled the ‘Tragedy of Nature’ — the battle of the sun with the clouds, which gather around him at his setting like mortal enem

, and the purple vapors rush across the sky like the streams of blood which gush from the hero’s body, while the violet-color

When he was sixteen years of age, his mother led him to the stone on which he was to try his strength. Lifting it, he took f

gth. Lifting it, he took from beneath his father’s sword and sandals, which Æthra desired him to carry to Ægeus. His early ad

ung stranger, that he was handing him a cup of poison, when the sword which he bore attracting his attention, he recognized a

their childless uncle in the government of Athens, excited a revolt, which , however, was immediately quelled by Theseus. The

ed by Theseus. Theseus resolved to perform some service for the state which should gain for him the hearts of the people. The

om her love was readily returned. She furnished him with a sword with which to encounter the Minotaur, and with a clue of thr

rd with which to encounter the Minotaur, and with a clue of thread by which he might find his way out of the labyrinth. He wa

sland of Scyros and interred them. In his honor a temple was erected, which is still standing, and serves as a museum of art.

bountiful harvest. To punish this neglect, she sent a huge wild boar, which devastated the fields of Calydon, and seemed invi

Meleager forcibly deprived Atalanta of the prize, and in the struggle which ensued Meleager killed his uncles and restored hi

d charged him to keep at a moderate height. Icarus fell into the sea, which was named for him Icarium* Mare, but Dædalus reac

. Athene and Hera assisted him to build the ship Argo, in the prow of which was placed a plank from the speaking oak of Dodon

r children of their danger, and, placing them on a golden-fleeced ram which had been given her by Hermes, and which, like the

them on a golden-fleeced ram which had been given her by Hermes, and which , like the celestial steeds, could run through the

ea). Phryxus arrived safely in Colchis. He sacrificed to Zeus the ram which had borne him thither, and suspended the skin or

s caused by the meeting of two immense rocks called the Symplegades*, which floated about in the sea, and constantly met and

ised to relinquish the Golden Fleece if Jason would perform the tasks which he should set for him. The first was to harness t

st was to harness to a plough two brazen-footed, fire-breathing bulls which Æetes had received from Hephæstus, and with them

d was to sow in it the teeth of the serpent killed by Cadmus, some of which Athene had given to Æetes; and, finally, to overc

h Athene had given to Æetes; and, finally, to overcome the armed crop which should spring up. Jason was in great perplexity w

he instant she beheld him. She promised her assistance in the dangers which threatened him, and her powerful help in accompli

her. Jason took the required oath, and Medea gave him a magic salve, which possessed the property of rendering any person an

tructed him to also anoint his spear and shield, and gave him a stone which he was to cast among the warriors that would spri

ude of people. The bulls rushed upon him, but the powerful charm with which Medea had armed him suddenly made them tame and o

ng Jason to put them to the plough, and quietly made the furrows into which he sowed the dragon’s teeth. Armed men sprung up,

h their slain bodies. Æetes not only refused to give Jason the Fleece which he had so bravely earned, but he determined to de

ve. The tall oak-tree was soon discovered, from the topmost boughs of which hung the Golden Fleece. At the foot of this tree,

etly approaching the monster, threw over him a few drops of a potion, which soon took effect and lulled him to sleep, whereup

k being now accomplished, Jason and Medea hastened on board the Argo, which immediately put to sea. Æetes soon discovered the

, they were assailed by a storm, and a voice was heard from the plank which had been taken from the speaking oak of Dodona, “

urified, but she severely reprimanded them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty. The Argo at length arrived

used the death of Creusa. Medea then murdered her two children, after which she fled to Athens in her chariot drawn by winged

cessful, and gained advantage over Hector himself. A strife followed, which would have ended in bloodshed but for the appeara

retended friendship of the others might change to hatred and revenge, which might be dangerous to him. At length Odysseus* (U

ng to overthrow the city of Troy. A powerful army was collected, from which few names of note were missing. Only in the case

the infant Telemachus to be laid before the plough, and the manner in which the father hastened to remove the child convinced

, and thereby rendered him invulnerable, except in the right heel, by which she held him. Calchas*, the soothsayer, had decla

d displayed before the queen and her maidens various ornaments, among which he had placed some arms. By the order of Ulysses,

of all the Greek princes. The army offered a solemn sacrifice, during which a serpent appeared and devoured nine little birds

l a hind sacred to Artemis, who, in her anger, sent continuous calms, which prevented the fleet from Setting sail. Calchas, o

lles desired to make her his wife. Rejoicing at the brilliant destiny which awaited her beautiful daughter, the mother obeyed

Here, Philoctetes*, who possessed the bow and arrows of Heracles, on which the conquest of Troy depended, was bitten on the

e Greeks then succeeded in effecting a landing, and in the engagement which ensued the Trojans were signally defeated, and dr

lves to making plundering excursions into the surrounding country, in which Achilles was always the most prominent actor. The

e combat between Achilles and Troilus*, the youngest son of Priam, in which Troilus was slain, and by the death of Palamedes,

of Priam, in which Troilus was slain, and by the death of Palamedes, which was caused by the treachery of Ulysses. The Wr

d the sparks and cinders of his funeral pyre to be turned into birds, which fight continually over the tomb of Memnon.15 Eos

assault on the Scæan gate, Achilles was killed by an arrow of Paris, which was directed by Apollo. A furious contest, lastin

d was then healed by Machaon*, a son of Æsculapius*. In an engagement which took place soon after, he mortally wounded Paris.

Diomedes accomplished the perilous task of stealing the Palladium, on which the safety of the city depended. Ulysses then dev

d. Ulysses then devised the celebrated wooden horse and the stratagem which led to the capture of the city. In the horse, whi

and the stratagem which led to the capture of the city. In the horse, which was built by the sculptor Epeus*, one hundred cho

o view the site of the Greek encampment. They found the wooden horse, which they examined with curiosity. The crafty Odysseus

eir country. In consequence of the acts of desecration and cruelty of which they had been guilty during the destruction of Tr

during the destruction of Troy, the wrath of the gods was roused, for which reason their homeward voyage was beset with manif

ing Cape Malea, in Laconia, he encountered a violent north-east wind, which drove him along the sea till he reached the land

rying with them a jar of wine. Near the shore they found a vast cave, which they entered. They found it stored with quantitie

and was about to slay the giant when he remembered that the rock with which the cave was closed was far beyond their power to

o allow Odysseus to be the last to be devoured. He asked his name, to which Odysseus replied, “Outis” (Noman). After his supp

n Odysseus and his companions thrust into the fire the end of a stake which they had already sharpened. When it was red hot,

and following the direction of the voice, hurled it towards the ship, which narrowly escaped destruction. Odysseus next arriv

departure gave Odysseus a leather bag tied with a silver string, into which he had placed all the contrary winds, and then, h

ep. His comrades, thinking Æolus had given hira a treasure in the bag which he so sedulously guarded, seized this opportunity

ips completely in their power they attacked them, hurling huge rocks, which sunk eleven of the ships with all on board. Odyss

ality they might find. They soon came to a magnificent marble palace, which was situated in a charming and fertile valley. He

ess Circe. The entrance to her abode was guarded by wolves and lions, which , however, to the great surprise of the strangers,

s as before. When Odysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had befallen his companions, he resolved to make

e up from the yawning gulf, eager to quaff the blood of the sacrifice which would restore to them for a time their mental vig

was changed into a snaky monster by Circe. She had six heads, each of which took a man out of every ship that passed. It was

ybdis had been an avaricious woman, and was changed into a whirlpool, which three times a day absorbed and regorged the water

at what they had done, especially on account of the portentous signs which followed. The skins crept on the ground, and the

o had blinded and insulted his son, caused a tempest to arise, during which the raft was destroyed. He floated about for two

come down to the shore, accompanied by her maidens, to wash the linen which was to form part of her marriage portion. When th

had finished their task, they bathed and sat down to a repast, after which they amused themselves with singing and playing b

e of his own ships. The voyage was a short and prosperous one, during which Odysseus lay in a deep sleep. When the vessel arr

time she touched him and gave him the appearance of vigorous manhood, which belonged to him. Telemachus viewed him with aston

uryclea*, his old nurse, was bathing his feet, her eye fell on a scar which Odysseus had received in his youth, and instantly

him. The next day Penelope brought into the hall the bow of Odysseus, which he had used in former times, and declared that sh

ho could bend this bow and send an arrow through twelve rings (a feat which she had seen Odysseus perform.) All the suitors t

hamber. This bed had been made by Odysseus himself from an ohve-tree, which was still rooted in the ground, and around it he

death. They took up arms and followed the hero. A conflict ensued, in which Eupithes was slain by Laertes. Athene, under the

Odysseus, or Ulysses, and his companions, had their origin in phrases which described the general phenomena of daytime from t

he sea (Poseidon), and the storm-cloud (Thoösa). The shapeless vapors which arise from the waters, and through which, like a

hoösa). The shapeless vapors which arise from the waters, and through which , like a huge eye, the sun sheds a sickly light, a

nge and gigantic forms. “‘The Sirens,’ the soft and treacherous calms which tempt the mariner to his ruin. “‘Cattle of Helios

the fleecy clouds. “‘Cave of Calypso,’ the bright and beautiful night which veils the sun from mortal eyes. “‘Phæacian land,’

n darts his ray through the cloud-rift, and scatters the heavy vapors which had gathered round the dawn-hght. “‘Penelope’ is

l the following summer. During this time they constructed a fleet, in which such of the Trojans who were willing to go in sea

eas. I am your kinsman Polydore, here murdered with many arrows, from which a bush has grown, nourished with my blood.” Æneas

. The king to whom he was sent murdered him, and seized the treasures which had been sent with him. Æneas and his companions

ses remembered a tradition that their forefathers came from Crete, to which place they accordingly steered. They began to bui

ut delay, but they were driven by a storm to the Strophades*, islands which were then the abode of the Harpies. They saw herd

were then the abode of the Harpies. They saw herds of cattle, some of which they slew, and prepared for a feast. But no soone

ound a city till famine should have forced them to eat the tables off which they fed. The adventurers next came to Epirus, an

ptune) stilled the tempest, and the Trojans sought the nearest shore, which was the coast of Africa, where Dido* was then bui

und that the Trojans had really departed, she ascended a funeral pyre which she had previously had constructed, and slew hers

men, the aged men, and all that were likely to be useless in the wars which awaited him. The Trojans re-embarked, and at last

had directed Æneas to consult. She foretold labors and perils through which he was destined to make his way to final success.

ask. The Sibyl told him to seek in the adjoining forest for a tree on which grew a golden bough. This branch was to be borne

l entered the dark descent, and proceeded to the river Acheron*, over which they were ferried by Charon*. They encountered th

countered the dog Cerberus, but the Sibyl threw him a medicated cake, which he devoured, and then fell asleep. After seeing m

t meadow, Æneas found the shade of Anchises, who showed him the souls which were destined to return to earth and become the f

, battles fought, a bride to be won, and a Trojan state founded, from which should rise the Roman power to be in time the sov

of King Latinus. A javelin from the hand of Iulus wounded the animal, which at once ran homewards and died at the feet of its

immortality of the soul. Poseidon, or Neptune, personified the forces which affect the movements of the sea. Pallas Athene, o

d grace and beauty. Horæ, or Seasons, personified the regularity with which the changes of the seasons occur. Nemesis personi

e Greek myths, those of the Egyptians had their foundation in phrases which described the sights and objects of the outer wor

e Egyptian priests was grafted, in process of ages, on simpler myths, which corresponded essentially to the phrases which lie

ages, on simpler myths, which corresponded essentially to the phrases which lie at the root of Hindu, Greek, and Teutonic myt

on of the good into the eternal Deity. “God created his own members, which are the gods” they said; and so out of one God gr

ator, was chief; his symbol was the Scarabæus, or beetle, an image of which was placed over the heart of every mummy. Pthah w

thah was father of Ra, the sun-god. Ra was, in the mystic sense, that which is to-day, the existing present; the hawk was his

ith*, wife of Pthah, was the goddess of wisdom; she was the night sky which induces reflection. Maut, the Mother Goddess, wa

temple of surpassing magnificence was erected in his honor at Philoe, which became ever after the great burial-place of the n

came ever after the great burial-place of the nation, and the spot to which pilgrimages were made from all parts of the count

Osiris was supposed to exist in some way in the sacred bull Apis*, of which Serapis* is probably another name. Herodotus* say

by violence, the whole land was filled with sorrow and lamentations, which lasted until his successor was found. A new Apis

ed bull Apis gave answers to those who consulted him by the manner in which he received or rejected what was presented to him

and perilous journeys in the under-world. Instructions were given by which it could vanquish the frightful monsters that con

rable inferior ones, each town and city having its own local deities, which elsewhere received little respect. Good and evil

observances. (See Jonah iii. 5-9.) The stone, clay, and metal images which adorned the temple shrines of Assyria and Babylon

the founder of their religion, or rather the reformer of the religion which preceded him. His system became the dominant reli

learning of the Magi was connected with astrology and enchantment, in which they were so celebrated that their name was appli

onesty, and conciliatory manners. They have numerous temples to Fire, which they adore as the symbol of the divinity. “The Pe

Iran* (Persia) earlier than 1500 b. c. By mixing with the dark races which inhabited the country, the fair-skinned invaders

in fancy and exalted poetry, and embalms the remains of that language which was nearest the speech of our Aryan forefathers.

f the Persians, Greeks, Latins, Romans, and other races. The names by which the Greeks denoted different gods and heroes are

ferent gods and heroes are in the Vedas mere epithets, the meaning of which cannot be mistaken; and the most complicated lege

e most complicated legends can be traced to their germ in some phrase which , in these most ancient of all poems, simply descr

are Varuna*, Agni*, and Indra*. By Varuna was meant the broad heaven which is spread over and veils the earth. Many of the h

me God, and Uranus lost his importance. Agni was a name for the fire which , when the fuel is kindled, steps forth like a war

, as Python* is pierced by that of Apollo. As such he is called Ahi*, which is the same as the Greek Echidna* and the Latin w

aters, to have shown the way to many, to have first known the path on which our fathers crossed over.” In the Vedic hymns, t

vatars will not exceed ten. Kalki is the name of the tenth Avatar, in which Vishnu will appear at the end of the present age

tory grew up that the sun, offering up a sacrifice, cut off his hand, which was replaced by a golden one. Manu is a wise law

or thinker. The worshipers of Vishnu and Siva form two sects, each of which proclaims the superiority of its favorite deity,

high, moving on wheels. Six long chains are attached to the tower, by which the people draw it along. The priests and their a

n in India had the effect of entirely abolishing it in the country in which it had originated, and of spreading it in the adj

Northern Europe, like those of the Greeks, had their germ in phrases which described the sights and sounds of the material w

d. The Scandinavian mythology has none of the grace and poetic beauty which characterizes the fables of Greece and Rome. The

or earth beneath, but only a bottomless deep, and a world of mist in which flowed a fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this

nd melted the ice. The vapors rose in the air and formed clouds, from which sprung Ymir*, the Frost giant, and his progeny, a

nking, and fighting. They feasted on the flesh of the boar Schrimnir, which was cooked every day, and became whole again ever

The goat Heidrun* supplied them with never-failing draughts of mead, which they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered e

ull armor, their shields and helmets shed a strange flickering light, which flashed up over the northern skies. This light wa

troyed. The Eddas give a wild description of the last battle-field on which the prowess of good and evil shall contend, and o

tle-field on which the prowess of good and evil shall contend, and on which all are doomed to perish. When all are slain, the

t struggle of life and death is described in the tale of the Volsung, which was afterwards remodeled in the great epic poem c

iled on the glistening heath. Sigurd became possessed of the treasure which lay within his mighty folds, and by eating his he

t of mortal men. Going on his way he came to a heath, in the midst of which a fierce flame surrounded a house in which the fa

o a heath, in the midst of which a fierce flame surrounded a house in which the fair maiden, Brynhild, lay asleep. Sigurd rod

s taught the existence of one God, to whom they gave a name, “Be’al,” which is believed to have meant, “the life of everythin

e account of the Eisteddfode, or sessions of the bards and minstrels, which were held in Wales for many centuries, long after

eading oak. In the centre of the circle stood the Cromlech, or altar, which was a large stone placed as a table upon other st

hey offered human sacrifices. Cæsar gives an account of the manner in which this was done. “They have images of immense size,

which this was done. “They have images of immense size, the limbs of which are framed with twisted twigs and filled with liv

uperstitious usages, especially the kindling of the sacred fire, from which the fires in the district — which had all been ex

e kindling of the sacred fire, from which the fires in the district —  which had all been extinguished — might be relighted. T

o the sixth day of the moon. On the latter they sought the mistletoe, which grew on their favorite tree, the oak. The discove

solemn worship. Pliny says, “They call it by a word in their language which means ‘heal-all,’ and having made solemn preparat

mistletoe with a golden sickle. It is caught in a white mantle, after which they proceed to slay the victims, at the same tim

prosperous to those to whom He has given it. They drink the water in which it has been infused, and think it a remedy for al

Personification lies at the foundation of all myths. Many expressions which seem grossly materialistic were intended to conve

nded to convey to the mind the self-renewing power of life in nature, which is exemplified in the sowing of the seed and the

ed the face of the earth. On this infinite ocean floated a raft, upon which were many species of animals, the captain and chi

ef of whom was Michabo, the Great Hare. They ardently desired land on which to live; so this mighty hare ordered the beaver t

ey became tree trunks, and he then transfixed them with other arrows, which became branches. It was said that he married the

e to him, and they were the ancestors of the various races of mankind which people the earth. “Having closely watched the spi

he east. Michabo was a personification of the solar life-giving power which daily comes forth from its home in the east, maki

joice. The name Michabo is compounded of “michi,” great, and “wabos,” which means both “hare” and “white.” So that Michabo is

the other four have no visible shape, but are indeed the four winds, which keep the four corners of the earth.” We thus see

t, and the original number was increased to five. “The morning star, which at certain seasons heralds the dawn, was sacred t

his medicine-lodge, or passing his time fishing in the endless ocean, which , on every side, surrounds the land, Michabo sends

o sends forth his messengers, who, in the myth, are called Gijigouai, which means ‘those who make the day,’ and they light th

who pointed out to the ancestors of the Indians the roots and plants which are fit for food, and which are of value as medic

stors of the Indians the roots and plants which are fit for food, and which are of value as medicine; he gave them fire, and

myth of the Iroquois represents this earth as covered with water, in which dwelt aquatic animals. The heavens were far above

fered her his broad back as a resting-place, until, from a little mud which was brought to her by some animal, she, by magic

rought to her by some animal, she, by magic power, formed dry land on which to reside. In this tradition appear twin brothers

er of Ataensic. The names of the brothers were Ioskeha and Tawiskara, which signified the White One and the Dark One. Ioskeha

gnified the White One and the Dark One. Ioskeha went about the earth, which was arid, and called forth the springs and lakes,

formed the brooks and rivers. But Tawiskara created an immense frog, which swallowed all the water, and left the earth as dr

ad divided the earth between them. He soon came to the gigantic frog, which he pierced in the side, and the waters flowed out

of the story is that the sun rises daily out of the boundless waters which are supposed to surround the land, preceded by th

posed to surround the land, preceded by the dawn (the virgin mother), which fades as soon as the sun has risen.” Brinton .

latives as he would buy a cow, could never have originated legends in which maidens are lovingly solicited, or in which their

ave originated legends in which maidens are lovingly solicited, or in which their favor is won by the performance of deeds of

valor. These stories owe their existence to the romantic turn of mind which has always characterized the Aryan, whose civiliz

could not be found, as in shipwreck, an empty tomb was erected, over which the usual rites were performed. 5. Cerberus, in

es*, the god of silence, whence it is supposed originated the custom, which prevailed among the northern nations of Europe, o

upper end of their tables when it was intended that the conversation which took place should be secret, and it was this cust

e banks of the river Nile, in Egypt, are two colossal statues, one of which is said to be the statue of Memnon. Ancient write

tue, and discovered it to be hollow, and that “in the lap is a stone, which , on being struck, emits a metallic sound, that mi

eived with much favor by both teachers and pupils. Even in that form, which subjected them to the inconvenience of long dicta

the revision of an eminent classical scholar. Mythology is a subject which needs to be treated with peculiar care; and text-

senting dangerous images to the youthful mind. It was this difficulty which first led to the preparation of the present work.

dered most judicious to present the classic fables in their simplest, which is also their most poetic form, giving the allego

he historical myths, or the narratives of gods, demigods, and heroes, which were current among the heathen in ancient times.

had one common origin. To trace these analogies, and the developments which gave rise to so great a diversity, is the provinc

uits, libations of milk, honey, and wine; also sacrifices of animals, which were either partaken of by the votaries or consum

f Scandinavian mythology. There are passages in the early Greek poets which show clearly a belief in the unity of God. In the

inities and their entire system of religion. They shared a tradition, which seems to have been universal, of a time of primev

sublime abode reposing in eternal sunshine, and free from the storms which vexed the lower world. A gate of clouds, guarded

ication of the Greek and Roman divinities. According to one division, which we will follow, the Celestial gods were: Jupiter,

, according to some, by the priestesses of Cybele [Cyb′ele]. The goat which suckled him was placed afterwards amongst the con

and innocent. It is hard to reconcile this character with the fables which ascribe to this god actions in the last degree ba

lunged into the sea, and carried her to the unknown shores of Europe, which was named from her. Ques. On what was the story

at he should do. He was directed by the god to follow a young heifer, which he would meet in the fields, and to mark the plac

f Cadmus, in searching for water, had entered a grove sacred to Mars, which was guarded by a mighty dragon. On perceiving him

used to vengeance, attacked the monster. A terrible combat ensued, in which Cadmus, through the assistance of Minerva, was vi

orious. As he gazed upon his expiring foe, he heard a frightful voice which threatened him with the vengeance of the god whos

rmed men immediately sprung up. Cadmus threw a stone among them, upon which they turned their weapons against one another, an

This god was, with his twin-sister Diana, born at Delos, an island in which Latona had taken refuge from the anger of Juno. T

d deeply for the youth, and caused a flower to spring from his blood, which is called the hyacinth. Cyparissus [Cyparis′sus]

he god heard his prayer and changed him to a cypress, the branches of which tree were always used at funerals. After many adv

ician, but flayed him alive, and afterwards changed him into a river, which is still known by his name. The punishment inflic

e to declare his preference for the vulgar music of Pan, in a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caus

ered it to the earth. What was his dismay at hearing the hollow reeds which grew upon the spot, whispering, whenever the wind

bathe in the river Pactolus [Pac′tolus]. Midas obeyed, but the virtue which left his body was communicated to the waters of t

tue which left his body was communicated to the waters of the stream, which was famous ever after for its golden sands. Ques

Anger and Clamor follow in his train. Fear and Terror are the horses which draw the chariot. Ques. What animals were sacred

e carcasses of the slain; and the cock, as an emblem of the vigilance which guards against surprise. Ques. What other names

ing to admit within the walls. A pillar stood before the temple, over which the herald cast a spear when he proclaimed war. T

ar. The priests of Bellona, when officiating, held naked swords, with which they gashed their arms and shoulders, making liba

fixed to his helmet and his sandals, and carrying a rod in his hand, which is also winged, and entwined with serpents. Ques

hip of Argus. Escape seemed hopeless, as Argus had a hundred eyes, of which he closed only two in sleep, while the others wat

the fields, and at all cross roads. The Greeks had pillars of stone, which they called Hermæ, but the head which surmounted

he Greeks had pillars of stone, which they called Hermæ, but the head which surmounted them was not always that of Mercury. T

man, and persuaded her to ask Jupiter to visit her with all the glory which encompassed him in heaven. All happened as Juno d

l happened as Juno desired, and Semele was consumed by the lightnings which surrounded Jupiter. Bacchus did not share his mot

he mother of Pentheus, and her sisters, were the leaders in this act, which was considered to have been performed under a div

rmed by the power of Bacchus into bats; and the spindle and yarn with which they worked were changed to ivy. Ques. Relate th

holds a lance in her right hand, and her left rests upon a shield to which is affixed the head of Medusa. The cock and the o

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

ead, the blood fell upon the burning sands, and produced the serpents which have ever since infested that region. From the bl

s with a poetic spirit. Perseus went through many other adventures in which Medusa’s head did him good service, by changing h

etly, when all were assembled, and threw among them a golden apple on which was written: “For the fairest.” A violent quarrel

he had grown up, he acquired a great reputation for the prudence with which he settled the most difficult disputes; hence the

as wounded by a thorn, and some drops of blood fell upon that flower, which then assumed its present crimson hue. Ques. Who

She was afterwards reconciled to Cephalus, and gave him two presents which she had received from Diana. These were, a dog th

ana. These were, a dog that was always sure of its prey, and an arrow which never missed its aim, and returned immediately to

tling among the leaves. Cephalus immediately threw his unerring dart, which returned to his hand stained with the blood of hi

sparks, as they rose from the funeral pyre, were changed into birds, which divided into two flocks, and fought together unti

nsoled for the loss of her son; she mourns unceasingly, and the drops which sparkle in the morning on the grass and flowers a

s which sparkle in the morning on the grass and flowers are the tears which the goddess continues to shed during the long hou

nd for what is it remarkable? Ans. It is one of two colossal figures which are directly opposite the great temple of Luxor.

for such a belief? Ans. It appeared quite certain that the sounds of which we have spoken, were really heard from this statu

from this statue at sunrise; the only question is as to the means by which they were produced. The Colossus, although in a s

sitting posture, measures fifty-two feet in height, and the throne on which it rests is thirty feet long and eighteen broad.

nt English traveller. He discovered in the lap of the statue a stone, which , on being struck, emits a metallic sound. There i

Sphinx, has been mutilated by the Arabs; the positions of the figures which are yet uninjured show that the whole must have p

ented? Ans. Saturn is represented as an old man armed with a scythe, which signifies that time mows down everything in its c

ws down everything in its course; and he holds in his hands an infant which he is about to devour, because time destroys all

om, and that part of the country was called Latium, from a Latin word which meant to hide; it was sometimes also called Satur

ere offered to Saturn? Ans. He was worshipped with human sacrifices, which seems strange when we consider that he was so mil

s found Cæculus, when an infant, lying unhurt in a glowing fire, from which circumstance he was supposed to be the son of Vul

directed by the sound of their voices, hurled a rock into the sea, by which their vessel was almost swamped. Warned by this d

es, he made for Alcinoüs, king of the Phæacians, gold and silver dogs which guarded his house. To Minos, king of Crete, he ga

the Romans at the entrance of their houses; hence the word vestibule, which we still use. Ques. How is Vesta usually represe

were sometimes cruelly punished, and if any Virgin infringed the rule which forbade her to marry, she was buried alive; being

n of the earth. She is goddess, not of cities only, but of all things which the earth contains. She was the daughter of Cœlum

e wears a turreted crown, and is clothed in a many-colored mantle, on which are represented the figures of various animals. I

son. Cybele is always represented with the dignified and matronly air which distinguishes Juno and Ceres. Ques. How was she

rly celebrated. Her statue in this temple was simply a large aerolite which had fallen in the vicinity, and was regarded by t

t connected with the arrival of the image of Cybele in Rome. The ship which bore the sacred stone was stranded on a shoal in

ountain Cyane [Cy′ane] with his trident, he opened a passage, through which he descended with his prize. Ceres, ignorant of w

hout having been regularly initiated. Disclosures were made, however, which seem to prove that the person to be initiated was

low and punish guilty men. She had wings, but generally went on foot, which signifies that the punishment of crime, although

s had brought with them a great block of Parian marble for the trophy which they intended to erect in honor of their expected

een Phidias, afterwards carved from it a beautiful statue of Nemesis, which was placed in the temple of Rhamnus. A fragment w

temple of Rhamnus. A fragment was found in the ruins of this edifice, which is supposed to be the head of this statue; and ha

hese goddesses, promising to choose from among the nine images, those which they should consider the most beautiful. When the

d a crooked staff, and in the other a pipe of uneven reeds. The music which he made on this rude instrument was so sweet as t

d in disorder. Hence it comes that any sudden and unreasonable terror which spreads through an assemblage of persons, particu

t she prayed the water-nymphs to help her, and change her into reeds, which they did. Pan saw the transformation, and was muc

s to be a person, but only used the name as another term for justice, which forbids any one to trespass on another’s boundari

by the Christian emblem, and the custom of erecting wayside crosses, which became afterwards almost universal, is said to da

y has furnished the subject of a very beautiful group of statuary, in which Niobe is represented as vainly endeavoring to she

o this magnificent building. This event took place on the very day on which Alexander the Great was born. The temple was but

f Santa Sophia, in Constantinople, rests upon pillars of green jasper which were removed from the temple of Diana by order of

pillars of the great church of Pisa were also taken from this temple, which has been so completely destroyed that the exact s

ed among the trees, were called Dryades [Dry′ades], from a Greek word which means an oak; the Hamadryades [Hamadry′ades] were

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

f speech, that she could only repeat the last words of every sentence which she heard. Echo loved the youth Narcissus, and se

rcus? Ans. He was vanquished by Atlas, and drowned in the sea; after which the people worshipped him as a god. There was ano

ns with wax, and had himself firmly bound to the mast of the ship, by which means he passed the fatal coasts in safety. Orphe

e or other animals. Ulysses escaped by throwing an herb into the cup, which rendered it powerless; he then rushed upon the so

upon it. Over against this rock is the whirlpool of Charybdis, about which the poets relate a similar fable. They say that C

truck her dead with a thunderbolt, and changed her into the whirlpool which bears her name. The ancients placed Scylla and Ch

he entrance to the infernal regions was by a wide, dark cave, through which the departed souls were obliged to pass; they nex

Furies an emblem? Ans. Of the evil passions of men, and the remorse which torments the wicked. When the ancients said of a

vered nine acres. A frightful vulture fed continually upon his liver, which grew as fast as it was consumed, that his punishm

nce Jupiter cast him down into hell, where he was fastened to a wheel which revolved continually. Ques. Who was Sisyphus [Si

? Ans. He was the son of Jupiter. He invited the gods to a feast, at which he served up the flesh of his son Pelops to try t

re called. They all murdered their husbands on the wedding night, for which crime they are obliged to draw water from a deep

was probably a wicked and cruel prince. There were also the Harpies, which had the faces of women and the bodies of birds.

dies of birds. Ques. What was the Chimæra? Ans. A fabulous monster, which vomited fire. It had the head and breast of a lio

able? Ans. Poets thus described a volcano in Lycia, on the summit of which were lions; in the middle was pasture-land freque

nd was therefore said to have killed the Chimæra. At present anything which is quite imaginary is called a Chimæra. Ques. Wh

il some one should solve the riddle that the Sphinx had proposed, and which she had learned from the Muses. The question was

d learned from the Muses. The question was this: “What animal is that which goes on four feet in the morning, on two at noon,

ck. Formerly, little was visible save the head and neck, but the sand which has been gathering around it for so many centurie

in detestation. Ques. What was the Phœnix? Ans. A fabulous bird of which there never existed more than one at the same tim

ge of five hundred years, it built a funeral pile of odorous wood, on which it was consumed. A new Phœnix also immediately ar

first care of the young bird was to collect the ashes of its parent, which it carried, enclosed in myrrh, to the temple of t

]? Ans. This name was given to a certain class of household deities, which were worshipped by the Romans in the penetralia,

om was condemned by the laws of the Twelve Tables. Besides the spirit which watched over the family, each individual was supp

s of wool, and heads of garlic and poppy, in place of the human heads which had been formerly offered. The ordinary altar of

ifteen, put off his childish dress, and consecrated the golden bulla, which he had worn around his neck from infancy, to the

gs truth to light. Fides, or Fidelity, had a temple near the Capitol, which was said to have been founded by Numa Pompilius.

s purpose, she built, in the Via Longa, a temple similar to that from which she had been expelled, and dedicated it likewise

Yes, the ancients worshipped under this name, a certain unseen power which was supposed to exercise a supreme dominion over

berty was honored as a divinity. Her emblem was the peculiar cap with which we are familiar from the representations on our o

rected to Calumny at Athens. Apelles drew an allegorical picture, in which the odious features of this Vice were strikingly

f Apollo at Delphi. The oracle told him that he must obey Eurystheus, which he accordingly did. Hercules had been carefully i

Ans. They are briefly as follows: First. He killed a terrible lion which raged in the Nemean [Nemean] forest. Hercules is

sented as clothed in the skin of this animal, and leaning on the club which was his ordinary weapon. Second. He destroyed th

weapon. Second. He destroyed the Hydra, a serpent with fifty heads, which lived in the marshes of Lerna, and ravaged the su

n a brazen apartment of his palace. Fourth. He caught, after a chase which lasted an entire year, a famous stag which was sa

. He caught, after a chase which lasted an entire year, a famous stag which was sacred to Diana. It had golden horns and braz

rove away from Lake Stymphalus [Stympha′lus], certain voracious birds which fed on human flesh. Sixth. He defeated the Amazo

d oxen had been kept thirty years in the stables of Augeas [Au′geas], which had never been cleaned during the entire period.

during the entire period. Hercules was required to perform this task, which he effected by turning the course of a river thro

d three bodies. Hercules brought into Italy the oxen of this monster, which were accustomed to feed on human flesh. Eleventh

to Jupiter for aid. The god sent down a shower of great stones, with which Hercules put the giants to flight. Ques. Relate

ffection, she could secure his constancy by making him wear a garment which had been sprinkled with this potion. The credulou

inkled with this potion. The credulous Deianira accepted the philter, which was nothing else but the venom of the hydra which

cepted the philter, which was nothing else but the venom of the hydra which had been infused into the Centaur’s blood; and it

began to work, and Hercules endeavored in vain to tear off the tunic, which clung to his flesh and consumed even the marrow o

ummit of Mount Œta, where he erected a funeral pyre with forest trees which he tore up by the roots. On this he laid the skin

n this he laid the skin of the Nemean lion and his famous club, after which he ascended the pile and directed his followers t

service. While the pyre was blazing, Jupiter sent a thunder-cloud, in which Hercules was conveyed to Olympus. Here he was end

a on this ram. Helle became terrified, and was drowned in the straits which are called from her, Hellespont. Phryxus arrived

rpheus, Castor and Pollux, went on board a ship called the Argo, from which circumstance they were called Argonauts [Ar′gonau

nauts [Ar′gonauts]. On arriving at Colchis, they demanded the fleece, which the king, Æetes, promised to Jason on condition t

ying with him Medea, whom he married, in fulfilment of the engagement which he had made. Ques. What else is related of Medea

ut in vain; and the tribute ship departed as usual under black sails, which Theseus promised his father to change for white,

lved to save his life. For this purpose she gave him a ball of thread which she directed him to attach to the entrance of the

ed to Bacchus, who gave her a crown composed of seven stars, the same which we admire in the heavens as the Corona Borealis,

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

nides. He formed a man out of clay, and gave it life by means of fire which he stole from heaven. Ques. What pretty fable is

at he sent Pandora [Pando′ra] to Prometheus with a mysterious box, in which were imprisoned all the evils which have since af

metheus with a mysterious box, in which were imprisoned all the evils which have since afflicted the human race. Prometheus,

rometheus, suspecting something wrong, refused to touch the box, upon which Pandora carried it to his brother Epimetheus. He

ess cautious, and opening the casket, set free the evils and miseries which flew abroad through the world. When he saw what h

he saw what he had done, he shut the box quickly, and prevented Hope, which was lying at the bottom, from escaping also. This

ain him to a rock on Mount Caucasus; there an eagle fed on his liver, which was continually renewed. Prometheus had, at one t

acchus, by the Thracian women, who were incensed at the coldness with which he had treated them. After tearing him to pieces,

t solicitations of Periander, who warned him in vain of the danger to which he might be exposed. After some time spent in Ita

ad so well deserved. This event was commemorated by a statue of brass which was consecrated at Tænarus. It represented a man

of Antiope [Anti′ope] and Jupiter. He obtained the kingdom of Thebes, which he governed conjointly with his twin-brother Zeth

music; he was instructed by Mercury, who gave him a golden lyre with which he is said to have built the walls of Thebes, cau

g, repulsed him harshly. This conduct brought upon Atlas the calamity which he feared; for Perseus, indignant at so much inhu

ity, showed him the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears his name. The fable, that Atlas sustained t

motion of the heavenly bodies from the summit of a lofty mountain, to which his name was afterwards given. Ques. Who were th

Pleiades; they were changed into stars, and form the beautiful group which we admire in the constellation Taurus. Atlas had

he head of Taurus, and were called by the Greeks, Hyades, from a word which signifies “to rain.” The Hesperides, or Western M

ong these, Juno most admired some branches loaded with golden apples, which were offered by the goddess of the Earth. She beg

dess of the Earth. She begged the Earth to plant them in her gardens, which extended as far as Mount Atlas. The Hesperides we

to sting him. The hero was changed, after death, into a constellation which is known as the most resplendent group in the win

possibility of such an event, he imprisoned her in a brazen apartment which he had diligently guarded. Jupiter had seen and a

und means to visit her by transforming himself into a shower of gold, which we may take for a poetical manner of saying that

d been of no avail, he enclosed Danaë and her infant son in a coffer, which he cast into the sea. The coffer was carried by t

on Minerva. It was followed by the rescue of Andromeda [Androm′eda], which is too remarkable to be omitted. Ques. Who was A

den and resolved to rescue her. He asked her hand as his only reward, which Cepheus readily promised. When the sea-monster ap

, Perseus showed him the head of Medusa, and changed him into a rock, which was long famous upon that coast. Phineus, who had

friends to avert their eyes, and displayed the frightful trophy, upon which Phineus and his followers were changed into stone

s and his followers were changed into stone, in the very attitudes in which they fought. Polydectes, who had persecuted Danaë

us, and Cassiopeia were changed, after death, into the constellations which bear their names. Chapter XXXI. Belleropho

-law, Jobates [Joba′tes], king of the Lycians, with sealed letters in which he requested that prince to put the bearer to dea

sed upon the hero, was the slaying of the Chimæra, a fabulous monster which we have already described, and which was then spr

the Chimæra, a fabulous monster which we have already described, and which was then spreading terror through the kingdom of

und the bridle in his hand, and repaired immediately to the spring at which Pegasus was accustomed to drink. The winged steed

heaven on his winged steed; Jupiter was indignant, and sent a gad-fly which stung the horse, and caused him to throw the pres

and his wife, Pyrrha, were saved. When the waters abated, the ship in which they were carried rested upon Mount Parnassus, an

es of their Great Mother. Understanding by this expression the earth, which is the common mother of all, they gathered stones

on the earth, which is the common mother of all, they gathered stones which they cast behind them, as they had been commanded

the Acropolis. Perdix was transformed into a partridge, a timid bird which seems still mindful of its fall, and keeps to low

this purpose, he made wings for himself and his son Icarus [Ic′arus], which were so skilfully contrived, that, by their aid,

ructions, and approached so near the sun that its heat melted the wax which united the feathers of his wings. He could no lon

ings. He could no longer sustain himself, and was drowned in that sea which is called Icarian, from his name. Dædalus arrived

acle of Claros. Halcyone was apprised of the sad event in a dream, in which she saw her husband stand before her, with pallid

eriod of bright and tranquil happiness. The only bird of modern times which at all resembles the halcyon described by Pliny a

, and has no connection with calm weather. The large sponge-like ball which was taken by the ancients for the floating nest o

ning on the hearth. Althea immediately seized and quenched the brand, which she secured in an oaken chest. Meleager had alrea

tes had decreed that it should not be taken, so long as a purple lock which grew on the head of Nisus, remained uncut. Scylla

r of this prince, admired the majestic person of Minos, and the valor which he displayed. Believing that he would reward her

er of the gods. There stood in a grove sacred to Ceres, a stately oak which overtopped the trees around as they did the garde

oice from the Dryad dwelling in the oak, warned him of the punishment which awaited his impiety. Erisichthon persisted in his

pleased to find that he had still both his daughter and the money for which he had sold her. He again resorted to this base e

ing to this poet is involved in obscurity. The two biographies of him which were formerly attributed to Herodotus and Plutarc

egarding Homer’s parentage, his birth-place, or even the exact era in which he lived. Seven cities contended for the honor of

e, however, of the Æolic, and other forms. With regard to the time in which Homer lived, there is much difference of opinion

ealthy man named Mentor, who related to him the traditionary tales on which he afterwards founded the Odyssey. Becoming total

distinguished not only for his sublimity, but for the high moral tone which pervades his works. Ques. Who was Hesiod? Ans.

onsiderable estate. Of this he was deprived during the civil troubles which distracted Italy, but it was afterwards restored

iptions. The moral, and even to a certain extent the religious spirit which pervades his writings is beyond praise, and place

ship, but plunged without restraint into all the vices and follies of which the Roman capital was the centre. This career of

vident, therefore, that he must have offended Augustus in some manner which the latter did not choose to make public. Ovid wr

ic. Ovid wrote, in his exile, poems appropriately named “Tristia,” in which he bewails his hard fate, and describes the scene

stia,” in which he bewails his hard fate, and describes the scenes by which he was surrounded. From the severity of the clima

rkling with the hoar frost and flakes of snow. Such was the abode for which the poet was compelled to exchange the theatres,

estroyed by this rash act, we would have lost many interesting fables which have been rendered immortal by the beauty of Ovid

ea-goddess. Many incredible stories are told concerning the manner in which the hero was nursed in his infancy. According to

ing Lycomedes [Lycome′des]. Ulysses was sent to discover his retreat, which he effected by the following stratagem. Attired a

the hand of Hector, at length aroused him to action. Achilles’ armor, which he had lent to Patroclus, had become the spoil of

on this occasion that Vulcan fabricated for the hero, the famous suit which is described in the Iliad. Arrayed in this Achill

Homer, Achilles took an ignoble revenge on the dead body of his foe, which he dragged at his chariot-wheels, three times aro

nfant son of Ulysses, to be laid before the plough, and the manner in which the father hastened to remove the child, convince

ver forgave Palamedes for having exposed his stratagem. The manner in which Ulysses revenged himself is not calculated to giv

g the siege, he brought forward a false accusation against Palamedes, which he supported so well, that the latter was condemn

is courage on the field of battle. We have already spoken of the part which he took in carrying off the Palladium of Troy. As

roy. As a reward for his services, he received the armor of Achilles, which Ajax had disputed with him. After the fall of Tro

of minor importance, the ships of the hero were overtaken by a storm which drove them southward for nine days, and as many n

horror at their temerity, the more so on account of the fearful signs which followed. The skins crept on the ground, and the

ce of the god pursued them on the sea, and a terrible storm arose, in which all perished, except Ulysses himself, who was spa

, and was almost within sight of land, when a violent storm arose, in which he would have perished had he not been aided by a

hores he had been cast, received him kindly, and fitted out a ship in which he sailed for Ithaca. Ulysses was asleep when the

king him, and placed near him a chest filled with costly gifts, after which they sailed away. Neptune was so much displeased

as their vessel was returning to port, he transformed it into a rock, which continued ever after to obstruct the mouth of the

age. The suitors nevertheless persisted; they remained in the palace, which they filled with riot and feasting, and continual

she would do so when she had completed a certain web of embroidery on which she was engaged. They agreed to wait, and Penelop

r work at night. This device succeeded for three years, at the end of which time the suitors became so importunate that Penel

at the failure of their plots against him. As Ulysses entered, a dog which lay in the court, half dead with age, raised his

disguised hero. At length, the time arrived for the contest of skill which was to decide the fate of Penelope. Twelve rings

to fly, but Eumæus secured the doors. A desperate struggle ensued, in which all were slain, and Ulysses was left master of hi

s kingdom. The Odyssey concludes with a description of the rejoicings which followed, and the happiness enjoyed by Ulysses an

s. Here he formed a friendship with Pylades, the son of that monarch, which was so true and constant that it passed into a pr

action. Orestes was now seized with horror at the thought of the deed which he was about to commit, but the reproaches of Ele

g unobserved, but were also enabled to carry off the statue of Diana, which they brought to Argos. Orestes reigned many years

a son, husband, and father; and his character is perhaps the noblest which has been described by any writer of antiquity. Wh

ather immediately on his birth, to avoid the fulfillment of an oracle which declared that Laius was destined to fall by the h

, he would become the murderer of his father, and be guilty of crimes which would draw upon him the vengeance of the gods. Œd

s in an accidental encounter, and, after his victory over the Sphinx, which we have already mentioned, he fulfilled the other

ny years in Thebes before he discovered his parentage, and the crimes which he had unknowingly committed. In his despair, he

funeral rites for Polynices. She succeeded in approaching the corpse, which she covered with earth, making the usual libation

was seized and brought before Creon. She defended nobly the pious act which she had performed, and was condemned by the tyran

dians: Æschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. In the tragedy of Sophocles which bears her name, the character of Antigone is beau

y devotion. The whole presents the finest ideal of womanly excellence which can be found in the writings of any ancient poet.

ves in the neighboring mountains until the Greeks had departed, after which they constructed a fleet of twenty sail. In the s

omen, the aged men, and all who were likely to be useless in the wars which awaited him. Æneas next landed at Cumæ, in Italy.

t meadow, Æneas found the shade of Anchises, who showed him the souls which were destined to return to earth, and become the

e heroes of Rome. Anchises also recounted to Æneas the glorious deeds which they were one day to perform. In this passage, Vi

r, who was about to rob him of his promised bride. A long war ensued, which forms the subject of the concluding books of the

he sibyls came to the palace of the second Tarquin with nine volumes, which she offered to sell at a very high price. The kin

monarch, and with the advice of the Augurs he bought the books, upon which the sibyl disappeared and was never seen after. T

nd of the Emperor Honorius. Various collections were afterwards made, which are generally admitted to be forgeries. Different

s have prevailed with regard to the prophecies of the sibyls, some of which , it is said, pointed clearly to the advent of a R

suppose that the sibylline books contained the records of prophecies which were granted in primitive times, to nations outsi

hing to them. There are also passages in the fourth Eclogue of Virgil which prove that the expectation of a Saviour, and the

he ancient Etrurians. There were five principal classes of omens from which the Augurs were supposed to foretell future event

re of the same metal; the statue held in its hand a whip, the lash of which consisted of three chains, each having an astraga

ected him in the same way; his body was convulsed, and he spoke words which revealed futurity. Others experienced similar eff

ver it; and a priestess or Pythia was appointed to preside. The words which she uttered when under the influence of the vapor

sive trembling seized her whole body. She then spoke prophetic words, which were carefully noted by the attendant priests. Th

of water. He called on Jupiter for aid, and a ram suddenly appeared, which guided them to a verdant oasis, in the midst of w

denly appeared, which guided them to a verdant oasis, in the midst of which sparkled a clear fountain. Bacchus erected on the

hich sparkled a clear fountain. Bacchus erected on the spot, a temple which he dedicated to Jupiter. As the surrounding count

entre of the oasis, is the famous Fons Solis, or Fountain of the Sun, which does not, however, correspond with the descriptio

uth seems to be that little or no change takes place in the fountain, which is well shaded and very deep. The great change wh

in the fountain, which is well shaded and very deep. The great change which really takes place in the atmosphere is probably

cording to another account, the priests sent to Rome a sacred serpent which they nourished in the temple. Ques. What was par

ere were two celebrated springs of that name; one on Mount Parnassus, which was sacred to the Muses, and another near Daphne,

thing, to mere human jugglery and imposture, there were occasions in which it was impossible to doubt the direct agency of e

wild olive. This was cut from a tree in the sacred grove of Olympia, which was said to have been brought by Hercules from th

alls for his reception. Banquets were given to him by his friends, at which odes were sung in honor of his victory. The horse

Delphi; in this votive offering, the charioteer was also represented; which proves that she had not driven the chariot hersel

t she had not driven the chariot herself at the games. This is a feat which , it is believed, no woman ever attempted. The por

Olympic games? Ans. Yes; there was also an intellectual competition, which was perhaps more lively and ardent than any other

the names of the nine muses were immediately given to the nine books which compose the work. Dionysius was not so fortunate.

sed the ear, and they were listened to at first with great attention, which gradually decreased as they went on, until the wh

phictyonic council was charged with the superintendence of the games, which were celebrated at first every ninth, and afterwa

s disappeared, and the audience sought shelter in the lofty colonnade which always ran behind their seats. They chose to suff

t theatre of Bacchus, at Athens, is the only structure of the kind of which a complete description has reached us. It may ser

edifices. This theatre stood on the southeastern side of the eminence which was crowned by the noble buildings of the Acropol

, and again transversely, into wedge-like masses, by flights of steps which radiated from the lowest tier to the portico abov

riests and the Senate. Below, was the semicircular orchestra, or pit, which was generally occupied by the chorus. Elevated ab

in the portico or court of a palace. There were also contrivances by which a portion of the interior might be exposed to vie

k of the personages was generally indicated by the particular door at which they entered; that in the centre of the prosceniu

royalty. Wonderful effects were produced by the use of the machinery which was disposed behind the walls of the stage. Suppo

nk and character of the personages represented. The actors wore masks which covered the entire head. When gods or heroic pers

ces. The cothurnus, or buskin, was soled with several layers of cork, which added at least three inches to the height of the

ue to a certain extent, but we must remember that, at the distance at which the actors were placed from the greater part of t

odes on the instability of human affairs as exemplified in the scenes which they had just witnessed. At other times the choru

mained in the orchestra. The singing was always accompanied by dances which varied according to the nature of the piece. All

their aspect was rendered still more terrible by the frightful masks which appeared beneath their snaky tresses. We are told

, despairing cry was echoed by the hoarse scream of a flock of cranes which was passing overhead. The dying poet heard, and l

nd looking upwards, prayed the birds to discover and avenge the crime which they alone had seen. The murderers heard this app

crime which they alone had seen. The murderers heard this appeal, to which , however, they paid no heed at the time. The body

and demanded vengeance on the murderers, but no trace could be found which might lead to their discovery. The festival proce

od of the listeners grew cold with fear as they told of the vengeance which it was theirs to wreak on the secret murderer, on

eighboring groves, amused themselves, and partook of the refreshments which they brought with them. When different dramatic p

lptor, Phidias, and there are still in existence busts taken from it, which are remarkable for their calm majesty of expressi

of the statue. It was executed for the temple of Jupiter at Olympia, which was worthy of such an adornment, being one of the

its present ruinous condition. Some of the sculptures and bas-reliefs which once adorned this temple may now be seen in the B

uite perfect in form; but there is nothing spiritual about the Venus, which is, therefore, far inferior to the Jupiter and Mi

Jupiter and of Niobe, the daughter of Phoroneus. He conquered Egypt, which he governed so well and wisely as to receive divi

red by his brother Typhon. Isis, after a long search, found his body, which she laid in a monument in an island near Memphis.

f nature or by violence, the whole country was plunged into mourning, which lasted until his successor was found. The animal

n with fire for a holocaust to Baalim.” This text shows the extent to which the apostate Hebrews carried this abominable wors

Moloch. Ques. How was this god represented? Ans. By a brazen image, which was so contrived that when a child was laid upon

ices were offered to him in the valley of Hinnom, called also Tophet, which lay to the east of Jerusalem. Ques. Where does M

innocent offerings, her worship was rendered infamous by the license which prevailed during these festivals, and the open im

another name for Adonis, whose story is of Eastern origin. His death, which we have already referred to in connection with th

Venus, is said to have taken place in the mountains of Libanus, from which the river Adonis flows to the sea. The Assyrian w

ssyrians, half man, half fish, who was said to dwell in the sea, from which he came at stated times, to instruct the Babyloni

the Sacred Books were written by him, but the most ancient passages, which are in verse, were probably written soon after hi

he form of the Zend-avesta? Ans. It is in the form of a dialogue, in which Ormuzd, the supreme deity, replies to the inquiri

remained faithful and pure, governs the world with all the attributes which are given to the true God. Ahriman, on the contra

rmuzd created men and angels, the sun, moon and stars, and everything which can contribute to the welfare or pleasure of his

their altars. The Parsees of Hindostan say that they have sacred fire which has never been extinguished since the time of Zor

time of Zoroaster. All the sacred fires were originally lit from that which Zoroaster brought from heaven. The Guebres, as th

cred fire is simply a jet of inflammable gas escaping from the rocks, which , once lit, burns perpetually, as the supply is in

ppressed in Persia? Ans. After the conquest of Persia, by the Arabs, which took place in the seventh century, those who refu

the Books of Moses. Ques. Had the Hindoos then conquered the country which now bears their name? Ans. No; they were only cr

things, Vishnu preserves them, and when the end of the world is come, which the Vedas say will occur in about twelve million

eculiar in the history of Vishnu? Ans. His Avatars, or incarnations, which are numerous, but ten are more especially celebra

rishna, a sort of Indian Apollo; the last of the Sacred Books is that which contains the life of Krishna. Ques. What is ther

is to be the tenth Avatar? Ans. The tenth Avatar is called Kalki, in which Vishnu will come to judge the world, destroying t

ations. Ques. What are Castes? Ans. They are different classes into which the Hindoos have been divided from the earliest t

ns or priests, who sprung from the head of Brahma; the Warrior caste, which issued from his arms; the Agriculturists and Trad

rous. Among the pagan Chinese three principal religions are admitted, which are now considered equally good, although there w

s between their followers. Ques. What are these? Ans. The first, of which Confucius is in some sort the founder, is called

reason as the creator of all things. The third religion is Buddhism, which , as we have seen, was introduced into China in th

oblations made at their tombs, etc., were simply national customs to which no superstitious idea was attached. As they were

iple statue of Buddha. There are three gigantic figures, richly gilt, which represent the divinity in the past, the present a

ond the present life. This indifference is the greatest obstacle with which the Christian missionaries have to contend in Chi

call himself a Buddhist, another a follower of Confucius, etc., upon which politeness requires that each one should speak sl

should speak slightingly of his own religion, and praise the sect to which he does not belong. These compliments end by all

s of the Lama’s life, to recognize, as familiar objects, the articles which he was accustomed to use, etc. The children thus

ndinavian mythology? Ans. It has none of the grace and poetic beauty which characterize the fables of Greece and Rome; and i

the Eddas was compiled only in the eleventh century, and the stories which it contains of the Northern gods and heroes, had

eginning, there was neither heaven nor earth, but a world of mist, in which flowed a mysterious fountain. Twelve rivers issue

tain, and when they had flowed far from their source, froze into ice, which , gradually accumulating, the great deep was fille

ce, and melted it. The vapors rose in the air and formed clouds, from which sprung the Frost Giant and his progeny; also the

e. These slew the giant Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth on which we live. His bones were changed into mountains, h

ill, supported the entire universe. This tree had three roots, one of which extended into Asgard, the dwelling-place of the g

the residence of Odin. This god is represented as seated on a throne which overlooks all heaven and earth. On his shoulders

inking and fighting. They feasted on the flesh of the boar Schrimnir, which was cooked every day, and became whole again ever

. The goat Heidrun supplied them with never-failing draughts of mead, which they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered e

saw gleaming from beneath the bridal veil, Loki again made an excuse which satisfied him, so he brought the hammer, and laid

welling of the Gnomes. These skillful workmen gave him a head of hair which they had spun from the purest gold, and which was

gave him a head of hair which they had spun from the purest gold, and which was so wonderfully wrought that it would attach i

e deeds of warriors. Iduna, his wife, kept in a casket certain apples which the gods, when they felt age approaching, had onl

often employed like Mercury as messenger of the gods. He had sandals which sustained him equally in the air, and upon the wa

ull armor, their shields and helmets shed a strange flickering light, which flashes up over the northern skies, and is called

m to him. When they came, he threw the serpent into the deep ocean by which the earth is surrounded. The monster soon grew to

were made of cobwebs. Finally, the mountain spirits fashioned a chain which he could not break. It was fabricated of the root

Baldur. “Aye,” said Frigga; “all things have sworn, save a mistletoe which was growing on a mountain side, and which I thoug

ave sworn, save a mistletoe which was growing on a mountain side, and which I thought too young and feeble to crave an oath f

ace where the gods were assembled, and put the bough among the sticks which they were casting in sport at Baldur. It was thro

ther Baldur. He set out, therefore, mounted on Odin’s horse Sleipnir, which had eight legs and could outstrip the wind. For n

uld be discerned in the gloom. On the tenth, he came to a dark river, which was spanned by a bridge of gold; this was the ent

dur’s body was borne to the sea-shore, and placed upon a funeral pile which was built of his own ship, the largest in the wor

but when she carries it away to empty it, the venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror, and twist his body so

metal, and were acquainted with the secret stores of gold and silver which the gods had hidden in the earth. Many stories ar

eat stones of different forms, engraven with characters called Runic, which appear, at first sight, very different from any l

n love, etc. In later times, the runes were used for inscriptions, of which more than a thousand have been found. The languag

t be without its forerunners. First will come a triple winter, during which clouds of snow, driven by piercing winds from the

ered by a single summer. Three other winters will then follow, during which war and discord will convulse the universe. The s

s. The Eddas give a wild description of the last great battlefield on which the powers of good and evil shall contend, and on

attlefield on which the powers of good and evil shall contend, and on which all alike, whether gods or demons, are doomed to

In this blissful abode, gods and men are to dwell together in a peace which the powers of evil can never again disturb. Ge

is worshipped with solemn rites by the inhabitants of a large island, which lies off the coast of Gaul, in the Northern Ocean

le alluded to by Diodorus, was the Druidical circle of Stonehenge, of which we shall speak later. Ques. Who was Teutates [Te

ribes by adopting their gods, and placing their images in the temples which they built. We read that Zenodorus, a famous scul

by some to have been a native of Gaul, executed a statue of Teutates which cost forty million sestertia. He spent six years

d in their eyes, on account of the gifts of prophecy and second sight which they were believed to possess in moments of inspi

e bards of Gaul seem to have passed away with the religious system to which they belonged; but in the British islands, they c

truments have also been found among the druidical remains in Ireland, which prove that they had made a certain progress in th

g in certain plants, and rendered efficacious by the magic rites with which they were gathered. The mistletoe, when found gro

the Druids assembled; a banquet and a sacrifice were prepared, after which a priest in white vestments cut the plant with a

on only. The few inscriptions they have left are in symbolic writing, which resembles the runes of Scandinavia, and originate

e was torn to pieces by her companions, amid paroxysms of wild frenzy which recalled to the Greeks the orgies of their own Ba

The superstitions with regard to witches and their nocturnal revels, which prevailed so long in Europe, originated, no doubt

rated to Baal and Samhain, (the moon,) and watched the perpetual fire which burned on their altars. In one of the civil wars

sions, a great number were enclosed in a huge frame of wicker work in which they were consumed together. In offerings to othe

ere the principal festivals of the Druids? Ans. The Tauric festival, which has been already mentioned, was the most ancient,

the feast of the god, this was extinguished, and again lighted, after which all the fires throughout the country were rekindl

eland. There the Druids assembled around the sacred or “parent fire,” which the Arch-druid extinguished. At this signal every

hand to hand, and the country was soon illuminated by the Baal fires which blazed on every hill. The chief scene of these so

dgment. Connected with this, Procopius relates an Armorican legend of which some traces may yet be found in Brittany. At the

ry of Plogoff, around the sacred isle of Sena, are scattered rocks on which the sea breaks with an unceasing moan. Thither as

ilings are heard, and pale phantoms are seen gliding above the waves, which they are not yet spiritual enough to cross withou

htly on the water — the souls are gone. The superstitious observances which are still practised on November, or All Hallow Ev

ill remain of the ancient Druidical worship? Ans. Certain monuments, which are called, according to their form, menhirs, dol

membrance of the miracle. Jacob marked in the same manner the spot on which he had been favored by a celestial vision. In cer

he dolmen is a large flat stone, placed like a table, upon two others which are set upright. Some of these were evidently alt

nd two ovals. There are in all about one hundred and forty stones, of which the smallest are estimated to weigh ten or twelve

ator, to whom they attributed all the divine perfections. The prayers which they addressed to Him recall, in many instances,

ter a certain period, their spirits went to animate the golden clouds which floated over the gardens of paradise, or, assumin

e was clothed in certain sacred habiliments, and strewed with charms, which were supposed to be necessary as a defence agains

to be necessary as a defence against the dangers of the unknown road which the spirit was about to travel. The body was then

function except that of sacrifice. They superintended the schools in which the daughters of the higher and middle classes re

tories, each smaller than that below. At the top was a broad area, in which stood one or more towers, containing images of th

placed, besides the dreadful stone of sacrifice, two lofty altars on which burned perpetual fires. So numerous were these sa

the darkest night. The ascent was made, in some cases, by a stairway which led directly up the centre of the western face of

. Are any of these structures still in existence? Ans. Yes; of those which yet remain, the pyramid of Cholula is the largest

he Aztecs? Ans. Their sacrifices present the same striking contrasts which we find in everything connected with their religi

estic animals offered in sacrifice were consumed at the banquets with which the festival concluded. These innocent rites were

iced annually throughout the empire is calculated at twenty thousand, which is the lowest estimate given. It was customary to

pyramid, he played upon a musical instrument; at first, joyous airs, which grew graver and more mournful as the cortege adva

e altar, was intended as an allegorical representation of human life, which , joyous at first, terminates in sorrow and in dea

remark that Montezuma surpassed all his predecessors in the pomp with which he celebrated the festivals of the Aztec gods, an

ated the festivals of the Aztec gods, and the number of human victims which he offered on their altars. Chapter X. Peru.

f Pachacamac and Viracocha. They raised no temples in his honor; that which stood near the present site of Lima, having been

gends? Ans. Among the traditions of this race, is one of the deluge, which resembles in one or two curious particulars the M

ding to both these traditions, seven persons took refuge in caves, in which they were preserved from the universal destructio

sanctuary was held in particular veneration. Even the fields of maize which were attached to the temple were supposed to part

the Sun; this was a massive golden plate, of enormous dimensions, on which was emblazoned a human countenance darting forth

on his golden image, and were reflected from the rich ornaments with which the walls and ceiling were encrusted. Every part

fficient intensity to ignite dried cotton. When the sky was overcast, which was esteemed a very bad omen, the fire was obtain

s duties, and in every branch of female industry. They spun garments, which they were taught to embroider with exquisite skil

he was buried alive; her accomplice was strangled, and the village to which he belonged was razed to the ground and sowed wit

chanism of the stage. Æschylus wrote sixty-six dramas, in thirteen of which he obtained the victory over all his competitors.

d in a very extraordinary manner. As he slept in the fields, an eagle which was flying over him with a tortoise in his claws,

t brilliant achievements are related with a certain modest simplicity which is one of the characteristics of true greatness.

s Cæsar and Augustus. He wrote a “General History” in forty books, of which we have now fifteen entire, with scattered fragme

great popularity among his countrymen. Herodotus relates many things which seem strange, and even incredible; but these are

where Herodotus speaks from his own observation, or relates events of which the memory was still recent, he may be relied upo

he exact date is not known. Juvenal is celebrated for his satires, in which he attacked the vices and follies of his day, not

tan age, were among his most intimate friends. Such was the care with which Mæcenas sought out and rewarded every species of

r a sad commentary on the value of human greatness. His constitution, which had never been strong, was weakened by excess. He

These structures are remarkable for the immense size of the stones of which they are built. Plinius, (Secundus C.) A

n, and we find him, at the time of his death, in command of the fleet which guarded the coast of Italy. The application of Pl

ography, history, physiology, medicine and the fine arts. The portion which treats of animals possesses now but little intere

ne arts. On all these points, he imparts much valuable information of which we would otherwise be deprived. The Natural Histo

s work alone. Pliny perished in the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii. H

progress of Christianity, and bearing testimony to the purity of life which was the distinguishing mark of its professors. P

f the great tragedian were deficient in the tenderness and pathos for which Simonides was particularly distinguished. The lam

ell deserved. Simonides brought the epigram to all the perfection of which it was capable. The most celebrated of his epitap

first who wrote verses for money. In this connection, we have a story which would show that the poet was not believed to have

share his honors with the divine pair; but Scopas grudged every line which did not celebrate his own fame. When Simonides ap

im. Simonides went out, but found no one; while he was looking to see which way the strangers had gone, the roof of the palac

tinction, in the Peloponnesian war, and was a witness of the miseries which that fatal struggle brought upon Greece. He died

ustrious a citizen. Sophocles wrote one hundred and thirty dramas, of which seven remain. Of these, the Œdipus Tyrannus and t

e entire habitable portion was included between two meridians, one of which passed through the island of Ierne, (Ireland,) an

for the ruins of Tiahuanico on its shores. They stand on an eminence which , from the water-marks surrounding it, seems to ha

of the size of the blocks used, from the measurement of one doorway, which is 10 ft. high, and 13 ft. broad, with an opening

ve learning. He is said to have composed five hundred volumes, all of which are now lost, with the exception of two treatises

anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img000b Preface. Upon a subject which has occupied the thoughts, and employed the pens

pass it coldly by, or to speak in the language of others those ideas which excite our own imaginations. There was something

e, and that he wooed Venus in the form of a mortal: or, in the tremor which then as now pervaded the lover’s bosom, he might

rom the patrician to the peasant, must have been imbued with feelings which , while they believed them to be religious, we reg

thanked for her draught of water. Every house had its protecting gods which had blessed the inmate’s ancestors; and which wou

had its protecting gods which had blessed the inmate’s ancestors; and which would bless him ‌also, if he cultivated the socia

him ‌also, if he cultivated the social affections: for the same word which expressed piety towards the Gods, expressed love

be worships much worse as well as better. “Imagine the feelings with which an ancient believer must have gone by the oracula

round with Pluto; or the laurelled mountain Parnassus, on the side of which was the temple of Delphi, where Apollo was suppos

a race bent upon conquering every obstacle — natural or artificial — which stood between them and absolute perfection, wheth

aginary beings have been adored, and a system of worship established, which , though imperfect in itself, was satisfactory to

their actions, of the necessity of a supreme being; and a feeling, of which they could not dispossess themselves, that a divi

about the same degree that their vices increased; while their armies, which overran the ‌world, doubtless gave to the Scandan

es of our own faith; and they assert that, in many of the fables with which we are familiar, are to be traced the types or sy

iar, are to be traced the types or symbols of part of that revelation which is the ground-work of our own belief. But this is

tures, or abound with allusions to them, and without the knowledge of which , it may be asserted, that the mind is scarcely ab

ious temper, never cease to rail against the delightful fictions with which Homer and Hesiod, and their poetical imitators, h

ant truths, would there be any reason to attack and destroy a system, which peoples and animates nature, and which makes a so

o attack and destroy a system, which peoples and animates nature, and which makes a solemn temple of the vast universe? These

so much admire, are the tears of Aurora. It is the breath of Zephyrus which gently agitates the leaves. The soft murmurings o

e unrivalled beauty of Venus, alone adorned with a splendid girdle in which the Graces for ever play, and in her hand is a sm

tted to compensate for the real troubles and miseries of the world in which we live.” If we turn to a still higher authority

wn) we shall find that Lord Bacon treats upon the subject in a manner which maintains his high character as a profound thinke

, in the very texture of the fable, and in the propriety of the names which are given to the persons or actors in the fables;

rs. We have another sign, and that no small one, of this hidden sense which we have been speaking of, which is that some of t

at no small one, of this hidden sense which we have been speaking of, which is that some of these fables are in the narration

e. Besides these more important ones, they had others, such as Chaos; which did not belong to any particular class, and which

ers, such as Chaos; which did not belong to any particular class, and which were not the object of any faith. “Before the se

07 Uranus, however, as time passed, began to fear lest the offspring, which rose to such gigantic strength, should dethrone h

ould dethrone him; and by his power he threw them down an abyss, into which the light of day could never penetrate. This tyra

enetrate. This tyranny, however, only ripened the spirit of rebellion which he feared, and their frightful confinement but ur

iants and the Furies, rendering fruitful also the foam of the sea, of which was born Venus Aphrodite. Insérer image anonyme_h

e. From this cause, Janus is represented with a double face. The time which Saturn passed on earth is known as the age of gol

lough, And unprovoked did fruitful stores allow; ‌Content with food, which nature freely bred, On wildings and on strawberri

sweating thro’ the pores of oak.” Ovid. From the gaieties and fêtes which then took place arose the name of Saturnalia, or

ich then took place arose the name of Saturnalia, or fêtes of Saturn, which lasted three, four, and five days, and took place

slaves at table, in remembrance of the ideas of liberty and equality, which existed in ancient days. Janus was represented su

ly four faces, as tokens of the four seasons of the year. At Rome, in which his temple was placed, it was open in the time of

Are brackish with the salt of human tears;     Thou shoreless flood, which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of mortal

y Brings its grey hair, or bears a leaf away From the full glory with which life is crowned, Ere youth becomes a shade, and f

easure his course equally; and the serpent is the symbol of eternity, which has neither a beginning nor an end. He slew his f

d days; and this part of the fable is also an image of the operations which nature accomplishes under the influence of time.

of her order, and compelled to descend into the subterranean cavity, which was immediately shut, and she was left to die of

riests invented a dance accompanied with noise, called the Dactyl, in which they interchanged blows on steel bucklers. His no

ations, having given his skin to form a shield, and one of his horns, which was presented to the nymphs, and named the Horn o

vaders, at length, were overthrown, and crushed beneath the mountains which they themselves had prepared to execute their ven

form was changed into that of a wolf. From this Jupiter took the name which denotes him an avenger of the laws of hospitality

where being chained to the rock, a vulture preyed upon his entrails, which grew as fast as they were devoured, thus subjecti

ent: as yon clear lamps, That measure and divide the weary years From which there is no refuge, long have taught And long mus

makes lovers glad, Gazing on one another: so are we, As from the rose which the pale priestess kneels To gather for a festal

s, flushing her cheek, So from our victim’s destined agony, The shade which is our form invests us round; Else we are shapele

gh not what ye do, but what ye suffer, Being evil. Cruel is the power which called You, or aught else so wretched into light!

one by one, Like animal life, and though we can obscure not The soul which burns within, that we will dwell Beside it, like

er the most rich and splendid ornaments. From these valuable presents which she received from the Gods, the woman was called

sents which she received from the Gods, the woman was called Pandora, which intimates that she had received every necessary g

every necessary gift. Jupiter, after this, gave her a beautiful box, which she was ordered to present to the man who married

was opened, there issued from it a multitude of evils and distempers, which dispersed themselves over the world, and which fr

evils and distempers, which dispersed themselves over the world, and which from that fatal moment have never ceased to affli

ger, the God of Day, the God of the Worlds, and lastly of Olympus, in which he dwelt, and on which poets and painters have ex

e God of the Worlds, and lastly of Olympus, in which he dwelt, and on which poets and painters have exercised their imaginati

f Jupiter have varied according to the circumstances and the times in which they have appeared. He has been represented as a

represents the King of Gods seated on a golden throne, at the feet of which are two cups, containing the principle of good an

ewards. Ovid relates one in connexion with the luxury of Rome, and in which the hospitality of Baucis and Philemon saved them

usy of the latter being a never-failing source of misery; it was this which caused the celebrated Trojan war; and this that c

d her from Heaven by a golden cord, in the attempt to rescue her from which , Vulcan achieved the wrath of his sire, the Thund

tful, struck these grave matrons with a portion of the skin of a kid, which they asserted had formed one of the vestments of

at of imagination. The drapery is finely conceived; and the manner in which the act of throwing back one leg is expressed in

red Jupiter to interfere, and withdraw her from the infernal regions, which he agreed to do, but found it would be beyond his

n to be seen, with a bandage over his eyes, and near him an open book which the gods alone might consult: and in which are wr

and near him an open book which the gods alone might consult: and in which are written those events which must inevitably co

h the gods alone might consult: and in which are written those events which must inevitably come to pass, and which all are s

hich are written those events which must inevitably come to pass, and which all are so anxious to discover. “Thou power whic

come to pass, and which all are so anxious to discover. “Thou power which all men strive to look into! Thou power which dos

discover. “Thou power which all men strive to look into! Thou power which dost elude all human search! To thee alone is giv

ffering, and so little peace, That we would fain turn o’er the leaves which speak Of future things to our sore troubled souls

of the God, threw herself into the sea, and was changed into the isle which bears the name of Delos; where Latona afterwards

sessed seven sons and seven daughters. She even ridiculed the worship which was paid to Latona, observing, that she had a bet

ed by Diana; while Niobe, stricken by the greatness of the misfortune which had overwhelmed her, was changed into stone. The

pollo to be different deities, there can be no doubt that the worship which is offered to Phœbus, as the sun, is due also to

is impiety, smote him with a thunderbolt. Indignant at the punishment which had been awarded Æsculapius, Apollo sought the is

mg036 Daphne, still inexorable, was compelled to yield to the fatigue which oppressed her, when the Gods, at her entreaty, ch

daughter to be buried alive. Apollo passing by accident over the tomb which contained her, heard her last melancholy cries, b

save her from death, he sprinkled nectar and ambrosia over her tomb, which penetrating as far as the body, changed it into t

se, and disdained by the God, was changed into a sunflower, the plant which turns itself without ceasing, towards its deity,

forehead of the unhappy mortal, who fell dead upon the green turf on which they were playing; while his blood sinking into t

playing; while his blood sinking into the ground, produced the flower which still bears his name. Insérer image anonyme_heath

f Hyacinth, that, as we have seen, he changed his blood into a flower which bore his name, and placed his body among the cons

llations. ‌ The Spartans established yearly festivals in his honour, which continued for three days; they did not adorn thei

ed his flocks; this young shepherd having slain by accident a stag of which Apollo was fond, expired of grief, and was change

hich Apollo was fond, expired of grief, and was changed into the tree which bears his name. Apollo now attached himself to th

ging her life as many years as there were grains in a handful of sand which she held. But she lived to repent of this frightf

ays of the past, she implored the Gods to release her from the misery which overwhelmed her. Cassandra, daughter of Priam, co

idas, King of Lydia, wished also to compete with Apollo in the art of which the latter was master. Pan began the struggle, an

hœbus represented the impropriety of his request, and ‌the dangers to which it would expose him; the oath must be complied wi

ew, and the Egyptians formed, in honour of him, the celebrated statue which possessed the wonderful property of uttering a me

orning at sunrise, as if in welcome of the divine luminary, like that which is heard at the breaking of the string of a harp

in. Apollo having slain with his arrows, Python, a monstrous serpent which desolated the beautiful country around Parnassus,

etry. It is from his encounter with this serpent, that in the statues which remain of him, our eyes are familiar with the bow

thered to a God! “And if it be Prometheus stole from Heaven The fire which we endure, it was repaid By him to whom the energ

s given, Which this poetic marble hath arrayed With an eternal glory, which if made By human hands, is not of human thought,

ust, nor hath it caught A tinge of years, but breathes the flame with which ’twas wrought.” Byron. But the gods grew jealou

ced him in his seat at Olympus. The fable of Apollo is, perhaps, that which is most spread over the faith of antiquity. Pæans

in the left, a lyre with seven chords, emblem of the seven planets to which he grants his celestial harmony. Sometimes he car

on burning coals, though without feeling pain, and that of Delphi, in which the youth of the place offered to the gods their

ere other temples of Apollo more celebrated, such as that at Palmyra, which was constructed of the most gigantic proportions;

myra, which was constructed of the most gigantic proportions; and for which nothing was spared to give it a magnificence hith

lo, built a temple to him on Mount Palatine. Delian feasts were those which the Athenian, and the other Greek states celebrat

their adventures in this part of our work. The first is the struggle which the Muses maintained against the nine daughters o

r of his profession, unhappily came ‌suddenly on the retired spot, in which the pure Diana, with her nymphs, was enjoying, in

ana was seduced by Jupiter, who taking one of the innumerable shapes, which he is described as assuming when his passions wer

mple at Lycaen (where, with her son Arcas, she had been brought), and which it was not lawful to enter. The dwellers in the c

ignant at this crime, the wife of Æneas threw into the flames a brand which bore with it the life of Meleager; a fire immedia

over her brow, while sometimes a crescent is painted on her head, of which the points are turned towards Heaven. Sometimes s

she is seen in a chariot trained by stags, and in her hand is a torch which serves to frighten away the wild beasts. The affe

rent nations. The most celebrated of her temples was that at Ephesus, which from its grandeur and magnificence has been place

o had again taken her lord’s affections, Juno sought for some mode in which to punish her, and taking the form of a nurse, su

en pressed by Semele, implore her not to ask him to assume that form, which was too much for mortal eye to bear. Woman’s wit

, fell scorched by his thunderbolt. Jupiter, however, took the infant which Semele bore him, and confided it to the guardians

ded Olympus, he undertook his celebrated expedition into the East, to which he marched at the head of an army, composed of me

to be seized. His orders were obeyed, but the doors of the prison in which Bacchus was confined, opened of their own accord.

he married her, and offered to her acceptance a crown of seven stars, which after her death, was formed into a constellation.

placed, The fine wrought cincture that her bosom graced, The fillets, which her heaving breasts confined, Are rent, and scatt

come into the vine-yard of Icarius, drank to such excess of the juice which was so temptingly presented to their sight, that,

te that her wisdom and her faithfulness were rewarded by a constancy, which never afterwards deceived her. One of the most pl

mingling with the cordage and the sails, and twining round the oars, which also became immoveable. Much as the sailors were

horror, when Bacchus waved a spear he held in his hand, in answer to which , tigers and panthers, with others of the most sav

the bird. The ivy was consecrated to him, on account of its coolness, which dissipated the fumes of wine, and he carried in h

ere celebrated every three years, and were called orgies, from a word which signifies fury and impetuosity. Insérer image ano

s of a disease. In the height of their misery they sought the oracle, which declared that their calamity would not cease, unt

er lover, stood ready to be her slayer. At sight of her, his passion, which had slumbered for a while, burst forth anew, and

nd. His figure is that of an effeminate young man, to denote the joys which commonly prevail at feasts; and sometimes an old