Geryon of the Shambling Oxen
The key point in the lost Geryoneis by the poet Stesichorus seems to be whether our hero would prove a deathless god or a short-lived mortal in the fight to come with Hēraklēs. Read more
Topic for Discussion
Aphrodite who excites desire
I had not previously paid much attention to the shorter Homeric Hymns. I became curious to look at examples to examine the wording more closely and to see if there were clues about the sort of stories that might have been associated with them, or at least formulaic phrases that occur in epic or in the longer hymns, and I chose to look this time at the Homeric Hymns to… Read more
What is fish about?
When one thinks about Greece nowadays, surrounded by sea with crystal clear water, delicious food, and especially sea-food, comes to mind. It is peculiar that, in antiquity, fish was not used in sacrifices. Fish and gods did not get along well. Fish is not a sacrifice gods fancy. In Aristophanes' Knights, Aristophanes criticizes Pericles with a grain of humor. "And by Zeus! he carries off bread, meat, and slice of… Read more
Fan of Ancient Greek Tragedy Chorus
Set your step to the dance, my dear, [860] like a fawn leaping high up to heaven with joy. Your brother is victorious and has accomplished the wearing of a crown . . . beside the streams of Alpheus. Come sing [865] a glorious victory ode, to my dance. Read more
Health and healing | Mythological healers: Cheiron and Asklepios
The recently published Gallery | Health and healing introduced us to the world of medicine through images and some Homeric poetry. This post explores a few more references in ancient Greek texts to healers, doctors, drugs, and health, looking at a few passages about Cheiron and his teachings; and on the cult of Asklepios. Read more