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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/22381-8.txt b/22381-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..54dff40 --- /dev/null +++ b/22381-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12220 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome, by +E.M. Berens + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome + +Author: E.M. Berens + +Release Date: August 23, 2007 [EBook #22381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MYTHS AND LEGENDS *** + + + + +Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +_A HAND-BOOK OF MYTHOLOGY._ + + * * * * * + +THE + +MYTHS AND LEGENDS + +OF + +ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME. + +BY + +E. M. BERENS. + +_ILLUSTRATED FROM ANTIQUE SCULPTURES._ + +[Illustration] + +NEW YORK: + +MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO., + +43, 45 AND 47 EAST TENTH STREET. + + * * * * * + + +{i} + +PREFACE. + + * * * * * + +The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable for +the requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by the +principals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics themselves, +even where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this feasible, has +not been found altogether successful in giving to the student a clear and +succinct idea of the religious beliefs of the ancients, and it has been +suggested that a work which would so deal with the subject as to render it +at once interesting and instructive would be hailed as a valuable +introduction to the study of classic authors, and would be found to assist +materially the labours of both master and pupil. + +In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before the +reader a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they were +conceived and worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to awaken +in the minds of young students a desire to become more intimately +acquainted with the noble productions of classical antiquity. + +It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second portion of +the work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its customs, its +superstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which reason they are +given at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of the kind. + +In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have been +collected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and Romans +(more especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account of their +principal festivals. + +I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without passing +over details the omission of which would have {ii} marred the completeness +of the work, not a single passage should be found which could possibly +offend the most scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have purposely treated +the subject with that reverence which I consider due to every religious +system, however erroneous. + +It is hardly necessary to dwell upon the importance of the study of +Mythology: our poems, our novels, and even our daily journals teem with +classical allusions; nor can a visit to our art galleries and museums be +fully enjoyed without something more than a mere superficial knowledge of a +subject which has in all ages inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. It +therefore only remains for me to express a hope that my little work may +prove useful, not only to teachers and scholars, but also to a large class +of general readers, who, in whiling away a leisure hour, may derive some +pleasure and profit from its perusal. + +E. M. BERENS. + + * * * * * + + +{iii} + +CONTENTS. + + PART I.--MYTHS. + Page + Introduction, 7 + + FIRST DYNASTY. + ORIGIN OF THE WORLD-- + URANUS AND GÆA (Coelus and Terra), 11 + + SECOND DYNASTY. + CRONUS (Saturn), 14 + RHEA (Ops), 18 + DIVISION OF THE WORLD, 19 + THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF MAN, 21 + + THIRD DYNASTY. + OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES-- + ZEUS (Jupiter), 26 + HERA (Juno), 38 + PALLAS-ATHENE (Minerva), 43 + THEMIS, 48 + HESTIA (Vesta), 48 + DEMETER (Ceres), 50 + APHRODITE (Venus), 58 + HELIOS (Sol), 61 + EOS (Aurora), 67 + PHOEBUS-APOLLO, 68 + HECATE, 85 + SELENE (Luna), 86 + ARTEMIS (Diana), 87 + HEPHÆSTUS (Vulcan), 97 + POSEIDON (Neptune), 101 + + {iv} + SEA DIVINITIES-- + OCEANUS, 107 + NEREUS, 108 + PROTEUS, 108 + TRITON AND THE TRITONS, 109 + GLAUCUS, 109 + THETIS, 110 + THAUMAS, PHORCYS, AND CETO, 111 + LEUCOTHEA, 111 + THE SIRENS, 112 + ARES (Mars), 112 + NIKE (Victoria), 117 + HERMES (Mercury), 117 + DIONYSUS (Bacchus or Liber), 124 + AÏDES (Pluto), 130 + PLUTUS, 137 + + MINOR DIVINITIES-- + THE HARPIES, 137 + ERINYES, EUMENIDES (Furiæ, Diræ), 138 + MOIRÆ OR FATES (Parcæ), 139 + NEMESIS, 141 + + NIGHT AND HER CHILDREN-- + NYX (Nox), 142 + THANATOS (Mors), HYPNUS (Somnus), 142 + MORPHEUS, 143 + THE GORGONS, 144 + GRÆÆ, 145 + SPHINX, 146 + TYCHE (Fortuna) and ANANKE (Necessitas), 147 + KER, 149 + ATE, 149 + MOMUS, 149 + EROS (Cupid, Amor) and PSYCHE, 150 + HYMEN, 154 + IRIS, 155 + HEBE (Juventas), 156 + GANYMEDES, 157 + {v} + THE MUSES, 157 + PEGASUS, 162 + THE HESPERIDES, 162 + CHARITES OR GRACES, 163 + HORÆ (Seasons), 164 + THE NYMPHS, 165 + THE WINDS, 170 + PAN (Faunus), 171 + THE SATYRS, 174 + PRIAPUS, 175 + ASCLEPIAS (Æsculapius), 176 + + ROMAN DIVINITIES-- + JANUS, 178 + FLORA, 180 + ROBIGUS, 180 + POMONA, 180 + VERTUMNUS, 181 + PALES, 181 + PICUS, 182 + PICUMNUS AND PILUMNUS, 182 + SILVANUS, 182 + TERMINUS, 182 + CONSUS, 183 + LIBITINA, 183 + LAVERNA, 184 + COMUS, 184 + CAMENÆ, 184 + GENII, 185 + MANES, 185 + PENATES, 187 + + PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS-- + TEMPLES, 188 + STATUES, 190 + ALTARS, 191 + PRIESTS, 191 + SACRIFICES, 192 + ORACLES, 194 + SOOTHSAYERS, 195 + {vi} + AUGURS, 196 + FESTIVALS, 196 + + GREEK FESTIVALS-- + ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES, 196 + THESMOPHORIA, 197 + DIONYSIA, 197 + PANATHENÆA, 199 + DAPHNEPHORIA, 200 + + ROMAN FESTIVALS-- + SATURNALIA, 200 + CEREALIA, 201 + VESTALIA, 201 + + PART II.--LEGENDS. + CADMUS, 203 + PERSEUS, 205 + ION, 210 + DÆDALUS AND ICARUS, 211 + THE ARGONAUTS, 213 + PELOPS, 232 + HERACLES, 234 + BELLEROPHON, 256 + THESEUS, 259 + OEDIPUS, 269 + THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES, 272 + THE EPIGONI, 276 + ALCMÆON AND THE NECKLACE, 277 + THE HERACLIDÆ, 280 + THE SIEGE OF TROY, 283 + RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY, 304 + + * * * * * + + +{7} + +MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME. + + * * * * * + +PART I.--MYTHS. + + * * * * * + +INTRODUCTION. + +Before entering upon the many strange beliefs of the ancient Greeks, and +the extraordinary number of gods they worshipped, we must first consider +what kind of beings these divinities were. + +In appearance, the gods were supposed to resemble mortals, whom, however, +they far surpassed in beauty, grandeur, and strength; they were also more +commanding in stature, height being considered by the Greeks an attribute +of beauty in man or woman. They resembled human beings in their feelings +and habits, intermarrying and having children, and requiring daily +nourishment to recruit their strength, and refreshing sleep to restore +their energies. Their blood, a bright ethereal fluid called Ichor, never +engendered disease, and, when shed, had the power of producing new life. + +The Greeks believed that the mental qualifications of their gods were of a +much higher order than those of men, but nevertheless, as we shall see, +they were not considered to be exempt from human passions, and we +frequently behold them actuated by revenge, deceit, and jealousy. They, +however, always punish the evil-doer, and visit with dire calamities any +impious mortal who dares to neglect their worship or despise their rites. +We often hear of them visiting mankind and partaking of their hospitality, +and not unfrequently both gods and goddesses {8} become attached to +mortals, with whom they unite themselves, the offspring of these unions +being called heroes or demi-gods, who were usually renowned for their great +strength and courage. But although there were so many points of resemblance +between gods and men, there remained the one great characteristic +distinction, viz., that the gods enjoyed immortality. Still, they were not +invulnerable, and we often hear of them being wounded, and suffering in +consequence such exquisite torture that they have earnestly prayed to be +deprived of their privilege of immortality. + +The gods knew no limitation of time or space, being able to transport +themselves to incredible distances with the speed of thought. They +possessed the power of rendering themselves invisible at will, and could +assume the forms of men or animals as it suited their convenience. They +could also transform human beings into trees, stones, animals, &c., either +as a punishment for their misdeeds, or as a means of protecting the +individual, thus transformed, from impending danger. Their robes were like +those worn by mortals, but were perfect in form and much finer in texture. +Their weapons also resembled those used by mankind; we hear of spears, +shields, helmets, bows and arrows, &c., being employed by the gods. Each +deity possessed a beautiful chariot, which, drawn by horses or other +animals of celestial breed, conveyed them rapidly over land and sea +according to their pleasure. Most of these divinities lived on the summit +of Mount Olympus, each possessing his or her individual habitation, and all +meeting together on festive occasions in the council-chamber of the gods, +where their banquets were enlivened by the sweet strains of Apollo's lyre, +whilst the beautiful voices of the Muses poured forth their rich melodies +to his harmonious accompaniment. Magnificent temples were erected to their +honour, where they were worshipped with the greatest solemnity; rich gifts +were presented to them, and animals, and indeed sometimes human beings, +were sacrificed on their altars. + +In the study of Grecian mythology we meet with some {9} curious, and what +may at first sight appear unaccountable notions. Thus we hear of terrible +giants hurling rocks, upheaving mountains, and raising earthquakes which +engulf whole armies; these ideas, however, may be accounted for by the +awful convulsions of nature, which were in operation in pre-historic times. +Again, the daily recurring phenomena, which to us, who know them to be the +result of certain well-ascertained laws of nature, are so familiar as to +excite no remark, were, to the early Greeks, matter of grave speculation, +and not unfrequently of alarm. For instance, when they heard the awful roar +of thunder, and saw vivid flashes of lightning, accompanied by black clouds +and torrents of rain, they believed that the great god of heaven was angry, +and they trembled at his wrath. If the calm and tranquil sea became +suddenly agitated, and the crested billows rose mountains high, dashing +furiously against the rocks, and threatening destruction to all within +their reach, the sea-god was supposed to be in a furious rage. When they +beheld the sky glowing with the hues of coming day they thought that the +goddess of the dawn, with rosy fingers, was drawing aside the dark veil of +night, to allow her brother, the sun-god, to enter upon his brilliant +career. Thus personifying all the powers of nature, this very imaginative +and highly poetical nation beheld a divinity in every tree that grew, in +every stream that flowed, in the bright beams of the glorious sun, and the +clear, cold rays of the silvery moon; for them the whole universe lived and +breathed, peopled by a thousand forms of grace and beauty. + +The most important of these divinities may have been something more than +the mere creations of an active and poetical imagination. They were +possibly human beings who had so distinguished themselves in life by their +preeminence over their fellow-mortals that after death they were deified by +the people among whom they lived, and the poets touched with their magic +wand the details of lives, which, in more prosaic times, would simply have +been recorded as illustrious. {10} + +It is highly probable that the reputed actions of these deified beings were +commemorated by bards, who, travelling from one state to another, +celebrated their praise in song; it therefore becomes exceedingly +difficult, nay almost impossible, to separate bare facts from the +exaggerations which never fail to accompany oral traditions. + +In order to exemplify this, let us suppose that Orpheus, the son of Apollo, +so renowned for his extraordinary musical powers, had existed at the +present day. We should no doubt have ranked him among the greatest of our +musicians, and honoured him as such; but the Greeks, with their vivid +imagination and poetic license, exaggerated his remarkable gifts, and +attributed to his music supernatural influence over animate and inanimate +nature. Thus we hear of wild beasts tamed, of mighty rivers arrested in +their course, and of mountains being moved by the sweet tones of his voice. +The theory here advanced may possibly prove useful in the future, in +suggesting to the reader the probable basis of many of the extraordinary +accounts we meet with in the study of classical mythology. + +And now a few words will be necessary concerning the religious beliefs of +the Romans. When the Greeks first settled in Italy they found in the +country they colonized a mythology belonging to the Celtic inhabitants, +which, according to the Greek custom of paying reverence to all gods, known +or unknown, they readily adopted, selecting and appropriating those +divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own, and thus they +formed a religious belief which naturally bore the impress of its ancient +Greek source. As the primitive Celts, however, were a less civilized people +than the Greeks, their mythology was of a more barbarous character, and +this circumstance, combined with the fact that the Romans were not gifted +with the vivid imagination of their Greek neighbours, leaves its mark on +the Roman mythology, which is far less fertile in fanciful conceits, and +deficient in all those fairy-like stories and wonderfully poetic ideas +which so strongly characterize that of the Greeks. + + * * * * * + +{11} + +ORIGIN OF THE WORLD.--FIRST DYNASTY. + +URANUS AND GÆA. (COELUS AND TERRA.) + +The ancient Greeks had several different theories with regard to the origin +of the world, but the generally accepted notion was that before this world +came into existence, there was in its place a confused mass of shapeless +elements called Chaos. These elements becoming at length consolidated (by +what means does not appear), resolved themselves into two widely different +substances, the lighter portion of which, soaring on high, formed the sky +or firmament, and constituted itself into a vast, overarching vault, which +protected the firm and solid mass beneath. + +Thus came into being the two first great primeval deities of the Greeks, +Uranus and Ge or Gæa. + +Uranus, the more refined deity, represented the light and air of heaven, +possessing the distinguishing qualities of light, heat, purity, and +omnipresence, whilst Gæa, the firm, flat,[1] life-sustaining earth, was +worshipped as the great all-nourishing mother. Her many titles refer to her +more or less in this character, and she appears to have been universally +revered among the Greeks, there being scarcely a city in Greece which did +not contain a temple erected in her honour; indeed Gæa was held in such +veneration that her name was always invoked whenever the gods took a solemn +oath, made an emphatic declaration, or implored assistance. + +Uranus, the heaven, was believed to have united himself in marriage with +Gæa, the earth; and a moment's reflection will show what a truly poetical, +and also what a logical idea this was; for, taken in a figurative sense, +{12} this union actually does exist. The smiles of heaven produce the +flowers of earth, whereas his long-continued frowns exercise so depressing +an influence upon his loving partner, that she no longer decks herself in +bright and festive robes, but responds with ready sympathy to his +melancholy mood. + +The first-born child of Uranus and Gæa was Oceanus,[2] the ocean stream, +that vast expanse of ever-flowing water which encircled the earth. Here we +meet with another logical though fanciful conclusion, which a very slight +knowledge of the workings of nature proves to have been just and true. The +ocean is formed from the rains which descend from heaven and the streams +which flow from earth. By making Oceanus therefore the offspring of Uranus +and Gæa, the ancients, if we take this notion in its literal sense, merely +assert that the ocean is produced by the combined influence of heaven and +earth, whilst at the same time their fervid and poetical imagination led +them to see in this, as in all manifestations of the powers of nature, an +actual, tangible divinity. + +But Uranus, the heaven, the embodiment of light, heat, and the breath of +life, produced offspring who were of a much less material nature than his +son Oceanus. These other children of his were supposed to occupy the +intermediate space which divided him from Gæa. Nearest to Uranus, and just +beneath him, came Aether (Ether), a bright creation representing that +highly rarified atmosphere which immortals alone could breathe. Then +followed Aër (Air), which was in close proximity to Gæa, and represented, +as its name implies, the grosser atmosphere surrounding the earth which +mortals could freely breathe, and without which they would perish. Aether +and Aër were separated from each other by divinities called Nephelae. These +were their restless and wandering sisters, who existed in the form of +clouds, ever {13} floating between Aether and Aër. Gæa also produced the +mountains, and Pontus (the sea). She united herself with the latter, and +their offspring were the sea-deities Nereus, Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto, and +Eurybia. + +Co-existent with Uranus and Gæa were two mighty powers who were also the +offspring of Chaos. These were Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night), who +formed a striking contrast to the cheerful light of heaven and the bright +smiles of earth. Erebus reigned in that mysterious world below where no ray +of sunshine, no gleam of daylight, nor vestige of health-giving terrestrial +life ever appeared. Nyx, the sister of Erebus, represented Night, and was +worshipped by the ancients with the greatest solemnity. + +Uranus was also supposed to have been united to Nyx, but only in his +capacity as god of light, he being considered the source and fountain of +all light, and their children were Eos (Aurora), the Dawn, and Hemera, the +Daylight. Nyx again, on her side was also doubly united, having been +married at some indefinite period to Erebus. + +In addition to those children of heaven and earth already enumerated, +Uranus and Gæa produced two distinctly different races of beings called +Giants and Titans. The Giants personified brute strength alone, but the +Titans united to their great physical power intellectual qualifications +variously developed. There were three Giants, Briareus, Cottus, and Gyges, +who each possessed a hundred hands and fifty heads, and were known +collectively by the name of the Hecatoncheires, which signified +hundred-handed. These mighty Giants could shake the universe and produce +earthquakes; it is therefore evident that they represented those active +subterranean forces to which allusion has been made in the opening chapter. +The Titans were twelve in number; their names were: Oceanus, Ceos, Crios, +Hyperion, Iapetus, Cronus, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, and +Tethys. + +Now Uranus, the chaste light of heaven, the essence of all that is bright +and pleasing, held in abhorrence his {14} crude, rough, and turbulent +offspring, the Giants, and moreover feared that their great power might +eventually prove hurtful to himself. He therefore hurled them into +Tartarus, that portion of the lower world which served as the subterranean +dungeon of the gods. In order to avenge the oppression of her children, the +Giants, Gæa instigated a conspiracy on the part of the Titans against +Uranus, which was carried to a successful issue by her son Cronus. He +wounded his father, and from the blood of the wound which fell upon the +earth sprang a race of monstrous beings also called Giants. Assisted by his +brother-Titans, Cronus succeeded in dethroning his father, who, enraged at +his defeat, cursed his rebellious son, and foretold to him a similar fate. +Cronus now became invested with supreme power, and assigned to his brothers +offices of distinction, subordinate only to himself. Subsequently, however, +when, secure of his position, he no longer needed their assistance, he +basely repaid their former services with treachery, made war upon his +brothers and faithful allies, and, assisted by the Giants, completely +defeated them, sending such as resisted his all-conquering arm down into +the lowest depths of Tartarus. + + * * * * * + +SECOND DYNASTY. + +CRONUS (SATURN). + +Cronus was the god of time in its sense of eternal duration. He married +Rhea, daughter of Uranus and Gæa, a very important divinity, to whom a +special chapter will be devoted hereafter. Their children were, three sons: +Aïdes (Pluto), Poseidon (Neptune), Zeus (Jupiter), and three daughters: +Hestia (Vesta), Demeter (Ceres), and Hera (Juno). Cronus, having an uneasy +conscience, was afraid that his children might one day rise up against his +authority, and thus verify the prediction of his father {15} Uranus. In +order, therefore, to render the prophecy impossible of fulfilment, Cronus +swallowed each child as soon as it was born,[3] greatly to the sorrow and +indignation of his wife Rhea. When it came to Zeus, the sixth and last, +Rhea resolved to try and save this one child at least, to love and cherish, +and appealed to her parents, Uranus and Gæa, for counsel and assistance. By +their advice she wrapped a stone in baby-clothes, and Cronus, in eager +haste, swallowed it, without noticing the deception. The child thus saved, +eventually, as we shall see, dethroned his father Cronus, became supreme +god in his stead, and was universally venerated as the great national god +of the Greeks. + +[Illustration] + +Anxious to preserve the secret of his existence from Cronus, Rhea sent the +infant Zeus secretly to Crete, where he was nourished, protected, and +educated. A sacred goat, called Amalthea, supplied the place of his mother, +by providing him with milk; nymphs, called Melissae, fed him with honey, +and eagles and doves brought him nectar and ambrosia.[4] He was kept +concealed in a cave in the heart of Mount Ida, and the Curetes, or priests +of Rhea, by beating their shields together, kept up a constant noise at the +entrance, which drowned the cries of the child and frightened away all +intruders. Under the watchful care of the Nymphs the infant Zeus throve +rapidly, developing great physical powers, combined with {16} extraordinary +wisdom and intelligence. Grown to manhood, he determined to compel his +father to restore his brothers and sisters to the light of day, and is said +to have been assisted in this difficult task by the goddess Metis, who +artfully persuaded Cronus to drink a potion, which caused him to give back +the children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus was +placed at Delphi, where it was long exhibited as a sacred relic. + +Cronus was so enraged at being circumvented that war between the father and +son became inevitable. The rival forces ranged themselves on two separate +high mountains in Thessaly; Zeus, with his brothers and sisters, took his +stand on Mount Olympus, where he was joined by Oceanus, and others of the +Titans, who had forsaken Cronus on account of his oppressions. Cronus and +his brother-Titans took possession of Mount Othrys, and prepared for +battle. The struggle was long and fierce, and at length Zeus, finding that +he was no nearer victory than before, bethought himself of the existence of +the imprisoned Giants, and knowing that they would be able to render him +most powerful assistance, he hastened to liberate them. He also called to +his aid the Cyclops (sons of Poseidon and Amphitrite),[5] who had only one +eye each in the middle of their foreheads, and were called Brontes +(Thunder), Steropes (Lightning), and Pyracmon (Fire-anvil). They promptly +responded to his summons for help, and brought with them tremendous +thunderbolts which the Hecatoncheires, with their hundred hands, hurled +down upon the enemy, at the same time raising mighty earthquakes, which +swallowed up and destroyed all who opposed them. Aided by these new and +powerful allies, Zeus now made a furious onslaught on his enemies, and so +tremendous was the encounter that all nature is said to have throbbed in +accord with this mighty effort of the celestial deities. The sea rose +mountains high, and its angry billows {17} hissed and foamed; the earth +shook to its foundations, the heavens sent forth rolling thunder, and flash +after flash of death-bringing lightning, whilst a blinding mist enveloped +Cronus and his allies. + +And now the fortunes of war began to turn, and victory smiled on Zeus. +Cronus and his army were completely overthrown, his brothers despatched to +the gloomy depths of the lower world, and Cronus himself was banished from +his kingdom and deprived for ever of the supreme power, which now became +vested in his son Zeus. This war was called the Titanomachia, and is most +graphically described by the old classic poets. + +[Illustration] + +With the defeat of Cronus and his banishment from his dominions, his career +as a ruling Greek divinity entirely ceases. But being, like all the gods, +immortal, he was supposed to be still in existence, though possessing no +longer either influence or authority, his place being filled to a certain +extent by his descendant and successor, Zeus. + +Cronus is often represented as an old man leaning on a scythe, with an +hour-glass in his hand. The hour-glass symbolizes the fast-fleeting moments +as they succeed each other unceasingly; the scythe is emblematical of time, +which mows down all before it. + +SATURN. + +The Romans, according to their custom of identifying their deities with +those of the Greek gods whose attributes were similar to their own, +declared Cronus to be identical with their old agricultural divinity +Saturn. They believed that after his defeat in the {18} Titanomachia and +his banishment from his dominions by Zeus, he took refuge with Janus, king +of Italy, who received the exiled deity with great kindness, and even +shared his throne with him. Their united reign became so thoroughly +peaceful and happy, and was distinguished by such uninterrupted prosperity, +that it was called the Golden Age. + +Saturn is usually represented bearing a sickle in the one hand and a +wheat-sheaf in the other. + +A temple was erected to him at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in which +were deposited the public treasury and the laws of the state. + +RHEA (OPS). + +Rhea, the wife of Cronus, and mother of Zeus and the other great gods of +Olympus, personified the earth, and was regarded as the Great Mother and +unceasing producer of all plant-life. She was also believed to exercise +unbounded sway over the animal creation, more especially over the lion, the +noble king of beasts. Rhea is generally represented wearing a crown of +turrets or towers and seated on a throne, with lions crouching at her feet. +She is sometimes depicted sitting in a chariot, drawn by lions. + +The principal seat of her worship, which was always of a very riotous +character, was at Crete. At her festivals, which took place at night, the +wildest music of flutes, cymbals, and drums resounded, whilst joyful shouts +and cries, accompanied by dancing and loud stamping of feet, filled the +air. + +This divinity was introduced into Crete by its first colonists from +Phrygia, in Asia Minor, in which country she was worshipped under the name +of Cybele. The people of Crete adored her as the Great Mother, more +especially in her signification as the sustainer of the vegetable world. +Seeing, however, that year by year, as winter appears, all her glory +vanishes, her flowers fade, and her trees become leafless, they poetically +expressed this process of nature under the figure of a lost love. She {19} +was said to have been tenderly attached to a youth of remarkable beauty, +named Atys, who, to her grief and indignation, proved faithless to her. He +was about to unite himself to a nymph called Sagaris, when, in the midst of +the wedding feast, the rage of the incensed goddess suddenly burst forth +upon all present. A panic seized the assembled guests, and Atys, becoming +afflicted with temporary madness, fled to the mountains and destroyed +himself. Cybele, moved with sorrow and regret, instituted a yearly mourning +for his loss, when her priests, the Corybantes, with their usual noisy +accompaniments, marched into the mountains to seek the lost youth. Having +discovered him[6] they gave full vent to their ecstatic delight by +indulging in the most violent gesticulations, dancing, shouting, and, at +the same time, wounding and gashing themselves in a frightful manner. + +OPS. + +In Rome the Greek Rhea was identified with Ops, the goddess of plenty, the +wife of Saturn, who had a variety of appellations. She was called +Magna-Mater, Mater-Deorum, Berecynthia-Idea, and also Dindymene. This +latter title she acquired from three high mountains in Phrygia, whence she +was brought to Rome as Cybele during the second Punic war, B.C. 205, in +obedience to an injunction contained in the Sybilline books. She was +represented as a matron crowned with towers, seated in a chariot drawn by +lions. + + * * * * * + +DIVISION OF THE WORLD. + +We will now return to Zeus and his brothers, who, having gained a complete +victory over their enemies, began to consider how the world, which they had +{20} conquered, should be divided between them. At last it was settled by +lot that Zeus should reign supreme in Heaven, whilst Aïdes governed the +Lower World, and Poseidon had full command over the Sea, but the supremacy +of Zeus was recognized in all three kingdoms, in heaven, on earth (in which +of course the sea was included), and under the earth. Zeus held his court +on the top of Mount Olympus, whose summit was beyond the clouds; the +dominions of Aïdes were the gloomy unknown regions below the earth; and +Poseidon reigned over the sea. It will be seen that the realm of each of +these gods was enveloped in mystery. Olympus was shrouded in mists, Hades +was wrapt in gloomy darkness, and the sea was, and indeed still is, a +source of wonder and deep interest. Hence we see that what to other nations +were merely strange phenomena, served this poetical and imaginative people +as a foundation upon which to build the wonderful stories of their +mythology. + +The division of the world being now satisfactorily arranged, it would seem +that all things ought to have gone on smoothly, but such was not the case. +Trouble arose in an unlooked-for quarter. The Giants, those hideous +monsters (some with legs formed of serpents) who had sprung from the earth +and the blood of Uranus, declared war against the triumphant deities of +Olympus, and a struggle ensued, which, in consequence of Gæa having made +these children of hers invincible as long as they kept their feet on the +ground, was wearisome and protracted. Their mother's precaution, however, +was rendered unavailing by pieces of rock being hurled upon them, which +threw them down, and their feet being no longer placed firmly on their +mother-earth, they were overcome, and this tedious war (which was called +the Gigantomachia) at last came to an end. Among the most daring of these +earth-born giants were Enceladus, Rhoetus, and the valiant Mimas, who, with +youthful fire and energy, hurled against heaven great masses of rock and +burning oak-trees, and defied the lightnings of Zeus. One of the most +powerful monsters who opposed Zeus in this {21} war was called Typhon or +Typhoeus. He was the youngest son of Tartarus and Gæa, and had a hundred +heads, with eyes which struck terror to the beholders, and awe-inspiring +voices frightful to hear. This dreadful monster resolved to conquer both +gods and men, but his plans were at length defeated by Zeus, who, after a +violent encounter, succeeded in destroying him with a thunderbolt, but not +before he had so terrified the gods that they had fled for refuge to Egypt, +where they metamorphosed themselves into different animals and thus +escaped. + + * * * * * + +THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF MAN. + +Just as there were several theories concerning the origin of the world, so +there were various accounts of the creation of man. + +The first natural belief of the Greek people was that man had sprung from +the earth. They saw the tender plants and flowers force their way through +the ground in the early spring of the year after the frost of winter had +disappeared, and so they naturally concluded that man must also have issued +from the earth in a similar manner. Like the wild plants and flowers, he +was supposed to have had no cultivation, and resembled in his habits the +untamed beasts of the field, having no habitation except that which nature +had provided in the holes of the rocks, and in the dense forests whose +overarching boughs protected him from the inclemency of the weather. + +In the course of time these primitive human beings became tamed and +civilized by the gods and heroes, who taught them to work in metals, to +build houses, and other useful arts of civilization. But the human race +became in the course of time so degenerate that the gods resolved to +destroy all mankind by means of a flood; Deucalion {22} (son of Prometheus) +and his wife Pyrrha, being, on account of their piety, the only mortals +saved. + +By the command of his father, Deucalion built a ship, in which he and his +wife took refuge during the deluge, which lasted for nine days. When the +waters abated the ship rested on Mount Othrys in Thessaly, or according to +some on Mount Parnassus. Deucalion and his wife now consulted the oracle of +Themis as to how the human race might be restored. The answer was, that +they were to cover their heads, and throw the bones of their mother behind +them. For some time they were perplexed as to the meaning of the oracular +command, but at length both agreed that by the bones of their mother were +meant the stones of the earth. They accordingly took up stones from the +mountain side and cast them over their shoulders. From those thrown by +Deucalion there sprang up men, and from those thrown by Pyrrha, women. + +After the lapse of time the theory of Autochthony (from _autos_, self, and +_chthon_, earth) was laid aside. When this belief existed there were no +religious teachers whatever; but in course of time temples were raised in +honour of the different gods, and priests appointed to offer sacrifices to +them and conduct their worship. These priests were looked upon as +authorities in all religious matters, and the doctrine they taught was, +that man had been created by the gods, and that there had been several +successive ages of men, which were called the Golden, Silver, Brazen, and +Iron Ages. + +Life in the Golden Age was one unceasing round of ever-recurring pleasures +unmarred by sorrow or care. The favoured mortals living at this happy time +led pure and joyous lives, thinking no evil, and doing no wrong. The earth +brought forth fruits and flowers without toil or labour in plentiful +luxuriance, and war was unknown. This delightful and god-like existence +lasted for hundreds of years, and when at length life on earth was ended, +death laid his hand so gently upon them that they passed painlessly away in +a happy dream, and continued their existence as ministering spirits in +Hades, watching over and {23} protecting those they had loved and left +behind on earth. The men of the Silver Age[7] were a long time growing up, +and during their childhood, which lasted a hundred years, they suffered +from ill-health and extreme debility. When they at last became men they +lived but a short time, for they would not abstain from mutual injury, nor +pay the service due to the gods, and were therefore banished to Hades. +There, unlike the beings of the Golden Age, they exercised no beneficent +supervision over the dear ones left behind, but wandered about as restless +spirits, always sighing for the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life. + +The men of the Brazen Age were quite a different race of beings, being as +strong and powerful as those of the Silver Age were weak and enervated. +Everything which surrounded them was of brass; their arms, their tools, +their dwellings, and all that they made. Their characters seem to have +resembled the metal in which they delighted; their minds and hearts were +hard, obdurate, and cruel. They led a life of strife and contention, +introduced into the world, which had hitherto known nothing but peace and +tranquillity, the scourge of war, and were in fact only happy when fighting +and quarrelling with each other. Hitherto Themis, the goddess of Justice, +had been living among mankind, but becoming disheartened at their evil +doings, she abandoned the earth, and winged her flight back to heaven. At +last the gods became so tired of their evil deeds and continual +dissensions, that they removed them from the face of the earth, and sent +them down to Hades to share the fate of their predecessors. + +We now come to the men of the Iron Age. The earth, no longer teeming with +fruitfulness, only yielded her increase after much toil and labour. The +goddess of Justice having abandoned mankind, no influence remained +sufficiently powerful to preserve them from every kind of wickedness and +sin. This condition grew worse as time went on, until at last Zeus in his +anger let loose the water-courses from above, and drowned every {24} +individual of this evil race, except Deucalion and Pyrrha. + +The theory of Hesiod,[8] the oldest of all the Greek poets, was that the +Titan Prometheus, the son of Iapetus, had formed man out of clay, and that +Athene had breathed a soul into him. Full of love for the beings he had +called into existence, Prometheus determined to elevate their minds and +improve their condition in every way; he therefore taught them astronomy, +mathematics, the alphabet, how to cure diseases, and the art of divination. +He created this race in such great numbers that the gods began to see the +necessity of instituting certain fixed laws with regard to the sacrifices +due to them, and the worship to which they considered themselves entitled +from mankind in return for the protection which they accorded them. An +assembly was therefore convened at Mecone in order to settle these points. +It was decided that Prometheus, as the advocate of man, should slay an ox, +which should be divided into two equal parts, and that the gods should +select one portion which should henceforth, in all future sacrifices, be +set apart for them. Prometheus so divided the ox that one part consisted of +the bones (which formed of course the least valuable portion of the +animal), artfully concealed by the white fat; whilst the other contained +all the edible parts, which he covered with the skin, and on the top of all +he laid the stomach. + +Zeus, pretending to be deceived, chose the heap of bones, but he saw +through the stratagem, and was so angry at the deception practised on him +by Prometheus that he avenged himself by refusing to mortals the gift of +fire. {25} Prometheus, however, resolved to brave the anger of the great +ruler of Olympus, and to obtain from heaven the vital spark so necessary +for the further progress and comfort of the human race. He accordingly +contrived to steal some sparks from the chariot of the sun, which he +conveyed to earth hidden in a hollow tube. Furious at being again +outwitted, Zeus determined to be revenged first on mankind, and then on +Prometheus. To punish the former he commanded Hephæstus (Vulcan) to mould a +beautiful woman out of clay, and determined that through her +instrumentality trouble and misery should be brought into the world. + +The gods were so charmed with the graceful and artistic creation of +Hephæstus, that they all determined to endow her with some special gift. +Hermes (Mercury) bestowed on her a smooth persuasive tongue, Aphrodite gave +her beauty and the art of pleasing; the Graces made her fascinating, and +Athene (Minerva) gifted her with the possession of feminine +accomplishments. She was called Pandora, which means all-gifted, having +received every attribute necessary to make her charming and irresistible. +Thus beautifully formed and endowed, this exquisite creature, attired by +the Graces, and crowned with flowers by the Seasons, was conducted to the +house of Epimetheus[9] by Hermes the messenger of the gods. Now Epimetheus +had been warned by his brother not to accept any gift whatever from the +gods; but he was so fascinated by the beautiful being who suddenly appeared +before him, that he welcomed her to his home, and made her his wife. It was +not long, however, before he had cause to regret his weakness. + +He had in his possession a jar of rare workmanship, containing all the +blessings reserved by the gods for mankind, which he had been expressly +forbidden to open. But woman's proverbial curiosity could not withstand so +great a temptation, and Pandora determined to solve the mystery at any +cost. Watching her opportunity she raised the lid, and immediately all the +blessings which {26} the gods had thus reserved for mankind took wing and +flew away. But all was not lost. Just as Hope (which lay at the bottom) was +about to escape, Pandora hastily closed the lid of the jar, and thus +preserved to man that never-failing solace which helps him to bear with +courage the many ills which assail him.[10] + +Having punished mankind, Zeus determined to execute vengeance on +Prometheus. He accordingly chained him to a rock in Mount Caucasus, and +sent an eagle every day to gnaw away his liver, which grew again every +night ready for fresh torments. For thirty years Prometheus endured this +fearful punishment; but at length Zeus relented, and permitted his son +Heracles (Hercules) to kill the eagle, and the sufferer was released. + + * * * * * + +THIRD DYNASTY--OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES. + +ZEUS[11] (JUPITER). + +Zeus, the great presiding deity of the universe, the ruler of heaven and +earth, was regarded by the Greeks, first, as the god of all aërial +phenomena; secondly, as the personification of the laws of nature; thirdly, +as lord of state-life; and fourthly, as the father of gods and men. + +As the god of aërial phenomena he could, by shaking his ægis,[12] produce +storms, tempests, and intense darkness. At his command the mighty thunder +rolls, the lightning flashes, and the clouds open and pour forth their +refreshing streams to fructify the earth. + +As the personification of the operations of nature, he represents those +grand laws of unchanging and harmonious order, by which not only the +physical but also {27} the moral world is governed. Hence he is the god of +regulated time as marked by the changing seasons, and by the regular +succession of day and night, in contradistinction to his father Cronus, who +represents time absolutely, _i.e._ eternity. + +As the lord of state-life, he is the founder of kingly power, the upholder +of all institutions connected with the state, and the special friend and +patron of princes, whom he guards and assists with his advice and counsel. +He protects the assembly of the people, and, in fact, watches over the +welfare of the whole community. + +As the father of the gods, Zeus sees that each deity performs his or her +individual duty, punishes their misdeeds, settles their disputes, and acts +towards them on all occasions as their all-knowing counsellor and mighty +friend. + +As the father of men, he takes a paternal interest in the actions and +well-being of mortals. He watches over them with tender solicitude, +rewarding truth, charity, and uprightness, but severely punishing perjury, +cruelty, and want of hospitality. Even the poorest and most forlorn +wanderer finds in him a powerful advocate, for he, by a wise and merciful +dispensation, ordains that the mighty ones of the earth should succour +their distressed and needy brethren. + +The Greeks believed that the home of this their mighty and all-powerful +deity was on the top of Mount Olympus, that high and lofty mountain between +Thessaly and Macedon, whose summit, wrapt in clouds and mist, was hidden +from mortal view. It was supposed that this mysterious region, which even a +bird could not reach, extended beyond the clouds right into Aether, the +realm of the immortal gods. The poets describe this ethereal atmosphere as +bright, glistening, and refreshing, exercising a peculiar, gladdening +influence over the minds and hearts of those privileged beings permitted to +share its delights. Here youth never ages, and the passing years leave no +traces on its favoured inhabitants. On the cloud-capped summit of Olympus +was the palace of {28} Zeus and Hera, of burnished gold, chased silver, and +gleaming ivory. Lower down were the homes of the other gods, which, though +less commanding in position and size, were yet similar to that of Zeus in +design and workmanship, all being the work of the divine artist Hephæstus. +Below these were other palaces of silver, ebony, ivory, or burnished brass, +where the Heroes, or Demi-gods, resided. + +As the worship of Zeus formed so important a feature in the religion of the +Greeks, his statues were necessarily both numerous and magnificent. He is +usually represented as a man of noble and imposing mien, his countenance +expressing all the lofty majesty of the omnipotent ruler of the universe, +combined with the gracious, yet serious, benignity of the father and friend +of mankind. He may be recognized by his rich flowing beard, and the thick +masses of hair, which rise straight from the high and intellectual forehead +and fall to his shoulders in clustering locks. The nose is large and finely +formed, and the slightly-opened lips impart an air of sympathetic +kindliness which invites confidence. He is always accompanied by an eagle, +which either surmounts his sceptre, or sits at his feet; he generally bears +in his uplifted hand a sheaf of thunder-bolts, just ready to be hurled, +whilst in the other he holds the lightning. The head is frequently +encircled with a wreath of oak-leaves. + +[Illustration] + +The most celebrated statue of the Olympian Zeus was that by the famous +Athenian sculptor Phidias, which was forty feet high, and stood in the +temple of Zeus at Olympia. It was formed of ivory and gold, and was {29} +such a masterpiece of art, that it was reckoned among the seven wonders of +the world. It represented the god, seated on a throne, holding in his right +hand a life-sized image of Nike (the goddess of Victory), and in his left a +royal sceptre, surmounted by an eagle. It is said that the great sculptor +had concentrated all the marvellous powers of his genius on this sublime +conception, and earnestly entreated Zeus to give him a decided proof that +his labours were approved. An answer to his prayer came through the open +roof of the temple in the shape of a flash of lightning, which Phidias +interpreted as a sign that the god of heaven was pleased with his work. + +Zeus was first worshipped at Dodona in Epirus, where, at the foot of Mount +Tomarus, on the woody shore of Lake Joanina, was his famous oracle, the +most ancient in Greece. Here the voice of the eternal and invisible god was +supposed to be heard in the rustling leaves of a giant oak, announcing to +mankind the will of heaven and the destiny of mortals; these revelations +being interpreted to the people by the priests of Zeus, who were called +Selli. Recent excavations which have been made at this spot have brought to +light the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus, and also, among other +interesting relics, some plates of lead, on which are engraved inquiries +which were evidently made by certain individuals who consulted the oracle. +These little leaden plates speak to us, as it were, in a curiously homely +manner of a by-gone time in the buried past. One person inquires what god +he should apply to for health and fortune; another asks for advice +concerning his child; and a third, evidently a shepherd, promises a gift to +the oracle should a speculation in sheep turn out successfully. Had these +little memorials been of gold instead of lead, they would doubtless have +shared the fate of the numerous treasures which adorned this and other +temples, in the universal pillage which took place when Greece fell into +the hands of barbarians. + +Though Dodona was the most ancient of his shrines, the great national seat +of the worship of Zeus was at Olympia in Elis, where there was a +magnificent temple {30} dedicated to him, containing the famous colossal +statue by Phidias above described. Crowds of devout worshippers flocked to +this world-renowned fane from all parts of Greece, not only to pay homage +to their supreme deity, but also to join in the celebrated games which were +held there at intervals of four years. The Olympic games were such a +thoroughly national institution, that even Greeks who had left their native +country made a point of returning on these occasions, if possible, in order +to contend with their fellow-countrymen in the various athletic sports +which took place at these festivals. + +It will be seen on reflection that in a country like Greece, which +contained so many petty states, often at variance with each other, these +national gatherings must have been most valuable as a means of uniting the +Greeks in one great bond of brotherhood. On these festive occasions the +whole nation met together, forgetting for the moment all past differences, +and uniting in the enjoyment of the same festivities. + +It will doubtless have been remarked that in the representations of Zeus he +is always accompanied by an eagle. This royal bird was sacred to him, +probably from the fact of its being the only creature capable of gazing at +the sun without being dazzled, which may have suggested the idea that it +was able to contemplate the splendour of divine majesty unshrinkingly. + +The oak-tree, and also the summits of mountains, were sacred to Zeus. His +sacrifices consisted of white bulls, cows, and goats. + +Zeus had seven immortal wives, whose names were Metis, Themis, Eurynome, +Demeter, Mnemosyne, Leto, and Hera. + +METIS, his first wife, was one of the Oceanides or sea-nymphs. She was the +personification of prudence and wisdom, a convincing proof of which she +displayed in her successful administration of the potion which caused +Cronus to yield up his children. She was endowed with the gift of prophecy, +and foretold to Zeus that one of their children would gain ascendency over +{31} him. In order, therefore, to avert the possibility of the prediction +being fulfilled he swallowed her before any children were born to them. +Feeling afterwards violent pains in his head, he sent for Hephæstus, and +ordered him to open it with an axe. His command was obeyed, and out sprang, +with a loud and martial shout, a beautiful being, clad in armour from head +to foot. This was Athene (Minerva), goddess of Armed Resistance and Wisdom. + +THEMIS was the goddess of Justice, Law, and Order. + +EURYNOME was one of the Oceanides, and the mother of the Charites or +Graces. + +DEMETER,[13] the daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was the goddess of +Agriculture. + +MNEMOSYNE, the daughter of Uranus and Gæa, was the goddess of Memory and +the mother of the nine Muses. + +LETO (Latona) was the daughter of Coeus and Phoebe. She was gifted with +wonderful beauty, and was tenderly loved by Zeus, but her lot was far from +being a happy one, for Hera, being extremely jealous of her, persecuted her +with inveterate cruelty, and sent the dreadful serpent Python[14] to +terrify and torment her wherever she went. But Zeus, who had observed with +the deepest compassion her weary wanderings and agonized fears, resolved to +create for her some place of refuge, however humble, where she might feel +herself safe from the venomous attacks of the serpent. He therefore brought +her to Delos, a floating island in the Ægean Sea, which he made stationary +by attaching it with chains of adamant to the bottom of the sea. Here she +gave birth to her twin-children, Apollo and Artemis (Diana), two of the +most beautiful of the immortals. + +According to some versions of the story of Leto, Zeus transformed her into +a quail, in order that she might thus elude the vigilance of Hera, and she +is said to have {32} resumed her true form when she arrived at the island +of Delos. + +HERA, being the principal wife of Zeus and queen of heaven, a detailed +account will be given of her in a special chapter. + +In the union of Zeus with most of his immortal wives we shall find that an +allegorical meaning is conveyed. His marriage with Metis, who is said to +have surpassed both gods and men in knowledge, represents supreme power +allied to wisdom and prudence. His union with Themis typifies the bond +which exists between divine majesty and justice, law, and order. Eurynome, +as the mother of the Charites or Graces, supplied the refining and +harmonizing influences of grace and beauty, whilst the marriage of Zeus +with Mnemosyne typifies the union of genius with memory. + + * * * * * + +In addition to the seven immortal wives of Zeus, he was also allied to a +number of mortal maidens whom he visited under various disguises, as it was +supposed that if he revealed himself in his true form as king of heaven the +splendour of his glory would cause instant destruction to mortals. The +mortal consorts of Zeus have been such a favourite theme with poets, +painters, and sculptors, that it is necessary to give some account of their +individual history. Those best known are Antiope, Leda, Europa, Callisto, +Alcmene, Semele, Io, and Danae. + +ANTIOPE, to whom Zeus appeared under the form of a satyr, was the daughter +of Nicteus, king of Thebes. To escape the anger of her father she fled to +Sicyon, where king Epopeus, enraptured with her wonderful beauty, made her +his wife without asking her father's consent. This so enraged Nicteus that +he declared war against Epopeus, in order to compel him to restore Antiope. +At his death, which took place before he could succeed in his purpose, +Nicteus left his kingdom to his brother Lycus, commanding him, at the same +time, to carry on the war, and execute his vengeance. Lycus invaded Sicyon, +defeated and killed Epopeus, and brought back {33} Antiope as a prisoner. +On the way to Thebes she gave birth to her twin-sons, Amphion and Zethus, +who, by the orders of Lycus, were at once exposed on Mount Cithaeron, and +would have perished but for the kindness of a shepherd, who took pity on +them and preserved their lives. Antiope was, for many years, held captive +by her uncle Lycus, and compelled to suffer the utmost cruelty at the hands +of his wife Dirce. But one day her bonds were miraculously loosened, and +she flew for shelter and protection to the humble dwelling of her sons on +Mount Cithaeron. During the long period of their mother's captivity the +babes had grown into sturdy youths, and, as they listened angrily to the +story of her wrongs, they became all impatience to avenge them. Setting off +at once to Thebes they succeeded in possessing themselves of the town, and +after slaying the cruel Lycus they bound Dirce by the hair to the horns of +a wild bull, which dragged her hither and thither until she expired. Her +mangled body was cast into the fount near Thebes, which still bears her +name. Amphion became king of Thebes in his uncle's stead. He was a friend +of the Muses, and devoted to music and poetry. His brother, Zethus, was +famous for his skill in archery, and was passionately fond of the chase. It +is said that when Amphion wished to inclose the town of Thebes with walls +and towers, he had but to play a sweet melody on the lyre, given to him by +Hermes, and the huge stones began to move, and obediently fitted themselves +together. + +The punishment of Dirce at the hands of Amphion and Zethus forms the +subject of the world-renowned marble group in the museum at Naples, known +by the name of the Farnese Bull. + +In sculpture Amphion is always represented with a lyre; Zethus with a club. + +LEDA, whose affections Zeus won under the form of a swan, was the daughter +of Thestius, king of Ætolia. Her twin-sons, Castor and (Polydeuces or) +Pollux,[15] were {34} renowned for their tender attachment to each other. +They were also famous for their physical accomplishments, Castor being the +most expert charioteer of his day, and Pollux the first of pugilists. Their +names appear both among the hunters of the Calydonian boar-hunt and the +heroes of the Argonautic expedition. The brothers became attached to the +daughters of Leucippus, prince of the Messenians, who had been betrothed by +their father to Idas and Lynceus, sons of Aphareus. Having persuaded +Leucippus to break his promise, the twins carried off the maidens as their +brides. Idas and Lynceus, naturally furious at this proceeding, challenged +the Dioscuri to mortal combat, in which Castor perished by the hand of +Idas, and Lynceus by that of Pollux. Zeus wished to confer the gift of +immortality upon Pollux, but he refused to accept it unless allowed to +share it with Castor. Zeus gave the desired permission, and the faithful +brothers were both allowed to live, but only on alternate days. The +Dioscuri received divine honours throughout Greece, and were worshipped +with special reverence at Sparta. + +EUROPA was the beautiful daughter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia. She was one +day gathering flowers with her companions in a meadow near the sea-shore, +when Zeus, charmed with her great beauty, and wishing to win her love, +transformed himself into a beautiful white bull, and trotted quietly up to +the princess, so as not to alarm her. Surprised at the gentleness of the +animal, and admiring its beauty, as it lay placidly on the grass, she +caressed it, crowned it with flowers, and, at last, playfully seated +herself on its back. Hardly had she done so than the disguised god bounded +away with his lovely burden, and swam across the sea with her to the island +of Crete. + +Europa was the mother of Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthus. Minos, who became +king of Crete, was celebrated for his justice and moderation, and after +death he was created one of the judges of the lower world, which office he +held in conjunction with his brothers. {35} + +CALLISTO, the daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, was a huntress in the +train of Artemis, devoted to the pleasures of the chase, who had made a vow +never to marry; but Zeus, under the form of the huntress-goddess, succeeded +in obtaining her affections. Hera, being extremely jealous of her, changed +her into a bear, and caused Artemis (who failed to recognize her attendant +under this form) to hunt her in the chase, and put an end to her existence. +After her death she was placed by Zeus among the stars as a constellation, +under the name of Arctos, or the bear. + +ALCMENE, the daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae, was betrothed to her +cousin Amphytrion; but, during his absence on a perilous undertaking, Zeus +assumed his form, and obtained her affections. Heracles (whose +world-renowned exploits will be related among the legends) was the son of +Alcmene and Zeus. + +SEMELE, a beautiful princess, the daughter of Cadmus, king of Phoenicia, +was greatly beloved by Zeus. Like the unfortunate Callisto, she was hated +by Hera with jealous malignity, and the haughty queen of heaven determined +to effect her destruction. Disguising herself, therefore, as Beroe, +Semele's faithful old nurse, she artfully persuaded her to insist upon Zeus +visiting her, as he appeared to Hera, in all his power and glory, well +knowing that this would cause her instant death. Semele, suspecting no +treachery, followed the advice of her supposed nurse; and the next time +Zeus came to her, she earnestly entreated him to grant the favour she was +about to ask. Zeus swore by the Styx (which was to the gods an irrevocable +oath) to accede to her request whatsoever it might be. Semele, therefore, +secure of gaining her petition, begged of Zeus to appear to her in all the +glory of his divine power and majesty. As he had sworn to grant whatever +she asked of him, he was compelled to comply with her wish; he therefore +revealed himself as the mighty lord of the universe, accompanied by thunder +and lightning, and she was instantly consumed in the flames. {36} + +IO, daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was a priestess of Hera. She was +very beautiful, and Zeus, who was much attached to her, transformed her +into a white cow, in order to defeat the jealous intrigues of Hera, who, +however, was not to be deceived. Aware of the stratagem, she contrived to +obtain the animal from Zeus, and placed her under the watchful care of a +man called Argus-Panoptes, who fastened her to an olive-tree in the grove +of Hera. He had a hundred eyes, of which, when asleep, he never closed more +than two at a time; being thus always on the watch, Hera found him +extremely useful in keeping guard over Io. Hermes, however, by the command +of Zeus, succeeded in putting all his eyes to sleep with the sound of his +magic lyre, and then, taking advantage of his helpless condition, slew him. +The story goes, that in commemoration of the services which Argus had +rendered her, Hera placed his eyes on the tail of a peacock, as a lasting +memorial of her gratitude. Ever fertile in resource, Hera now sent a gadfly +to worry and torment the unfortunate Io incessantly, and she wandered all +over the world in hopes of escaping from her tormentor. At length she +reached Egypt, where she found rest and freedom from the persecutions of +her enemy. On the banks of the Nile she resumed her original form and gave +birth to a son called Epaphus, who afterwards became king of Egypt, and +built the famous city of Memphis. + +DANAE.--Zeus appeared to Danae under the form of a shower of gold. (Further +details concerning her will be found in the legend of Perseus.) + + * * * * * + +The Greeks supposed that the divine ruler of the Universe occasionally +assumed a human form, and descended from his celestial abode, in order to +visit mankind and observe their proceedings, his aim being generally either +to punish the guilty, or to reward the deserving. + +On one occasion Zeus, accompanied by Hermes, made a journey through +Phrygia, seeking hospitality and shelter wherever they went. But nowhere +did they receive a {37} kindly welcome till they came to the humble cottage +of an old man and his wife called Philemon and Baucis, who entertained them +with the greatest kindness, setting before them what frugal fare their +humble means permitted, and bidding them welcome with unaffected +cordiality. Observing in the course of their simple repast that the wine +bowl was miraculously replenished, the aged couple became convinced of the +divine nature of their guests. The gods now informed them that on account +of its wickedness their native place was doomed to destruction, and told +them to climb the neighbouring hill with them, which overlooked the village +where they dwelt. What was their dismay on beholding at their feet, in +place of the spot where they had passed so many happy years together, +nothing but a watery plain, the only house to be seen being their own +little cottage, which suddenly changed itself into a temple before their +eyes. Zeus now asked the worthy pair to name any wish they particularly +desired and it should be granted. They accordingly begged that they might +serve the gods in the temple below, and end life together. + +Their wish was granted, for, after spending the remainder of their lives in +the worship of the gods, they both died at the same instant, and were +transformed by Zeus into trees, remaining for ever side by side. + +Upon another occasion Zeus, wishing to ascertain for himself the truth of +the reports concerning the atrocious wickedness of mankind, made a journey +through Arcadia. Being recognized by the Arcadians as king of heaven, he +was received by them with becoming respect and veneration; but Lycaon, +their king, who had rendered himself infamous by the gross impiety of +himself and his sons, doubted the divinity of Zeus, ridiculed his people +for being so easily duped, and, according to his custom of killing all +strangers who ventured to trust his hospitality, resolved to murder him. +Before executing this wicked design, however, he decided to put Zeus to the +test, and having killed a boy for the purpose, placed before him a dish +containing human flesh. But Zeus was {38} not to be deceived. He beheld the +revolting dish with horror and loathing, and angrily upsetting the table +upon which it was placed, turned Lycaon into a wolf, and destroyed all his +fifty sons by lightning, except Nyctimus, who was saved by the intervention +of Gæa. + +JUPITER. + +The Roman Jupiter, who is so frequently confounded with the Greek Zeus, is +identical with him only as being the head of the Olympic gods, and the +presiding deity over Life, Light, and Aërial Phenomena. Jupiter is lord of +life in its widest and most comprehensive signification, having absolute +power over life and death, in which respect he differed from the Greek +Zeus, who was to a certain extent controlled by the all-potent sway of the +Moiræ or Fates. Zeus, as we have seen, often condescends to visit mankind, +either as a mortal, or under various disguises, whereas Jupiter always +remains essentially the supreme god of heaven, and never appears upon +earth. + +The most celebrated temple of Jupiter was that on the Capitoline Hill in +the city of Rome, where he was worshipped under the names of +Jupiter-Optimus-Maximus, Capitolinus, and Tarpeius. + +The Romans represented him seated on a throne of ivory, holding in his +right hand a sheaf of thunderbolts, and in his left a sceptre, whilst an +eagle stands beside his throne. + +HERA (JUNO). + +Hera, the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was born at Samos, or, +according to some accounts, at Argos, and was reared by the sea-divinities +Oceanus and Tethys, who were models of conjugal fidelity.[16] She was the +{39} principal wife of Zeus, and, as queen of heaven, participated in the +honours paid to him, but her dominion only extended over the air (the lower +aërial regions). Hera appears to be the sublime embodiment of strict +matronly virtue, and is on that account the protectress of purity and +married women. Faultless herself in her fidelity as a wife, she is +essentially the type of the sanctity of the marriage tie, and holds in +abhorrence any violation of its obligations. So strongly was she imbued +with this hatred of any immorality, that, finding herself so often called +upon to punish the failings of both gods and men in this respect, she +became jealous, harsh, and vindictive. Her exalted position as the wife of +the supreme deity, combined with her extreme beauty, caused her to become +exceedingly vain, and she consequently resented with great severity any +infringement on her rights as queen of heaven, or any apparent slight on +her personal appearance. + +The following story will signally illustrate how ready she was to resent +any slight offered to her. + +At the marriage of the sea-nymph Thetis with a mortal called Peleus, all +the gods and goddesses were present, except Eris (the goddess of Discord). +Indignant at not being invited, she determined to cause dissension in the +assembly, and for this purpose threw into the midst of the guests a golden +apple with the inscription on it "For the Fairest." Now, as all the +goddesses were extremely beautiful, each claimed the apple; but at length, +the rest having relinquished their pretensions, the number of candidates +was reduced to three, Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite, who agreed to appeal to +Paris for a settlement of this delicate question, he being noted for the +wisdom he had displayed in his judgment upon several occasions. Paris was +the son of Priam, king of Troy, who, ignorant of his noble birth, was at +this time feeding his flocks on Mount Ida, in Phrygia. Hermes, as messenger +of the gods, conducted the three rival beauties to the young shepherd, and +with breathless anxiety they awaited his decision. Each fair candidate +endeavoured {40} to secure his favour by the most tempting offers. Hera +promised him extensive dominions; Athene, martial fame and glory; and +Aphrodite, the loveliest woman in the world. But whether he really +considered Aphrodite the fairest of the three, or preferred a beautiful +wife to fame and power, we cannot tell; all we know is that to her he +awarded the golden apple, and she became ever after universally +acknowledged as the goddess of beauty. Hera, having fully expected that +Paris would give her the preference, was so indignant that she never +forgave him, and not only persecuted him, but all the family of Priam, +whose dreadful sufferings and misfortunes during the Trojan war were +attributed to her influence. In fact, she carried her animosity to such an +extent that it was often the cause of domestic disagreements between +herself and Zeus, who espoused the cause of the Trojans. + +Among the many stories of these frequent quarrels there is one connected +with Heracles, the favourite son of Zeus, which is as follows:--Hera having +raised a storm at sea in order to drive him out of his course, Zeus became +so angry that he hung her in the clouds by a golden chain, and attached +heavy anvils to her feet. Her son Hephæstus tried to release his mother +from her humiliating position, for which Zeus threw him out of heaven, and +his leg was broken by the fall. + +Hera, being deeply offended with Zeus, determined to separate herself from +him for ever, and she accordingly left him and took up her abode in Euboea. +Surprised and grieved at this unlooked-for desertion, Zeus resolved to +leave no means untried to win her back again. In this emergency he +consulted Cithaeron, king of Platea, who was famed for his great wisdom and +subtlety. Cithaeron advised him to dress up an image in bridal attire and +place it in a chariot, announcing that this was Platea, his future wife. +The artifice succeeded. Hera, incensed at the idea of a rival, flew to meet +the procession in great anger, and seizing the supposed bride, she +furiously attacked her and dragged off her nuptial attire. Her delight on +discovering the deception was so great that a {41} reconciliation took +place, and, committing the image to the flames, with joyful laughter she +seated herself in its place and returned to Olympus. + +Hera was the mother of Ares (Mars), Hephæstus, Hebe, and Eileithyia. Ares +was the god of War; Hephæstus, of Fire; Hebe, of Youth; and Eileithyia +presided over the birth of mortals. + +Hera dearly loved Greece, and indeed always watched over and protected +Greek interests, her beloved and favourite cities being Argos, Samos, +Sparta, and Mycenæ. + +[Illustration] + +Her principal temples were at Argos and Samos. From a remote period she was +greatly venerated at Olympia, and her temple there, which stood in the +Altis or sacred grove, was five hundred years older than that of Zeus on +the same spot. Some interesting excavations which are now going on there +have brought to light the remains of the ancient edifice, which contains +among other treasures of antiquity several beautiful statues, the work of +the famous sculptors of ancient Greece. At first this temple was built of +wood, then of stone, and the one lately discovered was formed of +conglomerate of shells. + +In the Altis races were run by young maidens in honour of Hera, and the +fleetest of foot received in token of her victory an olive-wreath and a +piece of the flesh of the sacrifices. These races, like the Olympic Games, +were celebrated at intervals of four years, and were called Heræ. A +beautiful robe, woven by sixteen women chosen from the sixteen cities of +Elis, was always offered to Hera on these {42} occasions, and choral songs +and sacred dances formed part of the ceremonies. + +Hera is usually represented seated on a throne, holding a pomegranate in +one hand and a sceptre surmounted by a cuckoo in the other. She appears as +a calm, dignified matron of majestic beauty, robed in a tunic and mantle, +her forehead is broad and intellectual, her eyes large and fully opened, +and her arms dazzlingly white and finely moulded. + +The finest statue of this divinity was that by Polycletus at Argos. + +Her attributes are the diadem, veil, sceptre, and peacock. + +The first day of every month a ewe-lamb and sow were sacrificed to Hera. +The hawk, goose, and more particularly the peacock[17] were sacred to her. +Flocks of these beautiful birds generally surround her throne and draw her +chariot, Iris, the Rainbow, being seated behind her. + +Her favourite flowers were the dittany, poppy, and lily. + +JUNO. + +Juno, the Roman divinity supposed to be identical with the Greek Hera, +differed from her in the most salient points, for whereas Hera invariably +appears as the haughty, unbending queen of heaven, Juno, on the other hand, +is revered and beloved as the type of a matron and housewife. She was +worshipped in Rome under various titles, most of which point to her +vocation as the protectress of married women. Juno was believed to watch +over and guard the life of every woman from her birth to her death. The +principal temples dedicated to her were in Rome, one being erected on the +Aventine, and the other on the Capitoline Hill. She had also a temple on +the Arx, in which she was worshipped as Juno Moneta, or the {43} warning +goddess. Adjacent to this shrine was the public mint.[18] On the 1st of +March a grand annual festival, called the Matronalia, was celebrated in her +honour by all the married women of Rome, and this religious institution was +accompanied with much solemnity.[19] + +PALLAS-ATHENE (MINERVA). + +Pallas-Athene, goddess of Wisdom and Armed Resistance, was a purely Greek +divinity; that is to say, no other nation possessed a corresponding +conception. She was supposed, as already related, to have issued from the +head of Zeus himself, clad in armour from head to foot. The miraculous +advent of this maiden goddess is beautifully described by Homer in one of +his hymns: snow-capped Olympus shook to its foundation; the glad earth +re-echoed her martial shout; the billowy sea became agitated; and Helios, +the sun-god, arrested his fiery steeds in their headlong course to welcome +this wonderful emanation from the godhead. Athene was at once admitted into +the assembly of the gods, and henceforth took her place as the most +faithful and sagacious of all her father's counsellors. This brave, +dauntless maiden, so exactly the essence of all that is noble in the +character of "the father of gods and men," remained throughout chaste in +word and deed, and kind at heart, without exhibiting any of those failings +which somewhat mar the nobler features in the character of Zeus. This +direct emanation from his own self, justly his favourite child, his better +and purer counterpart, received from him several important prerogatives. +She was permitted to hurl the thunderbolts, to prolong the life of man, and +to bestow the gift of prophecy; in fact Athene was the only divinity whose +authority was equal to that of Zeus himself, and when he had ceased to +visit the earth in person {44} she was empowered by him to act as his +deputy. It was her especial duty to protect the state and all peaceful +associations of mankind, which she possessed the power of defending when +occasion required. She encouraged the maintenance of law and order, and +defended the right on all occasions, for which reason, in the Trojan war +she espouses the cause of the Greeks and exerts all her influence on their +behalf. The Areopagus, a court of justice where religious causes and +murders were tried, was believed to have been instituted by her, and when +both sides happened to have an equal number of votes she gave the +casting-vote in favour of the accused. She was the patroness of learning, +science, and art, more particularly where these contributed directly +towards the welfare of nations. She presided over all inventions connected +with agriculture, invented the plough, and taught mankind how to use oxen +for farming purposes. She also instructed mankind in the use of numbers, +trumpets, chariots, &c., and presided over the building of the Argo,[20] +thereby encouraging the useful art of navigation. She also taught the +Greeks how to build the wooden horse by means of which the destruction of +Troy was effected. + +The safety of cities depended on her care, for which reason her temples +were generally built on the citadels, and she was supposed to watch over +the defence of the walls, fortifications, harbours, &c. A divinity who so +faithfully guarded the best interests of the state, by not only protecting +it from the attacks of enemies, but also by developing its chief resources +of wealth and prosperity, was worthily chosen as the presiding deity of the +state, and in this character as an essentially political goddess she was +called Athene-Polias. + +The fact of Athene having been born clad in armour, which merely signified +that her virtue and purity were unassailable, has given rise to the +erroneous supposition that she was the presiding goddess of war; but a +deeper {45} study of her character in all its bearings proves that, in +contradistinction to her brother Ares, the god of war, who loved strife for +its own sake, she only takes up arms to protect the innocent and deserving +against tyrannical oppression. It is true that in the Iliad we frequently +see her on the battlefield fighting valiantly, and protecting her favourite +heroes; but this is always at the command of Zeus, who even supplies her +with arms for the purpose, as it is supposed that she possessed none of her +own. A marked feature in the representations of this deity is the ægis, +that wonderful shield given to her by her father as a further means of +defence, which, when in danger, she swung so swiftly round and round that +it kept at a distance all antagonistic influences; hence her name Pallas, +from _pallo_, I swing. In the centre of this shield, which was covered with +dragon's scales, bordered with serpents, and which she sometimes wore as a +breastplate, was the awe-inspiring head of the Medusa, which had the effect +of turning to stone all beholders. + +In addition to the many functions which she exercised in connection with +the state, Athene presided over the two chief departments of feminine +industry, spinning and weaving. In the latter art she herself displayed +unrivalled ability and exquisite taste. She wove her own robe and that of +Hera, which last she is said to have embroidered very richly; she also gave +Jason a cloak wrought by herself, when he set forth in quest of the Golden +Fleece. Being on one occasion challenged to a contest in this +accomplishment by a mortal maiden named Arachne, whom she had instructed in +the art of weaving, she accepted the challenge and was completely +vanquished by her pupil. Angry at her defeat, she struck the unfortunate +maiden on the forehead with the shuttle which she held in her hand; and +Arachne, being of a sensitive nature, was so hurt by this indignity that +she hung herself in despair, and was changed by Athene into a spider. This +goddess is said to have invented the flute,[21] upon {46} which she played +with considerable talent, until one day, being laughed at by the assembled +gods and goddesses for the contortions which her countenance assumed during +these musical efforts, she hastily ran to a fountain in order to convince +herself whether she deserved their ridicule. Finding to her intense disgust +that such was indeed the fact, she threw the flute away, and never raised +it to her lips again. + +[Illustration] + +Athene is usually represented fully draped; she has a serious and +thoughtful aspect, as though replete with earnestness and wisdom; the +beautiful oval contour of her countenance is adorned by the luxuriance of +her wealth of hair, which is drawn back from the temples and hangs down in +careless grace; she looks the embodiment of strength, grandeur, and +majesty; whilst her broad shoulders and small hips give her a slightly +masculine appearance. + +When represented as the war-goddess she appears clad in armour, with a +helmet on her head, from which waves a large plume; she carries the ægis on +her arm, and in her hand a golden staff, which possessed the property of +endowing her chosen favourites with youth and dignity. + +Athene was universally worshipped throughout Greece, but was regarded with +special veneration by the Athenians, she being the guardian deity of +Athens. Her most celebrated temple was the Parthenon, which stood on the +{47} Acropolis at Athens, and contained her world-renowned statue by +Phidias, which ranks second only to that of Zeus by the same great artist. +This colossal statue was 39 feet high, and was composed of ivory and gold; +its majestic beauty formed the chief attraction of the temple. It +represented her standing erect, bearing her spear and shield; in her hand +she held an image of Nike, and at her feet there lay a serpent. + +The tree sacred to her was the olive, which she herself produced in a +contest with Poseidon. The olive-tree thus called into existence was +preserved in the temple of Erectheus, on the Acropolis, and is said to have +possessed such marvellous vitality, that when the Persians burned it after +sacking the town it immediately burst forth into new shoots. + +The principal festival held in honour of this divinity was the Panathenæa. + +The owl, cock, and serpent were the animals sacred to her, and her +sacrifices were rams, bulls, and cows. + +[Illustration] + +MINERVA. + +The Minerva of the Romans was identified with the Pallas-Athene of the +Greeks. Like her she presides over learning and all useful arts, and is the +patroness of the feminine accomplishments of sewing, spinning, weaving, &c. +Schools were under her especial care, and schoolboys, therefore, had +holidays during her festivals (the Greater Quinquatria), when they always +brought a gift to their master, called the Minerval. + +It is worthy of notice that the only three divinities {48} worshipped in +the Capitol were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, and in their joint honour the +Ludi Maximi or great games were held. + +THEMIS. + +Themis, who has already been alluded to as the wife of Zeus, was the +daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and personified those divine laws of justice +and order by means of which the well-being and morality of communities are +regulated. She presided over the assemblies of the people and the laws of +hospitality. To her was intrusted the office of convoking the assembly of +the gods, and she was also mistress of ritual and ceremony. On account of +her great wisdom Zeus himself frequently sought her counsel and acted upon +her advice. Themis was a prophetic divinity, and had an oracle near the +river Cephissus in Boeotia. + +She is usually represented as being in the full maturity of womanhood, of +fair aspect, and wearing a flowing garment, which drapes her noble, +majestic form; in her right hand she holds the sword of justice, and in her +left the scales, which indicate the impartiality with which every cause is +carefully weighed by her, her eyes being bandaged so that the personality +of the individual should carry no weight with respect to the verdict. + +This divinity is sometimes identified with Tyche, sometimes with Ananke. + +Themis, like so many other Greek divinities, takes the place of a more +ancient deity of the same name who was a daughter of Uranus and Gæa. This +elder Themis inherited from her mother the gift of prophecy, and when she +became merged into her younger representative she transmitted to her this +prophetic power. + +HESTIA (Vesta). + +Hestia was the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She was the goddess of Fire in +its first application to the wants of mankind, hence she was essentially +the presiding deity {49} of the domestic hearth and the guardian spirit of +man, and it was her pure and benign influence which was supposed to protect +the sanctity of domestic life. + +Now in these early ages the hearth was regarded as the most important and +most sacred portion of the dwelling, probably because the protection of the +fire was an important consideration, for if once permitted to become +extinct, re-ignition was attended with extreme difficulty. In fact, the +hearth was held so sacred that it constituted the sanctum of the family, +for which reason it was always erected in the centre of every house. It was +a few feet in height and was built of stone; the fire was placed on the top +of it, and served the double purpose of preparing the daily meals, and +consuming the family sacrifices. Round this domestic hearth or altar were +gathered the various members of the family, the head of the house occupying +the place of honour nearest the hearth. Here prayers were said and +sacrifices offered, and here also every kind and loving feeling was +fostered, which even extended to the hunted and guilty stranger, who, if he +once succeeded in touching this sacred altar, was safe from pursuit and +punishment, and was henceforth placed under the protection of the family. +Any crime committed within the sacred precincts of the domestic hearth was +invariably visited by death. + +[Illustration] + +In Grecian cities there was a common hall, called the Prytaneum, in which +the members of the government had their meals at the expense of the state, +and here too was the Hestia, or public hearth, with its fire, by means of +which those meals were prepared. It was customary for emigrants to take +with them a portion of this sacred fire, which they jealously guarded and +brought with them to their new home, where it served as a connecting link +between the young Greek colony and the mother country. Hestia is generally +represented standing, and in accordance with the dignity and sanctity of +her character, always appears fully draped. Her countenance is +distinguished by a serene gravity of expression. {50} + +VESTA. + +Vesta occupies a distinguished place among the earlier divinities of the +Romans. Her temple in Rome, containing as it were the hearthstone of the +nation, stood close beside the palace of Numa Pompilius. + +On her altar burned the never-ceasing fire, which was tended by her +priestesses, the Vestal Virgins.[22] + +The temple of Vesta was circular in form, and contained that sacred and +highly prized treasure the Palladium of Troy.[23] + +The great festival in honour of Vesta, called the Vestalia, was celebrated +on the 9th of June. + +DEMETER (Ceres). + +Demeter (from _Ge-meter_, earth-mother) was the daughter of Cronus and +Rhea.[24] She represented that portion of Gæa (the whole solid earth) which +we call the earth's crust, and which produces all vegetation. As goddess of +agriculture, field-fruits, plenty, and productiveness, she was the +sustainer of material life, and was therefore a divinity of great +importance. When ancient Gæa lost, with Uranus, her position as a ruling +divinity, she abdicated her sway in favour of her daughter Rhea, who +henceforth inherited the powers which her mother had previously possessed, +receiving in her place the honour and worship of mankind. In a very old +poem Gæa is accordingly described as retiring to a cavern in the bowels +{51} of the earth, where she sits in the lap of her daughter, slumbering, +moaning, and nodding for ever and ever. + +It is necessary to keep clearly in view the distinctive difference between +the three great earth-goddesses Gæa, Rhea, and Demeter. Gæa represents the +earth as a whole, with its mighty subterranean forces; Rhea is that +productive power which causes vegetation to spring forth, thus sustaining +men and animals; Demeter, by presiding over agriculture, directs and +utilizes Rhea's productive powers. But in later times, when Rhea, like +other ancient divinities, loses her importance as a ruling deity, Demeter +assumes all her functions and attributes, and then becomes the goddess of +the life-producing and life-maintaining earth-crust. We must bear in mind +the fact that man in his primitive state knew neither how to sow nor how to +till the ground; when, therefore, he had exhausted the pastures which +surrounded him he was compelled to seek others which were as yet unreaped; +thus, roaming constantly from one place to another, settled habitations, +and consequently civilizing influences, were impossible. Demeter, however, +by introducing a knowledge of agriculture, put an end, at once and for +ever, to that nomadic life which was now no longer necessary. + +[Illustration] + +The favour of Demeter was believed to bring mankind rich harvests and +fruitful crops, whereas her displeasure caused blight, drought, and famine. +The island of Sicily was supposed to be under her especial protection, and +there she was regarded with particular veneration, the Sicilians naturally +attributing the wonderful fertility of their country to the partiality of +the goddess. + +Demeter is usually represented as a woman of noble {52} bearing and +majestic appearance, tall, matronly, and dignified, with beautiful golden +hair, which falls in rippling curls over her stately shoulders, the yellow +locks being emblematical of the ripened ears of corn. Sometimes she appears +seated in a chariot drawn by winged dragons, at others she stands erect, +her figure drawn up to its full height, and always fully draped; she bears +a sheaf of wheat-ears in one hand and a lighted torch in the other. The +wheat-ears are not unfrequently replaced by a bunch of poppies, with which +her brows are also garlanded, though sometimes she merely wears a simple +riband in her hair. + +Demeter, as the wife of Zeus, became the mother of Persephone (Proserpine), +to whom she was so tenderly attached that her whole life was bound up in +her, and she knew no happiness except in her society. One day, however, +whilst Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow, attended by the +ocean-nymphs, she saw to her surprise a beautiful narcissus, from the stem +of which sprang forth a hundred blossoms. Drawing near to examine this +lovely flower, whose exquisite scent perfumed the air, she stooped down to +gather it, suspecting no evil, when a yawning abyss opened at her feet, and +Aïdes, the grim ruler of the lower world, appeared from its depths, seated +in his dazzling chariot drawn by four black horses. Regardless of her tears +and the shrieks of her female attendants, Aïdes seized the terrified +maiden, and bore her away to the gloomy realms over which he reigned in +melancholy grandeur. Helios, the all-seeing sun-god, and Hecate, a +mysterious and very ancient divinity, alone heard her cries for aid, but +were powerless to help her. When Demeter became conscious of her loss her +grief was intense, and she refused to be comforted. She knew not where to +seek for her child, but feeling that repose and inaction were impossible, +she set out on her weary search, taking with her two torches which she +lighted in the flames of Mount Etna to guide her on her way. For nine long +days and nights she wandered on, inquiring of every one she met for tidings +of her child. {53} But all was in vain! Neither gods nor men could give her +the comfort which her soul so hungered for. At last, on the tenth day, the +disconsolate mother met Hecate, who informed her that she had heard her +daughter's cries, but knew not who it was that had borne her away. By +Hecate's advice Demeter consulted Helios, whose all-seeing eye nothing +escapes, and from him she learnt that it was Zeus himself who had permitted +Aïdes to seize Persephone, and transport her to the lower world in order +that she might become his wife. Indignant with Zeus for having given his +sanction to the abduction of his daughter, and filled with the bitterest +sorrow, she abandoned her home in Olympus, and refused all heavenly food. +Disguising herself as an old woman, she descended upon earth, and commenced +a weary pilgrimage among mankind. One evening she arrived at a place called +Eleusis, in Attica, and sat down to rest herself near a well beneath the +shade of an olive-tree. The youthful daughters of Celeus, the king of the +country, came with their pails of brass to draw water from this well, and +seeing that the tired wayfarer appeared faint and dispirited, they spoke +kindly to her, asking who she was, and whence she came. Demeter replied +that she had made her escape from pirates, who had captured her, and added +that she would feel grateful for a home with any worthy family, whom she +would be willing to serve in a menial capacity. The princesses, on hearing +this, begged Demeter to have a moment's patience while they returned home +and consulted their mother, Metaneira. They soon brought the joyful +intelligence that she was desirous of securing her services as nurse to her +infant son Demophoon, or Triptolemus. When Demeter arrived at the house a +radiant light suddenly illumined her, which circumstance so overawed +Metaneira that she treated the unknown stranger with the greatest respect, +and hospitably offered her food and drink. But Demeter, still grief-worn +and dejected, refused her friendly offers, and held herself apart from the +social board. At length, however, the maid-servant Iambe succeeded, by +means {54} of playful jests and merriment, in somewhat dispelling the grief +of the sorrowing mother, causing her at times to smile in spite of herself, +and even inducing her to partake of a mixture of barley-meal, mint, and +water, which was prepared according to the directions of the goddess +herself. Time passed on, and the young child throve amazingly under the +care of his kind and judicious nurse, who, however, gave him no food, but +anointed him daily with ambrosia, and every night laid him secretly in the +fire in order to render him immortal and exempt from old age. But, +unfortunately, this benevolent design on the part of Demeter was frustrated +by Metaneira herself, whose curiosity, one night, impelled her to watch the +proceedings of the mysterious being who nursed her child. When to her +horror she beheld her son placed in the flames, she shrieked aloud. +Demeter, incensed at this untimely interruption, instantly withdrew the +child, and throwing him on the ground, revealed herself in her true +character. The bent and aged form had vanished, and in its place there +stood a bright and beauteous being, whose golden locks streamed over her +shoulders in richest luxuriance, her whole aspect bespeaking dignity and +majesty. She told the awe-struck Metaneira that she was the goddess +Demeter, and had intended to make her son immortal, but that her fatal +curiosity had rendered this impossible, adding, however, that the child, +having slept in her arms, and been nursed on her lap, should ever command +the respect and esteem of mankind. She then desired that a temple and altar +should be erected to her on a neighbouring hill by the people of Eleusis, +promising that she herself would direct them how to perform the sacred +rites and ceremonies, which should be observed in her honour. With these +words she took her departure never to return. + +Obedient to her commands, Celeus called together a meeting of his people, +and built the temple on the spot which the goddess had indicated. It was +soon completed, and Demeter took up her abode in it, but her heart was +still sad for the loss of her daughter, and the whole world felt the +influence of her grief and dejection. This was {55} indeed a terrible year +for mankind. Demeter no longer smiled on the earth she was wont to bless, +and though the husbandman sowed the grain, and the groaning oxen ploughed +the fields, no harvest rewarded their labour. All was barren, dreary +desolation. The world was threatened with famine, and the gods with the +loss of their accustomed honours and sacrifices; it became evident, +therefore, to Zeus himself that some measures must be adopted to appease +the anger of the goddess. He accordingly despatched Iris and many of the +other gods and goddesses to implore Demeter to return to Olympus; but all +their prayers were fruitless. The incensed goddess swore that until her +daughter was restored to her she would not allow the grain to spring forth +from the earth. At length Zeus sent Hermes, his faithful messenger, to the +lower world with a petition to Aïdes, urgently entreating him to restore +Persephone to the arms of her disconsolate mother. When he arrived in the +gloomy realms of Aïdes, Hermes found him seated on a throne with the +beautiful Persephone beside him, sorrowfully bewailing her unhappy fate. On +learning his errand, Aïdes consented to resign Persephone, who joyfully +prepared to follow the messenger of the gods to the abode of life and +light. Before taking leave of her husband, he presented to her a few seeds +of pomegranate, which in her excitement she thoughtlessly swallowed, and +this simple act, as the sequel will show, materially affected her whole +future life. The meeting between mother and child was one of unmixed +rapture, and for the moment all the past was forgotten. The loving mother's +happiness would now have been complete had not Aïdes asserted his rights. +These were, that if any immortal had tasted food in his realms they were +bound to remain there for ever. Of course the ruler of the lower world had +to prove this assertion. This, however, he found no difficulty in doing, as +Ascalaphus, the son of Acheron and Orphne, was his witness to the fact.[25] +Zeus, pitying the disappointment of Demeter at finding {56} her hopes thus +blighted, succeeded in effecting a compromise by inducing his brother Aïdes +to allow Persephone to spend six months of the year with the gods above, +whilst during the other six she was to be the joyless companion of her grim +lord below. Accompanied by her daughter, the beautiful Persephone, Demeter +now resumed her long-abandoned dwelling in Olympus; the sympathetic earth +responded gaily to her bright smiles, the corn at once sprang forth from +the ground in fullest plenty, the trees, which late were sered and bare, +now donned their brightest emerald robes, and the flowers, so long +imprisoned in the hard, dry soil, filled the whole air with their fragrant +perfume. Thus ends this charming story, which was a favourite theme with +all the classic authors. + +It is very possible that the poets who first created this graceful myth +merely intended it as an allegory to illustrate the change of seasons; in +the course of time, however, a literal meaning became attached to this and +similar poetical fancies, and thus the people of Greece came to regard as +an article of religious belief what, in the first instance, was nothing +more than a poetic simile. + +In the temple erected to Demeter at Eleusis, the famous Eleusinian +Mysteries were instituted by the goddess herself. It is exceedingly +difficult, as in the case of all secret societies, to discover anything +with certainty concerning these sacred rites. The most plausible +supposition is that the doctrines taught by the priests to the favoured few +whom they initiated, were religious truths which were deemed unfit for the +uninstructed mind of the multitude. For instance, it is supposed that the +myth of Demeter and Persephone was explained by the teachers of the +Mysteries to signify the temporary loss which mother earth sustains every +year when the icy breath of winter robs her of her flowers and fruits and +grain. + +It is believed that in later times a still deeper meaning was conveyed by +this beautiful myth, viz., the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. The +grain, which, as it were, remains dead for a time in the dark earth, only +{57} to rise one day dressed in a newer and lovelier garb, was supposed to +symbolize the soul, which, after death, frees itself from corruption, to +live again under a better and purer form. + +When Demeter instituted the Eleusinian Mysteries, Celeus and his family +were the first to be initiated, Celeus himself being appointed high-priest. +His son Triptolemus and his daughters, who acted as priestesses, assisted +him in the duties of his sacred office. The Mysteries were celebrated by +the Athenians every five years, and were, for a long time, their exclusive +privilege. They took place by torchlight, and were conducted with the +greatest solemnity. + +In order to spread abroad the blessings which agriculture confers, Demeter +presented Triptolemus with her chariot drawn by winged dragons, and, giving +him some grains of corn, desired him to journey through the world, teaching +mankind the arts of agriculture and husbandry. + +[Illustration] + +Demeter exercised great severity towards those who incurred her +displeasure. We find examples of this in the stories of Stellio and +Eresicthon. Stellio was a youth who ridiculed the goddess for the eagerness +with which she was eating a bowl of porridge, when weary and faint in the +vain search for her daughter. Resolved that he should never again have an +opportunity of thus offending, she angrily threw into his face the +remainder of the food, and changed him into a spotted lizard. + +Eresicthon, son of Triopas, had drawn upon himself the anger of Demeter by +cutting down her sacred groves, for which she punished him with a constant +and insatiable hunger. He sold all his possessions in order to satisfy his +cravings, and was forced at last to devour his own limbs. His daughter +Metra, who was devotedly attached to him, possessed the power of +transforming herself into a variety of different animals. By this means she +contrived to support her father, who sold her again and again each time she +assumed a different form, and thus he dragged on a pitiful existence. {58} + +CERES. + +The Roman Ceres is actually the Greek Demeter under another name, her +attributes, worship, festivals, &c., being precisely identical. + +The Romans were indebted to Sicily for this divinity, her worship having +been introduced by the Greek colonists who settled there. + +The Cerealia, or festivals in honour of Ceres, commenced on the 12th of +April, and lasted several days. + +APHRODITE (VENUS). + +Aphrodite (from _aphros_, sea-foam, and _dite_, issued), the daughter of +Zeus and a sea-nymph called Dione, was the goddess of Love and Beauty. + +Dione, being a sea-nymph, gave birth to her daughter beneath the waves; but +the child of the heaven-inhabiting Zeus was forced to ascend from the +ocean-depths and mount to the snow-capped summits of Olympus, in order to +breathe that ethereal and most refined atmosphere which pertains to the +celestial gods. + +Aphrodite was the mother of Eros (Cupid), the god of Love, also of Æneas, +the great Trojan hero and the head of that Greek colony which settled in +Italy, and from which arose the city of Rome. As a mother Aphrodite claims +our sympathy for the tenderness she exhibits towards her children. Homer +tells us in his Iliad, how, when Æneas was wounded in battle, she came to +his assistance, regardless of personal danger, and was herself severely +wounded in attempting to save his life. {59} + +Aphrodite was tenderly attached to a lovely youth, called Adonis, whose +exquisite beauty has become proverbial. He was a motherless babe, and +Aphrodite, taking pity on him, placed him in a chest and intrusted him to +the care of Persephone, who became so fond of the beautiful youth that she +refused to part with him. Zeus, being appealed to by the rival +foster-mothers, decided that Adonis should spend four months of every year +with Persephone, four with Aphrodite, whilst during the remaining four +months he should be left to his own devices. He became, however, so +attached to Aphrodite that he voluntarily devoted to her the time at his +own disposal. Adonis was killed, during the chase, by a wild boar, to the +great grief of Aphrodite, who bemoaned his loss so persistently that Aïdes, +moved with pity, permitted him to pass six months of every year with her, +whilst the remaining half of the year was spent by him in the lower world. + +Aphrodite possessed a magic girdle (the famous _cestus_) which she +frequently lent to unhappy maidens suffering from the pangs of unrequited +love, as it was endowed with the power of inspiring affection for the +wearer, whom it invested with every attribute of grace, beauty, and +fascination. + +Her usual attendants are the Charites or Graces (Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and +Thalia), who are represented undraped and intertwined in a loving embrace. + +In Hesiod's _Theogony_ she is supposed to belong to the more ancient +divinities, and, whilst those of later date are represented as having +descended one from another, and all more or less from Zeus, Aphrodite has a +variously-accounted-for, yet independent origin. + +The most poetical version of her birth is that when Uranus was wounded by +his son Cronus, his blood mingled with the foam of the sea, whereupon the +bubbling waters at once assumed a rosy tint, and from their depths arose, +in all the surpassing glory of her loveliness, Aphrodite, goddess of love +and beauty! Shaking her long, fair tresses, the water-drops rolled down +into the beautiful {60} sea-shell in which she stood, and became +transformed into pure glistening pearls. Wafted by the soft and balmy +breezes, she floated on to Cythera, and was thence transported to the +island of Cyprus. Lightly she stepped on shore, and under the gentle +pressure of her delicate foot the dry and rigid sand became transformed +into a verdant meadow, where every varied shade of colour and every sweet +odour charmed the senses. The whole island of Cyprus became clothed with +verdure, and greeted this fairest of all created beings with a glad smile +of friendly welcome. Here she was received by the Seasons, who decked her +with garments of immortal fabric, encircling her fair brow with a wreath of +purest gold, whilst from her ears depended costly rings, and a glittering +chain embraced her swan-like throat. And now, arrayed in all the panoply of +her irresistible charms, the nymphs escort her to the dazzling halls of +Olympus, where she is received with ecstatic enthusiasm by the admiring +gods and goddesses. The gods all vied with each other in aspiring to the +honour of her hand, but Hephæstus became the envied possessor of this +lovely being, who, however, proved as faithless as she was beautiful, and +caused her husband much unhappiness, owing to the preference she showed at +various times for some of the other gods and also for mortal men. + +[Illustration] + +The celebrated Venus of Milo, now in the Louvre, is an exquisite statue of +this divinity. The head is beautifully formed; the rich waves of hair +descend on her rather low but broad forehead and are caught up gracefully +in a small knot at the back of the head; the expression of the face is most +bewitching, and bespeaks the perfect {61} joyousness of a happy nature +combined with the dignity of a goddess; the drapery falls in careless folds +from the waist downwards, and her whole attitude is the embodiment of all +that is graceful and lovely in womanhood. She is of medium height, and the +form is perfect in its symmetry and faultless proportions. + +Aphrodite is also frequently represented in the act of confining her +dripping locks in a knot, whilst her attendant nymphs envelop her in a +gauzy veil. + +The animals sacred to her were the dove, swan, swallow, and sparrow. Her +favourite plants were the myrtle, apple-tree, rose, and poppy. + +The worship of Aphrodite is supposed to have been introduced into Greece +from Central Asia. There is no doubt that she was originally identical with +the famous Astarté, the Ashtoreth of the Bible, against whose idolatrous +worship and infamous rites the prophets of old hurled forth their sublime +and powerful anathemas. + +VENUS. + +The Venus of the Romans was identified with the Aphrodite of the Greeks. +The worship of this divinity was only established in Rome in comparatively +later times. Annual festivals, called Veneralia, were held in her honour, +and the month of April, when flowers and plants spring forth afresh, was +sacred to her. She was worshipped as Venus Cloacina (or the Purifier), and +as Venus Myrtea (or the myrtle goddess), an epithet derived from the +myrtle, the emblem of Love. + +HELIOS (SOL). + +The worship of Helios was introduced into Greece from Asia. According to +the earliest conceptions of the Greeks he was not only the sun-god, but +also the personification of life and all life-giving power, for light is +well known to be an indispensable condition of all healthy terrestrial +life. The worship of the sun was originally very widely spread, {62} not +only among the early Greeks themselves, but also among other primitive +nations. To us the sun is simply the orb of light, which, high above our +heads, performs each day the functions assigned to it by a mighty and +invisible Power; we can, therefore, form but a faint idea of the impression +which it produced upon the spirit of a people whose intellect was still in +its infancy, and who believed, with child-like simplicity, that every power +of nature was a divinity, which, according as its character was baleful or +beneficent, worked for the destruction or benefit of the human race. + +Helios, who was the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, is described as +rising every morning in the east, preceded by his sister Eos (the Dawn), +who, with her rosy fingers, paints the tips of the mountains, and draws +aside that misty veil through which her brother is about to appear. When he +has burst forth in all the glorious light of day, Eos disappears, and +Helios now drives his flame-darting chariot along the accustomed track. +This chariot, which is of burnished gold, is drawn by four fire-breathing +steeds, behind which the young god stands erect with flashing eyes, his +head surrounded with rays, holding in one hand the reins of those fiery +coursers which in all hands save his are unmanageable. When towards evening +he descends the curve[26] in order to cool his burning forehead in the +waters of the deep sea, he is followed closely by his sister Selene (the +Moon), who is now prepared to take charge of the world, and illumine with +her silver crescent the dusky night. Helios meanwhile rests from his +labours, and, reclining softly on the cool fragrant couch prepared for him +by the sea-nymphs, recruits himself for another life-giving, joy-inspiring, +and beauteous day. + +It may appear strange that, although the Greeks considered the earth to be +a flat circle, no explanation is given of the fact that Helios sinks down +in the far {63} west regularly every evening, and yet reappears as +regularly every morning in the east. Whether he was supposed to pass +through Tartarus, and thus regain the opposite extremity through the bowels +of the earth, or whether they thought he possessed any other means of +making this transit, there is not a line in either Homer or Hesiod to +prove. In later times, however, the poets invented the graceful fiction, +that when Helios had finished his course, and reached the western side of +the curve, a winged-boat, or cup, which had been made for him by Hephæstus, +awaited him there, and conveyed him rapidly, with his glorious equipage, to +the east, where he recommenced his bright and glowing career. + +This divinity was invoked as a witness when a solemn oath was taken, as it +was believed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, and it was this fact +which enabled him to inform Demeter of the fate of her daughter, as already +related. He was supposed to possess flocks and herds in various localities, +which may possibly be intended to represent the days and nights of the +year, or the stars of heaven. + +Helios is said to have loved Clytie, a daughter of Oceanus, who ardently +returned his affection; but in the course of time the fickle sun-god +transferred his devotion to Leucothea, the daughter of Orchamus, king of +the eastern countries, which so angered the forsaken Clytie that she +informed Orchamus of his daughter's attachment, and he punished her by +inhumanly burying her alive. Helios, overcome with grief, endeavoured, by +every means in his power, to recall her to life. At last, finding all his +efforts unavailing, he sprinkled her grave with heavenly nectar, and +immediately there sprang forth from the spot a shoot of frankincense, which +spread around its aromatic perfume. + +The jealous Clytie gained nothing by her cruel conduct, for the sun-god +came to her no more. Inconsolable at his loss, she threw herself upon the +ground, and refused all sustenance. For nine long days she turned her face +towards the glorious god of day, as he moved along the {64} heavens, till +at length her limbs became rooted in the ground, and she was transformed +into a flower, which ever turns towards the sun. + +Helios married Perse, daughter of Oceanus, and their children were, Aëtes, +king of Colchis (celebrated in the legend of the Argonauts as the possessor +of the Golden Fleece), and Circe, the renowned sorceress. + +Helios had another son named Phaethon, whose mother was Clymene, one of the +Oceanides. The youth was very beautiful, and a great favourite with +Aphrodite, who intrusted him with the care of one of her temples, which +flattering proof of her regard caused him to become vain and presumptuous. +His friend Epaphus, son of Zeus and Io, endeavoured to check his youthful +vanity by pretending to disbelieve his assertion that the sun-god was his +father. Phaethon, full of resentment, and eager to be able to refute the +calumny, hastened to his mother Clymene, and besought her to tell him +whether Helios was really his father. Moved by his entreaties, and at the +same time angry at the reproach of Epaphus, Clymene pointed to the glorious +sun, then shining down upon them, and assured her son that in that bright +orb he beheld the author of his being, adding that if he had still any +doubt, he might visit the radiant dwelling of the great god of light and +inquire for himself. Overjoyed at his mother's reassuring words, and +following the directions she gave him, Phaethon quickly wended his way to +his father's palace. + +As he entered the palace of the sun-god the dazzling rays almost blinded +him, and prevented him from approaching the throne on which his father was +seated, surrounded by the Hours, Days, Months, Years, and Seasons. Helios, +who with his all-seeing eye had watched him from afar, removed his crown of +glittering rays, and bade him not to be afraid, but to draw near to his +father. Encouraged by this kind reception, Phaethon entreated him to bestow +upon him such a proof of his love, that all the world might be convinced +that he was indeed his son; whereupon Helios desired him to ask any favour +he pleased, {65} and swore by the Styx that it should be granted. The +impetuous youth immediately requested permission to drive the chariot of +the sun for one whole day. His father listened horror-struck to this +presumptuous demand, and by representing the many dangers which would beset +his path, endeavoured to dissuade him from so perilous an undertaking; but +his son, deaf to all advice, pressed his point with such pertinacity, that +Helios was reluctantly compelled to lead him to the chariot. Phaethon +paused for a moment to admire the beauty of the glittering equipage, the +gift of the god of fire, who had formed it of gold, and ornamented it with +precious stones, which reflected the rays of the sun. And now Helios, +seeing his sister, the Dawn, opening her doors in the rosy east, ordered +the Hours to yoke the horses. The goddesses speedily obeyed the command, +and the father then anointed the face of his son with a sacred balm, to +enable him to endure the burning flames which issued from the nostrils of +the steeds, and sorrowfully placing his crown of rays upon his head, +desired him to ascend the chariot. + +The eager youth joyfully took his place and grasped the coveted reins, but +no sooner did the fiery coursers of the sun feel the inexperienced hand +which attempted to guide them, than they became restive and unmanageable. +Wildly they rushed out of their accustomed track, now soaring so high as to +threaten the heavens with destruction, now descending so low as nearly to +set the earth on fire. At last the unfortunate charioteer, blinded with the +glare, and terrified at the awful devastation he had caused, dropped the +reins from his trembling hands. Mountains and forests were in flames, +rivers and streams were dried up, and a general conflagration was imminent. +The scorched earth now called on Zeus for help, who hurled his thunderbolt +at Phaethon, and with a flash of lightning brought the fiery steeds to a +standstill. The lifeless body of the youth fell headlong into the river +Eridanus,[27] where it was received and buried by the {66} nymphs of the +stream. His sisters mourned so long for him that they were transformed by +Zeus into poplars, and the tears they shed, falling into the waters, became +drops of clear, transparent amber. Cycnus, the faithful friend of the +unhappy Phaethon, felt such overwhelming grief at his terrible fate, that +he pined and wasted away. The gods, moved with compassion, transformed him +into a swan, which for ever brooded over the fatal spot where the waters +had closed over the head of his unfortunate friend. + +[Illustration] + +The chief seat of the worship of Helios was the island of Rhodes, which +according to the following myth was his especial territory. At the time of +the Titanomachia, when the gods were dividing the world by lot, Helios +happened to be absent, and consequently received no share. He, therefore, +complained to Zeus, who proposed to have a new allotment, but this Helios +would not allow, saying, that as he pursued his daily journey, his +penetrating eye had beheld a lovely, fertile island lying beneath the waves +of the ocean, and that if the immortals would swear to give him the +undisturbed possession of this spot, he would be content to accept it as +his share of the universe. The gods took the oath, whereupon the island of +Rhodes immediately raised itself above the surface of the waters. + +The famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the seven wonders of the +world, was erected in honour of Helios. This wonderful statue was 105 feet +high, and was formed entirely of brass; it formed the entrance to the +harbour at Rhodes, and the largest vessel could easily sail between the +legs, which stood on moles, each side of the harbour. Though so gigantic, +it was perfectly proportioned in every part. Some idea of {67} its size may +be gained from the fact that very few people were able to span the thumb of +this statue with their arms. In the interior of the Colossus was a winding +staircase leading to the top, from the summit of which, by means of a +telescope, the coast of Syria, and also the shores of Egypt, are said to +have been visible.[28] + +EOS (AURORA). + +Eos, the Dawn, like her brother Helios, whose advent she always announced, +was also deified by the early Greeks. She too had her own chariot, which +she drove across the vast horizon both morning and night, before and after +the sun-god. Hence she is not merely the personification of the rosy morn, +but also of twilight, for which reason her palace is placed in the west, on +the island Ææa. The abode of Eos is a magnificent structure, surrounded by +flowery meads and velvety lawns, where nymphs and other immortal beings, +wind in and out in the mazy figures of the dance, whilst the music of a +sweetly-tuned melody accompanies their graceful, gliding movements. + +Eos is described by the poets as a beautiful maiden with rosy arms and +fingers, and large wings, whose plumage is of an ever-changing hue; she +bears a star on her forehead, and a torch in her hand. Wrapping round her +the rich folds of her violet-tinged mantle, she leaves her couch before the +break of day, and herself yokes her two horses, Lampetus and Phaethon, to +her glorious chariot. She then hastens with active cheerfulness to open the +gates of heaven, in order to herald the approach of her brother, the god of +day, whilst the tender plants and flowers, revived by the morning dew, lift +their heads to welcome her as she passes. + +{68} + +Eos first married the Titan Astræus,[29] and their children were Heosphorus +(Hesperus), the evening star, and the winds. She afterwards became united +to Tithonus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy, who had won her affection by +his unrivalled beauty; and Eos, unhappy at the thought of their being ever +separated by death, obtained for him from Zeus the gift of immortality, +forgetting, however, to add to it that of eternal youth. The consequence +was that when, in the course of time, Tithonus grew old and decrepid, and +lost all the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos became disgusted with +his infirmities, and at last shut him up in a chamber, where soon little +else was left of him but his voice, which had now sunk into a weak, feeble +quaver. According to some of the later poets, he became so weary of his +cheerless and miserable existence, that he entreated to be allowed to die. +This was, however, impossible; but Eos, pitying his unhappy condition, +exerted her divine power, and changed him into a grasshopper, which is, as +it were, all voice, and whose monotonous, ceaseless chirpings may not +inaptly be compared to the meaningless babble of extreme old age. + +PHOEBUS-APOLLO. + +Phoebus-Apollo, the god of Light, Prophecy, Music, Poetry, and the Arts and +Sciences, is by far the noblest conception within the whole range of Greek +mythology, and his worship, which not only extended to all the states of +Greece, but also to Asia Minor and to every Greek colony throughout the +world, stands out among the most ancient and strongly-marked features of +Grecian history, and exerted a more decided influence over the Greek +nation, than that of any other deity, not excepting Zeus himself. + +Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto, and was born beneath the shade of a +palm tree which grew at the foot {69} of Mount Cynthus, on the barren and +rocky island of Delos. The poets tell us that the earth smiled when the +young god first beheld the light of day, and that Delos became so proud and +exultant at the honour thus conferred upon her, that she covered herself +with golden flowers; swans surrounded the island, and the Delian nymphs +celebrated his birth with songs of joy. + +[Illustration] + +The unhappy Leto, driven to Delos by the relentless persecutions of Hera, +was not long permitted to enjoy her haven of refuge. Being still tormented +by her enemy, the young mother was once more obliged to fly; she therefore +resigned the charge of her new-born babe to the goddess Themis, who +carefully wrapped the helpless infant in swaddling-clothes, and fed him +with nectar and ambrosia; but he had no sooner partaken of the heavenly +food than, to the amazement of the goddess, he burst asunder the bands +which confined his infant limbs, and springing to his feet, appeared before +her as a full-grown youth of divine strength and beauty. He now demanded a +lyre and a bow, declaring that henceforth he would announce to mankind the +will of his father Zeus. "The golden lyre," said he, "shall be my friend, +the bent bow my delight, and in oracles will I foretell the dark future." +With these words he ascended to Olympus, where he was received with joyful +acclamations into the assembly of the celestial gods, who acknowledged him +as the most beautiful and glorious of all the sons of Zeus. + +Phoebus-Apollo was the god of light in a twofold {70} signification: first, +as representing the great orb of day which illumines the world; and +secondly, as the heavenly light which animates the soul of man. He +inherited his function as sun-god from Helios, with whom, in later times, +he was so completely identified, that the personality of the one became +gradually merged in that of the other. We, accordingly, find Helios +frequently confounded with Apollo, myths belonging to the former attributed +to the latter; and with some tribes--the Ionic, for instance--so complete +is this identification, that Apollo is called by them Helios-Apollo. + +As the divinity whose power is developed in the broad light of day, he +brings joy and delight to nature, and health and prosperity to man. By the +influence of his warm and gentle rays he disperses the noxious vapours of +the night, assists the grain to ripen and the flowers to bloom. + +But although, as god of the sun, he is a life-giving and life-preserving +power, who, by his genial influence, dispels the cold of winter, he is, at +the same time, the god who, by means of his fiercely darting rays, could +spread disease and send sudden death to men and animals; and it is to this +phase of his character that we must look for the explanation of his being +considered, in conjunction with his twin-sister, Artemis (as moon-goddess), +a divinity of death. The brother and sister share this function between +them, he taking man and she woman as her aim, and those especially who died +in the bloom of youth, or at an advanced age, were believed to have been +killed by their gentle arrows. But Apollo did not always send an easy +death. We see in the _Iliad_ how, when angry with the Greeks, the "god of +the silver bow" strode down from Olympus, with his quiver full of +death-bringing darts, and sent a raging pestilence into their camp. For +nine days he let fly his fatal arrows, first on animals and then on men, +till the air became darkened with the smoke from the funeral pyres. + +In his character as god of light, Phoebus-Apollo is the protecting deity of +shepherds, because it is he who warms {71} the fields and meadows, and +gives rich pastures to the flocks, thereby gladdening the heart of the +herdsman. + +As the temperate heat of the sun exercises so invigorating an effect on man +and animals, and promotes the growth of those medicinal herbs and vegetable +productions necessary for the cure of diseases, Phoebus-Apollo was supposed +to possess the power of restoring life and health; hence he was regarded as +the god of healing; but this feature in his character we shall find more +particularly developed in his son Asclepius (Æsculapius), the veritable god +of the healing art. + +Pursuing our analysis of the various phases in the character of +Phoebus-Apollo, we find that with the first beams of his genial light, all +nature awakens to renewed life, and the woods re-echo with the jubilant +sound of the untaught lays, warbled by thousands of feathered choristers. +Hence, by a natural inference, he is the god of music, and as, according to +the belief of the ancients, the inspirations of genius were inseparably +connected with the glorious light of heaven, he is also the god of poetry, +and acts as the special patron of the arts and sciences. Apollo is himself +the heavenly musician among the Olympic gods, whose banquets are gladdened +by the wondrous strains which he produces from his favourite instrument, +the seven-stringed lyre. In the cultus of Apollo, music formed a +distinguishing feature. All sacred dances, and even the sacrifices in his +honour, were performed to the sound of musical instruments; and it is, in a +great measure, owing to the influence which the music in his worship +exercised on the Greek nation, that Apollo came to be regarded as the +leader of the nine Muses, the legitimate divinities of poetry and song. In +this character he is called Musagetes, and is always represented robed in a +long flowing garment; his lyre, to the tones of which he appears to be +singing, is suspended by a band across the chest; his head is encircled by +a wreath of laurel, and his long hair, streaming down over his shoulders, +gives him a somewhat effeminate appearance. + +And now we must view the glorious god of light under {72} another, and (as +far as regards his influence over the Greek nation) a much more important +aspect; for, in historical times, all the other functions and attributes of +Apollo sink into comparative insignificance before the great power which he +exercised as god of prophecy. It is true that all Greek gods were endowed, +to a certain extent, with the faculty of foretelling future events; but +Apollo, as sun-god, was the concentration of all prophetic power, as it was +supposed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, which penetrated the most +hidden recesses, and laid bare the secrets which lay concealed behind the +dark veil of the future. + +We have seen that when Apollo assumed his god-like form, he took his place +among the immortals; but he had not long enjoyed the rapturous delights of +Olympus, before he felt within him an ardent desire to fulfil his great +mission of interpreting to mankind the will of his mighty father. He +accordingly descended to earth, and travelled through many countries, +seeking a fitting site upon which to establish an oracle. At length he +reached the southern side of the rocky heights of Parnassus, beneath which +lay the harbour of Crissa. Here, under the overhanging cliff, he found a +secluded spot, where, from the most ancient times, there had existed an +oracle, in which Gæa herself had revealed the future to man, and which, in +Deucalion's time, she had resigned to Themis. It was guarded by the huge +serpent Python, the scourge of the surrounding neighbourhood, and the +terror alike of men and cattle. The young god, full of confidence in his +unerring aim, attacked and slew the monster with his arrows, thus freeing +land and people from their mighty enemy. + +The grateful inhabitants, anxious to do honour to their deliverer, flocked +round Apollo, who proceeded to mark out a plan for a temple, and, with the +assistance of numbers of eager volunteers, a suitable edifice was soon +erected. It now became necessary to choose ministers, who would offer up +sacrifices, interpret his prophecies to the people, and take charge of the +temple. Looking round, he saw in the far distance a vessel bound from Crete +to the {73} Peloponnesus, and determined to avail himself of her crew for +his service. Assuming the shape of an enormous dolphin, he agitated the +waters to such a degree, that the ship was tossed violently to and fro, to +the great alarm of the mariners; at the same time he raised a mighty wind, +which drove the ship into the harbour of Crissa, where she ran aground. The +terrified sailors dared not set foot on shore; but Apollo, under the form +of a vigorous youth, stepped down to the vessel, revealed himself in his +true character, and informed them that it was he who had driven them to +Crissa, in order that they might become his priests, and serve him in his +temple. Arrived at the sacred fane, he instructed them how to perform the +services in his honour, and desired them to worship him under the name of +Apollo-Delphinios, because he had first appeared to them under the form of +a dolphin. Thus was established the far-famed oracle of Delphi, the only +institution of the kind which was not exclusively national, for it was +consulted by Lydians, Phrygians, Etruscans, Romans, &c., and, in fact, was +held in the highest repute all over the world. In obedience to its decrees, +the laws of Lycurgus were introduced, and the earliest Greek colonies +founded. No cities were built without first consulting the Delphic oracle, +for it was believed that Apollo took special delight in the founding of +cities, the first stone of which he laid in person; nor was any enterprise +ever undertaken, without inquiring at this sacred fane as to its probable +success. + +But that which brought Apollo more closely home to the hearts of the +people, and raised the whole moral tone of the Greek nation, was the +belief, gradually developed with the intelligence of the people, that he +was the god who accepted repentance as an atonement for sin, who pardoned +the contrite sinner, and who acted as the special protector of those, who, +like Orestes, had committed a crime, which required long years of +expiation. + +Apollo is represented by the poets as being eternally young; his +countenance, glowing with joyous life, is the embodiment of immortal +beauty; his eyes are of a deep {74} blue; his forehead low, but broad and +intellectual; his hair, which falls over his shoulders in long waving +locks, is of a golden, or warm chestnut hue. He is crowned with laurel, and +wears a purple robe; in his hand he bears his silver bow, which is unbent +when he smiles, but ready for use when he menaces evil-doers. + +But Apollo, the eternally beautiful youth, the perfection of all that is +graceful and refined, rarely seems to have been happy in his love; either +his advances met with a repulse, or his union with the object of his +affection was attended with fatal consequences. + +His first love was Daphne (daughter of Peneus, the river-god), who was so +averse to marriage that she entreated her father to allow her to lead a +life of celibacy, and devote herself to the chase, which she loved to the +exclusion of all other pursuits. But one day, soon after his victory over +the Python, Apollo happened to see Eros bending his bow, and proud of his +own superior strength and skill, he laughed at the efforts of the little +archer, saying that such a weapon was more suited to the one who had just +killed the terrible serpent. Eros angrily replied that his arrow should +pierce the heart of the mocker himself, and flying off to the summit of +Mount Parnassus, he drew from his quiver two darts of different +workmanship--one of gold, which had the effect of inspiring love; the other +of lead, which created aversion. Taking aim at Apollo, he pierced his +breast with the golden shaft, whilst the leaden one he discharged into the +bosom of the beautiful Daphne. The son of Leto instantly felt the most +ardent affection for the nymph, who, on her part, evinced the greatest +dislike towards her divine lover, and, at his approach, fled from him like +a hunted deer. He called upon her in the most endearing accents to stay, +but she still sped on, until at length, becoming faint with fatigue, and +fearing that she was about to succumb, she called upon the gods to come to +her aid. Hardly had she uttered her prayer before a heavy torpor seized her +limbs, and just as Apollo threw out his arms to embrace her, she became +transformed {75} into a laurel-bush. He sorrowfully crowned his head with +its leaves, and declared, that in memory of his love, it should henceforth +remain evergreen, and be held sacred to him. + +He next sought the love of Marpessa, the daughter of Evenus; but though her +father approved his suit, the maiden preferred a youth named Idas, who +contrived to carry her off in a winged chariot which he had procured from +Poseidon. Apollo pursued the fugitives, whom he quickly overtook, and +forcibly seizing the bride, refused to resign her. Zeus then interfered, +and declared that Marpessa herself must decide which of her lovers should +claim her as his wife. After due reflection she accepted Idas as her +husband, judiciously concluding that although the attractions of the divine +Apollo were superior to those of her lover, it would be wiser to unite +herself to a mortal, who, growing old with herself, would be less likely to +forsake her, when advancing years should rob her of her charms. + +Cassandra, daughter of Priam, king of Troy, was another object of the love +of Apollo. She feigned to return his affection, and promised to marry him, +provided he would confer upon her the gift of prophecy; but having received +the boon she desired, the treacherous maiden refused to comply with the +conditions upon which it had been granted. Incensed at her breach of faith, +Apollo, unable to recall the gift he had bestowed, rendered it useless by +causing her predictions to fail in obtaining credence. Cassandra became +famous in history for her prophetic powers, but her prophecies were never +believed. For instance, she warned her brother Paris that if he brought +back a wife from Greece he would cause the destruction of his father's +house and kingdom; she also warned the Trojans not to admit the wooden +horse within the walls of the city, and foretold to Agamemnon all the +disasters which afterwards befell him. + +Apollo afterwards married Coronis, a nymph of Larissa, and thought himself +happy in the possession of her faithful love; but once more he was doomed +to {76} disappointment, for one day his favourite bird, the crow, flew to +him with the intelligence that his wife had transferred her affections to a +youth of Haemonia. Apollo, burning with rage, instantly destroyed her with +one of his death-bringing darts. Too late he repented of his rashness, for +she had been tenderly beloved by him, and he would fain have recalled her +to life; but, although he exerted all his healing powers, his efforts were +in vain. He punished the crow for its garrulity by changing the colour of +its plumage from pure white to intense black, and forbade it to fly any +longer among the other birds. + +Coronis left an infant son named Asclepius, who afterwards became god of +medicine. His powers were so extraordinary that he could not only cure the +sick, but could even restore the dead to life. At last Aïdes complained to +Zeus that the number of shades conducted to his dominions was daily +decreasing, and the great ruler of Olympus, fearing that mankind, thus +protected against sickness and death, would be able to defy the gods +themselves, killed Asclepius with one of his thunderbolts. The loss of his +highly gifted son so exasperated Apollo that, being unable to vent his +anger on Zeus, he destroyed the Cyclops, who had forged the fatal +thunderbolts. For this offence, Apollo would have been banished by Zeus to +Tartarus, but at the earnest intercession of Leto he partially relented, +and contented himself with depriving him of all power and dignity, and +imposing on him a temporary servitude in the house of Admetus, king of +Thessaly. Apollo faithfully served his royal master for nine years in the +humble capacity of a shepherd, and was treated by him with every kindness +and consideration. During the period of his service the king sought the +hand of Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Pelias, son of Poseidon; but +her father declared that he would only resign her to the suitor who should +succeed in yoking a lion and a wild boar to his chariot. By the aid of his +divine herdsman, Admetus accomplished this difficult task, and gained his +bride. Nor was this the only favour which the king received from the exiled +god, for Apollo obtained from {77} the Fates the gift of immortality for +his benefactor, on condition that when his last hour approached, some +member of his own family should be willing to die in his stead. When the +fatal hour arrived, and Admetus felt that he was at the point of death, he +implored his aged parents to yield to him their few remaining days. But +"life is sweet" even to old age, and they both refused to make the +sacrifice demanded of them. Alcestis, however, who had secretly devoted +herself to death for her husband, was seized with a mortal sickness, which +kept pace with his rapid recovery. The devoted wife breathed her last in +the arms of Admetus, and he had just consigned her to the tomb, when +Heracles chanced to come to the palace. Admetus held the rites of +hospitality so sacred, that he at first kept silence with regard to his +great bereavement; but as soon as his friend heard what had occurred, he +bravely descended into the tomb, and when death came to claim his prey, he +exerted his marvellous strength, and held him in his arms, until he +promised to restore the beautiful and heroic queen to the bosom of her +family. + +Whilst pursuing the peaceful life of a shepherd, Apollo formed a strong +friendship with two youths named Hyacinthus and Cyparissus, but the great +favour shown to them by the god did not suffice to shield them from +misfortune. The former was one day throwing the discus with Apollo, when, +running too eagerly to take up the one thrown by the god, he was struck on +the head with it and killed on the spot. Apollo was overcome with grief at +the sad end of his young favourite, but being unable to restore him to +life, he changed him into the flower called after him the Hyacinth. +Cyparissus had the misfortune to kill by accident one of Apollo's favourite +stags, which so preyed on his mind that he gradually pined away, and died +of a broken heart. He was transformed by the god into a cypress-tree, which +owes its name to this story. + +After these sad occurrences Apollo quitted Thessaly and repaired to +Phrygia, in Asia Minor, where he met Poseidon, who, like himself, was in +exile, and condemned {78} to a temporary servitude on earth. The two gods +now entered the service of Laomedon, king of Troy, Apollo undertaking to +tend his flocks, and Poseidon to build the walls of the city. But Apollo +also contributed his assistance in the erection of those wonderful walls, +and, by the aid of his marvellous musical powers, the labours of his +fellow-worker, Poseidon, were rendered so light and easy that his otherwise +arduous task advanced with astonishing celerity; for, as the master-hand of +the god of music grasped the chords of his lyre,[30] the huge blocks of +stone moved of their own accord, adjusting themselves with the utmost +nicety into the places designed for them. + +But though Apollo was so renowned in the art of music, there were two +individuals who had the effrontery to consider themselves equal to him in +this respect, and, accordingly, each challenged him to compete with them in +a musical contest. These were Marsyas and Pan. Marsyas was a satyr, who, +having picked up the flute which Athene had thrown away in disgust, +discovered, to his great delight and astonishment, that, in consequence of +its having touched the lips of a goddess, it played of itself in the most +charming manner. Marsyas, who was a great lover of music, and much beloved +on this account by all the elf-like denizens of the woods and glens, was so +intoxicated with joy at this discovery, that he foolishly challenged Apollo +to compete with him in a musical contest. The challenge being accepted, the +Muses were chosen umpires, and it was decided that the unsuccessful +candidate should suffer the punishment of being flayed alive. For a long +time the merits of both claimants remained so equally balanced, that it was +impossible to award the palm of victory to either, seeing which, Apollo, +resolved to conquer, added the sweet tones of his melodious voice to the +strains of his lyre, {79} and this at once turned the scale in his favour. +The unhappy Marsyas being defeated, had to undergo the terrible penalty, +and his untimely fate was universally lamented; indeed the Satyrs and +Dryads, his companions, wept so incessantly at his fate, that their tears, +uniting together, formed a river in Phrygia which is still known by the +name of Marsyas. + +The result of the contest with Pan was by no means of so serious a +character. The god of shepherds having affirmed that he could play more +skilfully on his flute of seven reeds (the syrinx or Pan's pipe), than +Apollo on his world-renowned lyre, a contest ensued, in which Apollo was +pronounced the victor by all the judges appointed to decide between the +rival candidates. Midas, king of Phrygia, alone demurred at this decision, +having the bad taste to prefer the uncouth tones of the Pan's pipe to the +refined melodies of Apollo's lyre. Incensed at the obstinacy and stupidity +of the Phrygian king, Apollo punished him by giving him the ears of an ass. +Midas, horrified at being thus disfigured, determined to hide his disgrace +from his subjects by means of a cap; his barber, however, could not be kept +in ignorance of the fact, and was therefore bribed with rich gifts never to +reveal it. Finding, however, that he could not keep the secret any longer, +he dug a hole in the ground into which he whispered it; then closing up the +aperture he returned home, feeling greatly relieved at having thus eased +his mind of its burden. But after all, this very humiliating secret was +revealed to the world, for some reeds which sprung up from the spot +murmured incessantly, as they waved to and fro in the wind: "King Midas has +the ears of an ass." + +In the sad and beautiful story of Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, and wife of +Amphion, king of Thebes, we have another instance of the severe punishments +meted out by Apollo to those who in any way incurred his displeasure. Niobe +was the proud mother of seven sons and seven daughters, and exulting in the +number of her children, she, upon one occasion, ridiculed the worship of +Leto, {80} because she had but one son and daughter, and desired the +Thebans, for the future, to give to her the honours and sacrifices which +they had hitherto offered to the mother of Apollo and Artemis. The +sacrilegious words had scarcely passed her lips before Apollo called upon +his sister Artemis to assist him in avenging the insult offered to their +mother, and soon their invisible arrows sped through the air. Apollo slew +all the sons, and Artemis had already slain all the daughters save one, the +youngest and best beloved, whom Niobe clasped in her arms, when the +agonized mother implored the enraged deities to leave her, at least, one +out of all her beautiful children; but, even as she prayed, the deadly +arrow reached the heart of this child also. Meanwhile the unhappy father, +unable to bear the loss of his children, had destroyed himself, and his +dead body lay beside the lifeless corpse of his favourite son. Widowed and +childless, the heart-broken mother sat among her dead, and the gods, in +pity for her unutterable woe, turned her into a stone, which they +transferred to Siphylus, her native Phrygian mountain, where it still +continues to shed tears. + +[Illustration] + +The punishment of Niobe forms the subject of a magnificent marble group, +which was found at Rome in the year 1553, and is now in the gallery of +Uffizi, at Florence. + +The renowned singer Orpheus was the son of Apollo and Calliope, the muse of +epic poetry, and, as might be expected with parents so highly gifted, was +endowed with most distinguished intellectual qualifications. He was a poet, +a teacher of the religious doctrines known as the Orphic mysteries, and a +great musician, having inherited from his father an extraordinary genius +for music. {81} When he sang to the sweet tones of his lyre, he charmed all +nature, and summoned round him the wild beasts of the forests, who, under +the influence of his music, became tame and gentle as lambs. The madly +rushing torrents stopped their rapid course, and the very mountains and +trees moved from their places at the sound of his entrancing melodies. + +Orpheus became united to a lovely nymph named Eurydice, the daughter of the +sea-god Nereus, whom he fondly loved. She was no less attached to him, and +their married life was full of joy and happiness. But it was only +short-lived; for Aristæus,[31] the half-brother of Orpheus, having fallen +in love with the beautiful Eurydice, forcibly endeavoured to take her from +her husband, and as she fled across some fields to elude his pursuit, she +was bitten in the foot by a venomous snake, which lay concealed in the long +grass. Eurydice died of the wound, and her sorrowing husband filled the +groves and valleys with his piteous and unceasing lamentations. + +His longing to behold her once more became at last so unconquerable, that +he determined to brave the horrors of the lower world, in order to entreat +Aïdes to restore to him his beloved wife. Armed only with his golden lyre, +the gift of Apollo, he descended into the gloomy depths of Hades, where his +heavenly music arrested for a while the torments of the unhappy sufferers. +The stone of Sisyphus remained motionless; Tantalus forgot his perpetual +thirst; the wheel of Ixion ceased to revolve; and even the Furies shed +tears, and withheld for a time their persecutions. Undismayed at the scenes +of horror and suffering which met his view on every side, he pursued his +way until he arrived at the palace of Aïdes. Presenting himself before the +throne on which sat the stony-hearted king and his consort Persephone, +Orpheus recounted his woes to the sound of his lyre. Moved to pity by his +sweet strains, they listened to his {82} melancholy story, and consented to +release Eurydice on condition that he should not look upon her until they +reached the upper world. Orpheus gladly promised to comply with this +injunction, and, followed by Eurydice, ascended the steep and gloomy path +which led to the realms of life and light. All went well until he was just +about to pass the extreme limits of Hades, when, forgetting for the moment +the hard condition, he turned to convince himself that his beloved wife was +really behind him. The glance was fatal, and destroyed all his hopes of +happiness; for, as he yearningly stretched out his arms to embrace her, she +was caught back, and vanished from his sight for ever. The grief of Orpheus +at this second loss was even more intense than before, and he now avoided +all human society. In vain did the nymphs, his once chosen companions, +endeavour to win him back to his accustomed haunts; their power to charm +was gone, and music was now his sole consolation. He wandered forth alone, +choosing the wildest and most secluded paths, and the hills and vales +resounded with his pathetic melodies. At last he happened to cross the path +of some Thracian women, who were performing the wild rites of Dionysus +(Bacchus), and in their mad fury at his refusing to join them, they +furiously attacked him, and tore him in pieces. In pity for his unhappy +fate, the Muses collected his remains, which they buried at the foot of +Mount Olympus, and the nightingale warbled a funeral dirge over his grave. +His head was thrown into the river Hebrus, and as it floated down the +stream, the lips still continued to murmur the beloved name of Eurydice. + +The chief seat of the worship of Apollo was at Delphi, and here was the +most magnificent of all his temples, the foundation of which reaches far +beyond all historical knowledge, and which contained immense riches, the +offerings of kings and private persons, who had received favourable replies +from the oracle. The Greeks believed Delphi to be the central point of the +earth, because two eagles sent forth by Zeus, one from the east, the other +{83} from the west, were said to have arrived there at the same moment. + +The Pythian games, celebrated in honour of the victory of Apollo over the +Python, took place at Delphi every four years. At the first celebration of +these games, gods, goddesses, and heroes contended for the prizes, which +were at first of gold or silver, but consisted, in later times, of simple +laurel wreaths. + +On account of its being the place of his birth, the whole island of Delos +was consecrated to Apollo, where he was worshipped with great solemnity; +the greatest care was taken to preserve the sanctity of the spot, for which +reason no one was suffered to be buried there. At the foot of Mount Cynthus +was a splendid temple of Apollo which possessed an oracle, and was enriched +with magnificent offerings from all parts of Greece. Even foreign nations +held this island sacred, for when the Persians passed it on their way to +attack Greece, they not only sailed by, leaving it uninjured, but sent rich +presents to the temple. Games, called Delia, instituted by Theseus, were +celebrated at Delos every four years. + +A festival termed the Gymnopedæa was held at Sparta in honour of Apollo, in +which boys sang the praises of the gods, and of the three hundred +Lacedæmonians who fell at the battle of Thermopylæ. + +Wolves and hawks were sacrificed to Apollo, and the birds sacred to him +were the hawk, raven, and swan. + +ROMAN APOLLO. + +The worship of Apollo never occupied the all-important position in Rome +which it held in Greece, nor was it introduced till a comparatively late +period. There was no sanctuary erected to this divinity until B.C. 430, +when the Romans, in order to avert a plague, built a temple in his honour; +but we do not find the worship of Apollo becoming in any way prominent +until the time of Augustus, who, having called upon this god for aid before +the famous battle of Actium, ascribed the victory which he {84} gained, to +his influence, and accordingly erected a temple there, which he enriched +with a portion of the spoil. + +Augustus afterwards built another temple in honour of Apollo, on the +Palatine Hill, in which at the foot of his statue, were deposited two gilt +chests, containing the Sibylline oracles. These oracles were collected to +replace the Sibylline books originally preserved in the temple of Jupiter, +which were destroyed when that edifice was burned. + +[Illustration] + +The Sibyls were maidens who had received the gift of prophecy, and the +privilege of living to an incredible age. One of these Sibyls (known as the +Cumæan) appeared to Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, offering +for sale nine books, which she informed him had been written by herself. +Not knowing who she was, Tarquin refused to buy them, upon which she burned +three, and returned with six, demanding the same price as before. Being +again driven away as an impostor, she again retired and burned three more, +returning with the remaining three, for which she still asked the same +price as at first. Tarquin, amazed at her inconsistency, now consulted the +Augurs, who blamed him for not having bought the nine books when they were +first offered to him, and desired him to secure the remaining three, at +whatever price they were to be had. He, accordingly, purchased the volumes, +which were found to contain predictions of great importance to the Romans. +After the disposal of the books, the Sibyl vanished, and was seen no more. + +The most beautiful and renowned of all the statues of Apollo now in +existence, is that known as the Apollo Belvedere, which was found in 1503 +among the ruins of {85} ancient Antium. It was purchased by Pope Julius +II., who removed it to the Belvedere of the Vatican, from whence it takes +its name, and where it has been, for more than three hundred years, the +admiration of the world. When Rome was taken, and plundered by the French, +this celebrated statue was transported to Paris, and placed in the museum +there, but in 1815 it was restored to its former place in the Vatican. The +attitude of the figure, which is more than seven feet high, is inimitable +in its freedom, grace, and majesty. The forehead is noble and intellectual, +and the whole countenance so exquisite in its beauty, that one pauses +spell-bound to gaze on so perfect a conception. The god has a very youthful +appearance, as is usual in all his representations, and with the exception +of a short mantle which falls from his shoulders, is unclothed. He stands +against the trunk of a tree, up which a serpent is creeping, and his left +arm is outstretched, as though about to punish. + +HECATE. + +Hecate would appear to have been originally a moon-goddess worshipped by +the Thracians. She became confounded, and eventually identified with Selene +and Persephone, and is one of those divinities of whom the ancients had +various conflicting accounts. + +Hecate was the daughter of Perses and "gold-wreathed" Astræa (the starry +night[32]), and her sway extended over earth, heaven, and hell, for which +reason she is represented in works of art as a triple divinity, having +three female bodies, all young and beautiful, and united together. + +In later times, when this divinity becomes identified with Persephone, she +is supposed to inhabit the lower world as a malignant deity, and +henceforward it is the gloomy, awe-inspiring side of her character which +alone {86} develops itself. She now presides over all practices connected +with witchcraft and enchantments, haunts sepulchres, and the point where +two roads cross, and lonely spots where murders have been committed. She +was supposed to be connected with the appearance of ghosts and spectres, to +possess unlimited influence over the powers of the lower world, and to be +able to lay to rest unearthly apparitions by her magic spells and +incantations. + +Hecate appears as a gigantic woman, bearing a torch and a sword. Her feet +and hair are formed of snakes, and her passage is accompanied by voices of +thunder, weird shrieks and yells, and the deep baying and howling of dogs. + +Her favour was propitiated by offerings and sacrifices, principally +consisting of black lambs. Her festivals were celebrated at night, by +torchlight, when these animals were offered to her, accompanied by many +peculiar ceremonies. These ceremonies were carried out with the minutest +attention to details, as it was believed that the omission of the slightest +particular would afford to her ministers, the evil spirits of the lower +world, who hovered round the worshippers, an opportunity for entering among +them, and exerting their baneful influence. At the end of every month food +was placed wherever two roads met, in readiness for her and other malignant +divinities. + +In studying the peculiar characteristics which Hecate assumes when she +usurps the place of Persephone, the rightful mistress of the lower world, +we are reminded of the various superstitions with regard to spectres, +witchcraft, &c., which have, even down to our own times, exerted so +powerful an influence over the minds of the ignorant, and which would +appear to owe their origin to a remote pagan source. + +SELENE (LUNA). + +Just as Helios personified the sun, so his sister Selene represented the +moon, and was supposed to drive her {87} chariot across the sky whilst her +brother was reposing after the toils of the day. + +When the shades of evening began to enfold the earth, the two milk-white +steeds of Selene rose out of the mysterious depths of Oceanus. Seated in a +silvery chariot, and accompanied by her daughter Herse, the goddess of the +dew, appeared the mild and gentle queen of the night, with a crescent on +her fair brow, a gauzy veil flowing behind, and a lighted torch in her +hand. + +Selene greatly admired a beautiful young shepherd named Endymion, to whom +Zeus had accorded the privilege of eternal youth, combined with the faculty +of sleeping whenever he desired, and as long as he wished. Seeing this +lovely youth fast asleep on Mount Latmus, Selene was so struck with his +beauty, that she came down every night from heaven to watch over and +protect him. + +ARTEMIS (DIANA). + +Artemis was worshipped by the Greeks under various appellations, to each of +which belonged special characteristics. Thus she is known as the Arcadian, +Ephesian and Brauronian Artemis, and also as Selene-Artemis, and in order +fully to comprehend the worship of this divinity, we must consider her +under each aspect. + +ARCADIAN ARTEMIS. + +The Arcadian Artemis (the real Artemis of the Greeks) was the daughter of +Zeus and Leto, and twin-sister of Apollo. She was the goddess of Hunting +and Chastity, and having obtained from her father permission to lead a life +of celibacy, she ever remained a maiden-divinity. Artemis is the feminine +counterpart of her brother, the glorious god of Light, and, like him, +though she deals out destruction and sudden death to men and animals, she +is also able to alleviate suffering and cure diseases. Like Apollo also, +she is skilled in the use of the bow, but in a far more eminent degree, for +in the character of Artemis, who devoted herself to the chase with +passionate {88} ardour, this becomes an all-distinguishing feature. Armed +with her bow and quiver, and attended by her train of huntresses, who were +nymphs of the woods and springs, she roamed over the mountains in pursuit +of her favourite exercise, destroying in her course the wild animals of the +forest. When the chase was ended, Artemis and her maidens loved to assemble +in a shady grove, or on the banks of a favourite stream, where they joined +in the merry song, or graceful dance, and made the hills resound with their +joyous shouts. + +As the type of purity and chastity, Artemis was especially venerated by +young maidens, who, before marrying, sacrificed their hair to her. She was +also the patroness of those vowed to celibacy, and punished severely any +infringement of their obligation. + +The huntress-goddess is represented as being a head taller than her +attendant nymphs, and always appears as a youthful and slender maiden. Her +features are beautiful, but wanting in gentleness of expression; her hair +is gathered negligently into a knot at the back of her well-shaped head; +and her figure, though somewhat masculine, is most graceful in its attitude +and proportions. The short robe she wears, leaves her limbs free for the +exercise of the chase, her devotion to which is indicated by the quiver +which is slung over her shoulder, and the bow which she bears in her hand. + +There are many famous statues of this divinity; but the most celebrated is +that known as the Diana of Versailles, now in the Louvre, which forms a not +unworthy companion to the Apollo-Belvedere of the Vatican. In this statue, +the goddess appears in the act of rescuing a hunted deer from its pursuers, +on whom she is turning with angry mien. One hand is laid protectingly on +the head of the stag, whilst with the other she draws an arrow from the +quiver which hangs over her shoulder. + +Her attributes are the bow, quiver, and spear. The animals sacred to her +are the hind, dog, bear, and wild boar. + +Artemis promptly resented any disregard or neglect of {89} her worship; a +remarkable instance of this is shown in the story of the Calydonian +boar-hunt, which is as follows:-- + +[Illustration] + +Oeneus, king of Calydon in Ætolia, had incurred the displeasure of Artemis +by neglecting to include her in a general sacrifice to the gods which he +had offered up, out of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The goddess, +enraged at this neglect, sent a wild boar of extraordinary size and +prodigious strength, which destroyed the sprouting grain, laid waste the +fields, and threatened the inhabitants with famine and death. At this +juncture, Meleager, the brave son of Oeneus, returned from the Argonautic +expedition, and finding his country ravaged by this dreadful scourge, +entreated the assistance of all the celebrated heroes of the age to join +him in hunting the ferocious monster. Among the most famous of those who +responded to his call were Jason, Castor and Pollux, Idas and Lynceus, +Peleus, Telamon, Admetus, Perithous, and Theseus. The brothers of Althea, +wife of Oeneus, joined the hunters, and Meleager also enlisted into his +service the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta. + +The father of this maiden was Schoeneus, an Arcadian, who, disappointed at +the birth of a daughter when he had particularly desired a son, had exposed +her on the Parthenian Hill, where he left her to perish. Here she was +nursed by a she-bear, and at last found by some hunters, who reared her, +and gave her the name of Atalanta. As the maiden grew up, she became an +ardent {90} lover of the chase, and was alike distinguished for her beauty +and courage. Though often wooed, she led a life of strict celibacy, an +oracle having predicted that inevitable misfortune awaited her, should she +give herself in marriage to any of her numerous suitors. + +Many of the heroes objected to hunt in company with a maiden; but Meleager, +who loved Atalanta, overcame their opposition, and the valiant band set out +on their expedition. Atalanta was the first to wound the boar with her +spear, but not before two of the heroes had met their death from his fierce +tusks. After a long and desperate encounter, Meleager succeeded in killing +the monster, and presented the head and hide to Atalanta, as trophies of +the victory. The uncles of Meleager, however, forcibly took the hide from +the maiden, claiming their right to the spoil as next of kin, if Meleager +resigned it. Artemis, whose anger was still unappeased, caused a violent +quarrel to arise between uncles and nephew, and, in the struggle which +ensued, Meleager killed his mother's brothers, and then restored the hide +to Atalanta. When Althea beheld the dead bodies of the slain heroes, her +grief and anger knew no bounds. She swore to revenge the death of her +brothers on her own son, and unfortunately for him, the instrument of +vengeance lay ready to her hand. + +At the birth of Meleager, the Moirae, or Fates, entered the house of +Oeneus, and pointing to a piece of wood then burning on the hearth, +declared that as soon as it was consumed the babe would surely die. On +hearing this, Althea seized the brand, laid it up carefully in a chest, and +henceforth preserved it as her most precious possession. But now, love for +her son giving place to the resentment she felt against the murderer of her +brothers, she threw the fatal brand into the devouring flames. As it +consumed, the vigour of Meleager wasted away, and when it was reduced to +ashes, he expired. Repenting too late the terrible effects of her rash +deed, Althea, in remorse and despair, took away her own life. + +The news of the courage and intrepidity displayed by {91} Atalanta in the +famous boar-hunt, being carried to the ears of her father, caused him to +acknowledge his long-lost child. Urged by him to choose one of her numerous +suitors, she consented to do so, but made it a condition that he alone, who +could outstrip her in the race, should become her husband, whilst those she +defeated should be put to death by her, with the lance which she bore in +her hand. Thus many suitors had perished, for the maiden was unequalled for +swiftness of foot, but at last a beautiful youth, named Hippomenes, who had +vainly endeavoured to win her love by his assiduous attentions in the +chase, ventured to enter the fatal lists. Knowing that only by stratagem +could he hope to be successful, he obtained, by the help of Aphrodite, +three golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which he threw down +at intervals during his course. Atalanta, secure of victory, stooped to +pick up the tempting fruit, and, in the meantime, Hippomenes arrived at the +goal. He became the husband of the lovely Atalanta, but forgot, in his +newly found happiness, the gratitude which he owed to Aphrodite, and the +goddess withdrew her favour from the pair. Not long after, the prediction +which foretold misfortune to Atalanta, in the event of her marriage, was +verified, for she and her husband, having strayed unsanctioned into a +sacred grove of Zeus, were both transformed into lions. + +The trophies of the ever-memorable boar-hunt had been carried by Atalanta +into Arcadia, and, for many centuries, the identical hide and enormous +tusks of the Calydonian boar hung in the temple of Athene at Tegea. The +tusks were afterwards conveyed to Rome, and shown there among other +curiosities. + +A forcible instance of the manner in which Artemis resented any intrusion +on her retirement, is seen in the fate which befell the famous hunter +Actaeon, who happening one day to see Artemis and her attendants bathing, +imprudently ventured to approach the spot. The goddess, incensed at his +audacity, sprinkled him with water, and transformed him into a stag, +whereupon he was torn in pieces and devoured by his own dogs. {92} + +EPHESIAN ARTEMIS. + +The Ephesian Artemis, known to us as "Diana of the Ephesians," was a very +ancient Asiatic divinity of Persian origin called Metra,[33] whose worship +the Greek colonists found already established, when they first settled in +Asia Minor, and whom they identified with their own Greek Artemis, though +she really possessed but one single attribute in common with their home +deity. + +Metra was a twofold divinity, and represented, in one phase of her +character, all-pervading love; in the other she was the light of heaven; +and as Artemis, in her character as Selene, was the only Greek female +divinity who represented celestial light, the Greek settlers, according to +their custom of fusing foreign deities into their own, seized at once upon +this point of resemblance, and decided that Metra should henceforth be +regarded as identical with Artemis. + +In her character as the love which pervades all nature, and penetrates +everywhere, they believed her also to be present in the mysterious Realm of +Shades, where she exercised her benign sway, replacing to a certain extent +that ancient divinity Hecate, and partly usurping also the place of +Persephone, as mistress of the lower world. Thus they believed that it was +she who permitted the spirits of the departed to revisit the earth, in +order to communicate with those they loved, and to give them timely warning +of coming evil. In fact, this great, mighty, and omnipresent power of love, +as embodied in the Ephesian Artemis, was believed by the great thinkers of +old, to be the ruling spirit of the universe, and it was to her influence, +that all the mysterious and beneficent workings of nature were ascribed. + +There was a magnificent temple erected to this divinity at Ephesus (a city +of Asia Minor), which was ranked among the seven wonders of the world, and +was unequalled in beauty and grandeur. The interior of this {93} edifice +was adorned with statues and paintings, and contained one hundred and +twenty-seven columns, sixty feet in height, each column having been placed +there by a different king. The wealth deposited in this temple was +enormous, and the goddess was here worshipped with particular awe and +solemnity. In the interior of the edifice stood a statue of her, formed of +ebony, with lions on her arms and turrets on her head, whilst a number of +breasts indicated the fruitfulness of the earth and of nature. Ctesiphon +was the principal architect of this world-renowned structure, which, +however, was not entirely completed till two hundred and twenty years after +the foundation-stone was laid. But the labour of centuries was destroyed in +a single night; for a man called Herostratus, seized with the insane desire +of making his name famous to all succeeding generations, set fire to it and +completely destroyed it.[34] So great was the indignation and sorrow of the +Ephesians at this calamity, that they enacted a law, forbidding the +incendiary's name to be mentioned, thereby however, defeating their own +object, for thus the name of Herostratus has been handed down to posterity, +and will live as long as the memory of the famous temple of Ephesus. + +BRAURONIAN ARTEMIS. + +In ancient times, the country which we now call the Crimea, was known by +the name of the Taurica Chersonnesus. It was colonized by Greek settlers, +who, finding that the Scythian inhabitants had a native divinity somewhat +resembling their own Artemis, identified her with the huntress-goddess of +the mother-country. The worship of this Taurian Artemis was attended with +the most barbarous practices, for, in accordance with a law which she had +enacted, all strangers, whether male or female, landing, or shipwrecked on +her shores, were sacrificed upon her altars. It is supposed that this +decree was {94} issued by the Taurian goddess of Chastity, to protect the +purity of her followers, by keeping them apart from foreign influences. + +The interesting story of Iphigenia, a priestess in the temple of Artemis at +Tauris, forms the subject of one of Schiller's most beautiful plays. The +circumstances occurred at the commencement of the Trojan war, and are as +follows:--The fleet, collected by the Greeks for the siege of Troy, had +assembled at Aulis, in Boeotia, and was about to set sail, when Agamemnon, +the commander-in-chief, had the misfortune to kill accidentally a stag +which was grazing in a grove, sacred to Artemis. The offended goddess sent +continuous calms that delayed the departure of the fleet, and Calchas, the +soothsayer, who had accompanied the expedition, declared that nothing less +than the sacrifice of Agamemnon's favorite daughter, Iphigenia, would +appease the wrath of the goddess. At these words, the heroic heart of the +brave leader sank within him, and he declared that rather than consent to +so fearful an alternative, he would give up his share in the expedition and +return to Argos. In this dilemma Odysseus and other great generals called a +council to discuss the matter, and, after much deliberation, it was decided +that private feeling must yield to the welfare of the state. For a long +time the unhappy Agamemnon turned a deaf ear to their arguments, but at +last they succeeded in persuading him that it was his duty to make the +sacrifice. He, accordingly, despatched a messenger to his wife, +Clytemnæstra, begging her to send Iphigenia to him, alleging as a pretext +that the great hero Achilles desired to make her his wife. Rejoicing at the +brilliant destiny which awaited her beautiful daughter, the fond mother at +once obeyed the command, and sent her to Aulis. When the maiden arrived at +her destination, and discovered, to her horror, the dreadful fate which +awaited her, she threw herself in an agony of grief at her father's feet, +and with sobs and tears entreated him to have mercy on her, and to spare +her young life. But alas! her doom was sealed, and her now repentant and +{95} heart-broken father was powerless to avert it. The unfortunate victim +was bound to the altar, and already the fatal knife was raised to deal the +death-blow, when suddenly Iphigenia disappeared from view, and in her place +on the altar, lay a beautiful deer ready to be sacrificed. It was Artemis +herself, who, pitying the youth and beauty of her victim, caused her to be +conveyed in a cloud to Taurica, where she became one of her priestesses, +and intrusted with the charge of her temple; a dignity, however, which +necessitated the offering of those human sacrifices presented to Artemis. + +Many years passed away, during which time the long and wearisome siege of +Troy had come to an end, and the brave Agamemnon had returned home to meet +death at the hands of his wife and Aegisthus. But his daughter, Iphigenia, +was still an exile from her native country, and continued to perform the +terrible duties which her office involved. She had long given up all hopes +of ever being restored to her friends, when one day two Greek strangers +landed on Taurica's inhospitable shores. These were Orestes and Pylades, +whose romantic attachment to each other has made their names synonymous for +devoted self-sacrificing friendship. Orestes was Iphigenia's brother, and +Pylades her cousin, and their object in undertaking an expedition fraught +with so much peril, was to obtain the statue of the Taurian Artemis. +Orestes, having incurred the anger of the Furies for avenging the murder of +his father Agamemnon, was pursued by them wherever he went, until at last +he was informed by the oracle of Delphi that, in order to pacify them, he +must convey the image of the Taurian Artemis from Tauris to Attica. This he +at once resolved to do, and accompanied by his faithful friend Pylades, who +insisted on sharing the dangers of the undertaking, he set out for Taurica. +But the unfortunate youths had hardly stepped on shore before they were +seized by the natives, who, as usual, conveyed them for sacrifice to the +temple of Artemis. Iphigenia, discovering that they were Greeks, though +unaware of their near relationship to herself, thought the {96} opportunity +a favourable one for sending tidings of her existence to her native +country, and, accordingly, requested one of the strangers to be the bearer +of a letter from her to her family. A magnanimous dispute now arose between +the friends, and each besought the other to accept the precious privilege +of life and freedom. Pylades, at length overcome by the urgent entreaties +of Orestes, agreed to be the bearer of the missive, but on looking more +closely at the superscription, he observed, to his intense surprise, that +it was addressed to Orestes. Hereupon an explanation followed; the brother +and sister recognized each other, amid joyful tears and loving embraces, +and assisted by her friends and kinsmen, Iphigenia escaped with them from a +country where she had spent so many unhappy days, and witnessed so many +scenes of horror and anguish. + +The fugitives, having contrived to obtain the image of the Taurian Artemis, +carried it with them to Brauron in Attica. This divinity was henceforth +known as the Brauronian Artemis, and the rites which had rendered her +worship so infamous in Taurica were now introduced into Greece, and human +victims bled freely under the sacrificial knife, both in Athens and Sparta. +The revolting practice of offering human sacrifices to her, was continued +until the time of Lycurgus, the great Spartan lawgiver, who put an end to +it by substituting in its place one, which was hardly less barbarous, +namely, the scourging of youths, who were whipped on the altars of the +Brauronian Artemis in the most cruel manner; sometimes indeed they expired +under the lash, in which case their mothers, far from lamenting their fate, +are said to have rejoiced, considering this an honourable death for their +sons. + +SELENE-ARTEMIS. + +Hitherto we have seen Artemis only in the various phases of her terrestrial +character; but just as her brother Apollo drew into himself by degrees the +attributes of that more ancient divinity Helios, the sun-god, so, in like +manner, she came to be identified in later times {97} with Selene, the +moon-goddess, in which character she is always represented as wearing on +her forehead a glittering crescent, whilst a flowing veil, bespangled with +stars, reaches to her feet, and a long robe completely envelops her. + +DIANA. + +The Diana of the Romans was identified with the Greek Artemis, with whom +she shares that peculiar tripartite character, which so strongly marks the +individuality of the Greek goddess. In heaven she was Luna (the moon), on +earth Diana (the huntress-goddess), and in the lower world Proserpine; but, +unlike the Ephesian Artemis, Diana, in her character as Proserpine, carries +with her into the lower world no element of love or sympathy; she is, on +the contrary, characterized by practices altogether hostile to man, such as +the exercise of witchcraft, evil charms, and other antagonistic influences, +and is, in fact, the Greek Hecate, in her later development. + +The statues of Diana were generally erected at a point where three roads +met, for which reason she is called Trivia (from _tri_, three, and _via_, +way). + +A temple was dedicated to her on the Aventine hill by Servius Tullius, who +is said to have first introduced the worship of this divinity into Rome. + +The Nemoralia, or Grove Festivals, were celebrated in her honour on the +13th of August, on the Lacus Nemorensis, or forest-buried lake, near +Aricia. The priest who officiated in her temple on this spot, was always a +fugitive slave, who had gained his office by murdering his predecessor, and +hence was constantly armed, in order that he might thus be prepared to +encounter a new aspirant. + +HEPHÆSTUS (VULCAN). + +Hephæstus, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of fire in its beneficial +aspect, and the presiding deity over all workmanship accomplished by means +of this useful element. He was universally honoured, not only as the {98} +god of all mechanical arts, but also as a house and hearth divinity, who +exercised a beneficial influence on civilized society in general. Unlike +the other Greek divinities, he was ugly and deformed, being awkward in his +movements, and limping in his gait. This latter defect originated, as we +have already seen, in the wrath of his father Zeus, who hurled him down +from heaven[35] in consequence of his taking the part of Hera, in one of +the domestic disagreements, which so frequently arose between this royal +pair. Hephæstus was a whole day falling from Olympus to the earth, where he +at length alighted on the island of Lemnos. The inhabitants of the country, +seeing him descending through the air, received him in their arms; but in +spite of their care, his leg was broken by the fall, and he remained ever +afterwards lame in one foot. Grateful for the kindness of the Lemnians, he +henceforth took up his abode in their island, and there built for himself a +superb palace, and forges for the pursuit of his avocation. He instructed +the people how to work in metals, and also taught them other valuable and +useful arts. + +It is said that the first work of Hephæstus was a most ingenious throne of +gold, with secret springs, which he presented to Hera. It was arranged in +such a manner that, once seated, she found herself unable to move, and +though all the gods endeavoured to extricate her, their efforts were +unavailing. Hephæstus thus revenged himself on his mother for the cruelty +she had always displayed towards him, on account of his want of comeliness +and grace. Dionysus, the wine god, contrived, however, to intoxicate +Hephæstus, and then induced him to return to Olympus, where, after having +released the {99} queen of heaven from her very undignified position, he +became reconciled to his parents. + +He now built for himself a glorious palace on Olympus, of shining gold, and +made for the other deities those magnificent edifices which they inhabited. +He was assisted in his various and exquisitely skilful works of art, by two +female statues of pure gold, formed by his own hand, which possessed the +power of motion, and always accompanied him wherever he went. With the +assistance of the Cyclops, he forged for Zeus his wonderful thunderbolts, +thus investing his mighty father with a new power of terrible import. Zeus +testified his appreciation of this precious gift, by bestowing upon +Hephæstus the beautiful Aphrodite in marriage,[36] but this was a +questionable boon; for the lovely Aphrodite, who was the personification of +all grace and beauty, felt no affection for her ungainly and unattractive +spouse, and amused herself by ridiculing his awkward movements and +unsightly person. On one occasion especially, when Hephæstus good-naturedly +took upon himself the office of cup-bearer to the gods, his hobbling gait +and extreme awkwardness created the greatest mirth amongst the celestials, +in which his disloyal partner was the first to join, with unconcealed +merriment. + +Aphrodite greatly preferred Ares to her husband, and this preference +naturally gave rise to much jealousy on the part of Hephæstus, and caused +them great unhappiness. + +Hephæstus appears to have been an indispensable member of the Olympic +Assembly, where he plays the part of smith, armourer, chariot-builder, &c. +As already mentioned, he constructed the palaces where the gods resided, +fashioned the golden shoes with which they trod the air or water, built for +them their wonderful chariots, and shod with brass the horses of celestial +breed, which conveyed these glittering equipages over land and sea. He also +made the tripods which moved of themselves in and out of the celestial +halls, formed for Zeus the {100} far-famed ægis, and erected the +magnificent palace of the sun. He also created the brazen-footed bulls of +Aetes, which breathed flames from their nostrils, sent forth clouds of +smoke, and filled the air with their roaring. + +Among his most renowned works of art for the use of mortals were: the +armour of Achilles and Æneas, the beautiful necklace of Harmonia, and the +crown of Ariadne; but his masterpiece was Pandora, of whom a detailed +account has already been given. + +[Illustration] + +There was a temple on Mount Etna erected in his honour, which none but the +pure and virtuous were permitted to enter. The entrance to this temple was +guarded by dogs, which possessed the extraordinary faculty of being able to +discriminate between the righteous and the unrighteous, fawning upon and +caressing the good, whilst they rushed upon all evil-doers and drove them +away. + +Hephæstus is usually represented as a powerful, brawny, and very muscular +man of middle height and mature age; his strong uplifted arm is raised in +the act of striking the anvil with a hammer, which he holds in one hand, +whilst with the other he is turning a thunderbolt, which an eagle beside +him is waiting to carry to Zeus. The principal seat of his worship was the +island of Lemnos, where he was regarded with peculiar veneration. + +VULCAN. + +The Roman Vulcan was merely an importation from Greece, which never at any +time took firm root in Rome, nor entered largely into the actual life and +sympathies of the nation, his worship being unattended by the devotional +feeling and enthusiasm which characterized the religious rites of the other +deities. He still, however, retained in Rome his {101} Greek attributes as +god of fire, and unrivalled master of the art of working in metals, and was +ranked among the twelve great gods of Olympus, whose gilded statues were +arranged consecutively along the Forum. His Roman name, Vulcan, would seem +to indicate a connection with the first great metal-working artificer of +Biblical history, Tubal-Cain. + +POSEIDON (NEPTUNE). + +Poseidon was the son of Kronos and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus. He was +god of the sea, more particularly of the Mediterranean, and, like the +element over which he presided, was of a variable disposition, now +violently agitated, and now calm and placid, for which reason he is +sometimes represented by the poets as quiet and composed, and at others as +disturbed and angry. + +[Illustration] + +In the earliest ages of Greek mythology, he merely symbolized the watery +element; but in later times, as navigation and intercourse with other +nations engendered greater traffic by sea, Poseidon gained in importance, +and came to be regarded as a distinct divinity, holding indisputable +dominion over the sea, and over all sea-divinities, who acknowledged him as +their sovereign ruler. He possessed the power of causing at will, mighty +and destructive tempests, in which the billows rise mountains high, the +wind becomes a hurricane, land and sea being enveloped in thick mists, +whilst destruction assails the unfortunate mariners exposed to their fury. +On the other hand, his alone was the power of stilling the angry {102} +waves, of soothing the troubled waters, and granting safe voyages to +mariners. For this reason, Poseidon was always invoked and propitiated by a +libation before a voyage was undertaken, and sacrifices and thanksgivings +were gratefully offered to him after a safe and prosperous journey by sea. + +The symbol of his power was the fisherman's fork or trident,[37] by means +of which he produced earthquakes, raised up islands from the bottom of the +sea, and caused wells to spring forth out of the earth. + +Poseidon was essentially the presiding deity over fishermen, and was on +that account, more particularly worshipped and revered in countries +bordering on the sea-coast, where fish naturally formed a staple commodity +of trade. He was supposed to vent his displeasure by sending disastrous +inundations, which completely destroyed whole countries, and were usually +accompanied by terrible marine monsters, who swallowed up and devoured +those whom the floods had spared. It is probable that these sea-monsters +are the poetical figures which represent the demons of hunger and famine, +necessarily accompanying a general inundation. + +Poseidon is generally represented as resembling his brother Zeus in +features, height, and general aspect; but we miss in the countenance of the +sea-god the kindness and benignity which so pleasingly distinguish his +mighty brother. The eyes are bright and piercing, and the contour of the +face somewhat sharper in its outline than that of Zeus, thus corresponding, +as it were, with his more angry and violent nature. His hair waves in dark, +disorderly masses over his shoulders; his chest is broad, and his frame +powerful and stalwart; he wears a short, curling beard, and a band round +his head. He usually appears standing erect in a graceful shell-chariot, +drawn by hippocamps, or sea-horses, with golden manes and brazen hoofs, who +bound over the dancing waves with such wonderful swiftness, that the +chariot scarcely touches {103} the water. The monsters of the deep, +acknowledging their mighty lord, gambol playfully around him, whilst the +sea joyfully smooths a path for the passage of its all-powerful ruler. + +[Illustration] + +He inhabited a beautiful palace at the bottom of the sea at Ægea in Euboea, +and also possessed a royal residence on Mount Olympus, which, however, he +only visited when his presence was required at the council of the gods. + +His wonderful palace beneath the waters was of vast extent; in its lofty +and capacious halls thousands of his followers could assemble. The exterior +of the building was of bright gold, which the continual wash of the waters +preserved untarnished; in the interior, lofty and graceful columns +supported the gleaming dome. Everywhere fountains of glistening, silvery +water played; everywhere groves and arbours of feathery-leaved sea-plants +appeared, whilst rocks of pure crystal glistened with all the varied +colours of the rainbow. Some of the paths were strewn with white sparkling +sand, interspersed with jewels, pearls, and amber. This delightful abode +was surrounded on all sides by wide fields, where there were whole groves +of dark purple coralline, and tufts of beautiful scarlet-leaved plants, and +sea-anemones of every tint. Here grew bright, pinky sea-weeds, mosses of +all hues and shades, and tall grasses, which, growing upwards, formed +emerald caves and grottoes such as the Nereides love, whilst fish of +various kinds playfully darted in and out, in the full enjoyment of their +native element. Nor was illumination wanting in this fairy-like region, +which at night was lit up by the glow-worms of the deep. + +But although Poseidon ruled with absolute power over the ocean and its +inhabitants, he nevertheless bowed submissively to the will of the great +ruler of Olympus, and appeared at all times desirous of conciliating him. +We {104} find him coming to his aid when emergency demanded, and frequently +rendering him valuable assistance against his opponents. At the time when +Zeus was harassed by the attacks of the Giants, he proved himself a most +powerful ally, engaging in single combat with a hideous giant named +Polybotes, whom he followed over the sea, and at last succeeded in +destroying, by hurling upon him the island of Cos. + +These amicable relations between the brothers were, however, sometimes +interrupted. Thus, for instance, upon one occasion Poseidon joined Hera and +Athene in a secret conspiracy to seize upon the ruler of heaven, place him +in fetters, and deprive him of the sovereign power. The conspiracy being +discovered, Hera, as the chief instigator of this sacrilegious attempt on +the divine person of Zeus, was severely chastised, and even beaten, by her +enraged spouse, as a punishment for her rebellion and treachery, whilst +Poseidon was condemned, for the space of a whole year, to forego his +dominion over the sea, and it was at this time that, in conjunction with +Apollo, he built for Laomedon the walls of Troy. + +Poseidon married a sea-nymph named Amphitrite, whom he wooed under the form +of a dolphin. She afterwards became jealous of a beautiful maiden called +Scylla, who was beloved by Poseidon, and in order to revenge herself she +threw some herbs into a well where Scylla was bathing, which had the effect +of metamorphosing her into a monster of terrible aspect, having twelve +feet, six heads with six long necks, and a voice which resembled the bark +of a dog. This awful monster is said to have inhabited a cave at a very +great height in the famous rock which still bears her name,[38] and was +supposed to swoop down from her rocky eminence upon every ship that passed, +and with each of her six heads to secure a victim. + +Amphitrite is often represented assisting Poseidon in attaching the +sea-horses to his chariot. + +{105} + +The Cyclops, who have been already alluded to in the history of Cronus, +were the sons of Poseidon and Amphitrite. They were a wild race of gigantic +growth, similar in their nature to the earth-born Giants, and had only one +eye each in the middle of their foreheads. They led a lawless life, +possessing neither social manners nor fear of the gods, and were the +workmen of Hephæstus, whose workshop was supposed to be in the heart of the +volcanic mountain Ætna. + +Here we have another striking instance of the manner in which the Greeks +personified the powers of nature, which they saw in active operation around +them. They beheld with awe, mingled with astonishment, the fire, stones, +and ashes which poured forth from the summit of this and other volcanic +mountains, and, with their vivacity of imagination, found a solution of the +mystery in the supposition, that the god of Fire must be busy at work with +his men in the depths of the earth, and that the mighty flames which they +beheld, issued in this manner from his subterranean forge. + +The chief representative of the Cyclops was the man-eating monster +Polyphemus, described by Homer as having been blinded and outwitted at last +by Odysseus. This monster fell in love with a beautiful nymph called +Galatea; but, as may be supposed, his addresses were not acceptable to the +fair maiden, who rejected them in favour of a youth named Acis, upon which +Polyphemus, with his usual barbarity, destroyed the life of his rival by +throwing upon him a gigantic rock. The blood of the murdered Acis, gushing +out of the rock, formed a stream which still bears his name. + +Triton, Rhoda,[39] and Benthesicyme were also children of Poseidon and +Amphitrite. + +The sea-god was the father of two giant sons called Otus and Ephialtes.[40] +When only nine years old they {106} were said to be twenty-seven cubits[41] +in height and nine in breadth. These youthful giants were as rebellious as +they were powerful, even presuming to threaten the gods themselves with +hostilities. During the war of the Gigantomachia, they endeavoured to scale +heaven by piling mighty mountains one upon another. Already had they +succeeded in placing Mount Ossa on Olympus and Pelion on Ossa, when this +impious project was frustrated by Apollo, who destroyed them with his +arrows. It was supposed that had not their lives been thus cut off before +reaching maturity, their sacrilegious designs would have been carried into +effect. + +Pelias and Neleus were also sons of Poseidon. Their mother Tyro was +attached to the river-god Enipeus, whose form Poseidon assumed, and thus +won her love. Pelias became afterwards famous in the story of the +Argonauts, and Neleus was the father of Nestor, who was distinguished in +the Trojan War. + +The Greeks believed that it was to Poseidon they were indebted for the +existence of the horse, which he is said to have produced in the following +manner: Athene and Poseidon both claiming the right to name Cecropia (the +ancient name of Athens), a violent dispute arose, which was finally settled +by an assembly of the Olympian gods, who decided that whichever of the +contending parties presented mankind with the most useful gift, should +obtain the privilege of naming the city. Upon this Poseidon struck the +ground with his trident, and the horse sprang forth in all his untamed +strength and graceful beauty. From the spot which Athene touched with her +wand, issued the olive-tree, whereupon the gods unanimously awarded to her +the victory, declaring her gift to be the emblem of peace and plenty, +whilst that of Poseidon was thought to be the symbol of war and {107} +bloodshed. Athene accordingly called the city Athens, after herself, and it +has ever since retained this name. + +Poseidon tamed the horse for the use of mankind, and was believed to have +taught men the art of managing horses by the bridle. The Isthmian games (so +named because they were held on the Isthmus of Corinth), in which horse and +chariot races were a distinguishing feature, were instituted in honour of +Poseidon. + +He was more especially worshipped in the Peloponnesus, though universally +revered throughout Greece and in the south of Italy. His sacrifices were +generally black and white bulls, also wild boars and rams. His usual +attributes are the trident, horse, and dolphin. + +In some parts of Greece this divinity was identified with the sea-god +Nereus, for which reason the Nereides, or daughters of Nereus, are +represented as accompanying him. + +NEPTUNE. + +The Romans worshipped Poseidon under the name of Neptune, and invested him +with all the attributes which belong to the Greek divinity. + +The Roman commanders never undertook any naval expedition without +propitiating Neptune by a sacrifice. + +His temple at Rome was in the Campus Martius, and the festivals +commemorated in his honour were called Neptunalia. + + * * * * * + +SEA DIVINITIES. + +OCEANUS. + +Oceanus was the son of Uranus and Gæa. He was the personification of the +ever-flowing stream, which, according to the primitive notions of the early +Greeks, encircled the world, and from which sprang all the rivers and +streams that watered the earth. He was married to Tethys, one of the +Titans, and was the father of a {108} numerous progeny called the +Oceanides, who are said to have been three thousand in number. He alone, of +all the Titans, refrained from taking part against Zeus in the +Titanomachia, and was, on that account, the only one of the primeval +divinities permitted to retain his dominion under the new dynasty. + +NEREUS. + +Nereus appears to have been the personification of the sea in its calm and +placid moods, and was, after Poseidon, the most important of the +sea-deities. He is represented as a kind and benevolent old man, possessing +the gift of prophecy, and presiding more particularly over the Ægean Sea, +of which he was considered to be the protecting spirit. There he dwelt with +his wife Doris and their fifty blooming daughters, the Nereides, beneath +the waves in a beautiful grotto-palace, and was ever ready to assist +distressed mariners in the hour of danger. + +PROTEUS. + +Proteus, more familiarly known as "The Old Man of the Sea," was a son of +Poseidon, and gifted with prophetic power. But he had an invincible +objection to being consulted in his capacity as seer, and those who wished +him to foretell events, watched for the hour of noon, when he was in the +habit of coming up to the island of Pharos,[42] with Poseidon's flock of +seals, which he tended at the bottom of the sea. Surrounded by these +creatures of the deep, he used to slumber beneath the grateful shade of the +rocks. This was the favourable moment to seize the prophet, who, in order +to avoid importunities, would change himself into an infinite variety of +forms. But patience gained the day; for if he were only held long enough, +he became wearied at last, and, resuming his true form, gave the +information desired, after which he dived down again to the bottom of the +sea, accompanied by the animals he tended. + +{109} + +[Illustration] + +TRITON and the TRITONS. + +Triton was the only son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, but he possessed little +influence, being altogether a minor divinity. He is usually represented as +preceding his father and acting as his trumpeter, using a conch-shell for +this purpose. He lived with his parents in their beautiful golden palace +beneath the sea at Ægea, and his favourite pastime was to ride over the +billows on horses or sea-monsters. Triton is always represented as half +man, half fish, the body below the waist terminating in the tail of a +dolphin. We frequently find mention of Tritons who are either the offspring +or kindred of Triton. + +GLAUCUS. + +Glaucus is said to have become a sea-divinity in the following manner. +While angling one day, he observed that the fish he caught and threw on the +bank, at once nibbled at the grass and then leaped back into the water. His +curiosity was naturally excited, and he proceeded to gratify it by taking +up a few blades and tasting them. No sooner was this done than, obeying an +irresistible impulse, he precipitated himself into the deep, and became a +sea-god. + +Like most sea-divinities he was gifted with prophetic power, and each year +visited all the islands and coasts with a train of marine monsters, +foretelling all kinds of evil. Hence fishermen dreaded his approach, and +endeavoured, by prayer and fasting, to avert the misfortunes which he +prophesied. He is often represented floating on the billows, his body +covered with mussels, sea-weed, and shells, wearing a full beard and long +flowing hair, and bitterly bewailing his immortality. + +{110} + +THETIS. + +The silver-footed, fair-haired Thetis, who plays an important part in the +mythology of Greece, was the daughter of Nereus, or, as some assert, of +Poseidon. Her grace and beauty were so remarkable that Zeus and Poseidon +both sought an alliance with her; but, as it had been foretold that a son +of hers would gain supremacy over his father, they relinquished their +intentions, and she became the wife of Peleus, son of Æacus. Like Proteus, +Thetis possessed the power of transforming herself into a variety of +different shapes, and when wooed by Peleus she exerted this power in order +to elude him. But, knowing that persistence would eventually succeed, he +held her fast until she assumed her true form. Their nuptials were +celebrated with the utmost pomp and magnificence, and were honoured by the +presence of all the gods and goddesses, with the exception of Eris. How the +goddess of discord resented her exclusion from the marriage festivities has +already been shown. + +Thetis ever retained great influence over the mighty lord of heaven, which, +as we shall see hereafter, she used in favour of her renowned son, +Achilles, in the Trojan War. + +When Halcyone plunged into the sea in despair after the shipwreck and death +of her husband King Ceyx, Thetis transformed both husband and wife into the +birds called kingfishers (halcyones), which, with the tender affection +which characterized the unfortunate couple, always fly in pairs. The idea +of the ancients was that these birds brought forth their young in nests, +which float on the surface of the sea in calm weather, before and after the +shortest day, when Thetis was said to keep the waters smooth and tranquil +for their especial benefit; hence the term "halcyon-days," which signifies +a period of rest and untroubled felicity. + +{111} + +THAUMAS, PHORCYS, and CETO. + +The early Greeks, with their extraordinary power of personifying all and +every attribute of Nature, gave a distinct personality to those mighty +wonders of the deep, which, in all ages, have afforded matter of +speculation to educated and uneducated alike. Among these personifications +we find Thaumas, Phorcys, and their sister Ceto, who were the offspring of +Pontus. + +Thaumas (whose name signifies Wonder) typifies that peculiar, translucent +condition of the surface of the sea when it reflects, mirror-like, various +images, and appears to hold in its transparent embrace the flaming stars +and illuminated cities, which are so frequently reflected on its glassy +bosom. + +Thaumas married the lovely Electra (whose name signifies the sparkling +light produced by electricity), daughter of Oceanus. Her amber-coloured +hair was of such rare beauty that none of her fair-haired sisters could +compare with her, and when she wept, her tears, being too precious to be +lost, formed drops of shining amber. + +Phorcys and Ceto personified more especially the hidden perils and terrors +of the ocean. They were the parents of the Gorgons, the Græa, and the +Dragon which guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides. + +[Illustration] + +LEUCOTHEA. + +Leucothea was originally a mortal named Ino, daughter of Cadmus, king of +Thebes. She married Athamas, king of Orchomenus, who, incensed at her +unnatural conduct to her step-children,[43] pursued her and her son to the +sea-shore, when, seeing no hope of escape, she flung herself with her child +into the deep. They were kindly received by the Nereides, and became +sea-divinities under the name of Leucothea and Palæmon. + +{112} + +THE SIRENS. + +The Sirens would appear to have been personifications of those numerous +rocks and unseen dangers, which abound on the S.W. coast of Italy. They +were sea-nymphs, with the upper part of the body that of a maiden and the +lower that of a sea-bird, having wings attached to their shoulders, and +were endowed with such wonderful voices, that their sweet songs are said to +have lured mariners to destruction. + +ARES (MARS). + +Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of war, who gloried in strife +for its own sake; he loved the tumult and havoc of the battlefield, and +delighted in slaughter and extermination; in fact he presents no benevolent +aspect which could possibly react favourably upon human life. + +Epic poets, in particular, represent the god of battles as a wild +ungovernable warrior, who passes through the armies like a whirlwind, +hurling to the ground the brave and cowardly alike; destroying chariots and +helmets, and triumphing over the terrible desolation which he produces. + +In all the myths concerning Ares, his sister Athene ever appears in +opposition to him, endeavouring by every means in her power to defeat his +bloodthirsty designs. Thus she assists the divine hero Diomedes at the +siege of Troy, to overcome Ares in battle, and so well does he profit by +her timely aid, that he succeeds in wounding the sanguinary war-god, who +makes his exit from the field, roaring like ten thousand bulls. + +{113} + +Ares appears to have been an object of aversion to all the gods of Olympus, +Aphrodite alone excepted. As the son of Hera, he had inherited from his +mother the strongest feelings of independence and contradiction, and as he +took delight in upsetting that peaceful course of state-life which it was +pre-eminently the care of Zeus to establish, he was naturally disliked and +even hated by him. + +When wounded by Diomedes, as above related, he complains to his father, but +receives no sympathy from the otherwise kindly and beneficent ruler of +Olympus, who thus angrily addresses him: "Do not trouble me with thy +complaints, thou who art of all the gods of Olympus most hateful to me, for +thou delightest in nought save war and strife. The very spirit of thy +mother lives in thee, and wert thou not my son, long ago wouldst thou have +lain deeper down in the bowels of the earth than the son of Uranus." + +[Illustration] + +Ares, upon one occasion, incurred the anger of Poseidon by slaying his son +Halirrhothios, who had insulted Alcippe, the daughter of the war-god. For +this deed, Poseidon summoned Ares to appear before the tribunal of the +Olympic gods, which was held upon a hill in Athens. Ares was acquitted, and +this event is supposed to have given rise to the name Areopagus (or Hill of +Ares), which afterwards became so famous as a court of justice. In the +Gigantomachia, Ares was defeated by the Aloidæ, the two giant-sons of +Poseidon, who put him in chains, and kept him in prison for thirteen +months. + +Ares is represented as a man of youthful appearance; his tall muscular form +combines great strength with wonderful agility. In his right hand he bears +a sword or a mighty lance, while on the left arm he carries his round +shield (see next page). His demoniacal surroundings are Terror and +Fear;[44] Enyo, the goddess of the war-cry; Keidomos, the demon of the +noise of battles; and Eris (Contention), his twin-sister and companion, who +always {114} precedes his chariot when he rushes to the fight, the latter +being evidently a simile of the poets to express the fact that war follows +contention. + +Eris is represented as a woman of florid complexion, with dishevelled hair, +and her whole appearance angry and menacing. In one hand she brandishes a +poniard and a hissing adder, whilst in the other she carries a burning +torch. Her dress is torn and disorderly, and her hair intertwined with +venomous snakes. This divinity was never invoked by mortals, except when +they desired her assistance for the accomplishment of evil purposes. + +MARS. + +The Roman divinity most closely resembling the Greek Ares, and identified +with him, was called Mars, Mamers, and Marspiter or Father Mars. + +The earliest Italian tribes, who were mostly engaged in the pursuit of +husbandry, regarded this deity more especially as the god of spring, who +vanquished the powers of winter, and encouraged the peaceful arts of +agriculture. But with the Romans, who were an essentially warlike nation, +Mars gradually loses his peaceful character, and, as god of war, attains, +after Jupiter, the highest position among the Olympic gods. The Romans +looked upon him as their special protector, and declared him to have been +the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of their city. But although +he was especially {115} worshipped in Rome as god of war, he still +continued to preside over agriculture, and was also the protecting deity +who watched over the welfare of the state. + +As the god who strode with warlike step to the battlefield, he was called +Gradivus (from _gradus_, a step), it being popularly believed by the Romans +that he himself marched before them to battle, and acted as their invisible +protector. As the presiding deity over agriculture, he was styled Sylvanus, +whilst in his character as guardian of the state, he bore the name of +Quirinus.[45] + +The priests of Mars were twelve in number, and were called Salii, or the +dancers, from the fact that sacred dances, in full armour, formed an +important item in their peculiar ceremonial. This religious order, the +members of which were always chosen from the noblest families in Rome, was +first instituted by Numa Pompilius, who intrusted to their special charge +the Anciliæ, or sacred shields. It is said that one morning, when Numa was +imploring the protection of Jupiter for the newly-founded city of Rome, the +god of heaven, as though in answer to his prayer, sent down an oblong +brazen shield, and, as it fell at the feet of the king, a voice was heard +announcing that on its preservation depended the future safety and +prosperity of Rome. In order, therefore, to lessen the chances of this +sacred treasure being abstracted, Numa caused eleven more to be made +exactly like it, which were then given into the care of the Salii. + +The assistance and protection of the god of war was always solemnly invoked +before the departure of a Roman army for the field of battle, and any +reverses of fortune were invariably ascribed to his anger, which was +accordingly propitiated by means of extraordinary sin-offerings and +prayers. + +In Rome a field, called the Campus Martius, was dedicated to Mars. It was a +large, open space, in which armies were collected and reviewed, general +assemblies of {116} the people held, and the young nobility trained to +martial exercises. + +The most celebrated and magnificent of the numerous temples built by the +Romans in honour of this deity was the one erected by Augustus in the +Forum, to commemorate the overthrow of the murderers of Cæsar. + +Of all existing statues of Mars the most renowned is that in the Villa +Ludovisi at Rome, in which he is represented as a powerful, muscular man in +the full vigour of youth. The attitude is that of thoughtful repose, but +the short, curly hair, dilated nostrils, and strongly marked features leave +no doubt as to the force and turbulence of his character. At his feet, the +sculptor has placed the little god of love, who looks up all undaunted at +the mighty war-god, as though mischievously conscious that this unusually +quiet mood is attributable to his influence. + +Religious festivals in honour of Mars were generally held in the month of +March; but he had also a festival on the Ides of October, when +chariot-races took place, after which, the right-hand horse of the team +which had drawn the victorious chariot, was sacrificed to him. In ancient +times, human sacrifices, more especially prisoners of war, were offered to +him; but, at a later period, this cruel practice was discontinued. + +The attributes of this divinity are the helmet, shield, and spear. The +animals consecrated to him were the wolf, horse, vulture, and woodpecker. + +Intimately associated with Mars in his character as god of war, was a +goddess called BELLONA, who was evidently the female divinity of battle +with one or other of the primitive nations of Italy (most probably the +Sabines), and is usually seen accompanying Mars, whose war-chariot she +guides. Bellona appears on the battle-field, inspired with mad rage, +cruelty, and the love of extermination. She is in full armour, her hair is +dishevelled, and she bears a scourge in one hand, and a lance in the other. + +A temple was erected to her on the Campus Martius. Before the entrance to +this edifice stood a pillar, over which a spear was thrown when war was +publicly declared. {117} + +NIKE (VICTORIA). + +Nike, the goddess of victory, was the daughter of the Titan Pallas, and of +Styx, the presiding nymph of the river of that name in the lower world. + +In her statues, Nike somewhat resembles Athene, but may easily be +recognized by her large, graceful wings and flowing drapery, which is +negligently fastened on the right shoulder, and only partially conceals her +lovely form. In her left hand, she holds aloft a crown of laurel, and in +the right, a palm-branch. In ancient sculpture, Nike is usually represented +in connection with colossal statues of Zeus or Pallas-Athene, in which case +she is life-sized, and stands on a ball, held in the open palm of the deity +she accompanies. Sometimes she is represented engaged in inscribing the +victory of a conqueror on his shield, her right foot being slightly raised +and placed on a ball. + +A celebrated temple was erected to this divinity on the Acropolis at +Athens, which is still to be seen, and is in excellent preservation. + +VICTORIA. + +Under the name of Victoria, Nike was highly honoured by the Romans, with +whom love of conquest was an all-absorbing characteristic. There were +several sanctuaries in Rome dedicated to her, the principal of which was on +the Capitol, where it was the custom of generals, after success had +attended their arms, to erect statues of the goddess in commemoration of +their victories. The most magnificent of these statues, was that raised by +Augustus after the battle of Actium. A festival was celebrated in honour of +Nike on the 12th of April. + +HERMES (MERCURY). + +Hermes was the swift-footed messenger, and trusted ambassador of all the +gods, and conductor of shades to Hades. He presided over the rearing and +education of {118} the young, and encouraged gymnastic exercises and +athletic pursuits, for which reason, all gymnasiums and wrestling schools +throughout Greece were adorned with his statues. He is said to have +invented the alphabet, and to have taught the art of interpreting foreign +languages, and his versatility, sagacity, and cunning were so +extraordinary, that Zeus invariably chose him as his attendant, when, +disguised as a mortal, he journeyed on earth. + +Hermes was worshipped as god of eloquence, most probably from the fact +that, in his office as ambassador, this faculty was indispensable to the +successful issue of the negotiations with which he was intrusted. He was +regarded as the god who granted increase and prosperity to flocks and +herds, and, on this account, was worshipped with special veneration by +herdsmen. + +In ancient times, trade was conducted chiefly by means of the exchange of +cattle. Hermes, therefore, as god of herdsmen, came to be regarded as the +protector of merchants, and, as ready wit and adroitness are valuable +qualities both in buying and selling, he was also looked upon as the patron +of artifice and cunning. Indeed, so deeply was this notion rooted in the +minds of the Greek people, that he was popularly believed to be also god of +thieves, and of all persons who live by their wits. + +[Illustration] + +As the patron of commerce, Hermes was naturally supposed to be the promoter +of intercourse among nations; hence, he is essentially the god of +travellers, over whose safety he presided, and he severely punished those +who refused assistance to the lost or weary wayfarer. He was also guardian +of streets and roads, and his statues, called Hermæ (which were pillars of +stone surmounted by a head of Hermes), were placed at cross-roads, and +frequently in streets and public squares. + +Being the god of all undertakings in which gain was a feature, he was +worshipped as the giver of wealth and {119} good luck, and any unexpected +stroke of fortune was attributed to his influence. He also presided over +the game of dice, in which he is said to have been instructed by Apollo. + +Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, the eldest and most beautiful of the +seven Pleiades (daughters of Atlas), and was born in a cave of Mount +Cyllene in Arcadia. As a mere babe, he exhibited an extraordinary faculty +for cunning and dissimulation; in fact, he was a thief from his cradle, +for, not many hours after his birth, we find him creeping stealthily out of +the cave in which he was born, in order to steal some oxen belonging to his +brother Apollo, who was at this time feeding the flocks of Admetus. But he +had not proceeded very far on his expedition before he found a tortoise, +which he killed, and, stretching seven strings across the empty shell, +invented a lyre, upon which he at once began to play with exquisite skill. +When he had sufficiently amused himself with the instrument, he placed it +in his cradle, and then resumed his journey to Pieria, where the cattle of +Admetus were grazing. Arriving at sunset at his destination, he succeeded +in separating fifty oxen from his brother's herd, which he now drove before +him, taking the precaution to cover his feet with sandals made of twigs of +myrtle, in order to escape detection. But the little rogue was not +unobserved, for the theft had been witnessed by an old shepherd named +Battus, who was tending the flocks of Neleus, king of Pylos (father of +Nestor). Hermes, frightened at being discovered, bribed him with the finest +cow in the herd not to betray him, and Battus promised to keep the secret. +But Hermes, astute as he was dishonest, determined to test the shepherd's +integrity. Feigning to go away, he assumed the form of Admetus, and then +returning to the spot offered the old man two of his best oxen if he would +disclose the author of the theft. The ruse succeeded, for the avaricious +shepherd, unable to resist the tempting bait, gave the desired information, +upon which Hermes, exerting his divine power, changed him into a lump of +touchstone, as a {120} punishment for his treachery and avarice. Hermes now +killed two of the oxen, which he sacrificed to himself and the other gods, +concealing the remainder in the cave. He then carefully extinguished the +fire, and, after throwing his twig shoes into the river Alpheus, returned +to Cyllene. + +Apollo, by means of his all-seeing power, soon discovered who it was that +had robbed him, and hastening to Cyllene, demanded restitution of his +property. On his complaining to Maia of her son's conduct, she pointed to +the innocent babe then lying, apparently fast asleep, in his cradle, +whereupon, Apollo angrily aroused the pretended sleeper, and charged him +with the theft; but the child stoutly denied all knowledge of it, and so +cleverly did he play his part, that he even inquired in the most naive +manner what sort of animals cows were. Apollo threatened to throw him into +Tartarus if he would not confess the truth, but all to no purpose. At last, +he seized the babe in his arms, and brought him into the presence of his +august father, who was seated in the council chamber of the gods. Zeus +listened to the charge made by Apollo, and then sternly desired Hermes to +say where he had hidden the cattle. The child, who was still in +swaddling-clothes, looked up bravely into his father's face and said, "Now, +do I look capable of driving away a herd of cattle; I, who was only born +yesterday, and whose feet are much too soft and tender to tread in rough +places? Until this moment, I lay in sweet sleep on my mother's bosom, and +have never even crossed the threshold of our dwelling. You know well that I +am not guilty; but, if you wish, I will affirm it by the most solemn +oaths." As the child stood before him, looking the picture of innocence, +Zeus could not refrain from smiling at his cleverness and cunning, but, +being perfectly aware of his guilt, he commanded him to conduct Apollo to +the cave where he had concealed the herd, and Hermes, seeing that further +subterfuge was useless, unhesitatingly obeyed. But when the divine shepherd +was about to drive his cattle back into Pieria, Hermes, as though by +chance, touched the chords of his {121} lyre. Hitherto Apollo had heard +nothing but the music of his own three-stringed lyre and the syrinx, or +Pan's pipe, and, as he listened entranced to the delightful strains of this +new instrument, his longing to possess it became so great, that he gladly +offered the oxen in exchange, promising at the same time, to give Hermes +full dominion over flocks and herds, as well as over horses, and all the +wild animals of the woods and forests. The offer was accepted, and, a +reconciliation being thus effected between the brothers, Hermes became +henceforth god of herdsmen, whilst Apollo devoted himself enthusiastically +to the art of music. + +[Illustration] + +They now proceeded together to Olympus, where Apollo introduced Hermes as +his chosen friend and companion, and, having made him swear by the Styx, +that he would never steal his lyre or bow, nor invade his sanctuary at +Delphi, he presented him with the Caduceus, or golden wand. This wand was +surmounted by wings, and on presenting it to Hermes, Apollo informed him +that it possessed the faculty of uniting in love, all beings divided by +hate. Wishing to prove the truth of this assertion, Hermes threw it down +between two snakes which were fighting, whereupon the angry combatants +clasped each other in a loving embrace, and curling round the staff, +remained ever after permanently attached to it. The wand itself typified +power; the serpents, wisdom; and the wings, despatch--all qualities +characteristic of a trustworthy ambassador. + +The young god was now presented by his father with a winged silver cap +(Petasus), and also with silver wings for his feet (Talaria), and was +forthwith appointed herald of the gods, and conductor of shades to Hades, +which office had hitherto been filled by Aïdes. + +As messenger of the gods, we find him employed on all occasions requiring +special skill, tact, or despatch. Thus he conducts Hera, Athene, and +Aphrodite to Paris, leads Priam to Achilles to demand the body of Hector, +{122} binds Prometheus to Mount Caucasus, secures Ixion to the eternally +revolving wheel, destroys Argus, the hundred-eyed guardian of Io, &c. &c. + +As conductor of shades, Hermes was always invoked by the dying to grant +them a safe and speedy passage across the Styx. He also possessed the power +of bringing back departed spirits to the upper world, and was, therefore, +the mediator between the living and the dead. + +The poets relate many amusing stories of the youthful tricks played by this +mischief-loving god upon the other immortals. For instance, he had the +audacity to extract the Medusa's head from the shield of Athene, which he +playfully attached to the back of Hephæstus; he also stole the girdle of +Aphrodite; deprived Artemis of her arrows, and Ares of his spear, but these +acts were always performed with such graceful dexterity, combined with such +perfect good humour, that even the gods and goddesses he thus provoked, +were fain to pardon him, and he became a universal favourite with them all. + +It is said that Hermes was one day flying over Athens, when, looking down +into the city, he beheld a number of maidens returning in solemn procession +from the temple of Pallas-Athene. Foremost among them was Herse, the +beautiful daughter of king Cecrops, and Hermes was so struck with her +exceeding loveliness that he determined to seek an interview with her. He +accordingly presented himself at the royal palace, and begged her sister +Agraulos to favour his suit; but, being of an avaricious turn of mind, she +refused to do so without the payment of an enormous sum of money. It did +not take the messenger of the gods long to obtain the means of fulfilling +this condition, and he soon returned with a well-filled purse. But +meanwhile Athene, to punish the cupidity of Agraulos, had caused the demon +of envy to take possession of her, and the consequence was, that, being +unable to contemplate the happiness of her sister, she sat down before the +door, and resolutely refused to allow Hermes to enter. He tried every +persuasion and blandishment in his power, but she still remained obstinate. +At last, his patience {123} being exhausted, he changed her into a mass of +black stone, and, the obstacle to his wishes being removed, he succeeded in +persuading Herse to become his wife. + +[Illustration] + +In his statues, Hermes is represented as a beardless youth, with broad +chest and graceful but muscular limbs; the face is handsome and +intelligent, and a genial smile of kindly benevolence plays round the +delicately chiselled lips. + +As messenger of the gods he wears the Petasus and Talaria, and bears in his +hand the Caduceus or herald's staff. + +As god of eloquence, he is often represented with chains of gold hanging +from his lips, whilst, as the patron of merchants, he bears a purse in his +hand. + +The wonderful excavations in Olympia, to which allusion has already been +made, have brought to light an exquisite marble group of Hermes and the +infant Bacchus, by Praxiteles. In this great work of art, Hermes is +represented as a young and handsome man, who is looking down kindly and +affectionately at the child resting on his arm, but unfortunately nothing +remains of the infant save the right hand, which is laid lovingly on the +shoulder of his protector. + +The sacrifices to Hermes consisted of incense, honey, cakes, pigs, and +especially lambs and young goats. As god of eloquence, the tongues of +animals were sacrificed to him. + +MERCURY. + +Mercury was the Roman god of commerce and gain. We find mention of a temple +having been erected to him {124} near the Circus Maximus as early as B.C. +495; and he had also a temple and a sacred fount near the Porta Capena. +Magic powers were ascribed to the latter, and on the festival of Mercury, +which took place on the 25th of May, it was the custom for merchants to +sprinkle themselves and their merchandise with this holy water, in order to +insure large profits from their wares. + +The Fetiales (Roman priests whose duty it was to act as guardians of the +public faith) refused to recognize the identity of Mercury with Hermes, and +ordered him to be represented with a sacred branch as the emblem of peace, +instead of the Caduceus. In later times, however, he was completely +identified with the Greek Hermes. + +DIONYSUS (BACCHUS). + +Dionysus, also called Bacchus (from _bacca_, berry), was the god of wine, +and the personification of the blessings of Nature in general. + +[Illustration] + +The worship of this divinity, which is supposed to have been introduced +into Greece from Asia (in all probability from India), first took root in +Thrace, whence it gradually spread into other parts of Greece. + +Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, and was snatched by Zeus from the +devouring flames in which his mother perished, when he appeared to her in +all the splendour of his divine glory. The motherless child was intrusted +to the charge of Hermes, who conveyed him to Semele's sister, Ino. But +Hera, still implacable in her vengeance, visited Athamas, the husband of +Ino, with madness, {125} and the child's life being no longer safe, he was +transferred to the fostering care of the nymphs of Mount Nysa. An aged +satyr named Silenus, the son of Pan, took upon himself the office of +guardian and preceptor to the young god, who, in his turn, became much +attached to his kind tutor; hence we see Silenus always figuring as one of +the chief personages in the various expeditions of the wine-god. + +Dionysus passed an innocent and uneventful childhood, roaming through the +woods and forests, surrounded by nymphs, satyrs, and shepherds. During one +of these rambles, he found a fruit growing wild, of a most refreshing and +cooling nature. This was the vine, from which he subsequently learnt to +extract a juice which formed a most exhilarating beverage. After his +companions had partaken freely of it, they felt their whole being pervaded +by an unwonted sense of pleasurable excitement, and gave full vent to their +overflowing exuberance, by shouting, singing, and dancing. Their numbers +were soon swelled by a crowd, eager to taste a beverage productive of such +extraordinary results, and anxious to join in the worship of a divinity to +whom they were indebted for this new enjoyment. Dionysus, on his part, +seeing how agreeably his discovery had affected his immediate followers, +resolved to extend the boon to mankind in general. He saw that wine, used +in moderation, would enable man to enjoy a happier, and more sociable +existence, and that, under its invigorating influence, the sorrowful might, +for a while, forget their grief and the sick their pain. He accordingly +gathered round him his zealous followers, and they set forth on their +travels, planting the vine and teaching its cultivation wherever they went. + +We now behold Dionysus at the head of a large army composed of men, women, +fauns, and satyrs, all bearing in their hands the Thyrsus (a staff entwined +with vine-branches surmounted by a fir-cone), and clashing together cymbals +and other musical instruments. Seated in a chariot drawn by panthers, and +accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic followers, Dionysus made a +triumphal {126} progress through Syria, Egypt, Arabia, India, &c., +conquering all before him, founding cities, and establishing on every side +a more civilized and sociable mode of life among the inhabitants of the +various countries through which he passed. + +When Dionysus returned to Greece from his Eastern expedition, he +encountered great opposition from Lycurgus, king of Thrace, and Pentheus, +king of Thebes. The former, highly disapproving of the wild revels which +attended the worship of the wine-god, drove away his attendants, the nymphs +of Nysa, from that sacred mountain, and so effectually intimidated +Dionysus, that he precipitated himself into the sea, where he was received +into the arms of the ocean-nymph, Thetis. But the impious king bitterly +expiated his sacrilegious conduct. He was punished with the loss of his +reason, and, during one of his mad paroxysms, killed his own son Dryas, +whom he mistook for a vine. + +Pentheus, king of Thebes, seeing his subjects so completely infatuated by +the riotous worship of this new divinity, and fearing the demoralizing +effects of the unseemly nocturnal orgies held in honour of the wine-god, +strictly prohibited his people from taking any part in the wild +Bacchanalian revels. Anxious to save him from the consequences of his +impiety, Dionysus appeared to him under the form of a youth in the king's +train, and earnestly warned him to desist from his denunciations. But the +well-meant admonition failed in its purpose, for Pentheus only became more +incensed at this interference, and, commanding Dionysus to be cast into +prison, caused the most cruel preparations to be made for his immediate +execution. But the god soon freed himself from his ignoble confinement, for +scarcely had his jailers departed, ere the prison-doors opened of +themselves, and, bursting asunder his iron chains, he escaped to rejoin his +devoted followers. + +Meanwhile, the mother of the king and her sisters, inspired with +Bacchanalian fury, had repaired to Mount Cithæron, in order to join the +worshippers of the {127} wine-god in those dreadful orgies which were +solemnized exclusively by women, and at which no man was allowed to be +present. Enraged at finding his commands thus openly disregarded by the +members of his own family, Pentheus resolved to witness for himself the +excesses of which he had heard such terrible reports, and for this purpose, +concealed himself behind a tree on Mount Cithæron; but his hiding-place +being discovered, he was dragged out by the half-maddened crew of +Bacchantes and, horrible to relate, he was torn in pieces by his own mother +Agave and her two sisters. + +An incident which occurred to Dionysus on one of his travels has been a +favourite subject with the classic poets. One day, as some Tyrrhenian +pirates approached the shores of Greece, they beheld Dionysus, in the form +of a beautiful youth, attired in radiant garments. Thinking to secure a +rich prize, they seized him, bound him, and conveyed him on board their +vessel, resolved to carry him with them to Asia and there sell him as a +slave. But the fetters dropped from his limbs, and the pilot, who was the +first to perceive the miracle, called upon his companions to restore the +youth carefully to the spot whence they had taken him, assuring them that +he was a god, and that adverse winds and storms would, in all probability, +result from their impious conduct. But, refusing to part with their +prisoner, they set sail for the open sea. Suddenly, to the alarm of all on +board, the ship stood still, masts and sails were covered with clustering +vines and wreaths of ivy-leaves, streams of fragrant wine inundated the +vessel, and heavenly strains of music were heard around. The terrified +crew, too late repentant, crowded round the pilot for protection, and +entreated him to steer for the shore. But the hour of retribution had +arrived. Dionysus assumed the form of a lion, whilst beside him appeared a +bear, which, with a terrific roar, rushed upon the captain and tore him in +pieces; the sailors, in an agony of terror, leaped overboard, and were +changed into dolphins. The discreet and pious steersman was alone permitted +to escape the fate of his companions, {128} and to him Dionysus, who had +resumed his true form, addressed words of kind and affectionate +encouragement, and announced his name and dignity. They now set sail, and +Dionysus desired the pilot to land him at the island of Naxos, where he +found the lovely Ariadne, daughter of Minos, king of Crete. She had been +abandoned by Theseus on this lonely spot, and, when Dionysus now beheld +her, was lying fast asleep on a rock, worn out with sorrow and weeping. +Wrapt in admiration, the god stood gazing at the beautiful vision before +him, and when she at length unclosed her eyes, he revealed himself to her, +and, in gentle tones, sought to banish her grief. Grateful for his kind +sympathy, coming as it did at a moment when she had deemed herself forsaken +and friendless, she gradually regained her former serenity, and, yielding +to his entreaties, consented to become his wife. + +Dionysus, having established his worship in various parts of the world, +descended to the realm of shades in search of his ill-fated mother, whom he +conducted to Olympus, where, under the name of Thyone, she was admitted +into the assembly of the immortal gods. + +Among the most noted worshippers of Dionysus was Midas,[46] the wealthy +king of Phrygia, the same who, as already related, gave judgment against +Apollo. Upon one occasion Silenus, the preceptor and friend of Dionysus, +being in an intoxicated condition, strayed into the rose-gardens of this +monarch, where he was found by some of the king's attendants, who bound him +with roses and conducted him to the presence of their royal master. Midas +treated the aged satyr with the greatest consideration, and, after +entertaining him hospitably for ten days, led him back to Dionysus, who was +so grateful for the kind attention shown to his old friend, that he offered +to grant Midas any favour he chose to demand; whereupon the avaricious +monarch, not content with his boundless wealth, and still thirsting for +more, desired that everything he touched might turn to gold. The request +was {129} complied with in so literal a sense, that the now wretched Midas +bitterly repented his folly and cupidity, for, when the pangs of hunger +assailed him, and he essayed to appease his cravings, the food became gold +ere he could swallow it; as he raised the cup of wine to his parched lips, +the sparkling draught was changed into the metal he had so coveted, and +when at length, wearied and faint, he stretched his aching frame on his +hitherto luxurious couch, this also was transformed into the substance +which had now become the curse of his existence. The despairing king at +last implored the god to take back the fatal gift, and Dionysus, pitying +his unhappy plight, desired him to bathe in the river Pactolus, a small +stream in Lydia, in order to lose the power which had become the bane of +his life. Midas joyfully obeying the injunction, was at once freed from the +consequences of his avaricious demand, and from this time forth the sands +of the river Pactolus have ever contained grains of gold. + +Representations of Dionysus are of two kinds. According to the earliest +conceptions, he appears as a grave and dignified man in the prime of life; +his countenance is earnest, thoughtful, and benevolent; he wears a full +beard, and is draped from head to foot in the garb of an Eastern monarch. +But the sculptors of a later period represent him as a youth of singular +beauty, though of somewhat effeminate appearance; the expression of the +countenance is gentle and winning; the limbs are supple and gracefully +moulded; and the hair, which is adorned by a wreath of vine or ivy leaves, +falls over the shoulders in long curls. In one hand he bears the Thyrsus, +and in the other a drinking-cup with two handles, these being his +distinguishing attributes. He is often represented riding on a panther, or +seated in a chariot drawn by lions, tigers, panthers, or lynxes. + +Being the god of wine, which is calculated to promote sociability, he +rarely appears alone, but is usually accompanied by Bacchantes, satyrs, and +mountain-nymphs. + +The finest modern representation of Ariadne is that by Danneker, at +Frankfort-on-the-Maine. In this statue she {130} appears riding on a +panther; the beautiful upturned face inclines slightly over the left +shoulder; the features are regular and finely cut, and a wreath of +ivy-leaves encircles the well-shaped head. With her right hand she +gracefully clasps the folds of drapery which fall away negligently from her +rounded form, whilst the other rests lightly and caressingly on the head of +the animal. + +Dionysus was regarded as the patron of the drama, and at the state festival +of the Dionysia, which was celebrated with great pomp in the city of +Athens, dramatic entertainments took place in his honour, for which all the +renowned Greek dramatists of antiquity composed their immortal tragedies +and comedies. + +He was also a prophetic divinity, and possessed oracles, the principal of +which was that on Mount Rhodope in Thrace. + +The tiger, lynx, panther, dolphin, serpent, and ass were sacred to this +god. His favourite plants were the vine, ivy, laurel, and asphodel. His +sacrifices consisted of goats, probably on account of their being +destructive to vineyards. + +BACCHUS OR LIBER. + +The Romans had a divinity called Liber who presided over vegetation, and +was, on this account, identified with the Greek Dionysus, and worshipped +under the name of Bacchus. + +The festival of Liber, called the Liberalia, was celebrated on the 17th of +March. + +AÏDES (PLUTO). + +Aïdes, Aïdoneus, or Hades, was the son of Cronus and Rhea, and the youngest +brother of Zeus and Poseidon. He was the ruler of that subterranean region +called Erebus, which was inhabited by the shades or spirits of the dead, +and also by those dethroned and exiled deities who had been vanquished by +Zeus and his allies. Aïdes, the grim and gloomy monarch of this lower +world, was the {131} successor of Erebus, that ancient primeval divinity +after whom these realms were called. + +The early Greeks regarded Aïdes in the light of their greatest foe, and +Homer tells us that he was "of all the gods the most detested," being in +their eyes the grim robber who stole from them their nearest and dearest, +and eventually deprived each of them of their share in terrestrial +existence. His name was so feared that it was never mentioned by mortals, +who, when they invoked him, struck the earth with their hands, and in +sacrificing to him turned away their faces. + +The belief of the people with regard to a future state was, in the Homeric +age, a sad and cheerless one. It was supposed that when a mortal ceased to +exist, his spirit tenanted the shadowy outline of the human form it had +quitted. These shadows, or shades as they were called, were driven by Aïdes +into his dominions, where they passed their time, some in brooding over the +vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on earth, others in +regretting the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life, but all in a +condition of semi-consciousness, from which the intellect could only be +roused to full activity by drinking of the blood of the sacrifices offered +to their shades by living friends, which, for a time, endowed them with +their former mental vigour. The only beings supposed to enjoy any happiness +in a future state were the heroes, whose acts of daring and deeds of +prowess had, during their life, reflected honour on the land of their +birth; and even these, according to Homer, pined after their career of +earthly activity. He tells us that when Odysseus visited the lower world at +the command of Circe, and held communion with the shades of the heroes of +the Trojan war, Achilles assured him that he would rather be the poorest +day-labourer on earth than reign supreme over the realm of shades. + +The early Greek poets offer but scanty allusions to Erebus. Homer appears +purposely to envelop these realms in vagueness and mystery, in order, +probably, to heighten the sensation of awe inseparably connected with {132} +the lower world. In the Odyssey he describes the entrance to Erebus as +being beyond the furthermost edge of Oceanus, in the far west, where dwelt +the Cimmerians, enveloped in eternal mists and darkness. + +In later times, however, in consequence of extended intercourse with +foreign nations, new ideas became gradually introduced, and we find +Egyptian theories with regard to a future state taking root in Greece, +which become eventually the religious belief of the whole nation. It is now +that the poets and philosophers, and more especially the teachers of the +Eleusinian Mysteries, begin to inculcate the doctrine of the future reward +and punishment of good and bad deeds. Aïdes, who had hitherto been regarded +as the dread enemy of mankind, who delights in his grim office, and keeps +the shades imprisoned in his dominions after withdrawing them from the joys +of existence, now receives them with hospitality and friendship, and Hermes +replaces him as conductor of shades to Hades. Under this new aspect Aïdes +usurps the functions of a totally different divinity called Plutus (the god +of riches), and is henceforth regarded as the giver of wealth to mankind, +in the shape of those precious metals which lie concealed in the bowels of +the earth. + +The later poets mention various entrances to Erebus, which were for the +most part caves and fissures. There was one in the mountain of Taenarum, +another in Thesprotia, and a third, the most celebrated of all, in Italy, +near the pestiferous Lake Avernus, over which it is said no bird could fly, +so noxious were its exhalations. + +In the dominions of Aïdes there were four great rivers, three of which had +to be crossed by all the shades. These three were Acheron (sorrow), Cocytus +(lamentation), and Styx (intense darkness), the sacred stream which flowed +nine times round these realms. + +The shades were ferried over the Styx by the grim, unshaven old boatman +Charon, who, however, only took those whose bodies had received funereal +rites on earth, and who had brought with them his indispensable toll, which +was a small coin or obolus, usually placed under the {133} tongue of a dead +person for this purpose. If these conditions had not been fulfilled, the +unhappy shades were left behind to wander up and down the banks for a +hundred years as restless spirits. + +On the opposite bank of the Styx was the tribunal of Minos, the supreme +judge, before whom all shades had to appear, and who, after hearing full +confession of their actions whilst on earth, pronounced the sentence of +happiness or misery to which their deeds had entitled them. This tribunal +was guarded by the terrible triple-headed dog Cerberus, who, with his three +necks bristling with snakes, lay at full length on the ground;--a +formidable sentinel, who permitted all shades to enter, but none to return. + +The happy spirits, destined to enjoy the delights of Elysium, passed out on +the right, and proceeded to the golden palace where Aïdes and Persephone +held their royal court, from whom they received a kindly greeting, ere they +set out for the Elysian Fields which lay beyond.[47] This blissful region +was replete with all that could charm the senses or please the imagination; +the air was balmy and fragrant, rippling brooks flowed peacefully through +the smiling meadows, which glowed with the varied hues of a thousand +flowers, whilst the groves resounded with the joyous songs of birds. The +occupations and amusements of the happy shades were of the same nature as +those which they had delighted in whilst on earth. Here the warrior found +his horses, chariots, and arms, the musician his lyre, and the hunter his +quiver and bow. + +In a secluded vale of Elysium there flowed a gentle, silent stream, called +Lethe (oblivion), whose waters had the effect of dispelling care, and +producing utter forgetfulness of former events. According to the +Pythagorean doctrine of the transmigration of souls, it was supposed that +after the shades had inhabited Elysium for a thousand years they were +destined to animate other bodies on {134} earth, and before leaving Elysium +they drank of the river Lethe, in order that they might enter upon their +new career without any remembrance of the past. + +The guilty souls, after leaving the presence of Minos, were conducted to +the great judgment-hall of Hades, whose massive walls of solid adamant were +surrounded by the river Phlegethon, the waves of which rolled flames of +fire, and lit up, with their lurid glare, these awful realms. In the +interior sat the dread judge Rhadamanthus, who declared to each comer the +precise torments which awaited him in Tartarus. The wretched sinners were +then seized by the Furies, who scourged them with their whips, and dragged +them along to the great gate, which closed the opening to Tartarus, into +whose awful depths they were hurled, to suffer endless torture. + +Tartarus was a vast and gloomy expanse, as far below Hades as the earth is +distant from the skies. There the Titans, fallen from their high estate, +dragged out a dreary and monotonous existence; there also were Otus and +Ephialtes, those giant sons of Poseidon, who, with impious hands, had +attempted to scale Olympus and dethrone its mighty ruler. Principal among +the sufferers in this abode of gloom were Tityus, Tantalus, Sisyphus, +Ixion, and the Danaïdes. + +TITYUS, one of the earth-born giants, had insulted Hera on her way to +Peitho, for which offence Zeus flung him into Tartarus, where he suffered +dreadful torture, inflicted by two vultures, which perpetually gnawed his +liver. + +TANTALUS was a wise and wealthy king of Lydia, with whom the gods +themselves condescended to associate; he was even permitted to sit at table +with Zeus, who delighted in his conversation, and listened with interest to +the wisdom of his observations. Tantalus, however, elated at these +distinguished marks of divine favour, presumed upon his position, and used +unbecoming language to Zeus himself; he also stole nectar and ambrosia from +the table of the gods, with which he regaled his friends; but his greatest +crime consisted in killing his own son, {135} Pelops, and serving him up at +one of the banquets to the gods, in order to test their omniscience. For +these heinous offences he was condemned by Zeus to eternal punishment in +Tartarus, where, tortured with an ever-burning thirst, he was plunged up to +the chin in water, which, as he stooped to drink, always receded from his +parched lips. Tall trees, with spreading branches laden with delicious +fruits, hung temptingly over his head; but no sooner did he raise himself +to grasp them, than a wind arose, and carried them beyond his reach. + +SISYPHUS was a great tyrant who, according to some accounts, barbarously +murdered all travellers who came into his dominions, by hurling upon them +enormous pieces of rock. In punishment for his crimes he was condemned to +roll incessantly a huge block of stone up a steep hill, which, as soon as +it reached the summit, always rolled back again to the plain below. + +IXION was a king of Thessaly to whom Zeus accorded the privilege of joining +the festive banquets of the gods; but, taking advantage of his exalted +position, he presumed to aspire to the favour of Hera, which so greatly +incensed Zeus, that he struck him with his thunderbolts, and commanded +Hermes to throw him into Tartarus, and bind him to an ever-revolving wheel. + +The DANAÏDES were the fifty daughters of Danaus, king of Argos, who had +married their fifty cousins, the sons of Ægyptus. By the command of their +father, who had been warned by an oracle that his son-in-law would cause +his death, they all killed their husbands in one night, Hypermnestra alone +excepted. Their punishment in the lower world was to fill with water a +vessel full of holes,--a never-ending and useless task. + +[Illustration] + +Aïdes is usually represented as a man of mature years and stern majestic +mien, bearing a striking resemblance to his brother Zeus; but the gloomy +and inexorable expression of the face contrasts forcibly with that peculiar +benignity which so characterizes the countenance of the mighty ruler of +heaven. He is seated on a throne of ebony, with his queen, the grave and +sad Persephone, {136} beside him, and wears a full beard, and long flowing +black hair, which hangs straight down over his forehead; in his hand he +either bears a two-pronged fork or the keys of the lower world, and at his +feet sits Cerberus. He is sometimes seen in a chariot of gold, drawn by +four black horses, and wearing on his head a helmet made for him by the +Cyclops, which rendered the wearer invisible. This helmet he frequently +lent to mortals and immortals. + +Aïdes, who was universally worshipped throughout Greece, had temples +erected to his honour in Elis, Olympia, and also at Athens. + +His sacrifices, which took place at night, consisted of black sheep, and +the blood, instead of being sprinkled on the altars or received in vessels, +as at other sacrifices, was permitted to run down into a trench, dug for +this purpose. The officiating priests wore black robes, and were crowned +with cypress. + +The narcissus, maiden-hair, and cypress were sacred to this divinity. + +PLUTO. + +Before the introduction into Rome of the religion and literature of Greece, +the Romans had no belief in a realm of future happiness or misery, +corresponding to the Greek Hades; hence they had no god of the lower world +identical with Aïdes. They supposed that there was, in the centre of the +earth, a vast, gloomy, and impenetrably dark cavity called Orcus, which +formed a place of eternal rest for the dead. But with the introduction of +Greek mythology, the Roman Orcus became the Greek Hades, and {137} all the +Greek notions with regard to a future state now obtained with the Romans, +who worshipped Aïdes under the name of Pluto, his other appellations being +Dis (from _dives_, rich) and Orcus from the dominions over which he ruled. +In Rome there were no temples erected to this divinity. + +PLUTUS. + +Plutus, the son of Demeter and a mortal called Iasion, was the god of +wealth, and is represented as being lame when he makes his appearance, and +winged when he takes his departure. He was supposed to be both blind and +foolish, because he bestows his gifts without discrimination, and +frequently upon the most unworthy objects. + +Plutus was believed to have his abode in the bowels of the earth, which was +probably the reason why, in later times, Aïdes became confounded with this +divinity. + + * * * * * + +MINOR DIVINITIES. + +THE HARPIES. + +[Illustration] + +The Harpies, who, like the Furies, were employed by the gods as instruments +for the punishment of the guilty, were three female divinities, daughters +of Thaumas and Electra, called Aello, Ocypete, and Celæno. + +They were represented with the head of a fair-haired maiden and the body of +a vulture, and were perpetually devoured by the pangs of insatiable hunger, +which caused them to torment their victims by robbing them of their food; +this they either devoured with great {138} gluttony, or defiled in such a +manner as to render it unfit to be eaten. + +Their wonderfully rapid flight far surpassed that of birds, or even of the +winds themselves. If any mortal suddenly and unaccountably disappeared, the +Harpies were believed to have carried him off. Thus they were supposed to +have borne away the daughters of King Pandareos to act as servants to the +Erinyes. + +The Harpies would appear to be personifications of sudden tempests, which, +with ruthless violence, sweep over whole districts, carrying off or +injuring all before them. + +ERINYES, EUMENIDES (FURIÆ, DIRÆ). + +The Erinyes or Furies were female divinities who personified the torturing +pangs of an evil conscience, and the remorse which inevitably follows +wrong-doing. + +Their names were Alecto, Megæra, and Tisiphone, and their origin was +variously accounted for. According to Hesiod, they sprang from the blood of +Uranus, when wounded by Cronus, and were hence supposed to be the +embodiment of all the terrible imprecations, which the defeated deity +called down upon the head of his rebellious son. According to other +accounts they were the daughters of Night. + +Their place of abode was the lower world, where they were employed by Aïdes +and Persephone to chastise and torment those shades who, during their +earthly career, had committed crimes, and had not been reconciled to the +gods before descending to Hades. + +But their sphere of action was not confined to the realm of shades, for +they appeared upon earth as the avenging deities who relentlessly pursued +and punished murderers, perjurers, those who had failed in duty to their +parents, in hospitality to strangers, or in the respect due to old age. +Nothing escaped the piercing glance of these terrible divinities, from whom +flight was unavailing, for no corner of the earth was so remote as {139} to +be beyond their reach, nor did any mortal dare to offer to their victims an +asylum from their persecutions. + +The Furies are frequently represented with wings; their bodies are black, +blood drips from their eyes, and snakes twine in their hair. In their hands +they bear either a dagger, scourge, torch, or serpent. + +When they pursued Orestes they constantly held up a mirror to his horrified +gaze, in which he beheld the face of his murdered mother. + +These divinities were also called Eumenides, which signifies the +"well-meaning" or "soothed goddesses;" This appellation was given to them +because they were so feared and dreaded that people dared not call them by +their proper title, and hoped by this means to propitiate their wrath. + +In later times the Furies came to be regarded as salutary agencies, who, by +severely punishing sin, upheld the cause of morality and social order, and +thus contributed to the welfare of mankind. They now lose their +awe-inspiring aspect, and are represented, more especially in Athens, as +earnest maidens, dressed, like Artemis, in short tunics suitable for the +chase, but still retaining, in their hands, the wand of office in the form +of a snake. + +Their sacrifices consisted of black sheep and a libation composed of a +mixture of honey and water, called Nephalia. A celebrated temple was +erected to the Eumenides at Athens, near the Areopagus. + +MOIRÆ OR FATES (PARCÆ). + +The ancients believed that the duration of human existence and the +destinies of mortals were regulated by three sister-goddesses, called +Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who were the daughters of Zeus and Themis. + +The power which they wielded over the fate of man was significantly +indicated under the figure of a thread, which they spun out for the life of +each human being from his birth to the grave. This occupation they divided +between them. Clotho wound the flax round the distaff, {140} ready for her +sister Lachesis, who span out the thread of life, which Atropos, with her +scissors, relentlessly snapt asunder, when the career of an individual was +about to terminate. + +Homer speaks of one Moira only, the daughter of Night, who represents the +moral force by which the universe is governed, and to whom both mortals and +immortals were forced to submit, Zeus himself being powerless to avert her +decrees; but in later times this conception of one inexorable, +all-conquering fate became amplified by the poets into that above +described, and the Moiræ are henceforth the special presiding deities over +the life and death of mortals. + +The Moiræ are represented by the poets as stern, inexorable female +divinities, aged, hideous, and also lame, which is evidently meant to +indicate the slow and halting march of destiny, which they controlled. +Painters and sculptors, on the other hand, depicted them as beautiful +maidens of a grave but kindly aspect. + +There is a charming representation of Lachesis, which depicts her in all +the grace of youth and beauty. She is sitting spinning, and at her feet lie +two masks, one comic, the other tragic, as though to convey the idea, that, +to a divinity of fate, the brightest and saddest scenes of earthly +existence are alike indifferent, and that she quietly and steadily pursues +her occupation, regardless of human weal or woe. + +When represented at the feet of Aïdes in the lower world they are clad in +dark robes; but when they appear in Olympus they wear bright garments, +bespangled with stars, and are seated on radiant thrones, with crowns on +their heads. + +It was considered the function of the Moiræ to indicate to the Furies the +precise torture which the wicked should undergo for their crimes. + +They were regarded as prophetic divinities, and had sanctuaries in many +parts of Greece. + +The Moiræ are mentioned as assisting the Charites to conduct Persephone to +the upper world at her periodical {141} reunion with her mother Demeter. +They also appear in company with Eileithyia, goddess of birth. + +NEMESIS. + +Nemesis, the daughter of Nyx, represents that power which adjusts the +balance of human affairs, by awarding to each individual the fate which his +actions deserve. She rewards, humble, unacknowledged merit, punishes crime, +deprives the worthless of undeserved good fortune, humiliates the proud and +overbearing, and visits all evil on the wrong-doer; thus maintaining that +proper balance of things, which the Greeks recognized as a necessary +condition of all civilized life. But though Nemesis, in her original +character, was the distributor of rewards as well as punishments, the world +was so full of sin, that she found but little occupation in her first +capacity, and hence became finally regarded as the avenging goddess only. + +We have seen a striking instance of the manner in which this divinity +punishes the proud and arrogant in the history of Niobe. Apollo and Artemis +were merely the instruments for avenging the insult offered to their +mother; but it was Nemesis who prompted the deed, and presided over its +execution. + +Homer makes no mention of Nemesis; it is therefore evident that she was a +conception of later times, when higher views of morality had obtained among +the Greek nation. + +Nemesis is represented as a beautiful woman of thoughtful and benign aspect +and regal bearing; a diadem crowns her majestic brow, and she bears in her +hand a rudder, balance, and cubit;--fitting emblems of the manner in which +she guides, weighs, and measures all human events. She is also sometimes +seen with a wheel, to symbolize the rapidity with which she executes +justice. As the avenger of evil she appears winged, bearing in her hand +either a scourge or a sword, and seated in a chariot drawn by griffins. +{142} + +Nemesis is frequently called Adrastia, and also Rhamnusia, from Rhamnus in +Attica, the chief seat of her worship, which contained a celebrated statue +of the goddess. + +Nemesis was worshipped by the Romans, (who invoked her on the Capitol), as +a divinity who possessed the power of averting the pernicious consequences +of envy. + +NIGHT AND HER CHILDREN. +DEATH, SLEEP, AND DREAMS. + +NYX (NOX). + +Nyx, the daughter of Chaos, being the personification of Night, was, +according to the poetic ideas of the Greeks, considered to be the mother of +everything mysterious and inexplicable, such as death, sleep, dreams, &c. +She became united to Erebus, and their children were Aether and Hemera (Air +and Daylight), evidently a simile of the poets, to indicate that darkness +always precedes light. + +Nyx inhabited a palace in the dark regions of the lower world, and is +represented as a beautiful woman, seated in a chariot, drawn by two black +horses. She is clothed in dark robes, wears a long veil, and is accompanied +by the stars, which follow in her train. + +THANATOS (MORS) AND HYPNUS (SOMNUS). + +Thanatos (Death) and his twin-brother Hypnus (Sleep) were the children of +Nyx. + +Their dwelling was in the realm of shades, and when they appear among +mortals, Thanatos is feared and hated as the enemy of mankind, whose hard +heart knows no pity, whilst his brother Hypnus is universally loved and +welcomed as their kindest and most beneficent friend. + +But though the ancients regarded Thanatos as a gloomy and mournful +divinity, they did not represent him with any exterior repulsiveness. On +the contrary, he appears as a beautiful youth, who holds in his hand an +inverted {143} torch, emblematical of the light of life being extinguished, +whilst his disengaged arm is thrown lovingly round the shoulder of his +brother Hypnus. + +Hypnus is sometimes depicted standing erect with closed eyes; at others he +is in a recumbent position beside his brother Thanatos, and usually bears a +poppy-stalk in his hand. + +A most interesting description of the abode of Hypnus is given by Ovid in +his Metamorphoses. He tells us how the god of Sleep dwelt in a +mountain-cave near the realm of the Cimmerians, which the sun never pierced +with his rays. No sound disturbed the stillness, no song of birds, not a +branch moved, and no human voice broke the profound silence which reigned +everywhere. From the lowermost rocks of the cave issued the river Lethe, +and one might almost have supposed that its course was arrested, were it +not for the low, monotonous hum of the water, which invited slumber. The +entrance was partially hidden by numberless white and red poppies, which +Mother Night had gathered and planted there, and from the juice of which +she extracts drowsiness, which she scatters in liquid drops all over the +earth, as soon as the sun-god has sunk to rest. In the centre of the cave +stands a couch of blackest ebony, with a bed of down, over which is laid a +coverlet of sable hue. Here the god himself reposes, surrounded by +innumerable forms. These are idle dreams, more numerous than the sands of +the sea. Chief among them is Morpheus, that changeful god, who may assume +any shape or form he pleases. Nor can the god of Sleep resist his own +power; for though he may rouse himself for a while, he soon succumbs to the +drowsy influences which surround him. + +MORPHEUS. + +Morpheus, the son of Hypnus, was the god of Dreams. + +He is always represented winged, and appears sometimes as a youth, +sometimes as an old man. In his hand he bears a cluster of poppies, and as +he steps with {144} noiseless footsteps over the earth, he gently scatters +the seeds of this sleep-producing plant over the eyes of weary mortals. + +Homer describes the House of Dreams as having two gates: one, whence issue +all deceptive and flattering visions, being formed of ivory; the other, +through which proceed those dreams which are fulfilled, of horn. + +THE GORGONS. + +The Gorgons, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, were the three daughters of +Phorcys and Ceto, and were the personification of those benumbing, and, as +it were, petrifying sensations, which result from sudden and extreme fear. + +They were frightful winged monsters, whose bodies were covered with scales; +hissing, wriggling snakes clustered round their heads instead of hair; +their hands were of brass; their teeth resembled the tusks of a wild boar; +and their whole aspect was so appalling, that they are said to have turned +into stone all who beheld them. + +These terrible sisters were supposed to dwell in that remote and mysterious +region in the far West, beyond the sacred stream of Oceanus. + +The Gorgons were the servants of Aïdes, who made use of them to terrify and +overawe those shades, doomed to be kept in a constant state of unrest as a +punishment for their misdeeds, whilst the Furies, on their part, scourged +them with their whips and tortured them incessantly. + +The most celebrated of the three sisters was Medusa, who alone was mortal. +She was originally a golden-haired and very beautiful maiden, who, as a +priestess of Athene, was devoted to a life of celibacy; but, being wooed by +Poseidon, whom she loved in return, she forgot her vows, and became united +to him in marriage. For this offence she was punished by the goddess in a +most terrible manner. Each wavy lock of the beautiful hair which had so +charmed her husband, was changed into a {145} venomous snake; her once +gentle, love-inspiring eyes now became blood-shot, furious orbs, which +excited fear and disgust in the mind of the beholder; whilst her former +roseate hue and milk-white skin assumed a loathsome greenish tinge. Seeing +herself thus transformed into so repulsive an object, Medusa fled from her +home, never to return. Wandering about, abhorred, dreaded, and shunned by +all the world, she now developed into a character, worthy of her outward +appearance. In her despair she fled to Africa, where, as she passed +restlessly from place to place, infant snakes dropped from her hair, and +thus, according to the belief of the ancients, that country became the +hotbed of these venomous reptiles. With the curse of Athene upon her, she +turned into stone whomsoever she gazed upon, till at last, after a life of +nameless misery, deliverance came to her in the shape of death, at the +hands of Perseus. + +It is well to observe that when the Gorgons are spoken of in the singular, +it is Medusa who is alluded to. + +Medusa was the mother of Pegasus and Chrysaor, father of the three-headed, +winged giant Geryones, who was slain by Heracles. + +GRÆÆ. + +The Grææ, who acted as servants to their sisters the Gorgons, were also +three in number; their names were Pephredo, Enyo, and Dino. + +In their original conception they were merely personifications of kindly +and venerable old age, possessing all its benevolent attributes without its +natural infirmities. They were old and gray from their birth, and so they +ever remained. In later times, however, they came to be regarded as +misshapen females, decrepid, and hideously ugly, having only one eye, one +tooth, and one gray wig between them, which they lent to each other, when +one of them wished to appear before the world. + +When Perseus entered upon his expedition to slay the Medusa, he repaired to +the abode of the Grææ, in the far {146} west, to inquire the way to the +Gorgons, and on their refusing to give any information, he deprived them of +their one eye, tooth, and wig, and did not restore them until he received +the necessary directions. + +SPHINX. + +The Sphinx was an ancient Egyptian divinity, who personified wisdom, and +the fertility of nature. She is represented as a lion-couchant, with the +head and bust of a woman, and wears a peculiar sort of hood, which +completely envelops her head, and falls down on either side of the face. + +Transplanted into Greece, this sublime and mysterious Egyptian deity +degenerates into an insignificant, and yet malignant power, and though she +also deals in mysteries, they are, as we shall see, of a totally different +character, and altogether inimical to human life. + +[Illustration] + +The Sphinx is represented, according to Greek genealogy, as the offspring +of Typhon and Echidna.[48] Hera, being upon one occasion displeased with +the Thebans, sent them this awful monster, as a punishment for their +offences. Taking her seat on a rocky eminence near the city of Thebes, +commanding a pass which the Thebans were compelled to traverse in their +usual way of business, she propounded to all comers a riddle, and if they +failed to solve it, she tore them in pieces. + +During the reign of King Creon, so many people had fallen a sacrifice to +this monster, that he determined to use every effort to rid the country of +so terrible a scourge. On consulting the oracle of Delphi, he was informed +that the only way to destroy the Sphinx was to solve one of her riddles, +when she would immediately precipitate herself from the rock on which she +was seated. + +Creon, accordingly, made a public declaration to the effect, that whoever +could give the true interpretation of a riddle propounded by the monster, +should obtain the crown, and the hand of his sister Jocaste. Oedipus +offered {147} himself as a candidate, and proceeding to the spot where she +kept guard, received from her the following riddle for solution: "What +creature goes in the morning on four legs, at noon on two, and in the +evening on three?" Oedipus replied, that it must be man, who during his +infancy creeps on all fours, in his prime walks erect on two legs, and when +old age has enfeebled his powers, calls a staff to his assistance, and thus +has, as it were, three legs. + +The Sphinx no sooner heard this reply, which was the correct solution of +her riddle, than she flung herself over the precipice, and perished in the +abyss below. + +The Greek Sphinx may be recognized by having wings and by being of smaller +dimensions than the Egyptian Sphinx. + +TYCHE (FORTUNA) AND ANANKE (NECESSITAS). + +TYCHE (FORTUNA). + +Tyche personified that peculiar combination of circumstances which we call +luck or fortune, and was considered to be the source of all unexpected +events in human life, whether good or evil. If a person succeeded in all he +undertook without possessing any special merit of his own, Tyche was +supposed to have smiled on his birth. If, on the other hand, undeserved +ill-luck followed him through life, and all his efforts resulted in +failure, it was ascribed to her adverse influence. + +This goddess of Fortune is variously represented. Sometimes she is depicted +bearing in her hand two rudders, with one of which she steers the bark of +the fortunate, and with the other that of the unfortunate among mortals. In +later times she appears blindfolded, and stands on a ball or wheel, +indicative of the fickleness and ever-revolving {148} changes of fortune. +She frequently bears the sceptre and cornucopia[49] or horn of plenty, and +is usually winged. In her temple at Thebes, she is represented holding the +infant Plutus in her arms, to symbolize her power over riches and +prosperity. + +Tyche was worshipped in various parts of Greece, but more particularly by +the Athenians, who believed in her special predilection for their city. + +FORTUNA. + +Tyche was worshipped in Rome under the name of Fortuna, and held a position +of much greater importance among the Romans than the Greeks. + +In later times Fortuna is never represented either winged or standing on a +ball; she merely bears the cornucopia. It is evident, therefore, that she +had come to be regarded as the goddess of good luck only, who brings +blessings to man, and not, as with the Greeks, as the personification of +the fluctuations of fortune. + +In addition to Fortuna, the Romans worshipped Felicitas as the giver of +positive good fortune. + +ANANKE (NECESSITAS). + +As Ananke, Tyche assumes quite another character, and becomes the +embodiment of those immutable laws of nature, by which certain causes +produce certain inevitable results. + +In a statue of this divinity at Athens she was represented with hands of +bronze, and surrounded with nails and hammers. The hands of bronze probably +indicated the irresistible power of the inevitable, and the hammer and +chains the fetters which she forged for man. + +Ananke was worshipped in Rome under the name of Necessitas. + +{149} + +KER. + +In addition to the Moiræ, who presided over the life of mortals, there was +another divinity, called Ker, appointed for each human being at the moment +of his birth. The Ker belonging to an individual was believed to develop +with his growth, either for good or evil; and when the ultimate fate of a +mortal was about to be decided, his Ker was weighed in the balance, and, +according to the preponderance of its worth or worthlessness, life or death +was awarded to the human being in question. It becomes evident, therefore, +that according to the belief of the early Greeks, each individual had it in +his power, to a certain extent, to shorten or prolong his own existence. + +The Keres, who are frequently mentioned by Homer, were the goddesses who +delighted in the slaughter of the battle-field. + +ATE. + +Ate, the daughter of Zeus and Eris, was a divinity who delighted in evil. + +Having instigated Hera to deprive Heracles of his birthright, her father +seized her by the hair of her head, and hurled her from Olympus, forbidding +her, under the most solemn imprecations, ever to return. Henceforth she +wandered among mankind, sowing dissension, working mischief, and luring men +to all actions inimical to their welfare and happiness. Hence, when a +reconciliation took place between friends who had quarrelled, Ate was +blamed as the original cause of disagreement. + +MOMUS. + +Momus, the son of Nyx, was the god of raillery and ridicule, who delighted +to criticise, with bitter sarcasm, the actions of gods and men, and +contrived to discover in all things some defect or blemish. Thus when +Prometheus created the first man, Momus considered his work incomplete +because there was no aperture in the breast through which his inmost +thoughts might be read. He {150} also found fault with a house built by +Athene because, being unprovided with the means of locomotion, it could +never be removed from an unhealthy locality. Aphrodite alone defied his +criticism, for, to his great chagrin, he could find no fault with her +perfect form.[50] + +In what manner the ancients represented this god is unknown. In modern art +he is depicted like a king's jester, with a fool's cap and bells. + +EROS (CUPID, AMOR) AND PSYCHE. + +According to Hesiod's Theogony, Eros, the divine spirit of Love, sprang +forth from Chaos, while all was still in confusion, and by his beneficent +power reduced to order and harmony the shapeless, conflicting elements, +which, under his influence, began to assume distinct forms. This ancient +Eros is represented as a full-grown and very beautiful youth, crowned with +flowers, and leaning on a shepherd's crook. + +In the course of time, this beautiful conception gradually faded away, and +though occasional mention still continues to be made of the Eros of Chaos, +he is replaced by the son of Aphrodite, the popular, mischief-loving little +god of Love, so familiar to us all. + +In one of the myths concerning Eros, Aphrodite is described as complaining +to Themis, that her son, though so beautiful, did not appear to increase in +stature; whereupon Themis suggested that his small proportions were +probably attributable to the fact of his being always alone, and advised +his mother to let him have a companion. Aphrodite accordingly gave him, as +a playfellow, his younger brother Anteros (requited love), and soon had the +gratification of seeing the little Eros begin to grow and thrive; but, +curious to relate, this desirable result only continued as long as the +brothers remained together, for the moment they were separated, Eros shrank +once more to his original size. + +{151} + +By degrees the conception of Eros became multiplied and we hear of little +love-gods (Amors), who appear under the most charming and diversified +forms. These love-gods, who afforded to artists inexhaustible subjects for +the exercise of their imagination, are represented as being engaged in +various occupations, such as hunting, fishing, rowing, driving chariots, +and even busying themselves in mechanical labour. + +[Illustration] + +Perhaps no myth is more charming and interesting than that of Eros and +Psyche, which is as follows:--Psyche, the youngest of three princesses, was +so transcendently beautiful that Aphrodite herself became jealous of her, +and no mortal dared to aspire to the honour of her hand. As her sisters, +who were by no means equal to her in attractions, were married, and Psyche +still remained unwedded, her father consulted the oracle of Delphi, and, in +obedience to the divine response, caused her to be dressed as though for +the grave, and conducted to the edge of a yawning precipice. No sooner was +she alone than she felt herself lifted up, and wafted away by the gentle +west wind Zephyrus, who transported her to a verdant meadow, in the midst +of which stood a stately palace, surrounded by groves and fountains. + +Here dwelt Eros, the god of Love, in whose arms Zephyrus deposited his +lovely burden. Eros, himself unseen, wooed her in the softest accents of +affection; but warned her, as she valued his love, not to endeavour to +behold his form. For some time Psyche was obedient to the injunction of her +immortal spouse, and made no effort to gratify her natural curiosity; but, +unfortunately, in the midst of her happiness she was seized with an +unconquerable longing for the society of her {152} sisters, and, in +accordance with her desire, they were conducted by Zephyrus to her +fairy-like abode. Filled with envy at the sight of her felicity, they +poisoned her mind against her husband, and telling her that her unseen +lover was a frightful monster, they gave her a sharp dagger, which they +persuaded her to use for the purpose of delivering herself from his power. + +After the departure of her sisters, Psyche resolved to take the first +opportunity of following their malicious counsel. She accordingly rose in +the dead of night, and taking a lamp in one hand and a dagger in the other, +stealthily approached the couch where Eros was reposing, when, instead of +the frightful monster she had expected to see, the beauteous form of the +god of Love greeted her view. Overcome with surprise and admiration, Psyche +stooped down to gaze more closely on his lovely features, when, from the +lamp which she held in her trembling hand, there fell a drop of burning oil +upon the shoulder of the sleeping god, who instantly awoke, and seeing +Psyche standing over him with the instrument of death in her hand, +sorrowfully reproached her for her treacherous designs, and, spreading out +his wings, flew away. + +In despair at having lost her lover, the unhappy Psyche endeavoured to put +an end to her existence by throwing herself into the nearest river; but +instead of closing over her, the waters bore her gently to the opposite +bank, where Pan (the god of shepherds) received her, and consoled her with +the hope of becoming eventually reconciled to her husband. + +Meanwhile her wicked sisters, in expectation of meeting with the same good +fortune which had befallen Psyche, placed themselves on the edge of the +rock, but were both precipitated into the chasm below. + +Psyche herself, filled with a restless yearning for her lost love, wandered +all over the world in search of him. At length she appealed to Aphrodite to +take compassion on her; but the goddess of Beauty, still jealous of her +charms, imposed upon her the hardest tasks, the accomplishment of which +often appeared impossible. In these {153} she was always assisted by +invisible, beneficent beings, sent to her by Eros, who still loved her, and +continued to watch over her welfare. + +[Illustration] + +Psyche had to undergo a long and severe penance before she became worthy to +regain the happiness, which she had so foolishly trifled away. At last +Aphrodite commanded her to descend into the under world, and obtain from +Persephone a box containing all the charms of beauty. Psyche's courage now +failed her, for she concluded that death must of necessity precede her +entrance into the realm of shades. About to abandon herself to despair, she +heard a voice which warned her of every danger to be avoided on her +perilous journey, and instructed her with regard to certain precautions to +be observed. These were as follows:--not to omit to provide herself with +the ferryman's toll for Charon, and the cake to pacify Cerberus, also to +refrain from taking any part in the banquets of Aïdes and Persephone, and, +above all things, to bring the box of beauty charms unopened to Aphrodite. +In conclusion, the voice assured her, that compliance with the above +conditions would insure for her a safe return to the realms of light. But, +alas, Psyche, who had implicitly followed all injunctions, could not +withstand the temptation of the last condition; and, hardly had she quitted +the lower world, when, unable to resist the curiosity which devoured her, +she raised the lid of the box with eager expectation. But, instead of the +wondrous charms of beauty which she expected to behold, there issued from +the casket a dense black vapour, which had the effect of throwing her into +a death-like sleep, out of which Eros, who had long hovered round her +unseen, at length awoke her with the point of one of his golden arrows. He +gently reproached her with this second proof of her curiosity and folly, +and then, having persuaded Aphrodite to be reconciled to his beloved, he +induced Zeus to admit her among the immortal gods. + +Their reunion was celebrated amidst the rejoicings of all the Olympian +deities. The Graces shed perfume on {154} their path, the Hours sprinkled +roses over the sky, Apollo added the music of his lyre, and the Muses +united their voices in a glad chorus of delight. + +This myth would appear to be an allegory, which signifies that the soul, +before it can be reunited to its original divine essence, must be purified +by the chastening sorrows and sufferings of its earthly career.[51] + +Eros is represented as a lovely boy, with rounded limbs, and a merry, +roguish expression. He has golden wings, and a quiver slung over his +shoulder, which contained his magical and unerring arrows; in one hand he +bears his golden bow, and in the other a torch. + +He is also frequently depicted riding on a lion, dolphin, or eagle, or +seated in a chariot drawn by stags or wild boars, undoubtedly emblematical +of the power of love as the subduer of all nature, even of the wild +animals. + +In Rome, Eros was worshipped under the name of Amor or Cupid. + +HYMEN. + +Hymen or Hymenæus, the son of Apollo and the muse Urania, was the god who +presided over marriage and nuptial solemnities, and was hence invoked at +all marriage festivities. + +There is a myth concerning this divinity, which tells us that Hymen was a +beautiful youth of very poor parents, who fell in love with a wealthy +maiden, so far above him in rank, that he dared not cherish the hope of +ever becoming united to her. Still he missed no opportunity of seeing her, +and, upon one occasion, disguised himself as {155} a girl, and joined a +troop of maidens, who, in company with his beloved, were proceeding from +Athens to Eleusis, in order to attend a festival of Demeter. On their way +thither they were surprised by pirates, who carried them off to a desert +island, where the ruffians, after drinking deeply, fell into a heavy sleep. +Hymen, seizing the opportunity, slew them all, and then set sail for +Athens, where he found the parents of the maidens in the greatest distress +at their unaccountable disappearance. He comforted them with the assurance +that their children should be restored to them, provided they would promise +to give him in marriage the maiden he loved. The condition being gladly +complied with, he at once returned to the island, and brought back the +maidens in safety to Athens, whereupon he became united to the object of +his love; and their union proved so remarkably happy, that henceforth the +name of Hymen became synonymous with conjugal felicity. + +IRIS (THE RAINBOW). + +Iris, the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, personified the rainbow, and was +the special attendant and messenger of the queen of heaven, whose commands +she executed with singular tact, intelligence, and swiftness. + +Most primitive nations have regarded the rainbow as a bridge of +communication between heaven and earth, and this is doubtless the reason +why Iris, who represented that beautiful phenomenon of nature, should have +been invested by the Greeks with the office of communicating between gods +and men. + +Iris is usually represented seated behind the chariot of Hera, ready to do +the bidding of her royal mistress. She appears under the form of a slender +maiden of great beauty, robed in an airy fabric of variegated hues, +resembling mother-of-pearl; her sandals are bright as burnished silver, she +has golden wings, and wherever she appears, a radiance of light, and a +sweet odour, as of delicate spring flowers, pervades the air. {156} + +[Illustration] + +HEBE (JUVENTAS). + +Hebe was the personification of eternal youth under its most attractive and +joyous aspect. + +She was the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and though of such distinguished +rank, is nevertheless represented as cup-bearer to the gods; a forcible +exemplification of the old patriarchal custom, in accordance with which the +daughters of the house, even when of the highest lineage, personally +assisted in serving the guests. + +Hebe is represented as a comely, modest maiden, small, of a beautifully +rounded contour, with nut-brown tresses and sparkling eyes. She is often +depicted pouring out nectar from an upraised vessel, or bearing in her hand +a shallow dish, supposed to contain ambrosia, the ever youth-renewing food +of the immortals. + +In consequence of an act of awkwardness, which caused her to slip while +serving the gods, Hebe was deprived of her office, which was henceforth +delegated to Ganymedes, son of Tros. + +Hebe afterwards became the bride of Heracles, when, after his apotheosis, +he was received among the immortals. + +JUVENTAS. + +Juventas was the Roman divinity identified with Hebe, whose attributes, +however, were regarded by the Romans as applying more particularly to the +imperishable vigour and immortal glory of the state. + +In Rome, several temples were erected in honour of this goddess. {157} + +GANYMEDES. + +Ganymedes, the youngest son of Tros, king of Troy, was one day drawing +water from a well on Mount Ida, when he was observed by Zeus, who, struck +with his wonderful beauty, sent his eagle to transport him to Olympus, +where he was endowed with immortality, and appointed cup-bearer to the +gods. + +Ganymedes is represented as a youth of exquisite beauty, with short golden +locks, delicately chiselled features, beaming blue eyes, and pouting lips. + +THE MUSES. + +Of all the Olympic deities, none occupy a more distinguished position than +the Muses, the nine beautiful daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. + +In their original signification, they presided merely over music, song, and +dance; but with the progress of civilization the arts and sciences claimed +their special presiding divinities, and we see these graceful creations, in +later times, sharing among them various functions, such as poetry, +astronomy, &c. + +The Muses were honoured alike by mortals and immortals. In Olympus, where +Apollo acted as their leader, no banquet or festivity was considered +complete without their joy-inspiring presence, and on earth no social +gathering was celebrated without libations being poured out to them; nor +was any task involving intellectual effort ever undertaken, without +earnestly supplicating their assistance. They endowed their chosen +favourites with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; they bestowed upon +the orator the gift of eloquence, inspired the poet with his noblest +thoughts, and the musician with his sweetest harmonies. + +Like so many of the Greek divinities, however, the refined conception of +the Muses is somewhat marred by the acerbity with which they punished any +effort on the part {158} of mortals to rival them in their divine powers. +An instance of this is seen in the case of Thamyris, a Thracian bard, who +presumed to invite them to a trial of skill in music. Having vanquished +him, they not only afflicted him with blindness, but deprived him also of +the power of song. + +Another example of the manner in which the gods punished presumption and +vanity is seen in the story of the daughters of King Pierus. Proud of the +perfection to which they had brought their skill in music, they presumed to +challenge the Muses themselves in the art over which they specially +presided. The contest took place on Mount Helicon, and it is said that when +the mortal maidens commenced their song, the sky became dark and misty, +whereas when the Muses raised their heavenly voices, all nature seemed to +rejoice, and Mount Helicon itself moved with exultation. The Pierides were +signally defeated, and were transformed by the Muses into singing birds, as +a punishment for having dared to challenge comparison with the immortals. + +Undeterred by the above example, the Sirens also entered into a similar +contest. The songs of the Muses were loyal and true, whilst those of the +Sirens were the false and deceptive strains with which so many unfortunate +mariners had been lured to their death. The Sirens were defeated by the +Muses, and as a mark of humiliation, were deprived of the feathers with +which their bodies were adorned. + +The oldest seat of the worship of the Muses was Pieria in Thrace, where +they were supposed to have first seen the light of day. Pieria is a +district on one of the sloping declivities of Mount Olympus, whence a +number of rivulets, as they flow towards the plains beneath, produce those +sweet, soothing sounds, which may possibly have suggested this spot as a +fitting home for the presiding divinities of song. + +They dwelt on the summits of Mounts Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus, and +loved to haunt the springs and fountains which gushed forth amidst these +rocky {159} heights, all of which were sacred to them and to poetic +inspiration. Aganippe and Hippocrene on Mount Helicon, and the Castalian +spring on Mount Parnassus, were sacred to the Muses. The latter flowed +between two lofty rocks above the city of Delphi, and in ancient times its +waters were introduced into a square stone basin, where they were retained +for the use of the Pythia and the priests of Apollo. + +[Illustration: CALLIOPE.] + +The libations to these divinities consisted of water, milk, and honey, but +never of wine. + +Their names and functions are as follows:-- + +CALLIOPE, the most honoured of the Muses, presided over heroic song and +epic poetry, and is represented with a pencil in her hand, and a slate upon +her knee. + +CLIO, the muse of History, holds in her hand a roll of parchment, and wears +a wreath of laurel. + +MELPOMENE, the muse of Tragedy, bears a tragic mask. + +THALIA, the muse of Comedy, carries in her right hand a shepherd's crook, +and has a comic mask beside her. + +POLYHYMNIA, the muse of Sacred Hymns, is crowned with a wreath of laurel. +She is always represented in a thoughtful attitude, and entirely enveloped +in rich folds of drapery. + +TERPSICHORE, the muse of Dance and Roundelay, is represented in the act of +playing on a seven-stringed lyre. + +URANIA, the muse of Astronomy, stands erect, and bears in her left hand a +celestial globe. + +EUTERPE, the muse of Harmony, is represented bearing a musical instrument, +usually a flute. + +ERATO, the muse of Love and hymeneal songs, wears a wreath of laurel, and +is striking the chords of a lyre. {160} + +[Illustration: CLIO.] + +[Illustration: TERPSICHORE.] + +[Illustration: EUTERPE.] + +[Illustration: ERATO.] + +With regard to the origin of the Muses, it is said that they were created +by Zeus in answer to a request on the part of the victorious deities, after +the war with the {161} Titans, that some special divinities should be +called into existence, in order to commemorate in song the glorious deeds +of the Olympian gods. + +[Illustration: URANIA.] + +[Illustration: MELPOMENE.] + +[Illustration: THALIA.] + +[Illustration: POLYHYMNIA.] + +{162} + +PEGASUS. + +Pegasus was a beautiful winged horse who sprang from the body of Medusa +when she was slain by the hero Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danaë. +Spreading out his wings he immediately flew to the top of Mount Olympus, +where he was received with delight and admiration by all the immortals. A +place in his palace was assigned to him by Zeus, who employed him to carry +his thunder and lightning. Pegasus permitted none but the gods to mount +him, except in the case of Bellerophon, whom, at the command of Athene, he +carried aloft, in order that he might slay the Chimæra with his arrows. + +The later poets represent Pegasus as being at the service of the Muses, and +for this reason he is more celebrated in modern times than in antiquity. He +would appear to represent that poetical inspiration, which tends to develop +man's higher nature, and causes the mind to soar heavenwards. The only +mention by the ancients of Pegasus in connection with the Muses, is the +story of his having produced with his hoofs, the famous fountain +Hippocrene. + +It is said that during their contest with the Pierides, the Muses played +and sang on the summit of Mount Helicon with such extraordinary power and +sweetness, that heaven and earth stood still to listen, whilst the mountain +raised itself in joyous ecstasy towards the abode of the celestial gods. +Poseidon, seeing his special function thus interfered with, sent Pegasus to +check the boldness of the mountain, in daring to move without his +permission. When Pegasus reached the summit, he stamped the ground with his +hoofs, and out gushed the waters of Hippocrene, afterwards so renowned as +the sacred fount, whence the Muses quaffed their richest draughts of +inspiration. + +THE HESPERIDES. + +The Hesperides, the daughters of Atlas, dwelt in an island in the far west, +whence they derived their name. {163} + +They were appointed by Hera to act as guardians to a tree bearing golden +apples, which had been presented to her by Gæa on the occasion of her +marriage with Zeus. + +It is said that the Hesperides, being unable to withstand the temptation of +tasting the golden fruit confided to their care, were deprived of their +office, which was henceforth delegated to the terrible dragon Ladon, who +now became the ever-watchful sentinel of these precious treasures. + +The names of the Hesperides were Aegle, Arethusa, and Hesperia. + +CHARITES (GRATIÆ) GRACES. + +All those gentler attributes which beautify and refine human existence were +personified by the Greeks under the form of three lovely sisters, +Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and Thalia, the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome (or, +according to later writers, of Dionysus and Aphrodite). + +They are represented as beautiful, slender maidens in the full bloom of +youth, with hands and arms lovingly intertwined, and are either undraped, +or wear a fleecy, transparent garment of an ethereal fabric. + +They portray every gentle emotion of the heart, which vents itself in +friendship and benevolence, and were believed to preside over those +qualities which constitute grace, modesty, unconscious beauty, gentleness, +kindliness, innocent joy, purity of mind and body, and eternal youth. + +They not only possessed the most perfect beauty themselves, but also +conferred this gift upon others. All the enjoyments of life were enhanced +by their presence, and were deemed incomplete without them; and wherever +joy or pleasure, grace and gaiety reigned, there they were supposed to be +present. + +Temples and altars were everywhere erected in their honour, and people of +all ages and of every rank in life entreated their favour. Incense was +burnt daily upon their altars, and at every banquet they were invoked, +{164} and a libation poured out to them, as they not only heightened all +enjoyment, but also by their refining influence moderated the exciting +effects of wine. + +Music, eloquence, poetry, and art, though the direct work of the Muses, +received at the hands of the Graces an additional touch of refinement and +beauty; for which reason they are always regarded as the friends of the +Muses, with whom they lived on Mount Olympus. + +Their special function was to act, in conjunction with the Seasons, as +attendants upon Aphrodite, whom they adorned with wreaths of flowers, and +she emerges from their hands like the Queen of Spring, perfumed with the +odour of roses and violets, and all sweet-scented blossoms. + +The Graces are frequently seen in attendance on other divinities; thus they +carry music for Apollo, myrtles for Aphrodite, &c., and frequently +accompany the Muses, Eros, or Dionysus. + +HORÆ (SEASONS). + +Closely allied to the Graces were the Horæ, or Seasons, who were also +represented as three beautiful maidens, daughters of Zeus and Themis. Their +names were Eunomia, Dice, and Irene. + +It may appear strange that these divinities, presiding over the seasons, +should be but three in number, but this is quite in accordance with the +notions of the ancient Greeks, who only recognized spring, summer, and +autumn as seasons; nature being supposed to be wrapt in death or slumber, +during that cheerless and unproductive portion of the year which we call +winter. In some parts of Greece there were but two Horæ, Thallo, goddess of +the bloom, and Carpo, of the corn and fruit-bearing season. + +The Horæ are always regarded as friendly towards mankind, and totally +devoid of guile or subtlety; they are represented as joyous, but gentle +maidens, crowned with flowers, and holding each other by the hand in a +round dance. When they are depicted separately as personifications of the +different seasons, the Hora {165} representing spring appears laden with +flowers, that of summer bears a sheaf of corn, whilst the personification +of autumn has her hands filled with clusters of grapes and other fruits. +They also appear in company with the Graces in the train of Aphrodite, and +are seen with Apollo and the Muses. + +They are inseparably connected with all that is good and beautiful in +nature, and as the regular alternation of the seasons, like all her other +operations, demands the most perfect order and regularity, the Horæ, being +the daughters of Themis, came to be regarded as the representatives of +order, and the just administration of human affairs in civilized +communities. Each of these graceful maidens took upon herself a separate +function: Eunomia presided more especially over state life, Dice guarded +the interests of individuals, whilst Irene, the gayest and brightest of the +three sisters, was the light-hearted companion of Dionysus. + +The Horæ were also the deities of the fast-fleeting hours, and thus +presided over the smaller, as well as the larger divisions of time. In this +capacity they assist every morning in yoking the celestial horses to the +glorious chariot of the sun, which they again help to unyoke when he sinks +to rest. + +In their original conception they were personifications of the clouds, and +are described as opening and closing the gates of heaven, and causing +fruits and flowers to spring forth, when they pour down upon them their +refreshing and life-giving streams. + +THE NYMPHS. + +The graceful beings called the Nymphs were the presiding deities of the +woods, grottoes, streams, meadows, &c. + +These divinities were supposed to be beautiful maidens of fairy-like form, +and robed in more or less shadowy garments. They were held in the greatest +veneration, though, being minor divinities, they had no temples {166} +dedicated to them, but were worshipped in caves or grottoes, with libations +of milk, honey, oil, &c. + +They may be divided into three distinct classes, viz., water, mountain, and +tree or wood nymphs. + +WATER NYMPHS. + +OCEANIDES, NEREIDES, AND NAIADES. + +The worship of water-deities is common to most primitive nations. The +streams, springs, and fountains of a country bear the same relation to it +which the blood, coursing through the numberless arteries of a human being, +bears to the body; both represent the living, moving, life-awakening +element, without which existence would be impossible. Hence we find among +most nations a deep feeling of attachment to the streams and waters of +their native land, the remembrance of which, when absent in foreign climes, +is always treasured with peculiar fondness. Thus among the early Greeks, +each tribe came to regard the rivers and springs of its individual state as +beneficent powers, which brought blessing and prosperity to the country. It +is probable also that the charm which ever accompanies the sound of running +water exercised its power over their imagination. They heard with delight +the gentle whisper of the fountain, lulling the senses with its low, +rippling tones; the soft purling of the brook as it rushes over the +pebbles, or the mighty voice of the waterfall as it dashes on in its +headlong course; and the beings which they pictured to themselves as +presiding over all these charming sights and sounds of nature, +corresponded, in their graceful appearance, with the scenes with which they +were associated. + +OCEANIDES. + +The OCEANIDES, or Ocean Nymphs, were the daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, +and, like most sea divinities, were endowed with the gift of prophecy. + +They are personifications of those delicate vapour-like {167} exhalations, +which, in warm climates, are emitted from the surface of the sea, more +especially at sunset, and are impelled forwards by the evening breeze. They +are accordingly represented as misty, shadowy beings, with graceful swaying +forms, and robed in pale blue, gauze-like fabrics. + +THE NEREIDES. + +The NEREIDES were the daughters of Nereus and Doris, and were nymphs of the +Mediterranean Sea. + +They are similar in appearance to the Oceanides, but their beauty is of a +less shadowy order, and is more like that of mortals. They wear a flowing, +pale green robe; their liquid eyes resemble, in their clear depths, the +lucid waters of the sea they inhabit; their hair floats carelessly over +their shoulders, and assumes the greenish tint of the water itself, which, +far from deteriorating from their beauty, greatly adds to its effect. The +Nereides either accompany the chariot of the mighty ruler of the sea, or +follow in his train. + +We are told by the poets that the lonely mariner watches the Nereides with +silent awe and wondering delight, as they rise from their grotto-palaces in +the deep, and dance, in joyful groups, over the sleeping waves. Some, with +arms entwined, follow with their movements the melodies which seem to hover +over the sea, whilst others scatter liquid gems around, these being +emblematical of the phosphorescent light, so frequently observed at night +by the traveller in southern waters. + +The best known of the Nereides were Thetis, the wife of Peleus, Amphitrite, +the spouse of Poseidon, and Galatea, the beloved of Acis. + +THE NAIADES. + +The NAIADES were the nymphs of fresh-water springs, lakes, brooks, rivers, +&c. + +As the trees, plants, and flowers owed their nourishment to their genial, +fostering care, these divinities were {168} regarded by the Greeks as +special benefactors to mankind. Like all the nymphs, they possessed the +gift of prophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains over +which they presided were believed to inspire mortals who drank of their +waters with the power of foretelling future events. The Naiades are +intimately connected in idea with those flowers which are called after them +Nymphæ, or water-lilies, whose broad, green leaves and yellow cups float +upon the surface of the water, as though proudly conscious of their own +grace and beauty. + +We often hear of the Naiades forming alliances with mortals, and also of +their being wooed by the sylvan deities of the woods and dales. + +DRYADES, OR TREE NYMPHS. + +The tree nymphs partook of the distinguishing characteristics of the +particular tree to whose life they were wedded, and were known collectively +by the name of the Dryades. + +The HAMADRYADES, or oak nymphs, represent in their peculiar individuality +the quiet, self-reliant power which appears to belong essentially to the +grand and lordly king of the forest. + +The BIRCH NYMPH is a melancholy maiden with floating hair, resembling the +branches of the pale and fragile-looking tree which she inhabits. + +The BEECH NYMPH is strong and sturdy, full of life and joyousness, and +appears to give promise of faithful love and undisturbed repose, whilst her +rosy cheeks, deep brown eyes, and graceful form bespeak health, vigour, and +vitality. + +The nymph of the LINDEN TREE is represented as a little coy maiden, whose +short silver-gray dress reaches a little below the knee, and displays to +advantage her delicately formed limbs. The sweet face, which is partly +averted, reveals a pair of large blue eyes, which appear to look at you +with wondering surprise and shy mistrust; {169} her pale, golden hair is +bound by the faintest streak of rose-coloured ribbon. + +The tree nymph, being wedded to the life of the tree she inhabited, ceased +to exist when it was either felled, or so injured as to wither away and +die. + +NYMPHS OF THE VALLEYS AND MOUNTAINS. + +NAPÆÆ AND OREADES. + +The Napææ were the kind and gentle nymphs of the valleys and glens who +appear in the train of Artemis. They are represented as lovely maidens with +short tunics, which, reaching only to the knee, do not impede their swift +and graceful movements in the exercise of the chase. Their pale brown +tresses are fastened in a knot at the back of the head, whence a few stray +curls escape over their shoulders. The Napææ are shy as the fawns, and +quite as frolicsome. + +The OREADES, or mountain nymphs, who are the principal and constant +companions of Artemis, are tall, graceful maidens, attired as huntresses. +They are ardent followers of the chase, and spare neither the gentle deer +nor the timid hare, nor indeed any animal they meet with in their rapid +course. Wherever their wild hunt goes the shy Napææ are represented as +hiding behind the leaves, whilst their favourites, the fawns, kneel +tremblingly beside them, looking up beseechingly for protection from the +wild huntresses; and even the bold Satyrs dart away at their approach, and +seek safety in flight. + +There is a myth connected with one of these mountain nymphs, the +unfortunate Echo. She became enamoured of a beautiful youth named +Narcissus, son of the river-god Cephissus, who, however, failed to return +her love, which so grieved her that she gradually pined away, becoming a +mere shadow of her former self, till, at length, nothing remained of her +except her voice, which henceforth gave back, with unerring fidelity, every +sound that was uttered in the hills and dales. Narcissus himself {170} also +met with an unhappy fate, for Aphrodite punished him by causing him to fall +in love with his own image, which he beheld in a neighbouring fountain, +whereupon, consumed with unrequited love, he wasted away, and was changed +into the flower which bears his name. + +The LIMONIADES, or meadow nymphs, resemble the Naiades, and are usually +represented dancing hand in hand in a circle. + +The HYADES, who in appearance are somewhat similar to the Oceanides, are +cloudy divinities, and, from the fact of their being invariably accompanied +by rain, are represented as incessantly weeping. + +The MELIADES were the nymphs who presided over fruit-trees. + +Before concluding this subject, attention should be drawn to the fact that, +in more modern times, this beautiful idea of animating all nature in detail +reappears under the various local traditions extant in different countries. +Thus do the Oceanides and Nereides live again in the mermaids, whose +existence is still believed in by mariners, whilst the flower and meadow +nymphs assume the shape of those tiny elves and fairies, who were formerly +believed to hold their midnight revels in every wood and on every common; +indeed, even at the present day, the Irish peasantry, especially in the +west, firmly believe in the existence of the fairies, or "good people," as +they are called. + +THE WINDS. + +According to the oldest accounts, Æolus was a king 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 freed at his pleasure, or at the command of the gods. + +In later times the above belief underwent a change, and the winds came to +be regarded as distinct divinities, whose aspect accorded with the +respective winds with which they were identified. They were depicted as +{171} winged youths in full vigour in the act of flying through the air. + +The principal winds were: Boreas (the north wind), Eurus (the east wind), +Zephyrus (the west wind), and Notus (the south wind), who were said to be +the children of Eos and Astræus. + +There are no myths of interest connected with these divinities. Zephyrus +was united to Chloris (Flora), the goddess of flowers. Of Boreas it is +related that while flying over the river Ilissus, he beheld on the banks +Oreithyia, the charming daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, whom he +carried off to his native Thrace, and there made her his bride. Boreas and +Oreithyia were the parents of Zetes and Calais, afterwards famous in the +expedition of the Argonauts. + +There was an altar erected at Athens in honour of Boreas, in commemoration +of his having destroyed the Persian fleet sent to attack the Greeks. + +On the Acropolis at Athens there was a celebrated octagonal temple, built +by Pericles, which was dedicated to the winds, and on its sides were their +various representations. The ruins of this temple are still to be seen. + +PAN (FAUNUS). + +[Illustration] + +Pan was the god of fertility, and the special patron of shepherds and +huntsmen; he presided over all rural occupations, was chief of the Satyrs, +and head of all rural divinities. + +According to the common belief, he was the son of Hermes and a wood nymph, +and came into the world with horns sprouting from his forehead, a goat's +beard and a crooked nose, pointed ears, and the tail and feet of a goat, +and presented altogether so repulsive {172} an appearance that, at the +sight of him, his mother fled in dismay. + +Hermes, however, took up his curious little offspring, wrapt him in a hare +skin, and carried him in his arms to Olympus. The grotesque form and merry +antics of the little stranger made him a great favourite with all the +immortals, especially Dionysus; and they bestowed upon him the name of Pan +(all), because he had delighted them _all_. + +His favourite haunts were grottoes, and his delight was to wander in +uncontrolled freedom over rocks and mountains, following his various +pursuits, ever cheerful, and usually very noisy. He was a great lover of +music, singing, dancing, and all pursuits which enhance the pleasures of +life; and hence, in spite of his repulsive appearance, we see him +surrounded with nymphs of the forests and dales, who love to dance round +him to the cheerful music of his pipe, the syrinx. The myth concerning the +origin of Pan's pipe is as follows:--Pan became enamoured of a beautiful +nymph, called Syrinx, who, appalled at his terrible appearance, fled from +the pertinacious attentions of her unwelcome suitor. He pursued her to the +banks of the river Ladon, when, seeing his near approach, and feeling +escape impossible, she called on the gods for assistance, who, in answer to +her prayer, transformed her into a reed, just as Pan was about to seize +her. Whilst the love-sick Pan was sighing and lamenting his unfortunate +fate, the winds gently swayed the reeds, and produced a murmuring sound as +of one complaining. Charmed with the soothing tones, he endeavoured to +reproduce them himself, and after cutting seven of the reeds of unequal +length, he joined them together, and succeeded in producing the pipe, which +he called the syrinx, in memory of his lost love. + +Pan was regarded by shepherds as their most valiant protector, who defended +their flocks from the attacks of wolves. The shepherds of these early +times, having no penfolds, were in the habit of gathering together their +flocks in mountain caves, to protect them against the {173} inclemency of +the weather, and also to secure them at night against the attacks of wild +animals; these caves, therefore, which were very numerous in the mountain +districts of Arcadia, Boeotia, &c., were all consecrated to Pan. + +As it is customary in all tropical climates to repose during the heat of +the day, Pan is represented as greatly enjoying his afternoon sleep in the +cool shelter of a tree or cave, and also as being highly displeased at any +sound which disturbed his slumbers, for which reason the shepherds were +always particularly careful to keep unbroken silence during these hours, +whilst they themselves indulged in a quiet siesta. + +Pan was equally beloved by huntsmen, being himself a great lover of the +woods, which afforded to his cheerful and active disposition full scope, +and in which he loved to range at will. He was regarded as the patron of +the chase, and the rural sportsmen, returning from an unsuccessful day's +sport, beat, in token of their displeasure, the wooden image of Pan, which +always occupied a prominent place in their dwellings. + +All sudden and unaccountable sounds which startle travellers in lonely +spots, were attributed to Pan, who possessed a frightful and most +discordant voice; hence the term _pan_ic terror, to indicate sudden fear. +The Athenians ascribed their victory at Marathon to the alarm which he +created among the Persians by his terrible voice. + +Pan was gifted with the power of prophecy, which he is said to have +imparted to Apollo, and he possessed a well-known and very ancient oracle +in Arcadia, in which state he was more especially worshipped. + +The artists of later times have somewhat toned down the original very +unattractive conception of Pan, as above described, and merely represent +him as a young man, hardened by the exposure to all weathers which a rural +life involves, and bearing in his hand the shepherd's crook and +syrinx--these being his usual attributes--whilst small horns project from +his forehead. He is either undraped, or wears merely the light cloak called +the chlamys. + +The usual offerings to Pan were milk and honey in {174} shepherds' bowls. +Cows, lambs, and rams were also sacrificed to him. + +After the introduction of Pan into the worship of Dionysus, we hear of a +number of little Pans (Panisci), who are sometimes confounded with the +Satyrs. + +FAUNUS. + +The Romans had an old Italian divinity called Faunus, who, as the god of +shepherds, was identified with the Greek Pan, and represented in a similar +manner. + +Faunus is frequently called Inuus or the fertilizer, and Lupercus or the +one who wards off wolves. Like Pan, he possessed the gift of prophecy, and +was the presiding spirit of the woods and fields; he also shared with his +Greek prototype the faculty of alarming travellers in solitary places. Bad +dreams and evil apparitions were attributed to Faunus, and he was believed +to enter houses stealthily at night for this purpose. + +Fauna was the wife of Faunus, and participated in his functions. + +THE SATYRS. + +[Illustration] + +The Satyrs were a race of woodland spirits, who evidently personified the +free, wild, and untrammelled life of the forest. Their appearance was both +grotesque and repulsive; they had flat broad noses, pointed ears, and +little horns sprouting from their foreheads, a rough shaggy skin, and small +goat's tails. They led a life of pleasure and self-indulgence, followed the +chase, revelled in every description of wild music and dancing, were +terrible wine-bibbers, and addicted to the deep slumbers which follow heavy +potations. They were no less dreaded by mortals than by the gentle woodland +nymphs, who always avoided their coarse rough sports. + +The Satyrs were conspicuous figures in the train of Dionysus, and, as we +have seen, Silenus their chief was tutor to the wine god. The older Satyrs +were called Silens, and are represented in antique sculpture, as more +nearly approaching the human form. + +{175} + +In addition to the ordinary Satyrs, artists delighted in depicting little +Satyrs, young imps, frolicking about the woods in a marvellous variety of +droll attitudes. These little fellows greatly resemble their friends and +companions, the Panisci. + +In rural districts it was customary for the shepherds and peasants who +attended the festivals of Dionysus, to dress themselves in the skins of +goats and other animals, and, under this disguise, they permitted +themselves all kinds of playful tricks and excesses, to which circumstance +the conception of the Satyrs is by some authorities attributed. + +In Rome the old Italian wood-divinities, the FAUNS, who had goats' feet and +all other characteristics of the Satyrs greatly exaggerated, were +identified with them. + +PRIAPUS. + +Priapus, the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, was regarded as the god of +fruitfulness, the protector of flocks, sheep, goats, bees, the fruit of the +vine, and all garden produce. + +His statues, which were set up in gardens and vineyards, acted not only as +objects of worship, but also as scarecrows, the appearance of this god +being especially repulsive and unsightly. These statues were formed of wood +or stone, and from the hips downwards were merely rude columns. They +represent him as having a red and very ugly face; he bears in his hand a +pruning knife, and his head is crowned with a wreath of vine and laurel. He +usually carries fruit in his garments or a cornucopia in his hand, always, +however, retaining his singularly revolting aspect. It is said that Hera, +wishing {176} to punish Aphrodite, sent her this misshapen and unsightly +son, and that when he was born, his mother was so horrified at the sight of +him, that she ordered him to be exposed on the mountains, where he was +found by some shepherds, who, taking pity on him, saved his life. + +This divinity was chiefly worshipped at Lampsacus, his birthplace. Asses +were sacrificed to him, and he received the first-fruits of the fields and +gardens, with a libation of milk and honey. + +The worship of Priapus was introduced into Rome at the same time as that of +Aphrodite, and was identified with a native Italian divinity named Mutunus. + +ASCLEPIAS (ÆSCULAPIUS). + +Asclepias, the god of the healing art, was the son of Apollo and the nymph +Coronis. He was educated by the noble Centaur Chiron, who instructed him in +all knowledge, but more especially in that of the properties of herbs. +Asclepias searched out the hidden powers of plants, and discovered cures +for the various diseases which afflict the human body. He brought his art +to such perfection, that he not only succeeded in warding off death, but +also restored the dead to life. It was popularly believed that he was +materially assisted in his wonderful cures by the blood of the Medusa, +given to him by Pallas-Athene. + +[Illustration] + +It is well to observe that the shrines of this divinity, which were usually +built in healthy places, on hills outside the town, or near wells which +were believed to have healing powers, offered at the same time means of +cure for the sick and suffering, thus combining religious with sanitary +influences. It was the custom for the sufferer to sleep in the temple, +when, if he had been earnest in his devotions, Asclepias appeared to him in +a dream, and revealed the means to be employed for the cure of his malady. +On the walls of these temples were hung tablets, inscribed by the different +pilgrims with the particulars of their maladies, the remedies practised, +and the cures {177} worked by the god:--a custom undoubtedly productive of +most beneficial results. + +Groves, temples, and altars were dedicated to Asclepias in many parts of +Greece, but Epidaurus, the chief seat of his worship,--where, indeed, it is +said to have originated,--contained his principal temple, which served at +the same time as a hospital. + +The statue of Asclepias in the temple at Epidaurus was formed of ivory and +gold, and represented him as an old man with a full beard, leaning on a +staff round which a serpent is climbing. The serpent was the distinguishing +symbol of this divinity, partly because these reptiles were greatly used by +the ancients in the cure of diseases, and partly also because all the +prudence and wisdom of the serpent were deemed indispensable to the +judicious physician. + +His usual attributes are a staff, a bowl, a bunch of herbs, a pineapple, a +dog, and a serpent. + +His children inherited, for the most part, the distinguished talents of +their father. Two of his sons, Machaon and Podalirius, accompanied +Agamemnon to the Trojan war, in which expedition they became renowned, not +only as military heroes, but also as skilful physicians. + +Their sisters, HYGEIA (health), and PANACEA (all-healing), had temples +dedicated to them, and received divine honours. The function of Hygeia was +to maintain the health of the community, which great blessing was supposed +to be brought by her as a direct and beneficent gift from the gods. + +ÆSCULAPIUS. + +The worship of Æsculapius was introduced into Rome from Epidaurus, whence +the statue of the god of healing {178} was brought at the time of a great +pestilence. Grateful for their deliverance from this plague, the Romans +erected a temple in his honour, on an island near the mouth of the Tiber. + + * * * * * + +ROMAN DIVINITIES. + +JANUS. + +From the earliest ages Janus was regarded by the Romans with the utmost +affection and veneration, as a divinity who ranked only second to Jupiter +himself, and through whom all prayers and petitions were transmitted to the +other gods. + +He was believed to preside over the beginnings of all things, hence it was +he who inaugurated the years, months, and seasons, and in course of time +came to be considered as specially protecting the beginnings of all human +enterprises. The great importance which the Romans attached to an +auspicious commencement, as contributing to the ultimate success of an +enterprise, accounts for the high estimation in which Janus was held as the +god of beginnings. + +This divinity would appear to have been the ancient sun-god of the Italian +tribes, in which capacity he opens and closes the gates of heaven every +morning and evening. Hence he was regarded as the door-keeper of heaven, +and also as the presiding deity over all gates, entrances, &c., on earth. + +The fact of his being the god of city gates, which were called Jani after +him, is ascribed, however, to the following myth:--After the abduction of +their women by the Romans, the Sabines, in revenge, invaded the Roman +state, and were already about to enter the gates of the city, when suddenly +a hot sulphur spring, which was believed to have been sent by Janus for +their special preservation, gushed forth from the earth, and arrested the +progress of the enemy. + +{179} + +In his character as guardian of gates and doors, he was also regarded as a +protecting deity of the home, for which reason little shrines were erected +to him over the doors of houses, which contained an image of the god, +having two faces. + +Janus possessed no temples in the ordinary acceptation of the word, but all +the gates of cities were dedicated to him. Close to the Forum of Rome stood +the so-called temple of Janus, which, however, was merely an arched +passage, closed by massive gates. This temple was open only in time of war, +as it was supposed that the god had then taken his departure with the Roman +army, over whose welfare he personally presided. It is worthy of notice, as +an evidence of the many wars in which the Romans were engaged, that the +gates of this sanctuary were only closed three times during 700 years. + +As the god who ushers in the new year, the first month was called after +him, and on the 1st of January his most important festival was celebrated, +on which occasion all entrances of public and private buildings were +decorated with laurel branches and garlands of flowers. + +His sacrifices, consisting of cakes, wine, and barley, were offered to him +at the beginning of every month; and before sacrificing to the other gods +his name was always invoked, and a libation poured out to him. + +Janus is usually represented with two faces; in his special function as +door-keeper of heaven he stands erect, bearing a key in one hand, and a rod +or sceptre in the other. + +It is supposed that Janus was the most ancient king of Italy, who, during +his life, governed his subjects with such wisdom and moderation that, in +gratitude for the benefits conferred upon them, his people deified him +after death and placed him in the foremost rank among their divinities. We +have already seen in the history of Cronus that Saturn, who was identified +with the Greek Cronus (god of time), was the friend and colleague of Janus. +Anxious to prove his gratitude to his benefactor, Cronus endowed him with +the knowledge of past and future {180} events, which enabled him to adopt +the wisest measures for the welfare of his subjects, and it is on this +account that Janus is represented with two faces looking in opposite +directions, the one to the past, the other to the future. + +FLORA. + +Flora was the goddess of flowers, and was regarded as a beneficent power, +who watched over and protected the early blossoms. + +She was held in the highest estimation by the Romans, and a festival, +called the Floralia, was celebrated in her honour from the 28th of April to +the 1st of May. This festival was a season of universal merriment, in which +flowers were used profusely in adorning houses, streets, &c., and were worn +by young girls in their hair. + +Flora, who typified the season of Spring, is generally represented as a +lovely maiden, garlanded with flowers. + +ROBIGUS. + +In opposition to Flora we find an antagonistic divinity, called Robigus, a +worker of evil, who delighted in the destruction of the tender herbs by +mildew, and whose wrath could only be averted by prayers and sacrifices, +when he was invoked under the title of Averuncus, or the Avertor. + +The festival of Robigus (the Robigalia) was celebrated on the 25th of +April. + +POMONA. + +Pomona was the goddess of orchards and fruit-trees, who, according to Ovid, +cares not for woods or streams, but loves her gardens and the boughs that +bear the thriving fruit. + +Pomona, who typifies Autumn, is represented as a lovely maiden, laden with +branches of fruit-trees. + +{181} + +VERTUMNUS. + +Vertumnus was the god of garden and field produce. He personifies the +change of seasons, and that process of transformation in nature by means of +which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms, and the blossoms into +fruit. + +The change of seasons is symbolized in a myth which represents Vertumnus as +metamorphosing himself into a variety of different forms in order to gain +the affection of Pomona, who so loved her vocation that she abjured all +thoughts of marriage. He first appears to her as a ploughman, typifying +Spring; then as a reaper, to represent Summer; afterwards as a +vine-gatherer, to indicate Autumn; and finally as a gray-haired old woman, +symbolical of the snows of Winter; but it was not until he assumed his true +form, that of a beautiful youth, that he succeeded in his suit. + +Vertumnus is generally represented crowned with wheat-sheaves, and bearing +in his hand a cornucopia. + +PALES. + +Pales, a very ancient Italian divinity, is represented sometimes as a male, +sometimes as a female power. + +As a male divinity he is more particularly the god of shepherds and flocks. + +As a female deity, Pales presides over husbandry and the fruitfulness of +herds. Her festivals, the Palilia, were celebrated on the 21st of April, +the day on which the city of Rome was founded. During this festival it was +customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, through which they +rushed with their flocks, believing that this ordeal would purify them from +sin. + +The name Palatine, which originally signified a pastoral colony, is derived +from this divinity. Her offerings were cakes and milk. + +{182} + +PICUS. + +Picus, the son of Saturn and father of Faunus, was a woodland divinity, +gifted with prophetic powers. + +An ancient myth relates that Picus was a beautiful youth, united to a nymph +called Canens. The sorceress Circe, infatuated by his beauty, endeavoured +to secure his love, but he rejected her advances, and she, in revenge, +changed him into a woodpecker, under which form he still retained his +powers of prophecy. + +Picus is represented as a youth, with a woodpecker perched upon his head, +which bird became henceforth regarded as possessed of the power of +prophecy. + +PICUMNUS AND PILUMNUS. + +Picumnus and Pilumnus were two household divinities of the Romans, who were +the special presiding deities of new-born infants. + +SILVANUS. + +Silvanus was a woodland divinity, who, like Faunus, greatly resembled the +Greek Pan. He was the presiding deity of plantations and forests, and +specially protected the boundaries of fields. + +Silvanus is represented as a hale old man, carrying a cypress-tree, for, +according to Roman mythology, the transformation of the youth Cyparissus +into the tree which bears his name was attributed to him. + +His sacrifices consisted of milk, meat, wine, grapes, wheat-ears, and pigs. + +TERMINUS. + +Terminus was the god who presided over all boundaries and landmarks. + +He was originally represented by a simple block of stone, which in later +times became surmounted by a {183} head of this divinity. Numa Pompilius, +the great benefactor of his people, anxious to inculcate respect for the +rights of property, specially enjoined the erection of these blocks of +stone, as a durable monument to mark the line dividing one property from +another. He also caused altars to be raised to Terminus, and instituted his +festival (the Terminalia), which was celebrated on the 23rd of February. + +Upon one occasion, when Tarquin wished to remove the altars of several +deities, in order to build a new temple, it is said that Terminus and +Juventas alone objected to being displaced. This obstinate refusal on their +part was interpreted as a good omen, signifying that the city of Rome would +never lose her boundaries, and would remain ever young and vigorous. + +CONSUS. + +Consus was the god of secret counsel. + +The Romans believed that when an idea developed itself spontaneously within +the mind of an individual, it was Consus who had prompted the suggestion. +This applied, however, more particularly to plans which resulted +satisfactorily. + +An altar was erected to this divinity on the Circus Maximus, which was kept +always covered, except during his festival, the Consualia, which was +celebrated on the 18th of August. + +LIBITINA. + +Libitina was the goddess who presided over funerals. This divinity was +identified with Venus, possibly because the ancients considered that the +power of love extended even to the realms of death. + +Her temple in Rome, which was erected by Servius Tullius, contained all the +requisites for funerals, and these could either be bought or hired there. A +register of all deaths which occurred in the city of Rome was kept in {184} +this temple, and in order to ascertain the rate of mortality, a piece of +money was paid by command of Servius Tullius, on the demise of each person. + +LAVERNA. + +Laverna was the presiding goddess of thieves, and of all artifice and +fraud. There was an altar erected to her near the Porta Lavernalis, which +was called after her, and she possessed a sacred grove on the Via Salavia. + +COMUS. + +Comus was the presiding genius of banquets, festive scenes, revelry, and +all joyous pleasures and reckless gaiety. + +He is represented as a young man crowned with flowers, his face heated and +flushed with wine, leaning against a post in a half-sleepy and drunken +attitude, with a torch falling from his hand. + +THE CAMENÆ. + +The Camenæ were prophetic nymphs held in high veneration by the ancient +Italians. They were four in number, the best known of whom are Carmenta and +Egeria. + +Carmenta was celebrated as being the mother of Evander, who led an Arcadian +colony into Italy, and founded a town on the river Tiber, which became +afterwards incorporated with the city of Rome. Evander is said to have been +the first who introduced Greek art and civilization into Italy, and also +the worship of Greek divinities. + +A temple was erected to Carmenta on the Capitoline Hill, and a festival, +called the Carmentalia, was celebrated in her honour on the 11th of +January. + +Egeria is said to have initiated Numa Pompilius in the forms of religious +worship, which he introduced among his people. She was regarded as the +giver of {185} life, and was therefore invoked by women before the birth of +their children. + +The Camenæ are frequently identified by Roman writers with the Muses. + +GENII. + +A comforting and assuring belief existed among the Romans, that each +individual was accompanied through life, from the hour of his birth to that +of his death, by a protecting spirit, called his genius, who prompted him +to good and noble deeds, and acted towards him as a guardian angel, +comforting him in sorrow, and guiding him throughout his earthly career. + +In the course of time a second genius was believed to exist, of an evil +nature, who, as the instigator of all wrong-doing, was ever at war with the +beneficent genius; and on the issue of the conflict between these +antagonistic influences, depended the fate of the individual. The genii +were depicted as winged beings, greatly resembling our modern +representations of guardian angels. + +Every state, town, or city, (as well as every man), possessed its special +genius. The sacrifices to the genii consisted of wine, cakes, and incense, +which were offered to them on birthdays. + +The genius which guided a woman was called, after the queen of heaven, +Juno. + +Among the Greeks, beings called Dæmons were regarded as exercising similar +functions to those of the Roman genii. They were believed to be the spirits +of the righteous race which existed in the Golden Age, who watched over +mankind, carrying their prayers to the gods, and the gifts of the gods to +them. + +MANES. + +LEMURES (LARVÆ) AND LARES. + +The Manes were the spirits of the departed, and were of two kinds, viz., +Lemures (or Larvæ) and Lares. {186} + +The Lemures were those Manes who haunted their former abodes on earth as +evil spirits, appearing at night under awful forms and hideous shapes, +greatly to the alarm of their friends and relatives. They were so feared +that a festival, called the Lemuralia, was celebrated in order to +propitiate them. + +It appears extremely probable that the superstitions with regard to ghosts, +haunted houses, &c., which exist even at the present day, owe their origin +to this very ancient pagan source. + +The Lares Familiares were a much more pleasing conception. They were the +spirits of the ancestors of each family, who exercised after death a +protecting power over the well-being and prosperity of the family to which +they had in life belonged. The place of honour beside the hearth was +occupied by the statue of the Lar of the house, who was supposed to have +been the founder of the family. This statue was the object of profound +veneration, and was honoured on all occasions by every member of the +family; a portion of each meal was laid before it, and it was believed to +take an active part in all family affairs and domestic events, whether of a +sad or joyful nature. Before starting on any expedition the master of the +house saluted the statue of the Lar, and, on his return, a solemn +thanksgiving was offered to this, the presiding deity of his hearth and +home, in grateful acknowledgment of his protection; whereupon the statue +was crowned with garlands of flowers, these being the favourite offerings +to the Lares on all occasions of especial family rejoicing. + +The first act of a bride on entering her new abode was to do homage to the +Lar, in the belief that he would exercise over her a protecting influence +and shield her from evil. + +In addition to those above enumerated there were also public Lares, who +were guardians of the state, highroads, country, and sea. Their temples +were always open for any pious worshipper to enter, and on their altars +public sacrifices were offered for the welfare of the state or city. {187} + +PENATES. + +The Penates were deities selected by each family, and frequently by its +individual members, as a special protector. Various causes led to this +selection. If, for instance, a child were born on the festival of Vesta, it +was thought that that deity would henceforward act as its special guardian. +If a youth possessed great business talents he adopted Mercury as his +tutelary deity; should he, on the other hand, develop a passion for music, +Apollo was selected as his patron god, and so forth. These became regarded +as the special divinities of the household, small images of them adorned +the surroundings of the hearth, and honours similar to those paid to the +Lares were accorded to them. + +Just as there were public Lares so there were public Penates, which were +worshipped by the Roman people under the form of two youthful warriors, +who, in later times, were regarded as identical with Castor and Pollux. +They are generally represented on horseback, with conical caps on their +heads, and bearing long spears in their hands. + +{188} + +[Illustration] + +PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS. + +TEMPLES. + +In very remote times the Greeks had no shrines or sanctuaries devoted to +public worship, but performed their devotions beneath the vast and +boundless canopy of heaven, in the great temple of nature itself. Believing +that their divinities throned above the clouds, pious worshippers naturally +sought the highest available points, in order to place themselves in the +closest communion possible with their gods; hence the summits of high +mountains were selected for devotional purposes, and the more exalted the +rank and importance of the divinity invoked, the more elevated was the site +selected for his or her worship. But the inconvenience attending this mode +of worship gradually suggested the idea of erecting edifices which would +afford means of shelter from the inclemency of the weather. + +These structures were, in the first instance, of the most simple form, and +without decoration; but when, with the progress of civilization, the Greeks +became a {189} wealthy and powerful people, temples were built and adorned +with the greatest splendour and magnificence, talent, labour, and wealth +being lavished unsparingly on their erection and decoration; indeed so +massively were they constructed, that some of them have, to a certain +extent, withstood the ravages of time. The city of Athens especially +contains numerous remains of these buildings of antiquity. On the Acropolis +we may still behold, among other monuments of ancient art, the temple of +Athene-Polias, and that of Theseus, the latter of which is the most entire +ancient edifice in the world. In the island of Delos, also, are to be seen +the ruins of the temples of Apollo and Artemis, both of which are in a +wonderful state of preservation. These ruins are most valuable, being +sufficiently complete to enable us to study, by their aid, the plan and +character of the original structure. + +Among the Lacedæmonians, however, we find no vestiges of these stately +temples, for they were specially enjoined by a law of Lycurgus to serve the +gods with as little outlay as possible. When the great lawgiver was asked +the reason of this injunction, he replied that the Lacedæmonians, being a +poor nation, might otherwise abstain altogether from the observance of +their religious duties, and wisely added that magnificent edifices and +costly sacrifices were not so pleasing to the gods, as the true piety and +unfeigned devotion of their worshippers. + +The most ancient temples known to us served a double purpose: they were not +only consecrated to the service of the gods, but were at the same time +venerable monuments in honour of the dead. Thus, for instance, the temple +of Pallas-Athene, in the tower of the city of Larissa, served as the +sepulchre of Acrisius, and the Acropolis at Athens received the ashes of +Cecrops, founder of the city. + +A temple was frequently dedicated to two or more gods, and was always built +after the manner considered most acceptable to the particular divinities to +whom it was consecrated; for just as trees, birds, and animals of {190} +every description were held to be sacred to certain deities, so almost +every god had a form of building peculiar to himself, which was deemed more +acceptable to him than any other. Thus the Doric style of architecture was +sacred to Zeus, Ares, and Heracles; the Ionic to Apollo, Artemis, and +Dionysus; and the Corinthian to Hestia. + +In the porch of the temple stood a vessel of stone or brass, containing +holy water (which had been consecrated by putting into it a burning torch, +taken from the altar), with which all those admitted to take part in the +sacrifices were besprinkled. In the inmost recess of the sanctuary was the +most holy place, into which none but the priests were suffered to enter. + +Temples in the country were usually surrounded with groves of trees. The +solitude of these shady retreats naturally tended to inspire the worshipper +with awe and reverence, added to which the delightful shade and coolness +afforded by tall leafy trees is peculiarly grateful in hot countries. +Indeed so general did this custom of building temples in groves become, +that all places devoted to sacred purposes, even where no trees existed, +were called groves. That this practice must be of very remote antiquity is +proved by the Biblical injunction, having for its object the separation of +the Jews from all idolatrous practices: "Thou shalt not plant thee a grove +of trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy God." + +STATUES. + +The Greeks worshipped their gods without any visible representations of +them until the time of Cecrops. The most ancient of these representations +consisted of square blocks of stone, upon which the name of the deity +intended to be represented was engraved. The first attempts at sculpture +were rude stocks, with a head at one end and a shapeless trunk at the +other, tapering slightly down to the feet, which, however, were not +divided, the limbs being in no way defined. But the artists of later times +devoted all their genius to the {191} successful production of the highest +ideals of their gods, some of which are preserved to this day, and are +regarded as examples of purest art. + +On a pedestal in the centre of the edifice stood the statue of the divinity +to whom the temple was dedicated, surrounded by images of other gods, all +of which were fenced off by rails. + +ALTARS. + +The altar in a Greek temple, which stood in the centre of the building and +in front of the statue of the presiding deity, was generally of a circular +form, and constructed of stone. It was customary to engrave upon it the +name or distinguishing symbol of the divinity to whom it was dedicated; and +it was held so sacred that if any malefactor fled to it his life was safe +from his pursuers, and it was considered one of the greatest acts of +sacrilege to force him from this asylum. + +The most ancient altars were adorned with horns, which in former times were +emblems of power and dignity, as wealth, and consequently importance, +consisted among most primitive nations in flocks and herds. + +In addition to those erected in places of public worship, altars were +frequently raised in groves, on highways, or in the market-places of +cities. + +The gods of the lower world had no altars whatever, ditches or trenches +being dug for the reception of the blood of the sacrifices offered to them. + +PRIESTS. + +In ancient times the priests were recognized as a special social caste, and +were distinguished not only by their sacerdotal vestments, but also by +their piety, wisdom, and blameless life. They were the chosen mediators +between gods and men, and offered prayers and sacrifices in the name of the +people, whom they also instructed as to what vows, gifts, and offerings +would be most acceptable to the gods. + +{192} + +Every deity had a different order of priests consecrated to his worship, +and in every place a high-priest was appointed, whose duty it was to +superintend the rest of his order, and also to carry out the more sacred +rites and religious observances. + +Priests and priestesses were permitted to marry, but not a second time; +some, however, voluntarily adopted a life of celibacy. + +SACRIFICES. + +There is no doubt that a feeling of gratitude to the gods for their +protecting care, and the abundance with which they were believed to bless +mankind, has induced men of all nations and in all countries to feel a +desire to sacrifice to their divinities some portion of the gifts so +generously lavished upon them. + +Among the Greeks, sacrifices were of various kinds. They consisted of +_free-will offerings_, _propitiatory offerings_, &c. + +_Free-will offerings_ were grateful acknowledgments for benefits received, +and usually consisted of the first-fruits of the field, or the finest of +the flocks and herds, which were required to be without spot or blemish. + +_Propitiatory offerings_ were brought with the object of appeasing the +anger of the gods. + +In addition to those above enumerated, sacrifices were made, either with a +view of obtaining success in an enterprise about to be undertaken, or in +fulfilment of a vow, or at the command of an oracle. + +Every sacrifice was accompanied by salt and also by a libation, which +usually consisted of wine, the cup being always filled to the brim, +indicating that the offering was made without stint. When sacrificing to +the infernal gods the cup containing the libation was filled with blood. + +The animals offered to the Olympian divinities were white, whilst those to +the gods of the lower world were black. When a man offered a special +sacrifice for himself or his family it partook of the nature of his {193} +occupation; thus a shepherd brought a sheep, a vine-grower his grapes, and +so forth. But in the case of public sacrifices, the supposed individuality +of the deity was always consulted. For instance, to Demeter a sow was +offered, because that animal is apt to root up the seed-corn; to Dionysus a +goat, on account of its being destructive to vineyards, &c. + +The value of offerings depended greatly upon the position of the +individual; it being regarded as a contempt of the gods for a rich man to +bring a sordid offering, whilst from a poor man the smallest oblation was +considered acceptable. + +Hecatombs consisted of a hundred animals, and were offered by entire +communities, or by wealthy individuals who either desired, or had obtained +some special favour from the gods. + +When a sacrifice was to be offered, a fire was kindled on the altar, into +which wine and frankincense were poured, in order to increase the flame. In +very ancient times, the victim was laid upon the altar and burned whole; +but after the time of Prometheus portions only of the shoulders, thighs, +entrails, &c., were sacrificed, the remainder becoming the perquisites of +the priests. + +The officiating priests wore a crown composed of the leaves of the tree +sacred to the deity they invoked. Thus when sacrificing to Apollo the +crowns were of laurel; when to Heracles, of poplar. This practice of +wearing crowns was, at a later period, adopted by the general public at +banquets and other festivities. + +On occasions of special solemnity the horns of the victim were overlaid +with gold, and the altars decked with flowers and sacred herbs. + +The mode of conducting the sacrifices was as follows:--All things being +prepared, a salt cake, the sacrificial knife, and the crowns, were placed +in a small basket, and carried to the sanctuary by a young maiden, +whereupon the victim was conducted into the temple, frequently to the +accompaniment of music. If a small animal, it was driven loose to the +altar; if a large one, it was led by a {194} long trailing rope, in order +to indicate that it was not an unwilling sacrifice. + +When all were assembled, the priest, after walking in solemn state round +the altar, besprinkled it with a mixture of meal and holy water, after +which he also besprinkled the assembled worshippers, and exhorted them to +join with him in prayer. The service being ended, the priest first tasted +the libation, and after causing the congregation to do the like, poured the +remainder between the horns of the victim, after which frankincense was +strewn upon the altar, and a portion of the meal and water poured upon the +animal, which was then killed. If by any chance the victim escaped the +stroke, or became in any way restless, it was regarded as an evil omen; if, +on the contrary, it expired without a struggle, it was considered +auspicious. + +At the sacrifices to the aërial divinities music was added, whilst dances +were performed round the altar, and sacred hymns sung. These hymns were +generally composed in honour of the gods, and contained an account of their +famous actions, their clemency and beneficence, and the gifts conferred by +them on mankind. In conclusion, the gods were invoked for a continuance of +their favour, and when the service was ended a feast was held. + +ORACLES. + +The desire to penetrate the dark veil of futurity, and thereby to avert, if +possible, threatened danger, has animated mankind in all ages of the world. +Prophetic knowledge was sought by the Greeks at the mouth of oracles, whose +predictions were interpreted to the people by priests, specially appointed +for the purpose. + +The most famous of these institutions was the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, +which was held in general repute all over the world. People flocked from +far and near to consult this wonderful mouth-piece of the gods, one month +in the year being specially set apart for the purpose. + +{195} + +The priestess who delivered the oracles was called the Pythia, after the +serpent Python, which was killed by Apollo. Having first bathed in the +waters of the Castalian spring, she was conducted into the temple by the +priests, and was seated on a sort of three-legged stool or table, called a +tripod, which was placed over the mouth of a cave whence issued sulphurous +vapours. Here she gradually became affected in a remarkable manner, and +fell into an ecstatic condition, in which she uttered wild and +extraordinary phrases, which were held to be the utterance of Apollo +himself; these the priests interpreted to the people, but in most cases in +so ambiguous a manner that the fulfilment of the prediction could not +easily be disputed. During the ceremony, clouds of incense filled the +temple, and hid the priestess from the view of the uninitiated, and at its +conclusion she was reconducted, in a fainting condition, to her cell. + +The following is a striking instance of the ambiguity of oracular +predictions:--Croesus, the rich king of Lydia, before going to war with +Cyrus, king of Persia, consulted an oracle as to the probable success of +the expedition. The reply he received was, that if he crossed a certain +river he would destroy a great empire. Interpreting the response as being +favourable to his design, Croesus crossed the river, and encountered the +Persian king, by whom he was entirely defeated; and his own empire being +destroyed, the prediction of the oracle was said to have been fulfilled. + +SOOTHSAYERS (AUGURS). + +In addition to the manifestation of the will of the gods by means of +oracles, the Greeks also believed that certain men, called soothsayers, +were gifted with the power of foretelling future events from dreams, from +observing the flight of birds, the entrails of sacrificed animals, and even +the direction of the flames and smoke from the altar, &c. {196} + +AUGURS. + +The Roman soothsayers were called augurs, and played an important part in +the history of the Romans, as no enterprise was ever undertaken without +first consulting them with regard to its ultimate success. + +FESTIVALS. + +Festivals were instituted as seasons of rest, rejoicing, and thanksgiving, +and also as anniversaries to commemorate events of national importance. The +most ancient festivals were those held after the ingathering of the harvest +or vintage, and were celebrated with rejoicings and merry-makings, which +lasted many days, during which time the first-fruits of the fields were +offered to the gods, accompanied by prayers and thanksgiving. + +The festivals held in cities in honour of special divinities, or in +commemoration of particular events, were conducted with an elaborate +ceremonial. Gorgeous processions, games, chariot races, &c., were +conspicuous features on these occasions, and dramatic performances, +representing particular episodes in the lives of the gods and heroes, +frequently took place. + +We subjoin a few of the most interesting of the Greek and Roman festivals. + + * * * * * + +GREEK FESTIVALS. + +ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES. + +One of the most ancient and important among the festivals observed by the +Greeks was that of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which was celebrated in honour +of Demeter and Persephone. The name was derived from Eleusis, a town in +Attica, where the Mysteries were first introduced by the goddess herself. +They were divided into the {197} Greater and Lesser Mysteries, and, +according to the general account, were held every five years. The Greater, +which were celebrated in honour of Demeter, and lasted nine days, were held +in autumn; the Lesser, dedicated to Persephone (who at these festivals was +affectionately called Cora, or the maiden), were held in spring. + +It is supposed that the secrets taught to the initiated by the priests--the +expounders of the Mysteries--were moral meanings, elucidated from the myths +concerning Demeter and Persephone; but the most important belief inculcated +was the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. That the lessons taught +were of the highest moral character is universally admitted. "The souls of +those who participated in them were filled with the sweetest hopes both as +to this and the future world;" and it was a common saying among the +Athenians: "In the Mysteries no one is sad." + +The initiation into these solemn rites (which was originally the exclusive +privilege of the Athenians) was accompanied with awe-inspiring ceremonies; +and secrecy was so strictly enjoined that its violation was punished by +death. At the conclusion of the initiation great rejoicings took place, +chariot-races, wrestling matches, &c., were held, and solemn sacrifices +offered. + +The initiation into the Lesser Mysteries served as a preparation for the +Greater. + +THESMOPHORIA. + +The Thesmophoria was another festival held in honour of Demeter, in her +character as presiding over marriage and social institutions resulting from +the spread of agriculture. + +This festival was celebrated exclusively by women. + +DIONYSIA. + +A joyous spring festival was held in honour of Dionysus, in the month of +March, and lasted several days. + +{198} + +This festival, which was called the Greater Dionysia, was celebrated with +particular splendour at Athens, when strangers flocked from all parts of +the world to take part in the ceremonies. The city was gaily decorated, the +houses were garlanded with ivy-leaves, crowds perambulated the streets, +everything wore its holiday garb, and wine was freely indulged in. + +[Illustration] + +In the processions which took place during these festivities, the statue of +Dionysus was carried, and men and women, crowned with ivy and bearing the +thyrsus, were dressed in every description of grotesque costume, and played +on drums, pipes, flutes, cymbals, &c. Some representing Silenus rode on +asses, others wearing fawn-skins appeared as Pan or the Satyrs, and the +whole multitude sang pæans in honour of the wine-god. Public shows, games, +and sports took place, and the entire city was full of revelry. + +What lent additional interest to these festivals was the custom of +introducing new comedies and tragedies to the public, representations of +which were given, and prizes awarded to those which elicited the greatest +admiration. + +[Illustration] + +The Lesser Dionysia were vintage festivals, celebrated in rural districts +in the month of November, and were characterized by drinking, feasting, and +joviality of all kinds. + +In connection with some of the festivals in honour of Dionysus were certain +mystic observances, into which only women, called Menades or Bacchantes, +were initiated. Clad in fawn-skins, they assembled by night on the mountain +sides, {199} some carrying blazing torches, others thyrsi, and all animated +with religious enthusiasm and frenzy. They shouted, clapped their hands, +danced wildly, and worked themselves up to such a pitch of excitement and +fury that in their mad frenzy they tore in pieces the animal brought as a +sacrifice to Dionysus. + +Under the name of Bacchanalia, these mystic rites were introduced into +Rome, where men also were allowed to participate in them; but they were +attended with such frightful excesses that the state authorities at length +interfered and prohibited them. + +PANATHENÆA. + +The Panathenæa was a famous festival celebrated in Athens in honour of +Athene-Polias, the guardian of the state. There were two festivals of this +name, the Lesser and the Greater Panathenæa. The former was held annually, +and the latter, which lasted several days, was celebrated every fourth +year. + +For the Greater Panathenæa a garment, embroidered with gold, called the +Peplus, was specially woven by Athenian maidens, on which was represented +the victory gained by Athene over the Giants. This garment was suspended to +the mast of a ship which stood outside the city; and during the festival, +which was characterized by a grand procession, the ship (with the Peplus on +its mast) was impelled forward by means of invisible machinery, and formed +the most conspicuous feature of the pageant. The whole population, bearing +olive branches in their hands, took part in the procession; and amidst +music and rejoicings this imposing pageant wended its way to the temple of +Athene-Polias, where the Peplus was deposited on the statue of the goddess. + +At this festival, Homer's poems were declaimed aloud, and poets also +introduced their own works to the public. Musical contests, foot and horse +races, and wrestling matches were held, and dances were performed by boys +in armour. + +{200} + +Men who had deserved well of their country were presented at the festival +with a crown of gold, and the name of the person so distinguished was +announced publicly by a herald. + +The victors in the races and athletic games received, as a prize, a vase of +oil, supposed to have been extracted from the fruit of the sacred +olive-tree of Athene. + +DAPHNEPHORIA. + +The Daphnephoria was celebrated at Thebes in honour of Apollo every ninth +year. + +The distinguishing feature of this festival was a procession to the temple +of Apollo, in which a young priest (the Daphnephorus) of noble descent, +splendidly attired and wearing a crown of gold, was preceded by a youth, +carrying an emblematical representation of the sun, moon, stars, and days +of the year, and followed by beautiful maidens bearing laurel branches, and +singing hymns in honour of the god. + + * * * * * + +ROMAN FESTIVALS. + +SATURNALIA. + +The Saturnalia, a national festival held in December in honour of Saturn, +was celebrated after the ingathering of the harvest, and lasted several +days. + +It was a time of universal rejoicing, cessation from labour, and +merry-making. School children had holidays, friends sent presents to each +other, the law-courts were closed, and no business was transacted. + +Crowds of people from the surrounding country flocked to Rome for this +festival attired in every variety of masquerade dress; practical jokes were +given and received with the utmost good humour, shouts of exultation filled +{201} the air, all classes abandoned themselves to enjoyment, and +unrestrained hilarity reigned supreme. Social distinctions were for a time +suspended, or even reversed; and so heartily was the spirit of this +festival entered into, that masters waited upon their slaves at banquets +which they provided for them; the slaves being dressed upon these occasions +in the garments of their masters. + +There appears little doubt that the modern Carnival is a survival of the +ancient Saturnalia. + +CEREALIA. + +This festival was celebrated in honour of Ceres. It was solemnized +exclusively by women, who, dressed in white garments, wandered about with +torches in their hands, to represent the search of the goddess for her +daughter Proserpine. + +During this festival, games were celebrated in the Circus Maximus, to which +none were admitted unless clothed in white. + +VESTALIA. + +The Vestalia was a festival held in honour of Vesta on the 9th of June, and +was celebrated exclusively by women, who walked barefooted in procession to +the temple of the goddess. + +The priestesses of Vesta, called Vestales or Vestal Virgins, played a +conspicuous part in these festivals. They were six in number, and were +chosen--between the ages of six and ten--from the noblest families in Rome. +Their term of office was thirty years. During the first ten years, they +were initiated in their religious duties, during the second ten they +performed them, and during the third they instructed novices. Their chief +duty was to watch and feed the ever-burning flame on the altar of Vesta, +the extinction of which was regarded as a national calamity of ominous +import. + +{202} + +Great honours and privileges were accorded to them; the best seats were +reserved for their use at all public spectacles, and even the consuls and +prætors made way for them to pass. If they met a criminal on his way to +execution they had the power to pardon him, provided it could be proved +that the meeting was accidental. + +The Vestales were vowed to chastity, a violation of which was visited by +the frightful punishment of being buried alive. + + * * * * * + + +{203} + +PART II.--LEGENDS. + +CADMUS. + +The following is the legendary account of the founding of Thebes:-- + +After the abduction of his daughter Europa by Zeus, Agenor, king of +Phoenicia, unable to reconcile himself to her loss, despatched his son +Cadmus in search of her, desiring him not to return without his sister. + +For many years Cadmus pursued his search through various countries, but +without success. Not daring to return home without her, he consulted the +oracle of Apollo at Delphi; and the reply was that he must desist from his +task, and take upon himself a new duty, _i.e._ that of founding a city, the +site of which would be indicated to him by a heifer which had never borne +the yoke, and which would lie down on the spot whereon the city was to be +built. + +Scarcely had Cadmus left the sacred fane, when he observed a heifer who +bore no marks of servitude on her neck, walking slowly in front of him. He +followed the animal for a considerable distance, until at length, on the +site where Thebes afterwards stood, she looked towards heaven and, gently +lowing, lay down in the long grass. Grateful for this mark of divine +favour, Cadmus resolved to offer up the animal as a sacrifice, and +accordingly sent his followers to fetch water for the libation from a +neighbouring spring. This spring, which was sacred to Ares, was situated in +a wood, and guarded by a fierce dragon, who, at the approach of the +retainers of Cadmus, suddenly pounced upon them and killed them. + +After waiting some time for the return of his servants {204} Cadmus grew +impatient, and hastily arming himself with his lance and spear, set out to +seek them. On reaching the spot, the mangled remains of his unfortunate +followers met his view, and near them he beheld the frightful monster, +dripping with the blood of his victims. Seizing a huge rock, the hero +hurled it with all his might upon the dragon; but protected by his tough +black skin and steely scales as by a coat of mail, he remained unhurt. +Cadmus now tried his lance, and with more success, for it pierced the side +of the beast, who, furious with pain, sprang at his adversary, when Cadmus, +leaping aside, succeeded in fixing the point of his spear within his jaws, +which final stroke put an end to the encounter. + +While Cadmus stood surveying his vanquished foe Pallas-Athene appeared to +him, and commanded him to sow the teeth of the dead dragon in the ground. +He obeyed; and out of the furrows there arose a band of armed men, who at +once commenced to fight with each other, until all except five were killed. +These last surviving warriors made peace with each other, and it was with +their assistance that Cadmus now built the famous city of Thebes. In later +times the noblest Theban families proudly claimed their descent from these +mighty earth-born warriors. + +Ares was furious with rage when he discovered that Cadmus had slain his +dragon, and would have killed him had not Zeus interfered, and induced him +to mitigate his punishment to that of servitude for the term of eight +years. At the end of that time the god of war became reconciled to Cadmus, +and, in token of his forgiveness, bestowed upon him the hand of his +daughter Harmonia in marriage. Their nuptials were almost as celebrated as +those of Peleus and Thetis. All the gods honoured them with their presence, +and offered rich gifts and congratulations. Cadmus himself presented his +lovely bride with a splendid necklace fashioned by Hephæstus, which, +however, after the death of Harmonia, always proved fatal to its possessor. + +The children of Cadmus and Harmonia were one son, {205} Polydorus, and four +daughters, Autonoe, Ino, Semele, and Agave. + +For many years the founder of Thebes reigned happily, but at length a +conspiracy was formed against him, and he was deprived of his throne by his +grandson Pentheus. Accompanied by his faithful wife Harmonia, he retired +into Illyria, and after death they were both changed by Zeus into serpents, +and transferred to Elysium. + +PERSEUS. + +Perseus, one of the most renowned of the legendary heroes of antiquity, was +the son of Zeus and Danaë, daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos. + +An oracle having foretold to Acrisius that a son of Danaë would be the +cause of his death, he imprisoned her in a tower of brass in order to keep +her secluded from the world. Zeus, however, descended through the roof of +the tower in the form of a shower of gold, and the lovely Danaë became his +bride. + +For four years Acrisius remained in ignorance of this union, but one +evening as he chanced to pass by the brazen chamber, he heard the cry of a +young child proceeding from within, which led to the discovery of his +daughter's marriage with Zeus. Enraged at finding all his precautions +unavailing, Acrisius commanded the mother and child to be placed in a chest +and thrown into the sea. + +But it was not the will of Zeus that they should perish. He directed +Poseidon to calm the troubled waters, and caused the chest to float safely +to the island of Seriphus. Dictys, brother of Polydectes, king of the +island, was fishing on the sea-shore when he saw the chest stranded on the +beach; and pitying the helpless condition of its unhappy occupants, he +conducted them to the palace of the king, where they were treated with the +greatest kindness. + +Polydectes eventually became united to Danaë, and {206} bestowed upon +Perseus an education befitting a hero. When he saw his stepson develop into +a noble and manly youth he endeavoured to instil into his mind a desire to +signalize himself by the achievement of some great and heroic deed, and +after mature deliberation it was decided that the slaying of the Gorgon, +Medusa, would bring him the greatest renown. + +For the successful accomplishment of his object it was necessary for him to +be provided with a pair of winged sandals, a magic wallet, and the helmet +of Aïdes, which rendered the wearer invisible, all of which were in the +keeping of the Nymphs, the place of whose abode was known only to the Grææ. +Perseus started on his expedition, and, guided by Hermes and Pallas-Athene, +arrived, after a long journey, in the far-off region, on the borders of +Oceanus, where dwelt the Grææ, daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. He at once +applied to them for the necessary information, and on their refusing to +grant it he deprived them of their single eye and tooth, which he only +restored to them when they gave him full directions with regard to his +route. He then proceeded to the abode of the Nymphs, from whom he obtained +the objects indispensable for his purpose. + +Equipped with the magic helmet and wallet, and armed with a sickle, the +gift of Hermes, he attached to his feet the winged sandals, and flew to the +abode of the Gorgons, whom he found fast asleep. Now as Perseus had been +warned by his celestial guides that whoever looked upon these weird sisters +would be transformed into stone, he stood with averted face before the +sleepers, and caught on his bright metal shield their triple image. Then, +guided by Pallas-Athene, he cut off the head of the Medusa, which he placed +in his wallet. No sooner had he done so than from the headless trunk there +sprang forth the winged steed Pegasus, and Chrysaor, the father of the +winged giant Geryon. He now hastened to elude the pursuit of the two +surviving sisters, who, aroused from their slumbers, eagerly rushed to +avenge the death of their sister. + +{207} + +His invisible helmet and winged sandals here stood him in good stead; for +the former concealed him from the view of the Gorgons, whilst the latter +bore him swiftly over land and sea, far beyond the reach of pursuit. In +passing over the burning plains of Libya the drops of blood from the head +of the Medusa oozed through the wallet, and falling on the hot sands below +produced a brood of many-coloured snakes, which spread all over the +country. + +Perseus continued his flight until he reached the kingdom of Atlas, of whom +he begged rest and shelter. But as this king possessed a valuable orchard, +in which every tree bore golden fruit, he was fearful lest the slayer of +the Medusa might destroy the dragon which guarded it, and then rob him of +his treasures. He therefore refused to grant the hospitality which the hero +demanded, whereupon Perseus, exasperated at the churlish repulse, produced +from his wallet the head of the Medusa, and holding it towards the king, +transformed him into a stony mountain. Beard and hair erected themselves +into forests; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge rocks, and the head +grew up into a craggy peak which reached into the clouds. + +Perseus then resumed his travels. His winged sandals bore him over deserts +and mountains, until he arrived at Æthiopia, the kingdom of King Cepheus. +Here he found the country inundated with disastrous floods, towns and +villages destroyed, and everywhere signs of desolation and ruin. On a +projecting cliff close to the shore he beheld a lovely maiden chained to a +rock. This was Andromeda, the king's daughter. Her mother Cassiopea, having +boasted that her beauty surpassed that of the Nereides, the angry +sea-nymphs appealed to Poseidon to avenge their wrongs, whereupon the +sea-god devastated the country with a terrible inundation, which brought +with it a huge monster who devoured all that came in his way. + +In their distress the unfortunate Æthiopians applied to the oracle of +Jupiter-Ammon, in the Libyan desert, {208} and obtained the response, that +only by the sacrifice of the king's daughter to the monster could the +country and people be saved. + +Cepheus, who was tenderly attached to his child, at first refused to listen +to this dreadful proposal; but overcome at length by the prayers and +solicitations of his unhappy subjects, the heart-broken father gave up his +child for the welfare of his country. Andromeda was accordingly chained to +a rock on the sea-shore to serve as a prey to the monster, whilst her +unhappy parents bewailed her sad fate on the beach below. + +On being informed of the meaning of this tragic scene, Perseus proposed to +Cepheus to slay the dragon, on condition that the lovely victim should +become his bride. Overjoyed at the prospect of Andromeda's release, the +king gladly acceded to the stipulation, and Perseus hastened to the rock, +to breathe words of hope and comfort to the trembling maiden. Then assuming +once more the helmet of Aïdes, he mounted into the air, and awaited the +approach of the monster. + +Presently the sea opened, and the shark's head of the gigantic beast of the +deep raised itself above the waves. Lashing his tail furiously from side to +side, he leaped forward to seize his victim; but the gallant hero, watching +his opportunity, suddenly darted down, and producing the head of the Medusa +from his wallet, held it before the eyes of the dragon, whose hideous body +became gradually transformed into a huge black rock, which remained for +ever a silent witness of the miraculous deliverance of Andromeda. Perseus +then led the maiden to her now happy parents, who, anxious to evince their +gratitude to her deliverer ordered immediate preparations to be made for +the nuptial feast. But the young hero was not to bear away his lovely bride +uncontested; for in the midst of the banquet, Phineus, the king's brother, +to whom Andromeda had previously been betrothed, returned to claim his +bride. Followed by a band of armed warriors he forced his way into the +hall, and a desperate encounter took place between the rivals, {209} which +might have terminated fatally for Perseus, had he not suddenly bethought +himself of the Medusa's head. Calling to his friends to avert their faces, +he drew it from his wallet, and held it before Phineus and his formidable +body-guard, whereupon they all stiffened into stone. + +[Illustration] + +Perseus now took leave of the Æthiopian king, and, accompanied by his +beautiful bride, returned to Seriphus, where a joyful meeting took place +between Danaë and her son. He then sent a messenger to his grandfather, +informing him that he intended returning to Argos; but Acrisius, fearing +the fulfilment of the oracular prediction, fled for protection to his +friend Teutemias, king of Larissa. Anxious to induce the aged monarch to +return to Argos, Perseus followed him thither. But here a strange fatality +occurred. Whilst taking part in some funereal games, celebrated in honour +of the king's father, Perseus, by an unfortunate throw of the discus, +accidentally struck his grandfather, and thereby was the innocent cause of +his death. + +After celebrating the funereal rites of Acrisius with due solemnity, +Perseus returned to Argos; but feeling loath to occupy the throne of one +whose death he had caused, he exchanged kingdoms with Megapenthes, king of +Tiryns, and in course of time founded the cities of Mycenæ and Midea. + +The head of the Medusa he presented to his divine patroness, Pallas-Athene, +who placed it in the centre of her shield. + +Many great heroes were descended from Perseus and Andromeda, foremost among +whom was Heracles, whose mother, Alcmene, was their granddaughter. + +Heroic honours were paid to Perseus, not only {210} throughout Argos, but +also at Athens and in the island of Seriphus. + +ION. + +Ion was the son of Crëusa (the beauteous daughter of Erechtheus, king of +Athens) and the sun-god Phoebus-Apollo, to whom she was united without the +knowledge of her father. + +Fearing the anger of Erechtheus, Crëusa placed her new-born babe in a +little wicker basket, and hanging some golden charms round his neck, +invoked for him the protection of the gods, and concealed him in a lonely +cave. Apollo, pitying his deserted child, sent Hermes to convey him to +Delphi, where he deposited his charge on the steps of the temple. Next +morning the Delphic priestess discovered the infant, and was so charmed by +his engaging appearance that she adopted him as her own son. The young +child was carefully tended and reared by his kind foster-mother, and was +brought up in the service of the temple, where he was intrusted with some +of the minor duties of the holy edifice. + +And now to return to Crëusa. During a war with the Euboeans, in which the +latter were signally defeated, Xuthus, son of Æolus, greatly distinguished +himself on the side of the Athenians, and as a reward for his valuable +services, the hand of Crëusa, the king's daughter, was bestowed upon him in +marriage. Their union, however, was not blest with children, and as this +was a source of great grief to both of them, they repaired to Delphi in +order to consult the oracle. The response was, that Xuthus should regard +the first person who met him on leaving the sanctuary as his son. Now it +happened that Ion, the young guardian of the temple, was the first to greet +his view, and when Xuthus beheld the beautiful youth, he gladly welcomed +him as his son, declaring that the gods had sent him to be a blessing and +comfort to his old age. Crëusa, however, who concluded that the youth was +the offspring of a secret marriage on the part of her husband, was filled +with suspicion and jealousy; {211} when an old servant, observing her +grief, begged her to be comforted, assuring her that the cause of her +distress should be speedily removed. + +When, upon the occasion of the public adoption of his son, Xuthus gave a +grand banquet, the old servant of Crëusa contrived to mix a strong poison +in the wine of the unsuspecting Ion. But the youth--according to the pious +custom of the ancients, of offering a libation to the gods before partaking +of any repast--poured upon the ground a portion of the wine before putting +it to his lips, when suddenly, as if by a miracle, a dove flew into the +banquet-hall, and sipped of the wine of the libation; whereupon the poor +little creature began to quiver in every limb, and in a few moments +expired. + +Ion's suspicions at once fell upon the obsequious servant of Crëusa, who +with such officious attention had filled his cup. He violently seized the +old man, and accused him of his murderous intentions. Unprepared for this +sudden attack he admitted his guilt, but pointed to the wife of Xuthus as +the instigator of the crime. Ion was about to avenge himself upon Crëusa, +when, by means of the divine intervention of Apollo, his foster-mother, the +Delphic priestess appeared on the scene, and explained the true +relationship which existed between Crëusa and Ion. In order to set all +doubts at rest, she produced the charms which she had found round the neck +of the infant, and also the wicker basket in which he had been conveyed to +Delphi. + +Mother and son now became reconciled to each other, and Crëusa revealed to +Ion the secret of his divine origin. The priestess of Delphi foretold that +he would become the father of a great nation, called after him the Ionians, +and also that Xuthus and Crëusa would have a son called Dorus, who would be +the progenitor of the Dorian people, both of which predictions were in due +time verified. + +DÆDALUS and ICARUS. + +Dædalus, a descendant of Erechtheus, was an Athenian architect, sculptor, +and mechanician. He was the first {212} to introduce the art of sculpture +in its higher development, for before his time statues were merely rude +representations, having the limbs altogether undefined. + +But great as was his genius, still greater was his vanity, and he could +brook no rival. Now his nephew and pupil, Talus, exhibited great talent, +having invented both the saw and the compass, and Dædalus, fearing lest he +might overshadow his own fame, secretly killed him by throwing him down +from the citadel of Pallas-Athene. The murder being discovered, Dædalus was +summoned before the court of the Areopagus and condemned to death; but he +made his escape to the island of Crete, where he was received by king Minos +in a manner worthy of his great reputation. + +Dædalus constructed for the king the world-renowned labyrinth, which was an +immense building, full of intricate passages, intersecting each other in +such a manner, that even Dædalus himself is said, upon one occasion, to +have nearly lost his way in it; and it was in this building the king placed +the Minotaur, a monster with the head and shoulders of a bull and the body +of a man. + +In the course of time the great artist became weary of his long exile, more +especially as the king, under the guise of friendship, kept him almost a +prisoner. He therefore resolved to make his escape, and for this purpose +ingeniously contrived wings for himself and his young son Icarus, whom he +diligently trained how to use them. Having awaited a favourable +opportunity, father and son commenced their flight, and were well on their +way when Icarus, pleased with the novel sensation, forgot altogether his +father's oft-repeated injunction not to approach too near the sun. The +consequence was that the wax, by means of which his wings were attached, +melted, and he fell into the sea and was drowned. The body of the +unfortunate Icarus was washed up by the tide, and was buried by the +bereaved father on an island which he called after his son, Icaria. + +After this sad event, Dædalus winged his flight to the island of Sicily, +where he met with a kind welcome from {213} king Cocalus, for whom he +constructed several important public works. But no sooner did Minos receive +the intelligence that his great architect had found an asylum with Cocalus +than he sailed over to Sicily with a large army, and sent messengers to the +Sicilian king demanding the surrender of his guest. Cocalus feigned +compliance and invited Minos to his palace, where he was treacherously put +to death in a warm bath. The body of their king was brought to Agrigent by +the Cretans, where it was buried with great pomp, and over his tomb a +temple to Aphrodite was erected. + +Dædalus passed the remainder of his life tranquilly in the island of +Sicily, where he occupied himself in the construction of various beautiful +works of art. + +THE ARGONAUTS. + +Aeson, king of Iolcus, was forced to fly from his dominions, which had been +usurped by his younger brother, Pelias, and with difficulty succeeded in +saving the life of his young son, Jason, who was at that time only ten +years of age. He intrusted him to the care of the Centaur Chiron, by whom +he was carefully trained in company with other noble youths, who, like +himself, afterwards signalized themselves by their bravery and heroic +exploits. For ten years Jason remained in the cave of the Centaur, by whom +he was instructed in all useful and warlike arts. But as he approached +manhood he became filled with an unconquerable desire to regain his +paternal inheritance. He therefore took leave of his kind friend and +preceptor, and set out for Iolcus to demand from his uncle Pelias the +kingdom which he had so unjustly usurped. + +In the course of his journey he came to a broad and foaming river, on the +banks of which he perceived an old woman, who implored him to help her +across. At first he hesitated, knowing that even alone he would find some +difficulty in stemming the fierce torrent; but, {214} pitying her forlorn +condition, he raised her in his arms, and succeeded, with a great effort, +in reaching the opposite shore. But as soon as her feet had touched the +earth she became transformed into a beautiful woman, who, looking kindly at +the bewildered youth, informed him that she was the goddess Hera, and that +she would henceforth guide and protect him throughout his career. She then +disappeared, and, full of hope and courage at this divine manifestation, +Jason pursued his journey. He now perceived that in crossing the river he +had lost one of his sandals, but as it could not be recovered he was +obliged to proceed without it. + +On his arrival at Iolcus he found his uncle in the market-place, offering +up a public sacrifice to Poseidon. When the king had concluded his +offering, his eye fell upon the distinguished stranger, whose manly beauty +and heroic bearing had already attracted the attention of his people. +Observing that one foot was unshod, he was reminded of an oracular +prediction which foretold to him the loss of his kingdom by a man wearing +only one sandal. He, however, disguised his fears, conversed kindly with +the youth, and drew from him his name and errand. Then pretending to be +highly pleased with his nephew, Pelias entertained him sumptuously for five +days, during which time all was festivity and rejoicing. On the sixth, +Jason appeared before his uncle, and with manly firmness demanded from him +the throne and kingdom which were his by right. Pelias, dissembling his +true feelings, smilingly consented to grant his request, provided that, in +return, Jason would undertake an expedition for him, which his advanced age +prevented him from accomplishing himself. He informed his nephew that the +shade of Phryxus had appeared to him in his dreams, and entreated him to +bring back from Colchis his mortal remains and the Golden Fleece; and added +that if Jason succeeded in obtaining for him these sacred relics, throne, +kingdom, and sceptre should be his. + +{215} + +STORY OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. + +Athamas, king of Boeotia, had married Nephele, a cloud-nymph, and their +children were Helle and Phryxus. The restless and wandering nature of +Nephele, however, soon wearied her husband, who, being a mortal, had little +sympathy with his ethereal consort; so he divorced her, and married the +beautiful but wicked Ino (sister of Semele), who hated her step-children, +and even planned their destruction. But the watchful Nephele contrived to +circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in getting the children out of +the palace. She then placed them both on the back of a winged ram, with a +fleece of pure gold, which had been given to her by Hermes; and on this +wonderful animal brother and sister rode through the air over land and sea; +but on the way Helle, becoming seized with giddiness, fell into the sea +(called after her the Hellespont) and was drowned. + +Phryxus arrived safely at Colchis, where he was hospitably received by king +Aëtes, who gave him one of his daughters in marriage. In gratitude to Zeus +for the protection accorded him during his flight, Phryxus sacrificed to +him the golden ram, whilst the fleece he presented to Aëtes, who nailed it +up in the Grove of Ares, and dedicated it to the god of War. An oracle +having declared that the life of Aëtes depended on the safe-keeping of the +fleece, he carefully guarded the entrance to the grove by placing before it +an immense dragon, which never slept. + +BUILDING AND LAUNCH OF THE ARGO.--We will now return to Jason, who eagerly +undertook the perilous expedition proposed to him by his uncle, who, well +aware of the dangers attending such an enterprise, hoped by this means to +rid himself for ever of the unwelcome intruder. + +Jason accordingly began to arrange his plans without delay, and invited the +young heroes whose friendship he {216} had formed whilst under the care of +Chiron, to join him in the perilous expedition. None refused the +invitation, all feeling honoured at being allowed the privilege of taking +part in so noble and heroic an undertaking. + +Jason now applied to Argos, one of the cleverest ship-builders of his time, +who, under the guidance of Pallas-Athene, built for him a splendid +fifty-oared galley, which was called the Argo, after the builder. In the +upper deck of the vessel the goddess had imbedded a board from the speaking +oak of the oracle of Zeus at Dodona, which ever retained its powers of +prophecy. The exterior of the ship was ornamented with magnificent +carvings, and the whole vessel was so strongly built that it defied the +power of the winds and waves, and was, nevertheless, so light that the +heroes, when necessary, were able to carry it on their shoulders. When the +vessel was completed, the Argonauts (so called after their ship) assembled, +and their places were distributed by lot. + +Jason was appointed commander-in-chief of the expedition, Tiphys acted as +steersman, Lynceus as pilot. In the bow of the vessel sat the renowned hero +Heracles; in the stern, Peleus (father of Achilles) and Telamon (the father +of Ajax the Great). In the inner space were Castor and Pollux, Neleus (the +father of Nestor), Admetus (the husband of Alcestes), Meleager (the slayer +of the Calydonian boar), Orpheus (the renowned singer), Menoctius (the +father of Patroclus), Theseus (afterwards king of Athens) and his friend +Pirithöus (the son of Ixion), Hylas (the adopted son of Heracles), Euphemus +(the son of Poseidon), Oileus (father of Ajax the Lesser), Zetes and Calais +(the winged sons of Boreas), Idmon the Seer (the son of Apollo), Mopsus +(the Thessalian prophet), &c. &c. + +Before their departure Jason offered a solemn sacrifice to Poseidon and all +the other sea-deities; he also invoked the protection of Zeus and the +Fates, and then, Mopsus having taken the auguries, and found them +auspicious, the heroes stepped on board. And now a favourable breeze having +sprung up, they take their allotted places, {217} the anchor is weighed, +and the ship glides like a bird out of the harbour into the waters of the +great sea. + +ARRIVAL AT LEMNOS.--The Argo, with her brave crew of fifty heroes, was soon +out of sight, and the sea-breeze only wafted to the shore a faint echo of +the sweet strains of Orpheus. + +For a time all went smoothly, but the vessel was soon driven, by stress of +weather, to take refuge in a harbour in the island of Lemnos. This island +was inhabited by women only, who, the year before, in a fit of mad +jealousy, had killed all the male population of the island, with the +exception of the father of their queen, Hypsipyle. As the protection of +their island now devolved upon themselves they were always on the look-out +for danger. When, therefore, they sighted the Argo from afar they armed +themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any invasion of +their territory. + +On arriving in port the Argonauts, astonished at beholding an armed crowd +of women, despatched a herald in one of their boats, bearing the staff of +peace and friendship. Hypsipyle, the queen, proposed that food and presents +should be sent to the strangers, in order to prevent their landing; but her +old nurse, who stood beside her, suggested that this would be a good +opportunity to provide themselves with noble husbands, who would act as +their defenders, and thus put an end to their constant fears. Hypsipyle +listened attentively to the advice of her nurse, and after some +consultation, decided to invite the strangers into the city. Robed in his +purple mantle, the gift of Pallas-Athene, Jason, accompanied by some of his +companions, stepped on shore, where he was met by a deputation consisting +of the most beautiful of the Lemnian women, and, as commander of the +expedition, was invited into the palace of the queen. + +When he appeared before Hypsipyle, she was so struck with his godlike and +heroic presence that she presented him with her father's sceptre, and +invited him to seat himself on the throne beside her. Jason thereupon {218} +took up his residence in the royal castle, whilst his companions scattered +themselves through the town, spending their time in feasting and pleasure. +Heracles, with a few chosen comrades, alone remained on board. + +From day to day their departure was delayed, and the Argonauts, in their +new life of dissipation, had almost forgotten the object of the expedition, +when Heracles suddenly appeared amongst them, and at last recalled them to +a sense of their duty. + +GIANTS AND DOLIONES.--The Argonauts now pursued their voyage, till contrary +winds drove them towards an island, inhabited by the Doliones, whose king +Cyzicus received them with great kindness and hospitality. The Doliones +were descendants of Poseidon, who protected them against the frequent +attacks of their fierce and formidable neighbours, the earth-born +Giants--monsters with six arms. + +Whilst his companions were attending a banquet given by king Cyzicus, +Heracles, who, as usual, had remained behind to guard the ship, observed +that these Giants were busy blocking up the harbour with huge rocks. He at +once realized the danger, and, attacking them with his arrows, succeeded in +considerably thinning their numbers; then, assisted by the heroes, who at +length came to his aid, he effectually destroyed the remainder. + +The Argo now steered out of the harbour and set sail; but in consequence of +a severe storm which arose at night, was driven back once more to the +shores of the kindly Doliones. Unfortunately, however, owing to the +darkness of the night, the inhabitants failed to recognize their former +guests, and, mistaking them for enemies, commenced to attack them. Those +who had so recently parted as friends were now engaged in mortal combat, +and in the battle which ensued, Jason himself pierced to the heart his +friend king Cyzicus; whereupon the Doliones, being deprived of their +leader, fled to their city and closed the gates. When morning dawned, and +both sides perceived their error, they were filled with {219} the deepest +sorrow and remorse; and for three days the heroes remained with the +Doliones, celebrating the funereal rites of the slain, with every +demonstration of mourning and solemnity. + +HERACLES LEFT BEHIND.--The Argonauts once more set sail, and after a stormy +voyage arrived at Mysia, where they were hospitably received by the +inhabitants, who spread before them plentiful banquets and sumptuously +regaled them. + +While his friends were feasting, Heracles, who had declined to join them, +went into the forest to seek a fir-tree which he required for an oar, and +was missed by his adopted son Hylas, who set out to seek him. When the +youth arrived at a spring, in the most secluded part of the forest, the +nymph of the fountain was so struck by his beauty that she drew him down +beneath the waters, and he was seen no more. Polyphemus, one of the heroes, +who happened to be also in the forest, heard his cry for help, and on +meeting Heracles informed him of the circumstance. They at once set out in +search of the missing youth, no traces of whom were to be found, and whilst +they were engaged looking for him, the Argo set sail and left them behind. + +The ship had proceeded some distance before the absence of Heracles was +observed. Some of the heroes were in favour of returning for him, others +wished to proceed on their journey, when, in the midst of the dispute, the +sea-god Glaucus arose from the waves, and informed them that it was the +will of Zeus that Heracles, having another mission to perform, should +remain behind. The Argonauts continued their voyage without their +companions; Heracles returned to Argos, whilst Polyphemus remained with the +Mysians, where he founded a city and became its king. + +CONTEST WITH AMYCUS.--Next morning the Argo touched at the country of the +Bebrycians, whose king Amycus was a famous pugilist, and permitted no +strangers to leave his shores without matching their {220} strength with +his. When the heroes, therefore, demanded permission to land, they were +informed that they could only do so provided that one of their number +should engage in a boxing-match with the king. Pollux, who was the best +pugilist in Greece, was selected as their champion, and a contest took +place, which, after a tremendous struggle, proved fatal to Amycus, who had +hitherto been victorious in all similar encounters. + +PHINEUS AND THE HARPIES.--They now proceeded towards Bithynia, where +reigned the blind old prophet-king Phineus, son of Agenor. Phineus had been +punished by the gods with premature old age and blindness for having abused +the gift of prophecy. He was also tormented by the Harpies, who swooped +down upon his food, which they either devoured or so defiled as to render +it unfit to be eaten. This poor old man, trembling with the weakness of +age, and faint with hunger, appeared before the Argonauts, and implored +their assistance against his fiendish tormentors, whereupon Zetes and +Calais, the winged sons of Boreas, recognizing in him the husband of their +sister Cleopatra, affectionately embraced him, and promised to rescue him +from his painful position. + +The heroes prepared a banquet on the sea-shore, to which they invited +Phineus; but no sooner had he taken his place, than the Harpies appeared +and devoured all the viands. Zetes and Calais now rose up into the air, +drove the Harpies away, and were pursuing them with drawn swords, when +Iris, the swift-footed messenger of the gods, appeared, and desired them to +desist from their work of vengeance, promising that Phineus should be no +longer molested. + +Freed at length from his tormentors the old man sat down and enjoyed a +plentiful repast with his kind friends the Argonauts, who now informed him +of the object of their voyage. In gratitude for his deliverance Phineus +gave them much useful information concerning their journey, and not only +warned them of the manifold {221} dangers awaiting them, but also +instructed them how they might be overcome. + +PASSAGE OF THE SYMPLEGADES.--After a fortnight's sojourn in Bithynia the +Argonauts once more set sail, but had not proceeded far on their course, +when they heard a fearful and tremendous crash. This was caused by the +meeting of two great rocky islands, called the Symplegades, which floated +about in the sea, and constantly met and separated. + +Before leaving Bithynia, the blind old seer, Phineus, had informed them +that they would be compelled to pass between these terrible rocks, and he +instructed them how to do so with safety. As they now approached the scene +of danger they remembered his advice, and acted upon it. Typhus, the +steersman, stood at the helm, whilst Euphemus held in his hand a dove ready +to be let loose; for Phineus had told them that if the dove ventured to fly +through, they might safely follow. Euphemus now despatched the bird, which +passed swiftly through the islands, yet not without losing some of the +feathers of her tail, so speedily did they reunite. Seizing the moment when +the rocks once more separated, the Argonauts worked at their oars with all +their might, and achieved the perilous passage in safety. + +After the miraculous passage of the Argo, the Symplegades became +permanently united, and attached to the bottom of the sea. + +THE STYMPHALIDES.--The Argo pursued her course along the southern coast of +the Pontus, and arrived at the island of Aretias, which was inhabited by +birds, who, as they flew through the air, discharged from their wings +feathers sharp as arrows. + +As the ship was gliding along, Oileus was wounded by one of these birds, +whereupon the Argonauts held a council, and by the advice of Amphidamas, an +experienced hero, all put on their helmets, and held up their glittering +shields, uttering, at the same time, such fearful cries that {222} the +birds flew away in terror, and the Argonauts were enabled to land with +safety on the island. + +Here they found four shipwrecked youths, who proved to be the sons of +Phryxus, and were greeted by Jason as his cousins. On ascertaining the +object of the expedition they volunteered to accompany the Argo, and to +show the heroes the way to Colchis. They also informed them that the Golden +Fleece was guarded by a fearful dragon, that king Aëtes was extremely +cruel, and, as the son of Apollo, was possessed of superhuman strength. + +ARRIVAL AT COLCHIS.--Taking with them the four new-comers they journeyed +on, and soon came in sight of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus, when, +towards evening, the loud flapping of wings was heard overhead. It was the +giant eagle of Prometheus on his way to torture the noble and +long-suffering Titan, whose fearful groans soon afterwards fell upon their +ears. That night they reached their journey's end, and anchored in the +smooth waters of the river Phases. On the left bank of this river they +beheld Ceuta, the capital of Colchis; and on their right a wide field, and +the sacred grove of Ares, where the Golden Fleece, suspended from a +magnificent oak-tree, was glittering in the sun. Jason now filled a golden +cup with wine, and offered a libation to mother-earth, the gods of the +country, and the shades of those of the heroes who had died on the voyage. + +Next morning a council was held, in which it was decided, that before +resorting to forcible measures kind and conciliatory overtures should first +be made to king Aëtes in order to induce him to resign the Golden Fleece. +It was arranged that Jason, with a few chosen companions, should proceed to +the royal castle, leaving the remainder of the crew to guard the Argo. +Accompanied, therefore, by Telamon and Augeas, and the four sons of +Phryxus, he set out for the palace. + +When they arrived in sight of the castle they were struck by the vastness +and massiveness of the building, at the entrance to which sparkling +fountains played in {223} the midst of luxuriant and park-like gardens. +Here the king's daughters, Chalciope and Medea, who were walking in the +grounds of the palace, met them. The former, to her great joy, recognized +in the youths who accompanied the hero her own long-lost sons, whom she had +mourned as dead, whilst the young and lovely Medea was struck with the +noble and manly form of Jason. + +The news of the return of the sons of Phryxus soon spread through the +palace, and brought Aëtes himself to the scene, whereupon the strangers +were presented to him, and were invited to a banquet which the king ordered +to be prepared in their honour. All the most beautiful ladies of the court +were present at this entertainment; but in the eyes of Jason none could +compare with the king's daughter, the young and lovely Medea. + +When the banquet was ended, Jason related to the king his various +adventures, and also the object of his expedition, with the circumstances +which had led to his undertaking it. Aëtes listened, in silent indignation, +to this recital, and then burst out into a torrent of invectives against +the Argonauts and his grand-children, declaring that the Fleece was his +rightful property, and that on no consideration would he consent to +relinquish it. Jason, however, with mild and persuasive words, contrived so +far to conciliate him, that he was induced to promise that if the heroes +could succeed in demonstrating their divine origin by the performance of +some task requiring superhuman power, the Fleece should be theirs. + +The task proposed by Aëtes to Jason was that he should yoke the two +brazen-footed, fire-breathing oxen of the king (which had been made for him +by Hephæstus) to his ponderous iron plough. Having done this he must till +with them the stony field of Ares, and then sow in the furrows the +poisonous teeth of a dragon, from which armed men would arise. These he +must destroy to a man, or he himself would perish at their hands. + +When Jason heard what was expected of him, his heart for a moment sank +within him; but he determined, nevertheless, not to flinch from his task, +but to trust to the {224} assistance of the gods, and to his own courage +and energy. + +JASON PLOUGHS THE FIELD OF ARES.--Accompanied by his two friends, Telamon +and Augeas, and also by Argus, the son of Chalciope, Jason returned to the +vessel for the purpose of holding a consultation as to the best means of +accomplishing these perilous feats. + +Argus explained to Jason all the difficulties of the superhuman task which +lay before him, and pronounced it as his opinion that the only means by +which success was possible was to enlist the assistance of the Princess +Medea, who was a priestess of Hecate, and a great enchantress. His +suggestion meeting with approval, he returned to the palace, and by the aid +of his mother an interview was arranged between Jason and Medea, which took +place, at an early hour next morning, in the temple of Hecate. + +A confession of mutual attachment took place, and Medea, trembling for her +lover's safety, presented him with a magic salve, which possessed the +property of rendering any person anointed with it invulnerable for the +space of one day against fire and steel, and invincible against any +adversary however powerful. With this salve she instructed him to anoint +his spear and shield on the day of his great undertaking. She further added +that when, after having ploughed the field and sown the teeth, armed men +should arise from the furrows, he must on no account lose heart, but +remember to throw among them a huge rock, over the possession of which they +would fight among themselves, and their attention being thus diverted he +would find it an easy task to destroy them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, +Jason thanked her, in the most earnest manner, for her wise counsel and +timely aid; at the same time he offered her his hand, and promised her he +would not return to Greece without taking her with him as his wife. + +Next morning Aëtes, in all the pomp of state, surrounded by his family and +the members of his court, {225} repaired to a spot whence a full view of +the approaching spectacle could be obtained. Soon Jason appeared in the +field of Ares, looking as noble and majestic as the god of war himself. In +a distant part of the field the brazen yokes and the massive plough met his +view, but as yet the dread animals themselves were nowhere to be seen. He +was about to go in quest of them, when they suddenly rushed out from a +subterranean cave, breathing flames of fire, and enveloped in a thick +smoke. + +The friends of Jason trembled; but the undaunted hero, relying on the magic +powers with which he was imbued by Medea, seized the oxen, one after the +other, by the horns, and forced them to the yoke. Near the plough was a +helmet full of dragon's teeth, which he sowed as he ploughed the field, +whilst with sharp pricks from his lance he compelled the monstrous +creatures to draw the plough over the stony ground, which was thus speedily +tilled. + +While Jason was engaged sowing the dragon's teeth in the deep furrows of +the field, he kept a cautious look-out lest the germinating giant brood +might grow too quickly for him, and as soon as the four acres of land had +been tilled he unyoked the oxen, and succeeded in frightening them so +effectually with his weapons, that they rushed back in terror to their +subterranean stables. Meanwhile armed men had sprung up out of the furrows, +and the whole field now bristled with lances; but Jason, remembering the +instructions of Medea, seized an immense rock and hurled it into the midst +of these earth-born warriors, who immediately began to attack each other. +Jason then rushed furiously upon them, and after a terrible struggle not +one of the giants remained alive. + +Furious at seeing his murderous schemes thus defeated, Aëtes not only +perfidiously refused to give Jason the Fleece which he had so bravely +earned, but, in his anger, determined to destroy all the Argonauts, and to +burn their vessel. + +JASON SECURES THE GOLDEN FLEECE.--Becoming aware of the treacherous designs +of her father, Medea at {226} once took measures to baffle them. In the +darkness of night she went on board the Argo, and warned the heroes of +their approaching danger. She then advised Jason to accompany her without +loss of time to the sacred grove, in order to possess himself of the +long-coveted treasure. They set out together, and Medea, followed by Jason, +led the way, and advanced boldly into the grove. The tall oak-tree was soon +discovered, from the topmost boughs of which hung the beautiful Golden +Fleece. At the foot of this tree, keeping his ever-wakeful watch, lay the +dreadful, sleepless dragon, who at sight of them bounded forward, opening +his huge jaws. + +Medea now called into play her magic powers, and quietly approaching the +monster, threw over him a few drops of a potion, which soon took effect, +and sent him into a deep sleep; whereupon Jason, seizing the opportunity, +climbed the tree and secured the Fleece. Their perilous task being now +accomplished, Jason and Medea quitted the grove, and hastened on board the +Argo, which immediately put to sea. + +MURDER OF ABSYRTUS.--Meanwhile Aëtes, having discovered the loss of his +daughter and the Golden Fleece, despatched a large fleet, under the command +of his son Absyrtus, in pursuit of the fugitives. After some days' sail +they arrived at an island at the mouth of the river Ister, where they found +the Argo at anchor, and surrounded her with their numerous ships. They then +despatched a herald on board of her, demanding the surrender of Medea and +the Fleece. + +Medea now consulted Jason, and, with his consent, carried out the following +stratagem. She sent a message to her brother Absyrtus, to the effect that +she had been carried off against her will, and promised that if he would +meet her, in the darkness of night, in the temple of Artemis, she would +assist him in regaining possession of the Golden Fleece. Relying on the +good faith of his sister, Absyrtus fell into the snare, and duly appeared +at the appointed trysting-place; and whilst Medea kept her {227} brother +engaged in conversation, Jason rushed forward and slew him. Then, according +to a preconcerted signal, he held aloft a lighted torch, whereupon the +Argonauts attacked the Colchians, put them to flight, and entirely defeated +them. + +The Argonauts now returned to their ship, when the prophetic board from the +Dodonean oak thus addressed them: "The cruel murder of Absyrtus was +witnessed by the Erinyes, and you will not escape the wrath of Zeus until +the goddess Circe has purified you from your crime. Let Castor and Pollux +pray to the gods that you may be enabled to find the abode of the +sorceress." In obedience to the voice, the twin-brothers invoked divine +assistance, and the heroes set out in search of the isle of Circe. + +THEY ARRIVE AT THE ISLAND OF CIRCE.--The good ship Argo sped on her way, +and, after passing safely through the foaming waters of the river Eridanus, +at length arrived in the harbour of the island of Circe, where she cast +anchor. + +Commanding his companions to remain on board, Jason landed with Medea, and +conducted her to the palace of the sorceress. The goddess of charms and +magic arts received them kindly, and invited them to be seated; but instead +of doing so they assumed a supplicating attitude, and humbly besought her +protection. They then informed her of the dreadful crime which they had +committed, and implored her to purify them from it. This Circe promised to +do. She forthwith commanded her attendant Naiads to kindle the fire on the +altar, and to prepare everything necessary for the performance of the +mystic rites, after which a dog was sacrificed, and the sacred cakes were +burned. Having thus duly purified the criminals, she severely reprimanded +them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty; whereupon +Medea, with veiled head, and weeping bitterly, was reconducted by Jason to +the Argo. + +FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE ARGONAUTS.--Having left the island of Circe they +were wafted by gentle {228} zephyrs towards the abode of the Sirens, whose +enticing strains soon fell upon their ears. The Argonauts, powerfully +affected by the melody, were making ready to land, when Orpheus perceived +the danger, and, to the accompaniment of his magic lyre, commenced one of +his enchanting songs, which so completely absorbed his listeners that they +passed the island in safety; but not before Butes, one of their number, +lured by the seductive music of the Sirens, had sprung from the vessel into +the waves below. Aphrodite, however, in pity for his youth, landed him +gently on the island of Libibaon before the Sirens could reach him, and +there he remained for many years. + +And now the Argonauts approached new dangers, for on one side of them +seethed and foamed the whirlpool of Charybdis, whilst on the other towered +the mighty rock whence the monster Scylla swooped down upon unfortunate +mariners; but here the goddess Hera came to their assistance, and sent to +them the sea-nymph Thetis, who guided them safely through these dangerous +straits. + +The Argo next arrived at the island of the Phæaces, where they were +hospitably entertained by King Alcinous and his queen Arete. But the +banquet prepared for them by their kind host was unexpectedly interrupted +by the appearance of a large army of Colchians, sent by Aëtes to demand the +restoration of his daughter. + +Medea threw herself at the feet of the queen, and implored her to save her +from the anger of her father, and Arete, in her kindness of heart, promised +her her protection. Next morning, in an assembly of the people at which the +Colchians were invited to be present, the latter were informed that as +Medea was the lawful wife of Jason they could not consent to deliver her +up; whereupon the Colchians, seeing that the resolution of the king was not +to be shaken, and fearing to face the anger of Aëtes should they return to +Colchis without her, sought permission of Alcinous to settle in his +kingdom, which request was accorded them. + +{229} + +After these events the Argonauts once more set sail, and steered for +Iolcus; but, in the course of a terrible and fearful night, a mighty storm +arose, and in the morning they found themselves stranded on the treacherous +quicksands of Syrtes, on the shores of Libya. Here all was a waste and +barren desert, untenanted by any living creature, save the venomous snakes +which had sprung from the blood of the Medusa when borne by Perseus over +these arid plains. + +They had already passed several days in this abode of desolation, beneath +the rays of the scorching sun, and had abandoned themselves to the deepest +despair, when the Libyan queen, who was a prophetess of divine origin, +appeared to Jason, and informed him that a sea-horse would be sent by the +gods to act as his guide. + +Scarcely had she departed when a gigantic hippocamp was seen in the +distance, making its way towards the Argo. Jason now related to his +companions the particulars of his interview with the Libyan prophetess, and +after some deliberation it was decided to carry the Argo on their +shoulders, and to follow wherever the sea-horse should lead them. They then +commenced a long and weary journey through the desert, and at last, after +twelve days of severe toil and terrible suffering, the welcome sight of the +sea greeted their view. In gratitude for having been saved from their +manifold dangers they offered up sacrifices to the gods, and launched their +ship once more into the deep waters of the ocean. + +ARRIVAL AT CRETE.--With heartfelt joy and gladness they proceeded on their +homeward voyage, and after some days arrived at the island of Crete, where +they purposed to furnish themselves with fresh provisions and water. Their +landing, however, was opposed by a terrible giant who guarded the island +against all intruders. This giant, whose name was Talus, was the last of +the Brazen race, and being formed of brass, was invulnerable, except in his +right ankle, where there was a sinew of flesh and a vein of blood. As he +saw the Argo {230} nearing the coast, he hurled huge rocks at her, which +would inevitably have sunk the vessel had not the crew beat a hasty +retreat. Although sadly in want of food and water, the Argonauts had +decided to proceed on their journey rather than face so powerful an +opponent, when Medea came forward and assured them that if they would trust +to her she would destroy the giant. + +Enveloped in the folds of a rich purple mantle, she stepped on deck, and +after invoking the aid of the Fates, uttered a magic incantation, which had +the effect of throwing Talus into a deep sleep. He stretched himself at +full length upon the ground, and in doing so grazed his vulnerable ankle +against the point of a sharp rock, whereupon a mighty stream of blood +gushed forth from the wound. Awakened by the pain, he tried to rise, but in +vain, and with a mighty groan of anguish the giant fell dead, and his +enormous body rolled heavily over into the deep. The heroes being now able +to land, provisioned their vessel, after which they resumed their homeward +voyage. + +ARRIVAL AT IOLCUS.--After a terrible night of storm and darkness they +passed the island of Ægina, and at length reached in safety the port of +Iolcus, where the recital of their numerous adventures and hair-breadth +escapes was listened to with wondering admiration by their +fellow-countrymen. + +The Argo was consecrated to Poseidon, and was carefully preserved for many +generations till no vestige of it remained, when it was placed in the +heavens as a brilliant constellation. + +On his arrival at Iolcus, Jason conducted his beautiful bride to the palace +of his uncle Pelias, taking with him the Golden Fleece, for the sake of +which this perilous expedition had been undertaken. But the old king, who +had never expected that Jason would return alive, basely refused to fulfil +his part of the compact, and declined to abdicate the throne. + +{231} + +Indignant at the wrongs of her husband, Medea avenged them in a most +shocking manner. She made friends with the daughters of the king, and +feigned great interest in all their concerns. Having gained their +confidence, she informed them, that among her numerous magic arts, she +possessed the power of restoring to the aged all the vigour and strength of +youth, and in order to give them a convincing proof of the truth of her +assertion, she cut up an old ram, which she boiled in a cauldron, +whereupon, after uttering various mystic incantations, there came forth +from the vessel a beautiful young lamb. She then assured them, that in a +similar manner they could restore to their old father his former youthful +frame and vigour. The fond and credulous daughters of Pelias lent an all +too willing ear to the wicked sorceress, and thus the old king perished at +the hands of his innocent children. + +DEATH OF JASON.--Medea and Jason now fled to Corinth, where at length they +found, for a time, peace and tranquillity, their happiness being completed +by the birth of three children. + +As time passed on, however, and Medea began to lose the beauty which had +won the love of her husband, he grew weary of her, and became attracted by +the youthful charms of Glauce, the beautiful daughter of Creon, king of +Corinth. Jason had obtained her father's consent to their union, and the +wedding-day was already fixed, before he disclosed to Medea the treachery +which he meditated against her. He used all his persuasive powers in order +to induce her to consent to his union with Glauce, assuring her that his +affection had in no way diminished, but that for the sake of the advantages +which would thereby accrue to their children, he had decided on forming +this alliance with the royal house. Though justly enraged at his deceitful +conduct, Medea dissembled her wrath, and, feigning to be satisfied with +this explanation, sent, as a wedding-gift to her rival, a magnificent robe +of cloth-of-gold. This robe was imbued with a deadly {232} poison which +penetrated to the flesh and bone of the wearer, and burned them as though +with a consuming fire. Pleased with the beauty and costliness of the +garment, the unsuspecting Glauce lost no time in donning it; but no sooner +had she done so than the fell poison began to take effect. In vain she +tried to tear the robe away; it defied all efforts to be removed, and after +horrible and protracted sufferings, she expired. + +Maddened at the loss of her husband's love Medea next put to death her +three sons, and when Jason, thirsting for revenge, left the chamber of his +dead bride, and flew to his own house in search of Medea, the ghastly +spectacle of his murdered children met his view. He rushed frantically to +seek the murderess, but nowhere could she be found. At length, hearing a +sound above his head, he looked up, and beheld Medea gliding through the +air in a golden chariot drawn by dragons. + +In a fit of despair Jason threw himself on his own sword, and perished on +the threshold of his desolate and deserted home. + +PELOPS. + +Pelops, the son of the cruel Tantalus, was a pious and virtuous prince. +After his father was banished into Tartarus, a war ensued between Pelops +and the king of Troy, in which the former was vanquished and forced to fly +from his dominions in Phrygia. He emigrated into Greece, where, at the +court of Oenomaus, king of Elis, he beheld Hippodamia, the king's daughter, +whose beauty won his heart. But an oracle having foretold to Oenomaus that +he would die on the day of his daughter's marriage, he threw every obstacle +in the way of her suitors, and declared that he would only give her to him +who succeeded in vanquishing him in a chariot race, but that all +unsuccessful competitors should suffer death at his hands. + +The conditions of the contest were as follows:--The race was to be run from +a given point at Pisa to the altar of Poseidon at Corinth; the suitor was +allowed to start {233} on his course whilst Oenomaus performed his +sacrifice to Zeus, and only on its completion did the king mount his +chariot, guided by the skilful Myrtilus, and drawn by his two famous +horses, Phylla and Harpinna, who surpassed in swiftness the winds +themselves. In this manner many a gallant young prince had perished; for +although a considerable start was given to all competitors, still Oenomaus, +with his swift team, always overtook them before they reached the goal, and +killed them with his spear. But the love of Pelops for Hippodamia overcame +all fears, and, undeterred by the terrible fate of his predecessors, he +announced himself to Oenomaus as a suitor for the hand of his daughter. + +On the eve of the race, Pelops repaired to the sea-shore and earnestly +implored Poseidon to assist him in his perilous undertaking. The sea-god +heard his prayer, and sent him out of the deep a chariot drawn by two +winged horses. + +When Pelops appeared on the course, the king at once recognized the horses +of Poseidon; but, nothing daunted, he relied on his own supernatural team, +and the contest was allowed to proceed. + +Whilst the king was offering his sacrifice to Zeus Pelops set out on the +race, and had nearly reached the goal, when, turning round, he beheld +Oenomaus, spear in hand, who, with his magic steeds, had nearly overtaken +him. But in this emergency Poseidon came to the aid of the son of Tantalus. +He caused the wheels of the royal chariot to fly off, whereupon the king +was thrown out violently, and killed on the spot, just as Pelops arrived at +the altar of Poseidon. + +As the hero was about to return to Pisa to claim his bride, he beheld, in +the distance, flames issuing from the royal castle, which at that instant +had been struck by lightning. With his winged horses he flew to rescue his +lovely bride, and succeeded in extricating her uninjured from the burning +building. They soon afterwards became united, and Pelops reigned in Pisa +for many years in great splendour. + +{234} + +HERACLES (HERCULES). + +Heracles, the most renowned hero of antiquity, was the son of Zeus and +Alcmene, and the great grandson of Perseus. + +At the time of his birth Alcmene was living at Thebes with her husband +Amphitryon, and thus the infant Heracles was born in the palace of his +stepfather. + +Aware of the animosity with which Hera persecuted all those who rivalled +her in the affections of Zeus, Alcmene, fearful lest this hatred should be +visited on her innocent child, intrusted him, soon after his birth, to the +care of a faithful servant, with instructions to expose him in a certain +field, and there leave him, feeling assured that the divine offspring of +Zeus would not long remain without the protection of the gods. + +Soon after the child had been thus abandoned, Hera and Pallas-Athene +happened to pass by the field, and were attracted by its cries. Athene +pityingly took up the infant in her arms, and prevailed upon the queen of +heaven to put it to her breast; but no sooner had she done so, than the +child, causing her pain, she angrily threw him to the ground, and left the +spot. Athene, moved with compassion, carried him to Alcmene, and entreated +her kind offices on behalf of the poor little foundling. Alcmene at once +recognized her child, and joyfully accepted the charge. + +Soon afterwards Hera, to her extreme annoyance, discovered whom she had +nursed, and became filled with jealous rage. She now sent two venomous +snakes into the chamber of Alcmene, which crept, unperceived by the nurses, +to the cradle of the sleeping child. He awoke with a cry, and grasping a +snake in each hand, strangled them both. Alcmene and her attendants, whom +the cry of the child had awakened, rushed to the cradle, where, to their +astonishment and terror, they beheld the two reptiles dead in the hands of +the infant Heracles. Amphitryon was also attracted to the chamber by the +{235} commotion, and when he beheld this astounding proof of supernatural +strength, he declared that the child must have been sent to him as a +special gift from Zeus. He accordingly consulted the famous seer Tiresias, +who now informed him of the divine origin of his stepson, and +prognosticated for him a great and distinguished future. + +When Amphitryon heard the noble destiny which awaited the child intrusted +to his care, he resolved to educate him in a manner worthy of his future +career. At a suitable age he himself taught him how to guide a chariot; +Eurytus, how to handle the bow; Autolycus, dexterity in wrestling and +boxing; and Castor, the art of armed warfare; whilst Linus, the son of +Apollo, instructed him in music and letters. + +Heracles was an apt pupil; but undue harshness was intolerable to his high +spirit, and old Linus, who was not the gentlest of teachers, one day +corrected him with blows, whereupon the boy angrily took up his lyre, and, +with one stroke of his powerful arm, killed his tutor on the spot. + +Apprehensive lest the ungovernable temper of the youth might again involve +him in similar acts of violence, Amphitryon sent him into the country, +where he placed him under the charge of one of his most trusted herdsmen. +Here, as he grew up to manhood, his extraordinary stature and strength +became the wonder and admiration of all beholders. His aim, whether with +spear, lance, or bow, was unerring, and at the age of eighteen he was +considered to be the strongest as well as the most beautiful youth in all +Greece. + +THE CHOICE OF HERACLES.--Heracles felt that the time had now arrived when +it became necessary to decide for himself how to make use of the +extraordinary powers with which he had been endowed by the gods; and in +order to meditate in solitude on this all-important subject, he repaired to +a lonely and secluded spot in the heart of the forest. + +Here two females of great beauty appeared to him. {236} One was Vice, the +other Virtue. The former was full of artificial wiles and fascinating arts, +her face painted and her dress gaudy and attractive; whilst the latter was +of noble bearing and modest mien, her robes of spotless purity. + +Vice stepped forward and thus addressed him: "If you will walk in my paths, +and make me your friend, your life shall be one round of pleasure and +enjoyment. You shall taste of every delight which can be procured on earth; +the choicest viands, the most delicious wines, the most luxuriant of +couches shall be ever at your disposal; and all this without any exertion +on your part, either physical or mental." + +Virtue now spoke in her turn: "If you will follow me and be my friend, I +promise you the reward of a good conscience, and the love and respect of +your fellowmen. I cannot undertake to smooth your path with roses, or to +give you a life of idleness and pleasure; for you must know that the gods +grant no good and desirable thing that is not earned by labour; and as you +sow, so must you reap." + +Heracles listened patiently and attentively to both speakers, and then, +after mature deliberation, decided to follow in the paths of virtue, and +henceforth to honour the gods, and to devote his life to the service of his +country. + +Full of these noble resolves he sought once more his rural home, where he +was informed that on Mount Cithæron, at the foot of which the herds of +Amphitryon were grazing, a ferocious lion had fixed his lair, and was +committing such frightful ravages among the flocks and herds that he had +become the scourge and terror of the whole neighbourhood. Heracles at once +armed himself and ascended the mountain, where he soon caught sight of the +lion, and rushing at him with his sword succeeded in killing him. The hide +of the animal he wore ever afterwards over his shoulders, and the head +served him as a helmet. + +As he was returning from this, his first exploit, he met {237} the heralds +of Erginus, king of the Minyans, who were proceeding to Thebes to demand +their annual tribute of 100 oxen. Indignant at this humiliation of his +native city, Heracles mutilated the heralds, and sent them back, with ropes +round their necks, to their royal master. + +Erginus was so incensed at the ill-treatment of his messengers that he +collected an army and appeared before the gates of Thebes, demanding the +surrender of Heracles. Creon, who was at this time king of Thebes, fearing +the consequences of a refusal, was about to yield, when the hero, with the +assistance of Amphitryon and a band of brave youths, advanced against the +Minyans. + +Heracles took possession of a narrow defile through which the enemy were +compelled to pass, and as they entered the pass the Thebans fell upon them, +killed their king Erginus, and completely routed them. In this engagement +Amphitryon, the kind friend and foster-father of Heracles, lost his life. +The hero now advanced upon Orchomenus, the capital of the Minyans, where he +burned the royal castle and sacked the town. + +After this signal victory all Greece rang with the fame of the young hero, +and Creon, in gratitude for his great services, bestowed upon him his +daughter Megara in marriage. The Olympian gods testified their appreciation +of his valour by sending him presents; Hermes gave him a sword, +Phoebus-Apollo a bundle of arrows, Hephæstus a golden quiver, and Athene a +coat of leather. + +HERACLES AND EURYSTHEUS.--And now it will be necessary to retrace our +steps. Just before the birth of Heracles, Zeus, in an assembly of the gods, +exultingly declared that the child who should be born on that day to the +house of Perseus should rule over all his race. When Hera heard her lord's +boastful announcement she knew well that it was for the child of the hated +Alcmene that this brilliant destiny was designed; and in order to rob the +son of her rival of his rights, she called to her aid the goddess +Eilithyia, who retarded the birth of {238} Heracles, and caused his cousin +Eurystheus (another grandson of Perseus) to precede him into the world. And +thus, as the word of the mighty Zeus was irrevocable, Heracles became the +subject and servant of his cousin Eurystheus. + +When, after his splendid victory over Erginus, the fame of Heracles spread +throughout Greece, Eurystheus (who had become king of Mycenæ), jealous of +the reputation of the young hero, asserted his rights, and commanded him to +undertake for him various difficult tasks. But the proud spirit of the hero +rebelled against this humiliation, and he was about to refuse compliance, +when Zeus appeared to him and desired him not to rebel against the Fates. +Heracles now repaired to Delphi in order to consult the oracle, and +received the answer that after performing ten tasks for his cousin +Eurystheus his servitude would be at an end. + +Soon afterwards Heracles fell into a state of the deepest melancholy, and +through the influence of his inveterate enemy, the goddess Hera, this +despondency developed into raving madness, in which condition he killed his +own children. When he at length regained his reason he was so horrified and +grieved at what he had done, that he shut himself up in his chamber and +avoided all intercourse with men. But in his loneliness and seclusion the +conviction that work would be the best means of procuring oblivion of the +past decided him to enter, without delay, upon the tasks appointed him by +Eurystheus. + +1. THE NEMEAN LION.--His first task was to bring to Eurystheus the skin of +the much-dreaded Nemean lion, which ravaged the territory between Cleone +and Nemea, and whose hide was invulnerable against any mortal weapon. + +Heracles proceeded to the forest of Nemea, where, having discovered the +lion's lair, he attempted to pierce him with his arrows; but finding these +of no avail he felled him to the ground with his club, and before the +animal had time to recover from the terrible blow, {239} Heracles seized +him by the neck and, with a mighty effort, succeeded in strangling him. He +then made himself a coat of mail of the skin, and a new helmet of the head +of the animal. Thus attired, he so alarmed Eurystheus by appearing suddenly +before him, that the king concealed himself in his palace, and henceforth +forbade Heracles to enter his presence, but commanded him to receive his +behests, for the future, through his messenger Copreus. + +2. THE HYDRA.--His second task was to slay the Hydra, a monster serpent +(the offspring of Typhon and Echidna), bristling with nine heads, one of +which was immortal. This monster infested the neighbourhood of Lerna, where +she committed great depredations among the herds. + +[Illustration] + +Heracles, accompanied by his nephew Iolaus, set out in a chariot for the +marsh of Lerna, in the slimy waters of which he found her. He commenced the +attack by assailing her with his fierce arrows, in order to force her to +leave her lair, from which she at length emerged, and sought refuge in a +wood on a neighbouring hill. Heracles now rushed forward and endeavoured to +crush her heads by means of well-directed blows from his tremendous club; +but no sooner was one head destroyed than it was immediately replaced by +two others. He next seized the monster in his powerful grasp; but at this +juncture a giant crab came to the assistance of the Hydra and commenced +biting the feet of her assailant. Heracles destroyed this new adversary +with his club, and now called upon his nephew to come to his aid. At his +command Iolaus set fire to the neighbouring trees, {240} and, with a +burning branch, seared the necks of the monster as Heracles cut them off, +thus effectually preventing the growth of more. Heracles next struck off +the immortal head, which he buried by the road-side, and placed over it a +heavy stone. Into the poisonous blood of the monster he then dipped his +arrows, which ever afterwards rendered wounds inflicted by them incurable. + +3. THE HORNED HIND.--The third labour of Heracles was to bring the horned +hind Cerunitis alive to Mycenæ. This animal, which was sacred to Artemis, +had golden antlers and hoofs of brass. + +Not wishing to wound the hind Heracles patiently pursued her through many +countries for a whole year, and overtook her at last on the banks of the +river Ladon; but even there he was compelled, in order to secure her, to +wound her with one of his arrows, after which he lifted her on his +shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On his way he met Artemis with +her brother Phoebus-Apollo, when the goddess angrily reproved him for +wounding her favourite hind; but Heracles succeeded in appeasing her +displeasure, whereupon she permitted him to take the animal alive to +Mycenæ. + +[Illustration] + +4. THE ERYMANTIAN BOAR.--The fourth task imposed upon Heracles by +Eurystheus was to bring alive to Mycenæ the Erymantian boar, which had laid +waste the region of Erymantia, and was the scourge of the surrounding +neighbourhood. + +On his way thither he craved food and shelter of a Centaur named Pholus, +who received him with generous hospitality, setting before him a good and +plentiful repast. When Heracles expressed his surprise that at such a +well-furnished board {241} wine should be wanting, his host explained that +the wine-cellar was the common property of all the Centaurs, and that it +was against the rules for a cask to be broached, except all were present to +partake of it. By dint of persuasion, however, Heracles prevailed on his +kind host to make an exception in his favour; but the powerful, luscious +odour of the good old wine soon spread over the mountains, and brought +large numbers of Centaurs to the spot, all armed with huge rocks and +fir-trees. Heracles drove them back with fire-brands, and then, following +up his victory, pursued them with his arrows as far as Malea, where they +took refuge in the cave of the kind old Centaur Chiron. Unfortunately, +however, as Heracles was shooting at them with his poisoned darts, one of +these pierced the knee of Chiron. When Heracles discovered that it was the +friend of his early days that he had wounded, he was overcome with sorrow +and regret. He at once extracted the arrow, and anointed the wound with a +salve, the virtue of which had been taught him by Chiron himself. But all +his efforts were unavailing. The wound, imbued with the deadly poison of +the Hydra, was incurable, and so great was the agony of Chiron that, at the +intercession of Heracles, death was sent him by the gods; for otherwise, +being immortal, he would have been doomed to endless suffering. + +Pholus, who had so kindly entertained Heracles, also perished by means of +one of these arrows, which he had extracted from the body of a dead +Centaur. While he was quietly examining it, astonished that so small and +insignificant an object should be productive of such serious results, the +arrow fell upon his foot and fatally wounded him. Full of grief at this +untoward event, Heracles buried him with due honours, and then set out to +chase the boar. + +With loud shouts and terrible cries he first drove him out of the thickets +into the deep snow-drifts which covered the summit of the mountain, and +then, having at length wearied him with his incessant pursuit, he captured +the exhausted animal, bound him with a rope, and brought him alive to +Mycenæ. + +{242} + +5. CLEANSING THE STABLES OF AUGEAS.--After slaying the Erymantian boar +Eurystheus commanded Heracles to cleanse in one day the stables of Augeas. + +Augeas was a king of Elis who was very rich in herds. Three thousand of his +cattle he kept near the royal palace in an inclosure where the refuse had +accumulated for many years. When Heracles presented himself before the +king, and offered to cleanse his stables in one day, provided he should +receive in return a tenth part of the herds, Augeas, thinking the feat +impossible, accepted his offer in the presence of his son Phyleus. + +Near the palace were the two rivers Peneus and Alpheus, the streams of +which Heracles conducted into the stables by means of a trench which he dug +for this purpose, and as the waters rushed through the shed, they swept +away with them the whole mass of accumulated filth. + +But when Augeas heard that this was one of the labours imposed by +Eurystheus, he refused the promised guerdon. Heracles brought the matter +before a court, and called Phyleus as a witness to the justice of his +claim, whereupon Augeas, without waiting for the delivery of the verdict, +angrily banished Heracles and his son from his dominions. + +6. THE STYMPHALIDES.--The sixth task was to chase away the Stymphalides, +which were immense birds of prey who, as we have seen (in the legend of the +Argonauts), shot from their wings feathers sharp as arrows. The home of +these birds was on the shore of the lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia (after +which they were called), where they caused great destruction among men and +cattle. + +On approaching the lake, Heracles observed great numbers of them; and, +while hesitating how to commence the attack, he suddenly felt a hand on his +shoulder. Looking round he beheld the majestic form of Pallas-Athene, who +held in her hand a gigantic pair of brazen clappers made by Hephæstus, with +which she {243} presented him; whereupon he ascended to the summit of a +neighbouring hill, and commenced to rattle them violently. The shrill noise +of these instruments was so intolerable to the birds that they rose into +the air in terror, upon which he aimed at them with his arrows, destroying +them in great numbers, whilst such as escaped his darts flew away, never to +return. + +7. THE CRETAN BULL.--The seventh labour of Heracles was to capture the +Cretan bull. + +Minos, king of Crete, having vowed to sacrifice to Poseidon any animal +which should first appear out of the sea, the god caused a magnificent bull +to emerge from the waves in order to test the sincerity of the Cretan king, +who, in making this vow, had alleged that he possessed no animal, among his +own herds, worthy the acceptance of the mighty sea-god. Charmed with the +splendid animal sent by Poseidon, and eager to possess it, Minos placed it +among his herds, and substituted as a sacrifice one of his own bulls. +Hereupon Poseidon, in order to punish the cupidity of Minos, caused the +animal to become mad, and commit such great havoc in the island as to +endanger the safety of the inhabitants. When Heracles, therefore, arrived +in Crete for the purpose of capturing the bull, Minos, far from opposing +his design, gladly gave him permission to do so. + +The hero not only succeeded in securing the animal, but tamed him so +effectually that he rode on his back right across the sea as far as the +Peloponnesus. He now delivered him up to Eurystheus, who at once set him at +liberty, after which he became as ferocious and wild as before, roamed all +over Greece into Arcadia, and was eventually killed by Theseus on the +plains of Marathon. + +8. THE MARES OF DIOMEDES.--The eighth labour of Heracles was to bring to +Eurystheus the mares of Diomedes, a son of Ares, and king of the +Bistonians, a warlike Thracian tribe. This king possessed a breed of wild +horses of tremendous size and strength, whose food consisted of human +flesh, and all strangers who had the {244} misfortune to enter the country +were made prisoners and flung before the horses, who devoured them. + +When Heracles arrived he first captured the cruel Diomedes himself, and +then threw him before his own mares, who, after devouring their master, +became perfectly tame and tractable. They were then led by Heracles to the +sea-shore, when the Bistonians, enraged at the loss of their king, rushed +after the hero and attacked him. He now gave the animals in charge of his +friend Abderus, and made such a furious onslaught on his assailants that +they turned and fled. + +But on his return from this encounter he found, to his great grief, that +the mares had torn his friend in pieces and devoured him. After celebrating +due funereal rites to the unfortunate Abderus, Heracles built a city in his +honour, which he named after him. He then returned to Tiryns, where he +delivered up the mares to Eurystheus, who set them loose on Mount Olympus, +where they became the prey of wild beasts. + +It was after the performance of this task that Heracles joined the +Argonauts in their expedition to gain possession of the Golden Fleece, and +was left behind at Chios, as already narrated. During his wanderings he +undertook his ninth labour, which was to bring to Eurystheus the girdle of +Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons. + +9. THE GIRDLE OF HIPPOLYTE.--The Amazons, who dwelt on the shores of the +Black Sea, near the river Thermodon, were a nation of warlike women, +renowned for their strength, courage, and great skill in horsemanship. +Their queen, Hippolyte, had received from her father, Ares, a beautiful +girdle, which she always wore as a sign of her royal power and authority, +and it was this girdle which Heracles was required to place in the hands of +Eurystheus, who designed it as a gift for his daughter Admete. + +Foreseeing that this would be a task of no ordinary difficulty the hero +called to his aid a select band of brave companions, with whom he embarked +for the Amazonian {245} town Themiscyra. Here they were met by queen +Hippolyte, who was so impressed by the extraordinary stature and noble +bearing of Heracles that, on learning his errand, she at once consented to +present him with the coveted girdle. But Hera, his implacable enemy, +assuming the form of an Amazon, spread the report in the town that a +stranger was about to carry off their queen. The Amazons at once flew to +arms and mounted their horses, whereupon a battle ensued, in which many of +their bravest warriors were killed or wounded. Among the latter was their +most skilful leader, Melanippe, whom Heracles afterwards restored to +Hippolyte, receiving the girdle in exchange. + +On his voyage home the hero stopped at Troy, where a new adventure awaited +him. + +During the time that Apollo and Poseidon were condemned by Zeus to a +temporary servitude on earth, they built for king Laomedon the famous walls +of Troy, afterwards so renowned in history; but when their work was +completed the king treacherously refused to give them the reward due to +them. The incensed deities now combined to punish the offender. Apollo sent +a pestilence which decimated the people, and Poseidon a flood, which bore +with it a marine monster, who swallowed in his huge jaws all that came +within his reach. + +In his distress Laomedon consulted an oracle, and was informed that only by +the sacrifice of his own daughter Hesione could the anger of the gods be +appeased. Yielding at length to the urgent appeals of his people he +consented to make the sacrifice, and on the arrival of Heracles the maiden +was already chained to a rock in readiness to be devoured by the monster. + +When Laomedon beheld the renowned hero, whose marvellous feats of strength +and courage had become the wonder and admiration of all mankind, he +earnestly implored him to save his daughter from her impending fate, and to +rid the country of the monster, holding out to him as a reward the horses +which Zeus had presented to {246} his grandfather Tros in compensation for +robbing him of his son Ganymede. + +Heracles unhesitatingly accepted the offer, and when the monster appeared, +opening his terrible jaws to receive his prey, the hero, sword in hand, +attacked and slew him. But the perfidious monarch once more broke faith, +and Heracles, vowing future vengeance, departed for Mycenæ, where he +presented the girdle to Eurystheus. + +10. THE OXEN OF GERYONES.--The tenth labour of Heracles was the capture of +the magnificent oxen belonging to the giant Geryon or Geryones, who dwelt +on the island of Erythia in the bay of Gadria (Cadiz). This giant, who was +the son of Chrysaor, had three bodies with three heads, six hands, and six +feet. He possessed a herd of splendid cattle, which were famous for their +size, beauty, and rich red colour. They were guarded by another giant named +Eurytion, and a two-headed dog called Orthrus, the offspring of Typhon and +Echidna. + +In choosing for him a task so replete with danger, Eurystheus was in hopes +that he might rid himself for ever of his hated cousin. But the indomitable +courage of the hero rose with the prospect of this difficult and dangerous +undertaking. + +After a long and wearisome journey he at last arrived at the western coast +of Africa, where, as a monument of his perilous expedition, he erected the +famous "Pillars of Hercules," one of which he placed on each side of the +Straits of Gibraltar. Here he found the intense heat so insufferable that +he angrily raised his bow towards heaven, and threatened to shoot the +sun-god. But Helios, far from being incensed at his audacity, was so struck +with admiration at his daring that he lent to him the golden boat with +which he accomplished his nocturnal transit from West to East, and thus +Heracles crossed over safely to the island of Erythia. + +No sooner had he landed than Eurytion, accompanied by his savage dog +Orthrus, fiercely attacked him; but Heracles, with a superhuman effort, +slew the dog and {247} then his master. Hereupon he collected the herd, and +was proceeding to the sea-shore when Geryones himself met him, and a +desperate encounter took place, in which the giant perished. + +Heracles then drove the cattle into the sea, and seizing one of the oxen by +the horns, swam with them over to the opposite coast of Iberia (Spain). +Then driving his magnificent prize before him through Gaul, Italy, Illyria, +and Thrace, he at length arrived, after many perilous adventures and +hair-breadth escapes, at Mycenæ, where he delivered them up to Eurystheus, +who sacrificed them to Hera. + +Heracles had now executed his ten tasks, which had been accomplished in the +space of eight years; but Eurystheus refused to include the slaying of the +Hydra and the cleansing of the stables of Augeas among the number, alleging +as a reason that the one had been performed by the assistance of Iolaus, +and that the other had been executed for hire. He therefore insisted on +Heracles substituting two more labours in their place. + +11. THE APPLES OF THE HESPERIDES.--The eleventh task imposed by Eurystheus +was to bring him the golden apples of the Hesperides, which grew on a tree +presented by Gæa to Hera, on the occasion of her marriage with Zeus. This +sacred tree was guarded by four maidens, daughters of Night, called the +Hesperides, who were assisted in their task by a terrible hundred-headed +dragon. This dragon never slept, and out of its hundred throats came a +constant hissing sound, which effectually warned off all intruders. But +what rendered the undertaking still more difficult was the complete +ignorance of the hero as to the locality of the garden, and he was forced, +in consequence, to make many fruitless journeys and to undergo many trials +before he could find it. + +He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river Echedorus, +where he met the giant Cycnus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who challenged +him to single combat. In this encounter Heracles completely vanquished +{248} his opponent, who was killed in the contest; but now a mightier +adversary appeared on the scene, for the war-god himself came to avenge his +son. A terrible struggle ensued, which had lasted some time, when Zeus +interfered between the brothers, and put an end to the strife by hurling a +thunderbolt between them. Heracles proceeded on his journey, and reached +the banks of the river Eridanus, where dwelt the Nymphs, daughters of Zeus +and Themis. On seeking advice from them as to his route, they directed him +to the old sea-god Nereus, who alone knew the way to the Garden of the +Hesperides. Heracles found him asleep, and seizing the opportunity, held +him so firmly in his powerful grasp that he could not possibly escape, so +that notwithstanding his various metamorphoses he was at last compelled to +give the information required. The hero then crossed over to Libya, where +he engaged in a wrestling-match with king Anteos, son of Poseidon and Gæa, +which terminated fatally for his antagonist. + +From thence he proceeded to Egypt, where reigned Busiris, another son of +Poseidon, who (acting on the advice given by an oracle during a time of +great scarcity) sacrificed all strangers to Zeus. When Heracles arrived he +was seized and dragged to the altar; but the powerful demi-god burst +asunder his bonds, and then slew Busiris and his son. + +Resuming his journey he now wandered on through Arabia until he arrived at +Mount Caucasus, where Prometheus groaned in unceasing agony. It was at this +time that Heracles (as already related) shot the eagle which had so long +tortured the noble and devoted friend of mankind. Full of gratitude for his +deliverance, Prometheus instructed him how to find his way to that remote +region in the far West where Atlas supported the heavens on his shoulders, +near which lay the Garden of the Hesperides. He also warned Heracles not to +attempt to secure the precious fruit himself, but to assume for a time the +duties of Atlas, and to despatch him for the apples. {249} + +On arriving at his destination Heracles followed the advice of Prometheus. +Atlas, who willingly entered into the arrangement, contrived to put the +dragon to sleep, and then, having cunningly outwitted the Hesperides, +carried off three of the golden apples, which he now brought to Heracles. +But when the latter was prepared to relinquish his burden, Atlas, having +once tasted the delights of freedom, declined to resume his post, and +announced his intention of being himself the bearer of the apples to +Eurystheus, leaving Heracles to fill his place. To this proposal the hero +feigned assent, merely begging that Atlas would be kind enough to support +the heavens for a few moments whilst he contrived a pad for his head. Atlas +good-naturedly threw down the apples and once more resumed his load, upon +which Heracles bade him adieu, and departed. + +When Heracles conveyed the golden apples to Eurystheus the latter presented +them to the hero, whereupon Heracles placed the sacred fruit on the altar +of Pallas-Athene, who restored them to the garden of the Hesperides. + +12. CERBERUS.--The twelfth and last labour which Eurystheus imposed on +Heracles was to bring up Cerberus from the lower world, believing that all +his heroic powers would be unavailing in the Realm of Shades, and that in +this, his last and most perilous undertaking, the hero must at length +succumb and perish. + +[Illustration] + +Cerberus was a monster dog with three heads, out of whose awful jaws +dripped poison; the hair of his head and back was formed of venomous +snakes, and his body terminated in the tail of a dragon. + +After being initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries, and {250} obtaining +from the priests certain information necessary for the accomplishment of +his task, Heracles set out for Tænarum in Lacolia, where there was an +opening which led to the under-world. Conducted by Hermes, he commenced his +descent into the awful gulf, where myriads of shades soon began to appear, +all of whom fled in terror at his approach, Meleager and Medusa alone +excepted. About to strike the latter with his sword, Hermes interfered and +stayed his hand, reminding him that she was but a shadow, and that +consequently no weapon could avail against her. + +Arrived before the gates of Hades he found Theseus and Pirithöus, who had +been fixed to an enchanted rock by Aïdes for their presumption in +endeavouring to carry off Persephone. When they saw Heracles they implored +him to set them free. The hero succeeded in delivering Theseus, but when he +endeavoured to liberate Pirithöus, the earth shook so violently beneath him +that he was compelled to relinquish his task. + +Proceeding further Heracles recognized Ascalaphus, who, as we have seen in +the history of Demeter, had revealed the fact that Persephone had swallowed +the seeds of a pomegranate offered to her by her husband, which bound her +to Aïdes for ever. Ascalaphus was groaning beneath a huge rock which +Demeter in her anger had hurled upon him, and which Heracles now removed, +releasing the sufferer. + +Before the gates of his palace stood Aïdes the mighty ruler of the lower +world, and barred his entrance; but Heracles, aiming at him with one of his +unerring darts, shot him in the shoulder, so that for the first time the +god experienced the agony of mortal suffering. Heracles then demanded of +him permission to take Cerberus to the upper-world, and to this Aïdes +consented on condition that he should secure him unarmed. Protected by his +breastplate and lion's skin Heracles went in search of the monster, whom he +found at the mouth of the river Acheron. Undismayed by the hideous barking +which proceeded from his three heads, he seized the {251} throat with one +hand and the legs with the other, and although the dragon which served him +as a tail bit him severely, he did not relinquish his grasp. In this manner +he conducted him to the upper-world, through an opening near Troezen in +Argolia. + +When Eurystheus beheld Cerberus he stood aghast, and despairing of ever +getting rid of his hated rival, he returned the hell-hound to the hero, who +restored him to Aïdes, and with this last task the subjection of Heracles +to Eurystheus terminated. + +MURDER OF IPHITUS.--Free at last Heracles now returned to Thebes; and it +being impossible for him to live happily with Megara in consequence of his +having murdered her children he, with her own consent, gave her in marriage +to his nephew Iolaus. Heracles himself sought the hand of Iole, daughter of +Eurytus, king of Oechalia, who had instructed him when a boy in the use of +the bow. Hearing that this king had promised to give his daughter to him +who could surpass himself and his three sons in shooting with the bow, +Heracles lost no time in presenting himself as a competitor. He soon proved +that he was no unworthy pupil of Eurytus, for he signally defeated all his +opponents. But although the king treated him with marked respect and honour +he refused, nevertheless, to give him the hand of his daughter, fearing for +her a similar fate to that which had befallen Megara. Iphitus, the eldest +son of Eurytus, alone espoused the cause of Heracles, and essayed to induce +his father to give his consent to the marriage; but all to no purpose, and +at length, stung to the quick at his rejection, the hero angrily took his +departure. + +Soon afterwards the oxen of the king were stolen by the notorious thief +Autolycus, and Heracles was suspected by Eurytus of having committed the +theft. But Iphitus loyally defended his absent friend, and proposed to seek +out Heracles, and with his assistance to go in search of the missing +cattle. {252} + +The hero warmly welcomed his staunch young friend, and entered cordially +into his plan. They at once set out on their expedition; but their search +proved altogether unsuccessful. When they approached the city of Tiryns +they mounted a tower in hopes of discovering the missing herd in the +surrounding country; but as they stood on the topmost summit of the +building, Heracles became suddenly seized with one of his former attacks of +madness, and mistaking his friend Iphitus for an enemy, hurled him down +into the plain below, and he was killed on the spot. + +Heracles now set forth on a weary pilgrimage, begging in vain that some one +would purify him from the murder of Iphitus. It was during these wanderings +that he arrived at the palace of his friend Admetus, whose beautiful and +heroic wife (Alcestes) he restored to her husband after a terrible struggle +with Death, as already related. + +Soon after this event Heracles was struck with a fearful disease, and +betook himself to the temple of Delphi, hoping to obtain from the oracle +the means of relief. The priestess, however, refused him a response on the +ground of his having murdered Iphitus, whereupon the angry hero seized upon +the tripod, which he carried off, declaring that he would construct an +oracle for himself. Apollo, who witnessed the sacrilege, came down to +defend his sanctuary, and a violent struggle ensued. Zeus once more +interfered, and, flashing his lightnings between his two favourite sons, +ended the combat. The Pythia now vouchsafed an answer to the prayer of the +hero, and commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to allow himself to be +sold by Hermes for three years as a slave, the purchase-money to be given +to Eurytus in compensation for the loss of his son. + +HERACLES BECOMES THE SLAVE OF OMPHALE.--Heracles bowed in submission to the +divine will, and was conducted by Hermes to Omphale, queen of Lydia. The +three talents which she paid for him were given {253} to Eurytus, who, +however, declined to accept the money, which was handed over to the +children of Iphitus. + +Heracles now regained his former vigour. He rid the territory of Omphale of +the robbers which infested it and performed for her various other services +requiring strength and courage. It was about this time that he took part in +the Calydonian boar-hunt, details of which have already been given. + +When Omphale learned that her slave was none other than the renowned +Heracles himself she at once gave him his liberty, and offered him her hand +and kingdom. In her palace Heracles abandoned himself to all the enervating +luxuries of an oriental life, and so completely was the great hero +enthralled by the fascination which his mistress exercised over him, that +whilst she playfully donned his lion's skin and helmet, he, attired in +female garments, sat at her feet spinning wool, and beguiling the time by +the relation of his past adventures. + +But when at length, his term of bondage having expired, he became master of +his own actions, the manly and energetic spirit of the hero reasserted +itself, and tearing himself away from the palace of the Mæonian queen, he +determined to carry out the revenge he had so long meditated against the +treacherous Laomedon and the faithless Augeas. + +HERACLES EXECUTES VENGEANCE ON LAOMEDON AND AUGEAS.--Gathering round him +some of his old brave companions-in-arms, Heracles collected a fleet of +vessels and set sail for Troy, where he landed, took the city by storm, and +killed Laomedon, who thus met at length the retribution he had so richly +deserved. + +To Telamon, one of his bravest followers, he gave Hesione, the daughter of +the king, in marriage. When Heracles gave her permission to release one of +the prisoners of war she chose her own brother Podarces, whereupon she was +informed that as he was already a prisoner of war she would be compelled to +ransom him. {254} On hearing this Hesione took off her golden diadem, which +she joyfully handed to the hero. Owing to this circumstance Podarces +henceforth bore the name of Priamus (or Priam), which signifies the +"ransomed one." + +Heracles now marched against Augeas to execute his vengeance on him also +for his perfidious conduct. He stormed the city of Elis and put to death +Augeas and his sons, sparing only his brave advocate and staunch defender +Phyleus, on whom he bestowed the vacant throne of his father. + +HERACLES AND DEIANEIRA.--Heracles now proceeded to Calydon, where he wooed +the beautiful Deianeira, daughter of Oeneus, king of Ætolia; but he +encountered a formidable rival in Achelous, the river-god, and it was +agreed that their claims should be decided by single combat. Trusting to +his power of assuming various forms at will, Achelous felt confident of +success; but this availed him nothing, for having at last transformed +himself into a bull, his mighty adversary broke off one of his horns, and +compelled him to acknowledge himself defeated. + +After passing three happy years with Deianeira an unfortunate accident +occurred, which for a time marred their felicity. Heracles was one day +present at a banquet given by Oeneus, when, by a sudden swing of his hand, +he had the misfortune to strike on the head a youth of noble birth, who, +according to the custom of the ancients, was serving the guests at table, +and so violent was the blow that it caused his death. The father of the +unfortunate youth, who had witnessed the occurrence, saw that it was the +result of accident, and therefore absolved the hero from blame. But +Heracles resolved to act according to the law of the land, banished himself +from the country, and bidding farewell to his father-in-law, set out for +Trachin to visit his friend King Ceyx, taking with him his wife Deianeira, +and his young son Hyllus. + +In the course of their journey they arrived at the river Evenus, over which +the Centaur Nessus was in the habit {255} of carrying travellers for hire. +Heracles, with his little son in his arms, forded the stream unaided, +intrusting his wife to the care of the Centaur, who, charmed with the +beauty of his fair burden, attempted to carry her off. But her cries were +heard by her husband, who without hesitation shot Nessus through the heart +with one of his poisoned arrows. Now the dying Centaur was thirsting for +revenge. He called Deianeira to his side, and directed her to secure some +of the blood which flowed from his wound, assuring her that if, when in +danger of losing her husband's affection, she used it in the manner +indicated by him, it would act as a charm, and prevent her from being +supplanted by a rival. Heracles and Deianeira now pursued their journey, +and after several adventures at length arrived at their destination. + +DEATH OF HERACLES.--The last expedition undertaken by the great hero was +against Eurytus, king of Oechalia, to revenge himself upon this king and +his sons for having refused to bestow upon him the hand of Iole, after +having fairly won the maiden. Having collected a large army Heracles set +out for Euboea in order to besiege Oechalia, its capital. Success crowned +his arms. He stormed the citadel, slew the king and his three sons, reduced +the town to ashes, and carried away captive the young and beautiful Iole. + +Returning from his victorious expedition, Heracles halted at Cenoeus in +order to offer a sacrifice to Zeus, and sent to Deianeira to Trachin for a +sacrificial robe. Deianeira having been informed that the fair Iole was in +the train of Heracles was fearful lest her youthful charms might supplant +her in the affection of her husband, and calling to mind the advice of the +dying Centaur, she determined to test the efficacy of the love-charm which +he had given to her. Taking out the phial which she had carefully +preserved, she imbued the robe with a portion of the liquid which it +contained, and then sent it to Heracles. + +The victorious hero clothed himself with the garment, {256} and was about +to perform the sacrifice, when the hot flames rising from the altar heated +the poison with which it was imbued, and soon every fibre of his body was +penetrated by the deadly venom. The unfortunate hero, suffering the most +fearful tortures, endeavoured to tear off the robe, but it adhered so +closely to the skin that all his efforts to remove it only increased his +agonies. + +In this pitiable condition he was conveyed to Trachin, where Deianeira, on +beholding the terrible suffering of which she was the innocent cause, was +overcome with grief and remorse, and hanged herself in despair. The dying +hero called his son Hyllus to his side, and desired him to make Iole his +wife, and then ordering his followers to erect a funeral pyre, he mounted +it and implored the by-standers to set fire to it, and thus in mercy to +terminate his insufferable torments. But no one had the courage to obey +him, until at last his friend and companion Philoctetes, yielding to his +piteous appeal, lighted the pile, and received in return the bow and arrows +of the hero. + +Soon flames on flames ascended, and amidst vivid flashes of lightning, +accompanied by awful peals of thunder, Pallas-Athene descended in a cloud, +and bore her favourite hero in a chariot to Olympus. + +Heracles became admitted among the immortals; and Hera, in token of her +reconciliation, bestowed upon him the hand of her beautiful daughter Hebe, +the goddess of eternal youth. + +BELLEROPHON. + +Bellerophon, or Bellerophontes, was the son of Glaucus, king of Corinth, +and grandson of Sisyphus. In consequence of an unpremeditated murder +Bellerophon fled to Tiryns, where he was kindly received by King Proetus, +who purified him from his crime. Antea, the wife of Proetus, was so charmed +with the comely youth that she fell in love with him; but Bellerophon did +not return her affection, and she, in revenge, slandered him to the king by +a gross misrepresentation of the facts. {257} + +The first impulse of Proetus, when informed of the conduct of Bellerophon, +was to kill him; but the youth, with his gentle and winning manners, had so +endeared himself to his host that he felt it impossible to take his life +with his own hands. He therefore sent him to his father-in-law, Iobates, +king of Lycia, with a kind of letter or tablet which contained mysterious +signs, indicating his desire that the bearer of the missive should be put +to death. But the gods watched over the true and loyal youth, and inclined +the heart of Iobates, who was an amiable prince, towards his guest. Judging +by his appearance that he was of noble birth, he entertained him, according +to the hospitable custom of the Greeks, in the most princely manner for +nine days, and not until the morning of the tenth did he inquire his name +and errand. + +Bellerophon now presented to him the letter intrusted to him by Proetus. +Iobates, who had become greatly attached to the youth, was horror-struck at +its contents. Nevertheless he concluded that Proetus must have good reasons +for his conduct, and that probably Bellerophon had committed a crime which +deserved death. But as he could not make up his mind to murder the guest he +had grown to esteem, he decided to despatch him upon dangerous enterprises, +in which he would in all probability lose his life. + +[Illustration] + +He first sent him to kill the Chimæra, a monster which was at this time +devastating the country. The fore part of its body was that of a lion, the +centre of a goat, and the hind part of a dragon; whilst out of its jaws +issued flames of fire. + +Before starting on this difficult task Bellerophon invoked the protection +of the gods, and in answer to his prayer they despatched to his aid the +immortal-winged horse Pegasus, the offspring of Poseidon and Medusa. But +the divine animal would not suffer himself to be {258} caught, and at last, +worn out with his fruitless exertions, Bellerophon fell into a deep sleep +beside the sacred spring Pirene. Here Pallas-Athene appeared to him in a +dream, and presented him with a magic bridle for the purpose of capturing +the divine steed. On awaking Bellerophon instinctively put out his hand to +grasp it, when, to his amazement, there lay beside him the bridle of his +dream, whilst Pegasus was quietly drinking at the fountain close by. +Seizing him by the mane Bellerophon threw the bridle over his head, and +succeeded in mounting him without further difficulty; then rising with him +into the air he slew the Chimæra with his arrows. + +[Illustration] + +Iobates next sent him on an expedition against the Solymans, a fierce +neighbouring tribe with whom he was at enmity. Bellerophon succeeded in +vanquishing them, and was then despatched against the much-dreaded Amazons; +but greatly to the astonishment of Iobates the hero again returned +victorious. + +Finally, Iobates placed a number of the bravest Lycians in ambush for the +purpose of destroying him, but not one returned alive, for Bellerophon +bravely defended himself and slew them all. Convinced at length that +Bellerophon, far from deserving death, was the special favourite of the +gods, who had evidently protected him throughout his perilous exploits, the +king now ceased his persecutions. + +Iobates admitted him to a share in the government, and gave him his +daughter in marriage. But Bellerophon having attained the summit of earthly +prosperity became intoxicated with pride and vanity, and incurred the +displeasure of the gods by endeavouring to mount to heaven on his winged +horse, for the purpose of gratifying his idle curiosity. Zeus punished him +for his impiety by sending {259} a gadfly to sting the horse, who became so +restive that he threw his rider, who was precipitated to the earth. Filled +with remorse at having offended the gods Bellerophon fell a prey to the +deepest melancholy, and wandered about for the remainder of his life in the +loneliest and most desolate places. + +After death he was honoured in Corinth as a hero, and an altar was erected +to him in the grove of Poseidon. + +THESEUS. + +Aegeus, king of Athens, being twice married, and having no children, was so +desirous of an heir to his throne that he made a pilgrimage to Delphi in +order to consult the oracle. But the response being ambiguous, he repaired +to Troezen to consult his wise friend Pittheus, who reigned over that city, +by whose advice he contracted a secret marriage with his friend's daughter +Aethra. + +After passing some time with his bride, Aegeus prepared to take his +departure for his own dominions; but before doing so he led Aethra to the +sea-shore, where, after depositing his sword and sandals under a huge rock, +he thus addressed her: "Should the gods bless our union with a son, do not +reveal to him the name and rank of his father until he is old enough to +possess the strength requisite for moving this stone. Then send him to my +palace at Athens bearing these tokens of his identity." + +A son was born to Aethra, whom she called Theseus, and who was carefully +trained and educated by his grandfather Pittheus. When he had developed +into a strong and manly youth his mother conducted him to the spot where +the rock had been placed by Aegeus, and at her command he rolled away the +stone, and took possession of the sword and sandals which had lain there +for sixteen years, and which she now desired him to convey to his father +Aegeus, king of Athens. + +His mother and grandfather were anxious that the youth should travel by the +safe sea route, the road between Troezen and Athens being at this time +infested {260} with robbers of great ferocity and enormous strength. But +feeling within himself the spirit of a hero, Theseus resolved to emulate +the deeds of Heracles, with whose fame all Greece resounded, and therefore +chose the more dangerous journey by land, as calculated to afford him an +opportunity of distinguishing himself by feats of valour. + +His first adventure occurred at Epidaurus, where he met Periphetes, a son +of Hephæstus, who was armed with an iron club, with which he killed all +travellers. Having received from his grandfather a full description of this +savage, Theseus at once recognized him, and rushing upon him with his +sword, succeeded after a desperate encounter in killing him. He +appropriated the club as a trophy of his victory, and proceeded on his +journey without hinderance until he arrived at the Isthmus of Corinth. + +Here the people warned him to beware of Sinnis the robber, who forced all +travellers to bend with him one of the branches of a tall pine-tree. Having +dragged it to the ground, the cruel Sinnis suddenly released his hold, +whereupon the bough rebounding high up into the air, the unfortunate victim +was dashed to the ground and killed. When Theseus beheld Sinnis advancing +towards him he steadily awaited his approach; then seizing his powerful +club, he killed the inhuman wretch with one blow. + +Passing through the woody district of Crommyon Theseus next slew a wild and +dangerous sow which had long ravaged the country. + +He then continued his journey and approached the borders of Megara, where, +on a narrow path overhanging the sea, dwelt the wicked Scyron, another +terror to travellers. It was his custom to compel all strangers who passed +his abode to wash his feet, during which operation he kicked them over the +rock into the sea. Theseus boldly attacked the giant, overcame him, and +then flung his body over the cliff where so many of his victims had +perished. + +Theseus now journeyed on to Eleusis, where he found {261} another adversary +in the person of King Cercyon, who forced all comers to wrestle with him, +and killed those whom he vanquished; but Theseus overcame the mighty +wrestler and slew him. + +Near Eleusis, on the banks of the river Cephissus, Theseus met with a new +adventure. Here lived the giant Damastes, called Procrustes or the +Stretcher, who had two iron beds, one being long and the other short, into +which he forced all strangers; In the short one he placed the tall men, +whose limbs he cut to the size of the bed, whilst to the short ones he +assigned the large bed, stretching them out to fit it; and thus he left his +victims to expire in the most cruel torments. Theseus freed the country +from this inhuman monster by serving him as he had done his unfortunate +victims. + +The hero now continued his journey, and at length reached Athens without +meeting with any further adventures. When he arrived at his destination he +found his father a helpless tool in the hands of the sorceress Medea, whom +he had married after her departure from Corinth. Knowing, by means of her +supernatural powers, that Theseus was the king's son, and fearing that her +influence might be weakened by his presence, she poisoned the mind of the +old king against the stranger, whom she represented as being a spy. It was +accordingly arranged that Theseus should be invited to a banquet, and a +strong poison mixed with his wine. + +Now Theseus had resolved to reveal himself at this feast to the father whom +he yearned to embrace. Before tasting the wine he put his plan into +execution, and drew out his sword so that the eyes of the king might rest +upon it. When Aegeus beheld once more the well-known weapon which he had so +often wielded, he knew that it was his son who stood before him. He warmly +embraced him, presented him as his heir to his courtiers and subjects, and +then, no longer able to endure the sight of Medea, he banished her for ever +from his dominions. + +When Theseus was acknowledged as the rightful heir to the throne he was +opposed by the fifty sons of Pallas, {262} the king's brother, who had +confidently expected that on the demise of the old king the government of +the country would devolve upon them. They therefore resolved to put Theseus +to death; but their plans becoming known to him, he surprised them as they +lay in ambush awaiting his approach, and destroyed them all. + +Fearing, however, lest the Athenians might entertain a prejudice against +him on account of his extermination of their fellow-citizens, the +Pallantids, Theseus resolved to perform some signal service for the state, +which should gain for him the hearts of the people. He accordingly decided +to rid the country of the famous bull of Marathon, which had become a +terror to the cultivators of the land. He captured the animal and brought +him in chains to Athens, where, after publicly exhibiting him to the +astonished multitude, he solemnly sacrificed him to Apollo. + +The next enterprise undertaken by Theseus far surpassed all his other feats +of heroic daring, and secured to him the universal admiration and gratitude +of his fellow-citizens. This was the slaying of the Minotaur, which put an +end for ever to the shameful tribute of seven youths and seven maidens +which was exacted from the Athenians every nine years. + +The origin of this barbarous tribute was as follows: Androgeos, the +youthful son of Minos, king of Crete, having been treacherously murdered by +the Athenians, his father, anxious to avenge the death of his son, declared +war against their king Aegeus, and conquered Athens and the villages in its +vicinity. The conqueror henceforth compelled the Athenians to send to him +every nine years a tribute of seven youths and seven maidens of the noblest +families of the land, who became the prey of the Minotaur, a monster, +half-man, half-bull, whose lair was in the wonderful labyrinth, constructed +by Dædalus for the Cretan king. + +When Theseus informed his father of his heroic determination, he was +overwhelmed with grief, and endeavoured, by every means in his power, to +shake his son's resolution, but, confident of success, Theseus assured his +{263} father that he would slay the Minotaur and return home victorious. + +It was customary for the vessel bearing its unhappy freight of human +victims to use on this voyage black sails only; but Theseus promised his +father that, should he return in safety, he would hoist white ones in their +place. + +Before leaving Athens Theseus, by the advice of an oracle, chose Aphrodite +as his guardian and protectress, and accordingly offered up a sacrifice to +her. When he arrived in the presence of king Minos, the goddess of Love +inspired Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of the king, with an ardent +attachment for the noble young hero. During a secret interview, in which a +mutual confession of affection took place, Ariadne furnished him with a +sharp sword and a clue of thread, the end of which she desired him to +fasten at the entrance to the labyrinth and to continue to unwind it till +he reached the lair of the Minotaur. Full of hope as to the successful +issue of his undertaking, Theseus took leave of the kind maiden, after +expressing his gratitude for her timely aid. + +At the head of his companions he was now conducted by Minos to the entrance +of the labyrinth. Strictly adhering to the injunctions of the fair Ariadne +he succeeded in finding the Minotaur, whom, after a fierce and violent +struggle, he defeated and killed; then carefully feeling his way, by means +of the clue of thread, he led his companions safely out of the labyrinth. +They then fled to their ship, taking with them the lovely maiden to whose +affection for their deliverer they owed their safety. + +Arrived at the island of Naxos, Theseus had a dream, in which Dionysus, the +wine-god, appeared to him, and informed him that the Fates had decreed that +Ariadne should be his bride, at the same time menacing the hero with all +kinds of misfortunes should he refuse to resign her. Now Theseus, having +been taught from his youth to reverence the gods, feared to disobey the +wishes of Dionysus. He accordingly took a sad farewell of the {264} +beautiful maiden who so tenderly loved him, and left her on the lonely +island, where she was found and wooed by the wine-god. + +Theseus and his companions felt keenly the loss of their benefactress, and +in their grief at parting with her, forgot that the ship still bore the +black sails with which she had left the Attic coast. As she neared the port +of Athens, Aegeus, who was anxiously awaiting the return of his son on the +beach, caught sight of the vessel with its black sails, and concluding that +his gallant son had perished, threw himself in despair into the sea. + +With the unanimous approval of the Athenians, Theseus now ascended the +vacant throne, and soon proved himself to be not only a valiant hero but +also a wise prince and prudent legislator. Athens was at this time but a +small city surrounded by a number of villages, each of which possessed its +own separate form of government; but by means of kind and conciliatory +measures Theseus induced the heads of these different communities to resign +their sovereignty, and to intrust the administration of public affairs to a +court which should sit constantly at Athens, and exercise jurisdiction over +all the inhabitants of Attica. The result of these judicious measures was, +that the Athenians became a united and powerful people, and that numbers of +strangers and foreigners flocked to Athens, which became a flourishing +maritime port and a commercial centre of great importance. + +Theseus renewed the Isthmian Games, and also instituted numerous festivals, +the principal of which was the Panathenæa, held in honour of Athene-Polias. + +It is related that Theseus upon one occasion arrived during a voyage at the +Amazonian coast. Anxious to ascertain the object of his visit, the Amazons +sent Hippolyte, one of their number, with presents to the stranger; but no +sooner did the fair herald set foot on board his vessel than Theseus set +sail and carried her off to Athens, where he made her his queen. Enraged at +this indignity the Amazons determined to be revenged. Some time afterwards, +when the whole affair would {265} appear to have been forgotten, they +seized the opportunity when the city of Athens was in a defenceless +condition and landed an army in Attica. So sudden was their attack that +they had penetrated into the very heart of the city before the Athenians +could organize their forces; but Theseus expeditiously collected his troops +and commenced such a furious onslaught upon the invaders that, after a +desperate encounter, they were driven from the city. Peace was then +concluded, whereupon the Amazons evacuated the country. During this +engagement Hippolyte, forgetful of her origin, fought valiantly by the side +of her husband against her own kinsfolk, and perished on the field of +battle. + +[Illustration] + +It was soon after this sad event that Theseus joined the world-renowned +Calydonian Boar-hunt, in which he took a leading part. He also formed one +of the brave band who shared in the perils of the Argonautic expedition. + +The remarkable friendship which existed between Theseus and Pirithöus +originated under such peculiar circumstances that it is worthy of mention. + +Hearing upon one occasion that his herds, pasturing in the plains of +Marathon, had been carried off by Pirithöus, Theseus collected together an +armed force and sallied forth to punish the plunderer. But, when the two +heroes met face to face, both were seized with an impulse of sympathetic +admiration for each other. Pirithöus, holding out his hand in token of +peace, exclaimed, "What satisfaction shall I render thee, oh Theseus? Be +thou thyself the judge." Theseus seized the proffered hand and replied, "I +ask nought save thy {266} friendship;" whereupon the heroes embraced each +other and swore eternal fidelity. + +When, soon afterwards, Pirithöus became united to Hippodamia, a Thessalian +princess, he invited Theseus to the wedding-feast, which was also attended, +among other guests, by a large number of Centaurs, who were friends of +Pirithöus. Towards the end of the banquet Eurytion, a young Centaur, heated +and flushed with wine, seized the lovely bride and sought by force to carry +her off. The other Centaurs, following his example, each endeavoured to +capture a maiden. Pirithöus and his followers, aided by Theseus, who +rendered most valuable assistance, attacked the Centaurs, and after a +violent hand-to-hand struggle in which many perished, forced them to +relinquish their prey. + +After the death of Hippolyte Theseus sought the hand of Phædra, the sister +of his former bride Ariadne, to whom he became united. For some years they +lived happily together, and their union was blessed by the birth of two +sons. During this time Hippolytus, the son of the Amazonian queen, had been +absent from home, having been placed under the care of the king's uncles in +order to be educated. When, having grown to manhood, he now returned to his +father's palace, his young stepmother, Phædra, fell violently in love with +him; but Hippolytus failed to return her affection, and treated her with +contempt and indifference. Filled with rage and despair at his coldness +Phædra put an end to her existence; and when she was discovered by her +husband she held in her hand a letter, accusing Hippolytus of being the +cause of her death, and of having conspired against the honour of the king. + +Now Poseidon had upon one occasion promised to grant Theseus whatever +request he should demand; he therefore called upon the sea-god to destroy +Hippolytus, whom he cursed in the most solemn manner. The father's awful +malediction fell but too soon upon his innocent son; for, as the latter was +driving his chariot along the sea-shore, between Troezen and Athens, a +{267} monster, sent by Poseidon, rose out of the deep, and so frightened +the horses that they became altogether unmanageable. As they rushed on in +their mad career the chariot was dashed to pieces, and the unfortunate +youth, whose feet had become entangled in the reins, was dragged along +until life was nearly extinct. + +In this condition he was found by the unhappy Theseus, who, having +ascertained the true facts of the case from an old servant of Phædra, had +hastened to prevent the catastrophe. But he arrived too late, and was only +able to soothe the last moments of his dying son by acknowledging the sad +mistake which he had committed, and declaring his firm belief in his honour +and innocence. + +After these events Theseus was persuaded by his friend Pirithöus, who had +also about this time lost his young wife, Hippodamia, to join him in a +journey through Greece, with the object of carrying off by force the most +beautiful maidens whom they should chance to meet. + +Arrived at Sparta they beheld, in the temple of Artemis, Helen, the +daughter of Zeus and Leda, who was engaged in performing sacred dances in +honour of the goddess. Although the maiden was only nine years old the fame +of her beauty, which was destined to play so important a part in the +history of Greece, had already spread far and wide. Theseus and Pirithöus +forcibly abducted her, and then having cast lots for her, she fell to +Theseus, who placed her under the charge of his mother Æthra. + +Pirithöus now requested Theseus to assist him in his ambitious scheme of +descending to the lower world and carrying off Persephone, the queen of +Hades. Though fully alive to the perils of the undertaking Theseus would +not forsake his friend, and together they sought the gloomy realm of +Shades. But Aïdes had been forewarned of their approach, and scarcely had +the two friends set foot within his dominions when, by his orders, they +were seized, bound with chains, and secured to an enchanted rock at the +entrance of Hades. Here the two {268} friends languished for many years, +until Heracles passed by in his search for Cerberus, when he released +Theseus; but in obedience to an injunction of the gods, left Pirithöus to +endure for ever the punishment of his too daring ambition. + +While Theseus was imprisoned in the under world Castor and Pollux, the +brothers of Helen, invaded Athens, and demanded the restoration of their +young sister. Seeing his country threatened with the horrors of warfare, an +Athenian citizen named Academus, who knew of Helen's place of concealment, +repaired to the camp of the Dioscuri, and informed them where they would +find her. Æthra at once resigned her charge, whereupon the brothers took +leave of Athens, and, accompanied by Helen, returned to their native +country. + +But the prolonged absence of Theseus gave rise to other troubles of a more +serious character. Thinking the opportunity favourable for a revolt, a +faction, headed by Menesthius, a descendant of Erechtheus, arrogated to +themselves supreme power, and seized the reins of government. + +Returned to Athens, Theseus at once took active measures to quell the +insubordination which existed on all sides. He expelled Menesthius from +office, rigorously punished the ringleaders of the revolt, and placed +himself once more upon the throne. But his hold upon the people was gone. +His former services were all forgotten, and, finding at length that +dissensions and revolts were rife, he voluntarily abdicated the throne, and +retired to his estates in the island of Scyros. Here Lycomedes, king of the +island, feigned to receive him with the utmost friendship; but being, as it +is supposed, in league with Menesthius, he led the old king to the summit +of a high rock, under pretence of showing him his estates, and +treacherously killed him by pushing him over the cliff. + +Many centuries after his death, by the command of the oracle of Delphi, +Cimon, the father of Miltiades, at the conclusion of the Persian war, +brought the remains of Theseus, the great benefactor of Athens, to that +city, {269} and in his honour a temple was erected, which exists to the +present day, and serves as a museum of art. + +OEDIPUS. + +Laius, king of Thebes, the son of Labdacus, and a direct descendant of +Cadmus, was married to Jocaste, the daughter of a noble Theban. An oracle +having foretold that he would perish by the hand of his own son, he +determined to destroy the infant to whom Jocaste had just given birth. With +the consent of his wife, whose affection for her husband overcame her love +for her child, he pierced the feet of the babe, bound them together, and +handed the infant over to a servant, with instructions to expose him on +Mount Cithæron to perish. But instead of obeying this cruel command, the +servant intrusted him to a shepherd who was tending the flocks of Polybus, +king of Corinth, and then returned to Laius and Jocaste, and informed them +that their orders had been obeyed. The parents were satisfied with the +intelligence, and quieted their conscience by the reflection that they had +thus prevented their son from committing the crime of parricide. + +Meanwhile the shepherd of king Polybus had unbound the feet of the infant, +and in consequence of their being much swollen he called him Oedipus, or +Swollen-foot. He then carried him to the king, his master, who, pitying the +poor little waif, enlisted for him the kind offices of his wife, Merope. +Oedipus was adopted by the king and queen as their own son, and grew up in +the belief that they were his parents, until one day a Corinthian noble +taunted him at a banquet with not being the son of the king. Stung at this +reproach the youth appealed to Merope, but receiving an equivocal, though +kindly answer, he repaired to Delphi to consult the oracle. The Pythia +vouchsafed no reply to his inquiry, but informed him, to his horror, that +he was fated to kill his father and to marry his own mother. + +Filled with dismay, for he was tenderly attached to Polybus and Merope, +Oedipus determined not to return {270} to Corinth, and took instead the +road leading to Boeotia. On his way a chariot passed him, in which sat an +old man with two servants, who rudely pushed the pedestrian out of the +path. In the scuffle which ensued Oedipus struck the old man with his heavy +stick, and he fell back dead on the seat of the chariot. Struck with dismay +at the unpremeditated murder which he had committed, the youth fled, and +left the spot without learning that the old man whom he had killed was his +father, Laius, king of Thebes. + +Not long after this occurrence the Sphinx (full details of whom have +already been given) was sent by the goddess Hera as a punishment to the +Thebans. Stationed on a rocky height just outside the city, she propounded +to the passers by riddles which she had been taught by the Muses, and +whoever failed to solve them was torn in pieces and devoured by the +monster, and in this manner great numbers of the inhabitants of Thebes had +perished. + +Now on the death of the old king Laius, Creon, the brother of the widowed +queen, had seized the reins of government and mounted the vacant throne; +and when at length his own son fell a victim to the Sphinx, he resolved at +all costs to rid the country of this fearful scourge. He accordingly issued +a proclamation, that the kingdom and the hand of his sister Jocaste should +be awarded to him who should succeed in solving one of the riddles of the +Sphinx, it having been foretold by an oracle that only then would the +country be freed from the monster. + +Just as this proclamation was being made in the streets of Thebes Oedipus, +with his pilgrim's staff in his hand, entered the city. Tempted by the +prospect of so magnificent a reward he repaired to the rock, and boldly +requested the Sphinx to propound to him one of her riddles. She proposed to +him one which she deemed impossible of solution, but Oedipus at once solved +it; whereupon the Sphinx, full of rage and despair, precipitated herself +into the abyss and perished. Oedipus {271} received the promised reward. He +became king of Thebes and the husband of Jocaste, the widow of his father, +king Laius. + +For many years Oedipus enjoyed the greatest happiness and tranquillity. +Four children were born to him--two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, and two +daughters, Antigone and Ismene. But at last the gods afflicted the country +with a grievous pestilence, which made terrible havoc among the people. In +their distress they entreated the help of the king, who was regarded by his +subjects as a special favourite of the gods. Oedipus consulted an oracle, +and the response was that the pestilence would continue to rage until the +land was purified of the blood of king Laius, whose murderer was living +unpunished at Thebes. + +The king now invoked the most solemn imprecations on the head of the +murderer, and offered a reward for any information concerning him. He then +sent for the blind old seer Tiresias, and implored him, by means of his +prophetic powers, to reveal to him the author of the crime. Tiresias at +first hesitated, but yielding to the earnest solicitations of the king, the +old prophet thus addressed him: "Thou thyself art the murderer of the old +king Laius, who was thy father; and thou art wedded to his widow, thine own +mother." In order to convince Oedipus of the truth of his words, he brought +forward the old servant who had exposed him as a babe on Mount Cithæron, +and the shepherd who had conveyed him to king Polybus. Horrified at this +awful revelation Oedipus, in a fit of despair, deprived himself of sight, +and the unfortunate Jocaste, unable to survive her disgrace, hanged +herself. + +Accompanied by his faithful and devoted daughter Antigone, Oedipus quitted +Thebes and became a miserable and homeless outcast, begging his bread from +place to place. At length, after a long and painful pilgrimage, he found a +place of refuge in the grove of the Eumenides (at Colonus, near Athens), +where his last moments were soothed and tended by the care and devotion of +the faithful Antigone. + +{272} + +THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES. + +After the voluntary abdication of Oedipus, his two sons, Eteocles and +Polynices, took possession of the crown and reigned over the city of +Thebes. But Eteocles, being an ambitious prince, soon seized the reins of +government himself, and expelled his brother from the throne. + +Polynices now repaired to Argos, where he arrived in the dead of night. +Outside the gates of the royal palace he encountered Tydeus, the son of +Oeneus, king of Calydon. Having accidentally killed a relative in the +chase, Tydeus was also a fugitive; but being mistaken by Polynices in the +darkness for an enemy, a quarrel ensued, which might have ended fatally, +had not king Adrastus, aroused by the clamour, appeared on the scene and +parted the combatants. + +By the light of the torches borne by his attendants Adrastus observed, to +his surprise, that on the shield of Polynices a lion was depicted, and on +that of Tydeus a boar. The former bore this insignia in honour of the +renowned hero Heracles, the latter in memory of the famous Calydonian +boar-hunt. This circumstance reminded the king of an extraordinary oracular +prediction concerning his two beautiful daughters, Argia and Deipyle, which +was to the effect that he would give them in marriage to a lion and a boar. +Hailing with delight what he regarded as an auspicious solution of the +mysterious prophecy, he invited the strangers into his palace; and when he +heard their history, and had convinced himself that they were of noble +birth, he bestowed upon Polynices his beautiful daughter Argia, and upon +Tydeus the fair Deipyle, promising at the same time that he would assist +both his sons-in-law to regain their rightful patrimony. + +The first care of Adrastus was to aid Polynices in regaining possession of +his lawful share in the government of Thebes. He accordingly invited the +most powerful chiefs in his kingdom to join in the expedition, {273} all of +whom readily obeyed the call with the exception of the king's +brother-in-law, Amphiaraus, the seer. As he foresaw a disastrous +termination to the enterprise, and knew that not one of the heroes, save +Adrastus himself, would return alive, he earnestly dissuaded the king from +carrying out his project, and declined to take any part in the undertaking. +But Adrastus, seconded by Polynices and Tydeus, was obstinately bent on the +achievement of his purpose, and Amphiaraus, in order to escape from their +importunities, concealed himself in a hiding-place known only to his wife +Eriphyle. + +Now on the occasion of the marriage of Amphiaraus it had been agreed, that +if he ever differed in opinion with the king, his wife should decide the +question. As the presence of Amphiaraus was indispensable to the success of +the undertaking, and, moreover, as Adrastus would not enter upon it without +"the eye of the army," as he called his brother-in-law, Polynices, bent on +securing his services, determined to bribe Eriphyle to use her influence +with her husband and to decide the question in accordance with his wishes. +He bethought himself of the beautiful necklace of Harmonia, wife of Cadmus, +which he had brought with him in his flight from Thebes. Without loss of +time he presented himself before the wife of Amphiaraus, and held up to her +admiring gaze the glittering bauble, promising that if she revealed the +hiding-place of her husband and induced him to join the expedition, the +necklace should be hers. Eriphyle, unable to withstand the tempting bait, +accepted the bribe, and thus Amphiaraus was compelled to join the army. But +before leaving his home he extorted a solemn promise from his son Alcmæon +that, should he perish on the field of battle, he would avenge his death on +his mother, the perfidious Eriphyle. + +Seven leaders were now chosen, each at the head of a separate detachment of +troops. These were Adrastus the king, his two brothers Hippomedon and +Parthenopæus, Capaneus his nephew, Polynices and Tydeus, and Amphiaraus. + +{274} + +When the army was collected they set out for Nemea, which was at this time +governed by king Lycurgus. Here the Argives, being short of water, halted +on the outskirts of a forest in order to search for a spring, when they saw +a majestic and beautiful woman seated on the trunk of a tree, nursing an +infant. They concluded from her noble and queenly appearance that she must +be a goddess, but were informed by her that she was Hypsipile, queen of the +Lemnians, who had been carried away captive by pirates, and sold as a slave +to king Lycurgus, and that she was now acting as nurse to his infant son. +When the warriors told her that they were in search of water, she laid the +child down in the grass, and led them to a secret spring in the forest, +with which she alone was acquainted. But on their return they found, to +their grief, that the unfortunate babe had been killed during their +absence, by a serpent. They slew the reptile, and then collecting the +remains of the infant, they buried them with funereal honours and proceeded +on their way. + +The warlike host now appeared before the walls of Thebes, and each leader +placed himself before one of the seven gates of the city in readiness for +the attack. Eteocles, in conjunction with Creon, had made due preparations +to repel the invaders, and had stationed troops, under the command of +trusty leaders, to guard each of the gates. Then, according to the practice +of the ancients of consulting soothsayers before entering upon any +undertaking, the blind old seer Tiresias was sent for, who, after carefully +taking the auguries from the flight of birds, declared that all efforts to +defend the city would prove unavailing, unless the youngest descendant of +the house of Cadmus would offer himself as a voluntary sacrifice for the +good of the state. + +When Creon heard the words of the seer his first thought was of his +favourite son Menoeceus, the youngest scion of the royal house, who was +present at the interview. He therefore earnestly implored him to leave the +city, and to repair for safety to Delphi. But the gallant youth heroically +resolved to sacrifice his life for the {275} benefit of his country, and +after taking leave of his old father, mounted the city walls, and plunging +a dagger into his heart, perished in the sight of the contending hosts. + +Adrastus now gave his troops the word of command to storm the city, and +they rushed forward to the attack with great valour. The battle raged long +and furiously, and after heavy losses on both sides the Argives were routed +and put to flight. + +After the lapse of some days they reorganized their forces, and again +appeared before the gates of Thebes, when Eteocles, grieved to think that +there should be such a terrible loss of life on his account, sent a herald +into the opposite camp, with a proposition that the fate of the campaign +should be decided by single combat between himself and his brother +Polynices. The challenge was readily accepted, and in the duel which took +place outside the city walls, in the sight of the rival forces, Eteocles +and Polynices were both fatally wounded and expired on the field of battle. + +Both sides now claimed the day, and the result was that hostilities +recommenced, and soon the battle raged with greater fury than ever. But +victory at last declared itself for the Thebans. In their flight the +Argives lost all their leaders, Adrastus excepted, who owed his safety to +the fleetness of his horse Arion. + +By the death of the brothers, Creon became once more king of Thebes, and in +order to show his abhorrence of the conduct of Polynices in fighting +against his country, he strictly forbade any one to bury either his remains +or those of his allies. But the faithful Antigone, who had returned to +Thebes on the death of her father, could not endure that the body of her +brother should remain unburied. She therefore bravely disregarded the +orders of the king, and endeavoured to give sepulture to the remains of +Polynices. + +When Creon discovered that his commands had been set at defiance, he +inhumanly condemned the devoted maiden to be entombed alive in a +subterranean vault. {276} But retribution was at hand. His son, Hæmon, who +was betrothed to Antigone, having contrived to effect an entrance into the +vault, was horrified to find that Antigone had hanged herself by her veil. +Feeling that life without her would be intolerable, he threw himself in +despair on his own sword, and after solemnly invoking the malediction of +the gods on the head of his father, expired beside the dead body of his +betrothed. + +Hardly had the news of the tragic fate of his son reached the king, before +another messenger appeared, bearing the tidings that his wife Eurydice, on +hearing of the death of Hæmon, had put an end to her existence, and thus +the king found himself in his old age both widowed and childless. + +Nor did he succeed in the execution of his vindictive designs; for +Adrastus, who, after his flight from Thebes, had taken refuge at Athens, +induced Theseus to lead an army against the Thebans, to compel them to +restore the dead bodies of the Argive warriors to their friends, in order +that they might perform due funereal rites in honour of the slain. This +undertaking was successfully accomplished, and the remains of the fallen +heroes were interred with due honours. + +THE EPIGONI. + +Ten years after these events the sons of the slain heroes, who were called +Epigoni, or descendants, resolved to avenge the death of their fathers, and +with this object entered upon a new expedition against the city of Thebes. + +By the advice of the Delphic oracle the command was intrusted to Alcmæon, +the son of Amphiaraus; but remembering the injunction of his father he +hesitated to accept this post before executing vengeance on his mother +Eriphyle. Thersander, however, the son of Polynices, adopting similar +tactics to those of his father, bribed Eriphyle with the beautiful veil of +Harmonia, bequeathed to him by Polynices, to induce her son {277} Alcmæon +and his brother Amphilochus to join in this second war against Thebes. + +Now the mother of Alcmæon was gifted with that rare fascination which +renders its possessor irresistible to all who may chance to come within its +influence; nor was her own son able to withstand her blandishments. +Yielding therefore to her wily representations he accepted the command of +the troops, and at the head of a large and powerful army advanced upon +Thebes. + +Before the gates of the city Alcmæon encountered the Thebans under the +command of Laodamas, the son of Eteocles. A fierce battle ensued, in which +the Theban leader, after performing prodigies of valour, perished by the +hand of Alcmæon. + +After losing their chief and the flower of their army, the Thebans +retreated behind the city walls, and the enemy now pressed them hard on +every side. In their distress they appealed to the blind old seer Tiresias, +who was over a hundred years old. With trembling lips and in broken +accents, he informed them that they could only save their lives by +abandoning their native city with their wives and families. Upon this they +despatched ambassadors into the enemy's camp; and whilst these were +protracting negotiations during the night, the Thebans, with their wives +and children, evacuated the city. Next morning the Argives entered Thebes +and plundered it, placing Thersander, the son of Polynices (who was a +descendant of Cadmus), on the throne which his father had so vainly +contested. + +ALCMÆON AND THE NECKLACE. + +When Alcmæon returned from his expedition against the Thebans he determined +to fulfil the last injunction of his father Amphiaraus, who had desired him +to be revenged on his mother Eriphyle for her perfidy in accepting a bribe +to betray him. This resolution was further strengthened by the discovery +that his unprincipled mother had urged him also to join the expedition +{278} in return for the much-coveted veil of Harmonia. He therefore put her +to death; and taking with him the ill-fated necklace and veil, abandoned +for ever the home of his fathers. + +But the gods, who could not suffer so unnatural a crime to go unpunished, +afflicted him with madness, and sent one of the Furies to pursue him +unceasingly. In this unhappy condition he wandered about from place to +place, until at last having reached Psophis in Arcadia, Phegeus, king of +the country, not only purified him of his crime, but also bestowed upon him +the hand of his daughter Arsinoë, to whom Alcmæon presented the necklace +and veil, which had already been the cause of so much unhappiness. + +Though now released from his mental affliction, the curse which hung over +him was not entirely removed, and on his account the country of his +adoption was visited with a severe drought. On consulting the oracle of +Delphi he was informed that any land which offered him shelter would be +cursed by the gods, and that the malediction would continue to follow him +till he came to a country which was not in existence at the time he had +murdered his mother. Bereft of hope, and resolved no longer to cast the +shadow of his dark fate over those he loved, Alcmæon took a tender leave of +his wife and little son, and became once more an outcast and wanderer. + +Arrived after a long and painful pilgrimage at the river Achelous, he +discovered, to his unspeakable joy, a beautiful and fertile island, which +had but lately emerged from beneath the water. Here he took up his abode; +and in this haven of rest he was at length freed from his sufferings, and +finally purified of his crime by the river-god Achelous. But in his +new-found home where prosperity smiled upon him, Alcmæon soon forgot the +loving wife and child he had left behind, and wooed Calirrhoë, the +beautiful daughter of the river-god, who became united to him in marriage. + +For many years Alcmæon and Calirrhoë lived happily together, and two sons +were born to them. But {279} unfortunately for the peace of her husband, +the daughter of Achelous had heard of the celebrated necklace and veil of +Harmonia, and became seized with a violent desire to become the possessor +of these precious treasures. + +Now the necklace and veil were in the safe-keeping of Arsinoë; but as +Alcmæon had carefully concealed the fact of his former marriage from his +young wife, he informed her, when no longer able to combat her +importunities, that he had concealed them in a cave in his native country, +and promised to hasten thither and procure them for her. He accordingly +took leave of Calirrhoë and his children, and proceeded to Psophis, where +he presented himself before his deserted wife and her father, king Phegeus. +To them he excused his absence by the fact of his having suffered from a +fresh attack of madness, and added that an oracle had foretold to him that +his malady would only be cured when he had deposited the necklace and veil +of Harmonia in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Arsinoë, deceived by his +artful representations, unhesitatingly restored to him his bridal gifts, +whereupon Alcmæon set out on his homeward journey, well satisfied with the +successful issue of his expedition. + +But the fatal necklace and veil were doomed to bring ruin and disaster to +all who possessed them. During his sojourn at the court of king Phegeus, +one of the servants who had accompanied Alcmæon betrayed the secret of his +union with the daughter of the river-god; and when the king informed his +sons of his treacherous conduct, they determined to avenge the wrongs of +their sister Arsinoë. They accordingly concealed themselves at a point of +the road which Alcmæon was compelled to pass, and as he neared the spot +they suddenly emerged from their place of ambush, fell upon him and +despatched him. + +When Arsinoë, who still loved her faithless husband, heard of the murder, +she bitterly reproached her brothers for the crime which they had +perpetrated, at which they were so incensed, that they placed her in a +chest, and conveyed her to Agapenor, son of Ancæus, at Tegea. {280} Here +they accused her of the murder of which they themselves were guilty, and +she suffered a painful death. + +Calirrhoë, on learning the sad fate of Alcmæon, implored Zeus that her +infant sons might grow at once to manhood, and avenge the death of their +father. The ruler of Olympus heard the petition of the bereaved wife, and, +in answer to her prayer, the children of yesterday became transformed into +bearded men, full of strength and courage, and thirsting for revenge. + +Hastening to Tegea, they there encountered the sons of Phegeus, who were +about to repair to Delphi, in order to deposit the necklace and veil in the +sanctuary of Apollo; and before the brothers had time to defend themselves, +the stalwart sons of Calirrhoë rushed upon them and slew them. They then +proceeded to Psophis, where they killed king Phegeus and his wife, after +which they returned to their mother with the necklace and veil, which, by +the command of her father Achelous, were deposited as sacred offerings in +the temple of Apollo at Delphi. + +THE HERACLIDÆ. + +After the apotheosis of Heracles, his children were so cruelly persecuted +by Eurystheus, that they fled for protection to king Ceyx at Trachin, +accompanied by the aged Iolaus, the nephew and life-long friend of their +father, who constituted himself their guide and protector. But on +Eurystheus demanding the surrender of the fugitives, the Heraclidæ, knowing +that the small force at the disposal of king Ceyx would be altogether +inadequate to protect them against the powerful king of Argos, abandoned +his territory, and sought refuge at Athens, where they were hospitably +received by king Demophoon, the son of the great hero Theseus. He warmly +espoused their cause, and determined to protect them at all costs against +Eurystheus, who had despatched a numerous force in pursuit of them. + +When the Athenians had made all necessary preparations to repel the +invaders, an oracle announced that the {281} sacrifice of a maiden of noble +birth was necessary to ensure to them victory; whereupon Macaria, the +beautiful daughter of Heracles and Deianira, magnanimously offered herself +as a sacrifice, and, surrounded by the noblest matrons and maidens of +Athens, voluntarily devoted herself to death. + +While these events were transpiring in Athens, Hyllus, the eldest son of +Heracles and Deianira, had advanced with a large army to the assistance of +his brothers, and having sent a messenger to the king announcing his +arrival, Demophoon, with his army, joined his forces. + +In the thick of the battle which ensued, Iolaus, following a sudden +impulse, borrowed the chariot of Hyllus, and earnestly entreated Zeus and +Hebe to restore to him, for this one day only, the vigour and strength of +his youth. His prayer was heard. A thick cloud descended from heaven and +enveloped the chariot, and when it disappeared, Iolaus, in the full +plenitude of manly vigour, stood revealed before the astonished gaze of the +combatants. He then led on his valiant band of warriors, and soon the enemy +was in headlong flight; and Eurystheus, who was taken prisoner, was put to +death by the command of king Demophoon. + +After gratefully acknowledging the timely aid of the Athenians, Hyllus, +accompanied by the faithful Iolaus and his brothers, took leave of king +Demophoon, and proceeded to invade the Peloponnesus, which they regarded as +their lawful patrimony; for, according to the will of Zeus, it should have +been the rightful possession of their father, the great hero Heracles, had +not Hera maliciously defeated his plans by causing his cousin Eurystheus to +precede him into the world. + +For the space of twelve months the Heraclidæ contrived to maintain +themselves in the Peloponnesus; but at the expiration of that time a +pestilence broke out, which spread over the entire peninsula, and compelled +the Heraclidæ to evacuate the country and return to Attica, where for a +time they settled. + +After the lapse of three years Hyllus resolved on {282} making another +effort to obtain his paternal inheritance. Before setting out on the +expedition, however, he consulted the oracle of Delphi, and the response +was, that he must wait for the third fruit before the enterprise would +prove successful. Interpreting this ambiguous reply to signify the third +summer, Hyllus controlled his impatience for three years, when, having +collected a powerful army, he once more entered the Peloponnesus. + +At the isthmus of Corinth he was opposed by Atreus, the son of Pelops, who +at the death of Eurystheus had inherited the kingdom. In order to save +bloodshed, Hyllus offered to decide his claims by single combat, the +conditions being, that if he were victorious, he and his brothers should +obtain undisputed possession of their rights; but if defeated, the +Heraclidæ were to desist for fifty years from attempting to press their +claim. + +The challenge was accepted by Echemon, king of Tegea, and Hyllus lost his +life in the encounter, whereupon the sons of Heracles, in virtue of their +agreement, abandoned the Peloponnesus and retired to Marathon. + +Hyllus was succeeded by his son Cleodæus, who, at the expiration of the +appointed time, collected a large army and invaded the Peloponnesus; but he +was not more successful than his father had been, and perished there with +all his forces. + +Twenty years later his son Aristomachus consulted an oracle, which promised +him victory if he went by way of the defile. The Heraclidæ once more set +out, but were again defeated, and Aristomachus shared the fate of his +father and grandfather, and fell on the field of battle. + +When, at the expiration of thirty years, the sons of Aristomachus, Temenus, +Cresphontes, and Aristodemus again consulted the oracle, the answer was +still the same; but this time the following explanation accompanied the +response: the third fruit signified the third generation, to which they +themselves belonged, and not the third fruit of the earth; and by the +defile was indicated, not the isthmus of Corinth, but the straits on the +right of the isthmus. + +{283} + +Temenus lost no time in collecting an army and building ships of war; but +just as all was ready and the fleet about to sail, Aristodemus, the +youngest of the brothers, was struck by lightning. To add to their +misfortunes, Hippolytes, a descendant of Heracles, who had joined in the +expedition, killed a soothsayer whom he mistook for a spy, and the gods, in +their displeasure, sent violent tempests, by means of which the entire +fleet was destroyed, whilst famine and pestilence decimated the ranks of +the army. + +The oracle, on being again consulted, advised that Hippolytes, being the +offender, should be banished from the country for ten years, and that the +command of the troops should be delegated to a man having three eyes. A +search was at once instituted by the Heraclidæ for a man answering to this +description, who was found at length in the person of Oxylus, a descendant +of the Ætolian race of kings. In obedience to the command of the oracle, +Hippolytes was banished, an army and fleet once more equipped, and Oxylus +elected commander-in-chief. + +And now success at length crowned the efforts of the long-suffering +descendants of the great hero. They obtained possession of the +Peloponnesus, which was divided among them by lot. Argos fell to Temenus, +Lacedæmon to Aristodemus, and Messene to Cresphontes. In gratitude for the +services of their able leader, Oxylus, the kingdom of Elis, was conferred +upon him by the Heraclidæ. + +THE SIEGE OF TROY. + +Troy or Ilion was the capital of a kingdom in Asia Minor, situated near the +Hellespont, and founded by Ilus, son of Tros. At the time of the famous +Trojan war this city was under the government of Priam, a direct descendant +of Ilus. Priam was married to Hecuba, daughter of Dymas, king of Thrace; +and among the most celebrated of their children were the renowned and {284} +valiant Hector, the prophetess Cassandra, and Paris, the cause of the +Trojan war. + +Before the birth of her second son Paris, Hecuba dreamt that she had given +birth to a flaming brand, which was interpreted by Æsacus the seer (a son +of Priam by a former marriage) to signify that she would bear a son who +would cause the destruction of the city of Troy. Anxious to prevent the +fulfilment of the prophecy, Hecuba caused her new-born babe to be exposed +on Mount Ida to perish; but being found by some kind-hearted shepherds, the +child was reared by them, and grew up unconscious of his noble birth. + +As the boy approached manhood he became remarkable, not only for his +wonderful beauty of form and feature, but also for his strength and +courage, which he exercised in defending the flocks from the attacks of +robbers and wild beasts; hence he was called Alexander, or helper of men. +It was about this time that he settled the famous dispute concerning the +golden apple, thrown by the goddess of Discord into the assembly of the +gods. As we have already seen, he gave his decision in favour of Aphrodite; +thus creating for himself two implacable enemies, for Hera and Athene never +forgave the slight. + +Paris became united to a beautiful nymph named Oenone, with whom he lived +happily in the seclusion and tranquillity of a pastoral life; but to her +deep grief this peaceful existence was not fated to be of long duration. + +Hearing that some funereal games were about to be held in Troy in honour of +a departed relative of the king, Paris resolved to visit the capital and +take part in them himself. There he so greatly distinguished himself in a +contest with his unknown brothers, Hector and Deiphobus, that the proud +young princes, enraged that an obscure shepherd should snatch from them the +prize of victory, were about to create a disturbance, when Cassandra, who +had been a spectator of the proceedings, stepped forward, and announced to +them that the humble peasant who had so signally defeated them was their +own {285} brother Paris. He was then conducted to the presence of his +parents, who joyfully acknowledged him as their child; and amidst the +festivities and rejoicings in honour of their new-found son the ominous +prediction of the past was forgotten. + +As a proof of his confidence, the king now intrusted Paris with a somewhat +delicate mission. As we have already seen in the Legend of Heracles, that +great hero conquered Troy, and after killing king Laomedon, carried away +captive his beautiful daughter Hesione, whom he bestowed in marriage on his +friend Telamon. But although she became princess of Salamis, and lived +happily with her husband, her brother Priam never ceased to regret her +loss, and the indignity which had been passed upon his house; and it was +now proposed that Paris should be equipped with a numerous fleet, and +proceed to Greece in order to demand the restoration of the king's sister. + +Before setting out on this expedition, Paris was warned by Cassandra +against bringing home a wife from Greece, and she predicted that if he +disregarded her injunction he would bring inevitable ruin upon the city of +Troy, and destruction to the house of Priam. + +Under the command of Paris the fleet set sail, and arrived safely in +Greece. Here the young Trojan prince first beheld Helen, the daughter of +Zeus and Leda, and sister of the Dioscuri, who was the wife of Menelaus, +king of Sparta, and the loveliest woman of her time. The most renowned +heroes in Greece had sought the honour of her hand; but her stepfather, +Tyndareus, king of Sparta, fearing that if he bestowed her in marriage on +one of her numerous lovers he would make enemies of the rest, made it a +stipulation that all suitors should solemnly swear to assist and defend the +successful candidate, with all the means at their command, in any feud +which might hereafter arise in connection with the marriage. He at length +conferred the hand of Helen upon Menelaus, a warlike prince, devoted to +martial exercises and the pleasures of the chase, to whom he resigned his +throne and kingdom. + +{286} + +When Paris arrived at Sparta, and sought hospitality at the royal palace, +he was kindly received by king Menelaus. At the banquet given in his +honour, he charmed both host and hostess by his graceful manner and varied +accomplishments, and specially ingratiated himself with the fair Helen, to +whom he presented some rare and chaste trinkets of Asiatic manufacture. + +Whilst Paris was still a guest at the court of the king of Sparta, the +latter received an invitation from his friend Idomeneus, king of Crete, to +join him in a hunting expedition; and Menelaus, being of an unsuspicious +and easy temperament, accepted the invitation, leaving to Helen the duty of +entertaining the distinguished stranger. Captivated by her surpassing +loveliness, the Trojan prince forgot every sense of honour and duty, and +resolved to rob his absent host of his beautiful wife. He accordingly +collected his followers, and with their assistance stormed the royal +castle, possessed himself of the rich treasures which it contained, and +succeeded in carrying off its beautiful, and not altogether unwilling +mistress. + +They at once set sail, but were driven by stress of weather to the island +of Crania, where they cast anchor; and it was not until some years had +elapsed, during which time home and country were forgotten, that Paris and +Helen proceeded to Troy. + +PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAR.--When Menelaus heard of the violation of his +hearth and home he proceeded to Pylos, accompanied by his brother +Agamemnon, in order to consult the wise old king Nestor, who was renowned +for his great experience and state-craft. On hearing the facts of the case +Nestor expressed it as his opinion that only by means of the combined +efforts of all the states of Greece could Menelaus hope to regain Helen in +defiance of so powerful a kingdom as that of Troy. + +Menelaus and Agamemnon now raised the war-cry, which was unanimously +responded to from one end of Greece to the other. Many of those who +volunteered {287} their services were former suitors of the fair Helen, and +were therefore bound by their oath to support the cause of Menelaus; others +joined from pure love of adventure, but one and all were deeply impressed +with the disgrace which would attach to their country should such a crime +be suffered to go unpunished. Thus a powerful army was collected in which +few names of note were missing. + +Only in the case of two great heroes, Odysseus (Ulysses) and Achilles, did +Menelaus experience any difficulty. + +Odysseus, famed for his wisdom and great astuteness, was at this time +living happily in Ithaca with his fair young wife Penelope and his little +son Telemachus, and was loath to leave his happy home for a perilous +foreign expedition of uncertain duration. When therefore his services were +solicited he feigned madness; but the shrewd Palamedes, a distinguished +hero in the suite of Menelaus, detected and exposed the ruse, and thus +Odysseus was forced to join in the war. But he never forgave the +interference of Palamedes, and, as we shall see, eventually revenged +himself upon him in a most cruel manner. + +Achilles was the son of Peleus and the sea-goddess Thetis, who is said to +have dipped her son, when a babe, in the river Styx, and thereby rendered +him invulnerable, except in the right heel, by which she held him. When the +boy was nine years old it was foretold to Thetis that he would either enjoy +a long life of inglorious ease and inactivity, or that after a brief career +of victory he would die the death of a hero. Naturally desirous of +prolonging the life of her son, the fond mother devoutly hoped that the +former fate might be allotted to him. With this view she conveyed him to +the island of Scyros, in the Ægean Sea, where, disguised as a girl, he was +brought up among the daughters of Lycomedes, king of the country. + +Now that the presence of Achilles was required, owing to an oracular +prediction that Troy could not be taken without him, Menelaus consulted +Calchas the soothsayer, who revealed to him the place of his concealment. +Odysseus was accordingly despatched to Scyros, where, by {288} means of a +clever device, he soon discovered which among the maidens was the object of +his search. Disguising himself as a merchant, Odysseus obtained an +introduction to the royal palace, where he offered to the king's daughters +various trinkets for sale. The girls, with one exception, all examined his +wares with unfeigned interest. Observing this circumstance Odysseus +shrewdly concluded that the one who held aloof must be none other than the +young Achilles himself. But in order further to test the correctness of his +deduction, he now exhibited a beautiful set of warlike accoutrements, +whilst, at a given signal, stirring strains of martial music were heard +outside; whereupon Achilles, fired with warlike ardour, seized the weapons, +and thus revealed his identity. He now joined the cause of the Greeks, +accompanied at the request of his father by his kinsman Patroclus, and +contributed to the expedition a large force of Thessalian troops, or +Myrmidons, as they were called, and also fifty ships. + +For ten long years Agamemnon and the other chiefs devoted all their energy +and means in preparing for the expedition against Troy. But during these +warlike preparations an attempt at a peaceful solution of the difficulty +was not neglected. An embassy consisting of Menelaus, Odysseus, &c., was +despatched to king Priam demanding the surrender of Helen; but though the +embassy was received with the utmost pomp and ceremony, the demand was +nevertheless rejected; upon which the ambassadors returned to Greece, and +the order was given for the fleet to assemble at Aulis, in Boeotia. + +Never before in the annals of Greece had so large an army been collected. A +hundred thousand warriors were assembled at Aulis, and in its bay floated +over a thousand ships, ready to convey them to the Trojan coast. The +command of this mighty host was intrusted to Agamemnon, king of Argos, the +most powerful of all the Greek princes. + +Before the fleet set sail solemn sacrifices were offered to the gods on the +sea-shore, when suddenly a serpent was seen to ascend a plane-tree, in +which was a sparrow's {289} nest containing nine young ones. The reptile +first devoured the young birds and then their mother, after which it was +turned by Zeus into stone. Calchas the soothsayer, on being consulted, +interpreted the miracle to signify that the war with Troy would last for +nine years, and that only in the tenth would the city be taken. + +DEPARTURE OF THE GREEK FLEET.--The fleet then set sail; but mistaking the +Mysian coast for that of Troy, they landed troops and commenced to ravage +the country. Telephus, king of the Mysians, who was a son of the great hero +Heracles, opposed them with a large army, and succeeded in driving them +back to their ships, but was himself wounded in the engagement by the spear +of Achilles. Patroclus, who fought valiantly by the side of his kinsman, +was also wounded in this battle; but Achilles, who was a pupil of Chiron, +carefully bound up the wound, which he succeeded in healing; and from this +incident dates the celebrated friendship which ever after existed between +the two heroes, who even in death remained united. + +The Greeks now returned to Aulis. Meanwhile, the wound of Telephus proving +incurable, he consulted an oracle, and the response was, that he alone who +had inflicted the wound possessed the power of curing it. Telephus +accordingly proceeded to the Greek camp, where he was healed by Achilles, +and, at the solicitation of Odysseus, consented to act as guide in the +voyage to Troy. + +Just as the expedition was about to start for the second time, Agamemnon +had the misfortune to kill a hind sacred to Artemis, who, in her anger, +sent continuous calms, which prevented the fleet from setting sail. Calchas +on being consulted announced that the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the daughter +of Agamemnon, would alone appease the incensed goddess. How Agamemnon at +length overcame his feelings as a father, and how Iphigenia was saved by +Artemis herself, has been already related in a previous chapter. + +A fair wind having at length sprung up, the fleet {290} once more set sail. +They first stopped at the island of Tenedos, where the famous archer +Philoctetes--who possessed the bow and arrows of Heracles, given to him by +the dying hero--was bitten in the foot by a venomous snake. So unbearable +was the odour emitted by the wound, that, at the suggestion of Odysseus, +Philoctetes was conveyed to the island of Lesbos, where, to his great +chagrin, he was abandoned to his fate, and the fleet proceeded on their +journey to Troy. + +COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.--Having received early intelligence of the +impending invasion of their country, the Trojans sought the assistance of +the neighbouring states, who all gallantly responded to their call for +help, and thus ample preparations were made to receive the enemy. King +Priam being himself too advanced in years for active service, the command +of the army devolved upon his eldest son, the brave and valiant Hector. + +At the approach of the Greek fleet the Trojans appeared on the coast in +order to prevent their landing. But great hesitation prevailed among the +troops as to who should be the first to set foot on the enemy's soil, it +having been predicted that whoever did so would fall a sacrifice to the +Fates. Protesilaus of Phylace, however, nobly disregarding the ominous +prediction, leaped on shore, and fell by the hand of Hector. + +The Greeks then succeeded in effecting a landing, and in the engagement +which ensued the Trojans were signally defeated, and driven to seek safety +behind the walls of their city. With Achilles at their head the Greeks now +made a desperate attempt to take the city by storm, but were repulsed with +terrible losses. After this defeat the invaders, foreseeing a long and +wearisome campaign, drew up their ships on land, erected tents, huts, &c., +and formed an intrenched camp on the coast. + +Between the Greek camp and the city of Troy was a plain watered by the +rivers Scamander and Simois, and it was on this plain, afterwards so +renowned in history, {291} that the ever memorable battles between the +Greeks and Trojans were fought. + +The impossibility of taking the city by storm was now recognized by the +leaders of the Greek forces. The Trojans, on their side, being less +numerous than the enemy, dared not venture on a great battle in the open +field; hence the war dragged on for many weary years without any decisive +engagement taking place. + +It was about this time that Odysseus carried out his long meditated revenge +against Palamedes. Palamedes was one of the wisest, most energetic, and +most upright of all the Greek heroes, and it was in consequence of his +unflagging zeal and wonderful eloquence that most of the chiefs had been +induced to join the expedition. But the very qualities which endeared him +to the hearts of his countrymen rendered him hateful in the eyes of his +implacable enemy, Odysseus, who never forgave his having detected his +scheme to avoid joining the army. + +In order to effect the ruin of Palamedes, Odysseus concealed in his tent a +vast sum of money. He next wrote a letter, purporting to be from king Priam +to Palamedes, in which the former thanked the Greek hero effusively for the +valuable information received from him, referring at the same time to a +large sum of money which he had sent to him as a reward. This letter, which +was found upon the person of a Phrygian prisoner, was read aloud in a +council of the Greek princes. Palamedes was arraigned before the chiefs of +the army and accused of betraying his country to the enemy, whereupon a +search was instituted, and a large sum of money being found in his tent, he +was pronounced guilty and sentenced to be stoned to death. Though fully +aware of the base treachery practised against him, Palamedes offered not a +word in self-defence, knowing but too well that, in the face of such +damning evidence, the attempt to prove his innocence would be vain. + +DEFECTION OF ACHILLES.--During the first year of the campaign the Greeks +ravaged the surrounding country, {292} and pillaged the neighbouring +villages. Upon one of these foraging expeditions the city of Pedasus was +sacked, and Agamemnon, as commander-in-chief, received as his share of the +spoil the beautiful Chrysëis, daughter of Chryses, the priest of Apollo; +whilst to Achilles was allotted another captive, the fair Brisëis. The +following day Chryses, anxious to ransom his daughter, repaired to the +Greek camp; but Agamemnon refused to accede to his proposal, and with rude +and insulting words drove the old man away. Full of grief at the loss of +his child Chryses called upon Apollo for vengeance on her captor. His +prayer was heard, and the god sent a dreadful pestilence which raged for +ten days in the camp of the Greeks. Achilles at length called together a +council, and inquired of Calchas the soothsayer how to arrest this terrible +visitation of the gods. The seer replied that Apollo, incensed at the +insult offered to his priest, had sent the plague, and that only by the +surrender of Chrysëis could his anger be appeased. + +On hearing this Agamemnon agreed to resign the maiden; but being already +embittered against Calchas for his prediction with regard to his own +daughter Iphigenia, he now heaped insults upon the soothsayer and accused +him of plotting against his interests. Achilles espoused the cause of +Calchas, and a violent dispute arose, in which the son of Thetis would have +killed his chief but for the timely interference of Pallas-Athene, who +suddenly appeared beside him, unseen by the rest, and recalled him to a +sense of the duty he owed to his commander. Agamemnon revenged himself on +Achilles by depriving him of his beautiful captive, the fair Brisëis, who +had become so attached to her kind and noble captor that she wept bitterly +on being removed from his charge. Achilles, now fairly disgusted with the +ungenerous conduct of his chief, withdrew himself to his tent, and +obstinately declined to take further part in the war. + +Heart-sore and dejected he repaired to the sea-shore, and there invoked the +presence of his divine mother. In answer to his prayer Thetis emerged from +beneath {293} the waves, and comforted her gallant son with the assurance +that she would entreat the mighty Zeus to avenge his wrongs by giving +victory to the Trojans, so that the Greeks might learn to realize the great +loss which they had sustained by his withdrawal from the army. The Trojans +being informed by one of their spies of the defection of Achilles, became +emboldened by the absence of this brave and intrepid leader, whom they +feared above all the other Greek heroes; they accordingly sallied forth, +and made a bold and eminently successful attack upon the Greeks, who, +although they most bravely and obstinately defended their position, were +completely routed, and driven back to their intrenchments, Agamemnon and +most of the other Greek leaders being wounded in the engagement. + +Encouraged by this marked and signal success the Trojans now commenced to +besiege the Greeks in their own camp. At this juncture Agamemnon, seeing +the danger which threatened the army, sunk for the moment all personal +grievances, and despatched an embassy to Achilles consisting of many noble +and distinguished chiefs, urgently entreating him to come to the assistance +of his countrymen in this their hour of peril; promising that not only +should the fair Brisëis be restored to him, but also that the hand of his +own daughter should be bestowed on him in marriage, with seven towns as her +dowry. But the obstinate determination of the proud hero was not to be +moved; and though he listened courteously to the arguments and +representations of the messengers of Agamemnon, his resolution to take no +further part in the war remained unshaken. + +In one of the engagements which took place soon afterwards, the Trojans, +under the command of Hector, penetrated into the heart of the Greek camp, +and had already commenced to burn their ships, when Patroclus, seeing the +distress of his countrymen, earnestly besought Achilles to send him to the +rescue at the head of the Myrmidons. The better nature of the hero +prevailed, and he not only intrusted to his friend the command of {294} his +brave band of warriors, but lent him also his own suit of armour. + +Patroclus having mounted the war-chariot of the hero, Achilles lifted on +high a golden goblet and poured out a libation of wine to the gods, +accompanied by an earnest petition for victory, and the safe return of his +beloved comrade. As a parting injunction he warned Patroclus against +advancing too far into the territory of the enemy, and entreated him to be +content with rescuing the galleys. + +At the head of the Myrmidons Patroclus now made a desperate attack upon the +enemy, who, thinking that the invincible Achilles was himself in command of +his battalions, became disheartened, and were put to flight. Patroclus +followed up his victory and pursued the Trojans as far as the walls of +their city, altogether forgetting in the excitement of battle the +injunction of his friend Achilles. But his temerity cost the young hero his +life, for he now encountered the mighty Hector himself, and fell by his +hands. Hector stripped the armour from his dead foe, and would have dragged +the body into the city had not Menelaus and Ajax the Greater rushed +forward, and after a long and fierce struggle succeeded in rescuing it from +desecration. + +DEATH OF HECTOR.--And now came the mournful task of informing Achilles of +the fate of his friend. He wept bitterly over the dead body of his comrade, +and solemnly vowed that the funereal rites should not be solemnized in his +honour until he had slain Hector with his own hands, and captured twelve +Trojans to be immolated on his funeral pyre. All other considerations +vanished before the burning desire to avenge the death of his friend; and +Achilles, now thoroughly aroused from his apathy, became reconciled to +Agamemnon, and rejoined the Greek army. At the request of the goddess +Thetis, Hephæstus forged for him a new suit of armour, which far surpassed +in magnificence that of all the other heroes. + +Thus gloriously arrayed he was soon seen striding {295} along, calling the +Greeks to arms. He now led the troops against the enemy, who were defeated +and put to flight until, near the gates of the city, Achilles and Hector +encountered each other. But here, for the first time throughout his whole +career, the courage of the Trojan hero deserted him. At the near approach +of his redoubtable antagonist he turned and fled for his life. Achilles +pursued him; and thrice round the walls of the city was the terrible race +run, in sight of the old king and queen, who had mounted the walls to watch +the battle. Hector endeavoured, during each course, to reach the city +gates, so that his comrades might open them to admit him or cover him with +their missiles; but his adversary, seeing his design, forced him into the +open plain, at the same time calling to his friends to hurl no spear upon +his foe, but to leave to him the vengeance he had so long panted for. At +length, wearied with the hot pursuit, Hector made a stand and challenged +his foe to single combat. A desperate encounter took place, in which Hector +succumbed to his powerful adversary at the Scæan gate; and with his last +dying breath the Trojan hero foretold to his conqueror that he himself +would soon perish on the same spot. + +The infuriated victor bound the lifeless corse of his fallen foe to his +chariot, and dragged it three times round the city walls and thence to the +Greek camp. Overwhelmed with horror at this terrible scene the aged parents +of Hector uttered such heart-rending cries of anguish that they reached the +ears of Andromache, his faithful wife, who, rushing to the walls, beheld +the dead body of her husband, bound to the conqueror's car. + +Achilles now solemnized the funereal rites in honour of his friend +Patroclus. The dead body of the hero was borne to the funeral pile by the +Myrmidons in full panoply. His dogs and horses were then slain to accompany +him, in case he should need them in the realm of shades; after which +Achilles, in fulfilment of his savage vow, slaughtered twelve brave Trojan +captives, who were {296} laid on the funeral pyre, which was now lighted. +When all was consumed the bones of Patroclus were carefully collected and +inclosed in a golden urn. Then followed the funereal games, which consisted +of chariot-races, fighting with the cestus (a sort of boxing-glove), +wrestling matches, foot-races, and single combats with shield and spear, in +all of which the most distinguished heroes took part, and contended for the +prizes. + +PENTHESILEA.--After the death of Hector, their great hope and bulwark, the +Trojans did not venture beyond the walls of their city. But soon their +hopes were revived by the appearance of a powerful army of Amazons under +the command of their queen Penthesilea, a daughter of Ares, whose great +ambition was to measure swords with the renowned Achilles himself, and to +avenge the death of the valiant Hector. + +Hostilities now recommenced in the open plain. Penthesilea led the Trojan +host; the Greeks on their side being under the command of Achilles and +Ajax. Whilst the latter succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, Achilles +was challenged by Penthesilea to single combat. With heroic courage she +went forth to the fight; but even the strongest men failed before the power +of the great Achilles, and though a daughter of Ares, Penthesilea was but a +woman. With generous chivalry the hero endeavoured to spare the brave and +beautiful maiden-warrior, and only when his own life was in imminent danger +did he make a serious effort to vanquish his enemy, when Penthesilea shared +the fate of all who ventured to oppose the spear of Achilles, and fell by +his hand. + +Feeling herself fatally wounded, she remembered the desecration of the dead +body of Hector, and earnestly entreated the forbearance of the hero. But +the petition was hardly necessary, for Achilles, full of compassion for his +brave but unfortunate adversary, lifted her gently from the ground, and she +expired in his arms. + +On beholding the dead body of their leader in the {297} possession of +Achilles, the Amazons and Trojans prepared for a fresh attack in order to +wrest it from his hands; but observing their purpose, Achilles stepped +forward and loudly called upon them to halt. Then in a few well-chosen +words he praised the great valour and intrepidity of the fallen queen, and +expressed his willingness to resign the body at once. + +The chivalrous conduct of Achilles was fully appreciated by both Greeks and +Trojans. Thersites alone, a base and cowardly wretch, attributed unworthy +motives to the gracious proceedings of the hero; and, not content with +these insinuations, he savagely pierced with his lance the dead body of the +Amazonian queen; whereupon Achilles, with one blow of his powerful arm, +felled him to the ground, and killed him on the spot. + +The well-merited death of Thersites excited no commiseration, but his +kinsman Diomedes came forward and claimed compensation for the murder of +his relative; and as Agamemnon, who, as commander-in-chief, might easily +have settled the difficulty, refrained from interfering, the proud nature +of Achilles resented the implied condemnation of his conduct, and he once +more abandoned the Greek army and took ship for Lesbos. Odysseus, however, +followed him to the island, and, with his usual tact, succeeded in inducing +the hero to return to the camp. + +DEATH OF ACHILLES.--A new ally of the Trojans now appeared on the field in +the person of Memnon, the Æthiopian, a son of Eos and Tithonus, who brought +with him a powerful reinforcement of negroes. Memnon was the first opponent +who had yet encountered Achilles on an equal footing; for like the great +hero himself he was the son of a goddess, and possessed also, like +Achilles, a suit of armour made for him by Hephæstus. + +Before the heroes encountered each other in single combat, the two +goddesses, Thetis and Eos, hastened to Olympus to intercede with its mighty +ruler for the life of their sons. Resolved even in this instance not to act +in opposition to the Moiræ, Zeus seized the golden scales {298} in which he +weighed the lot of mortals, and placed in it the respective fates of the +two heroes, whereupon that of Memnon weighed down the balance, thus +portending his death. + +Eos abandoned Olympus in despair. Arrived on the battlefield she beheld the +lifeless body of her son, who, after a long and brave defence, had at +length succumbed to the all-conquering arm of Achilles. At her command her +children, the Winds, flew down to the plain, and seizing the body of the +slain hero conveyed it through the air safe from the desecration of the +enemy. + +The triumph of Achilles was not of long duration. Intoxicated with success +he attempted, at the head of the Greek army, to storm the city of Troy, +when Paris, by the aid of Phoebus-Apollo, aimed a well-directed dart at the +hero, which pierced his vulnerable heel, and he fell to the ground fatally +wounded before the Scæan gate. But though face to face with death, the +intrepid hero, raising himself from the ground, still performed prodigies +of valour, and not until his tottering limbs refused their office was the +enemy aware that the wound was mortal. + +By the combined efforts of Ajax and Odysseus the body of Achilles was +wrested from the enemy after a long and terrible fight, and conveyed to the +Greek camp. Weeping bitterly over the untimely fate of her gallant son, +Thetis came to embrace him for the last time, and mingled her regrets and +lamentations with those of the whole Greek army. The funeral pyre was then +lighted, and the voices of the Muses were heard chanting his funeral dirge. +When, according to the custom of the ancients, the body had been burned on +the pyre, the bones of the hero were collected, inclosed in a golden urn, +and deposited beside the remains of his beloved friend Patroclus. + +In the funereal games celebrated in honour of the fallen hero, the property +of her son was offered by Thetis as the prize of victory. But it was +unanimously agreed that the beautiful suit of armour made by Hephæstus +should be awarded to him who had contributed the most to the {299} rescue +of the body from the hands of the enemy. Popular opinion unanimously +decided in favour of Odysseus, which verdict was confirmed by the Trojan +prisoners who were present at the engagement. Unable to endure the slight, +the unfortunate Ajax lost his reason, and in this condition put an end to +his existence. + +FINAL MEASURES.--Thus were the Greeks deprived at one and the same time of +their bravest and most powerful leader, and of him also who approached the +nearest to this distinction. For a time operations were at a standstill, +until Odysseus at length, contrived by means of a cleverly-arranged ambush +to capture Helenus, the son of Priam. Like his sister Cassandra, Helenus +possessed the gift of prophecy, and the unfortunate youth was now coerced +by Odysseus into using this gift against the welfare of his native city. + +The Greeks learned from the Trojan prince that three conditions were +indispensable to the conquest of Troy:--In the first place the son of +Achilles must fight in their ranks; secondly, the arrows of Heracles must +be used against the enemy; and thirdly, they must obtain possession of the +wooden image of Pallas-Athene, the famous Palladium of Troy. + +The first condition was easily fulfilled. Ever ready to serve the interests +of the community, Odysseus repaired to the island of Scyros, where he found +Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Having succeeded in arousing the ambition +of the fiery youth, he generously resigned to him the magnificent armour of +his father, and then conveyed him to the Greek camp, where he immediately +distinguished himself in single combat with Eurypylus, the son of Telephus, +who had come to the aid of the Trojans. + +To procure the poison-dipped arrows of Heracles was a matter of greater +difficulty. They were still in the possession of the much-aggrieved +Philoctetes, who had remained in the island of Lemnos, his wound still +unhealed, suffering the most abject misery. But the {300} judicious zeal of +the indefatigable and ever-active Odysseus, who was accompanied in this +undertaking by Diomedes, at length gained the day, and he induced +Philoctetes to accompany him to the camp, where the skilful leech Machaon, +the son of Asclepias, healed him of his wound. + +Philoctetes became reconciled to Agamemnon, and in an engagement which took +place soon after, he mortally wounded Paris, the son of Priam. But though +pierced by the fatal arrow of the demi-god, death did not immediately +ensue; and Paris, calling to mind the prediction of an oracle, that his +deserted wife Oenone could alone cure him if wounded, caused himself to be +transported to her abode on Mount Ida, where he implored her by the memory +of their past love to save his life. But mindful only of her wrongs, Oenone +crushed out of her heart every womanly feeling of pity and compassion, and +sternly bade him depart. Soon, however, all her former affection for her +husband awoke within her. With frantic haste she followed him; but on her +arrival in the city she found the dead body of Paris already laid on the +lighted funeral pile, and, in her remorse and despair, Oenone threw herself +on the lifeless form of her husband and perished in the flames. + +The Trojans were now shut up within their walls and closely besieged; but +the third and most difficult condition being still unfulfilled, all efforts +to take the city were unavailing. In this emergency the wise and devoted +Odysseus came once more to the aid of his comrades. Having disfigured +himself with self-inflicted wounds, he assumed the disguise of a wretched +old mendicant, and then crept stealthily into the city in order to discover +where the Palladium was preserved. He succeeded in his object, and was +recognized by no one save the fair Helen, who after the death of Paris had +been given in marriage to his brother Deiphobus. But since death had robbed +her of her lover, the heart of the Greek princess had turned yearningly +towards her native country and her husband Menelaus, and Odysseus now found +in her a most unlooked-for ally. On his return to the camp {301} Odysseus +called to his aid the valiant Diomedes, and with his assistance the +perilous task of abstracting the Palladium from its sacred precincts was, +after some difficulty, effected. + +The conditions of conquest being now fulfilled, a council was called to +decide on final proceedings. Epeios, a Greek sculptor, who had accompanied +the expedition, was desired to construct a colossal wooden horse large +enough to contain a number of able and distinguished heroes. On its +completion a band of warriors concealed themselves within, whereupon the +Greek army broke up their camp, and then set fire to it, as though, wearied +of the long and tedious ten years' siege, they had abandoned the enterprise +as hopeless. + +Accompanied by Agamemnon and the sage Nestor, the fleet set sail for the +island of Tenedos, where they cast anchor, anxiously awaiting the torch +signal to hasten back to the Trojan coast. + +DESTRUCTION OF TROY.--When the Trojans saw the enemy depart, and the Greek +camp in flames, they believed themselves safe at last, and streamed in +great numbers out of the town in order to view the site where the Greeks +had so long encamped. Here they found the gigantic wooden horse, which they +examined with wondering curiosity, various opinions being expressed with +regard to its utility. Some supposed it to be an engine of war, and were in +favour of destroying it, others regarded it as a sacred idol, and proposed +that it should be brought into the city. Two circumstances which now +occurred induced the Trojans to incline towards the latter opinion. + +Chief among those who suspected a treacherous design in this huge +contrivance was Laocoon, a priest of Apollo, who, in company with his two +young sons, had issued from the city with the Trojans in order to offer a +sacrifice to the gods. With all the eloquence at his command he urged his +countrymen not to place confidence in any gift of the Greeks, and even went +so far as to pierce the {302} side of the horse with a spear which he took +from a warrior beside him, whereupon the arms of the heroes were heard to +rattle. The hearts of the brave men concealed inside the horse quailed +within them, and they had already given themselves up for lost, when +Pallas-Athene, who ever watched over the cause of the Greeks, now came to +their aid, and a miracle occurred in order to blind and deceive the devoted +Trojans;--for the fall of Troy was decreed by the gods. + +[Illustration] + +Whilst Laocoon with his two sons stood prepared to perform the sacrifice, +two enormous serpents suddenly rose out of the sea, and made direct for the +altar. They entwined themselves first round the tender limbs of the +helpless youths, and then encircled their father who rushed to their +assistance, and thus all three were destroyed in sight of the horrified +multitude. The Trojans naturally interpreted the fate of Laocoon and his +sons to be a punishment sent by Zeus for his sacrilege against the wooden +horse, and were now fully convinced that it must be consecrated to the +gods. + +The crafty Odysseus had left behind his trusty friend Sinon with full +instructions as to his course of action. Assuming the rôle assigned to him, +he now approached king Priam with fettered hands and piteous entreaties, +alleging that the Greeks, in obedience to the command of an oracle, had +attempted to immolate him as a sacrifice; but that he had contrived to +escape from their hands, and now sought protection from the king. + +The kind-hearted monarch, believing his story, released {303} his bonds, +assured him of his favour, and then begged him to explain the true meaning +of the wooden horse. Sinon willingly complied. He informed the king that +Pallas-Athene, who had hitherto been the hope and stay of the Greeks +throughout the war, was so deeply offended at the removal of her sacred +image, the Palladium, from her temple in Troy, that she had withdrawn her +protection from the Greeks, and refused all further aid till it was +restored to its rightful place. Hence the Greeks had returned home in order +to seek fresh instructions from an oracle. But before leaving, Calchas the +seer had advised their building this gigantic wooden horse as a tribute to +the offended goddess, hoping thereby to appease her just anger. He further +explained that it had been constructed of such colossal proportions in +order to prevent its being brought into the city, so that the favour of +Pallas-Athene might not be transferred to the Trojans. + +Hardly had the crafty Sinon ceased speaking when the Trojans, with one +accord, urged that the wooden horse should be brought into their city +without delay. The gates being too low to admit its entrance, a breach was +made in the walls, and the horse was conveyed in triumph into the very +heart of Troy; whereupon the Trojans, overjoyed at what they deemed the +successful issue of the campaign, abandoned themselves to feasting and +rioting. + +Amidst the universal rejoicing the unhappy Cassandra, foreseeing the result +of the admission of the wooden horse into the city, was seen rushing +through the streets with wild gestures and dishevelled hair, warning her +people against the dangers which awaited them. But her eloquent words fell +on deaf ears; for it was ever the fate of the unfortunate prophetess that +her predictions should find no credence. + +When, after the day's excitement, the Trojans had retired to rest, and all +was hushed and silent, Sinon, in the dead of night, released the heroes +from their voluntary imprisonment. The signal was then given to the Greek +fleet lying off Tenedos, and the whole army in unbroken silence once more +landed on the Trojan coast. {304} + +To enter the city was now an easy matter, and a fearful slaughter ensued. +Aroused from their slumbers, the Trojans, under the command of their +bravest leaders, made a gallant defence, but were easily overcome. All +their most valiant heroes fell in the fight, and soon the whole city was +wrapt in flames. + +Priam fell by the hand of Neoptolemus, who killed him as he lay prostrate +before the altar of Zeus, praying for divine assistance in this awful hour +of peril. The unfortunate Andromache with her young son Astyanax had taken +refuge on the summit of a tower, where she was discovered by the victors, +who, fearing lest the son of Hector might one day rise against them to +avenge the death of his father, tore him from her arms and hurled him over +the battlements. + +Æneas alone, the son of Aphrodite, the beloved of gods and men, escaped the +universal carnage with his son and his old father Anchises, whom he carried +on his shoulders out of the city. He first sought refuge on Mount Ida, and +afterwards fled to Italy, where he became the ancestral hero of the Roman +people. + +Menelaus now sought Helen in the royal palace, who, being immortal, still +retained all her former beauty and fascination. A reconciliation took +place, and she accompanied her husband on his homeward voyage. Andromache, +the widow of the brave Hector, was given in marriage to Neoptolemus, +Cassandra fell to the share of Agamemnon, and Hecuba, the gray-haired and +widowed queen, was made prisoner by Odysseus. + +The boundless treasures of the wealthy Trojan king fell into the hands of +the Greek heroes, who, after having levelled the city of Troy to the +ground, prepared for their homeward voyage. + +RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY. + +During the sacking of the city of Troy the Greeks, in the hour of victory, +committed many acts of desecration and cruelty, which called down upon them +the wrath of the {305} gods, for which reason their homeward voyage was +beset with manifold dangers and disasters, and many perished before they +reached their native land. + +Nestor, Diomedes, Philoctetes, and Neoptolemus were among those who arrived +safely in Greece after a prosperous voyage. The vessel which carried +Menelaus and Helen was driven by violent tempests to the coast of Egypt, +and only after many years of weary wanderings and vicissitudes did they +succeed in reaching their home at Sparta. + +Ajax the Lesser having offended Pallas-Athene by desecrating her temple on +the night of the destruction of Troy, was shipwrecked off Cape Caphareus. +He succeeded, however, in clinging to a rock, and his life might have been +spared but for his impious boast that he needed not the help of the gods. +No sooner had he uttered the sacrilegious words than Poseidon, enraged at +his audacity, split with his trident the rock to which the hero was +clinging, and the unfortunate Ajax was overwhelmed by the waves. + +FATE OF AGAMEMNON.--The homeward voyage of Agamemnon was tolerably +uneventful and prosperous; but on his arrival at Mycenæ misfortune and ruin +awaited him. + +His wife Clytemnestra, in revenge for the sacrifice of her beloved daughter +Iphigenia, had formed a secret alliance during his absence with Ægisthus, +the son of Thyestes, and on the return of Agamemnon they both conspired to +compass his destruction. Clytemnestra feigned the greatest joy on beholding +her husband, and in spite of the urgent warnings of Cassandra, who was now +a captive in his train, he received her protestations of affection with the +most trusting confidence. In her well-assumed anxiety for the comfort of +the weary traveller, she prepared a warm bath for his refreshment, and at a +given signal from the treacherous queen, Ægisthus, who was concealed in an +adjoining chamber, rushed upon the defenceless hero and slew him. {306} + +During the massacre of the retainers of Agamemnon which followed, his +daughter Electra, with great presence of mind, contrived to save her young +brother Orestes. He fled for refuge to his uncle Strophius, king of Phocis, +who educated him with his own son Pylades, and an ardent friendship sprung +up between the youths, which, from its constancy and disinterestedness, has +become proverbial. + +As Orestes grew up to manhood, his one great all-absorbing desire was to +avenge the death of his father. Accompanied by his faithful friend Pylades, +he repaired in disguise to Mycenæ, where Ægisthus and Clytemnestra reigned +conjointly over the kingdom of Argos. In order to disarm suspicion he had +taken the precaution to despatch a messenger to Clytemnestra, purporting to +be sent by king Strophius, to announce to her the untimely death of her son +Orestes through an accident during a chariot-race at Delphi. + +Arrived at Mycenæ, he found his sister Electra so overwhelmed with grief at +the news of her brother's death that to her he revealed his identity. When +he heard from her lips how cruelly she had been treated by her mother, and +how joyfully the news of his demise had been received, his long pent-up +passion completely overpowered him, and rushing into the presence of the +king and queen, he first pierced Clytemnestra to the heart, and afterwards +her guilty partner. + +But the crime of murdering his own mother was not long unavenged by the +gods. Hardly was the fatal act committed when the Furies appeared and +unceasingly pursued the unfortunate Orestes wherever he went. In this +wretched plight he sought refuge in the temple of Delphi, where he +earnestly besought Apollo to release him from his cruel tormentors. The god +commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to repair to Taurica-Chersonnesus +and convey the statue of Artemis from thence to the kingdom of Attica, an +expedition fraught with extreme peril. We have already seen in a former +chapter how Orestes escaped the fate which befell all strangers {307} who +landed on the Taurian coast, and how, with the aid of his sister Iphigenia, +the priestess of the temple, he succeeded in conveying the statue of the +goddess to his native country. + +But the Furies did not so easily relinquish their prey, and only by means +of the interposition of the just and powerful goddess Pallas-Athene was +Orestes finally liberated from their persecution. His peace of mind being +at length restored, Orestes assumed the government of the kingdom of Argos, +and became united to the beautiful Hermione, daughter of Helen and +Menelaus. On his faithful friend Pylades he bestowed the hand of his +beloved sister, the good and faithful Electra. + +HOMEWARD VOYAGE OF ODYSSEUS.--With his twelve ships laden with enormous +treasures, captured during the sacking of Troy, Odysseus set sail with a +light heart for his rocky island home of Ithaca. At length the happy hour +had arrived which for ten long years the hero had so anxiously awaited, and +he little dreamt that ten more must elapse before he would be permitted by +the Fates to clasp to his heart his beloved wife and child. + +During his homeward voyage his little fleet was driven by stress of weather +to a land whose inhabitants subsisted entirely on a curious plant called +the lotus, which was sweet as honey to the taste, but had the effect of +causing utter oblivion of home and country, and of creating an irresistible +longing to remain for ever in the land of the lotus-eaters. Odysseus and +his companions were hospitably received by the inhabitants, who regaled +them freely with their peculiar and very delicious food; after partaking of +which, however, the comrades of the hero refused to leave the country, and +it was only by sheer force that he at length succeeded in bringing them +back to their ships. + +POLYPHEMUS.--Continuing their journey, they next arrived at the country of +the Cyclops, a race of giants remarkable for having only one eye, which was +placed in the centre of their foreheads. Here Odysseus, whose love of +adventure overcame more prudent considerations, {308} left his fleet safely +anchored in the bay of a neighbouring island, and with twelve chosen +companions set out to explore the country. + +Near the shore they found a vast cave, into which they boldly entered. In +the interior they saw to their surprise huge piles of cheese and great +pails of milk ranged round the walls. After partaking freely of these +provisions his companions endeavoured to persuade Odysseus to return to the +ship; but the hero being curious to make the acquaintance of the owner of +this extraordinary abode, ordered them to remain and await his pleasure. + +Towards evening a fierce giant made his appearance, bearing an enormous +load of wood upon his shoulders, and driving before him a large flock of +sheep. This was Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon, the owner of the cave. +After all his sheep had entered, the giant rolled before the entrance to +the cave an enormous rock, which the combined strength of a hundred men +would have been powerless to move. + +Having kindled a fire of great logs of pine-wood he was about to prepare +his supper when the flames revealed to him, in a corner of the cavern, its +new occupants, who now came forward and informed him that they were +shipwrecked mariners, and claimed his hospitality in the name of Zeus. But +the fierce monster railed at the great ruler of Olympus--for the lawless +Cyclops knew no fear of the gods--and hardly vouchsafed a reply to the +demand of the hero. To the consternation of Odysseus the giant seized two +of his companions, and, after dashing them to the ground, consumed their +remains, washing down the ghastly meal with huge draughts of milk. He then +stretched his gigantic limbs on the ground, and soon fell fast asleep +beside the fire. + +Thinking the opportunity a favourable one to rid himself and his companions +of their terrible enemy, Odysseus drew his sword, and, creeping stealthily +forward, was about to slay the giant when he suddenly remembered that the +aperture of the cave was effectually closed by the immense rock, which +rendered egress impossible. He {309} therefore wisely determined to wait +until the following day, and set his wits to work in the meantime to devise +a scheme by which he and his companions might make their escape. + +When, early next morning, the giant awoke, two more unfortunate companions +of the hero were seized by him and devoured; after which Polyphemus +leisurely drove out his flock, taking care to secure the entrance of the +cave as before. + +Next evening the giant devoured two more of his victims, and when he had +finished his revolting meal Odysseus stepped forward and presented him with +a large measure of wine which he had brought with him from his ship in a +goat's skin. Delighted with the delicious beverage the giant inquired the +name of the donor. Odysseus replied that his name was Noman, whereupon +Polyphemus, graciously announced that he would evince his gratitude by +eating him the last. + +The monster, thoroughly overcome with the powerful old liquor, soon fell +into a heavy sleep, and Odysseus lost no time in putting his plans into +execution. He had cut during the day a large piece of the giant's own +olive-staff, which he now heated in the fire, and, aided by his companions, +thrust it into the eye-ball of Polyphemus, and in this manner effectually +blinded him. + +The giant made the cave resound with his howls of pain and rage. His cries +being heard by his brother Cyclops, who lived in caves not far distant from +his own, they soon came trooping over the hills from all sides, and +assailed the door of the cave with inquiries concerning the cause of his +cries and groans. But as his only reply was, "Noman has injured me," they +concluded that he had been playing them a trick, and therefore abandoned +him to his fate. + +The blinded giant now groped vainly round his cave in hopes of laying hands +on some of his tormentors; but wearied at length of these fruitless +exertions he rolled away the rock which closed the aperture, thinking that +his victims would rush out with the sheep, when it would {310} be an easy +matter to capture them. But in the meantime Odysseus had not been idle, and +the subtlety of the hero was now brought into play, and proved more than a +match for the giant's strength. The sheep were very large, and Odysseus, +with bands of willow taken from the bed of Polyphemus, had cleverly linked +them together three abreast, and under each centre one had secured one of +his comrades. After providing for the safety of his companions, Odysseus +himself selected the finest ram of the flock, and, by clinging to the wool +of the animal, made his escape. As the sheep passed out of the cave the +giant felt carefully among them for his victims, but not finding them on +the backs of the animals he let them pass, and thus they all escaped. + +They now hastened on board their vessel, and Odysseus, thinking himself at +a safe distance, shouted out his real name and mockingly defied the giant; +whereupon Polyphemus seized a huge rock, and, following the direction of +the voice, hurled it towards the ship, which narrowly escaped destruction. +He then called upon his father Poseidon to avenge him, entreating him to +curse Odysseus with a long and tedious voyage, to destroy all his ships and +all his companions, and to make his return as late, as unhappy, and as +desolate as possible. + +FURTHER ADVENTURES.--After sailing about over unknown seas for some time +the hero and his followers cast anchor at the island of Æolus, king of the +Winds, who welcomed them cordially, and sumptuously entertained them for a +whole month. + +When they took their leave he gave Odysseus the skin of an ox, into which +he had placed all the contrary winds in order to insure to them a safe and +speedy voyage, and then, having cautioned him on no account to open it, +caused the gentle Zephyrus to blow so that he might waft them to the shores +of Greece. + +On the evening of the tenth day after their departure they arrived in sight +of the watch-fires of Ithaca. But here, unfortunately, Odysseus, being +completely wearied {311} out, fell asleep, and his comrades, thinking Æolus +had given him a treasure in the bag which he so sedulously guarded, seized +this opportunity of opening it, whereupon all the adverse winds rushed out, +and drove them back to the Æolian island. This time, however, Æolus did not +welcome them as before, but dismissed them with bitter reproaches and +upbraidings for their disregard of his injunctions. + +After a six days' voyage they at length sighted land. Observing what +appeared to be the smoke from a large town, Odysseus despatched a herald, +accompanied by two of his comrades, in order to procure provisions. When +they arrived in the city they discovered to their consternation that they +had set foot in the land of the Læstrygones, a race of fierce and gigantic +cannibals, governed by their king Antiphates. The unfortunate herald was +seized and killed by the king; but his two companions, who took to flight, +succeeded in reaching their ship in safety, and urgently entreated their +chief to put to sea without delay. + +But Antiphates and his fellow-giants pursued the fugitives to the +sea-shore, where they now appeared in large numbers. They seized huge +rocks, which they hurled upon the fleet, sinking eleven of the ships with +all hands, on board; the vessel under the immediate command of Odysseus +being the only one which escaped destruction. In this ship, with his few +remaining followers, Odysseus now set sail, but was driven by adverse winds +to an island called Ææa. + +CIRCE.--The hero and his companions were in sore need of provisions, but, +warned by previous disasters, Odysseus resolved that only a certain number +of the ship's crew should be despatched to reconnoitre the country; and on +lots being drawn by Odysseus and Eurylochus, it fell to the share of the +latter to fill the office of conductor to the little band selected for this +purpose. + +They soon came to a magnificent marble palace, which was situated in a +charming and fertile valley. Here {312} dwelt a beautiful enchantress +called Circe, daughter of the sun-god and the sea-nymph Perse. The entrance +to her abode was guarded by wolves and lions, who, however, to the great +surprise of the strangers, were tame and harmless as lambs. These were, in +fact, human beings who, by the wicked arts of the sorceress, had been thus +transformed. From within they heard the enchanting voice of the goddess, +who was singing a sweet melody as she sat at her work, weaving a web such +as immortals alone could produce. She graciously invited them to enter, and +all save the prudent and cautious Eurylochus accepted the invitation. + +As they trod the wide and spacious halls of tesselated marble objects of +wealth and beauty met their view on all sides. The soft and luxuriant +couches on which she bade them be seated were studded with silver, and the +banquet which she provided for their refreshment was served in vessels of +pure gold. But while her unsuspecting guests were abandoning themselves to +the pleasures of the table the wicked enchantress was secretly working +their ruin; for the wine-cup which was presented to them was drugged with a +potent draught, after partaking of which the sorceress touched them with +her magic wand, and they were immediately transformed into swine, still, +however, retaining their human senses. + +When Odysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had befallen +his companions he set out, regardless of personal danger, resolved to make +an effort to rescue them. On his way to the palace of the sorceress he met +a fair youth bearing a wand of gold, who revealed himself to him as Hermes, +the divine messenger of the gods. He gently reproached the hero for his +temerity in venturing to enter the abode of Circe unprovided with an +antidote against her spells, and presented him with a peculiar herb called +Moly, assuring him that it would inevitably counteract the baneful arts of +the fell enchantress. Hermes warned Odysseus that Circe would offer him a +draught of drugged wine with the intention of transforming him as she had +done his companions. He bade him drink the wine, the effect of {313} which +would be completely nullified by the herb which he had given him, and then +rush boldly at the sorceress as though he would take her life, whereupon +her power over him would cease, she would recognize her master, and grant +him whatever he might desire. + +Circe received the hero with all the grace and fascination at her command, +and presented him with a draught of wine in a golden goblet. This he +readily accepted, trusting to the efficacy of the antidote. Then, in +obedience to the injunction of Hermes, he drew his sword from its scabbard +and rushed upon the sorceress as though he would slay her. + +When Circe found that her fell purpose was for the first time frustrated, +and that a mortal had dared to attack her, she knew that it must be the +great Odysseus who stood before her, whose visit to her abode had been +foretold to her by Hermes. At his solicitation she restored to his +companions their human form, promising at the same time that henceforth the +hero and his comrades should be free from her enchantments. + +But all warnings and past experience were forgotten by Odysseus when Circe +commenced to exercise upon him her fascinations and blandishments. At her +request his companions took up their abode in the island, and he himself +became the guest and slave of the enchantress for a whole year; and it was +only at the earnest admonition of his friends that he was at length induced +to free himself from her toils. + +Circe had become so attached to the gallant hero that it cost her a great +effort to part with him, but having vowed not to exercise her magic spells +against him she was powerless to detain him further. The goddess now warned +him that his future would be beset with many dangers, and commanded him to +consult the blind old seer Tiresias,[52] in the realm of Hades, concerning +his future destiny. She then loaded his ship with provisions for the +voyage, and reluctantly bade him farewell. + +{314} + +THE REALM OF SHADES.--Though somewhat appalled at the prospect of seeking +the weird and gloomy realms inhabited by the spirits of the dead, Odysseus +nevertheless obeyed the command of the goddess, who gave him full +directions with regard to his course, and also certain injunctions which it +was important that he should carry out with strict attention to detail. + +He accordingly set sail with his companions for the dark and gloomy land of +the Cimmerians, which lay at the furthermost end of the world, beyond the +great stream Oceanus. Favoured by gentle breezes they soon reached their +destination in the far west. On arriving at the spot indicated by Circe, +where the turbid waters of the rivers Acheron and Cocytus mingled at the +entrance to the lower world, Odysseus landed, unattended by his companions. + +Having dug a trench to receive the blood of the sacrifices he now offered a +black ram and ewe to the powers of darkness, whereupon crowds of shades +rose up from the yawning gulf, clustering round him, eager to quaff the +blood of the sacrifice, which would restore to them for a time their mental +vigour. But mindful of the injunction of Circe, Odysseus brandished his +sword, and suffered none to approach until Tiresias had appeared. The great +prophet now came slowly forward leaning on his golden staff, and after +drinking of the sacrifice proceeded to impart to Odysseus the hidden +secrets of his future fate. Tiresias also warned him of the numerous perils +which would assail him, not only during his homeward voyage but also on his +return to Ithaca, and then instructed him how to avoid them. + +Meanwhile numbers of other shades had quaffed the sense-awakening draught +of the sacrifice, among whom Odysseus recognized to his dismay his +tenderly-loved mother Anticlea. From her he learned that she had died of +grief at her son's protracted absence, and that his aged father Laertes was +wearing his life away in vain and anxious longings for his return. He also +conversed with the ill-fated Agamemnon, Patroclus, and Achilles. The latter +{315} bemoaned his shadowy and unreal existence, and plaintively assured +his former companion-in-arms that rather would he be the poorest +day-labourer on earth than reign supreme as king over the realm of shades. +Ajax alone, who still brooded over his wrongs, held aloof, refusing to +converse with Odysseus, and sullenly retired when the hero addressed him. + +But at last so many shades came swarming round him that the courage of +Odysseus failed him, and he fled in terror back to his ship. Having +rejoined his companions they once more put to sea, and proceeded on their +homeward voyage. + +THE SIRENS.--After some days' sail their course led them past the island of +the Sirens. + +Now Circe had warned Odysseus on no account to listen to the seductive +melodies of these treacherous nymphs; for that all who gave ear to their +enticing strains felt an unconquerable desire to leap overboard and join +them, when they either perished at their hands, or were engulfed by the +waves. + +In order that his crew should not hear the song of the Sirens, Odysseus had +filled their ears with melted wax; but the hero himself so dearly loved +adventure that he could not resist the temptation of braving this new +danger. By his own desire, therefore, he was lashed to the mast, and his +comrades had strict orders on no account to release him until they were out +of sight of the island, no matter how he might implore them to set him +free. + +As they neared the fatal shore they beheld the Sirens seated side by side +on the verdant slopes of their island; and as their sweet and alluring +strains fell upon his ear the hero became so powerfully affected by them, +that, forgetful of all danger, he entreated his comrades to release him; +but the sailors, obedient to their orders, refused to unbind him until the +enchanted island had disappeared from view. The danger past, the hero +gratefully acknowledged the firmness of his followers, which had been the +means of saving his life. {316} + +THE ISLAND OF HELIOS.--They now approached the terrible dangers of Scylla +and Charybdis, between which Circe had desired them to pass. As Odysseus +steered the vessel beneath the great rock, Scylla swooped down and seized +six of his crew from the deck, and the cries of her wretched victims long +rang in his ears. At length they reached the island of Trinacria (Sicily), +whereon the sun-god pastured his flocks and herds, and Odysseus, calling to +mind the warning of Tiresias to avoid this sacred island, would fain have +steered the vessel past and left the country unexplored. But his crew +became mutinous, and insisted on landing. Odysseus was therefore obliged to +yield, but before allowing them to set foot on shore he made them take an +oath not to touch the sacred herds of Helios, and to be ready to sail again +on the following morning. + +It happened, unfortunately, however, that stress of weather compelled them +to remain a whole month at Trinacria, and the store of wine and food given +to them by Circe at parting being completely exhausted, they were obliged +to subsist on what fish and birds the island afforded. Frequently there was +not sufficient to satisfy their hunger, and one evening when Odysseus, worn +out with anxiety and fatigue, had fallen asleep, Eurylochus persuaded the +hungry men to break their vows and kill some of the sacred oxen. + +Dreadful was the anger of Helios, who caused the hides of the slaughtered +animals to creep and the joints on the spits to bellow like living cattle, +and threatened that unless Zeus punished the impious crew he would withdraw +his light from the heavens and shine only in Hades. Anxious to appease the +enraged deity Zeus assured him that his cause should be avenged. When, +therefore, after feasting for seven days Odysseus and his companions again +set sail, the ruler of Olympus caused a terrible storm to overtake them, +during which the ship was struck with lightning and went to pieces. All the +crew were drowned except Odysseus, who, clinging to a mast, floated about +in the open sea for nine days, when, after once more {317} escaping being +sucked in by the whirlpool of Charybdis, he was cast ashore on the island +of Ogygia. + +CALYPSO.--Ogygia was an island covered with dense forests, where, in the +midst of a grove of cypress and poplar, stood the charming grotto-palace of +the nymph Calypso, daughter of the Titan Atlas. The entrance to the grotto +was entwined with a leafy trellis-work of vine-branches, from which +depended clusters of purple and golden grapes; the plashing of fountains +gave a delicious sense of coolness to the air, which was filled with the +songs of birds, and the ground was carpeted with violets and mosses. + +Calypso cordially welcomed the forlorn and shipwrecked hero, and hospitably +ministered to his wants. In the course of time she became so greatly +attached to him that she offered him immortality and eternal youth if he +would consent to remain with her for ever. But the heart of Odysseus turned +yearningly towards his beloved wife Penelope and his young son. He +therefore refused the boon, and earnestly entreated the gods to permit him +to revisit his home. But the curse of Poseidon still followed the +unfortunate hero, and for seven long years he was detained on the island by +Calypso, sorely against his will. + +At length Pallas-Athene interceded with her mighty father on his behalf, +and Zeus, yielding to her request, forthwith despatched the fleet-footed +Hermes to Calypso, commanding her to permit Odysseus to depart and to +provide him with the means of transport. + +The goddess, though loath to part with her guest, dared not disobey the +commands of the mighty Zeus. She therefore instructed the hero how to +construct a raft, for which she herself wove the sails. Odysseus now bade +her farewell, and alone and unaided embarked on the frail little craft for +his native land. + +NAUSICAA.--For seventeen days Odysseus contrived to pilot the raft +skilfully through all the perils of the deep, directing his course +according to the directions {318} of Calypso, and guided by the stars of +heaven. On the eighteenth day he joyfully hailed the distant outline of the +Phæacian coast, and began to look forward hopefully to temporary rest and +shelter. But Poseidon, still enraged with the hero who had blinded and +insulted his son, caused an awful tempest to arise, during which the raft +was swamped by the waves, and Odysseus only saved himself by clinging for +bare life to a portion of the wreck. + +For two days and nights he floated about, drifted hither and thither by the +angry billows, till at last, after many a narrow escape of his life, the +sea-goddess Leucothea came to his aid, and he was cast ashore on the coast +of Scheria, the island of the luxurious Phæaces. Worn out with the +hardships and dangers he had passed through he crept into a thicket for +security, and, lying down on a bed of dried leaves, soon fell fast asleep. + +It chanced that Nausicaa, the beautiful daughter of king Alcinous and his +queen Arete, had come down to the shore, accompanied by her maidens, to +wash the linen which was destined to form part of her marriage portion. +When they had finished their task they bathed and sat down to a repast, +after which they amused themselves with singing and playing at ball. + +Their joyous shouts at last awoke Odysseus, who, rising from his hiding +place, suddenly found himself in the midst of the happy group. Alarmed at +his wild aspect the attendants of Nausicaa fled in terror; but the +princess, pitying the forlorn condition of the stranger, addressed him with +kind and sympathetic words. After hearing from him the account of his +shipwreck and the terrible hardships he had undergone, Nausicaa called back +her attendants, reproached them for their want of courtesy, and bade them +supply the wanderer with food, drink, and suitable raiment. Odysseus then +left the maidens to resume their games, whilst he bathed and clothed +himself with the garments with which they had furnished him. Athene now +appeared to the hero and endowed him with a commanding and magnificent +stature, and with more than mortal beauty. When he reappeared, the young +{319} princess was struck with admiration, and requested the hero to visit +the palace of her father. She then desired her attendants to yoke the mules +to the wagons and prepare to return home. + +Odysseus was cordially received by the king and queen, who entertained him +with magnificent hospitality, and in return for their kindness the hero +related to them the history of his long and eventful voyage, and the many +extraordinary adventures and miraculous escapes which had befallen him +since his departure from the coast of Ilion. + +When he at last took leave of his royal entertainers Alcinous loaded him +with rich gifts, and ordered him to be conveyed in one of his own ships to +Ithaca. + +ARRIVAL AT ITHACA.--The voyage was a short and prosperous one. By the +direction of king Alcinous rich furs had been laid on deck for the comfort +of his guest, on which the hero, leaving the guidance of the ship to the +Phæacian sailors, soon fell into a deep sleep. When next morning the vessel +arrived in the harbour of Ithaca the sailors, concluding that so unusually +profound a slumber must be sent by the gods, conveyed him on shore without +disturbing him, where they gently placed him beneath the cool shade of an +olive-tree. + +When Odysseus awoke he knew not where he was, for his ever-watchful +protectress Pallas-Athene had enveloped him in a thick cloud in order to +conceal him from view. She now appeared to him in the disguise of a +shepherd, and informed him that he was in his native land; that his father +Laertes, bent with sorrow and old age, had withdrawn from the court; that +his son Telemachus had grown to manhood, and was gone to seek for tidings +of his father; and that his wife Penelope was harassed by the importunities +of numerous suitors, who had taken possession of his home and devoured his +substance. In order to gain time Penelope had promised to marry one of her +lovers as soon as she had finished weaving a robe for the aged Laertes; but +by secretly undoing at night {320} what she had done in the day she +effectually retarded the completion of the work, and thus deferred her +final reply. Just as Odysseus had set foot in Ithaca the angry suitors had +discovered her stratagem, and had become in consequence more clamorous than +ever. When the hero heard that this was indeed his native land, which, +after an absence of twenty years, the gods had at length permitted him to +behold once more, he threw himself on the ground, and kissed it in an +ecstacy of joy. + +The goddess, who had meanwhile revealed her identity to Odysseus, now +assisted him to conceal in a neighbouring cave the valuable gifts of the +Phæacian king. Then seating herself beside him she consulted with him as to +the best means of ridding his palace of its shameless occupants. + +In order to prevent his being recognized she caused him to assume the form +of an aged mendicant. His limbs became decrepid, his brown locks vanished, +his eyes grew dim and bleared, and the regal robes given to him by king +Alcinous were replaced by a tattered garb of dingy hue, which hung loosely +round his shrunken form. Athene then desired him to seek shelter in the hut +of Eumæus his own swine-herd. + +Eumæus received the old beggar hospitably, kindly ministered to his wants, +and even confided to him his distress at the long continued absence of his +beloved old master, and his regrets at being compelled by the unruly +invaders of his house, to slaughter for their use all the finest and +fattest of the herd. + +It chanced that the following morning Telemachus returned from his long and +fruitless search for his father, and going first to the hut of Eumæus, +heard from him the story of the seeming beggar whom he promised to +befriend. Athene now urged Odysseus to make himself known to his son; and +at her touch his beggar's rags disappeared, and he stood before Telemachus +arrayed in royal robes and in the full strength and vigour of manhood. So +imposing was the appearance of the hero that at first the young prince +thought he must be a god; but when {321} he was convinced that it was +indeed his beloved father, whose prolonged absence had caused him so much +grief, he fell upon his neck and embraced him with every expression of +dutiful affection. + +Odysseus charged Telemachus to keep his return a secret, and concerted with +him a plan whereby they might rid themselves of the detested suitors. In +order to carry it into effect Telemachus was to induce his mother to +promise her hand to the one who could conquer in shooting with the famous +bow of Odysseus, which the hero had left behind when he went to Troy, +deeming it too precious a treasure to be taken with him. Odysseus now +resumed his beggar's dress and appearance and accompanied his son to the +palace, before the door of which lay his faithful dog Argo, who, though +worn and feeble with age and neglect, instantly recognized his master. In +his delight the poor animal made a last effort to welcome him; but his +strength was exhausted, and he expired at his feet. + +When Odysseus entered his ancestral halls he was mocked and reviled by the +riotous suitors, and Antinous, the most shameless of them all, ridiculed +his abject appearance, and insolently bade him depart; but Penelope hearing +of their cruel conduct, was touched with compassion, and desired her +maidens to bring the poor mendicant into her presence. She spoke kindly to +him, inquiring who he was and whence he came. He told her that he was the +brother of the king of Crete, in whose palace he had seen Odysseus, who was +about starting for Ithaca, and had declared his intention of arriving there +before the year was out. The queen, overjoyed at the happy tidings, ordered +her maidens to prepare a bed for the stranger, and to treat him as an +honoured guest. She then desired the old nurse Euryclea to provide him with +suitable raiment and to attend to all his wants. + +As the old servant was bathing his feet her eyes fell upon a scar which +Odysseus had received in his youth from the tusks of a wild boar; and +instantly recognizing the beloved master whom she had nursed as a babe, she +{322} would have cried aloud in her joy, but the hero placing his hand upon +her mouth, implored her not to betray him. + +The next day was a festival of Apollo, and the suitors in honour of the +occasion feasted with more than their accustomed revelry. After the banquet +was over Penelope, taking down the great bow of Odysseus from its place, +entered the hall and declared that whosoever of her lovers could bend it +and send an arrow through twelve rings (a feat which she had often seen +Odysseus perform) should be chosen by her as her husband. + +All the suitors tried their skill, but in vain; not one possessed the +strength required to draw the bow. Odysseus now stepped forward and asked +permission to be allowed to try, but the haughty nobles mocked at his +audacity, and would not have permitted it had not Telemachus interfered. +The pretended beggar took up the bow, and with the greatest ease sent an +arrow whizzing through the rings; then turning to Antinous, who was just +raising a goblet of wine to his lips, he pierced him to the heart. At this +the suitors sprang to their feet and looked round for their arms; but in +obedience to the instructions of Odysseus Telemachus had previously removed +them. He and his father now attacked the riotous revellers, and after a +desperate encounter not one of the whole crew remained alive. + +The joyful intelligence of the return of Odysseus being conveyed to +Penelope she descended to the hall, but refused to recognize, in the aged +beggar, her gallant husband; whereupon he retired to the bath, from which +he emerged in all the vigour and beauty with which Athene had endowed him +at the court of Alcinous. But Penelope, still incredulous, determined to +put him to a sure test. She therefore commanded in his hearing that his own +bed should be brought from his chamber. Now the foot of this bed had been +fashioned by Odysseus himself out of the stem of an olive-tree which was +still rooted in the ground, and round it he had built the walls of the +chamber. Knowing therefore that the bed could not be moved, he exclaimed +that the errand was useless, for that no {323} mortal could stir it from +its place. Then Penelope knew that it must be Odysseus himself who stood +before her, and a most touching and affectionate meeting took place between +the long-separated husband and wife. + +The following day the hero set out to seek his old father Laertes, whom he +found on one of his estates in the country engaged in digging up a young +olive-tree. The poor old man, who was dressed in the humble garb of a +labourer, bore the traces of deep grief on his furrowed countenance, and so +shocked was his son at the change in his appearance that for a moment he +turned aside to conceal his tears. + +When Odysseus revealed himself to his father as the son whom he had so long +mourned as lost, the joy of the poor old man was almost greater than he +could bear. With loving care Odysseus led him into the house, where at +length, for the first time since the departure of his son, Laertes once +more resumed his regal robes, and piously thanked the gods for this great +and unlooked-for happiness. + +But not yet was the hero permitted to enjoy his well-earned repose, for the +friends and relatives of the suitors now rose in rebellion against him and +pursued him to the abode of his father. The struggle, however, was but a +short one. After a brief contest negotiations of a peaceful nature were +entered into between Odysseus and his subjects. Recognizing the justice of +his cause, they became reconciled to their chief, who for many years +continued to reign over them. + + * * * * * + + +{325} + +PRONOUNCING INDEX. + + * * * * * + +[_Note._--The system of pronunciation here followed is the English system, +because it is the one at present most used among English-speaking peoples. +In it the letters have substantially their English sound. Upon the +continent of Europe the pronunciation of Latin and Greek is in like manner +made to correspond in each nation to the pronunciation of its own language, +and thus there is much diversity among the continental systems, though they +resemble each other more closely than they do the English. In England and +America also the continental methods of pronunciation have been extensively +used. Thus Æneas may be pronounced A-na´-ahss; Aïdes ah-ee´-daze. Since the +true, the ancient, pronunciation has been lost, and, as many contend, +cannot be even substantially recovered, it is a matter of individual +preference what system shall be followed.] + + A. + + Abderus (ab-dee´-rus), 244. + Absyrtus (ab-sir´-tus), 226. + Academus (ak-[)a]-dee´-mus), 268. + Achelous (ak-e-lo´-us), 254, 278. + Acheron (ak´-e-ron), 132, 250. + Achilles ([)a]-kil´-leez), 131, 291, 287, 297. + Acis ([=a]´-sis), 105, 167. + Acrisius ([)a]-crish´-e-us), 189, 205, 209. + Acropolis ([)a]-crop´-o-lis), 189. + Actæon (ak-tee´-on), 91. + Admete (ad-mee´-te), 244. + Admetus (ad-mee´-tus), 76, 119, 216. + Adonis ([)a]-don´-iss), 59. + Adrastia (ad-ras-ti´-ah), 142. + Adrastus ([)a]-dras´-tus), 272. + Æacus (ee´-[)a]-cus), 34. + Ææa (ee-ee´-ah), island of, 67. + Ægean Sea (ee-gee´-an), 287. + [53]Ægeus (ee´-juce), 259, 262, 264. + Ægina (ee-ji´-nah), island of, 230. + Ægis (ee´-jiss), 26. + Ægisthus (ee-jiss´-thus, _th_ as in _both_), 305. + Ægle (egg´-le), 163. + Ægyptus (ee-jip´-tus), 135. + Aello ([)a]-el´-lo), 137. + Æneas (ee-nee´-ass), 304. + Æolus (ee´-o-lus), 170, 210. + Aër ([=a]´-er), 12. + Æsacus (es´-a-cus), 284. + Æsculapius (es-cu-la´-pe-us), 177. + Æson (ee´-son), 213. + Æetes (ee-ee´-teez), 215, 222. + Æther (ee´-ther), 12. + Æthiopia (e-thi-o´-pe-ah), 207. + Æthra (ee´-thrah), 259, 267, 288. + Ætna, Mount (et´-nah), 100. + Agamemnon (ag-[)a]-mem´-non), 94, 286, 305. + Agave ([)a]-ga´-ve), 127, 205. + Agenor ([)a]-jee´-nor), 203. + Ages, 22. + Aglaia (ag-lay´-yah), 163. + Agraulos ([)a]-graw´-l[)o]s), 122. + Agrigent (ag´-ri-jent), 213. + Aïdes (a-i´-deez), 52, 130, 250. + --helmet of 206, 208. + Aïdoneus (a-i-do´-nuce), 130. + Air, 12. + Ajax ([=a]´-jax) the Greater, 298. + --the Lesser, 305. + Alcestis (al-ses´-tiss), 76. + Alcinous (al-sin´-o-us), 228, 318. + Alcippe (al-sip´-pe), 113 + Alcmæon (alk-mee´-on), 273, 277. + Alcmene (alk-mee´-ne), 35, 234. + Alecto (a-leck´-to), 138. + Alexander (al-ex-an´-der), 284. + Aloidæ (al-o-i´-de), 113. + Alpheus (al´-fuce), 242. + Altars, 191. + Althea (al-thee´-ah, _th_ as in _both_), 90. + Altis (al´-tis) the, 41. + Amalthea (am-al-thee´-ah), 15. + Amazons (am´-a-zons), 244, 258, 264. + Ambrosia (am-bro´-zhah), 15. + {326} + Amor ([=a]´-mor), 150. + Amphiaraus (am´-fe-a-ray´-us), 273. + Amphidamas (am-fid´-a-mass), 221. + Amphilochus (am-fil´-o-cus), 277. + Amphion (am-fi´-on), 33. + Amphitrite (am-fe-tri´-te), 104, 167. + Amphitrion (am-fit´-re-on), 35, 234. + Amycus (am´-i-cus), 219. + Anaitis-Aphroditis (an-a-i´-tis-af-ro-di´-tis), 92. + Ananke (an-ang´-ke), 147. + Anciliæ (an-sil´-e-e), 115. + Androgeos (an-dro´-je-oss), 262. + Andromache (an-drom´-a-ke), 295, 304. + Andromeda (an-drom´-e-dah), 207. + Antea (an-tee´-ah), 256. + Anteos (an-tee´-[)o]s), 248. + Anteros (an´-te-ross), 150. + Antigone (an-tig´-o-ne), 271, 275. + Antinous (an-tin´-o-us), 321. + Antiope (an-ti´-o-pe), 32. + Antiphates (an-tif´-a-teez), 311. + Aphareus (af´-a-ruce), 34. + Aphrodite (af-ro-di´-te), 58, 99, 152. + Apollo ([)a]-pol´-lo), 68. + --(Roman), 83. + Apple of Discord, 39. + Arachne (a-rak´-ne), 45. + Arcadia (ar-ca´-de-ah), 240. + Arctos (ark´-t[)o]s), 35. + Areopagus (a-re-op´-a-gus), 44, 113, 212. + Ares ([=a]´-reez), 99, 112. + --grove of, 215. + --field of, 223, 225. + Arete (a-ree´-te _or_ ar´-e-te), 228, 318. + Arethusa (ar-e-thu´-sah), 163. + Aretias ([)a]-ree´-she-ass), 221. + Argia (ar-ji´-ah), 272. + Argives (ar-jives), 274. + Argo, 215, 230, 321. + Argonauts (ar´-go-nawts), 213. + Argos (ar´-g[)o]s), 209, 216, 283. + Argus, 224. + Argus-Panoptes (pan-op´-teez), 36. + Ariadne (a-re-ad´-ne), 128, 263. + Aricia (a-rish´-e-ah), 97. + Arion (a-ri´-on), 275. + Aristæus (ar-iss-tee´-us), 81. + Aristodemus (a-ris´-to-de´-mus), 282. + Aristomachus (ar-is-tom´-a-cus), 282. + Arsinoë (ar-sin´-o-e), 278. + Artemis (ar´-te-miss), 87. + Ascalaphus (ass-cal´-a-fuss), 55, 250. + Asclepius (ass-clee´-pe-us), 71, 76, 176. + Ashtoreth (ash´-to-reth), 61. + Asphodel meadows (ass-fo-del), 133. + Astarte (ass-tar´-te), 61. + Astræa (ass-tree´-ah), 85. + Astræus (ass-tree´-us), 68. + Astyanax (ass-ti´-a-nax), 304. + Atalanta (at-a-lan´-tah), 89. + Ate ([=a]´-te), 149. + Athamas (ath´-a-mass), 111, 215. + Athene (a-thee´-ne, _th_ as in _both_), 43. + Athene-Polias (po´-le-ass), 44, 189, 199, 264. + Athens, 264. + Atlas, 207, 248. + Atreus, ([)a]´-truce), 282. + Atropos (at´-ro-p[)o]s), 139. + Atys ([=a]´-tiss), 19. + Augeas (aw´-je-ass), 242, 254. + Augurs, 196. + Aulis (aw´-lis), 97. + Aurora (aw-ro´-rah), 13, 67. + Autochthony (aw-tok´-tho-ny), 22. + Autolycus (aw-tol´-i-cus), 235, 251. + Autonoe, (aw-ton´-o-e), 205. + Avernus (a-ver´-nus), 132. + Avertor ([=a]-ver´-tor), 180. + Averuncus (av-e-run´-cus), 180. + + B. + + Bacchanalia (bac-ca-na´-le-ah), 199. + Bacchantes (bac-can´-teez), 198. + Bacchus (bac´-cus), 130. + Battus (bat´-tus), 119. + Baucis (baw´-sis), 37. + Bebricians (be-brish´-e-anz), 219. + Beech-nymph, 168. + Bellerophon (bel-ler´-o-fon), 256. + Bellerophontes (bel-ler´-o-fon´-teez), 256. + Bellona (bel-lo´-nah), 116. + Belvedere (bel´-vi-deer), 85. + Benthesicyme, (ben-the-siss´-i-me), 105. + Berecynthia-Idea (ber´-e-sin´-the-ah-i-dee´-ah), 19. + Beroe (ber´-o-e, first _e_ like ei in _their_), 35. + Birch-nymph, 168. + Bistonians (bis-to´-ne-anz), 243. + Bithynia (bi-thin´-e-ah), 220. + Boreas (bo´-re-ass), 171. + Brauron (braw´-ron), 96. + Brazen Age, 23. + Briareus (bri´-a-ruce), 13. + Brisëis (bri-see´-iss), 292. + Brontes (bron´-teez), 16. + Busiris (bu-si´-ris), 248. + Butes (bu´-teez), 228. + + C. + + Cadmus, 203. + Caduceus (ca-du´-she-us), 121. + Calais (cal´-a-iss), 171, 220. + Calchas (cal´-kas), 94, 287, 289, 292. + Calirrhoë (cal-lir´-ro-e), 278. + Calliope (cal-li´-o-pe), 80, 159. + Callisto (cal-lis´-to), 35. + {327} + Calydonian Boar-hunt, 89. + Calypso (ca-lip´-so), 317. + Camenæ (ca-mee´-nee), 184. + Campus Martius (mar´-she-us), 115. + Canens (ca´-nenz), 182. + Capaneus (cap´-a-nuce), 273. + Caphareus, Cape (ca-fa´-ruce), 305. + Carmenta (car-men´-tah), 184. + Carmentalia (car-men-ta´-le-ah), 184. + Carnival, 201. + Carpo, 164. + Cassandra (cas-san´-drah), 284, 303, 305. + Cassiopea (cas´-se-o-pee´-ah), 207. + Castalian Spring, 159, 195. + Castor, 33, 187, 268. + Caucasus (caw´-c[)a]-sus), Mount, 222. + Cecrops (see´-crops), 189. + Celæno (se-lee´-no), 137. + Celeus (see´-le-us), 53. + Celts, 10. + Cenæus (se-nee´-us), 255. + Centaurs (sen´-tawrs), 266. + Ceos (see´-[)o]s), 13. + Cepheus (see´-fuce), 207. + Cephissus (se-fiss´-us), 169. + Cerberus (ser´-be-rus), 133, 153, 249. + Cercyon (ser´-se-on), 261. + Cerealia (se-re-a´-le-ah), 201. + Ceres (see´-reez), 58, 201. + Cerunitis (ser-u-ni´-tis), 240. + Cestus (ses´-tus), 59. + Ceto (see´-to), 111. + Ceuta (su´-tah), 222. + Ceyx (see´-ix), 110, 254, 280. + Chalciope (cal-si´-o-pe), 223. + Chaos (ka´-oss), 11. + Chares (ca´-reez), 99. + Charites (car´-i-teez), 163. + Charon (ca´-ron), 132, 153. + Charybdis (ca-rib´-dis), 228, 316. + Chimæra (ki-mee´-rah), 257, 162. + Chiron (ki´-ron), 289. + Chloris (clo´-ris), 171. + Chrysaor (cris-[=a]´-or), 145. + Chrysëis (cri-see´-iss), 292. + Chryses (cri´-seez), 292. + Cimmerians (sim-me´-ri-anz), 132, 314. + Cimon (si´-mon), 268. + Circe (sir´-se), 64, 182, 227, 311. + Cithæron (si-thee´-ron, _th_ as in _both_), 40. + --Mount, 236. + Cleodæus (cle-o-dee´-us), 282. + Cleopatra (cle-o-pat´-rah), 220. + Clio (cli´-o), 159. + Cloacina (clo-a-si´-nah), 61. + Clotho (clo´-tho), 139. + Clymene (clim´-e-ne), 64. + Clytæmnestra (clit-em-nes´-trah), 94, 305, 306. + Clytie (cli´-ti-e), 63. + Cocalus (coc´-a-lus), 213. + Cocytus (co-si´-tus), 132, 314. + Coelus (see´-lus), 11. + Colchis (col´-kis), 215, 222. + Colonus (co-lo´-nus), 271. + Colossus of Rhodes (co-l[)o]s´-sus), 66. + Comus (co´-mus), 184. + Consualia (con-su-a´-le-ah), 183. + Consus (con´-sus), 183. + Copreus (co´-pruce), 239. + Cora, 197. + Cornucopia (cor-noo-co´-pe-ah), 148. + Coronis (co-ro´-nis), 75. + Corybantes (cor-i-ban´-teez), 19. + Cos, island of (coss), 104. + Cottos (cot´-t[)o]s), 13. + Crania, island of (cra-ni´-ah), 286. + Creon (cree´-on), 237, 275. + Cresphontes (cres-fon´-teez), 282. + Cretan Bull, 243. + Crete (creet), 229. + Crëusa (cre-yu´-sah), 210. + Crios (cri´-[)o]s), 13. + Croesus (cree´-sus), 195. + Crommyon (crom´-me-on), 260. + Cronus (cro´-nus), 14, 179. + Ctesiphon (tes´-i-fon), 93. + Cumæan Sibyl, the (cu-mee´-an), 84. + Cupid (cu´-pid), 150. + Curetes (cu-ree´-teez), 15. + Cybele (sib´-i-le), 18, 128. + Cyclops (si´-clops), 105, 307. + Cycnus (sik´-nus), 66, 247. + Cyllene, Mount (sil-lee´-ne), 119. + Cyparissus (sip-a-ris´-sus), 77, 182. + Cyprus, island of (si´-prus), 60. + Cyrus (si´-rus), 195. + Cythera (sith-ee´-rah), 60. + Cyzicus (siz´-i-cus), 218. + + D. + + Dædalus (ded´-a-lus), 211. + Dæmons (de´-mons), 185. + Damastes (da-mas´-teez), 261. + Danaë (dan´-a-e), 205, 209. + Danaïdes (dan-a´-[)i]-deez), 135. + Danaus (dan´-a-us), 135. + Danneker (dan´-ek-ker), 129. + Daphne (daf´-ne), 74. + Daphnephoria (daf-ne-fo´-re-ah), 200. + Daphnephorus (daf-nef´-o-rus), 200. + Deianeira (de-i´-a-ni´-rah), 254. + Deiphobus (de-if´-o-bus), 300. + Deipyle (de-ip´-i-le), 272. + Delia (dee´-le-ah), 83. + Delos, island of (dee´-l[)o]s), 69, 83. + Delphi (del´-fi), 82. + Delphic Oracle, 194. + Demeter (de-mee´-ter), 50, 197. + Demi-gods, 8. + Demophoon (de-mof´-o-on), 53, 280. + Deucalion (du-ca´-le-on), 21. + Diana (di-an´-nah), 87. + --of Versailles, 88. + {328} + Dice (di´-se), 164. + Dictys (dic´-tiss), 205. + Dindymene (din-di-mee´-ne), 19. + Dino (di´-no), 145. + Diomedes (di-o-mee´-deez), 112, 243, 297, 305. + Dione (di-o´-ne), 58. + Dionysia (di-o-nish´-e-ah), 180, 197. + Dionysus (di-o-ni´-sus), 124, 193, 198, 263. + Dioscuri (di-[)o]s-cu´-ri), 33. + Diræ (di´-ree), 138. + Dirce (dir´-se), 33. + Dis (diss), 137. + Discord, goddess of, 284. + Dodona (do-do´-nah), 29, 216. + Doliones (do-li´-o-neez), 218. + Dorians (do´-re-anz), 211. + Doris (do´-ris), 108. + Dorus (do´-rus), 211. + Dryades (dri´-a-deez), 168. + Dryas (dri´-ass), 126. + Dymas (di´-mass), 283. + + E. + + Echedorus (ek-e-do´-rus), 247. + Echemon (ek-kee´-mon), 282. + Echidna, (ek-kid´-nah), 146. + Echo (ek´-o), 169. + Egeria (e-gee´-re-ah), 184. + Eilithyia (i-lith-i´-yah), 41, 237. + Electra (e-lek´-trah), 111, 306. + Electryon (e-lek´-tre-on), 35. + Eleusinian Mysteries (el-u-sin´-e-an), 56, 132, 196. + Eleusis (e-lu´-sis), 54. + Elis (ee´-lis), 254, 283. + Elysian Fields (e-lizh´-e-an), 133. + Elysium (e-lizh´-e-um), 133. + Enceladus (en-sel´-a-dus), 20. + Endymion (en-dim´-e-on), 87. + Enipeus (e-ni´-puce), 106. + Enyo (e-ni´-o), 113. + Eos (ee´-[)o]s), 67, 297. + Epaphus (ep´-a-fus), 36, 64. + Epeios (ep-i´-[)o]s), 301. + Ephesus, temple of (ef´-e-sus), 92. + Ephialtes (ef-e-[=a]l´-teez), 105. + Epidaurus (ep-e-daw´-rus), 260. + Epigoni (e-pig´-o-ni), 276. + Epimetheus (ep-e-me´-thuce), 25. + Epopeus (e-po´-puce), 32. + Erato (er´-a-to), 159. + Erebus (er´-e-buss), 13. + Erechtheus (e-rek´-thuce), 210. + Eresichthon (er-e-sik´-thon), 57. + Erginus (er-ji´-nus), 237. + Eridanus, river, the (e-rid´-a-nus), 65, 227, 248. + Erinnyes (e-rin´-ne-eez), 138. + Eriphyle (er-i-fi´-le), 273. + Eris (ee´-ris), 39. + Eros (ee´-r[)o]s), 74, 150. + Erymantian Boar (er-e-man´-shun), 240. + Erythia (er-e-thi´-ah), 246. + Eteocles (e-tee´-o-cleez), 272, 275. + Ether (ee´-ther), 12. + Euboeans (u-bee´-anz), 210. + Eumæus (u-mee´-us), 320. + Eumenides (u-men´-i-deez), 138, 271. + Eunomia (u-no´-me-ah), 164. + Euphemus (u-fee´-mus), 221. + Euphrosyne (u-fros´-i-ne), 163. + Europa (u-ro´-pah), 34. + Eurus (u´-rus), 171. + Euryale (u-ri´-a-le), 144. + Eurybia (u-rib´-e-ah), 13. + Euryclea (u-ri-clee´-ah), 321. + Eurydice (u-rid´-i-se), 81. + Eurylochus (u-ril´-o-kus), 311. + Eurynome (u-rin´-o-me), 98. + Eurypylus (u-rip´-i-lus), 299. + Eurystheus (u-riss´-thuce), 237, 280. + Eurytion (u-rit´-e-on), 246, 266. + Eurytus (u´-ri-tus), 235. + Euterpe (u-ter´-pe), 159. + Evander (e-van´-der), 184. + Evenus (e-ve´-nus), 254. + + F. + + Farnese Bull, the (far´-neez), 33. + Fates, 139. + Fauns (fawns), 175. + Faunus (faw´-nus), 174. + Festivals, 196. + Fetiales (fe-she-a´-leez), 124. + Flora, 180. + Floralia (flo-ra´-le-ah), 180. + Fortuna (for-tu´-nah), 147. + Furies, 278, 306. + + G. + + Gadria (gad´-re-ah), 246. + Gæa (je´-ah), 11. + Galatea (gal-a-tee´-ah), 167. + Ganymede (gan-i-mee´-de), 156, 246. + Ganymedes (gan-i-mee´-deez), 156, 246. + Ge, 11. + Genii (jee´-ne-i), 185. + Geryon (jee´-re-on), 246. + Geryones (je-ri´-o-neez), 246. + Giants, 13, 199, 218. + Gigantomachia (ji-gan´-to-ma´-ke-ah), 20. + Glauce (glaw´-se), 231. + Glaucus (glaw´-cus), 109, 219. + Golden Age, 22, 185. + Golden Fleece, 215, 223, 226, 230. + Gordius (gor´-de-us), 128. + Gorgons, 144, 206. + Graces, 163. + {329} + Gradivus (gra-di´-vus), 115. + Grææ (gree´-ee), 145, 206. + Gratiæ (gra´-she-ee), 163. + Gyges (ji´-jeez), 13. + + H. + + Hades (ha´-deez), 250. + Hæmon (hee´-mon), 276. + Halcyone (hal-si´-o-ne), 110. + Halirrothius (hal-ir-ro´-the-us), 113. + Hamadryades (ham-a-dry´-a-deez), 168. + Harmonia (har-mo´-ne-ah), 204, 276. + Harpies (har´-piz), 137, 220. + Harpinna (har-pin´-nah), 233. + Hebe (hee´-be), 41, 156, 256. + Hebrus, river, the (hee´-brus), 82. + Hecate (hec´-a-te), 85. + Hecatombs (hec´-a-tomes), 193. + Hecatoncheires (hec´-a-ton-ki´-reez), 13. + Hector, 284, 290, 293. + Hecuba (hec´-u-bah), 283, 304. + Helen, 267, 286, 304. + Helenus (hel´-e-nus), 299. + Helicon (hel´-e-con), 158, 162. + Helios, (hee´-le-[)o]s), 61, 316. + Helios-Apollo, 70. + Helle (hel´-le), 215. + Hemera (hee´-me-rah), 13, 142. + Heosphorus (he-[)o]s´-fo-rus), 68. + Hephæstus (he-fes´-tus), 97. + Hera (he´-rah), 38, 214. + Heracles [54] (her´-a-cleez), 26, 218, 234. + Heraclidæ [54] (her-a-cli´-dee), 280. + Heræ (he´-ree), 41. + Hercules (her´-cu-leez) _See_ Heracles. + --Pillars of, 246. + Hermæ (her´-mee), 118. + Hermes (her´-meez), 117, 250, 312. + Hermione (her-mi´-o-ne), 307. + Heroes, 8. + Herostratus (he-ros´-tra-tus), 93. + Herse (her´-se), 87, 122. + Hesiod's Theogony (he´-she-od), 24, 150. + Hesione (he-si´-o-ne), 245, 253, 285. + Hesperia (hes-pee´-re-ah), 163. + Hesperides (hes-per´-i-deez), 162, 247. + Hesperus (hes´-pe-rus), 68. + Hestia (hes´-te-ah), 48. + Hip´pocamp, 229. + Hippocamps, 102. + Hippocrene (hip-po-cree´-ne), 159, 162. + Hippodamia (hip´-po-da-mi´-ah), 232, 266. + Hippolyte (hip-pol´-i-te), 264. + Hippolyte's Girdle, 244. + Hippolytes (hip-pol´-i teez), 283. + Hippolytus (hip-pol´-i-tus), 266. + Hippomedon (hip-pom´-e-don), 273. + Hippomenes (hip-pom´-e-neez), 91. + Horæ (ho´-ree), 164. + Horned Hind, 240. + Hyacinthus (hi-a-sin´-thus), 77. + Hyades (hi´-a-deez), 170. + Hydra, Lernean, the (hi´-drah, ler-nee´-an), 239. + Hygeia (hi-jee´-yah), 177. + Hylas (hi´-las), 216, 219. + Hyllus (hil´-lus), 254, 281. + Hymen (hi´-men), or Hymenæus (hi-me-nee´-us), 154. + Hyperion (hi-pee´-re-on), 13. + Hypermnestra (hip-erm-nes´-trah), 135. + Hypnus (hip´-nus), 142. + Hypsipyle (hip-sip´-i-le), 274. + + I. + + Iambe (i-am´-be), 53. + Iapetus (i-ap´-e-tus), 24. + Iasion (i-a´-zhe-on), 137. + Iberia (i-bee´-re-ah), 247. + Icaria (i-ca´-re-ah), 212. + Icarus (ic´-a-rus), 211. + Ichor (i´-kor), 7. + Ida, Mount, 157, 284, 300. + Idas (i´-dass), 34, 75. + Idmon (id´-mon), 216. + Idomeneus (i-dom´-e-nuce), 286. + Ilion (il´-e-on), 283. + Illyria (il-lir´-e-ah), 205. + Ilus (i´-lus), 283. + Inachus (in´-a-cus), 36. + Ino (i´-no), 205, 215. + Inuus (in´-u-us), 174. + Io (i´-o), 36. + Iobates (i-ob´-a-teez), 257. + Iolaus (i-o-la´-us), 239, 251, 281. + Iolcus (i-ol´-cus), 213, 230. + Iole (i´-o-le), 251, 255. + Ion (i´-on), 210. + Iphigenia (if´-i-ge-ni´-ah), 94, 289, 307. + Iphitus (if´-i-tus), 251. + Iris (i´-ris), 155, 220. + Iron Age, 23. + Ismene (iss-mee´-ne), 271. + Ister (iss´-ter), 226. + Isthmian Games (isth´-me-an), 107, 264. + Ithaca (ith´-a-cah), 310, 319. + Ixion (ix-i´-on), 135. + + J. + + Jani (ja´-ni), 178. + Janus (ja´-nus), 18, 178. + {330} + Jason (ja´-son), 213. + Jocasta (jo-cas´-tah), 269, 270. + Juno (ju´-no), 42, 185. + Jupiter (ju´-pe-ter), 38. + Jupiter-Ammon, 207. + Juventas (ju-ven´-t[)a]ss), 156, 183. + + K. + + Keidomos (ki´-do-mos), 113. + Ker (cur), 149. + Keres (kee´-reez), 149. + + L. + + Labdacus (lab´-da-cus), 269. + Labyrinth (lab´-i-rinth), 212, 262. + Lacedæmon (las-e-dee´-mon), 283. + Lac´edæmo´nians, 189. + Lachesis (lak´-e-sis), 139. + Lacolia (la-co´-le-ah), 250. + Lacus Nemorensis (la´-cus nem-o-ren´-sis), 97. + Ladon (la´-don), 240. + Laertes (la-er´-teez), 314, 323. + Læstrygones (les-trig´-o-neez), 311. + Laius (la´-yus), 269. + Lampetus (lam´-pe-tus), 67. + Lampsacus (lamp´-sa-cus), 176. + Laocoon (la-oc´-o-on), 301. + Laodamas (la-od´-a-mass), 277. + Laomedon (la-om´-e-don), 104, 245, 253. + Lar, 186. + Lares Familiares (la´-reez fa-mil´-e-a´-reez), 186. + Larissa (la-ris´-sah), 189, 209. + Latmus Mount, 87. + Latona (la-to´-nah), 31. + Laverna (la-ver´-nah), 184. + Leda (lee´-dah), 33. + Lemnos, island of, (lem´-noss), 98, 217. + Lemuralia (lem-u-ra´-le-ah), 186. + Lemures (lem´-u-reez), 186. + Lerna, 239. + Lernean Hydra. _See_ Hydra. + Lesbos (lez´-bos), 290. + Lethe (lee´-the, _th_ as in _both_), 133. + Leto (lee´-to), 31. + Leucippus (lu-sip´-pus), 34. + Leucothea (lu-co´-the-ah, _th_ as in _both_), 111, 318. + Liber (li´-ber), 130. + Liberalia (lib-er-a´-le-ah), 130. + Libya (lib´-yah), 207, 229. + Limoniades (lim-o-ni´-a-deez), 170. + Linden-nymph, 168. + Linus (li´-nus), 235. + Lion, Nemean (ne´-me-an), 238. + Ludi Maximi (lu´-di max´-i-mi), 48. + Ludovici Villa (lu-do-vee´-chee), 116. + Luna (lu´-nah), 86, 97. + Lupercus (lu-per´-cus), 174. + Lycaon (li-cay´-on), 37. + Lycomedes (lic-o-mee´-deez), 268, 287. + Lycurgus (li-cur´-gus), 126, 189, 274. + Lycus (li´-cus), 32. + Lynceus (lin´-suce), 34, 216. + + M. + + Macaria (ma-ca´-re-ah), 281. + Machaon (ma-ca´-on), 177, 300. + Magna-Mater (may´-ter), 19. + Maia (may´-yah), 119. + Mamers (ma´-merz), 114. + Manes (ma´-neez), 185. + Marathonian Bull (mar-a-tho´-ne-an), 262. + Mares of Diomedes, 243 + Marpessa (mar-pes´-sah), 75. + Mars (marz), 114. + Marspiter (mars´-pe-ter), 114. + Marsyas (mar´-she-ass), 78. + Mater-Deorum (dee-o´-rum), 19. + Matronalia (ma-tro-na´-le-ah), 43. + Mecone (me-co´-ne), 24. + Medea (me-dee´-ah), 223, 261. + Medusa (me-du´-sah), 45, 144, 206. + Megæra (me-jee´-rah), 138. + Megapenthes (meg-a-pen´-theez), 209. + Megara (meg´-a-rah), 138, 237, 251. + Melanippe (mel-a-nip´-pe), 245. + Meleager (me-le-a´-jer), 89, 216. + Meliades (me-li´-a-deez), 170. + Melissa (me-lis´-sah), 15. + Melpomene (mel-pom´-e-ne), 159. + Memnon (mem´-non), 297. + Memphis (mem´-fiss), 36. + Menades (men´-a-deez), 198. + Menelaus (men-e-la´-us), 294, 304, 305. + Menesthius (me-nes´-the-us), 268. + Menoeceus (me-nee´-suce), 274. + Menoetius (me-nee´-she-us), 216. + Mercury (mer´-cu-ry), 123. + Merope (mer´-ope, first _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 269. + Messene (mes-see´-ne), 283. + Metaneira (met-a-ni´-rah), 53. + Metis (mee´-tiss), 30. + Metra (mee´-trah), 57, 92. + Midas (mi´-das), 79, 128. + Midea (mi-dee´-ah), 209. + Milo (mi´-lo), 60. + Miltiades (mil-ti´-a-deez), 268. + Mimas (mi´-mass), 20. + Minerva (mi-ner´-vah), 47. + Minerval (mi-ner´-val), 47. + Minos (mi´-n[)o]s), 34, 134, 212, 243. + Minotaur (min´-o-tawr), 212, 262. + Minyans (min´-yanz), 237. + Mnemosyne (ne-m[)o]s´-i-ne), 13, 31. + Moira (moy´-rah), 139. + Moiræ (moy´-ree), 297, 139. + {331} + Moly (mo´-ly), 312. + Momus (mo´-mus), 149. + Moneta Juno (mo-nee´-tah), 42. + Mopsus, 216. + Morpheus (mor´-fuce), 143. + Mors (morz). _See_ Thanatos. + Musagetes (mu-saj´-e-teez), 71. + Muses, 157. + Mutunus (mu-tu´-nus), 176. + Mycenæ (mi-see´-ne), 209, 305. + Myrmidons (mir´-mi-dons), 288, 293, 295. + Myrtilus (mir´-ti-lus), 233. + Mysia (mish´-e-ah), 219. + Mysians, 289. + + N. + + Naiads (na´-yads), or Naiades (na-i´-a-deez), 166, 227. + Napææ (na-pee´-ee), 169. + Narcissus (nar-sis´-sus), 169. + Nausicaa (naw-sic´-a-ah), 317. + Naxos (nax´-oss), 128, 263. + Necessitas (ne-ses´-si-tass), 148. + Nectar, 15. + Neleus (nee´-luce), 106, 119, 216. + Nemea (nee´-me-ah), 274. + Nemean Lion. _See_ Lion. + Nemesis (nem´-e-siss), 141. + Nemoralia (nem-o-ra´-le-ah), 97. + Neoptolemus (ne-op-tol´-e-mus), 299, 304. + Nephalia (ne-fa´-le-ah), 139. + Nephelæ (nef´-e-lee), 12. + Nephele (nef´-e-le), 215. + Neptunalia (nep-tu-na´-le-ah), 107. + Neptune (nept´-une), 14, 107. + Nereides (ne-ree´-i-deez), 108, 167. + Nereus (nee´-ruce), 13, 108. + Nessus, 254. + Nestor, 286, 301, 305. + Nike (ni´-ke), 117. + Niobe (ni´-o-be), 79, 141. + Noman, 309. + Notus (no´-tus), 171. + Nox. _See_ Nyx. + Nyctimus (nic´-ti-mus), 38. + Nycteus (nic´-tuce), 32. + Nymphs, 165. + Nysa, Mount (ni´-sah), 125. + Nyx (nix), 13, 142. + + O. + + Oceanides (o-se-an´-i-deez), 108, 166. + Oceanus (o-see´-a-nus), 12, 107, 166, 314. + Ocypete (o-sip´-e-te), 137. + Odysseus (o-dis´-suce), 131, 287, 307. + Oechalia (e-ka´-le-ah), 255. + Oedipus (ed´-i-pus), 146, 269. + Oeneus (ee´-nuce), 89, 254. + Oenomaus (ee-nom´-a-us), 232. + Oenone (ee-no´-ne) 284, 300. + Ogygia (o-jij´-e-ah), 317. + Oileus (o-i´-luce), 216, 221. + Olympia (o-lim´-pe-ah), 29, 123. + Olym´pic Games, 30. + Olym´pus, Mount, 27. + Omphale (om´-fa-le), 252. + Ops, 19. + Oracles, 194. + Orchamus (or´-ca-mus), 63. + Orchomenus (or-com´-e-nus), 237. + Orcus (or´-cus), 136. + Oreades (o-ree´-a-deez), 169. + Orithyia (or´-i-thi´-yah), 171. + Orestes (o-res´-teez), 95, 139, 306. + Orpheus (or´-fuce), 80, 216, 228. + Orthrus (or´-thrus), 246. + Ossa (oss´-sah), 106. + Othrys, Mount, (o´-thris), 16. + Otus (o´-tus), 105. + Oxen of Geryones. _See_ Geryones. + Oxylus (ox´-i-lus), 283. + + P. + + Palæmon (pa-lee´-mon), 111. + Palamedes (pal-a-mee´-deez), 287, 291. + Palatine (pal´-a-tin), 181. + Pales (pa´-leez), 181. + Palilia (pa-lil´-e-ah), 181. + Palladium (pal-la´-de-um), 299, 301. + Pallan´tids, 262. + Pallas (pal´-lass), 117. + Pallas-Athene, 43, 234, 302. + Pan, 79, 171, 198. + Panacea (pan-a-see´-ah), 177. + Panathenæa (pan´-ath-e-nee´-ah), 199. + Pandareos (pan-da´-re-oss), 138. + Pandora (pan-do´-rah), 25. + Panisci (pa-nis´-si), 174. + Panoptes (pa-nop´-teez), 246. + Parcæ (par´-see). _See_ Moiræ. + Paris (par´-ris), 39, 284, 286. + Parnassus (par-nas´-sus), 158. + Parthenon (par´-the-non), 46. + --Hill, 89. + Parthenopæus (par´-then-o-pee´-us), 273. + Patroclus (p[)a]-tro´-clus), 288, 293, 314. + Pedasus (ped´-a-sus), 292. + Pegasus (peg´-a-sus), 145, 162, 257. + Peitho (pi´-tho), 134. + Peleus (pee´-luce), 39, 287. + Pelias (pee´-le-ass), 106, 213, 230. + Pelion, Mount (pee´-le-on), 106. + Peloponnesus (pel´-o-pon-nee´-sus), 281. + Pelops (pee´-lops), 135, 232. + Penates (pe-na´-teez), 187. + {332} + Penelope (pe-nel´-o-pe), 287, 319. + Peneus (pe-nee´-us), 74, 242. + Penthesilea (pen´-the-si-lee´-ah), 296 + Pentheus (pen´-thuce), 126, 205. + Pephredo (pe-free´-do), 145. + Peplus (pee´-plus), 199. + Periphetes (per-i-fee´-teez), 260. + Perse (per´-se), 64, 312. + Persephone (per-sef´-o-ne), 52, 197, 267. + Perseus (per´-suce), 145, 205. + Petasus (pet´-a-sus), 121. + Phæaces (fee-a´-seez), 228, 318. + Phædra (fee´-drah), 266. + Phaëthon (fa´-e-thon), 64, 67. + Pharos, isle of, (fa´-r[)o]s), 108. + Phases, river (fa´-seez), 222. + Phegeus (fee´-juce), 278. + Phidias (fid´-e-ass), 28. + Philemon (fi-lee´-mon), 37. + Philoctetes (fil-oc-tee´-teez), 256, 290, 299. + Phineus (fi´-nuce), 208, 220. + Phlegethon (flej´-e-thon), 134. + Phocis (fo´-siss), 306. + Phoebe (fee´-be), 13. + Phoebus-Apollo (fee´-bus), 68, 298. + Pholus (fo´-lus), 240. + Phorcys (for´-siss), 13, 111. + Phrygia (frij´-e-ah), 18. + Phryxus (frix´-us), 222. + Phylace (fil´-a-se), 290. + Phyleus (fi´-luce), 242, 254. + Phylla (fil´-lah), 233. + Picumnus (pi-cum´-nus), 182. + Picus (pi´-cus), 182. + Pieria (pi-ee´-re-ah), 119, 158. + Pierides (pi-er´-i-deez), 158, 162. + Pierus (pi´-e-rus), 158. + Pilumnus (pi-lum´-nus), 182. + Pindus, Mount, 158. + Pirithöus (pi-rith´-o-us), 216, 250, 265. + Pisa (pi´-sah), 232. + Pittheus (pit´-thuce), 259. + Platea (pla-tee´-ah), 40. + Pleiades (plee´-ya-deez), 119. + Pluto (plu´-to), 136. + Plutus (plu´-tus), 132, 137, 148. + Podalirius (pod-a-lir´-e-us), 177. + Podarces (po-dar´-seez), 253. + Pollux, 33, 187, 227, 268. + Polybotes (pol-e-bo´-teez), 104. + Polybus (pol´-e-bus), 269. + Polydectes (pol-e-dec´-teez), 205. + Polydeuces (pol-e-du´-seez). _See_ Pollux. + Polydorus (pol-e-do´-rus), 205. + Polyhymnia (pol-e-him´-ne-ah), 159. + Polynices (pol-e-ni´-seez), 271, 272, 275. + Polyphemus (pol-e-fee´-mus), 105, 219, 307. + Pomona (po-mo´-nah), 180. + Pontus, 13. + Porta Lavernalis (lav-er-na´-lis), 184. + Poseidon (po-si´-don), 101, 162, 266. + Praxiteles (prax-it´-e-leez), 123. + Priam (pri´-am), 254, 283, 304. + Priamus (pri´-a-mus). _See_ Priam. + Priapus (pri-a´-pus), 175. + Priests, 191. + Procrustes (pro-crus´-teez), 261. + Proetus (pree´-tus), 257. + Prometheus (pro-mee´-thuce), 24, 149, 193, 222. + Proserpine (pross´-er-pine), _See_ Persephone. + Protesilaus (pro-tess´-i-la´-us), 290. + Proteus (pro´-tuce), 108. + Prytaneum (prit-a-nee´-um), 49. + Psophis (so´-fiss), 278. + Psyche (si´-ke), 150. + Pylades (pil´-a-deez), 95, 306. + Pylos (pi´-l[)o]s), 286. + Pyracmon (pi-rac´-mon), 16. + Pyrrha (pir´-rah), 22. + Pythia (pith´-e-ah) 195, 269. + Pythian Games, 83. + Python (pi´-thon), 31, 72, 195. + + Q. + + Quirinus (que-ri´-nus), 115. + + R. + + Remus (ree´-mus), 114. + Rhadamanthus (rad-a-man´-thus), 34, 134. + Rhamnus (ram´-nus), 142. + Rhamnusia (ram-nu´-zhe-ah), 142. + Rhea (ree´-ah), 13, 18. + Rhoda (ro´-dah), 105. + Rhodes (roads), 105. + Rhodope, Mount (rod´-o-pe), 130. + Rhoetus (ree´-tus), 20. + Robigus (ro-bi´-gus), 180. + Romulus (rom´-u-lus), 114. + + S. + + Sacrifices, 192. + Sagaris (sag´-a-ris), 19. + Salamis (sal´-a-mis), 285. + Salii (sa´-le-i), 115. + Samos (sa´-mos), 34. + Saturn (sat´-urn), 17, 200. + Saturnalia (sat-ur-na´-le-ah), 200. + Satyrs (sa´-turz), 174, 198. + Scamander (sca-man´-der), 290. + Scheria (skee´-re-ah), 318. + Schoeneus (skee´-nuce), 89. + Scyros, island of, (si´-r[)o]s), 268, 287. + Scylla (sil´-lah), 104, 316. + Scyron (si´-ron), 260. + {333} + Seasons, 164. + Selene (se-lee´-ne), 86. + Selene-Artemis, 96. + Selli (sel´-li), 29. + Semele (sem´-e-le), 35, 205, 215. + Seriphus (se-ri´-fus), 205. + Servius Tullius (ser´-ve-us tul´-le-us), 184. + Shades, realm of, 267, 314. + Sibyls (sib´-bles), 84. + Silens (si´-lenz), 174. + Silenus (si-lee´-nus), 125, 198. + Silvanus (sil-va´-nus), 115, 182. + Silver Age, 23. + Simois (sim´-o-iss), 290. + Sinnis (sin´-nis), 260. + Sinon (si´-non), 302. + Siphylus (sif´-i-lus), 80. + Sirens (si´-renz), 112, 158, 315. + Sisyphus (sis´-i-fus), 135. + Sol (soll). _See_ Helios. + Solymans (sol´-i-mans), 258. + Somnus (som´-nus). _See_ Hypnus. + Soothsayers, 195. + Sparta, 285. + Sphinx (sfinks), 146. + Stables, Augean (aw-jee´-an), 242. + Statues, 190. + Stellio (stel´-le-o), 57. + Steropes (ster´-o peez, the first _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 16. + Stheno (sthee´-no), 144. + Strophius (stro´-fe-us), 306. + Stymphalides (stim-fal´-i-deez), 221, 242. + Styx (sticks), 117, 132, 287. + Symplegades (sim-pleg´-a-deez), 221. + Syrinx (si´-rinks), 172. + Syrtes (sir´-teez), 229. + + T. + + Tænarum (ten´-a-rum), 132, 250. + Talaria (ta-la´-re-ah), 121. + Talus (ta´-lus), 229. + Tantalus (tan´-ta-lus), 134. + Tarquinius Superbus (tar-quin´-e-us su-per´-bus), 84. + Tartarus (tar´-ta-rus), 14, 134. + Taurica Chersonesus (taw´-ri-cah ker-so-nee´-sus), 93, 306. + Tauris (taw´-ris), 93, 306. + Tegea (tee´-je-ah), 279. + Telamon (tel´-a-mon), 216, 253, 285. + Telemachus (tel-lem´-a-cus), 287, 320. + Telephus (tel´-e-fus), 289. + Temenus (tem´-e-nus), 282. + Temples, 188. + Tenedos (ten´-e-dos), 290, 301, 303. + Terminus (ter´-mi-nus), 182. + Terpsichore (terp-sic´-o-re), 159. + Terra (ter´-rah, the _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 11. + Tethys (tee´-thiss, _th_ as in _both_), 107, 166. + Teutamias (tu-ta´-me-ass), 209. + [55]Thalia (tha-li´-ah), 159, 163. + Thallo (thal´-lo), 164. + Thamyris (tham´-i ris), 158. + Thanatos (than´-a-tos), 142. + Thaumas (thaw´-mass), 13, 111, 137. + Thebes (theebs), 203. + Theia (thi´-ah), 13. + Themis (thee´-mis), 31, 48. + Themiscyra (the-mis´-se-rah), 245. + Thermodon (ther-mo´-don), 244. + Thersander (ther-san´-der), 276. + Thersites (ther-si´-teez), 297. + Theseus (thee´-suce), 250, 259. + Thesmophoria (thes-mo-fo´-re-ah), 197. + Thes´saly, 77. + Thestius (thes´-te-us), 33. + Thetis (thee´-tis), 39, 98, 110, 297. + Thyone (thi-o´-ne), 128. + Tiphys (ti´-fiss), 216. + Tiresias (ti-ree´-she-ass), 235, 271, 274, 277, 313. + Tiryns (ti´-rinz), 209, 252. + Tirynth (ti´-rinth), 209, 252. + Tisiphone (ti-sif´-o-ne), 138. + Titanomachia (ti´-tan-o-ma´-ke-ah), 17. + Titans (ti´-tanz), 13. + Tithonus (ti-tho´-nus), 68, 297. + Tityus (tit´-e-us), 134. + Trachin (tra´-kin), 254. + Trachis (tra´-kis), 254. + Trinacria (tri-na´-cre-ah), 316. + Triptolemus (trip-tol´-e-mus), 53. + Triton (tri´-ton), 109. + Trivia (triv´-e-ah), 97. + Troezen (tree´-zen), 251 + Tros (tr[)o]ss), 157, 246. + Troy, 283. + -- walls of, 104. + Tubal-Cain (too´-bal-cane), 101. + Tyche (ti´-ke), 147. + Tydeus (ti´-duce), 272. + Tyndareus (tin-da´-re-us), 285. + Typhoeus (ti-fo´-yuce), 21. + Typhon (ti´-fon), 21. + Tyro (ti´-ro), 106. + + U. + + Uffizi Gallery (oof´-fid-ze), 80. + Ulysses (u-lis´-seez), _See_ Odysseus. + Urania (u-ra´-ne-ah), 159. + Uranus (u´-ra-nus), 11. + + V. + + Veneralia (ven-e-ra´-le-ah), 61. + {334} + Venus (vee´-nus), 61, 183. + -- of Milo, 60. + Vertumnus (ver-tum´-nus), 181. + Vesta (ves´-tah), 50, 201. + Vestalia (ves-ta´-le-ah), 59, 201. + Via Salavia (vi´-ah sa-la´-ve-ah), 184. + Victo´ria, 117. + Vulcan, 100. + + W. + + Winds, 170, 298. + Wooden Horse, 301. + + X. + + Xuthus (zoo-thus), 210. + + Z. + + Zephyrus (zef´-i-rus), 151, 171, 310. + Zetes (zee´-teez), 171. + Zethus (zee´-thus), 33. + Zeus (zuce), 26. + + * * * * * + + +A COMPLETE COURSE IN THE STUDY OF ENGLISH. + + * * * * * + +_Spelling, Language, Grammar, Composition, Literature_. + + * * * * * + + REED'S WORD LESSONS--A COMPLETE SPELLER. + REED'S INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE WORK. + REED & KELLOGG'S GRADED LESSONS IN ENGLISH. + REED & KELLOGG'S HIGHER LESSONS IN ENGLISH. + REED & KELLOGG'S ONE-BOOK COURSE IN ENGLISH. + KELLOGG'S TEXT-BOOK ON RHETORIC. + KELLOGG'S TEXT-BOOK ON ENGLISH LITERATURE. + +In the preparation of this series the authors have had one object clearly +in view--to so develop the study of the English language as to present a +complete, progressive course, from the Spelling-Book to the study of +English Literature. The troublesome contradictions which arise in using +books arranged by different authors on these subjects, and which require +much time for explanation in the schoolroom, will be avoided by the use of +the above "Complete Course." + +Teachers are earnestly invited to examine these books. + + MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO., PUBLISHERS. + 43, 45, and 47 East Tenth Street, New York. + + * * * * * + + +NOTES + +[1] The early Greeks supposed the earth to be a flat circle, in the centre +of which was Greece. Oceanus, the ocean stream, encircled it; the +Mediterranean being supposed to flow into this river on the one side, and +the Euxine, or Black Sea, on the other. + +[2] Owing to the vagueness of the various accounts of creation, the origin +of the primeval gods is variously accounted for. Thus, for instance, +Oceanus, with some, becomes the younger brother of Uranus and Gæa. + +[3] The myth of Cronus swallowing his children is evidently intended by the +poets to express the melancholy truth that time destroys all things. + +[4] Nectar was the drink, and ambrosia the food of the gods. + +[5] The Cyclops are generally mentioned as the sons of Uranus and Gæa, but +Homer speaks of Polyphemus, the chief of the Cyclops, as the son of +Poseidon, and states the Cyclops to be his brothers. + +[6] Possibly an image of him placed in readiness. + +[7] This age was contemporary with the commencement of the dynasty of Zeus. + +[8] Hesiod is said to have lived 850 years before the Christian era, +consequently about 200 years after King David. He lived in Boeotia, where +his tomb is still shown at Orchomenus. This ancient writer left behind him +two great poems, one entitled "The Works and Days," in which he gives us +some of the earliest Greek legends, and the other, "The Theogony," +containing the genealogies of the gods; but, unfortunately, both these +poems have been so interpolated by the writers of the Alexandrian school +that they have lost their value as reliable sources of information with +regard to the early beliefs of the Greek nation. + +[9] Epimetheus signifies after-thought, Prometheus fore-thought. + +[10] There are various versions of this myth. According to some the jar or +vase was full of all "the ills which flesh is heir to." + +[11] From _Diaus_, the sky. + +[12] A sacred shield made for Zeus by Hephæstus, which derived its name +from being covered by the skin of the goat Amalthea, the word Ægis +signifying goat's-skin. + +[13] See Demeter. + +[14] This frightful monster had sprung from the slimy and stagnant waters +which remained on the surface of the earth after the deluge of Deucalion. + +[15] Castor and Pollux were known by the name of the Dioscuri, from _dios_, +gods, and _kuroi_, youths. + +[16] The ancient Greeks attributed much of the subsequent character of an +individual to early influences; hence Hera, the future queen and mistress +of heaven, is represented as being brought up in a domesticated and orderly +household, where home virtues are carefully inculcated. + +[17] In the Homeric age peacocks were unknown; it is therefore the later +poets who describe Hera surrounded with peacocks, which were brought to +Greece from India. + +[18] This circumstance has given rise to the erroneous conclusion that Juno +presided over the finances of the state, but the word _moneta_ is derived +from the Latin _monere_, which means to warn or admonish. + +[19] See Roman Festivals. + +[20] The first large ship possessed by the Greeks fit for more than coast +navigation. + +[21] When Perseus, with the help of Athene, had cut off the head of the +Medusa, the two sisters caused a sad dirge-like song to issue from the +mouths of the many snakes of which their hair was composed, whereupon +Athene, pleased with the sound, imitated the melody on a reed, and thus +invented the flute. + +[22] For details see Roman Festivals. + +[23] See Legend of Troy. + +[24] Some, with but little reason, make Demeter the daughter of Uranus and +Gæa. + +[25] Demeter transformed Ascalaphus into an owl for revealing the secret. + +[26] The course which the sun ran was considered by the ancients to be a +rising and descending curve [drawing of an arc], the centre of which was +supposed to be reached by Helios at mid-day. + +[27] The river Po. + +[28] This great work of antiquity was destroyed by an earthquake fifty-six +years after its erection, B.C. 256. The fragments remained on the ground +for many centuries, until Rhodes was conquered by the Turks, and they were +eventually sold by one of the generals of Caliph Othman IV. to a merchant +of Emesa for £36,000, A.D. 672. + +[29] According to some authorities, Strymon. + +[30] This wonderful lyre, which had been given to Apollo by Hermes +(Mercury) in exchange for the Caduceus or rod of wealth, is said to have +possessed such extraordinary powers, that it caused a stone, upon which it +was laid, to become so melodious, that ever afterwards, on being touched, +it emitted a musical sound which resembled that produced by the lyre +itself. + +[31] Aristæus was worshipped as a rural divinity in various parts of +Greece, and was supposed to have taught mankind how to catch bees, and to +utilize honey and wax. + +[32] Astræa was the daughter of the Titans Coeus and Phoebe. Perses was son +of the Titans Crios and Eurybia. + +[33] Called also Anaitis-Aphroditis. + +[34] This occurred during the night Alexander the Great was born. + +[35] Another version with regard to the origin of this defect, is that +being born ugly and deformed, his mother Hera, disgusted at his +unsightliness, herself threw him violently from her lap, and it was then +that his leg was broken, producing the lameness from which he suffered ever +after. On this occasion he fell into the sea, and was saved by the +sea-nymphs Thetis and Eurynome, who kept him for nine years in a cavern +beneath the ocean, where he made for them, in gratitude for their kindness, +several beautiful ornaments, and trinkets of rare workmanship. + +[36] According to some accounts Chares was the wife of Hephæstus. + +[37] The trident resembled the arrow-headed pronged fork, used by the +fishermen of the Mediterranean Sea in the eel-fishery. + +[38] Scylla is a dangerous rock, much dreaded by mariners, in the Straits +of Messina. + +[39] The island of Rhodes owes its name to her. + +[40] It is worthy of notice that the sons of Poseidon were, for the most +part, distinguished by great force and turbulence of character, in keeping +with the element over which their father was the presiding deity. They were +giants in power, and intractable, fiery, and impatient by nature, spurning +all efforts to control them; in all respects, therefore, fitting +representatives of their progenitor, the mighty ruler of the sea. + +[41] A cubit is the length from the elbow to the extremity of the middle +finger, and therefore an indefinite measure, but modern usage takes it as +representing a length of seventeen to eighteen inches. + +[42] On the Egyptian coast. + +[43] See Legend of the Argonauts. + +[44] His two sons Deimos and Phobos. + +[45] Romulus was deified by the Romans after death, and was worshipped by +them under the name of Quirinus, an appellation which he shared in common +with his father Mars. + +[46] Midas was the son of Cybele and Gordius, the king who tied the +celebrated and intricate knot. + +[47] The shades of those mortals whose lives had neither been distinguished +by virtue nor vice, were condemned to a monotonous, joyless, existence in +the Asphodel meadows of Hades. + +[48] Echidna was a bloodthirsty monster, half maiden, half serpent. + +[49] One of the horns of the goat Amalthea, broken off by Zeus, and +supposed to possess the power of filling itself with whatsoever its owner +desired. + +[50] According to another account, Momus discovered that Aphrodite made a +noise when she walked. + +[51] The word Psyche signifies "butterfly," the emblem of the soul in +ancient art. + +[52] Tiresias alone, of all the shades, was in full possession of his +mental vigour. + +[53] Most of the words ending in eus may also be pronounced thus: +_Æ´-ge-us_, _[=a]´-tre-us_, _pro-me´-the-us_, etc. + +[54] The first e like ei in their. + +[55] _Th_ at the beginning of a word has its soft sound, as in _both_. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece +and Rome, by E.M. 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top:0.7ex; left:0.4em;} + .nobo {border: thin;} + .red {color: red;} + .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figure p.in, .figcenter p.in, .figright p.in, .figleft p.in + {margin: 0; text-indent: 8em;} + .figcenter p.poem + {margin-left: 1em; text-align: left; text-indent: 0;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + img.middle { border: none; vertical-align: middle } + + --> + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome, by +E.M. Berens + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome + +Author: E.M. Berens + +Release Date: August 23, 2007 [EBook #22381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MYTHS AND LEGENDS *** + + + + +Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h3><i>A HAND-BOOK OF MYTHOLOGY.</i></h3> + +<hr class="short" > + +<p class="cenhead">THE</p> + +<h1><span class="sc">Myths and Legends</span></h1> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="scac">OF</span></p> + +<h2>ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME.</h2> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="scac">BY</span></p> + +<h2>E. M. BERENS.</h2> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>ILLUSTRATED FROM ANTIQUE SCULPTURES.</i></p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/0335-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0335-1.png" + alt="Publishers Vignette." title="Publishers Vignette." /></a> + </div> +<h3>NEW YORK:</h3> + +<h2><span class="sc">Maynard, Merrill, & Co</span>.,</h2> + +<h3><span class="sc">43, 45 and 47 East Tenth Street</span>.</h3> + +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page i --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagei"></a>[i]</span></p> + +<h3>PREFACE.</h3> + +<hr class="short" > + + <p>The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable + for the requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by + the principals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics + themselves, even where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this + feasible, has not been found altogether successful in giving to the + student a clear and succinct idea of the religious beliefs of the + ancients, and it has been suggested that a work which would so deal with + the subject as to render it at once interesting and instructive would be + hailed as a valuable introduction to the study of classic authors, and + would be found to assist materially the labours of both master and + pupil.</p> + + <p>In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before the + reader a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they were + conceived and worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to + awaken in the minds of young students a desire to become more intimately + acquainted with the noble productions of classical antiquity.</p> + + <p>It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second + portion of the work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its + customs, its superstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which + reason they are given at somewhat greater length than is usual in works + of the kind.</p> + + <p>In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have + been collected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and + Romans (more especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account + of their principal festivals.</p> + + <p>I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without + passing over details the omission of which would have <!-- Page ii + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii"></a>[ii]</span>marred the + completeness of the work, not a single passage should be found which + could possibly offend the most scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have + purposely treated the subject with that reverence which I consider due to + every religious system, however erroneous.</p> + + <p>It is hardly necessary to dwell upon the importance of the study of + Mythology: our poems, our novels, and even our daily journals teem with + classical allusions; nor can a visit to our art galleries and museums be + fully enjoyed without something more than a mere superficial knowledge of + a subject which has in all ages inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. + It therefore only remains for me to express a hope that my little work + may prove useful, not only to teachers and scholars, but also to a large + class of general readers, who, in whiling away a leisure hour, may derive + some pleasure and profit from its perusal.</p> + + <p class="author">E. M. BERENS. + +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page iii --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiii"></a>[iii]</span></p> + + <p>CONTENTS.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>PART I.—MYTHS.</p> + <p>Introduction, <a href="#page7">7</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>FIRST DYNASTY.</p> + <p><span class="sc">Origin of the World</span>—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Uranus and Gæa</span> (Cœlus and Terra), <a href="#page11">11</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>SECOND DYNASTY.</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Cronus</span> (Saturn), <a href="#page14">14</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Rhea</span> (Ops), <a href="#page18">18</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Division of the World</span>, <a href="#page19">19</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Theories as to the Origin of Man</span>, <a href="#page21">21</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>THIRD DYNASTY.</p> + <p>OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Zeus</span> (Jupiter), <a href="#page26">26</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hera</span> (Juno), <a href="#page38">38</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pallas-Athene</span> (Minerva), <a href="#page43">43</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Themis</span>, <a href="#page48">48</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hestia</span> (Vesta), <a href="#page48">48</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Demeter</span> (Ceres), <a href="#page50">50</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Aphrodite</span> (Venus), <a href="#page58">58</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Helios</span> (Sol), <a href="#page61">61</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Eos</span> (Aurora), <a href="#page67">67</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Phœbus-Apollo</span>, <a href="#page68">68</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hecate</span>, <a href="#page85">85</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Selene</span> (Luna), <a href="#page86">86</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Artemis</span> (Diana), <a href="#page87">87</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hephæstus</span> (Vulcan), <a href="#page97">97</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Poseidon</span> (Neptune), <a href="#page101">101</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page iv --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiv"></a>[iv]</span> + <p>SEA DIVINITIES—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Oceanus</span>, <a href="#page107">107</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Nereus</span>, <a href="#page108">108</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Proteus</span>, <a href="#page108">108</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Triton and the Tritons</span>, <a href="#page109">109</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Glaucus</span>, <a href="#page109">109</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Thetis</span>, <a href="#page110">110</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Thaumas, Phorcys, and Ceto</span>, <a href="#page111">111</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Leucothea</span>, <a href="#page111">111</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Sirens</span>, <a href="#page112">112</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Ares</span> (Mars), <a href="#page112">112</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Nike</span> (Victoria), <a href="#page117">117</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hermes</span> (Mercury), <a href="#page117">117</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Dionysus</span> (Bacchus or Liber), <a href="#page124">124</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Aïdes</span> (Pluto), <a href="#page130">130</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Plutus</span>, <a href="#page137">137</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>MINOR DIVINITIES—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Harpies</span>, <a href="#page137">137</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Erinyes, Eumenides</span> (Furiæ, Diræ), <a href="#page138">138</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Moiræ or Fates</span> (Parcæ), <a href="#page139">139</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Nemesis</span>, <a href="#page141">141</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span class="sc">Night and Her Children</span>—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Nyx</span> (Nox), <a href="#page142">142</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Thanatos</span> (Mors), <span class="sc">Hypnus</span> (Somnus), <a href="#page142">142</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Morpheus</span>, <a href="#page143">143</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Gorgons</span>, <a href="#page144">144</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Grææ</span>, <a href="#page145">145</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Sphinx</span>, <a href="#page146">146</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Tyche</span> (Fortuna) and <span class="sc">Ananke</span> (Necessitas), <a href="#page147">147</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Ker</span>, <a href="#page149">149</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Ate</span>, <a href="#page149">149</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Momus</span>, <a href="#page149">149</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Eros</span> (Cupid, Amor) and <span class="sc">Psyche</span>, <a href="#page150">150</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hymen</span>, <a href="#page154">154</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Iris</span>, <a href="#page155">155</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Hebe</span> (Juventas), <a href="#page156">156</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Ganymedes</span>, <a href="#page157">157</a></p> +<!-- Page v --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagev"></a>[v]</span> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Muses</span>, <a href="#page157">157</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pegasus</span>, <a href="#page162">162</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Hesperides</span>, <a href="#page162">162</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Charites or Graces</span>, <a href="#page163">163</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Horæ</span> (Seasons), <a href="#page164">164</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Nymphs</span>, <a href="#page165">165</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Winds</span>, <a href="#page170">170</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pan</span> (Faunus), <a href="#page171">171</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Satyrs</span>, <a href="#page174">174</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Priapus</span>, <a href="#page175">175</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Asclepias</span> (Æsculapius), <a href="#page176">176</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>ROMAN DIVINITIES—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Janus</span>, <a href="#page178">178</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Flora</span>, <a href="#page180">180</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Robigus</span>, <a href="#page180">180</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pomona</span>, <a href="#page180">180</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Vertumnus</span>, <a href="#page181">181</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pales</span>, <a href="#page181">181</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Picus</span>, <a href="#page182">182</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Picumnus and Pilumnus</span>, <a href="#page182">182</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Silvanus</span>, <a href="#page182">182</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Terminus</span>, <a href="#page182">182</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Consus</span>, <a href="#page183">183</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Libitina</span>, <a href="#page183">183</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Laverna</span>, <a href="#page184">184</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Comus</span>, <a href="#page184">184</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Camenæ</span>, <a href="#page184">184</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Genii</span>, <a href="#page185">185</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Manes</span>, <a href="#page185">185</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Penates</span>, <a href="#page187">187</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>PUBLIC WORSHIP <span class="scac">OF THE</span> ANCIENT GREEKS <span class="scac">AND</span> ROMANS—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Temples</span>, <a href="#page188">188</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Statues</span>, <a href="#page190">190</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Altars</span>, <a href="#page191">191</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Priests</span>, <a href="#page191">191</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Sacrifices</span>, <a href="#page192">192</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Oracles</span>, <a href="#page194">194</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Soothsayers</span>, <a href="#page195">195</a></p> +<!-- Page vi --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagevi"></a>[vi]</span> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Augurs</span>, <a href="#page196">196</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Festivals</span>, <a href="#page196">196</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>GREEK FESTIVALS—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Eleusinian Mysteries</span>, <a href="#page196">196</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Thesmophoria</span>, <a href="#page197">197</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Dionysia</span>, <a href="#page197">197</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Panathenæa</span>, <a href="#page199">199</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Daphnephoria</span>, <a href="#page200">200</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>ROMAN FESTIVALS—</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Saturnalia</span>, <a href="#page200">200</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Cerealia</span>, <a href="#page201">201</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Vestalia</span>, <a href="#page201">201</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>PART II.—LEGENDS.</p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Cadmus</span>, <a href="#page203">203</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Perseus</span>, <a href="#page205">205</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Ion</span>, <a href="#page210">210</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Dædalus and Icarus</span>, <a href="#page211">211</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Argonauts</span>, <a href="#page213">213</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Pelops</span>, <a href="#page232">232</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Heracles</span>, <a href="#page234">234</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Bellerophon</span>, <a href="#page256">256</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Theseus</span>, <a href="#page259">259</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Œdipus</span>, <a href="#page269">269</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Seven against Thebes</span>, <a href="#page272">272</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Epigoni</span>, <a href="#page276">276</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Alcmæon and the Necklace</span>, <a href="#page277">277</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Heraclidæ</span>, <a href="#page280">280</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">The Siege of Troy</span>, <a href="#page283">283</a></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Return of the Greeks from Troy</span>, <a href="#page304">304</a></p> + </div> + </div> +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page 7 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page7"></a>[7]</span></p> + +<h2>MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME.</h2> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h2>PART I.—MYTHS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3> + + <p>Before entering upon the many strange beliefs of the ancient Greeks, + and the extraordinary number of gods they worshipped, we must first + consider what kind of beings these divinities were.</p> + + <p>In appearance, the gods were supposed to resemble mortals, whom, + however, they far surpassed in beauty, grandeur, and strength; they were + also more commanding in stature, height being considered by the Greeks an + attribute of beauty in man or woman. They resembled human beings in their + feelings and habits, intermarrying and having children, and requiring + daily nourishment to recruit their strength, and refreshing sleep to + restore their energies. Their blood, a bright ethereal fluid called + Ichor, never engendered disease, and, when shed, had the power of + producing new life.</p> + + <p>The Greeks believed that the mental qualifications of their gods were + of a much higher order than those of men, but nevertheless, as we shall + see, they were not considered to be exempt from human passions, and we + frequently behold them actuated by revenge, deceit, and jealousy. They, + however, always punish the evil-doer, and visit with dire calamities any + impious mortal who dares to neglect their worship or despise their rites. + We often hear of them visiting mankind and partaking of their + hospitality, and not unfrequently both gods and goddesses <!-- Page 8 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page8"></a>[8]</span>become attached to + mortals, with whom they unite themselves, the offspring of these unions + being called heroes or demi-gods, who were usually renowned for their + great strength and courage. But although there were so many points of + resemblance between gods and men, there remained the one great + characteristic distinction, viz., that the gods enjoyed immortality. + Still, they were not invulnerable, and we often hear of them being + wounded, and suffering in consequence such exquisite torture that they + have earnestly prayed to be deprived of their privilege of + immortality.</p> + + <p>The gods knew no limitation of time or space, being able to transport + themselves to incredible distances with the speed of thought. They + possessed the power of rendering themselves invisible at will, and could + assume the forms of men or animals as it suited their convenience. They + could also transform human beings into trees, stones, animals, &c., + either as a punishment for their misdeeds, or as a means of protecting + the individual, thus transformed, from impending danger. Their robes were + like those worn by mortals, but were perfect in form and much finer in + texture. Their weapons also resembled those used by mankind; we hear of + spears, shields, helmets, bows and arrows, &c., being employed by the + gods. Each deity possessed a beautiful chariot, which, drawn by horses or + other animals of celestial breed, conveyed them rapidly over land and sea + according to their pleasure. Most of these divinities lived on the summit + of Mount Olympus, each possessing his or her individual habitation, and + all meeting together on festive occasions in the council-chamber of the + gods, where their banquets were enlivened by the sweet strains of + Apollo's lyre, whilst the beautiful voices of the Muses poured forth + their rich melodies to his harmonious accompaniment. Magnificent temples + were erected to their honour, where they were worshipped with the + greatest solemnity; rich gifts were presented to them, and animals, and + indeed sometimes human beings, were sacrificed on their altars.</p> + + <p>In the study of Grecian mythology we meet with some <!-- Page 9 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page9"></a>[9]</span>curious, and what + may at first sight appear unaccountable notions. Thus we hear of terrible + giants hurling rocks, upheaving mountains, and raising earthquakes which + engulf whole armies; these ideas, however, may be accounted for by the + awful convulsions of nature, which were in operation in pre-historic + times. Again, the daily recurring phenomena, which to us, who know them + to be the result of certain well-ascertained laws of nature, are so + familiar as to excite no remark, were, to the early Greeks, matter of + grave speculation, and not unfrequently of alarm. For instance, when they + heard the awful roar of thunder, and saw vivid flashes of lightning, + accompanied by black clouds and torrents of rain, they believed that the + great god of heaven was angry, and they trembled at his wrath. If the + calm and tranquil sea became suddenly agitated, and the crested billows + rose mountains high, dashing furiously against the rocks, and threatening + destruction to all within their reach, the sea-god was supposed to be in + a furious rage. When they beheld the sky glowing with the hues of coming + day they thought that the goddess of the dawn, with rosy fingers, was + drawing aside the dark veil of night, to allow her brother, the sun-god, + to enter upon his brilliant career. Thus personifying all the powers of + nature, this very imaginative and highly poetical nation beheld a + divinity in every tree that grew, in every stream that flowed, in the + bright beams of the glorious sun, and the clear, cold rays of the silvery + moon; for them the whole universe lived and breathed, peopled by a + thousand forms of grace and beauty.</p> + + <p>The most important of these divinities may have been something more + than the mere creations of an active and poetical imagination. They were + possibly human beings who had so distinguished themselves in life by + their preeminence over their fellow-mortals that after death they were + deified by the people among whom they lived, and the poets touched with + their magic wand the details of lives, which, in more prosaic times, + would simply have been recorded as illustrious. <!-- Page 10 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page10"></a>[10]</span></p> + + <p>It is highly probable that the reputed actions of these deified beings + were commemorated by bards, who, travelling from one state to another, + celebrated their praise in song; it therefore becomes exceedingly + difficult, nay almost impossible, to separate bare facts from the + exaggerations which never fail to accompany oral traditions.</p> + + <p>In order to exemplify this, let us suppose that Orpheus, the son of + Apollo, so renowned for his extraordinary musical powers, had existed at + the present day. We should no doubt have ranked him among the greatest of + our musicians, and honoured him as such; but the Greeks, with their vivid + imagination and poetic license, exaggerated his remarkable gifts, and + attributed to his music supernatural influence over animate and inanimate + nature. Thus we hear of wild beasts tamed, of mighty rivers arrested in + their course, and of mountains being moved by the sweet tones of his + voice. The theory here advanced may possibly prove useful in the future, + in suggesting to the reader the probable basis of many of the + extraordinary accounts we meet with in the study of classical + mythology.</p> + + <p>And now a few words will be necessary concerning the religious beliefs + of the Romans. When the Greeks first settled in Italy they found in the + country they colonized a mythology belonging to the Celtic inhabitants, + which, according to the Greek custom of paying reverence to all gods, + known or unknown, they readily adopted, selecting and appropriating those + divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own, and thus they + formed a religious belief which naturally bore the impress of its ancient + Greek source. As the primitive Celts, however, were a less civilized + people than the Greeks, their mythology was of a more barbarous + character, and this circumstance, combined with the fact that the Romans + were not gifted with the vivid imagination of their Greek neighbours, + leaves its mark on the Roman mythology, which is far less fertile in + fanciful conceits, and deficient in all those fairy-like stories and + wonderfully poetic ideas which so strongly characterize that of the + Greeks.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<p><!-- Page 11 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<h3>ORIGIN OF THE WORLD.—FIRST DYNASTY.</h3> + +<h3>URANUS AND GÆA. (<span class="sc">Cœlus and Terra</span>.)</h3> + + <p>The ancient Greeks had several different theories with regard to the + origin of the world, but the generally accepted notion was that before + this world came into existence, there was in its place a confused mass of + shapeless elements called Chaos. These elements becoming at length + consolidated (by what means does not appear), resolved themselves into + two widely different substances, the lighter portion of which, soaring on + high, formed the sky or firmament, and constituted itself into a vast, + overarching vault, which protected the firm and solid mass beneath.</p> + + <p>Thus came into being the two first great primeval deities of the + Greeks, Uranus and Ge or Gæa.</p> + + <p>Uranus, the more refined deity, represented the light and air of + heaven, possessing the distinguishing qualities of light, heat, purity, + and omnipresence, whilst Gæa, the firm, flat,<a name="NtA_1" + href="#Nt_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> life-sustaining earth, was worshipped as + the great all-nourishing mother. Her many titles refer to her more or + less in this character, and she appears to have been universally revered + among the Greeks, there being scarcely a city in Greece which did not + contain a temple erected in her honour; indeed Gæa was held in such + veneration that her name was always invoked whenever the gods took a + solemn oath, made an emphatic declaration, or implored assistance.</p> + + <p>Uranus, the heaven, was believed to have united himself in marriage + with Gæa, the earth; and a moment's reflection will show what a truly + poetical, and also what a logical idea this was; for, taken in a + figurative sense, <!-- Page 12 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page12"></a>[12]</span>this union actually does exist. The smiles + of heaven produce the flowers of earth, whereas his long-continued frowns + exercise so depressing an influence upon his loving partner, that she no + longer decks herself in bright and festive robes, but responds with ready + sympathy to his melancholy mood.</p> + + <p>The first-born child of Uranus and Gæa was Oceanus,<a name="NtA_2" + href="#Nt_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> the ocean stream, that vast expanse of + ever-flowing water which encircled the earth. Here we meet with another + logical though fanciful conclusion, which a very slight knowledge of the + workings of nature proves to have been just and true. The ocean is formed + from the rains which descend from heaven and the streams which flow from + earth. By making Oceanus therefore the offspring of Uranus and Gæa, the + ancients, if we take this notion in its literal sense, merely assert that + the ocean is produced by the combined influence of heaven and earth, + whilst at the same time their fervid and poetical imagination led them to + see in this, as in all manifestations of the powers of nature, an actual, + tangible divinity.</p> + + <p>But Uranus, the heaven, the embodiment of light, heat, and the breath + of life, produced offspring who were of a much less material nature than + his son Oceanus. These other children of his were supposed to occupy the + intermediate space which divided him from Gæa. Nearest to Uranus, and + just beneath him, came Aether (Ether), a bright creation representing + that highly rarified atmosphere which immortals alone could breathe. Then + followed Aër (Air), which was in close proximity to Gæa, and represented, + as its name implies, the grosser atmosphere surrounding the earth which + mortals could freely breathe, and without which they would perish. Aether + and Aër were separated from each other by divinities called Nephelae. + These were their restless and wandering sisters, who existed in the form + of clouds, ever <!-- Page 13 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page13"></a>[13]</span>floating between Aether and Aër. Gæa also + produced the mountains, and Pontus (the sea). She united herself with the + latter, and their offspring were the sea-deities Nereus, Thaumas, + Phorcys, Ceto, and Eurybia.</p> + + <p>Co-existent with Uranus and Gæa were two mighty powers who were also + the offspring of Chaos. These were Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night), who + formed a striking contrast to the cheerful light of heaven and the bright + smiles of earth. Erebus reigned in that mysterious world below where no + ray of sunshine, no gleam of daylight, nor vestige of health-giving + terrestrial life ever appeared. Nyx, the sister of Erebus, represented + Night, and was worshipped by the ancients with the greatest + solemnity.</p> + + <p>Uranus was also supposed to have been united to Nyx, but only in his + capacity as god of light, he being considered the source and fountain of + all light, and their children were Eos (Aurora), the Dawn, and Hemera, + the Daylight. Nyx again, on her side was also doubly united, having been + married at some indefinite period to Erebus.</p> + + <p>In addition to those children of heaven and earth already enumerated, + Uranus and Gæa produced two distinctly different races of beings called + Giants and Titans. The Giants personified brute strength alone, but the + Titans united to their great physical power intellectual qualifications + variously developed. There were three Giants, Briareus, Cottus, and + Gyges, who each possessed a hundred hands and fifty heads, and were known + collectively by the name of the Hecatoncheires, which signified + hundred-handed. These mighty Giants could shake the universe and produce + earthquakes; it is therefore evident that they represented those active + subterranean forces to which allusion has been made in the opening + chapter. The Titans were twelve in number; their names were: Oceanus, + Ceos, Crios, Hyperion, Iapetus, Cronus, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, + Phœbe, and Tethys.</p> + + <p>Now Uranus, the chaste light of heaven, the essence of all that is + bright and pleasing, held in abhorrence his <!-- Page 14 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page14"></a>[14]</span>crude, rough, and + turbulent offspring, the Giants, and moreover feared that their great + power might eventually prove hurtful to himself. He therefore hurled them + into Tartarus, that portion of the lower world which served as the + subterranean dungeon of the gods. In order to avenge the oppression of + her children, the Giants, Gæa instigated a conspiracy on the part of the + Titans against Uranus, which was carried to a successful issue by her son + Cronus. He wounded his father, and from the blood of the wound which fell + upon the earth sprang a race of monstrous beings also called Giants. + Assisted by his brother-Titans, Cronus succeeded in dethroning his + father, who, enraged at his defeat, cursed his rebellious son, and + foretold to him a similar fate. Cronus now became invested with supreme + power, and assigned to his brothers offices of distinction, subordinate + only to himself. Subsequently, however, when, secure of his position, he + no longer needed their assistance, he basely repaid their former services + with treachery, made war upon his brothers and faithful allies, and, + assisted by the Giants, completely defeated them, sending such as + resisted his all-conquering arm down into the lowest depths of + Tartarus.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>SECOND DYNASTY.</h3> + +<h3>CRONUS (<span class="sc">Saturn</span>).</h3> + + <p>Cronus was the god of time in its sense of eternal duration. He + married Rhea, daughter of Uranus and Gæa, a very important divinity, to + whom a special chapter will be devoted hereafter. Their children were, + three sons: Aïdes (Pluto), Poseidon (Neptune), Zeus (Jupiter), and three + daughters: Hestia (Vesta), Demeter (Ceres), and Hera (Juno). Cronus, + having an uneasy conscience, was afraid that his children might one day + rise up against his authority, and thus verify the prediction of his + father <!-- Page 15 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page15"></a>[15]</span>Uranus. In order, therefore, to render the + prophecy impossible of fulfilment, Cronus swallowed each child as soon as + it was born,<a name="NtA_3" href="#Nt_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> greatly to + the sorrow and indignation of his wife Rhea. When it came to Zeus, the + sixth and last, Rhea resolved to try and save this one child at least, to + love and cherish, and appealed to her parents, Uranus and Gæa, for + counsel and assistance. By their advice she wrapped a stone in + baby-clothes, and Cronus, in eager haste, swallowed it, without noticing + the deception. The child thus saved, eventually, as we shall see, + dethroned his father Cronus, became supreme god in his stead, and was + universally venerated as the great national god of the Greeks.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0015-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0015-1.png" + alt="Cronus" title="Cronus" /></a> + </div> + <p>Anxious to preserve the secret of his existence from Cronus, Rhea sent + the infant Zeus secretly to Crete, where he was nourished, protected, and + educated. A sacred goat, called Amalthea, supplied the place of his + mother, by providing him with milk; nymphs, called Melissae, fed him with + honey, and eagles and doves brought him nectar and ambrosia.<a + name="NtA_4" href="#Nt_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> He was kept concealed in a + cave in the heart of Mount Ida, and the Curetes, or priests of Rhea, by + beating their shields together, kept up a constant noise at the entrance, + which drowned the cries of the child and frightened away all intruders. + Under the watchful care of the Nymphs the infant Zeus throve rapidly, + developing great physical powers, combined with <!-- Page 16 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page16"></a>[16]</span>extraordinary wisdom and + intelligence. Grown to manhood, he determined to compel his father to + restore his brothers and sisters to the light of day, and is said to have + been assisted in this difficult task by the goddess Metis, who artfully + persuaded Cronus to drink a potion, which caused him to give back the + children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus was + placed at Delphi, where it was long exhibited as a sacred relic.</p> + + <p>Cronus was so enraged at being circumvented that war between the + father and son became inevitable. The rival forces ranged themselves on + two separate high mountains in Thessaly; Zeus, with his brothers and + sisters, took his stand on Mount Olympus, where he was joined by Oceanus, + and others of the Titans, who had forsaken Cronus on account of his + oppressions. Cronus and his brother-Titans took possession of Mount + Othrys, and prepared for battle. The struggle was long and fierce, and at + length Zeus, finding that he was no nearer victory than before, bethought + himself of the existence of the imprisoned Giants, and knowing that they + would be able to render him most powerful assistance, he hastened to + liberate them. He also called to his aid the Cyclops (sons of Poseidon + and Amphitrite),<a name="NtA_5" href="#Nt_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> who had + only one eye each in the middle of their foreheads, and were called + Brontes (Thunder), Steropes (Lightning), and Pyracmon (Fire-anvil). They + promptly responded to his summons for help, and brought with them + tremendous thunderbolts which the Hecatoncheires, with their hundred + hands, hurled down upon the enemy, at the same time raising mighty + earthquakes, which swallowed up and destroyed all who opposed them. Aided + by these new and powerful allies, Zeus now made a furious onslaught on + his enemies, and so tremendous was the encounter that all nature is said + to have throbbed in accord with this mighty effort of the celestial + deities. The sea rose mountains high, and its angry billows <!-- Page 17 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17"></a>[17]</span>hissed and + foamed; the earth shook to its foundations, the heavens sent forth + rolling thunder, and flash after flash of death-bringing lightning, + whilst a blinding mist enveloped Cronus and his allies.</p> + + <p>And now the fortunes of war began to turn, and victory smiled on Zeus. + Cronus and his army were completely overthrown, his brothers despatched + to the gloomy depths of the lower world, and Cronus himself was banished + from his kingdom and deprived for ever of the supreme power, which now + became vested in his son Zeus. This war was called the Titanomachia, and + is most graphically described by the old classic poets.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0017-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0017-1.png" + alt="Saturn" title="Saturn" /></a> + </div> + <p>With the defeat of Cronus and his banishment from his dominions, his + career as a ruling Greek divinity entirely ceases. But being, like all + the gods, immortal, he was supposed to be still in existence, though + possessing no longer either influence or authority, his place being + filled to a certain extent by his descendant and successor, Zeus.</p> + + <p>Cronus is often represented as an old man leaning on a scythe, with an + hour-glass in his hand. The hour-glass symbolizes the fast-fleeting + moments as they succeed each other unceasingly; the scythe is + emblematical of time, which mows down all before it.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">SATURN.</p> + + <p>The Romans, according to their custom of identifying their deities + with those of the Greek gods whose attributes were similar to their own, + declared Cronus to be identical with their old agricultural divinity + Saturn. They believed that after his defeat in the <!-- Page 18 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page18"></a>[18]</span>Titanomachia and his + banishment from his dominions by Zeus, he took refuge with Janus, king of + Italy, who received the exiled deity with great kindness, and even shared + his throne with him. Their united reign became so thoroughly peaceful and + happy, and was distinguished by such uninterrupted prosperity, that it + was called the Golden Age.</p> + + <p>Saturn is usually represented bearing a sickle in the one hand and a + wheat-sheaf in the other.</p> + + <p>A temple was erected to him at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in + which were deposited the public treasury and the laws of the state.</p> + +<h3>RHEA (<span class="sc">Ops</span>).</h3> + + <p>Rhea, the wife of Cronus, and mother of Zeus and the other great gods + of Olympus, personified the earth, and was regarded as the Great Mother + and unceasing producer of all plant-life. She was also believed to + exercise unbounded sway over the animal creation, more especially over + the lion, the noble king of beasts. Rhea is generally represented wearing + a crown of turrets or towers and seated on a throne, with lions crouching + at her feet. She is sometimes depicted sitting in a chariot, drawn by + lions.</p> + + <p>The principal seat of her worship, which was always of a very riotous + character, was at Crete. At her festivals, which took place at night, the + wildest music of flutes, cymbals, and drums resounded, whilst joyful + shouts and cries, accompanied by dancing and loud stamping of feet, + filled the air.</p> + + <p>This divinity was introduced into Crete by its first colonists from + Phrygia, in Asia Minor, in which country she was worshipped under the + name of Cybele. The people of Crete adored her as the Great Mother, more + especially in her signification as the sustainer of the vegetable world. + Seeing, however, that year by year, as winter appears, all her glory + vanishes, her flowers fade, and her trees become leafless, they + poetically expressed this process of nature under the figure of a lost + love. She <!-- Page 19 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page19"></a>[19]</span>was said to have been tenderly attached to a + youth of remarkable beauty, named Atys, who, to her grief and + indignation, proved faithless to her. He was about to unite himself to a + nymph called Sagaris, when, in the midst of the wedding feast, the rage + of the incensed goddess suddenly burst forth upon all present. A panic + seized the assembled guests, and Atys, becoming afflicted with temporary + madness, fled to the mountains and destroyed himself. Cybele, moved with + sorrow and regret, instituted a yearly mourning for his loss, when her + priests, the Corybantes, with their usual noisy accompaniments, marched + into the mountains to seek the lost youth. Having discovered him<a + name="NtA_6" href="#Nt_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> they gave full vent to their + ecstatic delight by indulging in the most violent gesticulations, + dancing, shouting, and, at the same time, wounding and gashing themselves + in a frightful manner.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">OPS.</p> + + <p>In Rome the Greek Rhea was identified with Ops, the goddess of plenty, + the wife of Saturn, who had a variety of appellations. She was called + Magna-Mater, Mater-Deorum, Berecynthia-Idea, and also Dindymene. This + latter title she acquired from three high mountains in Phrygia, whence + she was brought to Rome as Cybele during the second Punic war, <span + class="scac">B.C.</span> 205, in obedience to an injunction contained in + the Sybilline books. She was represented as a matron crowned with towers, + seated in a chariot drawn by lions.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>DIVISION OF THE WORLD.</h3> + + <p>We will now return to Zeus and his brothers, who, having gained a + complete victory over their enemies, began to consider how the world, + which they had <!-- Page 20 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page20"></a>[20]</span>conquered, should be divided between them. + At last it was settled by lot that Zeus should reign supreme in Heaven, + whilst Aïdes governed the Lower World, and Poseidon had full command over + the Sea, but the supremacy of Zeus was recognized in all three kingdoms, + in heaven, on earth (in which of course the sea was included), and under + the earth. Zeus held his court on the top of Mount Olympus, whose summit + was beyond the clouds; the dominions of Aïdes were the gloomy unknown + regions below the earth; and Poseidon reigned over the sea. It will be + seen that the realm of each of these gods was enveloped in mystery. + Olympus was shrouded in mists, Hades was wrapt in gloomy darkness, and + the sea was, and indeed still is, a source of wonder and deep interest. + Hence we see that what to other nations were merely strange phenomena, + served this poetical and imaginative people as a foundation upon which to + build the wonderful stories of their mythology.</p> + + <p>The division of the world being now satisfactorily arranged, it would + seem that all things ought to have gone on smoothly, but such was not the + case. Trouble arose in an unlooked-for quarter. The Giants, those hideous + monsters (some with legs formed of serpents) who had sprung from the + earth and the blood of Uranus, declared war against the triumphant + deities of Olympus, and a struggle ensued, which, in consequence of Gæa + having made these children of hers invincible as long as they kept their + feet on the ground, was wearisome and protracted. Their mother's + precaution, however, was rendered unavailing by pieces of rock being + hurled upon them, which threw them down, and their feet being no longer + placed firmly on their mother-earth, they were overcome, and this tedious + war (which was called the Gigantomachia) at last came to an end. Among + the most daring of these earth-born giants were Enceladus, Rhœtus, + and the valiant Mimas, who, with youthful fire and energy, hurled against + heaven great masses of rock and burning oak-trees, and defied the + lightnings of Zeus. One of the most powerful monsters who opposed Zeus in + this <!-- Page 21 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page21"></a>[21]</span>war was called Typhon or Typhœus. He + was the youngest son of Tartarus and Gæa, and had a hundred heads, with + eyes which struck terror to the beholders, and awe-inspiring voices + frightful to hear. This dreadful monster resolved to conquer both gods + and men, but his plans were at length defeated by Zeus, who, after a + violent encounter, succeeded in destroying him with a thunderbolt, but + not before he had so terrified the gods that they had fled for refuge to + Egypt, where they metamorphosed themselves into different animals and + thus escaped.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF MAN.</h3> + + <p>Just as there were several theories concerning the origin of the + world, so there were various accounts of the creation of man.</p> + + <p>The first natural belief of the Greek people was that man had sprung + from the earth. They saw the tender plants and flowers force their way + through the ground in the early spring of the year after the frost of + winter had disappeared, and so they naturally concluded that man must + also have issued from the earth in a similar manner. Like the wild plants + and flowers, he was supposed to have had no cultivation, and resembled in + his habits the untamed beasts of the field, having no habitation except + that which nature had provided in the holes of the rocks, and in the + dense forests whose overarching boughs protected him from the inclemency + of the weather.</p> + + <p>In the course of time these primitive human beings became tamed and + civilized by the gods and heroes, who taught them to work in metals, to + build houses, and other useful arts of civilization. But the human race + became in the course of time so degenerate that the gods resolved to + destroy all mankind by means of a flood; Deucalion <!-- Page 22 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page22"></a>[22]</span>(son of Prometheus) and + his wife Pyrrha, being, on account of their piety, the only mortals + saved.</p> + + <p>By the command of his father, Deucalion built a ship, in which he and + his wife took refuge during the deluge, which lasted for nine days. When + the waters abated the ship rested on Mount Othrys in Thessaly, or + according to some on Mount Parnassus. Deucalion and his wife now + consulted the oracle of Themis as to how the human race might be + restored. The answer was, that they were to cover their heads, and throw + the bones of their mother behind them. For some time they were perplexed + as to the meaning of the oracular command, but at length both agreed that + by the bones of their mother were meant the stones of the earth. They + accordingly took up stones from the mountain side and cast them over + their shoulders. From those thrown by Deucalion there sprang up men, and + from those thrown by Pyrrha, women.</p> + + <p>After the lapse of time the theory of Autochthony (from <i>autos</i>, + self, and <i>chthon</i>, earth) was laid aside. When this belief existed + there were no religious teachers whatever; but in course of time temples + were raised in honour of the different gods, and priests appointed to + offer sacrifices to them and conduct their worship. These priests were + looked upon as authorities in all religious matters, and the doctrine + they taught was, that man had been created by the gods, and that there + had been several successive ages of men, which were called the Golden, + Silver, Brazen, and Iron Ages.</p> + + <p>Life in the Golden Age was one unceasing round of ever-recurring + pleasures unmarred by sorrow or care. The favoured mortals living at this + happy time led pure and joyous lives, thinking no evil, and doing no + wrong. The earth brought forth fruits and flowers without toil or labour + in plentiful luxuriance, and war was unknown. This delightful and + god-like existence lasted for hundreds of years, and when at length life + on earth was ended, death laid his hand so gently upon them that they + passed painlessly away in a happy dream, and continued their existence as + ministering spirits in Hades, watching over and <!-- Page 23 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page23"></a>[23]</span>protecting those they had + loved and left behind on earth. The men of the Silver Age<a name="NtA_7" + href="#Nt_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> were a long time growing up, and during + their childhood, which lasted a hundred years, they suffered from + ill-health and extreme debility. When they at last became men they lived + but a short time, for they would not abstain from mutual injury, nor pay + the service due to the gods, and were therefore banished to Hades. There, + unlike the beings of the Golden Age, they exercised no beneficent + supervision over the dear ones left behind, but wandered about as + restless spirits, always sighing for the lost pleasures they had enjoyed + in life.</p> + + <p>The men of the Brazen Age were quite a different race of beings, being + as strong and powerful as those of the Silver Age were weak and + enervated. Everything which surrounded them was of brass; their arms, + their tools, their dwellings, and all that they made. Their characters + seem to have resembled the metal in which they delighted; their minds and + hearts were hard, obdurate, and cruel. They led a life of strife and + contention, introduced into the world, which had hitherto known nothing + but peace and tranquillity, the scourge of war, and were in fact only + happy when fighting and quarrelling with each other. Hitherto Themis, the + goddess of Justice, had been living among mankind, but becoming + disheartened at their evil doings, she abandoned the earth, and winged + her flight back to heaven. At last the gods became so tired of their evil + deeds and continual dissensions, that they removed them from the face of + the earth, and sent them down to Hades to share the fate of their + predecessors.</p> + + <p>We now come to the men of the Iron Age. The earth, no longer teeming + with fruitfulness, only yielded her increase after much toil and labour. + The goddess of Justice having abandoned mankind, no influence remained + sufficiently powerful to preserve them from every kind of wickedness and + sin. This condition grew worse as time went on, until at last Zeus in his + anger let loose the water-courses from above, and drowned every <!-- Page + 24 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page24"></a>[24]</span>individual of + this evil race, except Deucalion and Pyrrha.</p> + + <p>The theory of Hesiod,<a name="NtA_8" href="#Nt_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> + the oldest of all the Greek poets, was that the Titan Prometheus, the son + of Iapetus, had formed man out of clay, and that Athene had breathed a + soul into him. Full of love for the beings he had called into existence, + Prometheus determined to elevate their minds and improve their condition + in every way; he therefore taught them astronomy, mathematics, the + alphabet, how to cure diseases, and the art of divination. He created + this race in such great numbers that the gods began to see the necessity + of instituting certain fixed laws with regard to the sacrifices due to + them, and the worship to which they considered themselves entitled from + mankind in return for the protection which they accorded them. An + assembly was therefore convened at Mecone in order to settle these + points. It was decided that Prometheus, as the advocate of man, should + slay an ox, which should be divided into two equal parts, and that the + gods should select one portion which should henceforth, in all future + sacrifices, be set apart for them. Prometheus so divided the ox that one + part consisted of the bones (which formed of course the least valuable + portion of the animal), artfully concealed by the white fat; whilst the + other contained all the edible parts, which he covered with the skin, and + on the top of all he laid the stomach.</p> + + <p>Zeus, pretending to be deceived, chose the heap of bones, but he saw + through the stratagem, and was so angry at the deception practised on him + by Prometheus that he avenged himself by refusing to mortals the gift of + fire. <!-- Page 25 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page25"></a>[25]</span>Prometheus, however, resolved to brave the + anger of the great ruler of Olympus, and to obtain from heaven the vital + spark so necessary for the further progress and comfort of the human + race. He accordingly contrived to steal some sparks from the chariot of + the sun, which he conveyed to earth hidden in a hollow tube. Furious at + being again outwitted, Zeus determined to be revenged first on mankind, + and then on Prometheus. To punish the former he commanded Hephæstus + (Vulcan) to mould a beautiful woman out of clay, and determined that + through her instrumentality trouble and misery should be brought into the + world.</p> + + <p>The gods were so charmed with the graceful and artistic creation of + Hephæstus, that they all determined to endow her with some special gift. + Hermes (Mercury) bestowed on her a smooth persuasive tongue, Aphrodite + gave her beauty and the art of pleasing; the Graces made her fascinating, + and Athene (Minerva) gifted her with the possession of feminine + accomplishments. She was called Pandora, which means all-gifted, having + received every attribute necessary to make her charming and irresistible. + Thus beautifully formed and endowed, this exquisite creature, attired by + the Graces, and crowned with flowers by the Seasons, was conducted to the + house of Epimetheus<a name="NtA_9" href="#Nt_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> by + Hermes the messenger of the gods. Now Epimetheus had been warned by his + brother not to accept any gift whatever from the gods; but he was so + fascinated by the beautiful being who suddenly appeared before him, that + he welcomed her to his home, and made her his wife. It was not long, + however, before he had cause to regret his weakness.</p> + + <p>He had in his possession a jar of rare workmanship, containing all the + blessings reserved by the gods for mankind, which he had been expressly + forbidden to open. But woman's proverbial curiosity could not withstand + so great a temptation, and Pandora determined to solve the mystery at any + cost. Watching her opportunity she raised the lid, and immediately all + the blessings which <!-- Page 26 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page26"></a>[26]</span>the gods had thus reserved for mankind took + wing and flew away. But all was not lost. Just as Hope (which lay at the + bottom) was about to escape, Pandora hastily closed the lid of the jar, + and thus preserved to man that never-failing solace which helps him to + bear with courage the many ills which assail him.<a name="NtA_10" + href="#Nt_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a></p> + + <p>Having punished mankind, Zeus determined to execute vengeance on + Prometheus. He accordingly chained him to a rock in Mount Caucasus, and + sent an eagle every day to gnaw away his liver, which grew again every + night ready for fresh torments. For thirty years Prometheus endured this + fearful punishment; but at length Zeus relented, and permitted his son + Heracles (Hercules) to kill the eagle, and the sufferer was released.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>THIRD DYNASTY—OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES.</h3> + +<h3>ZEUS<a name="NtA_11" href="#Nt_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> (<span class="sc">Jupiter</span>).</h3> + + <p>Zeus, the great presiding deity of the universe, the ruler of heaven + and earth, was regarded by the Greeks, first, as the god of all aërial + phenomena; secondly, as the personification of the laws of nature; + thirdly, as lord of state-life; and fourthly, as the father of gods and + men.</p> + + <p>As the god of aërial phenomena he could, by shaking his ægis,<a + name="NtA_12" href="#Nt_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> produce storms, tempests, + and intense darkness. At his command the mighty thunder rolls, the + lightning flashes, and the clouds open and pour forth their refreshing + streams to fructify the earth.</p> + + <p>As the personification of the operations of nature, he represents + those grand laws of unchanging and harmonious order, by which not only + the physical but also <!-- Page 27 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page27"></a>[27]</span>the moral world is governed. Hence he is the + god of regulated time as marked by the changing seasons, and by the + regular succession of day and night, in contradistinction to his father + Cronus, who represents time absolutely, <i>i.e.</i> eternity.</p> + + <p>As the lord of state-life, he is the founder of kingly power, the + upholder of all institutions connected with the state, and the special + friend and patron of princes, whom he guards and assists with his advice + and counsel. He protects the assembly of the people, and, in fact, + watches over the welfare of the whole community.</p> + + <p>As the father of the gods, Zeus sees that each deity performs his or + her individual duty, punishes their misdeeds, settles their disputes, and + acts towards them on all occasions as their all-knowing counsellor and + mighty friend.</p> + + <p>As the father of men, he takes a paternal interest in the actions and + well-being of mortals. He watches over them with tender solicitude, + rewarding truth, charity, and uprightness, but severely punishing + perjury, cruelty, and want of hospitality. Even the poorest and most + forlorn wanderer finds in him a powerful advocate, for he, by a wise and + merciful dispensation, ordains that the mighty ones of the earth should + succour their distressed and needy brethren.</p> + + <p>The Greeks believed that the home of this their mighty and + all-powerful deity was on the top of Mount Olympus, that high and lofty + mountain between Thessaly and Macedon, whose summit, wrapt in clouds and + mist, was hidden from mortal view. It was supposed that this mysterious + region, which even a bird could not reach, extended beyond the clouds + right into Aether, the realm of the immortal gods. The poets describe + this ethereal atmosphere as bright, glistening, and refreshing, + exercising a peculiar, gladdening influence over the minds and hearts of + those privileged beings permitted to share its delights. Here youth never + ages, and the passing years leave no traces on its favoured inhabitants. + On the cloud-capped summit of Olympus was the palace of <!-- Page 28 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page28"></a>[28]</span>Zeus and Hera, + of burnished gold, chased silver, and gleaming ivory. Lower down were the + homes of the other gods, which, though less commanding in position and + size, were yet similar to that of Zeus in design and workmanship, all + being the work of the divine artist Hephæstus. Below these were other + palaces of silver, ebony, ivory, or burnished brass, where the Heroes, or + Demi-gods, resided.</p> + + <p>As the worship of Zeus formed so important a feature in the religion + of the Greeks, his statues were necessarily both numerous and + magnificent. He is usually represented as a man of noble and imposing + mien, his countenance expressing all the lofty majesty of the omnipotent + ruler of the universe, combined with the gracious, yet serious, benignity + of the father and friend of mankind. He may be recognized by his rich + flowing beard, and the thick masses of hair, which rise straight from the + high and intellectual forehead and fall to his shoulders in clustering + locks. The nose is large and finely formed, and the slightly-opened lips + impart an air of sympathetic kindliness which invites confidence. He is + always accompanied by an eagle, which either surmounts his sceptre, or + sits at his feet; he generally bears in his uplifted hand a sheaf of + thunder-bolts, just ready to be hurled, whilst in the other he holds the + lightning. The head is frequently encircled with a wreath of + oak-leaves.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0028-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0028-1.png" + alt="Zeus" title="Zeus" /></a> + </div> + <p>The most celebrated statue of the Olympian Zeus was that by the famous + Athenian sculptor Phidias, which was forty feet high, and stood in the + temple of Zeus at Olympia. It was formed of ivory and gold, and was <!-- + Page 29 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page29"></a>[29]</span>such a + masterpiece of art, that it was reckoned among the seven wonders of the + world. It represented the god, seated on a throne, holding in his right + hand a life-sized image of Nike (the goddess of Victory), and in his left + a royal sceptre, surmounted by an eagle. It is said that the great + sculptor had concentrated all the marvellous powers of his genius on this + sublime conception, and earnestly entreated Zeus to give him a decided + proof that his labours were approved. An answer to his prayer came + through the open roof of the temple in the shape of a flash of lightning, + which Phidias interpreted as a sign that the god of heaven was pleased + with his work.</p> + + <p>Zeus was first worshipped at Dodona in Epirus, where, at the foot of + Mount Tomarus, on the woody shore of Lake Joanina, was his famous oracle, + the most ancient in Greece. Here the voice of the eternal and invisible + god was supposed to be heard in the rustling leaves of a giant oak, + announcing to mankind the will of heaven and the destiny of mortals; + these revelations being interpreted to the people by the priests of Zeus, + who were called Selli. Recent excavations which have been made at this + spot have brought to light the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus, and + also, among other interesting relics, some plates of lead, on which are + engraved inquiries which were evidently made by certain individuals who + consulted the oracle. These little leaden plates speak to us, as it were, + in a curiously homely manner of a by-gone time in the buried past. One + person inquires what god he should apply to for health and fortune; + another asks for advice concerning his child; and a third, evidently a + shepherd, promises a gift to the oracle should a speculation in sheep + turn out successfully. Had these little memorials been of gold instead of + lead, they would doubtless have shared the fate of the numerous treasures + which adorned this and other temples, in the universal pillage which took + place when Greece fell into the hands of barbarians.</p> + + <p>Though Dodona was the most ancient of his shrines, the great national + seat of the worship of Zeus was at Olympia in Elis, where there was a + magnificent temple <!-- Page 30 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page30"></a>[30]</span>dedicated to him, containing the famous + colossal statue by Phidias above described. Crowds of devout worshippers + flocked to this world-renowned fane from all parts of Greece, not only to + pay homage to their supreme deity, but also to join in the celebrated + games which were held there at intervals of four years. The Olympic games + were such a thoroughly national institution, that even Greeks who had + left their native country made a point of returning on these occasions, + if possible, in order to contend with their fellow-countrymen in the + various athletic sports which took place at these festivals.</p> + + <p>It will be seen on reflection that in a country like Greece, which + contained so many petty states, often at variance with each other, these + national gatherings must have been most valuable as a means of uniting + the Greeks in one great bond of brotherhood. On these festive occasions + the whole nation met together, forgetting for the moment all past + differences, and uniting in the enjoyment of the same festivities.</p> + + <p>It will doubtless have been remarked that in the representations of + Zeus he is always accompanied by an eagle. This royal bird was sacred to + him, probably from the fact of its being the only creature capable of + gazing at the sun without being dazzled, which may have suggested the + idea that it was able to contemplate the splendour of divine majesty + unshrinkingly.</p> + + <p>The oak-tree, and also the summits of mountains, were sacred to Zeus. + His sacrifices consisted of white bulls, cows, and goats.</p> + + <p>Zeus had seven immortal wives, whose names were Metis, Themis, + Eurynome, Demeter, Mnemosyne, Leto, and Hera.</p> + + <p><b>METIS</b>, his first wife, was one of the Oceanides or sea-nymphs. + She was the personification of prudence and wisdom, a convincing proof of + which she displayed in her successful administration of the potion which + caused Cronus to yield up his children. She was endowed with the gift of + prophecy, and foretold to Zeus that one of their children would gain + ascendency over <!-- Page 31 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page31"></a>[31]</span>him. In order, therefore, to avert the + possibility of the prediction being fulfilled he swallowed her before any + children were born to them. Feeling afterwards violent pains in his head, + he sent for Hephæstus, and ordered him to open it with an axe. His + command was obeyed, and out sprang, with a loud and martial shout, a + beautiful being, clad in armour from head to foot. This was Athene + (Minerva), goddess of Armed Resistance and Wisdom.</p> + + <p><b>THEMIS</b> was the goddess of Justice, Law, and Order.</p> + + <p><b>EURYNOME</b> was one of the Oceanides, and the mother of the + Charites or Graces.</p> + + <p><b>DEMETER</b>,<a name="NtA_13" href="#Nt_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> the + daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was the goddess of Agriculture.</p> + + <p><b>MNEMOSYNE</b>, the daughter of Uranus and Gæa, was the goddess of + Memory and the mother of the nine Muses.</p> + + <p><b>LETO</b> (Latona) was the daughter of Cœus and Phœbe. + She was gifted with wonderful beauty, and was tenderly loved by Zeus, but + her lot was far from being a happy one, for Hera, being extremely jealous + of her, persecuted her with inveterate cruelty, and sent the dreadful + serpent Python<a name="NtA_14" href="#Nt_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> to + terrify and torment her wherever she went. But Zeus, who had observed + with the deepest compassion her weary wanderings and agonized fears, + resolved to create for her some place of refuge, however humble, where + she might feel herself safe from the venomous attacks of the serpent. He + therefore brought her to Delos, a floating island in the Ægean Sea, which + he made stationary by attaching it with chains of adamant to the bottom + of the sea. Here she gave birth to her twin-children, Apollo and Artemis + (Diana), two of the most beautiful of the immortals.</p> + + <p>According to some versions of the story of Leto, Zeus transformed her + into a quail, in order that she might thus elude the vigilance of Hera, + and she is said to have <!-- Page 32 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page32"></a>[32]</span>resumed her true form when she arrived at + the island of Delos.</p> + + <p><b>HERA</b>, being the principal wife of Zeus and queen of heaven, a + detailed account will be given of her in a special chapter.</p> + + <p>In the union of Zeus with most of his immortal wives we shall find + that an allegorical meaning is conveyed. His marriage with Metis, who is + said to have surpassed both gods and men in knowledge, represents supreme + power allied to wisdom and prudence. His union with Themis typifies the + bond which exists between divine majesty and justice, law, and order. + Eurynome, as the mother of the Charites or Graces, supplied the refining + and harmonizing influences of grace and beauty, whilst the marriage of + Zeus with Mnemosyne typifies the union of genius with memory.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + + <p>In addition to the seven immortal wives of Zeus, he was also allied to + a number of mortal maidens whom he visited under various disguises, as it + was supposed that if he revealed himself in his true form as king of + heaven the splendour of his glory would cause instant destruction to + mortals. The mortal consorts of Zeus have been such a favourite theme + with poets, painters, and sculptors, that it is necessary to give some + account of their individual history. Those best known are Antiope, Leda, + Europa, Callisto, Alcmene, Semele, Io, and Danae.</p> + + <p><b>ANTIOPE</b>, to whom Zeus appeared under the form of a satyr, was + the daughter of Nicteus, king of Thebes. To escape the anger of her + father she fled to Sicyon, where king Epopeus, enraptured with her + wonderful beauty, made her his wife without asking her father's consent. + This so enraged Nicteus that he declared war against Epopeus, in order to + compel him to restore Antiope. At his death, which took place before he + could succeed in his purpose, Nicteus left his kingdom to his brother + Lycus, commanding him, at the same time, to carry on the war, and execute + his vengeance. Lycus invaded Sicyon, defeated and killed Epopeus, and + brought back <!-- Page 33 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page33"></a>[33]</span>Antiope as a prisoner. On the way to Thebes + she gave birth to her twin-sons, Amphion and Zethus, who, by the orders + of Lycus, were at once exposed on Mount Cithaeron, and would have + perished but for the kindness of a shepherd, who took pity on them and + preserved their lives. Antiope was, for many years, held captive by her + uncle Lycus, and compelled to suffer the utmost cruelty at the hands of + his wife Dirce. But one day her bonds were miraculously loosened, and she + flew for shelter and protection to the humble dwelling of her sons on + Mount Cithaeron. During the long period of their mother's captivity the + babes had grown into sturdy youths, and, as they listened angrily to the + story of her wrongs, they became all impatience to avenge them. Setting + off at once to Thebes they succeeded in possessing themselves of the + town, and after slaying the cruel Lycus they bound Dirce by the hair to + the horns of a wild bull, which dragged her hither and thither until she + expired. Her mangled body was cast into the fount near Thebes, which + still bears her name. Amphion became king of Thebes in his uncle's stead. + He was a friend of the Muses, and devoted to music and poetry. His + brother, Zethus, was famous for his skill in archery, and was + passionately fond of the chase. It is said that when Amphion wished to + inclose the town of Thebes with walls and towers, he had but to play a + sweet melody on the lyre, given to him by Hermes, and the huge stones + began to move, and obediently fitted themselves together.</p> + + <p>The punishment of Dirce at the hands of Amphion and Zethus forms the + subject of the world-renowned marble group in the museum at Naples, known + by the name of the Farnese Bull.</p> + + <p>In sculpture Amphion is always represented with a lyre; Zethus with a + club.</p> + + <p><b>LEDA</b>, whose affections Zeus won under the form of a swan, was + the daughter of Thestius, king of Ætolia. Her twin-sons, Castor and + (Polydeuces or) Pollux,<a name="NtA_15" href="#Nt_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> + were <!-- Page 34 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page34"></a>[34]</span>renowned for their tender attachment to each + other. They were also famous for their physical accomplishments, Castor + being the most expert charioteer of his day, and Pollux the first of + pugilists. Their names appear both among the hunters of the Calydonian + boar-hunt and the heroes of the Argonautic expedition. The brothers + became attached to the daughters of Leucippus, prince of the Messenians, + who had been betrothed by their father to Idas and Lynceus, sons of + Aphareus. Having persuaded Leucippus to break his promise, the twins + carried off the maidens as their brides. Idas and Lynceus, naturally + furious at this proceeding, challenged the Dioscuri to mortal combat, in + which Castor perished by the hand of Idas, and Lynceus by that of Pollux. + Zeus wished to confer the gift of immortality upon Pollux, but he refused + to accept it unless allowed to share it with Castor. Zeus gave the + desired permission, and the faithful brothers were both allowed to live, + but only on alternate days. The Dioscuri received divine honours + throughout Greece, and were worshipped with special reverence at + Sparta.</p> + + <p><b>EUROPA</b> was the beautiful daughter of Agenor, king of + Phœnicia. She was one day gathering flowers with her companions in + a meadow near the sea-shore, when Zeus, charmed with her great beauty, + and wishing to win her love, transformed himself into a beautiful white + bull, and trotted quietly up to the princess, so as not to alarm her. + Surprised at the gentleness of the animal, and admiring its beauty, as it + lay placidly on the grass, she caressed it, crowned it with flowers, and, + at last, playfully seated herself on its back. Hardly had she done so + than the disguised god bounded away with his lovely burden, and swam + across the sea with her to the island of Crete.</p> + + <p>Europa was the mother of Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthus. Minos, who + became king of Crete, was celebrated for his justice and moderation, and + after death he was created one of the judges of the lower world, which + office he held in conjunction with his brothers. <!-- Page 35 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page35"></a>[35]</span></p> + + <p><b>CALLISTO</b>, the daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, was a + huntress in the train of Artemis, devoted to the pleasures of the chase, + who had made a vow never to marry; but Zeus, under the form of the + huntress-goddess, succeeded in obtaining her affections. Hera, being + extremely jealous of her, changed her into a bear, and caused Artemis + (who failed to recognize her attendant under this form) to hunt her in + the chase, and put an end to her existence. After her death she was + placed by Zeus among the stars as a constellation, under the name of + Arctos, or the bear.</p> + + <p><b>ALCMENE</b>, the daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae, was + betrothed to her cousin Amphytrion; but, during his absence on a perilous + undertaking, Zeus assumed his form, and obtained her affections. Heracles + (whose world-renowned exploits will be related among the legends) was the + son of Alcmene and Zeus.</p> + + <p><b>SEMELE</b>, a beautiful princess, the daughter of Cadmus, king of + Phœnicia, was greatly beloved by Zeus. Like the unfortunate + Callisto, she was hated by Hera with jealous malignity, and the haughty + queen of heaven determined to effect her destruction. Disguising herself, + therefore, as Berœ, Semele's faithful old nurse, she artfully + persuaded her to insist upon Zeus visiting her, as he appeared to Hera, + in all his power and glory, well knowing that this would cause her + instant death. Semele, suspecting no treachery, followed the advice of + her supposed nurse; and the next time Zeus came to her, she earnestly + entreated him to grant the favour she was about to ask. Zeus swore by the + Styx (which was to the gods an irrevocable oath) to accede to her request + whatsoever it might be. Semele, therefore, secure of gaining her + petition, begged of Zeus to appear to her in all the glory of his divine + power and majesty. As he had sworn to grant whatever she asked of him, he + was compelled to comply with her wish; he therefore revealed himself as + the mighty lord of the universe, accompanied by thunder and lightning, + and she was instantly consumed in the flames. <!-- Page 36 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page36"></a>[36]</span></p> + + <p><b>IO</b>, daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was a priestess of + Hera. She was very beautiful, and Zeus, who was much attached to her, + transformed her into a white cow, in order to defeat the jealous + intrigues of Hera, who, however, was not to be deceived. Aware of the + stratagem, she contrived to obtain the animal from Zeus, and placed her + under the watchful care of a man called Argus-Panoptes, who fastened her + to an olive-tree in the grove of Hera. He had a hundred eyes, of which, + when asleep, he never closed more than two at a time; being thus always + on the watch, Hera found him extremely useful in keeping guard over Io. + Hermes, however, by the command of Zeus, succeeded in putting all his + eyes to sleep with the sound of his magic lyre, and then, taking + advantage of his helpless condition, slew him. The story goes, that in + commemoration of the services which Argus had rendered her, Hera placed + his eyes on the tail of a peacock, as a lasting memorial of her + gratitude. Ever fertile in resource, Hera now sent a gadfly to worry and + torment the unfortunate Io incessantly, and she wandered all over the + world in hopes of escaping from her tormentor. At length she reached + Egypt, where she found rest and freedom from the persecutions of her + enemy. On the banks of the Nile she resumed her original form and gave + birth to a son called Epaphus, who afterwards became king of Egypt, and + built the famous city of Memphis.</p> + + <p><b>DANAE.</b>—Zeus appeared to Danae under the form of a shower + of gold. (Further details concerning her will be found in the legend of + Perseus.)</p> + +<hr class="short" > + + <p>The Greeks supposed that the divine ruler of the Universe occasionally + assumed a human form, and descended from his celestial abode, in order to + visit mankind and observe their proceedings, his aim being generally + either to punish the guilty, or to reward the deserving.</p> + + <p>On one occasion Zeus, accompanied by Hermes, made a journey through + Phrygia, seeking hospitality and shelter wherever they went. But nowhere + did they receive a <!-- Page 37 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page37"></a>[37]</span>kindly welcome till they came to the humble + cottage of an old man and his wife called Philemon and Baucis, who + entertained them with the greatest kindness, setting before them what + frugal fare their humble means permitted, and bidding them welcome with + unaffected cordiality. Observing in the course of their simple repast + that the wine bowl was miraculously replenished, the aged couple became + convinced of the divine nature of their guests. The gods now informed + them that on account of its wickedness their native place was doomed to + destruction, and told them to climb the neighbouring hill with them, + which overlooked the village where they dwelt. What was their dismay on + beholding at their feet, in place of the spot where they had passed so + many happy years together, nothing but a watery plain, the only house to + be seen being their own little cottage, which suddenly changed itself + into a temple before their eyes. Zeus now asked the worthy pair to name + any wish they particularly desired and it should be granted. They + accordingly begged that they might serve the gods in the temple below, + and end life together.</p> + + <p>Their wish was granted, for, after spending the remainder of their + lives in the worship of the gods, they both died at the same instant, and + were transformed by Zeus into trees, remaining for ever side by side.</p> + + <p>Upon another occasion Zeus, wishing to ascertain for himself the truth + of the reports concerning the atrocious wickedness of mankind, made a + journey through Arcadia. Being recognized by the Arcadians as king of + heaven, he was received by them with becoming respect and veneration; but + Lycaon, their king, who had rendered himself infamous by the gross + impiety of himself and his sons, doubted the divinity of Zeus, ridiculed + his people for being so easily duped, and, according to his custom of + killing all strangers who ventured to trust his hospitality, resolved to + murder him. Before executing this wicked design, however, he decided to + put Zeus to the test, and having killed a boy for the purpose, placed + before him a dish containing human flesh. But Zeus was <!-- Page 38 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page38"></a>[38]</span>not to be + deceived. He beheld the revolting dish with horror and loathing, and + angrily upsetting the table upon which it was placed, turned Lycaon into + a wolf, and destroyed all his fifty sons by lightning, except Nyctimus, + who was saved by the intervention of Gæa.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">JUPITER.</p> + + <p>The Roman Jupiter, who is so frequently confounded with the Greek + Zeus, is identical with him only as being the head of the Olympic gods, + and the presiding deity over Life, Light, and Aërial Phenomena. Jupiter + is lord of life in its widest and most comprehensive signification, + having absolute power over life and death, in which respect he differed + from the Greek Zeus, who was to a certain extent controlled by the + all-potent sway of the Moiræ or Fates. Zeus, as we have seen, often + condescends to visit mankind, either as a mortal, or under various + disguises, whereas Jupiter always remains essentially the supreme god of + heaven, and never appears upon earth.</p> + + <p>The most celebrated temple of Jupiter was that on the Capitoline Hill + in the city of Rome, where he was worshipped under the names of + Jupiter-Optimus-Maximus, Capitolinus, and Tarpeius.</p> + + <p>The Romans represented him seated on a throne of ivory, holding in his + right hand a sheaf of thunderbolts, and in his left a sceptre, whilst an + eagle stands beside his throne.</p> + +<h3>HERA (<span class="sc">Juno</span>).</h3> + + <p>Hera, the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was born at Samos, or, + according to some accounts, at Argos, and was reared by the + sea-divinities Oceanus and Tethys, who were models of conjugal + fidelity.<a name="NtA_16" href="#Nt_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> She was the + <!-- Page 39 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page39"></a>[39]</span>principal wife of Zeus, and, as queen of + heaven, participated in the honours paid to him, but her dominion only + extended over the air (the lower aërial regions). Hera appears to be the + sublime embodiment of strict matronly virtue, and is on that account the + protectress of purity and married women. Faultless herself in her + fidelity as a wife, she is essentially the type of the sanctity of the + marriage tie, and holds in abhorrence any violation of its obligations. + So strongly was she imbued with this hatred of any immorality, that, + finding herself so often called upon to punish the failings of both gods + and men in this respect, she became jealous, harsh, and vindictive. Her + exalted position as the wife of the supreme deity, combined with her + extreme beauty, caused her to become exceedingly vain, and she + consequently resented with great severity any infringement on her rights + as queen of heaven, or any apparent slight on her personal + appearance.</p> + + <p>The following story will signally illustrate how ready she was to + resent any slight offered to her.</p> + + <p>At the marriage of the sea-nymph Thetis with a mortal called Peleus, + all the gods and goddesses were present, except Eris (the goddess of + Discord). Indignant at not being invited, she determined to cause + dissension in the assembly, and for this purpose threw into the midst of + the guests a golden apple with the inscription on it "For the Fairest." + Now, as all the goddesses were extremely beautiful, each claimed the + apple; but at length, the rest having relinquished their pretensions, the + number of candidates was reduced to three, Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite, + who agreed to appeal to Paris for a settlement of this delicate question, + he being noted for the wisdom he had displayed in his judgment upon + several occasions. Paris was the son of Priam, king of Troy, who, + ignorant of his noble birth, was at this time feeding his flocks on Mount + Ida, in Phrygia. Hermes, as messenger of the gods, conducted the three + rival beauties to the young shepherd, and with breathless anxiety they + awaited his decision. Each fair candidate endeavoured <!-- Page 40 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"></a>[40]</span>to secure his + favour by the most tempting offers. Hera promised him extensive + dominions; Athene, martial fame and glory; and Aphrodite, the loveliest + woman in the world. But whether he really considered Aphrodite the + fairest of the three, or preferred a beautiful wife to fame and power, we + cannot tell; all we know is that to her he awarded the golden apple, and + she became ever after universally acknowledged as the goddess of beauty. + Hera, having fully expected that Paris would give her the preference, was + so indignant that she never forgave him, and not only persecuted him, but + all the family of Priam, whose dreadful sufferings and misfortunes during + the Trojan war were attributed to her influence. In fact, she carried her + animosity to such an extent that it was often the cause of domestic + disagreements between herself and Zeus, who espoused the cause of the + Trojans.</p> + + <p>Among the many stories of these frequent quarrels there is one + connected with Heracles, the favourite son of Zeus, which is as + follows:—Hera having raised a storm at sea in order to drive him + out of his course, Zeus became so angry that he hung her in the clouds by + a golden chain, and attached heavy anvils to her feet. Her son Hephæstus + tried to release his mother from her humiliating position, for which Zeus + threw him out of heaven, and his leg was broken by the fall.</p> + + <p>Hera, being deeply offended with Zeus, determined to separate herself + from him for ever, and she accordingly left him and took up her abode in + Eubœa. Surprised and grieved at this unlooked-for desertion, Zeus + resolved to leave no means untried to win her back again. In this + emergency he consulted Cithaeron, king of Platea, who was famed for his + great wisdom and subtlety. Cithaeron advised him to dress up an image in + bridal attire and place it in a chariot, announcing that this was Platea, + his future wife. The artifice succeeded. Hera, incensed at the idea of a + rival, flew to meet the procession in great anger, and seizing the + supposed bride, she furiously attacked her and dragged off her nuptial + attire. Her delight on discovering the deception was so great that a <!-- + Page 41 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page41"></a>[41]</span>reconciliation took place, and, committing + the image to the flames, with joyful laughter she seated herself in its + place and returned to Olympus.</p> + + <p>Hera was the mother of Ares (Mars), Hephæstus, Hebe, and Eileithyia. + Ares was the god of War; Hephæstus, of Fire; Hebe, of Youth; and + Eileithyia presided over the birth of mortals.</p> + + <p>Hera dearly loved Greece, and indeed always watched over and protected + Greek interests, her beloved and favourite cities being Argos, Samos, + Sparta, and Mycenæ.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0041-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0041-1.png" + alt="Hera" title="Hera" /></a> + </div> + <p>Her principal temples were at Argos and Samos. From a remote period + she was greatly venerated at Olympia, and her temple there, which stood + in the Altis or sacred grove, was five hundred years older than that of + Zeus on the same spot. Some interesting excavations which are now going + on there have brought to light the remains of the ancient edifice, which + contains among other treasures of antiquity several beautiful statues, + the work of the famous sculptors of ancient Greece. At first this temple + was built of wood, then of stone, and the one lately discovered was + formed of conglomerate of shells.</p> + + <p>In the Altis races were run by young maidens in honour of Hera, and + the fleetest of foot received in token of her victory an olive-wreath and + a piece of the flesh of the sacrifices. These races, like the Olympic + Games, were celebrated at intervals of four years, and were called Heræ. + A beautiful robe, woven by sixteen women chosen from the sixteen cities + of Elis, was always offered to Hera on these <!-- Page 42 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page42"></a>[42]</span>occasions, and choral + songs and sacred dances formed part of the ceremonies.</p> + + <p>Hera is usually represented seated on a throne, holding a pomegranate + in one hand and a sceptre surmounted by a cuckoo in the other. She + appears as a calm, dignified matron of majestic beauty, robed in a tunic + and mantle, her forehead is broad and intellectual, her eyes large and + fully opened, and her arms dazzlingly white and finely moulded.</p> + + <p>The finest statue of this divinity was that by Polycletus at + Argos.</p> + + <p>Her attributes are the diadem, veil, sceptre, and peacock.</p> + + <p>The first day of every month a ewe-lamb and sow were sacrificed to + Hera. The hawk, goose, and more particularly the peacock<a name="NtA_17" + href="#Nt_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> were sacred to her. Flocks of these + beautiful birds generally surround her throne and draw her chariot, Iris, + the Rainbow, being seated behind her.</p> + + <p>Her favourite flowers were the dittany, poppy, and lily.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">JUNO.</p> + + <p>Juno, the Roman divinity supposed to be identical with the Greek Hera, + differed from her in the most salient points, for whereas Hera invariably + appears as the haughty, unbending queen of heaven, Juno, on the other + hand, is revered and beloved as the type of a matron and housewife. She + was worshipped in Rome under various titles, most of which point to her + vocation as the protectress of married women. Juno was believed to watch + over and guard the life of every woman from her birth to her death. The + principal temples dedicated to her were in Rome, one being erected on the + Aventine, and the other on the Capitoline Hill. She had also a temple on + the Arx, in which she was worshipped as Juno Moneta, or the <!-- Page 43 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page43"></a>[43]</span>warning goddess. + Adjacent to this shrine was the public mint.<a name="NtA_18" + href="#Nt_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> On the 1st of March a grand annual + festival, called the Matronalia, was celebrated in her honour by all the + married women of Rome, and this religious institution was accompanied + with much solemnity.<a name="NtA_19" + href="#Nt_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a></p> + +<h3>PALLAS-ATHENE (<span class="sc">Minerva</span>).</h3> + + <p>Pallas-Athene, goddess of Wisdom and Armed Resistance, was a purely + Greek divinity; that is to say, no other nation possessed a corresponding + conception. She was supposed, as already related, to have issued from the + head of Zeus himself, clad in armour from head to foot. The miraculous + advent of this maiden goddess is beautifully described by Homer in one of + his hymns: snow-capped Olympus shook to its foundation; the glad earth + re-echoed her martial shout; the billowy sea became agitated; and Helios, + the sun-god, arrested his fiery steeds in their headlong course to + welcome this wonderful emanation from the godhead. Athene was at once + admitted into the assembly of the gods, and henceforth took her place as + the most faithful and sagacious of all her father's counsellors. This + brave, dauntless maiden, so exactly the essence of all that is noble in + the character of "the father of gods and men," remained throughout chaste + in word and deed, and kind at heart, without exhibiting any of those + failings which somewhat mar the nobler features in the character of Zeus. + This direct emanation from his own self, justly his favourite child, his + better and purer counterpart, received from him several important + prerogatives. She was permitted to hurl the thunderbolts, to prolong the + life of man, and to bestow the gift of prophecy; in fact Athene was the + only divinity whose authority was equal to that of Zeus himself, and when + he had ceased to visit the earth in person <!-- Page 44 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page44"></a>[44]</span>she was empowered by him + to act as his deputy. It was her especial duty to protect the state and + all peaceful associations of mankind, which she possessed the power of + defending when occasion required. She encouraged the maintenance of law + and order, and defended the right on all occasions, for which reason, in + the Trojan war she espouses the cause of the Greeks and exerts all her + influence on their behalf. The Areopagus, a court of justice where + religious causes and murders were tried, was believed to have been + instituted by her, and when both sides happened to have an equal number + of votes she gave the casting-vote in favour of the accused. She was the + patroness of learning, science, and art, more particularly where these + contributed directly towards the welfare of nations. She presided over + all inventions connected with agriculture, invented the plough, and + taught mankind how to use oxen for farming purposes. She also instructed + mankind in the use of numbers, trumpets, chariots, &c., and presided + over the building of the Argo,<a name="NtA_20" + href="#Nt_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> thereby encouraging the useful art of + navigation. She also taught the Greeks how to build the wooden horse by + means of which the destruction of Troy was effected.</p> + + <p>The safety of cities depended on her care, for which reason her + temples were generally built on the citadels, and she was supposed to + watch over the defence of the walls, fortifications, harbours, &c. A + divinity who so faithfully guarded the best interests of the state, by + not only protecting it from the attacks of enemies, but also by + developing its chief resources of wealth and prosperity, was worthily + chosen as the presiding deity of the state, and in this character as an + essentially political goddess she was called Athene-Polias.</p> + + <p>The fact of Athene having been born clad in armour, which merely + signified that her virtue and purity were unassailable, has given rise to + the erroneous supposition that she was the presiding goddess of war; but + a deeper <!-- Page 45 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page45"></a>[45]</span>study of her character in all its bearings + proves that, in contradistinction to her brother Ares, the god of war, + who loved strife for its own sake, she only takes up arms to protect the + innocent and deserving against tyrannical oppression. It is true that in + the Iliad we frequently see her on the battlefield fighting valiantly, + and protecting her favourite heroes; but this is always at the command of + Zeus, who even supplies her with arms for the purpose, as it is supposed + that she possessed none of her own. A marked feature in the + representations of this deity is the ægis, that wonderful shield given to + her by her father as a further means of defence, which, when in danger, + she swung so swiftly round and round that it kept at a distance all + antagonistic influences; hence her name Pallas, from <i>pallo</i>, I + swing. In the centre of this shield, which was covered with dragon's + scales, bordered with serpents, and which she sometimes wore as a + breastplate, was the awe-inspiring head of the Medusa, which had the + effect of turning to stone all beholders.</p> + + <p>In addition to the many functions which she exercised in connection + with the state, Athene presided over the two chief departments of + feminine industry, spinning and weaving. In the latter art she herself + displayed unrivalled ability and exquisite taste. She wove her own robe + and that of Hera, which last she is said to have embroidered very richly; + she also gave Jason a cloak wrought by herself, when he set forth in + quest of the Golden Fleece. Being on one occasion challenged to a contest + in this accomplishment by a mortal maiden named Arachne, whom she had + instructed in the art of weaving, she accepted the challenge and was + completely vanquished by her pupil. Angry at her defeat, she struck the + unfortunate maiden on the forehead with the shuttle which she held in her + hand; and Arachne, being of a sensitive nature, was so hurt by this + indignity that she hung herself in despair, and was changed by Athene + into a spider. This goddess is said to have invented the flute,<a + name="NtA_21" href="#Nt_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> upon <!-- Page 46 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"></a>[46]</span>which she played + with considerable talent, until one day, being laughed at by the + assembled gods and goddesses for the contortions which her countenance + assumed during these musical efforts, she hastily ran to a fountain in + order to convince herself whether she deserved their ridicule. Finding to + her intense disgust that such was indeed the fact, she threw the flute + away, and never raised it to her lips again.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0046-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0046-1.png" + alt="Athene" title="Athene" /></a> + </div> + <p>Athene is usually represented fully draped; she has a serious and + thoughtful aspect, as though replete with earnestness and wisdom; the + beautiful oval contour of her countenance is adorned by the luxuriance of + her wealth of hair, which is drawn back from the temples and hangs down + in careless grace; she looks the embodiment of strength, grandeur, and + majesty; whilst her broad shoulders and small hips give her a slightly + masculine appearance.</p> + + <p>When represented as the war-goddess she appears clad in armour, with a + helmet on her head, from which waves a large plume; she carries the ægis + on her arm, and in her hand a golden staff, which possessed the property + of endowing her chosen favourites with youth and dignity.</p> + + <p>Athene was universally worshipped throughout Greece, but was regarded + with special veneration by the Athenians, she being the guardian deity of + Athens. Her most celebrated temple was the Parthenon, which stood on the + <!-- Page 47 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page47"></a>[47]</span>Acropolis at Athens, and contained her + world-renowned statue by Phidias, which ranks second only to that of Zeus + by the same great artist. This colossal statue was 39 feet high, and was + composed of ivory and gold; its majestic beauty formed the chief + attraction of the temple. It represented her standing erect, bearing her + spear and shield; in her hand she held an image of Nike, and at her feet + there lay a serpent.</p> + + <p>The tree sacred to her was the olive, which she herself produced in a + contest with Poseidon. The olive-tree thus called into existence was + preserved in the temple of Erectheus, on the Acropolis, and is said to + have possessed such marvellous vitality, that when the Persians burned it + after sacking the town it immediately burst forth into new shoots.</p> + + <p>The principal festival held in honour of this divinity was the + Panathenæa.</p> + + <p>The owl, cock, and serpent were the animals sacred to her, and her + sacrifices were rams, bulls, and cows.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0047-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0047-1.png" + alt="Minerva" title="Minerva" /></a> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">MINERVA.</p> + + <p>The Minerva of the Romans was identified with the Pallas-Athene of the + Greeks. Like her she presides over learning and all useful arts, and is + the patroness of the feminine accomplishments of sewing, spinning, + weaving, &c. Schools were under her especial care, and schoolboys, + therefore, had holidays during her festivals (the Greater Quinquatria), + when they always brought a gift to their master, called the Minerval.</p> + + <p>It is worthy of notice that the only three divinities <!-- Page 48 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page48"></a>[48]</span>worshipped in + the Capitol were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, and in their joint honour + the Ludi Maximi or great games were held.</p> + +<h3>THEMIS.</h3> + + <p>Themis, who has already been alluded to as the wife of Zeus, was the + daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and personified those divine laws of justice + and order by means of which the well-being and morality of communities + are regulated. She presided over the assemblies of the people and the + laws of hospitality. To her was intrusted the office of convoking the + assembly of the gods, and she was also mistress of ritual and ceremony. + On account of her great wisdom Zeus himself frequently sought her counsel + and acted upon her advice. Themis was a prophetic divinity, and had an + oracle near the river Cephissus in Bœotia.</p> + + <p>She is usually represented as being in the full maturity of womanhood, + of fair aspect, and wearing a flowing garment, which drapes her noble, + majestic form; in her right hand she holds the sword of justice, and in + her left the scales, which indicate the impartiality with which every + cause is carefully weighed by her, her eyes being bandaged so that the + personality of the individual should carry no weight with respect to the + verdict.</p> + + <p>This divinity is sometimes identified with Tyche, sometimes with + Ananke.</p> + + <p>Themis, like so many other Greek divinities, takes the place of a more + ancient deity of the same name who was a daughter of Uranus and Gæa. This + elder Themis inherited from her mother the gift of prophecy, and when she + became merged into her younger representative she transmitted to her this + prophetic power.</p> + +<h3>HESTIA (Vesta).</h3> + + <p>Hestia was the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She was the goddess of + Fire in its first application to the wants of mankind, hence she was + essentially the presiding deity <!-- Page 49 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page49"></a>[49]</span>of the domestic hearth and the guardian + spirit of man, and it was her pure and benign influence which was + supposed to protect the sanctity of domestic life.</p> + + <p>Now in these early ages the hearth was regarded as the most important + and most sacred portion of the dwelling, probably because the protection + of the fire was an important consideration, for if once permitted to + become extinct, re-ignition was attended with extreme difficulty. In + fact, the hearth was held so sacred that it constituted the sanctum of + the family, for which reason it was always erected in the centre of every + house. It was a few feet in height and was built of stone; the fire was + placed on the top of it, and served the double purpose of preparing the + daily meals, and consuming the family sacrifices. Round this domestic + hearth or altar were gathered the various members of the family, the head + of the house occupying the place of honour nearest the hearth. Here + prayers were said and sacrifices offered, and here also every kind and + loving feeling was fostered, which even extended to the hunted and guilty + stranger, who, if he once succeeded in touching this sacred altar, was + safe from pursuit and punishment, and was henceforth placed under the + protection of the family. Any crime committed within the sacred precincts + of the domestic hearth was invariably visited by death.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0050-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0050-1.png" + alt="Vesta" title="Vesta" /></a> + </div> + <p>In Grecian cities there was a common hall, called the Prytaneum, in + which the members of the government had their meals at the expense of the + state, and here too was the Hestia, or public hearth, with its fire, by + means of which those meals were prepared. It was customary for emigrants + to take with them a portion of this sacred fire, which they jealously + guarded and brought with them to their new home, where it served as a + connecting link between the young Greek colony and the mother country. + Hestia is generally represented standing, and in accordance with the + dignity and sanctity of her character, always appears fully draped. Her + countenance is distinguished by a serene gravity of expression. <!-- Page + 50 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page50"></a>[50]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">VESTA.</p> + + <p>Vesta occupies a distinguished place among the earlier divinities of + the Romans. Her temple in Rome, containing as it were the hearthstone of + the nation, stood close beside the palace of Numa Pompilius.</p> + + <p>On her altar burned the never-ceasing fire, which was tended by her + priestesses, the Vestal Virgins.<a name="NtA_22" + href="#Nt_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a></p> + + <p>The temple of Vesta was circular in form, and contained that sacred + and highly prized treasure the Palladium of Troy.<a name="NtA_23" + href="#Nt_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a></p> + + <p>The great festival in honour of Vesta, called the Vestalia, was + celebrated on the 9th of June.</p> + +<h3>DEMETER (Ceres).</h3> + + <p>Demeter (from <i>Ge-meter</i>, earth-mother) was the daughter of + Cronus and Rhea.<a name="NtA_24" href="#Nt_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> She + represented that portion of Gæa (the whole solid earth) which we call the + earth's crust, and which produces all vegetation. As goddess of + agriculture, field-fruits, plenty, and productiveness, she was the + sustainer of material life, and was therefore a divinity of great + importance. When ancient Gæa lost, with Uranus, her position as a ruling + divinity, she abdicated her sway in favour of her daughter Rhea, who + henceforth inherited the powers which her mother had previously + possessed, receiving in her place the honour and worship of mankind. In a + very old poem Gæa is accordingly described as retiring to a cavern in the + bowels <!-- Page 51 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page51"></a>[51]</span>of the earth, where she sits in the lap of + her daughter, slumbering, moaning, and nodding for ever and ever.</p> + + <p>It is necessary to keep clearly in view the distinctive difference + between the three great earth-goddesses Gæa, Rhea, and Demeter. Gæa + represents the earth as a whole, with its mighty subterranean forces; + Rhea is that productive power which causes vegetation to spring forth, + thus sustaining men and animals; Demeter, by presiding over agriculture, + directs and utilizes Rhea's productive powers. But in later times, when + Rhea, like other ancient divinities, loses her importance as a ruling + deity, Demeter assumes all her functions and attributes, and then becomes + the goddess of the life-producing and life-maintaining earth-crust. We + must bear in mind the fact that man in his primitive state knew neither + how to sow nor how to till the ground; when, therefore, he had exhausted + the pastures which surrounded him he was compelled to seek others which + were as yet unreaped; thus, roaming constantly from one place to another, + settled habitations, and consequently civilizing influences, were + impossible. Demeter, however, by introducing a knowledge of agriculture, + put an end, at once and for ever, to that nomadic life which was now no + longer necessary.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0051-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0051-1.png" + alt="Demeter" title="Demeter" /></a> + </div> + <p>The favour of Demeter was believed to bring mankind rich harvests and + fruitful crops, whereas her displeasure caused blight, drought, and + famine. The island of Sicily was supposed to be under her especial + protection, and there she was regarded with particular veneration, the + Sicilians naturally attributing the wonderful fertility of their country + to the partiality of the goddess.</p> + + <p>Demeter is usually represented as a woman of noble <!-- Page 52 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page52"></a>[52]</span>bearing and + majestic appearance, tall, matronly, and dignified, with beautiful golden + hair, which falls in rippling curls over her stately shoulders, the + yellow locks being emblematical of the ripened ears of corn. Sometimes + she appears seated in a chariot drawn by winged dragons, at others she + stands erect, her figure drawn up to its full height, and always fully + draped; she bears a sheaf of wheat-ears in one hand and a lighted torch + in the other. The wheat-ears are not unfrequently replaced by a bunch of + poppies, with which her brows are also garlanded, though sometimes she + merely wears a simple riband in her hair.</p> + + <p>Demeter, as the wife of Zeus, became the mother of Persephone + (Proserpine), to whom she was so tenderly attached that her whole life + was bound up in her, and she knew no happiness except in her society. One + day, however, whilst Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow, + attended by the ocean-nymphs, she saw to her surprise a beautiful + narcissus, from the stem of which sprang forth a hundred blossoms. + Drawing near to examine this lovely flower, whose exquisite scent + perfumed the air, she stooped down to gather it, suspecting no evil, when + a yawning abyss opened at her feet, and Aïdes, the grim ruler of the + lower world, appeared from its depths, seated in his dazzling chariot + drawn by four black horses. Regardless of her tears and the shrieks of + her female attendants, Aïdes seized the terrified maiden, and bore her + away to the gloomy realms over which he reigned in melancholy grandeur. + Helios, the all-seeing sun-god, and Hecate, a mysterious and very ancient + divinity, alone heard her cries for aid, but were powerless to help her. + When Demeter became conscious of her loss her grief was intense, and she + refused to be comforted. She knew not where to seek for her child, but + feeling that repose and inaction were impossible, she set out on her + weary search, taking with her two torches which she lighted in the flames + of Mount Etna to guide her on her way. For nine long days and nights she + wandered on, inquiring of every one she met for tidings of her child. + <!-- Page 53 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page53"></a>[53]</span>But + all was in vain! Neither gods nor men could give her the comfort which + her soul so hungered for. At last, on the tenth day, the disconsolate + mother met Hecate, who informed her that she had heard her daughter's + cries, but knew not who it was that had borne her away. By Hecate's + advice Demeter consulted Helios, whose all-seeing eye nothing escapes, + and from him she learnt that it was Zeus himself who had permitted Aïdes + to seize Persephone, and transport her to the lower world in order that + she might become his wife. Indignant with Zeus for having given his + sanction to the abduction of his daughter, and filled with the bitterest + sorrow, she abandoned her home in Olympus, and refused all heavenly food. + Disguising herself as an old woman, she descended upon earth, and + commenced a weary pilgrimage among mankind. One evening she arrived at a + place called Eleusis, in Attica, and sat down to rest herself near a well + beneath the shade of an olive-tree. The youthful daughters of Celeus, the + king of the country, came with their pails of brass to draw water from + this well, and seeing that the tired wayfarer appeared faint and + dispirited, they spoke kindly to her, asking who she was, and whence she + came. Demeter replied that she had made her escape from pirates, who had + captured her, and added that she would feel grateful for a home with any + worthy family, whom she would be willing to serve in a menial capacity. + The princesses, on hearing this, begged Demeter to have a moment's + patience while they returned home and consulted their mother, Metaneira. + They soon brought the joyful intelligence that she was desirous of + securing her services as nurse to her infant son Demophoon, or + Triptolemus. When Demeter arrived at the house a radiant light suddenly + illumined her, which circumstance so overawed Metaneira that she treated + the unknown stranger with the greatest respect, and hospitably offered + her food and drink. But Demeter, still grief-worn and dejected, refused + her friendly offers, and held herself apart from the social board. At + length, however, the maid-servant Iambe succeeded, by means <!-- Page 54 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page54"></a>[54]</span>of playful jests + and merriment, in somewhat dispelling the grief of the sorrowing mother, + causing her at times to smile in spite of herself, and even inducing her + to partake of a mixture of barley-meal, mint, and water, which was + prepared according to the directions of the goddess herself. Time passed + on, and the young child throve amazingly under the care of his kind and + judicious nurse, who, however, gave him no food, but anointed him daily + with ambrosia, and every night laid him secretly in the fire in order to + render him immortal and exempt from old age. But, unfortunately, this + benevolent design on the part of Demeter was frustrated by Metaneira + herself, whose curiosity, one night, impelled her to watch the + proceedings of the mysterious being who nursed her child. When to her + horror she beheld her son placed in the flames, she shrieked aloud. + Demeter, incensed at this untimely interruption, instantly withdrew the + child, and throwing him on the ground, revealed herself in her true + character. The bent and aged form had vanished, and in its place there + stood a bright and beauteous being, whose golden locks streamed over her + shoulders in richest luxuriance, her whole aspect bespeaking dignity and + majesty. She told the awe-struck Metaneira that she was the goddess + Demeter, and had intended to make her son immortal, but that her fatal + curiosity had rendered this impossible, adding, however, that the child, + having slept in her arms, and been nursed on her lap, should ever command + the respect and esteem of mankind. She then desired that a temple and + altar should be erected to her on a neighbouring hill by the people of + Eleusis, promising that she herself would direct them how to perform the + sacred rites and ceremonies, which should be observed in her honour. With + these words she took her departure never to return.</p> + + <p>Obedient to her commands, Celeus called together a meeting of his + people, and built the temple on the spot which the goddess had indicated. + It was soon completed, and Demeter took up her abode in it, but her heart + was still sad for the loss of her daughter, and the whole world felt the + influence of her grief and dejection. This was <!-- Page 55 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page55"></a>[55]</span>indeed a terrible year + for mankind. Demeter no longer smiled on the earth she was wont to bless, + and though the husbandman sowed the grain, and the groaning oxen ploughed + the fields, no harvest rewarded their labour. All was barren, dreary + desolation. The world was threatened with famine, and the gods with the + loss of their accustomed honours and sacrifices; it became evident, + therefore, to Zeus himself that some measures must be adopted to appease + the anger of the goddess. He accordingly despatched Iris and many of the + other gods and goddesses to implore Demeter to return to Olympus; but all + their prayers were fruitless. The incensed goddess swore that until her + daughter was restored to her she would not allow the grain to spring + forth from the earth. At length Zeus sent Hermes, his faithful messenger, + to the lower world with a petition to Aïdes, urgently entreating him to + restore Persephone to the arms of her disconsolate mother. When he + arrived in the gloomy realms of Aïdes, Hermes found him seated on a + throne with the beautiful Persephone beside him, sorrowfully bewailing + her unhappy fate. On learning his errand, Aïdes consented to resign + Persephone, who joyfully prepared to follow the messenger of the gods to + the abode of life and light. Before taking leave of her husband, he + presented to her a few seeds of pomegranate, which in her excitement she + thoughtlessly swallowed, and this simple act, as the sequel will show, + materially affected her whole future life. The meeting between mother and + child was one of unmixed rapture, and for the moment all the past was + forgotten. The loving mother's happiness would now have been complete had + not Aïdes asserted his rights. These were, that if any immortal had + tasted food in his realms they were bound to remain there for ever. Of + course the ruler of the lower world had to prove this assertion. This, + however, he found no difficulty in doing, as Ascalaphus, the son of + Acheron and Orphne, was his witness to the fact.<a name="NtA_25" + href="#Nt_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> Zeus, pitying the disappointment of + Demeter at finding <!-- Page 56 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page56"></a>[56]</span>her hopes thus blighted, succeeded in + effecting a compromise by inducing his brother Aïdes to allow Persephone + to spend six months of the year with the gods above, whilst during the + other six she was to be the joyless companion of her grim lord below. + Accompanied by her daughter, the beautiful Persephone, Demeter now + resumed her long-abandoned dwelling in Olympus; the sympathetic earth + responded gaily to her bright smiles, the corn at once sprang forth from + the ground in fullest plenty, the trees, which late were sered and bare, + now donned their brightest emerald robes, and the flowers, so long + imprisoned in the hard, dry soil, filled the whole air with their + fragrant perfume. Thus ends this charming story, which was a favourite + theme with all the classic authors.</p> + + <p>It is very possible that the poets who first created this graceful + myth merely intended it as an allegory to illustrate the change of + seasons; in the course of time, however, a literal meaning became + attached to this and similar poetical fancies, and thus the people of + Greece came to regard as an article of religious belief what, in the + first instance, was nothing more than a poetic simile.</p> + + <p>In the temple erected to Demeter at Eleusis, the famous Eleusinian + Mysteries were instituted by the goddess herself. It is exceedingly + difficult, as in the case of all secret societies, to discover anything + with certainty concerning these sacred rites. The most plausible + supposition is that the doctrines taught by the priests to the favoured + few whom they initiated, were religious truths which were deemed unfit + for the uninstructed mind of the multitude. For instance, it is supposed + that the myth of Demeter and Persephone was explained by the teachers of + the Mysteries to signify the temporary loss which mother earth sustains + every year when the icy breath of winter robs her of her flowers and + fruits and grain.</p> + + <p>It is believed that in later times a still deeper meaning was conveyed + by this beautiful myth, viz., the doctrine of the immortality of the + soul. The grain, which, as it were, remains dead for a time in the dark + earth, only <!-- Page 57 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page57"></a>[57]</span>to rise one day dressed in a newer and + lovelier garb, was supposed to symbolize the soul, which, after death, + frees itself from corruption, to live again under a better and purer + form.</p> + + <p>When Demeter instituted the Eleusinian Mysteries, Celeus and his + family were the first to be initiated, Celeus himself being appointed + high-priest. His son Triptolemus and his daughters, who acted as + priestesses, assisted him in the duties of his sacred office. The + Mysteries were celebrated by the Athenians every five years, and were, + for a long time, their exclusive privilege. They took place by + torchlight, and were conducted with the greatest solemnity.</p> + + <p>In order to spread abroad the blessings which agriculture confers, + Demeter presented Triptolemus with her chariot drawn by winged dragons, + and, giving him some grains of corn, desired him to journey through the + world, teaching mankind the arts of agriculture and husbandry.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0058-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0058-1.png" + alt="Ceres" title="Ceres" /></a> + </div> + <p>Demeter exercised great severity towards those who incurred her + displeasure. We find examples of this in the stories of Stellio and + Eresicthon. Stellio was a youth who ridiculed the goddess for the + eagerness with which she was eating a bowl of porridge, when weary and + faint in the vain search for her daughter. Resolved that he should never + again have an opportunity of thus offending, she angrily threw into his + face the remainder of the food, and changed him into a spotted + lizard.</p> + + <p>Eresicthon, son of Triopas, had drawn upon himself the anger of + Demeter by cutting down her sacred groves, for which she punished him + with a constant and insatiable hunger. He sold all his possessions in + order to satisfy his cravings, and was forced at last to devour his own + limbs. His daughter Metra, who was devotedly attached to him, possessed + the power of transforming herself into a variety of different animals. By + this means she contrived to support her father, who sold her again and + again each time she assumed a different form, and thus he dragged on a + pitiful existence. <!-- Page 58 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page58"></a>[58]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CERES.</p> + + <p>The Roman Ceres is actually the Greek Demeter under another name, her + attributes, worship, festivals, &c., being precisely identical.</p> + + <p>The Romans were indebted to Sicily for this divinity, her worship + having been introduced by the Greek colonists who settled there.</p> + + <p>The Cerealia, or festivals in honour of Ceres, commenced on the 12th + of April, and lasted several days.</p> + +<h3>APHRODITE (<span class="sc">Venus</span>).</h3> + + <p>Aphrodite (from <i>aphros</i>, sea-foam, and <i>dite</i>, issued), the + daughter of Zeus and a sea-nymph called Dione, was the goddess of Love + and Beauty.</p> + + <p>Dione, being a sea-nymph, gave birth to her daughter beneath the + waves; but the child of the heaven-inhabiting Zeus was forced to ascend + from the ocean-depths and mount to the snow-capped summits of Olympus, in + order to breathe that ethereal and most refined atmosphere which pertains + to the celestial gods.</p> + + <p>Aphrodite was the mother of Eros (Cupid), the god of Love, also of + Æneas, the great Trojan hero and the head of that Greek colony which + settled in Italy, and from which arose the city of Rome. As a mother + Aphrodite claims our sympathy for the tenderness she exhibits towards her + children. Homer tells us in his Iliad, how, when Æneas was wounded in + battle, she came to his assistance, regardless of personal danger, and + was herself severely wounded in attempting to save his life. <!-- Page 59 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page59"></a>[59]</span></p> + + <p>Aphrodite was tenderly attached to a lovely youth, called Adonis, + whose exquisite beauty has become proverbial. He was a motherless babe, + and Aphrodite, taking pity on him, placed him in a chest and intrusted + him to the care of Persephone, who became so fond of the beautiful youth + that she refused to part with him. Zeus, being appealed to by the rival + foster-mothers, decided that Adonis should spend four months of every + year with Persephone, four with Aphrodite, whilst during the remaining + four months he should be left to his own devices. He became, however, so + attached to Aphrodite that he voluntarily devoted to her the time at his + own disposal. Adonis was killed, during the chase, by a wild boar, to the + great grief of Aphrodite, who bemoaned his loss so persistently that + Aïdes, moved with pity, permitted him to pass six months of every year + with her, whilst the remaining half of the year was spent by him in the + lower world.</p> + + <p>Aphrodite possessed a magic girdle (the famous <i>cestus</i>) which + she frequently lent to unhappy maidens suffering from the pangs of + unrequited love, as it was endowed with the power of inspiring affection + for the wearer, whom it invested with every attribute of grace, beauty, + and fascination.</p> + + <p>Her usual attendants are the Charites or Graces (Euphrosyne, Aglaia, + and Thalia), who are represented undraped and intertwined in a loving + embrace.</p> + + <p>In Hesiod's <i>Theogony</i> she is supposed to belong to the more + ancient divinities, and, whilst those of later date are represented as + having descended one from another, and all more or less from Zeus, + Aphrodite has a variously-accounted-for, yet independent origin.</p> + + <p>The most poetical version of her birth is that when Uranus was wounded + by his son Cronus, his blood mingled with the foam of the sea, whereupon + the bubbling waters at once assumed a rosy tint, and from their depths + arose, in all the surpassing glory of her loveliness, Aphrodite, goddess + of love and beauty! Shaking her long, fair tresses, the water-drops + rolled down into the beautiful <!-- Page 60 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page60"></a>[60]</span>sea-shell in which she stood, and became + transformed into pure glistening pearls. Wafted by the soft and balmy + breezes, she floated on to Cythera, and was thence transported to the + island of Cyprus. Lightly she stepped on shore, and under the gentle + pressure of her delicate foot the dry and rigid sand became transformed + into a verdant meadow, where every varied shade of colour and every sweet + odour charmed the senses. The whole island of Cyprus became clothed with + verdure, and greeted this fairest of all created beings with a glad smile + of friendly welcome. Here she was received by the Seasons, who decked her + with garments of immortal fabric, encircling her fair brow with a wreath + of purest gold, whilst from her ears depended costly rings, and a + glittering chain embraced her swan-like throat. And now, arrayed in all + the panoply of her irresistible charms, the nymphs escort her to the + dazzling halls of Olympus, where she is received with ecstatic enthusiasm + by the admiring gods and goddesses. The gods all vied with each other in + aspiring to the honour of her hand, but Hephæstus became the envied + possessor of this lovely being, who, however, proved as faithless as she + was beautiful, and caused her husband much unhappiness, owing to the + preference she showed at various times for some of the other gods and + also for mortal men.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0060-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0060-1.png" + alt="Aphrodite" title="Aphrodite" /></a> + </div> + <p>The celebrated Venus of Milo, now in the Louvre, is an exquisite + statue of this divinity. The head is beautifully formed; the rich waves + of hair descend on her rather low but broad forehead and are caught up + gracefully in a small knot at the back of the head; the expression of the + face is most bewitching, and bespeaks the perfect <!-- Page 61 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page61"></a>[61]</span>joyousness of a happy + nature combined with the dignity of a goddess; the drapery falls in + careless folds from the waist downwards, and her whole attitude is the + embodiment of all that is graceful and lovely in womanhood. She is of + medium height, and the form is perfect in its symmetry and faultless + proportions.</p> + + <p>Aphrodite is also frequently represented in the act of confining her + dripping locks in a knot, whilst her attendant nymphs envelop her in a + gauzy veil.</p> + + <p>The animals sacred to her were the dove, swan, swallow, and sparrow. + Her favourite plants were the myrtle, apple-tree, rose, and poppy.</p> + + <p>The worship of Aphrodite is supposed to have been introduced into + Greece from Central Asia. There is no doubt that she was originally + identical with the famous Astarté, the Ashtoreth of the Bible, against + whose idolatrous worship and infamous rites the prophets of old hurled + forth their sublime and powerful anathemas.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VENUS.</p> + + <p>The Venus of the Romans was identified with the Aphrodite of the + Greeks. The worship of this divinity was only established in Rome in + comparatively later times. Annual festivals, called Veneralia, were held + in her honour, and the month of April, when flowers and plants spring + forth afresh, was sacred to her. She was worshipped as Venus Cloacina (or + the Purifier), and as Venus Myrtea (or the myrtle goddess), an epithet + derived from the myrtle, the emblem of Love.</p> + +<h3>HELIOS (<span class="sc">Sol</span>).</h3> + + <p>The worship of Helios was introduced into Greece from Asia. According + to the earliest conceptions of the Greeks he was not only the sun-god, + but also the personification of life and all life-giving power, for light + is well known to be an indispensable condition of all healthy terrestrial + life. The worship of the sun was originally very widely spread, <!-- Page + 62 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page62"></a>[62]</span>not only + among the early Greeks themselves, but also among other primitive + nations. To us the sun is simply the orb of light, which, high above our + heads, performs each day the functions assigned to it by a mighty and + invisible Power; we can, therefore, form but a faint idea of the + impression which it produced upon the spirit of a people whose intellect + was still in its infancy, and who believed, with child-like simplicity, + that every power of nature was a divinity, which, according as its + character was baleful or beneficent, worked for the destruction or + benefit of the human race.</p> + + <p>Helios, who was the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, is described + as rising every morning in the east, preceded by his sister Eos (the + Dawn), who, with her rosy fingers, paints the tips of the mountains, and + draws aside that misty veil through which her brother is about to appear. + When he has burst forth in all the glorious light of day, Eos disappears, + and Helios now drives his flame-darting chariot along the accustomed + track. This chariot, which is of burnished gold, is drawn by four + fire-breathing steeds, behind which the young god stands erect with + flashing eyes, his head surrounded with rays, holding in one hand the + reins of those fiery coursers which in all hands save his are + unmanageable. When towards evening he descends the curve<a name="NtA_26" + href="#Nt_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> in order to cool his burning forehead + in the waters of the deep sea, he is followed closely by his sister + Selene (the Moon), who is now prepared to take charge of the world, and + illumine with her silver crescent the dusky night. Helios meanwhile rests + from his labours, and, reclining softly on the cool fragrant couch + prepared for him by the sea-nymphs, recruits himself for another + life-giving, joy-inspiring, and beauteous day.</p> + + <p>It may appear strange that, although the Greeks considered the earth + to be a flat circle, no explanation is given of the fact that Helios + sinks down in the far <!-- Page 63 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page63"></a>[63]</span>west regularly every evening, and yet + reappears as regularly every morning in the east. Whether he was supposed + to pass through Tartarus, and thus regain the opposite extremity through + the bowels of the earth, or whether they thought he possessed any other + means of making this transit, there is not a line in either Homer or + Hesiod to prove. In later times, however, the poets invented the graceful + fiction, that when Helios had finished his course, and reached the + western side of the curve, a winged-boat, or cup, which had been made for + him by Hephæstus, awaited him there, and conveyed him rapidly, with his + glorious equipage, to the east, where he recommenced his bright and + glowing career.</p> + + <p>This divinity was invoked as a witness when a solemn oath was taken, + as it was believed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, and it was + this fact which enabled him to inform Demeter of the fate of her + daughter, as already related. He was supposed to possess flocks and herds + in various localities, which may possibly be intended to represent the + days and nights of the year, or the stars of heaven.</p> + + <p>Helios is said to have loved Clytie, a daughter of Oceanus, who + ardently returned his affection; but in the course of time the fickle + sun-god transferred his devotion to Leucothea, the daughter of Orchamus, + king of the eastern countries, which so angered the forsaken Clytie that + she informed Orchamus of his daughter's attachment, and he punished her + by inhumanly burying her alive. Helios, overcome with grief, endeavoured, + by every means in his power, to recall her to life. At last, finding all + his efforts unavailing, he sprinkled her grave with heavenly nectar, and + immediately there sprang forth from the spot a shoot of frankincense, + which spread around its aromatic perfume.</p> + + <p>The jealous Clytie gained nothing by her cruel conduct, for the + sun-god came to her no more. Inconsolable at his loss, she threw herself + upon the ground, and refused all sustenance. For nine long days she + turned her face towards the glorious god of day, as he moved along the + <!-- Page 64 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page64"></a>[64]</span>heavens, till at length her limbs became + rooted in the ground, and she was transformed into a flower, which ever + turns towards the sun.</p> + + <p>Helios married Perse, daughter of Oceanus, and their children were, + Aëtes, king of Colchis (celebrated in the legend of the Argonauts as the + possessor of the Golden Fleece), and Circe, the renowned sorceress.</p> + + <p>Helios had another son named Phaethon, whose mother was Clymene, one + of the Oceanides. The youth was very beautiful, and a great favourite + with Aphrodite, who intrusted him with the care of one of her temples, + which flattering proof of her regard caused him to become vain and + presumptuous. His friend Epaphus, son of Zeus and Io, endeavoured to + check his youthful vanity by pretending to disbelieve his assertion that + the sun-god was his father. Phaethon, full of resentment, and eager to be + able to refute the calumny, hastened to his mother Clymene, and besought + her to tell him whether Helios was really his father. Moved by his + entreaties, and at the same time angry at the reproach of Epaphus, + Clymene pointed to the glorious sun, then shining down upon them, and + assured her son that in that bright orb he beheld the author of his + being, adding that if he had still any doubt, he might visit the radiant + dwelling of the great god of light and inquire for himself. Overjoyed at + his mother's reassuring words, and following the directions she gave him, + Phaethon quickly wended his way to his father's palace.</p> + + <p>As he entered the palace of the sun-god the dazzling rays almost + blinded him, and prevented him from approaching the throne on which his + father was seated, surrounded by the Hours, Days, Months, Years, and + Seasons. Helios, who with his all-seeing eye had watched him from afar, + removed his crown of glittering rays, and bade him not to be afraid, but + to draw near to his father. Encouraged by this kind reception, Phaethon + entreated him to bestow upon him such a proof of his love, that all the + world might be convinced that he was indeed his son; whereupon Helios + desired him to ask any favour he pleased, <!-- Page 65 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page65"></a>[65]</span>and swore by the Styx + that it should be granted. The impetuous youth immediately requested + permission to drive the chariot of the sun for one whole day. His father + listened horror-struck to this presumptuous demand, and by representing + the many dangers which would beset his path, endeavoured to dissuade him + from so perilous an undertaking; but his son, deaf to all advice, pressed + his point with such pertinacity, that Helios was reluctantly compelled to + lead him to the chariot. Phaethon paused for a moment to admire the + beauty of the glittering equipage, the gift of the god of fire, who had + formed it of gold, and ornamented it with precious stones, which + reflected the rays of the sun. And now Helios, seeing his sister, the + Dawn, opening her doors in the rosy east, ordered the Hours to yoke the + horses. The goddesses speedily obeyed the command, and the father then + anointed the face of his son with a sacred balm, to enable him to endure + the burning flames which issued from the nostrils of the steeds, and + sorrowfully placing his crown of rays upon his head, desired him to + ascend the chariot.</p> + + <p>The eager youth joyfully took his place and grasped the coveted reins, + but no sooner did the fiery coursers of the sun feel the inexperienced + hand which attempted to guide them, than they became restive and + unmanageable. Wildly they rushed out of their accustomed track, now + soaring so high as to threaten the heavens with destruction, now + descending so low as nearly to set the earth on fire. At last the + unfortunate charioteer, blinded with the glare, and terrified at the + awful devastation he had caused, dropped the reins from his trembling + hands. Mountains and forests were in flames, rivers and streams were + dried up, and a general conflagration was imminent. The scorched earth + now called on Zeus for help, who hurled his thunderbolt at Phaethon, and + with a flash of lightning brought the fiery steeds to a standstill. The + lifeless body of the youth fell headlong into the river Eridanus,<a + name="NtA_27" href="#Nt_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> where it was received and + buried by the <!-- Page 66 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page66"></a>[66]</span>nymphs of the stream. His sisters mourned so + long for him that they were transformed by Zeus into poplars, and the + tears they shed, falling into the waters, became drops of clear, + transparent amber. Cycnus, the faithful friend of the unhappy Phaethon, + felt such overwhelming grief at his terrible fate, that he pined and + wasted away. The gods, moved with compassion, transformed him into a + swan, which for ever brooded over the fatal spot where the waters had + closed over the head of his unfortunate friend.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0066-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0066-1.png" + alt="Colossus of Rhodes" title="Colossus of Rhodes" /></a> + </div> + <p>The chief seat of the worship of Helios was the island of Rhodes, + which according to the following myth was his especial territory. At the + time of the Titanomachia, when the gods were dividing the world by lot, + Helios happened to be absent, and consequently received no share. He, + therefore, complained to Zeus, who proposed to have a new allotment, but + this Helios would not allow, saying, that as he pursued his daily + journey, his penetrating eye had beheld a lovely, fertile island lying + beneath the waves of the ocean, and that if the immortals would swear to + give him the undisturbed possession of this spot, he would be content to + accept it as his share of the universe. The gods took the oath, whereupon + the island of Rhodes immediately raised itself above the surface of the + waters.</p> + + <p>The famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the seven wonders of + the world, was erected in honour of Helios. This wonderful statue was 105 + feet high, and was formed entirely of brass; it formed the entrance to + the harbour at Rhodes, and the largest vessel could easily sail between + the legs, which stood on moles, each side of the harbour. Though so + gigantic, it was perfectly proportioned in every part. Some idea of <!-- + Page 67 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"></a>[67]</span>its size + may be gained from the fact that very few people were able to span the + thumb of this statue with their arms. In the interior of the Colossus was + a winding staircase leading to the top, from the summit of which, by + means of a telescope, the coast of Syria, and also the shores of Egypt, + are said to have been visible.<a name="NtA_28" + href="#Nt_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a></p> + +<h3>EOS (<span class="sc">Aurora</span>).</h3> + + <p>Eos, the Dawn, like her brother Helios, whose advent she always + announced, was also deified by the early Greeks. She too had her own + chariot, which she drove across the vast horizon both morning and night, + before and after the sun-god. Hence she is not merely the personification + of the rosy morn, but also of twilight, for which reason her palace is + placed in the west, on the island Ææa. The abode of Eos is a magnificent + structure, surrounded by flowery meads and velvety lawns, where nymphs + and other immortal beings, wind in and out in the mazy figures of the + dance, whilst the music of a sweetly-tuned melody accompanies their + graceful, gliding movements.</p> + + <p>Eos is described by the poets as a beautiful maiden with rosy arms and + fingers, and large wings, whose plumage is of an ever-changing hue; she + bears a star on her forehead, and a torch in her hand. Wrapping round her + the rich folds of her violet-tinged mantle, she leaves her couch before + the break of day, and herself yokes her two horses, Lampetus and + Phaethon, to her glorious chariot. She then hastens with active + cheerfulness to open the gates of heaven, in order to herald the approach + of her brother, the god of day, whilst the tender plants and flowers, + revived by the morning dew, lift their heads to welcome her as she + passes.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 68 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page68"></a>[68]</span></p> + + <p>Eos first married the Titan Astræus,<a name="NtA_29" + href="#Nt_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> and their children were Heosphorus + (Hesperus), the evening star, and the winds. She afterwards became united + to Tithonus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy, who had won her affection by + his unrivalled beauty; and Eos, unhappy at the thought of their being + ever separated by death, obtained for him from Zeus the gift of + immortality, forgetting, however, to add to it that of eternal youth. The + consequence was that when, in the course of time, Tithonus grew old and + decrepid, and lost all the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos + became disgusted with his infirmities, and at last shut him up in a + chamber, where soon little else was left of him but his voice, which had + now sunk into a weak, feeble quaver. According to some of the later + poets, he became so weary of his cheerless and miserable existence, that + he entreated to be allowed to die. This was, however, impossible; but + Eos, pitying his unhappy condition, exerted her divine power, and changed + him into a grasshopper, which is, as it were, all voice, and whose + monotonous, ceaseless chirpings may not inaptly be compared to the + meaningless babble of extreme old age.</p> + +<h3>PHŒBUS-APOLLO.</h3> + + <p>Phœbus-Apollo, the god of Light, Prophecy, Music, Poetry, and + the Arts and Sciences, is by far the noblest conception within the whole + range of Greek mythology, and his worship, which not only extended to all + the states of Greece, but also to Asia Minor and to every Greek colony + throughout the world, stands out among the most ancient and + strongly-marked features of Grecian history, and exerted a more decided + influence over the Greek nation, than that of any other deity, not + excepting Zeus himself.</p> + + <p>Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto, and was born beneath the shade of + a palm tree which grew at the foot <!-- Page 69 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page69"></a>[69]</span>of Mount Cynthus, on the + barren and rocky island of Delos. The poets tell us that the earth smiled + when the young god first beheld the light of day, and that Delos became + so proud and exultant at the honour thus conferred upon her, that she + covered herself with golden flowers; swans surrounded the island, and the + Delian nymphs celebrated his birth with songs of joy.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0069-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0069-1.png" + alt="Apollo" title="Apollo" /></a> + </div> + <p>The unhappy Leto, driven to Delos by the relentless persecutions of + Hera, was not long permitted to enjoy her haven of refuge. Being still + tormented by her enemy, the young mother was once more obliged to fly; + she therefore resigned the charge of her new-born babe to the goddess + Themis, who carefully wrapped the helpless infant in swaddling-clothes, + and fed him with nectar and ambrosia; but he had no sooner partaken of + the heavenly food than, to the amazement of the goddess, he burst asunder + the bands which confined his infant limbs, and springing to his feet, + appeared before her as a full-grown youth of divine strength and beauty. + He now demanded a lyre and a bow, declaring that henceforth he would + announce to mankind the will of his father Zeus. "The golden lyre," said + he, "shall be my friend, the bent bow my delight, and in oracles will I + foretell the dark future." With these words he ascended to Olympus, where + he was received with joyful acclamations into the assembly of the + celestial gods, who acknowledged him as the most beautiful and glorious + of all the sons of Zeus.</p> + + <p>Phœbus-Apollo was the god of light in a twofold <!-- Page 70 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page70"></a>[70]</span>signification: + first, as representing the great orb of day which illumines the world; + and secondly, as the heavenly light which animates the soul of man. He + inherited his function as sun-god from Helios, with whom, in later times, + he was so completely identified, that the personality of the one became + gradually merged in that of the other. We, accordingly, find Helios + frequently confounded with Apollo, myths belonging to the former + attributed to the latter; and with some tribes—the Ionic, for + instance—so complete is this identification, that Apollo is called + by them Helios-Apollo.</p> + + <p>As the divinity whose power is developed in the broad light of day, he + brings joy and delight to nature, and health and prosperity to man. By + the influence of his warm and gentle rays he disperses the noxious + vapours of the night, assists the grain to ripen and the flowers to + bloom.</p> + + <p>But although, as god of the sun, he is a life-giving and + life-preserving power, who, by his genial influence, dispels the cold of + winter, he is, at the same time, the god who, by means of his fiercely + darting rays, could spread disease and send sudden death to men and + animals; and it is to this phase of his character that we must look for + the explanation of his being considered, in conjunction with his + twin-sister, Artemis (as moon-goddess), a divinity of death. The brother + and sister share this function between them, he taking man and she woman + as her aim, and those especially who died in the bloom of youth, or at an + advanced age, were believed to have been killed by their gentle arrows. + But Apollo did not always send an easy death. We see in the <i>Iliad</i> + how, when angry with the Greeks, the "god of the silver bow" strode down + from Olympus, with his quiver full of death-bringing darts, and sent a + raging pestilence into their camp. For nine days he let fly his fatal + arrows, first on animals and then on men, till the air became darkened + with the smoke from the funeral pyres.</p> + + <p>In his character as god of light, Phœbus-Apollo is the + protecting deity of shepherds, because it is he who warms <!-- Page 71 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page71"></a>[71]</span>the fields and + meadows, and gives rich pastures to the flocks, thereby gladdening the + heart of the herdsman.</p> + + <p>As the temperate heat of the sun exercises so invigorating an effect + on man and animals, and promotes the growth of those medicinal herbs and + vegetable productions necessary for the cure of diseases, + Phœbus-Apollo was supposed to possess the power of restoring life + and health; hence he was regarded as the god of healing; but this feature + in his character we shall find more particularly developed in his son + Asclepius (Æsculapius), the veritable god of the healing art.</p> + + <p>Pursuing our analysis of the various phases in the character of + Phœbus-Apollo, we find that with the first beams of his genial + light, all nature awakens to renewed life, and the woods re-echo with the + jubilant sound of the untaught lays, warbled by thousands of feathered + choristers. Hence, by a natural inference, he is the god of music, and + as, according to the belief of the ancients, the inspirations of genius + were inseparably connected with the glorious light of heaven, he is also + the god of poetry, and acts as the special patron of the arts and + sciences. Apollo is himself the heavenly musician among the Olympic gods, + whose banquets are gladdened by the wondrous strains which he produces + from his favourite instrument, the seven-stringed lyre. In the cultus of + Apollo, music formed a distinguishing feature. All sacred dances, and + even the sacrifices in his honour, were performed to the sound of musical + instruments; and it is, in a great measure, owing to the influence which + the music in his worship exercised on the Greek nation, that Apollo came + to be regarded as the leader of the nine Muses, the legitimate divinities + of poetry and song. In this character he is called Musagetes, and is + always represented robed in a long flowing garment; his lyre, to the + tones of which he appears to be singing, is suspended by a band across + the chest; his head is encircled by a wreath of laurel, and his long + hair, streaming down over his shoulders, gives him a somewhat effeminate + appearance.</p> + + <p>And now we must view the glorious god of light under <!-- Page 72 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page72"></a>[72]</span>another, and (as + far as regards his influence over the Greek nation) a much more important + aspect; for, in historical times, all the other functions and attributes + of Apollo sink into comparative insignificance before the great power + which he exercised as god of prophecy. It is true that all Greek gods + were endowed, to a certain extent, with the faculty of foretelling future + events; but Apollo, as sun-god, was the concentration of all prophetic + power, as it was supposed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, which + penetrated the most hidden recesses, and laid bare the secrets which lay + concealed behind the dark veil of the future.</p> + + <p>We have seen that when Apollo assumed his god-like form, he took his + place among the immortals; but he had not long enjoyed the rapturous + delights of Olympus, before he felt within him an ardent desire to fulfil + his great mission of interpreting to mankind the will of his mighty + father. He accordingly descended to earth, and travelled through many + countries, seeking a fitting site upon which to establish an oracle. At + length he reached the southern side of the rocky heights of Parnassus, + beneath which lay the harbour of Crissa. Here, under the overhanging + cliff, he found a secluded spot, where, from the most ancient times, + there had existed an oracle, in which Gæa herself had revealed the future + to man, and which, in Deucalion's time, she had resigned to Themis. It + was guarded by the huge serpent Python, the scourge of the surrounding + neighbourhood, and the terror alike of men and cattle. The young god, + full of confidence in his unerring aim, attacked and slew the monster + with his arrows, thus freeing land and people from their mighty + enemy.</p> + + <p>The grateful inhabitants, anxious to do honour to their deliverer, + flocked round Apollo, who proceeded to mark out a plan for a temple, and, + with the assistance of numbers of eager volunteers, a suitable edifice + was soon erected. It now became necessary to choose ministers, who would + offer up sacrifices, interpret his prophecies to the people, and take + charge of the temple. Looking round, he saw in the far distance a vessel + bound from Crete to the <!-- Page 73 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page73"></a>[73]</span>Peloponnesus, and determined to avail + himself of her crew for his service. Assuming the shape of an enormous + dolphin, he agitated the waters to such a degree, that the ship was + tossed violently to and fro, to the great alarm of the mariners; at the + same time he raised a mighty wind, which drove the ship into the harbour + of Crissa, where she ran aground. The terrified sailors dared not set + foot on shore; but Apollo, under the form of a vigorous youth, stepped + down to the vessel, revealed himself in his true character, and informed + them that it was he who had driven them to Crissa, in order that they + might become his priests, and serve him in his temple. Arrived at the + sacred fane, he instructed them how to perform the services in his + honour, and desired them to worship him under the name of + Apollo-Delphinios, because he had first appeared to them under the form + of a dolphin. Thus was established the far-famed oracle of Delphi, the + only institution of the kind which was not exclusively national, for it + was consulted by Lydians, Phrygians, Etruscans, Romans, &c., and, in + fact, was held in the highest repute all over the world. In obedience to + its decrees, the laws of Lycurgus were introduced, and the earliest Greek + colonies founded. No cities were built without first consulting the + Delphic oracle, for it was believed that Apollo took special delight in + the founding of cities, the first stone of which he laid in person; nor + was any enterprise ever undertaken, without inquiring at this sacred fane + as to its probable success.</p> + + <p>But that which brought Apollo more closely home to the hearts of the + people, and raised the whole moral tone of the Greek nation, was the + belief, gradually developed with the intelligence of the people, that he + was the god who accepted repentance as an atonement for sin, who pardoned + the contrite sinner, and who acted as the special protector of those, + who, like Orestes, had committed a crime, which required long years of + expiation.</p> + + <p>Apollo is represented by the poets as being eternally young; his + countenance, glowing with joyous life, is the embodiment of immortal + beauty; his eyes are of a deep <!-- Page 74 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page74"></a>[74]</span>blue; his forehead low, but broad and + intellectual; his hair, which falls over his shoulders in long waving + locks, is of a golden, or warm chestnut hue. He is crowned with laurel, + and wears a purple robe; in his hand he bears his silver bow, which is + unbent when he smiles, but ready for use when he menaces evil-doers.</p> + + <p>But Apollo, the eternally beautiful youth, the perfection of all that + is graceful and refined, rarely seems to have been happy in his love; + either his advances met with a repulse, or his union with the object of + his affection was attended with fatal consequences.</p> + + <p>His first love was Daphne (daughter of Peneus, the river-god), who was + so averse to marriage that she entreated her father to allow her to lead + a life of celibacy, and devote herself to the chase, which she loved to + the exclusion of all other pursuits. But one day, soon after his victory + over the Python, Apollo happened to see Eros bending his bow, and proud + of his own superior strength and skill, he laughed at the efforts of the + little archer, saying that such a weapon was more suited to the one who + had just killed the terrible serpent. Eros angrily replied that his arrow + should pierce the heart of the mocker himself, and flying off to the + summit of Mount Parnassus, he drew from his quiver two darts of different + workmanship—one of gold, which had the effect of inspiring love; + the other of lead, which created aversion. Taking aim at Apollo, he + pierced his breast with the golden shaft, whilst the leaden one he + discharged into the bosom of the beautiful Daphne. The son of Leto + instantly felt the most ardent affection for the nymph, who, on her part, + evinced the greatest dislike towards her divine lover, and, at his + approach, fled from him like a hunted deer. He called upon her in the + most endearing accents to stay, but she still sped on, until at length, + becoming faint with fatigue, and fearing that she was about to succumb, + she called upon the gods to come to her aid. Hardly had she uttered her + prayer before a heavy torpor seized her limbs, and just as Apollo threw + out his arms to embrace her, she became transformed <!-- Page 75 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page75"></a>[75]</span>into a laurel-bush. He + sorrowfully crowned his head with its leaves, and declared, that in + memory of his love, it should henceforth remain evergreen, and be held + sacred to him.</p> + + <p>He next sought the love of Marpessa, the daughter of Evenus; but + though her father approved his suit, the maiden preferred a youth named + Idas, who contrived to carry her off in a winged chariot which he had + procured from Poseidon. Apollo pursued the fugitives, whom he quickly + overtook, and forcibly seizing the bride, refused to resign her. Zeus + then interfered, and declared that Marpessa herself must decide which of + her lovers should claim her as his wife. After due reflection she + accepted Idas as her husband, judiciously concluding that although the + attractions of the divine Apollo were superior to those of her lover, it + would be wiser to unite herself to a mortal, who, growing old with + herself, would be less likely to forsake her, when advancing years should + rob her of her charms.</p> + + <p>Cassandra, daughter of Priam, king of Troy, was another object of the + love of Apollo. She feigned to return his affection, and promised to + marry him, provided he would confer upon her the gift of prophecy; but + having received the boon she desired, the treacherous maiden refused to + comply with the conditions upon which it had been granted. Incensed at + her breach of faith, Apollo, unable to recall the gift he had bestowed, + rendered it useless by causing her predictions to fail in obtaining + credence. Cassandra became famous in history for her prophetic powers, + but her prophecies were never believed. For instance, she warned her + brother Paris that if he brought back a wife from Greece he would cause + the destruction of his father's house and kingdom; she also warned the + Trojans not to admit the wooden horse within the walls of the city, and + foretold to Agamemnon all the disasters which afterwards befell him.</p> + + <p>Apollo afterwards married Coronis, a nymph of Larissa, and thought + himself happy in the possession of her faithful love; but once more he + was doomed to <!-- Page 76 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page76"></a>[76]</span>disappointment, for one day his favourite + bird, the crow, flew to him with the intelligence that his wife had + transferred her affections to a youth of Haemonia. Apollo, burning with + rage, instantly destroyed her with one of his death-bringing darts. Too + late he repented of his rashness, for she had been tenderly beloved by + him, and he would fain have recalled her to life; but, although he + exerted all his healing powers, his efforts were in vain. He punished the + crow for its garrulity by changing the colour of its plumage from pure + white to intense black, and forbade it to fly any longer among the other + birds.</p> + + <p>Coronis left an infant son named Asclepius, who afterwards became god + of medicine. His powers were so extraordinary that he could not only cure + the sick, but could even restore the dead to life. At last Aïdes + complained to Zeus that the number of shades conducted to his dominions + was daily decreasing, and the great ruler of Olympus, fearing that + mankind, thus protected against sickness and death, would be able to defy + the gods themselves, killed Asclepius with one of his thunderbolts. The + loss of his highly gifted son so exasperated Apollo that, being unable to + vent his anger on Zeus, he destroyed the Cyclops, who had forged the + fatal thunderbolts. For this offence, Apollo would have been banished by + Zeus to Tartarus, but at the earnest intercession of Leto he partially + relented, and contented himself with depriving him of all power and + dignity, and imposing on him a temporary servitude in the house of + Admetus, king of Thessaly. Apollo faithfully served his royal master for + nine years in the humble capacity of a shepherd, and was treated by him + with every kindness and consideration. During the period of his service + the king sought the hand of Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Pelias, + son of Poseidon; but her father declared that he would only resign her to + the suitor who should succeed in yoking a lion and a wild boar to his + chariot. By the aid of his divine herdsman, Admetus accomplished this + difficult task, and gained his bride. Nor was this the only favour which + the king received from the exiled god, for Apollo obtained from <!-- Page + 77 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page77"></a>[77]</span>the Fates the + gift of immortality for his benefactor, on condition that when his last + hour approached, some member of his own family should be willing to die + in his stead. When the fatal hour arrived, and Admetus felt that he was + at the point of death, he implored his aged parents to yield to him their + few remaining days. But "life is sweet" even to old age, and they both + refused to make the sacrifice demanded of them. Alcestis, however, who + had secretly devoted herself to death for her husband, was seized with a + mortal sickness, which kept pace with his rapid recovery. The devoted + wife breathed her last in the arms of Admetus, and he had just consigned + her to the tomb, when Heracles chanced to come to the palace. Admetus + held the rites of hospitality so sacred, that he at first kept silence + with regard to his great bereavement; but as soon as his friend heard + what had occurred, he bravely descended into the tomb, and when death + came to claim his prey, he exerted his marvellous strength, and held him + in his arms, until he promised to restore the beautiful and heroic queen + to the bosom of her family.</p> + + <p>Whilst pursuing the peaceful life of a shepherd, Apollo formed a + strong friendship with two youths named Hyacinthus and Cyparissus, but + the great favour shown to them by the god did not suffice to shield them + from misfortune. The former was one day throwing the discus with Apollo, + when, running too eagerly to take up the one thrown by the god, he was + struck on the head with it and killed on the spot. Apollo was overcome + with grief at the sad end of his young favourite, but being unable to + restore him to life, he changed him into the flower called after him the + Hyacinth. Cyparissus had the misfortune to kill by accident one of + Apollo's favourite stags, which so preyed on his mind that he gradually + pined away, and died of a broken heart. He was transformed by the god + into a cypress-tree, which owes its name to this story.</p> + + <p>After these sad occurrences Apollo quitted Thessaly and repaired to + Phrygia, in Asia Minor, where he met Poseidon, who, like himself, was in + exile, and condemned <!-- Page 78 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page78"></a>[78]</span>to a temporary servitude on earth. The two + gods now entered the service of Laomedon, king of Troy, Apollo + undertaking to tend his flocks, and Poseidon to build the walls of the + city. But Apollo also contributed his assistance in the erection of those + wonderful walls, and, by the aid of his marvellous musical powers, the + labours of his fellow-worker, Poseidon, were rendered so light and easy + that his otherwise arduous task advanced with astonishing celerity; for, + as the master-hand of the god of music grasped the chords of his lyre,<a + name="NtA_30" href="#Nt_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> the huge blocks of stone + moved of their own accord, adjusting themselves with the utmost nicety + into the places designed for them.</p> + + <p>But though Apollo was so renowned in the art of music, there were two + individuals who had the effrontery to consider themselves equal to him in + this respect, and, accordingly, each challenged him to compete with them + in a musical contest. These were Marsyas and Pan. Marsyas was a satyr, + who, having picked up the flute which Athene had thrown away in disgust, + discovered, to his great delight and astonishment, that, in consequence + of its having touched the lips of a goddess, it played of itself in the + most charming manner. Marsyas, who was a great lover of music, and much + beloved on this account by all the elf-like denizens of the woods and + glens, was so intoxicated with joy at this discovery, that he foolishly + challenged Apollo to compete with him in a musical contest. The challenge + being accepted, the Muses were chosen umpires, and it was decided that + the unsuccessful candidate should suffer the punishment of being flayed + alive. For a long time the merits of both claimants remained so equally + balanced, that it was impossible to award the palm of victory to either, + seeing which, Apollo, resolved to conquer, added the sweet tones of his + melodious voice to the strains of his lyre, <!-- Page 79 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page79"></a>[79]</span>and this at once turned + the scale in his favour. The unhappy Marsyas being defeated, had to + undergo the terrible penalty, and his untimely fate was universally + lamented; indeed the Satyrs and Dryads, his companions, wept so + incessantly at his fate, that their tears, uniting together, formed a + river in Phrygia which is still known by the name of Marsyas.</p> + + <p>The result of the contest with Pan was by no means of so serious a + character. The god of shepherds having affirmed that he could play more + skilfully on his flute of seven reeds (the syrinx or Pan's pipe), than + Apollo on his world-renowned lyre, a contest ensued, in which Apollo was + pronounced the victor by all the judges appointed to decide between the + rival candidates. Midas, king of Phrygia, alone demurred at this + decision, having the bad taste to prefer the uncouth tones of the Pan's + pipe to the refined melodies of Apollo's lyre. Incensed at the obstinacy + and stupidity of the Phrygian king, Apollo punished him by giving him the + ears of an ass. Midas, horrified at being thus disfigured, determined to + hide his disgrace from his subjects by means of a cap; his barber, + however, could not be kept in ignorance of the fact, and was therefore + bribed with rich gifts never to reveal it. Finding, however, that he + could not keep the secret any longer, he dug a hole in the ground into + which he whispered it; then closing up the aperture he returned home, + feeling greatly relieved at having thus eased his mind of its burden. But + after all, this very humiliating secret was revealed to the world, for + some reeds which sprung up from the spot murmured incessantly, as they + waved to and fro in the wind: "King Midas has the ears of an ass."</p> + + <p>In the sad and beautiful story of Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, and + wife of Amphion, king of Thebes, we have another instance of the severe + punishments meted out by Apollo to those who in any way incurred his + displeasure. Niobe was the proud mother of seven sons and seven + daughters, and exulting in the number of her children, she, upon one + occasion, ridiculed the worship of Leto, <!-- Page 80 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page80"></a>[80]</span>because she had but one + son and daughter, and desired the Thebans, for the future, to give to her + the honours and sacrifices which they had hitherto offered to the mother + of Apollo and Artemis. The sacrilegious words had scarcely passed her + lips before Apollo called upon his sister Artemis to assist him in + avenging the insult offered to their mother, and soon their invisible + arrows sped through the air. Apollo slew all the sons, and Artemis had + already slain all the daughters save one, the youngest and best beloved, + whom Niobe clasped in her arms, when the agonized mother implored the + enraged deities to leave her, at least, one out of all her beautiful + children; but, even as she prayed, the deadly arrow reached the heart of + this child also. Meanwhile the unhappy father, unable to bear the loss of + his children, had destroyed himself, and his dead body lay beside the + lifeless corpse of his favourite son. Widowed and childless, the + heart-broken mother sat among her dead, and the gods, in pity for her + unutterable woe, turned her into a stone, which they transferred to + Siphylus, her native Phrygian mountain, where it still continues to shed + tears.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0080-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0080-1.png" + alt="Niobe" title="Niobe" /></a> + </div> + <p>The punishment of Niobe forms the subject of a magnificent marble + group, which was found at Rome in the year 1553, and is now in the + gallery of Uffizi, at Florence.</p> + + <p>The renowned singer Orpheus was the son of Apollo and Calliope, the + muse of epic poetry, and, as might be expected with parents so highly + gifted, was endowed with most distinguished intellectual qualifications. + He was a poet, a teacher of the religious doctrines known as the Orphic + mysteries, and a great musician, having inherited from his father an + extraordinary genius for music. <!-- Page 81 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page81"></a>[81]</span>When he sang to the sweet tones of his lyre, + he charmed all nature, and summoned round him the wild beasts of the + forests, who, under the influence of his music, became tame and gentle as + lambs. The madly rushing torrents stopped their rapid course, and the + very mountains and trees moved from their places at the sound of his + entrancing melodies.</p> + + <p>Orpheus became united to a lovely nymph named Eurydice, the daughter + of the sea-god Nereus, whom he fondly loved. She was no less attached to + him, and their married life was full of joy and happiness. But it was + only short-lived; for Aristæus,<a name="NtA_31" + href="#Nt_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> the half-brother of Orpheus, having + fallen in love with the beautiful Eurydice, forcibly endeavoured to take + her from her husband, and as she fled across some fields to elude his + pursuit, she was bitten in the foot by a venomous snake, which lay + concealed in the long grass. Eurydice died of the wound, and her + sorrowing husband filled the groves and valleys with his piteous and + unceasing lamentations.</p> + + <p>His longing to behold her once more became at last so unconquerable, + that he determined to brave the horrors of the lower world, in order to + entreat Aïdes to restore to him his beloved wife. Armed only with his + golden lyre, the gift of Apollo, he descended into the gloomy depths of + Hades, where his heavenly music arrested for a while the torments of the + unhappy sufferers. The stone of Sisyphus remained motionless; Tantalus + forgot his perpetual thirst; the wheel of Ixion ceased to revolve; and + even the Furies shed tears, and withheld for a time their persecutions. + Undismayed at the scenes of horror and suffering which met his view on + every side, he pursued his way until he arrived at the palace of Aïdes. + Presenting himself before the throne on which sat the stony-hearted king + and his consort Persephone, Orpheus recounted his woes to the sound of + his lyre. Moved to pity by his sweet strains, they listened to his <!-- + Page 82 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page82"></a>[82]</span>melancholy story, and consented to release + Eurydice on condition that he should not look upon her until they reached + the upper world. Orpheus gladly promised to comply with this injunction, + and, followed by Eurydice, ascended the steep and gloomy path which led + to the realms of life and light. All went well until he was just about to + pass the extreme limits of Hades, when, forgetting for the moment the + hard condition, he turned to convince himself that his beloved wife was + really behind him. The glance was fatal, and destroyed all his hopes of + happiness; for, as he yearningly stretched out his arms to embrace her, + she was caught back, and vanished from his sight for ever. The grief of + Orpheus at this second loss was even more intense than before, and he now + avoided all human society. In vain did the nymphs, his once chosen + companions, endeavour to win him back to his accustomed haunts; their + power to charm was gone, and music was now his sole consolation. He + wandered forth alone, choosing the wildest and most secluded paths, and + the hills and vales resounded with his pathetic melodies. At last he + happened to cross the path of some Thracian women, who were performing + the wild rites of Dionysus (Bacchus), and in their mad fury at his + refusing to join them, they furiously attacked him, and tore him in + pieces. In pity for his unhappy fate, the Muses collected his remains, + which they buried at the foot of Mount Olympus, and the nightingale + warbled a funeral dirge over his grave. His head was thrown into the + river Hebrus, and as it floated down the stream, the lips still continued + to murmur the beloved name of Eurydice.</p> + + <p>The chief seat of the worship of Apollo was at Delphi, and here was + the most magnificent of all his temples, the foundation of which reaches + far beyond all historical knowledge, and which contained immense riches, + the offerings of kings and private persons, who had received favourable + replies from the oracle. The Greeks believed Delphi to be the central + point of the earth, because two eagles sent forth by Zeus, one from the + east, the other <!-- Page 83 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page83"></a>[83]</span>from the west, were said to have arrived + there at the same moment.</p> + + <p>The Pythian games, celebrated in honour of the victory of Apollo over + the Python, took place at Delphi every four years. At the first + celebration of these games, gods, goddesses, and heroes contended for the + prizes, which were at first of gold or silver, but consisted, in later + times, of simple laurel wreaths.</p> + + <p>On account of its being the place of his birth, the whole island of + Delos was consecrated to Apollo, where he was worshipped with great + solemnity; the greatest care was taken to preserve the sanctity of the + spot, for which reason no one was suffered to be buried there. At the + foot of Mount Cynthus was a splendid temple of Apollo which possessed an + oracle, and was enriched with magnificent offerings from all parts of + Greece. Even foreign nations held this island sacred, for when the + Persians passed it on their way to attack Greece, they not only sailed + by, leaving it uninjured, but sent rich presents to the temple. Games, + called Delia, instituted by Theseus, were celebrated at Delos every four + years.</p> + + <p>A festival termed the Gymnopedæa was held at Sparta in honour of + Apollo, in which boys sang the praises of the gods, and of the three + hundred Lacedæmonians who fell at the battle of Thermopylæ.</p> + + <p>Wolves and hawks were sacrificed to Apollo, and the birds sacred to + him were the hawk, raven, and swan.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">ROMAN APOLLO.</p> + + <p>The worship of Apollo never occupied the all-important position in + Rome which it held in Greece, nor was it introduced till a comparatively + late period. There was no sanctuary erected to this divinity until <span + class="scac">B.C.</span> 430, when the Romans, in order to avert a + plague, built a temple in his honour; but we do not find the worship of + Apollo becoming in any way prominent until the time of Augustus, who, + having called upon this god for aid before the famous battle of Actium, + ascribed the victory which he <!-- Page 84 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page84"></a>[84]</span>gained, to his influence, and accordingly + erected a temple there, which he enriched with a portion of the + spoil.</p> + + <p>Augustus afterwards built another temple in honour of Apollo, on the + Palatine Hill, in which at the foot of his statue, were deposited two + gilt chests, containing the Sibylline oracles. These oracles were + collected to replace the Sibylline books originally preserved in the + temple of Jupiter, which were destroyed when that edifice was burned.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0084-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0084-1.png" + alt="Sibyl" title="Sibyl" /></a> + </div> + <p>The Sibyls were maidens who had received the gift of prophecy, and the + privilege of living to an incredible age. One of these Sibyls (known as + the Cumæan) appeared to Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, + offering for sale nine books, which she informed him had been written by + herself. Not knowing who she was, Tarquin refused to buy them, upon which + she burned three, and returned with six, demanding the same price as + before. Being again driven away as an impostor, she again retired and + burned three more, returning with the remaining three, for which she + still asked the same price as at first. Tarquin, amazed at her + inconsistency, now consulted the Augurs, who blamed him for not having + bought the nine books when they were first offered to him, and desired + him to secure the remaining three, at whatever price they were to be had. + He, accordingly, purchased the volumes, which were found to contain + predictions of great importance to the Romans. After the disposal of the + books, the Sibyl vanished, and was seen no more.</p> + + <p>The most beautiful and renowned of all the statues of Apollo now in + existence, is that known as the Apollo Belvedere, which was found in 1503 + among the ruins of <!-- Page 85 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page85"></a>[85]</span>ancient Antium. It was purchased by Pope + Julius II., who removed it to the Belvedere of the Vatican, from whence + it takes its name, and where it has been, for more than three hundred + years, the admiration of the world. When Rome was taken, and plundered by + the French, this celebrated statue was transported to Paris, and placed + in the museum there, but in 1815 it was restored to its former place in + the Vatican. The attitude of the figure, which is more than seven feet + high, is inimitable in its freedom, grace, and majesty. The forehead is + noble and intellectual, and the whole countenance so exquisite in its + beauty, that one pauses spell-bound to gaze on so perfect a conception. + The god has a very youthful appearance, as is usual in all his + representations, and with the exception of a short mantle which falls + from his shoulders, is unclothed. He stands against the trunk of a tree, + up which a serpent is creeping, and his left arm is outstretched, as + though about to punish.</p> + +<h3>HECATE.</h3> + + <p>Hecate would appear to have been originally a moon-goddess worshipped + by the Thracians. She became confounded, and eventually identified with + Selene and Persephone, and is one of those divinities of whom the + ancients had various conflicting accounts.</p> + + <p>Hecate was the daughter of Perses and "gold-wreathed" Astræa (the + starry night<a name="NtA_32" href="#Nt_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a>), and her + sway extended over earth, heaven, and hell, for which reason she is + represented in works of art as a triple divinity, having three female + bodies, all young and beautiful, and united together.</p> + + <p>In later times, when this divinity becomes identified with Persephone, + she is supposed to inhabit the lower world as a malignant deity, and + henceforward it is the gloomy, awe-inspiring side of her character which + alone <!-- Page 86 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page86"></a>[86]</span>develops itself. She now presides over all + practices connected with witchcraft and enchantments, haunts sepulchres, + and the point where two roads cross, and lonely spots where murders have + been committed. She was supposed to be connected with the appearance of + ghosts and spectres, to possess unlimited influence over the powers of + the lower world, and to be able to lay to rest unearthly apparitions by + her magic spells and incantations.</p> + + <p>Hecate appears as a gigantic woman, bearing a torch and a sword. Her + feet and hair are formed of snakes, and her passage is accompanied by + voices of thunder, weird shrieks and yells, and the deep baying and + howling of dogs.</p> + + <p>Her favour was propitiated by offerings and sacrifices, principally + consisting of black lambs. Her festivals were celebrated at night, by + torchlight, when these animals were offered to her, accompanied by many + peculiar ceremonies. These ceremonies were carried out with the minutest + attention to details, as it was believed that the omission of the + slightest particular would afford to her ministers, the evil spirits of + the lower world, who hovered round the worshippers, an opportunity for + entering among them, and exerting their baneful influence. At the end of + every month food was placed wherever two roads met, in readiness for her + and other malignant divinities.</p> + + <p>In studying the peculiar characteristics which Hecate assumes when she + usurps the place of Persephone, the rightful mistress of the lower world, + we are reminded of the various superstitions with regard to spectres, + witchcraft, &c., which have, even down to our own times, exerted so + powerful an influence over the minds of the ignorant, and which would + appear to owe their origin to a remote pagan source.</p> + +<h3>SELENE (<span class="sc">Luna</span>).</h3> + + <p>Just as Helios personified the sun, so his sister Selene represented + the moon, and was supposed to drive her <!-- Page 87 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page87"></a>[87]</span>chariot across the sky + whilst her brother was reposing after the toils of the day.</p> + + <p>When the shades of evening began to enfold the earth, the two + milk-white steeds of Selene rose out of the mysterious depths of Oceanus. + Seated in a silvery chariot, and accompanied by her daughter Herse, the + goddess of the dew, appeared the mild and gentle queen of the night, with + a crescent on her fair brow, a gauzy veil flowing behind, and a lighted + torch in her hand.</p> + + <p>Selene greatly admired a beautiful young shepherd named Endymion, to + whom Zeus had accorded the privilege of eternal youth, combined with the + faculty of sleeping whenever he desired, and as long as he wished. Seeing + this lovely youth fast asleep on Mount Latmus, Selene was so struck with + his beauty, that she came down every night from heaven to watch over and + protect him.</p> + +<h3>ARTEMIS (<span class="sc">Diana</span>).</h3> + + <p>Artemis was worshipped by the Greeks under various appellations, to + each of which belonged special characteristics. Thus she is known as the + Arcadian, Ephesian and Brauronian Artemis, and also as Selene-Artemis, + and in order fully to comprehend the worship of this divinity, we must + consider her under each aspect.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">ARCADIAN ARTEMIS.</p> + + <p>The Arcadian Artemis (the real Artemis of the Greeks) was the daughter + of Zeus and Leto, and twin-sister of Apollo. She was the goddess of + Hunting and Chastity, and having obtained from her father permission to + lead a life of celibacy, she ever remained a maiden-divinity. Artemis is + the feminine counterpart of her brother, the glorious god of Light, and, + like him, though she deals out destruction and sudden death to men and + animals, she is also able to alleviate suffering and cure diseases. Like + Apollo also, she is skilled in the use of the bow, but in a far more + eminent degree, for in the character of Artemis, who devoted herself to + the chase with passionate <!-- Page 88 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page88"></a>[88]</span>ardour, this becomes an all-distinguishing + feature. Armed with her bow and quiver, and attended by her train of + huntresses, who were nymphs of the woods and springs, she roamed over the + mountains in pursuit of her favourite exercise, destroying in her course + the wild animals of the forest. When the chase was ended, Artemis and her + maidens loved to assemble in a shady grove, or on the banks of a + favourite stream, where they joined in the merry song, or graceful dance, + and made the hills resound with their joyous shouts.</p> + + <p>As the type of purity and chastity, Artemis was especially venerated + by young maidens, who, before marrying, sacrificed their hair to her. She + was also the patroness of those vowed to celibacy, and punished severely + any infringement of their obligation.</p> + + <p>The huntress-goddess is represented as being a head taller than her + attendant nymphs, and always appears as a youthful and slender maiden. + Her features are beautiful, but wanting in gentleness of expression; her + hair is gathered negligently into a knot at the back of her well-shaped + head; and her figure, though somewhat masculine, is most graceful in its + attitude and proportions. The short robe she wears, leaves her limbs free + for the exercise of the chase, her devotion to which is indicated by the + quiver which is slung over her shoulder, and the bow which she bears in + her hand.</p> + + <p>There are many famous statues of this divinity; but the most + celebrated is that known as the Diana of Versailles, now in the Louvre, + which forms a not unworthy companion to the Apollo-Belvedere of the + Vatican. In this statue, the goddess appears in the act of rescuing a + hunted deer from its pursuers, on whom she is turning with angry mien. + One hand is laid protectingly on the head of the stag, whilst with the + other she draws an arrow from the quiver which hangs over her + shoulder.</p> + + <p>Her attributes are the bow, quiver, and spear. The animals sacred to + her are the hind, dog, bear, and wild boar.</p> + + <p>Artemis promptly resented any disregard or neglect of <!-- Page 89 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page89"></a>[89]</span>her worship; a + remarkable instance of this is shown in the story of the Calydonian + boar-hunt, which is as follows:—</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0089-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0089-1.png" + alt="Artemis" title="Artemis" /></a> + </div> + <p>Oeneus, king of Calydon in Ætolia, had incurred the displeasure of + Artemis by neglecting to include her in a general sacrifice to the gods + which he had offered up, out of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The + goddess, enraged at this neglect, sent a wild boar of extraordinary size + and prodigious strength, which destroyed the sprouting grain, laid waste + the fields, and threatened the inhabitants with famine and death. At this + juncture, Meleager, the brave son of Oeneus, returned from the Argonautic + expedition, and finding his country ravaged by this dreadful scourge, + entreated the assistance of all the celebrated heroes of the age to join + him in hunting the ferocious monster. Among the most famous of those who + responded to his call were Jason, Castor and Pollux, Idas and Lynceus, + Peleus, Telamon, Admetus, Perithous, and Theseus. The brothers of Althea, + wife of Oeneus, joined the hunters, and Meleager also enlisted into his + service the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta.</p> + + <p>The father of this maiden was Schoeneus, an Arcadian, who, + disappointed at the birth of a daughter when he had particularly desired + a son, had exposed her on the Parthenian Hill, where he left her to + perish. Here she was nursed by a she-bear, and at last found by some + hunters, who reared her, and gave her the name of Atalanta. As the maiden + grew up, she became an ardent <!-- Page 90 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page90"></a>[90]</span>lover of the chase, and was alike + distinguished for her beauty and courage. Though often wooed, she led a + life of strict celibacy, an oracle having predicted that inevitable + misfortune awaited her, should she give herself in marriage to any of her + numerous suitors.</p> + + <p>Many of the heroes objected to hunt in company with a maiden; but + Meleager, who loved Atalanta, overcame their opposition, and the valiant + band set out on their expedition. Atalanta was the first to wound the + boar with her spear, but not before two of the heroes had met their death + from his fierce tusks. After a long and desperate encounter, Meleager + succeeded in killing the monster, and presented the head and hide to + Atalanta, as trophies of the victory. The uncles of Meleager, however, + forcibly took the hide from the maiden, claiming their right to the spoil + as next of kin, if Meleager resigned it. Artemis, whose anger was still + unappeased, caused a violent quarrel to arise between uncles and nephew, + and, in the struggle which ensued, Meleager killed his mother's brothers, + and then restored the hide to Atalanta. When Althea beheld the dead + bodies of the slain heroes, her grief and anger knew no bounds. She swore + to revenge the death of her brothers on her own son, and unfortunately + for him, the instrument of vengeance lay ready to her hand.</p> + + <p>At the birth of Meleager, the Moirae, or Fates, entered the house of + Oeneus, and pointing to a piece of wood then burning on the hearth, + declared that as soon as it was consumed the babe would surely die. On + hearing this, Althea seized the brand, laid it up carefully in a chest, + and henceforth preserved it as her most precious possession. But now, + love for her son giving place to the resentment she felt against the + murderer of her brothers, she threw the fatal brand into the devouring + flames. As it consumed, the vigour of Meleager wasted away, and when it + was reduced to ashes, he expired. Repenting too late the terrible effects + of her rash deed, Althea, in remorse and despair, took away her own + life.</p> + + <p>The news of the courage and intrepidity displayed by <!-- Page 91 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page91"></a>[91]</span>Atalanta in the + famous boar-hunt, being carried to the ears of her father, caused him to + acknowledge his long-lost child. Urged by him to choose one of her + numerous suitors, she consented to do so, but made it a condition that he + alone, who could outstrip her in the race, should become her husband, + whilst those she defeated should be put to death by her, with the lance + which she bore in her hand. Thus many suitors had perished, for the + maiden was unequalled for swiftness of foot, but at last a beautiful + youth, named Hippomenes, who had vainly endeavoured to win her love by + his assiduous attentions in the chase, ventured to enter the fatal lists. + Knowing that only by stratagem could he hope to be successful, he + obtained, by the help of Aphrodite, three golden apples from the garden + of the Hesperides, which he threw down at intervals during his course. + Atalanta, secure of victory, stooped to pick up the tempting fruit, and, + in the meantime, Hippomenes arrived at the goal. He became the husband of + the lovely Atalanta, but forgot, in his newly found happiness, the + gratitude which he owed to Aphrodite, and the goddess withdrew her favour + from the pair. Not long after, the prediction which foretold misfortune + to Atalanta, in the event of her marriage, was verified, for she and her + husband, having strayed unsanctioned into a sacred grove of Zeus, were + both transformed into lions.</p> + + <p>The trophies of the ever-memorable boar-hunt had been carried by + Atalanta into Arcadia, and, for many centuries, the identical hide and + enormous tusks of the Calydonian boar hung in the temple of Athene at + Tegea. The tusks were afterwards conveyed to Rome, and shown there among + other curiosities.</p> + + <p>A forcible instance of the manner in which Artemis resented any + intrusion on her retirement, is seen in the fate which befell the famous + hunter Actaeon, who happening one day to see Artemis and her attendants + bathing, imprudently ventured to approach the spot. The goddess, incensed + at his audacity, sprinkled him with water, and transformed him into a + stag, whereupon he was torn in pieces and devoured by his own dogs. <!-- + Page 92 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page92"></a>[92]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">EPHESIAN ARTEMIS.</p> + + <p>The Ephesian Artemis, known to us as "Diana of the Ephesians," was a + very ancient Asiatic divinity of Persian origin called Metra,<a + name="NtA_33" href="#Nt_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> whose worship the Greek + colonists found already established, when they first settled in Asia + Minor, and whom they identified with their own Greek Artemis, though she + really possessed but one single attribute in common with their home + deity.</p> + + <p>Metra was a twofold divinity, and represented, in one phase of her + character, all-pervading love; in the other she was the light of heaven; + and as Artemis, in her character as Selene, was the only Greek female + divinity who represented celestial light, the Greek settlers, according + to their custom of fusing foreign deities into their own, seized at once + upon this point of resemblance, and decided that Metra should henceforth + be regarded as identical with Artemis.</p> + + <p>In her character as the love which pervades all nature, and penetrates + everywhere, they believed her also to be present in the mysterious Realm + of Shades, where she exercised her benign sway, replacing to a certain + extent that ancient divinity Hecate, and partly usurping also the place + of Persephone, as mistress of the lower world. Thus they believed that it + was she who permitted the spirits of the departed to revisit the earth, + in order to communicate with those they loved, and to give them timely + warning of coming evil. In fact, this great, mighty, and omnipresent + power of love, as embodied in the Ephesian Artemis, was believed by the + great thinkers of old, to be the ruling spirit of the universe, and it + was to her influence, that all the mysterious and beneficent workings of + nature were ascribed.</p> + + <p>There was a magnificent temple erected to this divinity at Ephesus (a + city of Asia Minor), which was ranked among the seven wonders of the + world, and was unequalled in beauty and grandeur. The interior of this + <!-- Page 93 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page93"></a>[93]</span>edifice was adorned with statues and + paintings, and contained one hundred and twenty-seven columns, sixty feet + in height, each column having been placed there by a different king. The + wealth deposited in this temple was enormous, and the goddess was here + worshipped with particular awe and solemnity. In the interior of the + edifice stood a statue of her, formed of ebony, with lions on her arms + and turrets on her head, whilst a number of breasts indicated the + fruitfulness of the earth and of nature. Ctesiphon was the principal + architect of this world-renowned structure, which, however, was not + entirely completed till two hundred and twenty years after the + foundation-stone was laid. But the labour of centuries was destroyed in a + single night; for a man called Herostratus, seized with the insane desire + of making his name famous to all succeeding generations, set fire to it + and completely destroyed it.<a name="NtA_34" + href="#Nt_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> So great was the indignation and sorrow + of the Ephesians at this calamity, that they enacted a law, forbidding + the incendiary's name to be mentioned, thereby however, defeating their + own object, for thus the name of Herostratus has been handed down to + posterity, and will live as long as the memory of the famous temple of + Ephesus.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">BRAURONIAN ARTEMIS.</p> + + <p>In ancient times, the country which we now call the Crimea, was known + by the name of the Taurica Chersonnesus. It was colonized by Greek + settlers, who, finding that the Scythian inhabitants had a native + divinity somewhat resembling their own Artemis, identified her with the + huntress-goddess of the mother-country. The worship of this Taurian + Artemis was attended with the most barbarous practices, for, in + accordance with a law which she had enacted, all strangers, whether male + or female, landing, or shipwrecked on her shores, were sacrificed upon + her altars. It is supposed that this decree was <!-- Page 94 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page94"></a>[94]</span>issued by the Taurian + goddess of Chastity, to protect the purity of her followers, by keeping + them apart from foreign influences.</p> + + <p>The interesting story of Iphigenia, a priestess in the temple of + Artemis at Tauris, forms the subject of one of Schiller's most beautiful + plays. The circumstances occurred at the commencement of the Trojan war, + and are as follows:—The fleet, collected by the Greeks for the + siege of Troy, had assembled at Aulis, in Bœotia, and was about to + set sail, when Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief, had the misfortune to + kill accidentally a stag which was grazing in a grove, sacred to Artemis. + The offended goddess sent continuous calms that delayed the departure of + the fleet, and Calchas, the soothsayer, who had accompanied the + expedition, declared that nothing less than the sacrifice of Agamemnon's + favorite daughter, Iphigenia, would appease the wrath of the goddess. At + these words, the heroic heart of the brave leader sank within him, and he + declared that rather than consent to so fearful an alternative, he would + give up his share in the expedition and return to Argos. In this dilemma + Odysseus and other great generals called a council to discuss the matter, + and, after much deliberation, it was decided that private feeling must + yield to the welfare of the state. For a long time the unhappy Agamemnon + turned a deaf ear to their arguments, but at last they succeeded in + persuading him that it was his duty to make the sacrifice. He, + accordingly, despatched a messenger to his wife, Clytemnæstra, begging + her to send Iphigenia to him, alleging as a pretext that the great hero + Achilles desired to make her his wife. Rejoicing at the brilliant destiny + which awaited her beautiful daughter, the fond mother at once obeyed the + command, and sent her to Aulis. When the maiden arrived at her + destination, and discovered, to her horror, the dreadful fate which + awaited her, she threw herself in an agony of grief at her father's feet, + and with sobs and tears entreated him to have mercy on her, and to spare + her young life. But alas! her doom was sealed, and her now repentant and + <!-- Page 95 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page95"></a>[95]</span>heart-broken father was powerless to avert + it. The unfortunate victim was bound to the altar, and already the fatal + knife was raised to deal the death-blow, when suddenly Iphigenia + disappeared from view, and in her place on the altar, lay a beautiful + deer ready to be sacrificed. It was Artemis herself, who, pitying the + youth and beauty of her victim, caused her to be conveyed in a cloud to + Taurica, where she became one of her priestesses, and intrusted with the + charge of her temple; a dignity, however, which necessitated the offering + of those human sacrifices presented to Artemis.</p> + + <p>Many years passed away, during which time the long and wearisome siege + of Troy had come to an end, and the brave Agamemnon had returned home to + meet death at the hands of his wife and Aegisthus. But his daughter, + Iphigenia, was still an exile from her native country, and continued to + perform the terrible duties which her office involved. She had long given + up all hopes of ever being restored to her friends, when one day two + Greek strangers landed on Taurica's inhospitable shores. These were + Orestes and Pylades, whose romantic attachment to each other has made + their names synonymous for devoted self-sacrificing friendship. Orestes + was Iphigenia's brother, and Pylades her cousin, and their object in + undertaking an expedition fraught with so much peril, was to obtain the + statue of the Taurian Artemis. Orestes, having incurred the anger of the + Furies for avenging the murder of his father Agamemnon, was pursued by + them wherever he went, until at last he was informed by the oracle of + Delphi that, in order to pacify them, he must convey the image of the + Taurian Artemis from Tauris to Attica. This he at once resolved to do, + and accompanied by his faithful friend Pylades, who insisted on sharing + the dangers of the undertaking, he set out for Taurica. But the + unfortunate youths had hardly stepped on shore before they were seized by + the natives, who, as usual, conveyed them for sacrifice to the temple of + Artemis. Iphigenia, discovering that they were Greeks, though unaware of + their near relationship to herself, thought the <!-- Page 96 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page96"></a>[96]</span>opportunity a favourable + one for sending tidings of her existence to her native country, and, + accordingly, requested one of the strangers to be the bearer of a letter + from her to her family. A magnanimous dispute now arose between the + friends, and each besought the other to accept the precious privilege of + life and freedom. Pylades, at length overcome by the urgent entreaties of + Orestes, agreed to be the bearer of the missive, but on looking more + closely at the superscription, he observed, to his intense surprise, that + it was addressed to Orestes. Hereupon an explanation followed; the + brother and sister recognized each other, amid joyful tears and loving + embraces, and assisted by her friends and kinsmen, Iphigenia escaped with + them from a country where she had spent so many unhappy days, and + witnessed so many scenes of horror and anguish.</p> + + <p>The fugitives, having contrived to obtain the image of the Taurian + Artemis, carried it with them to Brauron in Attica. This divinity was + henceforth known as the Brauronian Artemis, and the rites which had + rendered her worship so infamous in Taurica were now introduced into + Greece, and human victims bled freely under the sacrificial knife, both + in Athens and Sparta. The revolting practice of offering human sacrifices + to her, was continued until the time of Lycurgus, the great Spartan + lawgiver, who put an end to it by substituting in its place one, which + was hardly less barbarous, namely, the scourging of youths, who were + whipped on the altars of the Brauronian Artemis in the most cruel manner; + sometimes indeed they expired under the lash, in which case their + mothers, far from lamenting their fate, are said to have rejoiced, + considering this an honourable death for their sons.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">SELENE-ARTEMIS.</p> + + <p>Hitherto we have seen Artemis only in the various phases of her + terrestrial character; but just as her brother Apollo drew into himself + by degrees the attributes of that more ancient divinity Helios, the + sun-god, so, in like manner, she came to be identified in later times + <!-- Page 97 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page97"></a>[97]</span>with Selene, the moon-goddess, in which + character she is always represented as wearing on her forehead a + glittering crescent, whilst a flowing veil, bespangled with stars, + reaches to her feet, and a long robe completely envelops her.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">DIANA.</p> + + <p>The Diana of the Romans was identified with the Greek Artemis, with + whom she shares that peculiar tripartite character, which so strongly + marks the individuality of the Greek goddess. In heaven she was Luna (the + moon), on earth Diana (the huntress-goddess), and in the lower world + Proserpine; but, unlike the Ephesian Artemis, Diana, in her character as + Proserpine, carries with her into the lower world no element of love or + sympathy; she is, on the contrary, characterized by practices altogether + hostile to man, such as the exercise of witchcraft, evil charms, and + other antagonistic influences, and is, in fact, the Greek Hecate, in her + later development.</p> + + <p>The statues of Diana were generally erected at a point where three + roads met, for which reason she is called Trivia (from <i>tri</i>, three, + and <i>via</i>, way).</p> + + <p>A temple was dedicated to her on the Aventine hill by Servius Tullius, + who is said to have first introduced the worship of this divinity into + Rome.</p> + + <p>The Nemoralia, or Grove Festivals, were celebrated in her honour on + the 13th of August, on the Lacus Nemorensis, or forest-buried lake, near + Aricia. The priest who officiated in her temple on this spot, was always + a fugitive slave, who had gained his office by murdering his predecessor, + and hence was constantly armed, in order that he might thus be prepared + to encounter a new aspirant.</p> + +<h3>HEPHÆSTUS (<span class="sc">Vulcan</span>).</h3> + + <p>Hephæstus, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of fire in its + beneficial aspect, and the presiding deity over all workmanship + accomplished by means of this useful element. He was universally + honoured, not only as the <!-- Page 98 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page98"></a>[98]</span>god of all mechanical arts, but also as a + house and hearth divinity, who exercised a beneficial influence on + civilized society in general. Unlike the other Greek divinities, he was + ugly and deformed, being awkward in his movements, and limping in his + gait. This latter defect originated, as we have already seen, in the + wrath of his father Zeus, who hurled him down from heaven<a name="NtA_35" + href="#Nt_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> in consequence of his taking the part + of Hera, in one of the domestic disagreements, which so frequently arose + between this royal pair. Hephæstus was a whole day falling from Olympus + to the earth, where he at length alighted on the island of Lemnos. The + inhabitants of the country, seeing him descending through the air, + received him in their arms; but in spite of their care, his leg was + broken by the fall, and he remained ever afterwards lame in one foot. + Grateful for the kindness of the Lemnians, he henceforth took up his + abode in their island, and there built for himself a superb palace, and + forges for the pursuit of his avocation. He instructed the people how to + work in metals, and also taught them other valuable and useful arts.</p> + + <p>It is said that the first work of Hephæstus was a most ingenious + throne of gold, with secret springs, which he presented to Hera. It was + arranged in such a manner that, once seated, she found herself unable to + move, and though all the gods endeavoured to extricate her, their efforts + were unavailing. Hephæstus thus revenged himself on his mother for the + cruelty she had always displayed towards him, on account of his want of + comeliness and grace. Dionysus, the wine god, contrived, however, to + intoxicate Hephæstus, and then induced him to return to Olympus, where, + after having released the <!-- Page 99 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page99"></a>[99]</span>queen of heaven from her very undignified + position, he became reconciled to his parents.</p> + + <p>He now built for himself a glorious palace on Olympus, of shining + gold, and made for the other deities those magnificent edifices which + they inhabited. He was assisted in his various and exquisitely skilful + works of art, by two female statues of pure gold, formed by his own hand, + which possessed the power of motion, and always accompanied him wherever + he went. With the assistance of the Cyclops, he forged for Zeus his + wonderful thunderbolts, thus investing his mighty father with a new power + of terrible import. Zeus testified his appreciation of this precious + gift, by bestowing upon Hephæstus the beautiful Aphrodite in marriage,<a + name="NtA_36" href="#Nt_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> but this was a + questionable boon; for the lovely Aphrodite, who was the personification + of all grace and beauty, felt no affection for her ungainly and + unattractive spouse, and amused herself by ridiculing his awkward + movements and unsightly person. On one occasion especially, when + Hephæstus good-naturedly took upon himself the office of cup-bearer to + the gods, his hobbling gait and extreme awkwardness created the greatest + mirth amongst the celestials, in which his disloyal partner was the first + to join, with unconcealed merriment.</p> + + <p>Aphrodite greatly preferred Ares to her husband, and this preference + naturally gave rise to much jealousy on the part of Hephæstus, and caused + them great unhappiness.</p> + + <p>Hephæstus appears to have been an indispensable member of the Olympic + Assembly, where he plays the part of smith, armourer, chariot-builder, + &c. As already mentioned, he constructed the palaces where the gods + resided, fashioned the golden shoes with which they trod the air or + water, built for them their wonderful chariots, and shod with brass the + horses of celestial breed, which conveyed these glittering equipages over + land and sea. He also made the tripods which moved of themselves in and + out of the celestial halls, formed for Zeus the <!-- Page 100 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page100"></a>[100]</span>far-famed ægis, and + erected the magnificent palace of the sun. He also created the + brazen-footed bulls of Aetes, which breathed flames from their nostrils, + sent forth clouds of smoke, and filled the air with their roaring.</p> + + <p>Among his most renowned works of art for the use of mortals were: the + armour of Achilles and Æneas, the beautiful necklace of Harmonia, and the + crown of Ariadne; but his masterpiece was Pandora, of whom a detailed + account has already been given.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0100-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0100-1.png" + alt="Hephæstus" title="Hephæstus" /></a> + </div> + <p>There was a temple on Mount Etna erected in his honour, which none but + the pure and virtuous were permitted to enter. The entrance to this + temple was guarded by dogs, which possessed the extraordinary faculty of + being able to discriminate between the righteous and the unrighteous, + fawning upon and caressing the good, whilst they rushed upon all + evil-doers and drove them away.</p> + + <p>Hephæstus is usually represented as a powerful, brawny, and very + muscular man of middle height and mature age; his strong uplifted arm is + raised in the act of striking the anvil with a hammer, which he holds in + one hand, whilst with the other he is turning a thunderbolt, which an + eagle beside him is waiting to carry to Zeus. The principal seat of his + worship was the island of Lemnos, where he was regarded with peculiar + veneration.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VULCAN.</p> + + <p>The Roman Vulcan was merely an importation from Greece, which never at + any time took firm root in Rome, nor entered largely into the actual life + and sympathies of the nation, his worship being unattended by the + devotional feeling and enthusiasm which characterized the religious rites + of the other deities. He still, however, retained in Rome his <!-- Page + 101 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page101"></a>[101]</span>Greek + attributes as god of fire, and unrivalled master of the art of working in + metals, and was ranked among the twelve great gods of Olympus, whose + gilded statues were arranged consecutively along the Forum. His Roman + name, Vulcan, would seem to indicate a connection with the first great + metal-working artificer of Biblical history, Tubal-Cain.</p> + +<h3>POSEIDON (<span class="sc">Neptune</span>).</h3> + + <p>Poseidon was the son of Kronos and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus. He + was god of the sea, more particularly of the Mediterranean, and, like the + element over which he presided, was of a variable disposition, now + violently agitated, and now calm and placid, for which reason he is + sometimes represented by the poets as quiet and composed, and at others + as disturbed and angry.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0101-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0101-1.png" + alt="Poseidon" title="Poseidon" /></a> + </div> + <p>In the earliest ages of Greek mythology, he merely symbolized the + watery element; but in later times, as navigation and intercourse with + other nations engendered greater traffic by sea, Poseidon gained in + importance, and came to be regarded as a distinct divinity, holding + indisputable dominion over the sea, and over all sea-divinities, who + acknowledged him as their sovereign ruler. He possessed the power of + causing at will, mighty and destructive tempests, in which the billows + rise mountains high, the wind becomes a hurricane, land and sea being + enveloped in thick mists, whilst destruction assails the unfortunate + mariners exposed to their fury. On the other hand, his alone was the + power of stilling the angry <!-- Page 102 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page102"></a>[102]</span>waves, of soothing the troubled waters, + and granting safe voyages to mariners. For this reason, Poseidon was + always invoked and propitiated by a libation before a voyage was + undertaken, and sacrifices and thanksgivings were gratefully offered to + him after a safe and prosperous journey by sea.</p> + + <p>The symbol of his power was the fisherman's fork or trident,<a + name="NtA_37" href="#Nt_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> by means of which he + produced earthquakes, raised up islands from the bottom of the sea, and + caused wells to spring forth out of the earth.</p> + + <p>Poseidon was essentially the presiding deity over fishermen, and was + on that account, more particularly worshipped and revered in countries + bordering on the sea-coast, where fish naturally formed a staple + commodity of trade. He was supposed to vent his displeasure by sending + disastrous inundations, which completely destroyed whole countries, and + were usually accompanied by terrible marine monsters, who swallowed up + and devoured those whom the floods had spared. It is probable that these + sea-monsters are the poetical figures which represent the demons of + hunger and famine, necessarily accompanying a general inundation.</p> + + <p>Poseidon is generally represented as resembling his brother Zeus in + features, height, and general aspect; but we miss in the countenance of + the sea-god the kindness and benignity which so pleasingly distinguish + his mighty brother. The eyes are bright and piercing, and the contour of + the face somewhat sharper in its outline than that of Zeus, thus + corresponding, as it were, with his more angry and violent nature. His + hair waves in dark, disorderly masses over his shoulders; his chest is + broad, and his frame powerful and stalwart; he wears a short, curling + beard, and a band round his head. He usually appears standing erect in a + graceful shell-chariot, drawn by hippocamps, or sea-horses, with golden + manes and brazen hoofs, who bound over the dancing waves with such + wonderful swiftness, that the chariot scarcely touches <!-- Page 103 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page103"></a>[103]</span>the water. The + monsters of the deep, acknowledging their mighty lord, gambol playfully + around him, whilst the sea joyfully smooths a path for the passage of its + all-powerful ruler.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:25%;"> + <a href="images/0103-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0103-1.png" + alt="A hippocamp" title="A hippocamp" /></a> + </div> + <p>He inhabited a beautiful palace at the bottom of the sea at Ægea in + Eubœa, and also possessed a royal residence on Mount Olympus, + which, however, he only visited when his presence was required at the + council of the gods.</p> + + <p>His wonderful palace beneath the waters was of vast extent; in its + lofty and capacious halls thousands of his followers could assemble. The + exterior of the building was of bright gold, which the continual wash of + the waters preserved untarnished; in the interior, lofty and graceful + columns supported the gleaming dome. Everywhere fountains of glistening, + silvery water played; everywhere groves and arbours of feathery-leaved + sea-plants appeared, whilst rocks of pure crystal glistened with all the + varied colours of the rainbow. Some of the paths were strewn with white + sparkling sand, interspersed with jewels, pearls, and amber. This + delightful abode was surrounded on all sides by wide fields, where there + were whole groves of dark purple coralline, and tufts of beautiful + scarlet-leaved plants, and sea-anemones of every tint. Here grew bright, + pinky sea-weeds, mosses of all hues and shades, and tall grasses, which, + growing upwards, formed emerald caves and grottoes such as the Nereides + love, whilst fish of various kinds playfully darted in and out, in the + full enjoyment of their native element. Nor was illumination wanting in + this fairy-like region, which at night was lit up by the glow-worms of + the deep.</p> + + <p>But although Poseidon ruled with absolute power over the ocean and its + inhabitants, he nevertheless bowed submissively to the will of the great + ruler of Olympus, and appeared at all times desirous of conciliating him. + We <!-- Page 104 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page104"></a>[104]</span>find him coming to his aid when emergency + demanded, and frequently rendering him valuable assistance against his + opponents. At the time when Zeus was harassed by the attacks of the + Giants, he proved himself a most powerful ally, engaging in single combat + with a hideous giant named Polybotes, whom he followed over the sea, and + at last succeeded in destroying, by hurling upon him the island of + Cos.</p> + + <p>These amicable relations between the brothers were, however, sometimes + interrupted. Thus, for instance, upon one occasion Poseidon joined Hera + and Athene in a secret conspiracy to seize upon the ruler of heaven, + place him in fetters, and deprive him of the sovereign power. The + conspiracy being discovered, Hera, as the chief instigator of this + sacrilegious attempt on the divine person of Zeus, was severely + chastised, and even beaten, by her enraged spouse, as a punishment for + her rebellion and treachery, whilst Poseidon was condemned, for the space + of a whole year, to forego his dominion over the sea, and it was at this + time that, in conjunction with Apollo, he built for Laomedon the walls of + Troy.</p> + + <p>Poseidon married a sea-nymph named Amphitrite, whom he wooed under the + form of a dolphin. She afterwards became jealous of a beautiful maiden + called Scylla, who was beloved by Poseidon, and in order to revenge + herself she threw some herbs into a well where Scylla was bathing, which + had the effect of metamorphosing her into a monster of terrible aspect, + having twelve feet, six heads with six long necks, and a voice which + resembled the bark of a dog. This awful monster is said to have inhabited + a cave at a very great height in the famous rock which still bears her + name,<a name="NtA_38" href="#Nt_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> and was supposed + to swoop down from her rocky eminence upon every ship that passed, and + with each of her six heads to secure a victim.</p> + + <p>Amphitrite is often represented assisting Poseidon in attaching the + sea-horses to his chariot.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 105 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page105"></a>[105]</span></p> + + <p>The Cyclops, who have been already alluded to in the history of + Cronus, were the sons of Poseidon and Amphitrite. They were a wild race + of gigantic growth, similar in their nature to the earth-born Giants, and + had only one eye each in the middle of their foreheads. They led a + lawless life, possessing neither social manners nor fear of the gods, and + were the workmen of Hephæstus, whose workshop was supposed to be in the + heart of the volcanic mountain Ætna.</p> + + <p>Here we have another striking instance of the manner in which the + Greeks personified the powers of nature, which they saw in active + operation around them. They beheld with awe, mingled with astonishment, + the fire, stones, and ashes which poured forth from the summit of this + and other volcanic mountains, and, with their vivacity of imagination, + found a solution of the mystery in the supposition, that the god of Fire + must be busy at work with his men in the depths of the earth, and that + the mighty flames which they beheld, issued in this manner from his + subterranean forge.</p> + + <p>The chief representative of the Cyclops was the man-eating monster + Polyphemus, described by Homer as having been blinded and outwitted at + last by Odysseus. This monster fell in love with a beautiful nymph called + Galatea; but, as may be supposed, his addresses were not acceptable to + the fair maiden, who rejected them in favour of a youth named Acis, upon + which Polyphemus, with his usual barbarity, destroyed the life of his + rival by throwing upon him a gigantic rock. The blood of the murdered + Acis, gushing out of the rock, formed a stream which still bears his + name.</p> + + <p>Triton, Rhoda,<a name="NtA_39" href="#Nt_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> and + Benthesicyme were also children of Poseidon and Amphitrite.</p> + + <p>The sea-god was the father of two giant sons called Otus and + Ephialtes.<a name="NtA_40" href="#Nt_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> When only + nine years old they <!-- Page 106 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page106"></a>[106]</span>were said to be twenty-seven cubits<a + name="NtA_41" href="#Nt_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> in height and nine in + breadth. These youthful giants were as rebellious as they were powerful, + even presuming to threaten the gods themselves with hostilities. During + the war of the Gigantomachia, they endeavoured to scale heaven by piling + mighty mountains one upon another. Already had they succeeded in placing + Mount Ossa on Olympus and Pelion on Ossa, when this impious project was + frustrated by Apollo, who destroyed them with his arrows. It was supposed + that had not their lives been thus cut off before reaching maturity, + their sacrilegious designs would have been carried into effect.</p> + + <p>Pelias and Neleus were also sons of Poseidon. Their mother Tyro was + attached to the river-god Enipeus, whose form Poseidon assumed, and thus + won her love. Pelias became afterwards famous in the story of the + Argonauts, and Neleus was the father of Nestor, who was distinguished in + the Trojan War.</p> + + <p>The Greeks believed that it was to Poseidon they were indebted for the + existence of the horse, which he is said to have produced in the + following manner: Athene and Poseidon both claiming the right to name + Cecropia (the ancient name of Athens), a violent dispute arose, which was + finally settled by an assembly of the Olympian gods, who decided that + whichever of the contending parties presented mankind with the most + useful gift, should obtain the privilege of naming the city. Upon this + Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, and the horse sprang forth + in all his untamed strength and graceful beauty. From the spot which + Athene touched with her wand, issued the olive-tree, whereupon the gods + unanimously awarded to her the victory, declaring her gift to be the + emblem of peace and plenty, whilst that of Poseidon was thought to be the + symbol of war and <!-- Page 107 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page107"></a>[107]</span>bloodshed. Athene accordingly called the + city Athens, after herself, and it has ever since retained this name.</p> + + <p>Poseidon tamed the horse for the use of mankind, and was believed to + have taught men the art of managing horses by the bridle. The Isthmian + games (so named because they were held on the Isthmus of Corinth), in + which horse and chariot races were a distinguishing feature, were + instituted in honour of Poseidon.</p> + + <p>He was more especially worshipped in the Peloponnesus, though + universally revered throughout Greece and in the south of Italy. His + sacrifices were generally black and white bulls, also wild boars and + rams. His usual attributes are the trident, horse, and dolphin.</p> + + <p>In some parts of Greece this divinity was identified with the sea-god + Nereus, for which reason the Nereides, or daughters of Nereus, are + represented as accompanying him.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">NEPTUNE.</p> + + <p>The Romans worshipped Poseidon under the name of Neptune, and invested + him with all the attributes which belong to the Greek divinity.</p> + + <p>The Roman commanders never undertook any naval expedition without + propitiating Neptune by a sacrifice.</p> + + <p>His temple at Rome was in the Campus Martius, and the festivals + commemorated in his honour were called Neptunalia.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>SEA DIVINITIES.</h3> + +<h3>OCEANUS.</h3> + + <p>Oceanus was the son of Uranus and Gæa. He was the personification of + the ever-flowing stream, which, according to the primitive notions of the + early Greeks, encircled the world, and from which sprang all the rivers + and streams that watered the earth. He was married to Tethys, one of the + Titans, and was the father of a <!-- Page 108 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page108"></a>[108]</span>numerous progeny called the Oceanides, who + are said to have been three thousand in number. He alone, of all the + Titans, refrained from taking part against Zeus in the Titanomachia, and + was, on that account, the only one of the primeval divinities permitted + to retain his dominion under the new dynasty.</p> + +<h3>NEREUS.</h3> + + <p>Nereus appears to have been the personification of the sea in its calm + and placid moods, and was, after Poseidon, the most important of the + sea-deities. He is represented as a kind and benevolent old man, + possessing the gift of prophecy, and presiding more particularly over the + Ægean Sea, of which he was considered to be the protecting spirit. There + he dwelt with his wife Doris and their fifty blooming daughters, the + Nereides, beneath the waves in a beautiful grotto-palace, and was ever + ready to assist distressed mariners in the hour of danger.</p> + +<h3>PROTEUS.</h3> + + <p>Proteus, more familiarly known as "The Old Man of the Sea," was a son + of Poseidon, and gifted with prophetic power. But he had an invincible + objection to being consulted in his capacity as seer, and those who + wished him to foretell events, watched for the hour of noon, when he was + in the habit of coming up to the island of Pharos,<a name="NtA_42" + href="#Nt_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> with Poseidon's flock of seals, which + he tended at the bottom of the sea. Surrounded by these creatures of the + deep, he used to slumber beneath the grateful shade of the rocks. This + was the favourable moment to seize the prophet, who, in order to avoid + importunities, would change himself into an infinite variety of forms. + But patience gained the day; for if he were only held long enough, he + became wearied at last, and, resuming his true form, gave the information + desired, after which he dived down again to the bottom of the sea, + accompanied by the animals he tended.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 109 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page109"></a>[109]</span></p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0109-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0109-1.png" + alt="Triton" title="Triton" /></a> + </div> +<h3>TRITON and the TRITONS.</h3> + + <p>Triton was the only son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, but he possessed + little influence, being altogether a minor divinity. He is usually + represented as preceding his father and acting as his trumpeter, using a + conch-shell for this purpose. He lived with his parents in their + beautiful golden palace beneath the sea at Ægea, and his favourite + pastime was to ride over the billows on horses or sea-monsters. Triton is + always represented as half man, half fish, the body below the waist + terminating in the tail of a dolphin. We frequently find mention of + Tritons who are either the offspring or kindred of Triton.</p> + +<h3>GLAUCUS.</h3> + + <p>Glaucus is said to have become a sea-divinity in the following manner. + While angling one day, he observed that the fish he caught and threw on + the bank, at once nibbled at the grass and then leaped back into the + water. His curiosity was naturally excited, and he proceeded to gratify + it by taking up a few blades and tasting them. No sooner was this done + than, obeying an irresistible impulse, he precipitated himself into the + deep, and became a sea-god.</p> + + <p>Like most sea-divinities he was gifted with prophetic power, and each + year visited all the islands and coasts with a train of marine monsters, + foretelling all kinds of evil. Hence fishermen dreaded his approach, and + endeavoured, by prayer and fasting, to avert the misfortunes which he + prophesied. He is often represented floating on the billows, his body + covered with mussels, sea-weed, and shells, wearing a full beard and long + flowing hair, and bitterly bewailing his immortality.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 110 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page110"></a>[110]</span></p> + +<h3>THETIS.</h3> + + <p>The silver-footed, fair-haired Thetis, who plays an important part in + the mythology of Greece, was the daughter of Nereus, or, as some assert, + of Poseidon. Her grace and beauty were so remarkable that Zeus and + Poseidon both sought an alliance with her; but, as it had been foretold + that a son of hers would gain supremacy over his father, they + relinquished their intentions, and she became the wife of Peleus, son of + Æacus. Like Proteus, Thetis possessed the power of transforming herself + into a variety of different shapes, and when wooed by Peleus she exerted + this power in order to elude him. But, knowing that persistence would + eventually succeed, he held her fast until she assumed her true form. + Their nuptials were celebrated with the utmost pomp and magnificence, and + were honoured by the presence of all the gods and goddesses, with the + exception of Eris. How the goddess of discord resented her exclusion from + the marriage festivities has already been shown.</p> + + <p>Thetis ever retained great influence over the mighty lord of heaven, + which, as we shall see hereafter, she used in favour of her renowned son, + Achilles, in the Trojan War.</p> + + <p>When Halcyone plunged into the sea in despair after the shipwreck and + death of her husband King Ceyx, Thetis transformed both husband and wife + into the birds called kingfishers (halcyones), which, with the tender + affection which characterized the unfortunate couple, always fly in + pairs. The idea of the ancients was that these birds brought forth their + young in nests, which float on the surface of the sea in calm weather, + before and after the shortest day, when Thetis was said to keep the + waters smooth and tranquil for their especial benefit; hence the term + "halcyon-days," which signifies a period of rest and untroubled + felicity.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 111 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page111"></a>[111]</span></p> + +<h3>THAUMAS, PHORCYS, and CETO.</h3> + + <p>The early Greeks, with their extraordinary power of personifying all + and every attribute of Nature, gave a distinct personality to those + mighty wonders of the deep, which, in all ages, have afforded matter of + speculation to educated and uneducated alike. Among these + personifications we find Thaumas, Phorcys, and their sister Ceto, who + were the offspring of Pontus.</p> + + <p>Thaumas (whose name signifies Wonder) typifies that peculiar, + translucent condition of the surface of the sea when it reflects, + mirror-like, various images, and appears to hold in its transparent + embrace the flaming stars and illuminated cities, which are so frequently + reflected on its glassy bosom.</p> + + <p>Thaumas married the lovely Electra (whose name signifies the sparkling + light produced by electricity), daughter of Oceanus. Her amber-coloured + hair was of such rare beauty that none of her fair-haired sisters could + compare with her, and when she wept, her tears, being too precious to be + lost, formed drops of shining amber.</p> + + <p>Phorcys and Ceto personified more especially the hidden perils and + terrors of the ocean. They were the parents of the Gorgons, the Græa, and + the Dragon which guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0112-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0112-1.png" + alt="A Siren" title="A Siren" /></a> + </div> +<h3>LEUCOTHEA.</h3> + + <p>Leucothea was originally a mortal named Ino, daughter of Cadmus, king + of Thebes. She married Athamas, king of Orchomenus, who, incensed at her + unnatural conduct to her step-children,<a name="NtA_43" + href="#Nt_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> pursued her and her son to the + sea-shore, when, seeing no hope of escape, she flung herself with her + child into the deep. They were kindly received by the Nereides, and + became sea-divinities under the name of Leucothea and Palæmon.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 112 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page112"></a>[112]</span></p> + +<h3>THE SIRENS.</h3> + + <p>The Sirens would appear to have been personifications of those + numerous rocks and unseen dangers, which abound on the S.W. coast of + Italy. They were sea-nymphs, with the upper part of the body that of a + maiden and the lower that of a sea-bird, having wings attached to their + shoulders, and were endowed with such wonderful voices, that their sweet + songs are said to have lured mariners to destruction.</p> + +<h3>ARES (<span class="sc">Mars</span>).</h3> + + <p>Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of war, who gloried in + strife for its own sake; he loved the tumult and havoc of the + battlefield, and delighted in slaughter and extermination; in fact he + presents no benevolent aspect which could possibly react favourably upon + human life.</p> + + <p>Epic poets, in particular, represent the god of battles as a wild + ungovernable warrior, who passes through the armies like a whirlwind, + hurling to the ground the brave and cowardly alike; destroying chariots + and helmets, and triumphing over the terrible desolation which he + produces.</p> + + <p>In all the myths concerning Ares, his sister Athene ever appears in + opposition to him, endeavouring by every means in her power to defeat his + bloodthirsty designs. Thus she assists the divine hero Diomedes at the + siege of Troy, to overcome Ares in battle, and so well does he profit by + her timely aid, that he succeeds in wounding the sanguinary war-god, who + makes his exit from the field, roaring like ten thousand bulls.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 113 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page113"></a>[113]</span></p> + + <p>Ares appears to have been an object of aversion to all the gods of + Olympus, Aphrodite alone excepted. As the son of Hera, he had inherited + from his mother the strongest feelings of independence and contradiction, + and as he took delight in upsetting that peaceful course of state-life + which it was pre-eminently the care of Zeus to establish, he was + naturally disliked and even hated by him.</p> + + <p>When wounded by Diomedes, as above related, he complains to his + father, but receives no sympathy from the otherwise kindly and beneficent + ruler of Olympus, who thus angrily addresses him: "Do not trouble me with + thy complaints, thou who art of all the gods of Olympus most hateful to + me, for thou delightest in nought save war and strife. The very spirit of + thy mother lives in thee, and wert thou not my son, long ago wouldst thou + have lain deeper down in the bowels of the earth than the son of + Uranus."</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0114-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0114-1.png" + alt="Ares" title="Ares" /></a> + </div> + <p>Ares, upon one occasion, incurred the anger of Poseidon by slaying his + son Halirrhothios, who had insulted Alcippe, the daughter of the war-god. + For this deed, Poseidon summoned Ares to appear before the tribunal of + the Olympic gods, which was held upon a hill in Athens. Ares was + acquitted, and this event is supposed to have given rise to the name + Areopagus (or Hill of Ares), which afterwards became so famous as a court + of justice. In the Gigantomachia, Ares was defeated by the Aloidæ, the + two giant-sons of Poseidon, who put him in chains, and kept him in prison + for thirteen months.</p> + + <p>Ares is represented as a man of youthful appearance; his tall muscular + form combines great strength with wonderful agility. In his right hand he + bears a sword or a mighty lance, while on the left arm he carries his + round shield (see next page). His demoniacal surroundings are Terror and + Fear;<a name="NtA_44" href="#Nt_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> Enyo, the goddess + of the war-cry; Keidomos, the demon of the noise of battles; and Eris + (Contention), his twin-sister and companion, who always <!-- Page 114 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page114"></a>[114]</span>precedes his + chariot when he rushes to the fight, the latter being evidently a simile + of the poets to express the fact that war follows contention.</p> + + <p>Eris is represented as a woman of florid complexion, with dishevelled + hair, and her whole appearance angry and menacing. In one hand she + brandishes a poniard and a hissing adder, whilst in the other she carries + a burning torch. Her dress is torn and disorderly, and her hair + intertwined with venomous snakes. This divinity was never invoked by + mortals, except when they desired her assistance for the accomplishment + of evil purposes.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">MARS.</p> + + <p>The Roman divinity most closely resembling the Greek Ares, and + identified with him, was called Mars, Mamers, and Marspiter or Father + Mars.</p> + + <p>The earliest Italian tribes, who were mostly engaged in the pursuit of + husbandry, regarded this deity more especially as the god of spring, who + vanquished the powers of winter, and encouraged the peaceful arts of + agriculture. But with the Romans, who were an essentially warlike nation, + Mars gradually loses his peaceful character, and, as god of war, attains, + after Jupiter, the highest position among the Olympic gods. The Romans + looked upon him as their special protector, and declared him to have been + the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of their city. But although + he was especially <!-- Page 115 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page115"></a>[115]</span>worshipped in Rome as god of war, he still + continued to preside over agriculture, and was also the protecting deity + who watched over the welfare of the state.</p> + + <p>As the god who strode with warlike step to the battlefield, he was + called Gradivus (from <i>gradus</i>, a step), it being popularly believed + by the Romans that he himself marched before them to battle, and acted as + their invisible protector. As the presiding deity over agriculture, he + was styled Sylvanus, whilst in his character as guardian of the state, he + bore the name of Quirinus.<a name="NtA_45" + href="#Nt_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a></p> + + <p>The priests of Mars were twelve in number, and were called Salii, or + the dancers, from the fact that sacred dances, in full armour, formed an + important item in their peculiar ceremonial. This religious order, the + members of which were always chosen from the noblest families in Rome, + was first instituted by Numa Pompilius, who intrusted to their special + charge the Anciliæ, or sacred shields. It is said that one morning, when + Numa was imploring the protection of Jupiter for the newly-founded city + of Rome, the god of heaven, as though in answer to his prayer, sent down + an oblong brazen shield, and, as it fell at the feet of the king, a voice + was heard announcing that on its preservation depended the future safety + and prosperity of Rome. In order, therefore, to lessen the chances of + this sacred treasure being abstracted, Numa caused eleven more to be made + exactly like it, which were then given into the care of the Salii.</p> + + <p>The assistance and protection of the god of war was always solemnly + invoked before the departure of a Roman army for the field of battle, and + any reverses of fortune were invariably ascribed to his anger, which was + accordingly propitiated by means of extraordinary sin-offerings and + prayers.</p> + + <p>In Rome a field, called the Campus Martius, was dedicated to Mars. It + was a large, open space, in which armies were collected and reviewed, + general assemblies of <!-- Page 116 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page116"></a>[116]</span>the people held, and the young nobility + trained to martial exercises.</p> + + <p>The most celebrated and magnificent of the numerous temples built by + the Romans in honour of this deity was the one erected by Augustus in the + Forum, to commemorate the overthrow of the murderers of Cæsar.</p> + + <p>Of all existing statues of Mars the most renowned is that in the Villa + Ludovisi at Rome, in which he is represented as a powerful, muscular man + in the full vigour of youth. The attitude is that of thoughtful repose, + but the short, curly hair, dilated nostrils, and strongly marked features + leave no doubt as to the force and turbulence of his character. At his + feet, the sculptor has placed the little god of love, who looks up all + undaunted at the mighty war-god, as though mischievously conscious that + this unusually quiet mood is attributable to his influence.</p> + + <p>Religious festivals in honour of Mars were generally held in the month + of March; but he had also a festival on the Ides of October, when + chariot-races took place, after which, the right-hand horse of the team + which had drawn the victorious chariot, was sacrificed to him. In ancient + times, human sacrifices, more especially prisoners of war, were offered + to him; but, at a later period, this cruel practice was discontinued.</p> + + <p>The attributes of this divinity are the helmet, shield, and spear. The + animals consecrated to him were the wolf, horse, vulture, and + woodpecker.</p> + + <p>Intimately associated with Mars in his character as god of war, was a + goddess called <b>BELLONA</b>, who was evidently the female divinity of + battle with one or other of the primitive nations of Italy (most probably + the Sabines), and is usually seen accompanying Mars, whose war-chariot + she guides. Bellona appears on the battle-field, inspired with mad rage, + cruelty, and the love of extermination. She is in full armour, her hair + is dishevelled, and she bears a scourge in one hand, and a lance in the + other.</p> + + <p>A temple was erected to her on the Campus Martius. Before the entrance + to this edifice stood a pillar, over which a spear was thrown when war + was publicly declared. <!-- Page 117 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page117"></a>[117]</span></p> + +<h3>NIKE (<span class="sc">Victoria</span>).</h3> + + <p>Nike, the goddess of victory, was the daughter of the Titan Pallas, + and of Styx, the presiding nymph of the river of that name in the lower + world.</p> + + <p>In her statues, Nike somewhat resembles Athene, but may easily be + recognized by her large, graceful wings and flowing drapery, which is + negligently fastened on the right shoulder, and only partially conceals + her lovely form. In her left hand, she holds aloft a crown of laurel, and + in the right, a palm-branch. In ancient sculpture, Nike is usually + represented in connection with colossal statues of Zeus or Pallas-Athene, + in which case she is life-sized, and stands on a ball, held in the open + palm of the deity she accompanies. Sometimes she is represented engaged + in inscribing the victory of a conqueror on his shield, her right foot + being slightly raised and placed on a ball.</p> + + <p>A celebrated temple was erected to this divinity on the Acropolis at + Athens, which is still to be seen, and is in excellent preservation.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VICTORIA.</p> + + <p>Under the name of Victoria, Nike was highly honoured by the Romans, + with whom love of conquest was an all-absorbing characteristic. There + were several sanctuaries in Rome dedicated to her, the principal of which + was on the Capitol, where it was the custom of generals, after success + had attended their arms, to erect statues of the goddess in commemoration + of their victories. The most magnificent of these statues, was that + raised by Augustus after the battle of Actium. A festival was celebrated + in honour of Nike on the 12th of April.</p> + +<h3>HERMES (<span class="sc">Mercury</span>).</h3> + + <p>Hermes was the swift-footed messenger, and trusted ambassador of all + the gods, and conductor of shades to Hades. He presided over the rearing + and education of <!-- Page 118 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page118"></a>[118]</span>the young, and encouraged gymnastic + exercises and athletic pursuits, for which reason, all gymnasiums and + wrestling schools throughout Greece were adorned with his statues. He is + said to have invented the alphabet, and to have taught the art of + interpreting foreign languages, and his versatility, sagacity, and + cunning were so extraordinary, that Zeus invariably chose him as his + attendant, when, disguised as a mortal, he journeyed on earth.</p> + + <p>Hermes was worshipped as god of eloquence, most probably from the fact + that, in his office as ambassador, this faculty was indispensable to the + successful issue of the negotiations with which he was intrusted. He was + regarded as the god who granted increase and prosperity to flocks and + herds, and, on this account, was worshipped with special veneration by + herdsmen.</p> + + <p>In ancient times, trade was conducted chiefly by means of the exchange + of cattle. Hermes, therefore, as god of herdsmen, came to be regarded as + the protector of merchants, and, as ready wit and adroitness are valuable + qualities both in buying and selling, he was also looked upon as the + patron of artifice and cunning. Indeed, so deeply was this notion rooted + in the minds of the Greek people, that he was popularly believed to be + also god of thieves, and of all persons who live by their wits.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:10%;"> + <a href="images/0118-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0118-1.png" + alt="A Herma" title="A Herma" /></a> + </div> + <p>As the patron of commerce, Hermes was naturally supposed to be the + promoter of intercourse among nations; hence, he is essentially the god + of travellers, over whose safety he presided, and he severely punished + those who refused assistance to the lost or weary wayfarer. He was also + guardian of streets and roads, and his statues, called Hermæ (which were + pillars of stone surmounted by a head of Hermes), were placed at + cross-roads, and frequently in streets and public squares.</p> + + <p>Being the god of all undertakings in which gain was a feature, he was + worshipped as the giver of wealth and <!-- Page 119 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page119"></a>[119]</span>good luck, and any + unexpected stroke of fortune was attributed to his influence. He also + presided over the game of dice, in which he is said to have been + instructed by Apollo.</p> + + <p>Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, the eldest and most beautiful of + the seven Pleiades (daughters of Atlas), and was born in a cave of Mount + Cyllene in Arcadia. As a mere babe, he exhibited an extraordinary faculty + for cunning and dissimulation; in fact, he was a thief from his cradle, + for, not many hours after his birth, we find him creeping stealthily out + of the cave in which he was born, in order to steal some oxen belonging + to his brother Apollo, who was at this time feeding the flocks of + Admetus. But he had not proceeded very far on his expedition before he + found a tortoise, which he killed, and, stretching seven strings across + the empty shell, invented a lyre, upon which he at once began to play + with exquisite skill. When he had sufficiently amused himself with the + instrument, he placed it in his cradle, and then resumed his journey to + Pieria, where the cattle of Admetus were grazing. Arriving at sunset at + his destination, he succeeded in separating fifty oxen from his brother's + herd, which he now drove before him, taking the precaution to cover his + feet with sandals made of twigs of myrtle, in order to escape detection. + But the little rogue was not unobserved, for the theft had been witnessed + by an old shepherd named Battus, who was tending the flocks of Neleus, + king of Pylos (father of Nestor). Hermes, frightened at being discovered, + bribed him with the finest cow in the herd not to betray him, and Battus + promised to keep the secret. But Hermes, astute as he was dishonest, + determined to test the shepherd's integrity. Feigning to go away, he + assumed the form of Admetus, and then returning to the spot offered the + old man two of his best oxen if he would disclose the author of the + theft. The ruse succeeded, for the avaricious shepherd, unable to resist + the tempting bait, gave the desired information, upon which Hermes, + exerting his divine power, changed him into a lump of touchstone, as a + <!-- Page 120 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page120"></a>[120]</span>punishment for his treachery and avarice. + Hermes now killed two of the oxen, which he sacrificed to himself and the + other gods, concealing the remainder in the cave. He then carefully + extinguished the fire, and, after throwing his twig shoes into the river + Alpheus, returned to Cyllene.</p> + + <p>Apollo, by means of his all-seeing power, soon discovered who it was + that had robbed him, and hastening to Cyllene, demanded restitution of + his property. On his complaining to Maia of her son's conduct, she + pointed to the innocent babe then lying, apparently fast asleep, in his + cradle, whereupon, Apollo angrily aroused the pretended sleeper, and + charged him with the theft; but the child stoutly denied all knowledge of + it, and so cleverly did he play his part, that he even inquired in the + most naive manner what sort of animals cows were. Apollo threatened to + throw him into Tartarus if he would not confess the truth, but all to no + purpose. At last, he seized the babe in his arms, and brought him into + the presence of his august father, who was seated in the council chamber + of the gods. Zeus listened to the charge made by Apollo, and then sternly + desired Hermes to say where he had hidden the cattle. The child, who was + still in swaddling-clothes, looked up bravely into his father's face and + said, "Now, do I look capable of driving away a herd of cattle; I, who + was only born yesterday, and whose feet are much too soft and tender to + tread in rough places? Until this moment, I lay in sweet sleep on my + mother's bosom, and have never even crossed the threshold of our + dwelling. You know well that I am not guilty; but, if you wish, I will + affirm it by the most solemn oaths." As the child stood before him, + looking the picture of innocence, Zeus could not refrain from smiling at + his cleverness and cunning, but, being perfectly aware of his guilt, he + commanded him to conduct Apollo to the cave where he had concealed the + herd, and Hermes, seeing that further subterfuge was useless, + unhesitatingly obeyed. But when the divine shepherd was about to drive + his cattle back into Pieria, Hermes, as though by chance, touched the + chords of his <!-- Page 121 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page121"></a>[121]</span>lyre. Hitherto Apollo had heard nothing + but the music of his own three-stringed lyre and the syrinx, or Pan's + pipe, and, as he listened entranced to the delightful strains of this new + instrument, his longing to possess it became so great, that he gladly + offered the oxen in exchange, promising at the same time, to give Hermes + full dominion over flocks and herds, as well as over horses, and all the + wild animals of the woods and forests. The offer was accepted, and, a + reconciliation being thus effected between the brothers, Hermes became + henceforth god of herdsmen, whilst Apollo devoted himself + enthusiastically to the art of music.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:10%;"> + <a href="images/0121-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0121-1.png" + alt="Caduceus" title="Caduceus" /></a> + </div> + <p>They now proceeded together to Olympus, where Apollo introduced Hermes + as his chosen friend and companion, and, having made him swear by the + Styx, that he would never steal his lyre or bow, nor invade his sanctuary + at Delphi, he presented him with the Caduceus, or golden wand. This wand + was surmounted by wings, and on presenting it to Hermes, Apollo informed + him that it possessed the faculty of uniting in love, all beings divided + by hate. Wishing to prove the truth of this assertion, Hermes threw it + down between two snakes which were fighting, whereupon the angry + combatants clasped each other in a loving embrace, and curling round the + staff, remained ever after permanently attached to it. The wand itself + typified power; the serpents, wisdom; and the wings, despatch—all + qualities characteristic of a trustworthy ambassador.</p> + + <p>The young god was now presented by his father with a winged silver cap + (Petasus), and also with silver wings for his feet (Talaria), and was + forthwith appointed herald of the gods, and conductor of shades to Hades, + which office had hitherto been filled by Aïdes.</p> + + <p>As messenger of the gods, we find him employed on all occasions + requiring special skill, tact, or despatch. Thus he conducts Hera, + Athene, and Aphrodite to Paris, leads Priam to Achilles to demand the + body of Hector, <!-- Page 122 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page122"></a>[122]</span>binds Prometheus to Mount Caucasus, + secures Ixion to the eternally revolving wheel, destroys Argus, the + hundred-eyed guardian of Io, &c. &c.</p> + + <p>As conductor of shades, Hermes was always invoked by the dying to + grant them a safe and speedy passage across the Styx. He also possessed + the power of bringing back departed spirits to the upper world, and was, + therefore, the mediator between the living and the dead.</p> + + <p>The poets relate many amusing stories of the youthful tricks played by + this mischief-loving god upon the other immortals. For instance, he had + the audacity to extract the Medusa's head from the shield of Athene, + which he playfully attached to the back of Hephæstus; he also stole the + girdle of Aphrodite; deprived Artemis of her arrows, and Ares of his + spear, but these acts were always performed with such graceful dexterity, + combined with such perfect good humour, that even the gods and goddesses + he thus provoked, were fain to pardon him, and he became a universal + favourite with them all.</p> + + <p>It is said that Hermes was one day flying over Athens, when, looking + down into the city, he beheld a number of maidens returning in solemn + procession from the temple of Pallas-Athene. Foremost among them was + Herse, the beautiful daughter of king Cecrops, and Hermes was so struck + with her exceeding loveliness that he determined to seek an interview + with her. He accordingly presented himself at the royal palace, and + begged her sister Agraulos to favour his suit; but, being of an + avaricious turn of mind, she refused to do so without the payment of an + enormous sum of money. It did not take the messenger of the gods long to + obtain the means of fulfilling this condition, and he soon returned with + a well-filled purse. But meanwhile Athene, to punish the cupidity of + Agraulos, had caused the demon of envy to take possession of her, and the + consequence was, that, being unable to contemplate the happiness of her + sister, she sat down before the door, and resolutely refused to allow + Hermes to enter. He tried every persuasion and blandishment in his power, + but she still remained obstinate. At last, his patience <!-- Page 123 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page123"></a>[123]</span>being + exhausted, he changed her into a mass of black stone, and, the obstacle + to his wishes being removed, he succeeded in persuading Herse to become + his wife.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0123-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0123-1.png" + alt="Hermes" title="Hermes" /></a> + </div> + <p>In his statues, Hermes is represented as a beardless youth, with broad + chest and graceful but muscular limbs; the face is handsome and + intelligent, and a genial smile of kindly benevolence plays round the + delicately chiselled lips.</p> + + <p>As messenger of the gods he wears the Petasus and Talaria, and bears + in his hand the Caduceus or herald's staff.</p> + + <p>As god of eloquence, he is often represented with chains of gold + hanging from his lips, whilst, as the patron of merchants, he bears a + purse in his hand.</p> + + <p>The wonderful excavations in Olympia, to which allusion has already + been made, have brought to light an exquisite marble group of Hermes and + the infant Bacchus, by Praxiteles. In this great work of art, Hermes is + represented as a young and handsome man, who is looking down kindly and + affectionately at the child resting on his arm, but unfortunately nothing + remains of the infant save the right hand, which is laid lovingly on the + shoulder of his protector.</p> + + <p>The sacrifices to Hermes consisted of incense, honey, cakes, pigs, and + especially lambs and young goats. As god of eloquence, the tongues of + animals were sacrificed to him.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">MERCURY.</p> + + <p>Mercury was the Roman god of commerce and gain. We find mention of a + temple having been erected to him <!-- Page 124 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page124"></a>[124]</span>near the Circus Maximus + as early as <span class="scac">B.C.</span> 495; and he had also a temple + and a sacred fount near the Porta Capena. Magic powers were ascribed to + the latter, and on the festival of Mercury, which took place on the 25th + of May, it was the custom for merchants to sprinkle themselves and their + merchandise with this holy water, in order to insure large profits from + their wares.</p> + + <p>The Fetiales (Roman priests whose duty it was to act as guardians of + the public faith) refused to recognize the identity of Mercury with + Hermes, and ordered him to be represented with a sacred branch as the + emblem of peace, instead of the Caduceus. In later times, however, he was + completely identified with the Greek Hermes.</p> + +<h3>DIONYSUS (<span class="sc">Bacchus</span>).</h3> + + <p>Dionysus, also called Bacchus (from <i>bacca</i>, berry), was the god + of wine, and the personification of the blessings of Nature in + general.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0124-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0124-1.png" + alt="Dionysus" title="Dionysus" /></a> + </div> + <p>The worship of this divinity, which is supposed to have been + introduced into Greece from Asia (in all probability from India), first + took root in Thrace, whence it gradually spread into other parts of + Greece.</p> + + <p>Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, and was snatched by Zeus from + the devouring flames in which his mother perished, when he appeared to + her in all the splendour of his divine glory. The motherless child was + intrusted to the charge of Hermes, who conveyed him to Semele's sister, + Ino. But Hera, still implacable in her vengeance, visited Athamas, the + husband of Ino, with madness, <!-- Page 125 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page125"></a>[125]</span>and the child's life being no longer safe, + he was transferred to the fostering care of the nymphs of Mount Nysa. An + aged satyr named Silenus, the son of Pan, took upon himself the office of + guardian and preceptor to the young god, who, in his turn, became much + attached to his kind tutor; hence we see Silenus always figuring as one + of the chief personages in the various expeditions of the wine-god.</p> + + <p>Dionysus passed an innocent and uneventful childhood, roaming through + the woods and forests, surrounded by nymphs, satyrs, and shepherds. + During one of these rambles, he found a fruit growing wild, of a most + refreshing and cooling nature. This was the vine, from which he + subsequently learnt to extract a juice which formed a most exhilarating + beverage. After his companions had partaken freely of it, they felt their + whole being pervaded by an unwonted sense of pleasurable excitement, and + gave full vent to their overflowing exuberance, by shouting, singing, and + dancing. Their numbers were soon swelled by a crowd, eager to taste a + beverage productive of such extraordinary results, and anxious to join in + the worship of a divinity to whom they were indebted for this new + enjoyment. Dionysus, on his part, seeing how agreeably his discovery had + affected his immediate followers, resolved to extend the boon to mankind + in general. He saw that wine, used in moderation, would enable man to + enjoy a happier, and more sociable existence, and that, under its + invigorating influence, the sorrowful might, for a while, forget their + grief and the sick their pain. He accordingly gathered round him his + zealous followers, and they set forth on their travels, planting the vine + and teaching its cultivation wherever they went.</p> + + <p>We now behold Dionysus at the head of a large army composed of men, + women, fauns, and satyrs, all bearing in their hands the Thyrsus (a staff + entwined with vine-branches surmounted by a fir-cone), and clashing + together cymbals and other musical instruments. Seated in a chariot drawn + by panthers, and accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic followers, + Dionysus made a triumphal <!-- Page 126 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page126"></a>[126]</span>progress through Syria, Egypt, Arabia, + India, &c., conquering all before him, founding cities, and + establishing on every side a more civilized and sociable mode of life + among the inhabitants of the various countries through which he + passed.</p> + + <p>When Dionysus returned to Greece from his Eastern expedition, he + encountered great opposition from Lycurgus, king of Thrace, and Pentheus, + king of Thebes. The former, highly disapproving of the wild revels which + attended the worship of the wine-god, drove away his attendants, the + nymphs of Nysa, from that sacred mountain, and so effectually intimidated + Dionysus, that he precipitated himself into the sea, where he was + received into the arms of the ocean-nymph, Thetis. But the impious king + bitterly expiated his sacrilegious conduct. He was punished with the loss + of his reason, and, during one of his mad paroxysms, killed his own son + Dryas, whom he mistook for a vine.</p> + + <p>Pentheus, king of Thebes, seeing his subjects so completely infatuated + by the riotous worship of this new divinity, and fearing the demoralizing + effects of the unseemly nocturnal orgies held in honour of the wine-god, + strictly prohibited his people from taking any part in the wild + Bacchanalian revels. Anxious to save him from the consequences of his + impiety, Dionysus appeared to him under the form of a youth in the king's + train, and earnestly warned him to desist from his denunciations. But the + well-meant admonition failed in its purpose, for Pentheus only became + more incensed at this interference, and, commanding Dionysus to be cast + into prison, caused the most cruel preparations to be made for his + immediate execution. But the god soon freed himself from his ignoble + confinement, for scarcely had his jailers departed, ere the prison-doors + opened of themselves, and, bursting asunder his iron chains, he escaped + to rejoin his devoted followers.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the mother of the king and her sisters, inspired with + Bacchanalian fury, had repaired to Mount Cithæron, in order to join the + worshippers of the <!-- Page 127 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page127"></a>[127]</span>wine-god in those dreadful orgies which + were solemnized exclusively by women, and at which no man was allowed to + be present. Enraged at finding his commands thus openly disregarded by + the members of his own family, Pentheus resolved to witness for himself + the excesses of which he had heard such terrible reports, and for this + purpose, concealed himself behind a tree on Mount Cithæron; but his + hiding-place being discovered, he was dragged out by the half-maddened + crew of Bacchantes and, horrible to relate, he was torn in pieces by his + own mother Agave and her two sisters.</p> + + <p>An incident which occurred to Dionysus on one of his travels has been + a favourite subject with the classic poets. One day, as some Tyrrhenian + pirates approached the shores of Greece, they beheld Dionysus, in the + form of a beautiful youth, attired in radiant garments. Thinking to + secure a rich prize, they seized him, bound him, and conveyed him on + board their vessel, resolved to carry him with them to Asia and there + sell him as a slave. But the fetters dropped from his limbs, and the + pilot, who was the first to perceive the miracle, called upon his + companions to restore the youth carefully to the spot whence they had + taken him, assuring them that he was a god, and that adverse winds and + storms would, in all probability, result from their impious conduct. But, + refusing to part with their prisoner, they set sail for the open sea. + Suddenly, to the alarm of all on board, the ship stood still, masts and + sails were covered with clustering vines and wreaths of ivy-leaves, + streams of fragrant wine inundated the vessel, and heavenly strains of + music were heard around. The terrified crew, too late repentant, crowded + round the pilot for protection, and entreated him to steer for the shore. + But the hour of retribution had arrived. Dionysus assumed the form of a + lion, whilst beside him appeared a bear, which, with a terrific roar, + rushed upon the captain and tore him in pieces; the sailors, in an agony + of terror, leaped overboard, and were changed into dolphins. The discreet + and pious steersman was alone permitted to escape the fate of his + companions, <!-- Page 128 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page128"></a>[128]</span>and to him Dionysus, who had resumed his + true form, addressed words of kind and affectionate encouragement, and + announced his name and dignity. They now set sail, and Dionysus desired + the pilot to land him at the island of Naxos, where he found the lovely + Ariadne, daughter of Minos, king of Crete. She had been abandoned by + Theseus on this lonely spot, and, when Dionysus now beheld her, was lying + fast asleep on a rock, worn out with sorrow and weeping. Wrapt in + admiration, the god stood gazing at the beautiful vision before him, and + when she at length unclosed her eyes, he revealed himself to her, and, in + gentle tones, sought to banish her grief. Grateful for his kind sympathy, + coming as it did at a moment when she had deemed herself forsaken and + friendless, she gradually regained her former serenity, and, yielding to + his entreaties, consented to become his wife.</p> + + <p>Dionysus, having established his worship in various parts of the + world, descended to the realm of shades in search of his ill-fated + mother, whom he conducted to Olympus, where, under the name of Thyone, + she was admitted into the assembly of the immortal gods.</p> + + <p>Among the most noted worshippers of Dionysus was Midas,<a + name="NtA_46" href="#Nt_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> the wealthy king of + Phrygia, the same who, as already related, gave judgment against Apollo. + Upon one occasion Silenus, the preceptor and friend of Dionysus, being in + an intoxicated condition, strayed into the rose-gardens of this monarch, + where he was found by some of the king's attendants, who bound him with + roses and conducted him to the presence of their royal master. Midas + treated the aged satyr with the greatest consideration, and, after + entertaining him hospitably for ten days, led him back to Dionysus, who + was so grateful for the kind attention shown to his old friend, that he + offered to grant Midas any favour he chose to demand; whereupon the + avaricious monarch, not content with his boundless wealth, and still + thirsting for more, desired that everything he touched might turn to + gold. The request was <!-- Page 129 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page129"></a>[129]</span>complied with in so literal a sense, that + the now wretched Midas bitterly repented his folly and cupidity, for, + when the pangs of hunger assailed him, and he essayed to appease his + cravings, the food became gold ere he could swallow it; as he raised the + cup of wine to his parched lips, the sparkling draught was changed into + the metal he had so coveted, and when at length, wearied and faint, he + stretched his aching frame on his hitherto luxurious couch, this also was + transformed into the substance which had now become the curse of his + existence. The despairing king at last implored the god to take back the + fatal gift, and Dionysus, pitying his unhappy plight, desired him to + bathe in the river Pactolus, a small stream in Lydia, in order to lose + the power which had become the bane of his life. Midas joyfully obeying + the injunction, was at once freed from the consequences of his avaricious + demand, and from this time forth the sands of the river Pactolus have + ever contained grains of gold.</p> + + <p>Representations of Dionysus are of two kinds. According to the + earliest conceptions, he appears as a grave and dignified man in the + prime of life; his countenance is earnest, thoughtful, and benevolent; he + wears a full beard, and is draped from head to foot in the garb of an + Eastern monarch. But the sculptors of a later period represent him as a + youth of singular beauty, though of somewhat effeminate appearance; the + expression of the countenance is gentle and winning; the limbs are supple + and gracefully moulded; and the hair, which is adorned by a wreath of + vine or ivy leaves, falls over the shoulders in long curls. In one hand + he bears the Thyrsus, and in the other a drinking-cup with two handles, + these being his distinguishing attributes. He is often represented riding + on a panther, or seated in a chariot drawn by lions, tigers, panthers, or + lynxes.</p> + + <p>Being the god of wine, which is calculated to promote sociability, he + rarely appears alone, but is usually accompanied by Bacchantes, satyrs, + and mountain-nymphs.</p> + + <p>The finest modern representation of Ariadne is that by Danneker, at + Frankfort-on-the-Maine. In this statue she <!-- Page 130 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page130"></a>[130]</span>appears riding on a + panther; the beautiful upturned face inclines slightly over the left + shoulder; the features are regular and finely cut, and a wreath of + ivy-leaves encircles the well-shaped head. With her right hand she + gracefully clasps the folds of drapery which fall away negligently from + her rounded form, whilst the other rests lightly and caressingly on the + head of the animal.</p> + + <p>Dionysus was regarded as the patron of the drama, and at the state + festival of the Dionysia, which was celebrated with great pomp in the + city of Athens, dramatic entertainments took place in his honour, for + which all the renowned Greek dramatists of antiquity composed their + immortal tragedies and comedies.</p> + + <p>He was also a prophetic divinity, and possessed oracles, the principal + of which was that on Mount Rhodope in Thrace.</p> + + <p>The tiger, lynx, panther, dolphin, serpent, and ass were sacred to + this god. His favourite plants were the vine, ivy, laurel, and asphodel. + His sacrifices consisted of goats, probably on account of their being + destructive to vineyards.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">BACCHUS <span class="scac">OR</span> LIBER.</p> + + <p>The Romans had a divinity called Liber who presided over vegetation, + and was, on this account, identified with the Greek Dionysus, and + worshipped under the name of Bacchus.</p> + + <p>The festival of Liber, called the Liberalia, was celebrated on the + 17th of March.</p> + +<h3>AÏDES (<span class="sc">Pluto</span>).</h3> + + <p>Aïdes, Aïdoneus, or Hades, was the son of Cronus and Rhea, and the + youngest brother of Zeus and Poseidon. He was the ruler of that + subterranean region called Erebus, which was inhabited by the shades or + spirits of the dead, and also by those dethroned and exiled deities who + had been vanquished by Zeus and his allies. Aïdes, the grim and gloomy + monarch of this lower world, was the <!-- Page 131 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page131"></a>[131]</span>successor of Erebus, + that ancient primeval divinity after whom these realms were called.</p> + + <p>The early Greeks regarded Aïdes in the light of their greatest foe, + and Homer tells us that he was "of all the gods the most detested," being + in their eyes the grim robber who stole from them their nearest and + dearest, and eventually deprived each of them of their share in + terrestrial existence. His name was so feared that it was never mentioned + by mortals, who, when they invoked him, struck the earth with their + hands, and in sacrificing to him turned away their faces.</p> + + <p>The belief of the people with regard to a future state was, in the + Homeric age, a sad and cheerless one. It was supposed that when a mortal + ceased to exist, his spirit tenanted the shadowy outline of the human + form it had quitted. These shadows, or shades as they were called, were + driven by Aïdes into his dominions, where they passed their time, some in + brooding over the vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on + earth, others in regretting the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life, + but all in a condition of semi-consciousness, from which the intellect + could only be roused to full activity by drinking of the blood of the + sacrifices offered to their shades by living friends, which, for a time, + endowed them with their former mental vigour. The only beings supposed to + enjoy any happiness in a future state were the heroes, whose acts of + daring and deeds of prowess had, during their life, reflected honour on + the land of their birth; and even these, according to Homer, pined after + their career of earthly activity. He tells us that when Odysseus visited + the lower world at the command of Circe, and held communion with the + shades of the heroes of the Trojan war, Achilles assured him that he + would rather be the poorest day-labourer on earth than reign supreme over + the realm of shades.</p> + + <p>The early Greek poets offer but scanty allusions to Erebus. Homer + appears purposely to envelop these realms in vagueness and mystery, in + order, probably, to heighten the sensation of awe inseparably connected + with <!-- Page 132 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page132"></a>[132]</span>the lower world. In the Odyssey he + describes the entrance to Erebus as being beyond the furthermost edge of + Oceanus, in the far west, where dwelt the Cimmerians, enveloped in + eternal mists and darkness.</p> + + <p>In later times, however, in consequence of extended intercourse with + foreign nations, new ideas became gradually introduced, and we find + Egyptian theories with regard to a future state taking root in Greece, + which become eventually the religious belief of the whole nation. It is + now that the poets and philosophers, and more especially the teachers of + the Eleusinian Mysteries, begin to inculcate the doctrine of the future + reward and punishment of good and bad deeds. Aïdes, who had hitherto been + regarded as the dread enemy of mankind, who delights in his grim office, + and keeps the shades imprisoned in his dominions after withdrawing them + from the joys of existence, now receives them with hospitality and + friendship, and Hermes replaces him as conductor of shades to Hades. + Under this new aspect Aïdes usurps the functions of a totally different + divinity called Plutus (the god of riches), and is henceforth regarded as + the giver of wealth to mankind, in the shape of those precious metals + which lie concealed in the bowels of the earth.</p> + + <p>The later poets mention various entrances to Erebus, which were for + the most part caves and fissures. There was one in the mountain of + Taenarum, another in Thesprotia, and a third, the most celebrated of all, + in Italy, near the pestiferous Lake Avernus, over which it is said no + bird could fly, so noxious were its exhalations.</p> + + <p>In the dominions of Aïdes there were four great rivers, three of which + had to be crossed by all the shades. These three were Acheron (sorrow), + Cocytus (lamentation), and Styx (intense darkness), the sacred stream + which flowed nine times round these realms.</p> + + <p>The shades were ferried over the Styx by the grim, unshaven old + boatman Charon, who, however, only took those whose bodies had received + funereal rites on earth, and who had brought with them his indispensable + toll, which was a small coin or obolus, usually placed under the <!-- + Page 133 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page133"></a>[133]</span>tongue of a dead person for this purpose. + If these conditions had not been fulfilled, the unhappy shades were left + behind to wander up and down the banks for a hundred years as restless + spirits.</p> + + <p>On the opposite bank of the Styx was the tribunal of Minos, the + supreme judge, before whom all shades had to appear, and who, after + hearing full confession of their actions whilst on earth, pronounced the + sentence of happiness or misery to which their deeds had entitled them. + This tribunal was guarded by the terrible triple-headed dog Cerberus, + who, with his three necks bristling with snakes, lay at full length on + the ground;—a formidable sentinel, who permitted all shades to + enter, but none to return.</p> + + <p>The happy spirits, destined to enjoy the delights of Elysium, passed + out on the right, and proceeded to the golden palace where Aïdes and + Persephone held their royal court, from whom they received a kindly + greeting, ere they set out for the Elysian Fields which lay beyond.<a + name="NtA_47" href="#Nt_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> This blissful region was + replete with all that could charm the senses or please the imagination; + the air was balmy and fragrant, rippling brooks flowed peacefully through + the smiling meadows, which glowed with the varied hues of a thousand + flowers, whilst the groves resounded with the joyous songs of birds. The + occupations and amusements of the happy shades were of the same nature as + those which they had delighted in whilst on earth. Here the warrior found + his horses, chariots, and arms, the musician his lyre, and the hunter his + quiver and bow.</p> + + <p>In a secluded vale of Elysium there flowed a gentle, silent stream, + called Lethe (oblivion), whose waters had the effect of dispelling care, + and producing utter forgetfulness of former events. According to the + Pythagorean doctrine of the transmigration of souls, it was supposed that + after the shades had inhabited Elysium for a thousand years they were + destined to animate other bodies on <!-- Page 134 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page134"></a>[134]</span>earth, and before + leaving Elysium they drank of the river Lethe, in order that they might + enter upon their new career without any remembrance of the past.</p> + + <p>The guilty souls, after leaving the presence of Minos, were conducted + to the great judgment-hall of Hades, whose massive walls of solid adamant + were surrounded by the river Phlegethon, the waves of which rolled flames + of fire, and lit up, with their lurid glare, these awful realms. In the + interior sat the dread judge Rhadamanthus, who declared to each comer the + precise torments which awaited him in Tartarus. The wretched sinners were + then seized by the Furies, who scourged them with their whips, and + dragged them along to the great gate, which closed the opening to + Tartarus, into whose awful depths they were hurled, to suffer endless + torture.</p> + + <p>Tartarus was a vast and gloomy expanse, as far below Hades as the + earth is distant from the skies. There the Titans, fallen from their high + estate, dragged out a dreary and monotonous existence; there also were + Otus and Ephialtes, those giant sons of Poseidon, who, with impious + hands, had attempted to scale Olympus and dethrone its mighty ruler. + Principal among the sufferers in this abode of gloom were Tityus, + Tantalus, Sisyphus, Ixion, and the Danaïdes.</p> + + <p><b>TITYUS</b>, one of the earth-born giants, had insulted Hera on her + way to Peitho, for which offence Zeus flung him into Tartarus, where he + suffered dreadful torture, inflicted by two vultures, which perpetually + gnawed his liver.</p> + + <p><b>TANTALUS</b> was a wise and wealthy king of Lydia, with whom the + gods themselves condescended to associate; he was even permitted to sit + at table with Zeus, who delighted in his conversation, and listened with + interest to the wisdom of his observations. Tantalus, however, elated at + these distinguished marks of divine favour, presumed upon his position, + and used unbecoming language to Zeus himself; he also stole nectar and + ambrosia from the table of the gods, with which he regaled his friends; + but his greatest crime consisted in killing his own son, <!-- Page 135 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page135"></a>[135]</span>Pelops, and + serving him up at one of the banquets to the gods, in order to test their + omniscience. For these heinous offences he was condemned by Zeus to + eternal punishment in Tartarus, where, tortured with an ever-burning + thirst, he was plunged up to the chin in water, which, as he stooped to + drink, always receded from his parched lips. Tall trees, with spreading + branches laden with delicious fruits, hung temptingly over his head; but + no sooner did he raise himself to grasp them, than a wind arose, and + carried them beyond his reach.</p> + + <p><b>SISYPHUS</b> was a great tyrant who, according to some accounts, + barbarously murdered all travellers who came into his dominions, by + hurling upon them enormous pieces of rock. In punishment for his crimes + he was condemned to roll incessantly a huge block of stone up a steep + hill, which, as soon as it reached the summit, always rolled back again + to the plain below.</p> + + <p><b>IXION</b> was a king of Thessaly to whom Zeus accorded the + privilege of joining the festive banquets of the gods; but, taking + advantage of his exalted position, he presumed to aspire to the favour of + Hera, which so greatly incensed Zeus, that he struck him with his + thunderbolts, and commanded Hermes to throw him into Tartarus, and bind + him to an ever-revolving wheel.</p> + + <p>The <b>DANAÏDES</b> were the fifty daughters of Danaus, king of Argos, + who had married their fifty cousins, the sons of Ægyptus. By the command + of their father, who had been warned by an oracle that his son-in-law + would cause his death, they all killed their husbands in one night, + Hypermnestra alone excepted. Their punishment in the lower world was to + fill with water a vessel full of holes,—a never-ending and useless + task.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0136-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0136-1.png" + alt="Aïdes and Persephone" title="Aïdes and Persephone" /></a> + </div> + <p>Aïdes is usually represented as a man of mature years and stern + majestic mien, bearing a striking resemblance to his brother Zeus; but + the gloomy and inexorable expression of the face contrasts forcibly with + that peculiar benignity which so characterizes the countenance of the + mighty ruler of heaven. He is seated on a throne of ebony, with his + queen, the grave and sad Persephone, <!-- Page 136 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page136"></a>[136]</span>beside him, and wears a + full beard, and long flowing black hair, which hangs straight down over + his forehead; in his hand he either bears a two-pronged fork or the keys + of the lower world, and at his feet sits Cerberus. He is sometimes seen + in a chariot of gold, drawn by four black horses, and wearing on his head + a helmet made for him by the Cyclops, which rendered the wearer + invisible. This helmet he frequently lent to mortals and immortals.</p> + + <p>Aïdes, who was universally worshipped throughout Greece, had temples + erected to his honour in Elis, Olympia, and also at Athens.</p> + + <p>His sacrifices, which took place at night, consisted of black sheep, + and the blood, instead of being sprinkled on the altars or received in + vessels, as at other sacrifices, was permitted to run down into a trench, + dug for this purpose. The officiating priests wore black robes, and were + crowned with cypress.</p> + + <p>The narcissus, maiden-hair, and cypress were sacred to this + divinity.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">PLUTO.</p> + + <p>Before the introduction into Rome of the religion and literature of + Greece, the Romans had no belief in a realm of future happiness or + misery, corresponding to the Greek Hades; hence they had no god of the + lower world identical with Aïdes. They supposed that there was, in the + centre of the earth, a vast, gloomy, and impenetrably dark cavity called + Orcus, which formed a place of eternal rest for the dead. But with the + introduction of Greek mythology, the Roman Orcus became the Greek Hades, + and <!-- Page 137 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page137"></a>[137]</span>all the Greek notions with regard to a + future state now obtained with the Romans, who worshipped Aïdes under the + name of Pluto, his other appellations being Dis (from <i>dives</i>, rich) + and Orcus from the dominions over which he ruled. In Rome there were no + temples erected to this divinity.</p> + +<h3>PLUTUS.</h3> + + <p>Plutus, the son of Demeter and a mortal called Iasion, was the god of + wealth, and is represented as being lame when he makes his appearance, + and winged when he takes his departure. He was supposed to be both blind + and foolish, because he bestows his gifts without discrimination, and + frequently upon the most unworthy objects.</p> + + <p>Plutus was believed to have his abode in the bowels of the earth, + which was probably the reason why, in later times, Aïdes became + confounded with this divinity.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>MINOR DIVINITIES.</h3> + +<h3>THE HARPIES.</h3> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0137-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0137-1.png" + alt="A Harpy" title="A Harpy" /></a> + </div> + <p>The Harpies, who, like the Furies, were employed by the gods as + instruments for the punishment of the guilty, were three female + divinities, daughters of Thaumas and Electra, called Aello, Ocypete, and + Celæno.</p> + + <p>They were represented with the head of a fair-haired maiden and the + body of a vulture, and were perpetually devoured by the pangs of + insatiable hunger, which caused them to torment their victims by robbing + them of their food; this they either devoured with great <!-- Page 138 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page138"></a>[138]</span>gluttony, or + defiled in such a manner as to render it unfit to be eaten.</p> + + <p>Their wonderfully rapid flight far surpassed that of birds, or even of + the winds themselves. If any mortal suddenly and unaccountably + disappeared, the Harpies were believed to have carried him off. Thus they + were supposed to have borne away the daughters of King Pandareos to act + as servants to the Erinyes.</p> + + <p>The Harpies would appear to be personifications of sudden tempests, + which, with ruthless violence, sweep over whole districts, carrying off + or injuring all before them.</p> + +<h3>ERINYES, EUMENIDES (<span class="sc">Furiæ</span>, <span class="sc">Diræ</span>).</h3> + + <p>The Erinyes or Furies were female divinities who personified the + torturing pangs of an evil conscience, and the remorse which inevitably + follows wrong-doing.</p> + + <p>Their names were Alecto, Megæra, and Tisiphone, and their origin was + variously accounted for. According to Hesiod, they sprang from the blood + of Uranus, when wounded by Cronus, and were hence supposed to be the + embodiment of all the terrible imprecations, which the defeated deity + called down upon the head of his rebellious son. According to other + accounts they were the daughters of Night.</p> + + <p>Their place of abode was the lower world, where they were employed by + Aïdes and Persephone to chastise and torment those shades who, during + their earthly career, had committed crimes, and had not been reconciled + to the gods before descending to Hades.</p> + + <p>But their sphere of action was not confined to the realm of shades, + for they appeared upon earth as the avenging deities who relentlessly + pursued and punished murderers, perjurers, those who had failed in duty + to their parents, in hospitality to strangers, or in the respect due to + old age. Nothing escaped the piercing glance of these terrible + divinities, from whom flight was unavailing, for no corner of the earth + was so remote as <!-- Page 139 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page139"></a>[139]</span>to be beyond their reach, nor did any + mortal dare to offer to their victims an asylum from their + persecutions.</p> + + <p>The Furies are frequently represented with wings; their bodies are + black, blood drips from their eyes, and snakes twine in their hair. In + their hands they bear either a dagger, scourge, torch, or serpent.</p> + + <p>When they pursued Orestes they constantly held up a mirror to his + horrified gaze, in which he beheld the face of his murdered mother.</p> + + <p>These divinities were also called Eumenides, which signifies the + "well-meaning" or "soothed goddesses;" This appellation was given to them + because they were so feared and dreaded that people dared not call them + by their proper title, and hoped by this means to propitiate their + wrath.</p> + + <p>In later times the Furies came to be regarded as salutary agencies, + who, by severely punishing sin, upheld the cause of morality and social + order, and thus contributed to the welfare of mankind. They now lose + their awe-inspiring aspect, and are represented, more especially in + Athens, as earnest maidens, dressed, like Artemis, in short tunics + suitable for the chase, but still retaining, in their hands, the wand of + office in the form of a snake.</p> + + <p>Their sacrifices consisted of black sheep and a libation composed of a + mixture of honey and water, called Nephalia. A celebrated temple was + erected to the Eumenides at Athens, near the Areopagus.</p> + +<h3><b>MOIRÆ or FATES</b> (<span class="sc">Parcæ</span>).</h3> + + <p>The ancients believed that the duration of human existence and the + destinies of mortals were regulated by three sister-goddesses, called + Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who were the daughters of Zeus and + Themis.</p> + + <p>The power which they wielded over the fate of man was significantly + indicated under the figure of a thread, which they spun out for the life + of each human being from his birth to the grave. This occupation they + divided between them. Clotho wound the flax round the distaff, <!-- Page + 140 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page140"></a>[140]</span>ready for + her sister Lachesis, who span out the thread of life, which Atropos, with + her scissors, relentlessly snapt asunder, when the career of an + individual was about to terminate.</p> + + <p>Homer speaks of one Moira only, the daughter of Night, who represents + the moral force by which the universe is governed, and to whom both + mortals and immortals were forced to submit, Zeus himself being powerless + to avert her decrees; but in later times this conception of one + inexorable, all-conquering fate became amplified by the poets into that + above described, and the Moiræ are henceforth the special presiding + deities over the life and death of mortals.</p> + + <p>The Moiræ are represented by the poets as stern, inexorable female + divinities, aged, hideous, and also lame, which is evidently meant to + indicate the slow and halting march of destiny, which they controlled. + Painters and sculptors, on the other hand, depicted them as beautiful + maidens of a grave but kindly aspect.</p> + + <p>There is a charming representation of Lachesis, which depicts her in + all the grace of youth and beauty. She is sitting spinning, and at her + feet lie two masks, one comic, the other tragic, as though to convey the + idea, that, to a divinity of fate, the brightest and saddest scenes of + earthly existence are alike indifferent, and that she quietly and + steadily pursues her occupation, regardless of human weal or woe.</p> + + <p>When represented at the feet of Aïdes in the lower world they are clad + in dark robes; but when they appear in Olympus they wear bright garments, + bespangled with stars, and are seated on radiant thrones, with crowns on + their heads.</p> + + <p>It was considered the function of the Moiræ to indicate to the Furies + the precise torture which the wicked should undergo for their crimes.</p> + + <p>They were regarded as prophetic divinities, and had sanctuaries in + many parts of Greece.</p> + + <p>The Moiræ are mentioned as assisting the Charites to conduct + Persephone to the upper world at her periodical <!-- Page 141 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page141"></a>[141]</span>reunion with her mother + Demeter. They also appear in company with Eileithyia, goddess of + birth.</p> + +<h3>NEMESIS.</h3> + + <p>Nemesis, the daughter of Nyx, represents that power which adjusts the + balance of human affairs, by awarding to each individual the fate which + his actions deserve. She rewards, humble, unacknowledged merit, punishes + crime, deprives the worthless of undeserved good fortune, humiliates the + proud and overbearing, and visits all evil on the wrong-doer; thus + maintaining that proper balance of things, which the Greeks recognized as + a necessary condition of all civilized life. But though Nemesis, in her + original character, was the distributor of rewards as well as + punishments, the world was so full of sin, that she found but little + occupation in her first capacity, and hence became finally regarded as + the avenging goddess only.</p> + + <p>We have seen a striking instance of the manner in which this divinity + punishes the proud and arrogant in the history of Niobe. Apollo and + Artemis were merely the instruments for avenging the insult offered to + their mother; but it was Nemesis who prompted the deed, and presided over + its execution.</p> + + <p>Homer makes no mention of Nemesis; it is therefore evident that she + was a conception of later times, when higher views of morality had + obtained among the Greek nation.</p> + + <p>Nemesis is represented as a beautiful woman of thoughtful and benign + aspect and regal bearing; a diadem crowns her majestic brow, and she + bears in her hand a rudder, balance, and cubit;—fitting emblems of + the manner in which she guides, weighs, and measures all human events. + She is also sometimes seen with a wheel, to symbolize the rapidity with + which she executes justice. As the avenger of evil she appears winged, + bearing in her hand either a scourge or a sword, and seated in a chariot + drawn by griffins. <!-- Page 142 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page142"></a>[142]</span></p> + + <p>Nemesis is frequently called Adrastia, and also Rhamnusia, from + Rhamnus in Attica, the chief seat of her worship, which contained a + celebrated statue of the goddess.</p> + + <p>Nemesis was worshipped by the Romans, (who invoked her on the + Capitol), as a divinity who possessed the power of averting the + pernicious consequences of envy.</p> + +<h3>NIGHT AND HER CHILDREN.<br /> +DEATH, SLEEP, AND DREAMS.</h3> + +<h3>NYX (<span class="sc">Nox</span>).</h3> + + <p>Nyx, the daughter of Chaos, being the personification of Night, was, + according to the poetic ideas of the Greeks, considered to be the mother + of everything mysterious and inexplicable, such as death, sleep, dreams, + &c. She became united to Erebus, and their children were Aether and + Hemera (Air and Daylight), evidently a simile of the poets, to indicate + that darkness always precedes light.</p> + + <p>Nyx inhabited a palace in the dark regions of the lower world, and is + represented as a beautiful woman, seated in a chariot, drawn by two black + horses. She is clothed in dark robes, wears a long veil, and is + accompanied by the stars, which follow in her train.</p> + +<h3>THANATOS (<span class="sc">Mors</span>) <b>AND HYPNUS</b> (<span class="sc">Somnus</span>).</h3> + + <p>Thanatos (Death) and his twin-brother Hypnus (Sleep) were the children + of Nyx.</p> + + <p>Their dwelling was in the realm of shades, and when they appear among + mortals, Thanatos is feared and hated as the enemy of mankind, whose hard + heart knows no pity, whilst his brother Hypnus is universally loved and + welcomed as their kindest and most beneficent friend.</p> + + <p>But though the ancients regarded Thanatos as a gloomy and mournful + divinity, they did not represent him with any exterior repulsiveness. On + the contrary, he appears as a beautiful youth, who holds in his hand an + inverted <!-- Page 143 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page143"></a>[143]</span>torch, emblematical of the light of life + being extinguished, whilst his disengaged arm is thrown lovingly round + the shoulder of his brother Hypnus.</p> + + <p>Hypnus is sometimes depicted standing erect with closed eyes; at + others he is in a recumbent position beside his brother Thanatos, and + usually bears a poppy-stalk in his hand.</p> + + <p>A most interesting description of the abode of Hypnus is given by Ovid + in his Metamorphoses. He tells us how the god of Sleep dwelt in a + mountain-cave near the realm of the Cimmerians, which the sun never + pierced with his rays. No sound disturbed the stillness, no song of + birds, not a branch moved, and no human voice broke the profound silence + which reigned everywhere. From the lowermost rocks of the cave issued the + river Lethe, and one might almost have supposed that its course was + arrested, were it not for the low, monotonous hum of the water, which + invited slumber. The entrance was partially hidden by numberless white + and red poppies, which Mother Night had gathered and planted there, and + from the juice of which she extracts drowsiness, which she scatters in + liquid drops all over the earth, as soon as the sun-god has sunk to rest. + In the centre of the cave stands a couch of blackest ebony, with a bed of + down, over which is laid a coverlet of sable hue. Here the god himself + reposes, surrounded by innumerable forms. These are idle dreams, more + numerous than the sands of the sea. Chief among them is Morpheus, that + changeful god, who may assume any shape or form he pleases. Nor can the + god of Sleep resist his own power; for though he may rouse himself for a + while, he soon succumbs to the drowsy influences which surround him.</p> + +<h3>MORPHEUS.</h3> + + <p>Morpheus, the son of Hypnus, was the god of Dreams.</p> + + <p>He is always represented winged, and appears sometimes as a youth, + sometimes as an old man. In his hand he bears a cluster of poppies, and + as he steps with <!-- Page 144 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page144"></a>[144]</span>noiseless footsteps over the earth, he + gently scatters the seeds of this sleep-producing plant over the eyes of + weary mortals.</p> + + <p>Homer describes the House of Dreams as having two gates: one, whence + issue all deceptive and flattering visions, being formed of ivory; the + other, through which proceed those dreams which are fulfilled, of + horn.</p> + +<h3>THE GORGONS.</h3> + + <p>The Gorgons, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, were the three daughters of + Phorcys and Ceto, and were the personification of those benumbing, and, + as it were, petrifying sensations, which result from sudden and extreme + fear.</p> + + <p>They were frightful winged monsters, whose bodies were covered with + scales; hissing, wriggling snakes clustered round their heads instead of + hair; their hands were of brass; their teeth resembled the tusks of a + wild boar; and their whole aspect was so appalling, that they are said to + have turned into stone all who beheld them.</p> + + <p>These terrible sisters were supposed to dwell in that remote and + mysterious region in the far West, beyond the sacred stream of + Oceanus.</p> + + <p>The Gorgons were the servants of Aïdes, who made use of them to + terrify and overawe those shades, doomed to be kept in a constant state + of unrest as a punishment for their misdeeds, whilst the Furies, on their + part, scourged them with their whips and tortured them incessantly.</p> + + <p>The most celebrated of the three sisters was Medusa, who alone was + mortal. She was originally a golden-haired and very beautiful maiden, + who, as a priestess of Athene, was devoted to a life of celibacy; but, + being wooed by Poseidon, whom she loved in return, she forgot her vows, + and became united to him in marriage. For this offence she was punished + by the goddess in a most terrible manner. Each wavy lock of the beautiful + hair which had so charmed her husband, was changed into a <!-- Page 145 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page145"></a>[145]</span>venomous + snake; her once gentle, love-inspiring eyes now became blood-shot, + furious orbs, which excited fear and disgust in the mind of the beholder; + whilst her former roseate hue and milk-white skin assumed a loathsome + greenish tinge. Seeing herself thus transformed into so repulsive an + object, Medusa fled from her home, never to return. Wandering about, + abhorred, dreaded, and shunned by all the world, she now developed into a + character, worthy of her outward appearance. In her despair she fled to + Africa, where, as she passed restlessly from place to place, infant + snakes dropped from her hair, and thus, according to the belief of the + ancients, that country became the hotbed of these venomous reptiles. With + the curse of Athene upon her, she turned into stone whomsoever she gazed + upon, till at last, after a life of nameless misery, deliverance came to + her in the shape of death, at the hands of Perseus.</p> + + <p>It is well to observe that when the Gorgons are spoken of in the + singular, it is Medusa who is alluded to.</p> + + <p>Medusa was the mother of Pegasus and Chrysaor, father of the + three-headed, winged giant Geryones, who was slain by Heracles.</p> + +<h3>GRÆÆ.</h3> + + <p>The Grææ, who acted as servants to their sisters the Gorgons, were + also three in number; their names were Pephredo, Enyo, and Dino.</p> + + <p>In their original conception they were merely personifications of + kindly and venerable old age, possessing all its benevolent attributes + without its natural infirmities. They were old and gray from their birth, + and so they ever remained. In later times, however, they came to be + regarded as misshapen females, decrepid, and hideously ugly, having only + one eye, one tooth, and one gray wig between them, which they lent to + each other, when one of them wished to appear before the world.</p> + + <p>When Perseus entered upon his expedition to slay the Medusa, he + repaired to the abode of the Grææ, in the far <!-- Page 146 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page146"></a>[146]</span>west, to inquire the + way to the Gorgons, and on their refusing to give any information, he + deprived them of their one eye, tooth, and wig, and did not restore them + until he received the necessary directions.</p> + +<h3>SPHINX.</h3> + + <p>The Sphinx was an ancient Egyptian divinity, who personified wisdom, + and the fertility of nature. She is represented as a lion-couchant, with + the head and bust of a woman, and wears a peculiar sort of hood, which + completely envelops her head, and falls down on either side of the + face.</p> + + <p>Transplanted into Greece, this sublime and mysterious Egyptian deity + degenerates into an insignificant, and yet malignant power, and though + she also deals in mysteries, they are, as we shall see, of a totally + different character, and altogether inimical to human life.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0147-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0147-1.png" + alt="The Sphinx" title="The Sphinx" /></a> + </div> + <p>The Sphinx is represented, according to Greek genealogy, as the + offspring of Typhon and Echidna.<a name="NtA_48" + href="#Nt_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> Hera, being upon one occasion + displeased with the Thebans, sent them this awful monster, as a + punishment for their offences. Taking her seat on a rocky eminence near + the city of Thebes, commanding a pass which the Thebans were compelled to + traverse in their usual way of business, she propounded to all comers a + riddle, and if they failed to solve it, she tore them in pieces.</p> + + <p>During the reign of King Creon, so many people had fallen a sacrifice + to this monster, that he determined to use every effort to rid the + country of so terrible a scourge. On consulting the oracle of Delphi, he + was informed that the only way to destroy the Sphinx was to solve one of + her riddles, when she would immediately precipitate herself from the rock + on which she was seated.</p> + + <p>Creon, accordingly, made a public declaration to the effect, that + whoever could give the true interpretation of a riddle propounded by the + monster, should obtain the crown, and the hand of his sister Jocaste. + Œdipus offered <!-- Page 147 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page147"></a>[147]</span>himself as a candidate, and proceeding to + the spot where she kept guard, received from her the following riddle for + solution: "What creature goes in the morning on four legs, at noon on + two, and in the evening on three?" Œdipus replied, that it must be + man, who during his infancy creeps on all fours, in his prime walks erect + on two legs, and when old age has enfeebled his powers, calls a staff to + his assistance, and thus has, as it were, three legs.</p> + + <p>The Sphinx no sooner heard this reply, which was the correct solution + of her riddle, than she flung herself over the precipice, and perished in + the abyss below.</p> + + <p>The Greek Sphinx may be recognized by having wings and by being of + smaller dimensions than the Egyptian Sphinx.</p> + +<h3>TYCHE (<span class="sc">Fortuna</span>) <span class="scac">AND</span> <b>ANANKE</b> (<span class="sc">Necessitas</span>).</h3> + +<p class="cenhead">TYCHE (<span class="sc">Fortuna</span>).</p> + + <p>Tyche personified that peculiar combination of circumstances which we + call luck or fortune, and was considered to be the source of all + unexpected events in human life, whether good or evil. If a person + succeeded in all he undertook without possessing any special merit of his + own, Tyche was supposed to have smiled on his birth. If, on the other + hand, undeserved ill-luck followed him through life, and all his efforts + resulted in failure, it was ascribed to her adverse influence.</p> + + <p>This goddess of Fortune is variously represented. Sometimes she is + depicted bearing in her hand two rudders, with one of which she steers + the bark of the fortunate, and with the other that of the unfortunate + among mortals. In later times she appears blindfolded, and stands on a + ball or wheel, indicative of the fickleness and ever-revolving <!-- Page + 148 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page148"></a>[148]</span>changes of + fortune. She frequently bears the sceptre and cornucopia<a name="NtA_49" + href="#Nt_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> or horn of plenty, and is usually + winged. In her temple at Thebes, she is represented holding the infant + Plutus in her arms, to symbolize her power over riches and + prosperity.</p> + + <p>Tyche was worshipped in various parts of Greece, but more particularly + by the Athenians, who believed in her special predilection for their + city.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">FORTUNA.</p> + + <p>Tyche was worshipped in Rome under the name of Fortuna, and held a + position of much greater importance among the Romans than the Greeks.</p> + + <p>In later times Fortuna is never represented either winged or standing + on a ball; she merely bears the cornucopia. It is evident, therefore, + that she had come to be regarded as the goddess of good luck only, who + brings blessings to man, and not, as with the Greeks, as the + personification of the fluctuations of fortune.</p> + + <p>In addition to Fortuna, the Romans worshipped Felicitas as the giver + of positive good fortune.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">ANANKE (<span class="sc">Necessitas</span>).</p> + + <p>As Ananke, Tyche assumes quite another character, and becomes the + embodiment of those immutable laws of nature, by which certain causes + produce certain inevitable results.</p> + + <p>In a statue of this divinity at Athens she was represented with hands + of bronze, and surrounded with nails and hammers. The hands of bronze + probably indicated the irresistible power of the inevitable, and the + hammer and chains the fetters which she forged for man.</p> + + <p>Ananke was worshipped in Rome under the name of Necessitas.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 149 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page149"></a>[149]</span></p> + +<h3>KER.</h3> + + <p>In addition to the Moiræ, who presided over the life of mortals, there + was another divinity, called Ker, appointed for each human being at the + moment of his birth. The Ker belonging to an individual was believed to + develop with his growth, either for good or evil; and when the ultimate + fate of a mortal was about to be decided, his Ker was weighed in the + balance, and, according to the preponderance of its worth or + worthlessness, life or death was awarded to the human being in question. + It becomes evident, therefore, that according to the belief of the early + Greeks, each individual had it in his power, to a certain extent, to + shorten or prolong his own existence.</p> + + <p>The Keres, who are frequently mentioned by Homer, were the goddesses + who delighted in the slaughter of the battle-field.</p> + +<h3>ATE.</h3> + + <p>Ate, the daughter of Zeus and Eris, was a divinity who delighted in + evil.</p> + + <p>Having instigated Hera to deprive Heracles of his birthright, her + father seized her by the hair of her head, and hurled her from Olympus, + forbidding her, under the most solemn imprecations, ever to return. + Henceforth she wandered among mankind, sowing dissension, working + mischief, and luring men to all actions inimical to their welfare and + happiness. Hence, when a reconciliation took place between friends who + had quarrelled, Ate was blamed as the original cause of disagreement.</p> + +<h3>MOMUS.</h3> + + <p>Momus, the son of Nyx, was the god of raillery and ridicule, who + delighted to criticise, with bitter sarcasm, the actions of gods and men, + and contrived to discover in all things some defect or blemish. Thus when + Prometheus created the first man, Momus considered his work incomplete + because there was no aperture in the breast through which his inmost + thoughts might be read. He <!-- Page 150 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page150"></a>[150]</span>also found fault with a house built by + Athene because, being unprovided with the means of locomotion, it could + never be removed from an unhealthy locality. Aphrodite alone defied his + criticism, for, to his great chagrin, he could find no fault with her + perfect form.<a name="NtA_50" href="#Nt_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a></p> + + <p>In what manner the ancients represented this god is unknown. In modern + art he is depicted like a king's jester, with a fool's cap and bells.</p> + +<h3>EROS (<span class="sc">Cupid</span>, <span class="sc">Amor</span>) <b>AND PSYCHE</b>.</h3> + + <p>According to Hesiod's Theogony, Eros, the divine spirit of Love, + sprang forth from Chaos, while all was still in confusion, and by his + beneficent power reduced to order and harmony the shapeless, conflicting + elements, which, under his influence, began to assume distinct forms. + This ancient Eros is represented as a full-grown and very beautiful + youth, crowned with flowers, and leaning on a shepherd's crook.</p> + + <p>In the course of time, this beautiful conception gradually faded away, + and though occasional mention still continues to be made of the Eros of + Chaos, he is replaced by the son of Aphrodite, the popular, + mischief-loving little god of Love, so familiar to us all.</p> + + <p>In one of the myths concerning Eros, Aphrodite is described as + complaining to Themis, that her son, though so beautiful, did not appear + to increase in stature; whereupon Themis suggested that his small + proportions were probably attributable to the fact of his being always + alone, and advised his mother to let him have a companion. Aphrodite + accordingly gave him, as a playfellow, his younger brother Anteros + (requited love), and soon had the gratification of seeing the little Eros + begin to grow and thrive; but, curious to relate, this desirable result + only continued as long as the brothers remained together, for the moment + they were separated, Eros shrank once more to his original size.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 151 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page151"></a>[151]</span></p> + + <p>By degrees the conception of Eros became multiplied and we hear of + little love-gods (Amors), who appear under the most charming and + diversified forms. These love-gods, who afforded to artists inexhaustible + subjects for the exercise of their imagination, are represented as being + engaged in various occupations, such as hunting, fishing, rowing, driving + chariots, and even busying themselves in mechanical labour.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:12%;"> + <a href="images/0151-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0151-1.png" + alt="Eros and Psyche" title="Eros and Psyche" /></a> + </div> + <p>Perhaps no myth is more charming and interesting than that of Eros and + Psyche, which is as follows:—Psyche, the youngest of three + princesses, was so transcendently beautiful that Aphrodite herself became + jealous of her, and no mortal dared to aspire to the honour of her hand. + As her sisters, who were by no means equal to her in attractions, were + married, and Psyche still remained unwedded, her father consulted the + oracle of Delphi, and, in obedience to the divine response, caused her to + be dressed as though for the grave, and conducted to the edge of a + yawning precipice. No sooner was she alone than she felt herself lifted + up, and wafted away by the gentle west wind Zephyrus, who transported her + to a verdant meadow, in the midst of which stood a stately palace, + surrounded by groves and fountains.</p> + + <p>Here dwelt Eros, the god of Love, in whose arms Zephyrus deposited his + lovely burden. Eros, himself unseen, wooed her in the softest accents of + affection; but warned her, as she valued his love, not to endeavour to + behold his form. For some time Psyche was obedient to the injunction of + her immortal spouse, and made no effort to gratify her natural curiosity; + but, unfortunately, in the midst of her happiness she was seized with an + unconquerable longing for the society of her <!-- Page 152 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page152"></a>[152]</span>sisters, and, in + accordance with her desire, they were conducted by Zephyrus to her + fairy-like abode. Filled with envy at the sight of her felicity, they + poisoned her mind against her husband, and telling her that her unseen + lover was a frightful monster, they gave her a sharp dagger, which they + persuaded her to use for the purpose of delivering herself from his + power.</p> + + <p>After the departure of her sisters, Psyche resolved to take the first + opportunity of following their malicious counsel. She accordingly rose in + the dead of night, and taking a lamp in one hand and a dagger in the + other, stealthily approached the couch where Eros was reposing, when, + instead of the frightful monster she had expected to see, the beauteous + form of the god of Love greeted her view. Overcome with surprise and + admiration, Psyche stooped down to gaze more closely on his lovely + features, when, from the lamp which she held in her trembling hand, there + fell a drop of burning oil upon the shoulder of the sleeping god, who + instantly awoke, and seeing Psyche standing over him with the instrument + of death in her hand, sorrowfully reproached her for her treacherous + designs, and, spreading out his wings, flew away.</p> + + <p>In despair at having lost her lover, the unhappy Psyche endeavoured to + put an end to her existence by throwing herself into the nearest river; + but instead of closing over her, the waters bore her gently to the + opposite bank, where Pan (the god of shepherds) received her, and + consoled her with the hope of becoming eventually reconciled to her + husband.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile her wicked sisters, in expectation of meeting with the same + good fortune which had befallen Psyche, placed themselves on the edge of + the rock, but were both precipitated into the chasm below.</p> + + <p>Psyche herself, filled with a restless yearning for her lost love, + wandered all over the world in search of him. At length she appealed to + Aphrodite to take compassion on her; but the goddess of Beauty, still + jealous of her charms, imposed upon her the hardest tasks, the + accomplishment of which often appeared impossible. In these <!-- Page 153 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page153"></a>[153]</span>she was always + assisted by invisible, beneficent beings, sent to her by Eros, who still + loved her, and continued to watch over her welfare.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0154-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0154-1.png" + alt="Eros" title="Eros" /></a> + </div> + <p>Psyche had to undergo a long and severe penance before she became + worthy to regain the happiness, which she had so foolishly trifled away. + At last Aphrodite commanded her to descend into the under world, and + obtain from Persephone a box containing all the charms of beauty. + Psyche's courage now failed her, for she concluded that death must of + necessity precede her entrance into the realm of shades. About to abandon + herself to despair, she heard a voice which warned her of every danger to + be avoided on her perilous journey, and instructed her with regard to + certain precautions to be observed. These were as follows:—not to + omit to provide herself with the ferryman's toll for Charon, and the cake + to pacify Cerberus, also to refrain from taking any part in the banquets + of Aïdes and Persephone, and, above all things, to bring the box of + beauty charms unopened to Aphrodite. In conclusion, the voice assured + her, that compliance with the above conditions would insure for her a + safe return to the realms of light. But, alas, Psyche, who had implicitly + followed all injunctions, could not withstand the temptation of the last + condition; and, hardly had she quitted the lower world, when, unable to + resist the curiosity which devoured her, she raised the lid of the box + with eager expectation. But, instead of the wondrous charms of beauty + which she expected to behold, there issued from the casket a dense black + vapour, which had the effect of throwing her into a death-like sleep, out + of which Eros, who had long hovered round her unseen, at length awoke her + with the point of one of his golden arrows. He gently reproached her with + this second proof of her curiosity and folly, and then, having persuaded + Aphrodite to be reconciled to his beloved, he induced Zeus to admit her + among the immortal gods.</p> + + <p>Their reunion was celebrated amidst the rejoicings of all the Olympian + deities. The Graces shed perfume on <!-- Page 154 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page154"></a>[154]</span>their path, the Hours + sprinkled roses over the sky, Apollo added the music of his lyre, and the + Muses united their voices in a glad chorus of delight.</p> + + <p>This myth would appear to be an allegory, which signifies that the + soul, before it can be reunited to its original divine essence, must be + purified by the chastening sorrows and sufferings of its earthly + career.<a name="NtA_51" href="#Nt_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a></p> + + <p>Eros is represented as a lovely boy, with rounded limbs, and a merry, + roguish expression. He has golden wings, and a quiver slung over his + shoulder, which contained his magical and unerring arrows; in one hand he + bears his golden bow, and in the other a torch.</p> + + <p>He is also frequently depicted riding on a lion, dolphin, or eagle, or + seated in a chariot drawn by stags or wild boars, undoubtedly + emblematical of the power of love as the subduer of all nature, even of + the wild animals.</p> + + <p>In Rome, Eros was worshipped under the name of Amor or Cupid.</p> + +<h3>HYMEN.</h3> + + <p>Hymen or Hymenæus, the son of Apollo and the muse Urania, was the god + who presided over marriage and nuptial solemnities, and was hence invoked + at all marriage festivities.</p> + + <p>There is a myth concerning this divinity, which tells us that Hymen + was a beautiful youth of very poor parents, who fell in love with a + wealthy maiden, so far above him in rank, that he dared not cherish the + hope of ever becoming united to her. Still he missed no opportunity of + seeing her, and, upon one occasion, disguised himself as <!-- Page 155 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page155"></a>[155]</span>a girl, and + joined a troop of maidens, who, in company with his beloved, were + proceeding from Athens to Eleusis, in order to attend a festival of + Demeter. On their way thither they were surprised by pirates, who carried + them off to a desert island, where the ruffians, after drinking deeply, + fell into a heavy sleep. Hymen, seizing the opportunity, slew them all, + and then set sail for Athens, where he found the parents of the maidens + in the greatest distress at their unaccountable disappearance. He + comforted them with the assurance that their children should be restored + to them, provided they would promise to give him in marriage the maiden + he loved. The condition being gladly complied with, he at once returned + to the island, and brought back the maidens in safety to Athens, + whereupon he became united to the object of his love; and their union + proved so remarkably happy, that henceforth the name of Hymen became + synonymous with conjugal felicity.</p> + +<h3>IRIS (<span class="sc">The Rainbow</span>).</h3> + + <p>Iris, the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, personified the rainbow, + and was the special attendant and messenger of the queen of heaven, whose + commands she executed with singular tact, intelligence, and + swiftness.</p> + + <p>Most primitive nations have regarded the rainbow as a bridge of + communication between heaven and earth, and this is doubtless the reason + why Iris, who represented that beautiful phenomenon of nature, should + have been invested by the Greeks with the office of communicating between + gods and men.</p> + + <p>Iris is usually represented seated behind the chariot of Hera, ready + to do the bidding of her royal mistress. She appears under the form of a + slender maiden of great beauty, robed in an airy fabric of variegated + hues, resembling mother-of-pearl; her sandals are bright as burnished + silver, she has golden wings, and wherever she appears, a radiance of + light, and a sweet odour, as of delicate spring flowers, pervades the + air. <!-- Page 156 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page156"></a>[156]</span></p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0156-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0156-1.png" + alt="Hebe" title="Hebe" /></a> + </div> +<h3>HEBE (<span class="sc">Juventas</span>).</h3> + + <p>Hebe was the personification of eternal youth under its most + attractive and joyous aspect.</p> + + <p>She was the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and though of such + distinguished rank, is nevertheless represented as cup-bearer to the + gods; a forcible exemplification of the old patriarchal custom, in + accordance with which the daughters of the house, even when of the + highest lineage, personally assisted in serving the guests.</p> + + <p>Hebe is represented as a comely, modest maiden, small, of a + beautifully rounded contour, with nut-brown tresses and sparkling eyes. + She is often depicted pouring out nectar from an upraised vessel, or + bearing in her hand a shallow dish, supposed to contain ambrosia, the + ever youth-renewing food of the immortals.</p> + + <p>In consequence of an act of awkwardness, which caused her to slip + while serving the gods, Hebe was deprived of her office, which was + henceforth delegated to Ganymedes, son of Tros.</p> + + <p>Hebe afterwards became the bride of Heracles, when, after his + apotheosis, he was received among the immortals.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">JUVENTAS.</p> + + <p>Juventas was the Roman divinity identified with Hebe, whose + attributes, however, were regarded by the Romans as applying more + particularly to the imperishable vigour and immortal glory of the + state.</p> + + <p>In Rome, several temples were erected in honour of this goddess. <!-- + Page 157 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page157"></a>[157]</span></p> + +<h3>GANYMEDES.</h3> + + <p>Ganymedes, the youngest son of Tros, king of Troy, was one day drawing + water from a well on Mount Ida, when he was observed by Zeus, who, struck + with his wonderful beauty, sent his eagle to transport him to Olympus, + where he was endowed with immortality, and appointed cup-bearer to the + gods.</p> + + <p>Ganymedes is represented as a youth of exquisite beauty, with short + golden locks, delicately chiselled features, beaming blue eyes, and + pouting lips.</p> + +<h3>THE MUSES.</h3> + + <p>Of all the Olympic deities, none occupy a more distinguished position + than the Muses, the nine beautiful daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne.</p> + + <p>In their original signification, they presided merely over music, + song, and dance; but with the progress of civilization the arts and + sciences claimed their special presiding divinities, and we see these + graceful creations, in later times, sharing among them various functions, + such as poetry, astronomy, &c.</p> + + <p>The Muses were honoured alike by mortals and immortals. In Olympus, + where Apollo acted as their leader, no banquet or festivity was + considered complete without their joy-inspiring presence, and on earth no + social gathering was celebrated without libations being poured out to + them; nor was any task involving intellectual effort ever undertaken, + without earnestly supplicating their assistance. They endowed their + chosen favourites with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; they + bestowed upon the orator the gift of eloquence, inspired the poet with + his noblest thoughts, and the musician with his sweetest harmonies.</p> + + <p>Like so many of the Greek divinities, however, the refined conception + of the Muses is somewhat marred by the acerbity with which they punished + any effort on the part <!-- Page 158 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page158"></a>[158]</span>of mortals to rival them in their divine + powers. An instance of this is seen in the case of Thamyris, a Thracian + bard, who presumed to invite them to a trial of skill in music. Having + vanquished him, they not only afflicted him with blindness, but deprived + him also of the power of song.</p> + + <p>Another example of the manner in which the gods punished presumption + and vanity is seen in the story of the daughters of King Pierus. Proud of + the perfection to which they had brought their skill in music, they + presumed to challenge the Muses themselves in the art over which they + specially presided. The contest took place on Mount Helicon, and it is + said that when the mortal maidens commenced their song, the sky became + dark and misty, whereas when the Muses raised their heavenly voices, all + nature seemed to rejoice, and Mount Helicon itself moved with exultation. + The Pierides were signally defeated, and were transformed by the Muses + into singing birds, as a punishment for having dared to challenge + comparison with the immortals.</p> + + <p>Undeterred by the above example, the Sirens also entered into a + similar contest. The songs of the Muses were loyal and true, whilst those + of the Sirens were the false and deceptive strains with which so many + unfortunate mariners had been lured to their death. The Sirens were + defeated by the Muses, and as a mark of humiliation, were deprived of the + feathers with which their bodies were adorned.</p> + + <p>The oldest seat of the worship of the Muses was Pieria in Thrace, + where they were supposed to have first seen the light of day. Pieria is a + district on one of the sloping declivities of Mount Olympus, whence a + number of rivulets, as they flow towards the plains beneath, produce + those sweet, soothing sounds, which may possibly have suggested this spot + as a fitting home for the presiding divinities of song.</p> + + <p>They dwelt on the summits of Mounts Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus, + and loved to haunt the springs and fountains which gushed forth amidst + these rocky <!-- Page 159 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page159"></a>[159]</span>heights, all of which were sacred to them + and to poetic inspiration. Aganippe and Hippocrene on Mount Helicon, and + the Castalian spring on Mount Parnassus, were sacred to the Muses. The + latter flowed between two lofty rocks above the city of Delphi, and in + ancient times its waters were introduced into a square stone basin, where + they were retained for the use of the Pythia and the priests of + Apollo.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0159-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0159-1.png" + alt="Calliope" title="Calliope" /></a> + <span class="sc">Calliope.</span> + </div> + <p>The libations to these divinities consisted of water, milk, and honey, + but never of wine.</p> + + <p>Their names and functions are as follows:—</p> + + <p><b>CALLIOPE</b>, the most honoured of the Muses, presided over heroic + song and epic poetry, and is represented with a pencil in her hand, and a + slate upon her knee.</p> + + <p><b>CLIO</b>, the muse of History, holds in her hand a roll of + parchment, and wears a wreath of laurel.</p> + + <p><b>MELPOMENE</b>, the muse of Tragedy, bears a tragic mask.</p> + + <p><b>THALIA</b>, the muse of Comedy, carries in her right hand a + shepherd's crook, and has a comic mask beside her.</p> + + <p><b>POLYHYMNIA</b>, the muse of Sacred Hymns, is crowned with a wreath + of laurel. She is always represented in a thoughtful attitude, and + entirely enveloped in rich folds of drapery.</p> + + <p><b>TERPSICHORE</b>, the muse of Dance and Roundelay, is represented in + the act of playing on a seven-stringed lyre.</p> + + <p><b>URANIA</b>, the muse of Astronomy, stands erect, and bears in her + left hand a celestial globe.</p> + + <p><b>EUTERPE</b>, the muse of Harmony, is represented bearing a musical + instrument, usually a flute.</p> + + <p><b>ERATO</b>, the muse of Love and hymeneal songs, wears a wreath of + laurel, and is striking the chords of a lyre. <!-- Page 160 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page160"></a>[160]</span></p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:19%;"> + <a href="images/0160-4.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0160-4.png" + alt="Erato" title="Erato" /></a> + <span class="sc">Erato.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:19%;"> + <a href="images/0160-3.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0160-3.png" + alt="Euterpe" title="Euterpe" /></a> + <span class="sc">Euterpe.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:21%;"> + <a href="images/0160-2.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0160-2.png" + alt="Terpsichore" title="Terpsichore" /></a> + <span class="sc">Terpsichore.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:21%;"> + <a href="images/0160-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0160-1.png" + alt="Clio" title="Clio" /></a> + <span class="sc">Clio.</span> + </div> + <p><br style="clear : both" /></p> + <p>With regard to the origin of the Muses, it is said that they were + created by Zeus in answer to a request on the part of the victorious + deities, after the war with the <!-- Page 161 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page161"></a>[161]</span>Titans, that some special divinities + should be called into existence, in order to commemorate in song the + glorious deeds of the Olympian gods.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:21%;"> + <a href="images/0161-4.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0161-4.png" + alt="Polyhymnia" title="Polyhymnia" /></a> + <span class="sc">Polyhymnia.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:21%;"> + <a href="images/0161-3.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0161-3.png" + alt="Thalia" title="Thalia" /></a> + <span class="sc">Thalia.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:19%;"> + <a href="images/0161-2.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0161-2.png" + alt="Melpomene" title="Melpomene" /></a> + <span class="sc">Melpomene.</span> + </div> + <div class="figright" style="width:19%;"> + <a href="images/0161-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0161-1.png" + alt="Clio" title="Clio" /></a> + <span class="sc">Urania.</span> + </div> + <p><br style="clear : both" /></p> +<p><!-- Page 162 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page162"></a>[162]</span></p> + +<h3>PEGASUS.</h3> + + <p>Pegasus was a beautiful winged horse who sprang from the body of + Medusa when she was slain by the hero Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danaë. + Spreading out his wings he immediately flew to the top of Mount Olympus, + where he was received with delight and admiration by all the immortals. A + place in his palace was assigned to him by Zeus, who employed him to + carry his thunder and lightning. Pegasus permitted none but the gods to + mount him, except in the case of Bellerophon, whom, at the command of + Athene, he carried aloft, in order that he might slay the Chimæra with + his arrows.</p> + + <p>The later poets represent Pegasus as being at the service of the + Muses, and for this reason he is more celebrated in modern times than in + antiquity. He would appear to represent that poetical inspiration, which + tends to develop man's higher nature, and causes the mind to soar + heavenwards. The only mention by the ancients of Pegasus in connection + with the Muses, is the story of his having produced with his hoofs, the + famous fountain Hippocrene.</p> + + <p>It is said that during their contest with the Pierides, the Muses + played and sang on the summit of Mount Helicon with such extraordinary + power and sweetness, that heaven and earth stood still to listen, whilst + the mountain raised itself in joyous ecstasy towards the abode of the + celestial gods. Poseidon, seeing his special function thus interfered + with, sent Pegasus to check the boldness of the mountain, in daring to + move without his permission. When Pegasus reached the summit, he stamped + the ground with his hoofs, and out gushed the waters of Hippocrene, + afterwards so renowned as the sacred fount, whence the Muses quaffed + their richest draughts of inspiration.</p> + +<h3>THE HESPERIDES.</h3> + + <p>The Hesperides, the daughters of Atlas, dwelt in an island in the far + west, whence they derived their name. <!-- Page 163 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page163"></a>[163]</span></p> + + <p>They were appointed by Hera to act as guardians to a tree bearing + golden apples, which had been presented to her by Gæa on the occasion of + her marriage with Zeus.</p> + + <p>It is said that the Hesperides, being unable to withstand the + temptation of tasting the golden fruit confided to their care, were + deprived of their office, which was henceforth delegated to the terrible + dragon Ladon, who now became the ever-watchful sentinel of these precious + treasures.</p> + + <p>The names of the Hesperides were Aegle, Arethusa, and Hesperia.</p> + +<h3>CHARITES (<span class="sc">Gratiæ</span>) <b>GRACES.</b></h3> + + <p>All those gentler attributes which beautify and refine human existence + were personified by the Greeks under the form of three lovely sisters, + Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and Thalia, the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome (or, + according to later writers, of Dionysus and Aphrodite).</p> + + <p>They are represented as beautiful, slender maidens in the full bloom + of youth, with hands and arms lovingly intertwined, and are either + undraped, or wear a fleecy, transparent garment of an ethereal + fabric.</p> + + <p>They portray every gentle emotion of the heart, which vents itself in + friendship and benevolence, and were believed to preside over those + qualities which constitute grace, modesty, unconscious beauty, + gentleness, kindliness, innocent joy, purity of mind and body, and + eternal youth.</p> + + <p>They not only possessed the most perfect beauty themselves, but also + conferred this gift upon others. All the enjoyments of life were enhanced + by their presence, and were deemed incomplete without them; and wherever + joy or pleasure, grace and gaiety reigned, there they were supposed to be + present.</p> + + <p>Temples and altars were everywhere erected in their honour, and people + of all ages and of every rank in life entreated their favour. Incense was + burnt daily upon their altars, and at every banquet they were invoked, + <!-- Page 164 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page164"></a>[164]</span>and a libation poured out to them, as they + not only heightened all enjoyment, but also by their refining influence + moderated the exciting effects of wine.</p> + + <p>Music, eloquence, poetry, and art, though the direct work of the + Muses, received at the hands of the Graces an additional touch of + refinement and beauty; for which reason they are always regarded as the + friends of the Muses, with whom they lived on Mount Olympus.</p> + + <p>Their special function was to act, in conjunction with the Seasons, as + attendants upon Aphrodite, whom they adorned with wreaths of flowers, and + she emerges from their hands like the Queen of Spring, perfumed with the + odour of roses and violets, and all sweet-scented blossoms.</p> + + <p>The Graces are frequently seen in attendance on other divinities; thus + they carry music for Apollo, myrtles for Aphrodite, &c., and + frequently accompany the Muses, Eros, or Dionysus.</p> + +<h3>HORÆ (<span class="sc">Seasons</span>).</h3> + + <p>Closely allied to the Graces were the Horæ, or Seasons, who were also + represented as three beautiful maidens, daughters of Zeus and Themis. + Their names were Eunomia, Dice, and Irene.</p> + + <p>It may appear strange that these divinities, presiding over the + seasons, should be but three in number, but this is quite in accordance + with the notions of the ancient Greeks, who only recognized spring, + summer, and autumn as seasons; nature being supposed to be wrapt in death + or slumber, during that cheerless and unproductive portion of the year + which we call winter. In some parts of Greece there were but two Horæ, + Thallo, goddess of the bloom, and Carpo, of the corn and fruit-bearing + season.</p> + + <p>The Horæ are always regarded as friendly towards mankind, and totally + devoid of guile or subtlety; they are represented as joyous, but gentle + maidens, crowned with flowers, and holding each other by the hand in a + round dance. When they are depicted separately as personifications of the + different seasons, the Hora <!-- Page 165 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page165"></a>[165]</span>representing spring appears laden with + flowers, that of summer bears a sheaf of corn, whilst the personification + of autumn has her hands filled with clusters of grapes and other fruits. + They also appear in company with the Graces in the train of Aphrodite, + and are seen with Apollo and the Muses.</p> + + <p>They are inseparably connected with all that is good and beautiful in + nature, and as the regular alternation of the seasons, like all her other + operations, demands the most perfect order and regularity, the Horæ, + being the daughters of Themis, came to be regarded as the representatives + of order, and the just administration of human affairs in civilized + communities. Each of these graceful maidens took upon herself a separate + function: Eunomia presided more especially over state life, Dice guarded + the interests of individuals, whilst Irene, the gayest and brightest of + the three sisters, was the light-hearted companion of Dionysus.</p> + + <p>The Horæ were also the deities of the fast-fleeting hours, and thus + presided over the smaller, as well as the larger divisions of time. In + this capacity they assist every morning in yoking the celestial horses to + the glorious chariot of the sun, which they again help to unyoke when he + sinks to rest.</p> + + <p>In their original conception they were personifications of the clouds, + and are described as opening and closing the gates of heaven, and causing + fruits and flowers to spring forth, when they pour down upon them their + refreshing and life-giving streams.</p> + +<h3>THE NYMPHS.</h3> + + <p>The graceful beings called the Nymphs were the presiding deities of + the woods, grottoes, streams, meadows, &c.</p> + + <p>These divinities were supposed to be beautiful maidens of fairy-like + form, and robed in more or less shadowy garments. They were held in the + greatest veneration, though, being minor divinities, they had no temples + <!-- Page 166 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page166"></a>[166]</span>dedicated to them, but were worshipped in + caves or grottoes, with libations of milk, honey, oil, &c.</p> + + <p>They may be divided into three distinct classes, viz., water, + mountain, and tree or wood nymphs.</p> + +<h3>WATER NYMPHS.</h3> + +<p class="cenhead"><b>OCEANIDES, NEREIDES, AND NAIADES.</b></p> + + <p>The worship of water-deities is common to most primitive nations. The + streams, springs, and fountains of a country bear the same relation to it + which the blood, coursing through the numberless arteries of a human + being, bears to the body; both represent the living, moving, + life-awakening element, without which existence would be impossible. + Hence we find among most nations a deep feeling of attachment to the + streams and waters of their native land, the remembrance of which, when + absent in foreign climes, is always treasured with peculiar fondness. + Thus among the early Greeks, each tribe came to regard the rivers and + springs of its individual state as beneficent powers, which brought + blessing and prosperity to the country. It is probable also that the + charm which ever accompanies the sound of running water exercised its + power over their imagination. They heard with delight the gentle whisper + of the fountain, lulling the senses with its low, rippling tones; the + soft purling of the brook as it rushes over the pebbles, or the mighty + voice of the waterfall as it dashes on in its headlong course; and the + beings which they pictured to themselves as presiding over all these + charming sights and sounds of nature, corresponded, in their graceful + appearance, with the scenes with which they were associated.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><b>OCEANIDES.</b></p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Oceanides</span>, or Ocean Nymphs, were the + daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, and, like most sea divinities, were + endowed with the gift of prophecy.</p> + + <p>They are personifications of those delicate vapour-like <!-- Page 167 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page167"></a>[167]</span>exhalations, + which, in warm climates, are emitted from the surface of the sea, more + especially at sunset, and are impelled forwards by the evening breeze. + They are accordingly represented as misty, shadowy beings, with graceful + swaying forms, and robed in pale blue, gauze-like fabrics.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><b>THE NEREIDES.</b></p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Nereides</span> were the daughters of Nereus and + Doris, and were nymphs of the Mediterranean Sea.</p> + + <p>They are similar in appearance to the Oceanides, but their beauty is + of a less shadowy order, and is more like that of mortals. They wear a + flowing, pale green robe; their liquid eyes resemble, in their clear + depths, the lucid waters of the sea they inhabit; their hair floats + carelessly over their shoulders, and assumes the greenish tint of the + water itself, which, far from deteriorating from their beauty, greatly + adds to its effect. The Nereides either accompany the chariot of the + mighty ruler of the sea, or follow in his train.</p> + + <p>We are told by the poets that the lonely mariner watches the Nereides + with silent awe and wondering delight, as they rise from their + grotto-palaces in the deep, and dance, in joyful groups, over the + sleeping waves. Some, with arms entwined, follow with their movements the + melodies which seem to hover over the sea, whilst others scatter liquid + gems around, these being emblematical of the phosphorescent light, so + frequently observed at night by the traveller in southern waters.</p> + + <p>The best known of the Nereides were Thetis, the wife of Peleus, + Amphitrite, the spouse of Poseidon, and Galatea, the beloved of Acis.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><b>THE NAIADES.</b></p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Naiades</span> were the nymphs of fresh-water + springs, lakes, brooks, rivers, &c.</p> + + <p>As the trees, plants, and flowers owed their nourishment to their + genial, fostering care, these divinities were <!-- Page 168 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page168"></a>[168]</span>regarded by the Greeks + as special benefactors to mankind. Like all the nymphs, they possessed + the gift of prophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains + over which they presided were believed to inspire mortals who drank of + their waters with the power of foretelling future events. The Naiades are + intimately connected in idea with those flowers which are called after + them Nymphæ, or water-lilies, whose broad, green leaves and yellow cups + float upon the surface of the water, as though proudly conscious of their + own grace and beauty.</p> + + <p>We often hear of the Naiades forming alliances with mortals, and also + of their being wooed by the sylvan deities of the woods and dales.</p> + +<h3>DRYADES, OR TREE NYMPHS.</h3> + + <p>The tree nymphs partook of the distinguishing characteristics of the + particular tree to whose life they were wedded, and were known + collectively by the name of the Dryades.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Hamadryades</span>, or oak nymphs, represent in + their peculiar individuality the quiet, self-reliant power which appears + to belong essentially to the grand and lordly king of the forest.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Birch Nymph</span> is a melancholy maiden with + floating hair, resembling the branches of the pale and fragile-looking + tree which she inhabits.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Beech Nymph</span> is strong and sturdy, full of + life and joyousness, and appears to give promise of faithful love and + undisturbed repose, whilst her rosy cheeks, deep brown eyes, and graceful + form bespeak health, vigour, and vitality.</p> + + <p>The nymph of the <span class="sc">Linden Tree</span> is represented as + a little coy maiden, whose short silver-gray dress reaches a little below + the knee, and displays to advantage her delicately formed limbs. The + sweet face, which is partly averted, reveals a pair of large blue eyes, + which appear to look at you with wondering surprise and shy mistrust; + <!-- Page 169 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page169"></a>[169]</span>her pale, golden hair is bound by the + faintest streak of rose-coloured ribbon.</p> + + <p>The tree nymph, being wedded to the life of the tree she inhabited, + ceased to exist when it was either felled, or so injured as to wither + away and die.</p> + +<h3>NYMPHS OF THE VALLEYS AND MOUNTAINS.</h3> + +<p class="cenhead"><b>NAPÆÆ AND OREADES.</b></p> + + <p>The Napææ were the kind and gentle nymphs of the valleys and glens who + appear in the train of Artemis. They are represented as lovely maidens + with short tunics, which, reaching only to the knee, do not impede their + swift and graceful movements in the exercise of the chase. Their pale + brown tresses are fastened in a knot at the back of the head, whence a + few stray curls escape over their shoulders. The Napææ are shy as the + fawns, and quite as frolicsome.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Oreades</span>, or mountain nymphs, who are the + principal and constant companions of Artemis, are tall, graceful maidens, + attired as huntresses. They are ardent followers of the chase, and spare + neither the gentle deer nor the timid hare, nor indeed any animal they + meet with in their rapid course. Wherever their wild hunt goes the shy + Napææ are represented as hiding behind the leaves, whilst their + favourites, the fawns, kneel tremblingly beside them, looking up + beseechingly for protection from the wild huntresses; and even the bold + Satyrs dart away at their approach, and seek safety in flight.</p> + + <p>There is a myth connected with one of these mountain nymphs, the + unfortunate Echo. She became enamoured of a beautiful youth named + Narcissus, son of the river-god Cephissus, who, however, failed to return + her love, which so grieved her that she gradually pined away, becoming a + mere shadow of her former self, till, at length, nothing remained of her + except her voice, which henceforth gave back, with unerring fidelity, + every sound that was uttered in the hills and dales. Narcissus himself + <!-- Page 170 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page170"></a>[170]</span>also met with an unhappy fate, for + Aphrodite punished him by causing him to fall in love with his own image, + which he beheld in a neighbouring fountain, whereupon, consumed with + unrequited love, he wasted away, and was changed into the flower which + bears his name.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Limoniades</span>, or meadow nymphs, resemble the + Naiades, and are usually represented dancing hand in hand in a + circle.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Hyades</span>, who in appearance are somewhat + similar to the Oceanides, are cloudy divinities, and, from the fact of + their being invariably accompanied by rain, are represented as + incessantly weeping.</p> + + <p>The <span class="sc">Meliades</span> were the nymphs who presided over + fruit-trees.</p> + + <p>Before concluding this subject, attention should be drawn to the fact + that, in more modern times, this beautiful idea of animating all nature + in detail reappears under the various local traditions extant in + different countries. Thus do the Oceanides and Nereides live again in the + mermaids, whose existence is still believed in by mariners, whilst the + flower and meadow nymphs assume the shape of those tiny elves and + fairies, who were formerly believed to hold their midnight revels in + every wood and on every common; indeed, even at the present day, the + Irish peasantry, especially in the west, firmly believe in the existence + of the fairies, or "good people," as they are called.</p> + +<h3>THE WINDS.</h3> + + <p>According to the oldest accounts, Æolus was a king 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 freed at his pleasure, or at the command + of the gods.</p> + + <p>In later times the above belief underwent a change, and the winds came + to be regarded as distinct divinities, whose aspect accorded with the + respective winds with which they were identified. They were depicted as + <!-- Page 171 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page171"></a>[171]</span>winged youths in full vigour in the act of + flying through the air.</p> + + <p>The principal winds were: Boreas (the north wind), Eurus (the east + wind), Zephyrus (the west wind), and Notus (the south wind), who were + said to be the children of Eos and Astræus.</p> + + <p>There are no myths of interest connected with these divinities. + Zephyrus was united to Chloris (Flora), the goddess of flowers. Of Boreas + it is related that while flying over the river Ilissus, he beheld on the + banks Oreithyia, the charming daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, + whom he carried off to his native Thrace, and there made her his bride. + Boreas and Oreithyia were the parents of Zetes and Calais, afterwards + famous in the expedition of the Argonauts.</p> + + <p>There was an altar erected at Athens in honour of Boreas, in + commemoration of his having destroyed the Persian fleet sent to attack + the Greeks.</p> + + <p>On the Acropolis at Athens there was a celebrated octagonal temple, + built by Pericles, which was dedicated to the winds, and on its sides + were their various representations. The ruins of this temple are still to + be seen.</p> + +<h3>PAN (<span class="sc">Faunus</span>).</h3> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0171-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0171-1.png" + alt="Pan and Syrinx" title="Pan and Syrinx" /></a> + </div> + <p>Pan was the god of fertility, and the special patron of shepherds and + huntsmen; he presided over all rural occupations, was chief of the + Satyrs, and head of all rural divinities.</p> + + <p>According to the common belief, he was the son of Hermes and a wood + nymph, and came into the world with horns sprouting from his forehead, a + goat's beard and a crooked nose, pointed ears, and the tail and feet of a + goat, and presented altogether so repulsive <!-- Page 172 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page172"></a>[172]</span>an appearance that, at + the sight of him, his mother fled in dismay.</p> + + <p>Hermes, however, took up his curious little offspring, wrapt him in a + hare skin, and carried him in his arms to Olympus. The grotesque form and + merry antics of the little stranger made him a great favourite with all + the immortals, especially Dionysus; and they bestowed upon him the name + of Pan (all), because he had delighted them <i>all</i>.</p> + + <p>His favourite haunts were grottoes, and his delight was to wander in + uncontrolled freedom over rocks and mountains, following his various + pursuits, ever cheerful, and usually very noisy. He was a great lover of + music, singing, dancing, and all pursuits which enhance the pleasures of + life; and hence, in spite of his repulsive appearance, we see him + surrounded with nymphs of the forests and dales, who love to dance round + him to the cheerful music of his pipe, the syrinx. The myth concerning + the origin of Pan's pipe is as follows:—Pan became enamoured of a + beautiful nymph, called Syrinx, who, appalled at his terrible appearance, + fled from the pertinacious attentions of her unwelcome suitor. He pursued + her to the banks of the river Ladon, when, seeing his near approach, and + feeling escape impossible, she called on the gods for assistance, who, in + answer to her prayer, transformed her into a reed, just as Pan was about + to seize her. Whilst the love-sick Pan was sighing and lamenting his + unfortunate fate, the winds gently swayed the reeds, and produced a + murmuring sound as of one complaining. Charmed with the soothing tones, + he endeavoured to reproduce them himself, and after cutting seven of the + reeds of unequal length, he joined them together, and succeeded in + producing the pipe, which he called the syrinx, in memory of his lost + love.</p> + + <p>Pan was regarded by shepherds as their most valiant protector, who + defended their flocks from the attacks of wolves. The shepherds of these + early times, having no penfolds, were in the habit of gathering together + their flocks in mountain caves, to protect them against the <!-- Page 173 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page173"></a>[173]</span>inclemency of + the weather, and also to secure them at night against the attacks of wild + animals; these caves, therefore, which were very numerous in the mountain + districts of Arcadia, Bœotia, &c., were all consecrated to + Pan.</p> + + <p>As it is customary in all tropical climates to repose during the heat + of the day, Pan is represented as greatly enjoying his afternoon sleep in + the cool shelter of a tree or cave, and also as being highly displeased + at any sound which disturbed his slumbers, for which reason the shepherds + were always particularly careful to keep unbroken silence during these + hours, whilst they themselves indulged in a quiet siesta.</p> + + <p>Pan was equally beloved by huntsmen, being himself a great lover of + the woods, which afforded to his cheerful and active disposition full + scope, and in which he loved to range at will. He was regarded as the + patron of the chase, and the rural sportsmen, returning from an + unsuccessful day's sport, beat, in token of their displeasure, the wooden + image of Pan, which always occupied a prominent place in their + dwellings.</p> + + <p>All sudden and unaccountable sounds which startle travellers in lonely + spots, were attributed to Pan, who possessed a frightful and most + discordant voice; hence the term <i>pan</i>ic terror, to indicate sudden + fear. The Athenians ascribed their victory at Marathon to the alarm which + he created among the Persians by his terrible voice.</p> + + <p>Pan was gifted with the power of prophecy, which he is said to have + imparted to Apollo, and he possessed a well-known and very ancient oracle + in Arcadia, in which state he was more especially worshipped.</p> + + <p>The artists of later times have somewhat toned down the original very + unattractive conception of Pan, as above described, and merely represent + him as a young man, hardened by the exposure to all weathers which a + rural life involves, and bearing in his hand the shepherd's crook and + syrinx—these being his usual attributes—whilst small horns + project from his forehead. He is either undraped, or wears merely the + light cloak called the chlamys.</p> + + <p>The usual offerings to Pan were milk and honey in <!-- Page 174 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page174"></a>[174]</span>shepherds' + bowls. Cows, lambs, and rams were also sacrificed to him.</p> + + <p>After the introduction of Pan into the worship of Dionysus, we hear of + a number of little Pans (Panisci), who are sometimes confounded with the + Satyrs.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">FAUNUS.</p> + + <p>The Romans had an old Italian divinity called Faunus, who, as the god + of shepherds, was identified with the Greek Pan, and represented in a + similar manner.</p> + + <p>Faunus is frequently called Inuus or the fertilizer, and Lupercus or + the one who wards off wolves. Like Pan, he possessed the gift of + prophecy, and was the presiding spirit of the woods and fields; he also + shared with his Greek prototype the faculty of alarming travellers in + solitary places. Bad dreams and evil apparitions were attributed to + Faunus, and he was believed to enter houses stealthily at night for this + purpose.</p> + + <p>Fauna was the wife of Faunus, and participated in his functions.</p> + +<h3>THE SATYRS.</h3> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0175-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0175-1.png" + alt="A Satyr" title="A Satyr" /></a> + </div> + <p>The Satyrs were a race of woodland spirits, who evidently personified + the free, wild, and untrammelled life of the forest. Their appearance was + both grotesque and repulsive; they had flat broad noses, pointed ears, + and little horns sprouting from their foreheads, a rough shaggy skin, and + small goat's tails. They led a life of pleasure and self-indulgence, + followed the chase, revelled in every description of wild music and + dancing, were terrible wine-bibbers, and addicted to the deep slumbers + which follow heavy potations. They were no less dreaded by mortals than + by the gentle woodland nymphs, who always avoided their coarse rough + sports.</p> + + <p>The Satyrs were conspicuous figures in the train of Dionysus, and, as + we have seen, Silenus their chief was tutor to the wine god. The older + Satyrs were called Silens, and are represented in antique sculpture, as + more nearly approaching the human form.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 175 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page175"></a>[175]</span></p> + + <p>In addition to the ordinary Satyrs, artists delighted in depicting + little Satyrs, young imps, frolicking about the woods in a marvellous + variety of droll attitudes. These little fellows greatly resemble their + friends and companions, the Panisci.</p> + + <p>In rural districts it was customary for the shepherds and peasants who + attended the festivals of Dionysus, to dress themselves in the skins of + goats and other animals, and, under this disguise, they permitted + themselves all kinds of playful tricks and excesses, to which + circumstance the conception of the Satyrs is by some authorities + attributed.</p> + + <p>In Rome the old Italian wood-divinities, the FAUNS, who had goats' + feet and all other characteristics of the Satyrs greatly exaggerated, + were identified with them.</p> + +<h3>PRIAPUS.</h3> + + <p>Priapus, the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, was regarded as the god of + fruitfulness, the protector of flocks, sheep, goats, bees, the fruit of + the vine, and all garden produce.</p> + + <p>His statues, which were set up in gardens and vineyards, acted not + only as objects of worship, but also as scarecrows, the appearance of + this god being especially repulsive and unsightly. These statues were + formed of wood or stone, and from the hips downwards were merely rude + columns. They represent him as having a red and very ugly face; he bears + in his hand a pruning knife, and his head is crowned with a wreath of + vine and laurel. He usually carries fruit in his garments or a cornucopia + in his hand, always, however, retaining his singularly revolting aspect. + It is said that Hera, wishing <!-- Page 176 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page176"></a>[176]</span>to punish Aphrodite, sent her this + misshapen and unsightly son, and that when he was born, his mother was so + horrified at the sight of him, that she ordered him to be exposed on the + mountains, where he was found by some shepherds, who, taking pity on him, + saved his life.</p> + + <p>This divinity was chiefly worshipped at Lampsacus, his birthplace. + Asses were sacrificed to him, and he received the first-fruits of the + fields and gardens, with a libation of milk and honey.</p> + + <p>The worship of Priapus was introduced into Rome at the same time as + that of Aphrodite, and was identified with a native Italian divinity + named Mutunus.</p> + +<h3>ASCLEPIAS (<span class="sc">Æsculapius</span>).</h3> + + <p>Asclepias, the god of the healing art, was the son of Apollo and the + nymph Coronis. He was educated by the noble Centaur Chiron, who + instructed him in all knowledge, but more especially in that of the + properties of herbs. Asclepias searched out the hidden powers of plants, + and discovered cures for the various diseases which afflict the human + body. He brought his art to such perfection, that he not only succeeded + in warding off death, but also restored the dead to life. It was + popularly believed that he was materially assisted in his wonderful cures + by the blood of the Medusa, given to him by Pallas-Athene.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0177-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0177-1.png" + alt="Asclepias" title="Asclepias" /></a> + </div> + <p>It is well to observe that the shrines of this divinity, which were + usually built in healthy places, on hills outside the town, or near wells + which were believed to have healing powers, offered at the same time + means of cure for the sick and suffering, thus combining religious with + sanitary influences. It was the custom for the sufferer to sleep in the + temple, when, if he had been earnest in his devotions, Asclepias appeared + to him in a dream, and revealed the means to be employed for the cure of + his malady. On the walls of these temples were hung tablets, inscribed by + the different pilgrims with the particulars of their maladies, the + remedies practised, and the cures <!-- Page 177 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page177"></a>[177]</span>worked by the + god:—a custom undoubtedly productive of most beneficial + results.</p> + + <p>Groves, temples, and altars were dedicated to Asclepias in many parts + of Greece, but Epidaurus, the chief seat of his worship,—where, + indeed, it is said to have originated,—contained his principal + temple, which served at the same time as a hospital.</p> + + <p>The statue of Asclepias in the temple at Epidaurus was formed of ivory + and gold, and represented him as an old man with a full beard, leaning on + a staff round which a serpent is climbing. The serpent was the + distinguishing symbol of this divinity, partly because these reptiles + were greatly used by the ancients in the cure of diseases, and partly + also because all the prudence and wisdom of the serpent were deemed + indispensable to the judicious physician.</p> + + <p>His usual attributes are a staff, a bowl, a bunch of herbs, a + pineapple, a dog, and a serpent.</p> + + <p>His children inherited, for the most part, the distinguished talents + of their father. Two of his sons, Machaon and Podalirius, accompanied + Agamemnon to the Trojan war, in which expedition they became renowned, + not only as military heroes, but also as skilful physicians.</p> + + <p>Their sisters, <b>HYGEIA</b> (health), and <b>PANACEA</b> + (all-healing), had temples dedicated to them, and received divine + honours. The function of Hygeia was to maintain the health of the + community, which great blessing was supposed to be brought by her as a + direct and beneficent gift from the gods.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">ÆSCULAPIUS.</p> + + <p>The worship of Æsculapius was introduced into Rome from Epidaurus, + whence the statue of the god of healing <!-- Page 178 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page178"></a>[178]</span>was brought at the time + of a great pestilence. Grateful for their deliverance from this plague, + the Romans erected a temple in his honour, on an island near the mouth of + the Tiber.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>ROMAN DIVINITIES.</h3> + +<h3>JANUS.</h3> + + <p>From the earliest ages Janus was regarded by the Romans with the + utmost affection and veneration, as a divinity who ranked only second to + Jupiter himself, and through whom all prayers and petitions were + transmitted to the other gods.</p> + + <p>He was believed to preside over the beginnings of all things, hence it + was he who inaugurated the years, months, and seasons, and in course of + time came to be considered as specially protecting the beginnings of all + human enterprises. The great importance which the Romans attached to an + auspicious commencement, as contributing to the ultimate success of an + enterprise, accounts for the high estimation in which Janus was held as + the god of beginnings.</p> + + <p>This divinity would appear to have been the ancient sun-god of the + Italian tribes, in which capacity he opens and closes the gates of heaven + every morning and evening. Hence he was regarded as the door-keeper of + heaven, and also as the presiding deity over all gates, entrances, + &c., on earth.</p> + + <p>The fact of his being the god of city gates, which were called Jani + after him, is ascribed, however, to the following myth:—After the + abduction of their women by the Romans, the Sabines, in revenge, invaded + the Roman state, and were already about to enter the gates of the city, + when suddenly a hot sulphur spring, which was believed to have been sent + by Janus for their special preservation, gushed forth from the earth, and + arrested the progress of the enemy.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 179 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page179"></a>[179]</span></p> + + <p>In his character as guardian of gates and doors, he was also regarded + as a protecting deity of the home, for which reason little shrines were + erected to him over the doors of houses, which contained an image of the + god, having two faces.</p> + + <p>Janus possessed no temples in the ordinary acceptation of the word, + but all the gates of cities were dedicated to him. Close to the Forum of + Rome stood the so-called temple of Janus, which, however, was merely an + arched passage, closed by massive gates. This temple was open only in + time of war, as it was supposed that the god had then taken his departure + with the Roman army, over whose welfare he personally presided. It is + worthy of notice, as an evidence of the many wars in which the Romans + were engaged, that the gates of this sanctuary were only closed three + times during 700 years.</p> + + <p>As the god who ushers in the new year, the first month was called + after him, and on the 1st of January his most important festival was + celebrated, on which occasion all entrances of public and private + buildings were decorated with laurel branches and garlands of + flowers.</p> + + <p>His sacrifices, consisting of cakes, wine, and barley, were offered to + him at the beginning of every month; and before sacrificing to the other + gods his name was always invoked, and a libation poured out to him.</p> + + <p>Janus is usually represented with two faces; in his special function + as door-keeper of heaven he stands erect, bearing a key in one hand, and + a rod or sceptre in the other.</p> + + <p>It is supposed that Janus was the most ancient king of Italy, who, + during his life, governed his subjects with such wisdom and moderation + that, in gratitude for the benefits conferred upon them, his people + deified him after death and placed him in the foremost rank among their + divinities. We have already seen in the history of Cronus that Saturn, + who was identified with the Greek Cronus (god of time), was the friend + and colleague of Janus. Anxious to prove his gratitude to his benefactor, + Cronus endowed him with the knowledge of past and future <!-- Page 180 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page180"></a>[180]</span>events, which + enabled him to adopt the wisest measures for the welfare of his subjects, + and it is on this account that Janus is represented with two faces + looking in opposite directions, the one to the past, the other to the + future.</p> + +<h3>FLORA.</h3> + + <p>Flora was the goddess of flowers, and was regarded as a beneficent + power, who watched over and protected the early blossoms.</p> + + <p>She was held in the highest estimation by the Romans, and a festival, + called the Floralia, was celebrated in her honour from the 28th of April + to the 1st of May. This festival was a season of universal merriment, in + which flowers were used profusely in adorning houses, streets, &c., + and were worn by young girls in their hair.</p> + + <p>Flora, who typified the season of Spring, is generally represented as + a lovely maiden, garlanded with flowers.</p> + +<h3>ROBIGUS.</h3> + + <p>In opposition to Flora we find an antagonistic divinity, called + Robigus, a worker of evil, who delighted in the destruction of the tender + herbs by mildew, and whose wrath could only be averted by prayers and + sacrifices, when he was invoked under the title of Averuncus, or the + Avertor.</p> + + <p>The festival of Robigus (the Robigalia) was celebrated on the 25th of + April.</p> + +<h3>POMONA.</h3> + + <p>Pomona was the goddess of orchards and fruit-trees, who, according to + Ovid, cares not for woods or streams, but loves her gardens and the + boughs that bear the thriving fruit.</p> + + <p>Pomona, who typifies Autumn, is represented as a lovely maiden, laden + with branches of fruit-trees.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 181 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page181"></a>[181]</span></p> + +<h3>VERTUMNUS.</h3> + + <p>Vertumnus was the god of garden and field produce. He personifies the + change of seasons, and that process of transformation in nature by means + of which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms, and the blossoms + into fruit.</p> + + <p>The change of seasons is symbolized in a myth which represents + Vertumnus as metamorphosing himself into a variety of different forms in + order to gain the affection of Pomona, who so loved her vocation that she + abjured all thoughts of marriage. He first appears to her as a ploughman, + typifying Spring; then as a reaper, to represent Summer; afterwards as a + vine-gatherer, to indicate Autumn; and finally as a gray-haired old + woman, symbolical of the snows of Winter; but it was not until he assumed + his true form, that of a beautiful youth, that he succeeded in his + suit.</p> + + <p>Vertumnus is generally represented crowned with wheat-sheaves, and + bearing in his hand a cornucopia.</p> + +<h3>PALES.</h3> + + <p>Pales, a very ancient Italian divinity, is represented sometimes as a + male, sometimes as a female power.</p> + + <p>As a male divinity he is more particularly the god of shepherds and + flocks.</p> + + <p>As a female deity, Pales presides over husbandry and the fruitfulness + of herds. Her festivals, the Palilia, were celebrated on the 21st of + April, the day on which the city of Rome was founded. During this + festival it was customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, + through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that this ordeal + would purify them from sin.</p> + + <p>The name Palatine, which originally signified a pastoral colony, is + derived from this divinity. Her offerings were cakes and milk.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 182 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page182"></a>[182]</span></p> + +<h3>PICUS.</h3> + + <p>Picus, the son of Saturn and father of Faunus, was a woodland + divinity, gifted with prophetic powers.</p> + + <p>An ancient myth relates that Picus was a beautiful youth, united to a + nymph called Canens. The sorceress Circe, infatuated by his beauty, + endeavoured to secure his love, but he rejected her advances, and she, in + revenge, changed him into a woodpecker, under which form he still + retained his powers of prophecy.</p> + + <p>Picus is represented as a youth, with a woodpecker perched upon his + head, which bird became henceforth regarded as possessed of the power of + prophecy.</p> + +<h3>PICUMNUS AND PILUMNUS.</h3> + + <p>Picumnus and Pilumnus were two household divinities of the Romans, who + were the special presiding deities of new-born infants.</p> + +<h3>SILVANUS.</h3> + + <p>Silvanus was a woodland divinity, who, like Faunus, greatly resembled + the Greek Pan. He was the presiding deity of plantations and forests, and + specially protected the boundaries of fields.</p> + + <p>Silvanus is represented as a hale old man, carrying a cypress-tree, + for, according to Roman mythology, the transformation of the youth + Cyparissus into the tree which bears his name was attributed to him.</p> + + <p>His sacrifices consisted of milk, meat, wine, grapes, wheat-ears, and + pigs.</p> + +<h3>TERMINUS.</h3> + + <p>Terminus was the god who presided over all boundaries and + landmarks.</p> + + <p>He was originally represented by a simple block of stone, which in + later times became surmounted by a <!-- Page 183 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page183"></a>[183]</span>head of this divinity. + Numa Pompilius, the great benefactor of his people, anxious to inculcate + respect for the rights of property, specially enjoined the erection of + these blocks of stone, as a durable monument to mark the line dividing + one property from another. He also caused altars to be raised to + Terminus, and instituted his festival (the Terminalia), which was + celebrated on the 23rd of February.</p> + + <p>Upon one occasion, when Tarquin wished to remove the altars of several + deities, in order to build a new temple, it is said that Terminus and + Juventas alone objected to being displaced. This obstinate refusal on + their part was interpreted as a good omen, signifying that the city of + Rome would never lose her boundaries, and would remain ever young and + vigorous.</p> + +<h3>CONSUS.</h3> + + <p>Consus was the god of secret counsel.</p> + + <p>The Romans believed that when an idea developed itself spontaneously + within the mind of an individual, it was Consus who had prompted the + suggestion. This applied, however, more particularly to plans which + resulted satisfactorily.</p> + + <p>An altar was erected to this divinity on the Circus Maximus, which was + kept always covered, except during his festival, the Consualia, which was + celebrated on the 18th of August.</p> + +<h3>LIBITINA.</h3> + + <p>Libitina was the goddess who presided over funerals. This divinity was + identified with Venus, possibly because the ancients considered that the + power of love extended even to the realms of death.</p> + + <p>Her temple in Rome, which was erected by Servius Tullius, contained + all the requisites for funerals, and these could either be bought or + hired there. A register of all deaths which occurred in the city of Rome + was kept in <!-- Page 184 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page184"></a>[184]</span>this temple, and in order to ascertain the + rate of mortality, a piece of money was paid by command of Servius + Tullius, on the demise of each person.</p> + +<h3>LAVERNA.</h3> + + <p>Laverna was the presiding goddess of thieves, and of all artifice and + fraud. There was an altar erected to her near the Porta Lavernalis, which + was called after her, and she possessed a sacred grove on the Via + Salavia.</p> + +<h3>COMUS.</h3> + + <p>Comus was the presiding genius of banquets, festive scenes, revelry, + and all joyous pleasures and reckless gaiety.</p> + + <p>He is represented as a young man crowned with flowers, his face heated + and flushed with wine, leaning against a post in a half-sleepy and + drunken attitude, with a torch falling from his hand.</p> + +<h3>THE CAMENÆ.</h3> + + <p>The Camenæ were prophetic nymphs held in high veneration by the + ancient Italians. They were four in number, the best known of whom are + Carmenta and Egeria.</p> + + <p>Carmenta was celebrated as being the mother of Evander, who led an + Arcadian colony into Italy, and founded a town on the river Tiber, which + became afterwards incorporated with the city of Rome. Evander is said to + have been the first who introduced Greek art and civilization into Italy, + and also the worship of Greek divinities.</p> + + <p>A temple was erected to Carmenta on the Capitoline Hill, and a + festival, called the Carmentalia, was celebrated in her honour on the + 11th of January.</p> + + <p>Egeria is said to have initiated Numa Pompilius in the forms of + religious worship, which he introduced among his people. She was regarded + as the giver of <!-- Page 185 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page185"></a>[185]</span>life, and was therefore invoked by women + before the birth of their children.</p> + + <p>The Camenæ are frequently identified by Roman writers with the + Muses.</p> + +<h3>GENII.</h3> + + <p>A comforting and assuring belief existed among the Romans, that each + individual was accompanied through life, from the hour of his birth to + that of his death, by a protecting spirit, called his genius, who + prompted him to good and noble deeds, and acted towards him as a guardian + angel, comforting him in sorrow, and guiding him throughout his earthly + career.</p> + + <p>In the course of time a second genius was believed to exist, of an + evil nature, who, as the instigator of all wrong-doing, was ever at war + with the beneficent genius; and on the issue of the conflict between + these antagonistic influences, depended the fate of the individual. The + genii were depicted as winged beings, greatly resembling our modern + representations of guardian angels.</p> + + <p>Every state, town, or city, (as well as every man), possessed its + special genius. The sacrifices to the genii consisted of wine, cakes, and + incense, which were offered to them on birthdays.</p> + + <p>The genius which guided a woman was called, after the queen of heaven, + Juno.</p> + + <p>Among the Greeks, beings called Dæmons were regarded as exercising + similar functions to those of the Roman genii. They were believed to be + the spirits of the righteous race which existed in the Golden Age, who + watched over mankind, carrying their prayers to the gods, and the gifts + of the gods to them.</p> + +<h3>MANES.</h3> + +<p class="cenhead">LEMURES (LARVÆ) AND LARES.</p> + + <p>The Manes were the spirits of the departed, and were of two kinds, + viz., Lemures (or Larvæ) and Lares. <!-- Page 186 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page186"></a>[186]</span></p> + + <p>The Lemures were those Manes who haunted their former abodes on earth + as evil spirits, appearing at night under awful forms and hideous shapes, + greatly to the alarm of their friends and relatives. They were so feared + that a festival, called the Lemuralia, was celebrated in order to + propitiate them.</p> + + <p>It appears extremely probable that the superstitions with regard to + ghosts, haunted houses, &c., which exist even at the present day, owe + their origin to this very ancient pagan source.</p> + + <p>The Lares Familiares were a much more pleasing conception. They were + the spirits of the ancestors of each family, who exercised after death a + protecting power over the well-being and prosperity of the family to + which they had in life belonged. The place of honour beside the hearth + was occupied by the statue of the Lar of the house, who was supposed to + have been the founder of the family. This statue was the object of + profound veneration, and was honoured on all occasions by every member of + the family; a portion of each meal was laid before it, and it was + believed to take an active part in all family affairs and domestic + events, whether of a sad or joyful nature. Before starting on any + expedition the master of the house saluted the statue of the Lar, and, on + his return, a solemn thanksgiving was offered to this, the presiding + deity of his hearth and home, in grateful acknowledgment of his + protection; whereupon the statue was crowned with garlands of flowers, + these being the favourite offerings to the Lares on all occasions of + especial family rejoicing.</p> + + <p>The first act of a bride on entering her new abode was to do homage to + the Lar, in the belief that he would exercise over her a protecting + influence and shield her from evil.</p> + + <p>In addition to those above enumerated there were also public Lares, + who were guardians of the state, highroads, country, and sea. Their + temples were always open for any pious worshipper to enter, and on their + altars public sacrifices were offered for the welfare of the state or + city. <!-- Page 187 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page187"></a>[187]</span></p> + +<h3>PENATES.</h3> + + <p>The Penates were deities selected by each family, and frequently by + its individual members, as a special protector. Various causes led to + this selection. If, for instance, a child were born on the festival of + Vesta, it was thought that that deity would henceforward act as its + special guardian. If a youth possessed great business talents he adopted + Mercury as his tutelary deity; should he, on the other hand, develop a + passion for music, Apollo was selected as his patron god, and so forth. + These became regarded as the special divinities of the household, small + images of them adorned the surroundings of the hearth, and honours + similar to those paid to the Lares were accorded to them.</p> + + <p>Just as there were public Lares so there were public Penates, which + were worshipped by the Roman people under the form of two youthful + warriors, who, in later times, were regarded as identical with Castor and + Pollux. They are generally represented on horseback, with conical caps on + their heads, and bearing long spears in their hands.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 188 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page188"></a>[188]</span></p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:30%;"> + <a href="images/0188-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0188-1.png" + alt="Temple" title="Temple" /></a> + </div> +<h3>PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS +AND ROMANS.</h3> + +<h3>TEMPLES.</h3> + + <p>In very remote times the Greeks had no shrines or sanctuaries devoted + to public worship, but performed their devotions beneath the vast and + boundless canopy of heaven, in the great temple of nature itself. + Believing that their divinities throned above the clouds, pious + worshippers naturally sought the highest available points, in order to + place themselves in the closest communion possible with their gods; hence + the summits of high mountains were selected for devotional purposes, and + the more exalted the rank and importance of the divinity invoked, the + more elevated was the site selected for his or her worship. But the + inconvenience attending this mode of worship gradually suggested the idea + of erecting edifices which would afford means of shelter from the + inclemency of the weather.</p> + + <p>These structures were, in the first instance, of the most simple form, + and without decoration; but when, with the progress of civilization, the + Greeks became a <!-- Page 189 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page189"></a>[189]</span>wealthy and powerful people, temples were + built and adorned with the greatest splendour and magnificence, talent, + labour, and wealth being lavished unsparingly on their erection and + decoration; indeed so massively were they constructed, that some of them + have, to a certain extent, withstood the ravages of time. The city of + Athens especially contains numerous remains of these buildings of + antiquity. On the Acropolis we may still behold, among other monuments of + ancient art, the temple of Athene-Polias, and that of Theseus, the latter + of which is the most entire ancient edifice in the world. In the island + of Delos, also, are to be seen the ruins of the temples of Apollo and + Artemis, both of which are in a wonderful state of preservation. These + ruins are most valuable, being sufficiently complete to enable us to + study, by their aid, the plan and character of the original + structure.</p> + + <p>Among the Lacedæmonians, however, we find no vestiges of these stately + temples, for they were specially enjoined by a law of Lycurgus to serve + the gods with as little outlay as possible. When the great lawgiver was + asked the reason of this injunction, he replied that the Lacedæmonians, + being a poor nation, might otherwise abstain altogether from the + observance of their religious duties, and wisely added that magnificent + edifices and costly sacrifices were not so pleasing to the gods, as the + true piety and unfeigned devotion of their worshippers.</p> + + <p>The most ancient temples known to us served a double purpose: they + were not only consecrated to the service of the gods, but were at the + same time venerable monuments in honour of the dead. Thus, for instance, + the temple of Pallas-Athene, in the tower of the city of Larissa, served + as the sepulchre of Acrisius, and the Acropolis at Athens received the + ashes of Cecrops, founder of the city.</p> + + <p>A temple was frequently dedicated to two or more gods, and was always + built after the manner considered most acceptable to the particular + divinities to whom it was consecrated; for just as trees, birds, and + animals of <!-- Page 190 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page190"></a>[190]</span>every description were held to be sacred + to certain deities, so almost every god had a form of building peculiar + to himself, which was deemed more acceptable to him than any other. Thus + the Doric style of architecture was sacred to Zeus, Ares, and Heracles; + the Ionic to Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus; and the Corinthian to + Hestia.</p> + + <p>In the porch of the temple stood a vessel of stone or brass, + containing holy water (which had been consecrated by putting into it a + burning torch, taken from the altar), with which all those admitted to + take part in the sacrifices were besprinkled. In the inmost recess of the + sanctuary was the most holy place, into which none but the priests were + suffered to enter.</p> + + <p>Temples in the country were usually surrounded with groves of trees. + The solitude of these shady retreats naturally tended to inspire the + worshipper with awe and reverence, added to which the delightful shade + and coolness afforded by tall leafy trees is peculiarly grateful in hot + countries. Indeed so general did this custom of building temples in + groves become, that all places devoted to sacred purposes, even where no + trees existed, were called groves. That this practice must be of very + remote antiquity is proved by the Biblical injunction, having for its + object the separation of the Jews from all idolatrous practices: "Thou + shalt not plant thee a grove of trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy + God."</p> + +<h3>STATUES.</h3> + + <p>The Greeks worshipped their gods without any visible representations + of them until the time of Cecrops. The most ancient of these + representations consisted of square blocks of stone, upon which the name + of the deity intended to be represented was engraved. The first attempts + at sculpture were rude stocks, with a head at one end and a shapeless + trunk at the other, tapering slightly down to the feet, which, however, + were not divided, the limbs being in no way defined. But the artists of + later times devoted all their genius to the <!-- Page 191 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page191"></a>[191]</span>successful production + of the highest ideals of their gods, some of which are preserved to this + day, and are regarded as examples of purest art.</p> + + <p>On a pedestal in the centre of the edifice stood the statue of the + divinity to whom the temple was dedicated, surrounded by images of other + gods, all of which were fenced off by rails.</p> + +<h3>ALTARS.</h3> + + <p>The altar in a Greek temple, which stood in the centre of the building + and in front of the statue of the presiding deity, was generally of a + circular form, and constructed of stone. It was customary to engrave upon + it the name or distinguishing symbol of the divinity to whom it was + dedicated; and it was held so sacred that if any malefactor fled to it + his life was safe from his pursuers, and it was considered one of the + greatest acts of sacrilege to force him from this asylum.</p> + + <p>The most ancient altars were adorned with horns, which in former times + were emblems of power and dignity, as wealth, and consequently + importance, consisted among most primitive nations in flocks and + herds.</p> + + <p>In addition to those erected in places of public worship, altars were + frequently raised in groves, on highways, or in the market-places of + cities.</p> + + <p>The gods of the lower world had no altars whatever, ditches or + trenches being dug for the reception of the blood of the sacrifices + offered to them.</p> + +<h3>PRIESTS.</h3> + + <p>In ancient times the priests were recognized as a special social + caste, and were distinguished not only by their sacerdotal vestments, but + also by their piety, wisdom, and blameless life. They were the chosen + mediators between gods and men, and offered prayers and sacrifices in the + name of the people, whom they also instructed as to what vows, gifts, and + offerings would be most acceptable to the gods.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 192 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page192"></a>[192]</span></p> + + <p>Every deity had a different order of priests consecrated to his + worship, and in every place a high-priest was appointed, whose duty it + was to superintend the rest of his order, and also to carry out the more + sacred rites and religious observances.</p> + + <p>Priests and priestesses were permitted to marry, but not a second + time; some, however, voluntarily adopted a life of celibacy.</p> + +<h3>SACRIFICES.</h3> + + <p>There is no doubt that a feeling of gratitude to the gods for their + protecting care, and the abundance with which they were believed to bless + mankind, has induced men of all nations and in all countries to feel a + desire to sacrifice to their divinities some portion of the gifts so + generously lavished upon them.</p> + + <p>Among the Greeks, sacrifices were of various kinds. They consisted of + <i>free-will offerings</i>, <i>propitiatory offerings</i>, &c.</p> + + <p><i>Free-will offerings</i> were grateful acknowledgments for benefits + received, and usually consisted of the first-fruits of the field, or the + finest of the flocks and herds, which were required to be without spot or + blemish.</p> + + <p><i>Propitiatory offerings</i> were brought with the object of + appeasing the anger of the gods.</p> + + <p>In addition to those above enumerated, sacrifices were made, either + with a view of obtaining success in an enterprise about to be undertaken, + or in fulfilment of a vow, or at the command of an oracle.</p> + + <p>Every sacrifice was accompanied by salt and also by a libation, which + usually consisted of wine, the cup being always filled to the brim, + indicating that the offering was made without stint. When sacrificing to + the infernal gods the cup containing the libation was filled with + blood.</p> + + <p>The animals offered to the Olympian divinities were white, whilst + those to the gods of the lower world were black. When a man offered a + special sacrifice for himself or his family it partook of the nature of + his <!-- Page 193 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page193"></a>[193]</span>occupation; thus a shepherd brought a + sheep, a vine-grower his grapes, and so forth. But in the case of public + sacrifices, the supposed individuality of the deity was always consulted. + For instance, to Demeter a sow was offered, because that animal is apt to + root up the seed-corn; to Dionysus a goat, on account of its being + destructive to vineyards, &c.</p> + + <p>The value of offerings depended greatly upon the position of the + individual; it being regarded as a contempt of the gods for a rich man to + bring a sordid offering, whilst from a poor man the smallest oblation was + considered acceptable.</p> + + <p>Hecatombs consisted of a hundred animals, and were offered by entire + communities, or by wealthy individuals who either desired, or had + obtained some special favour from the gods.</p> + + <p>When a sacrifice was to be offered, a fire was kindled on the altar, + into which wine and frankincense were poured, in order to increase the + flame. In very ancient times, the victim was laid upon the altar and + burned whole; but after the time of Prometheus portions only of the + shoulders, thighs, entrails, &c., were sacrificed, the remainder + becoming the perquisites of the priests.</p> + + <p>The officiating priests wore a crown composed of the leaves of the + tree sacred to the deity they invoked. Thus when sacrificing to Apollo + the crowns were of laurel; when to Heracles, of poplar. This practice of + wearing crowns was, at a later period, adopted by the general public at + banquets and other festivities.</p> + + <p>On occasions of special solemnity the horns of the victim were + overlaid with gold, and the altars decked with flowers and sacred + herbs.</p> + + <p>The mode of conducting the sacrifices was as follows:—All things + being prepared, a salt cake, the sacrificial knife, and the crowns, were + placed in a small basket, and carried to the sanctuary by a young maiden, + whereupon the victim was conducted into the temple, frequently to the + accompaniment of music. If a small animal, it was driven loose to the + altar; if a large one, it was led by a <!-- Page 194 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page194"></a>[194]</span>long trailing rope, in + order to indicate that it was not an unwilling sacrifice.</p> + + <p>When all were assembled, the priest, after walking in solemn state + round the altar, besprinkled it with a mixture of meal and holy water, + after which he also besprinkled the assembled worshippers, and exhorted + them to join with him in prayer. The service being ended, the priest + first tasted the libation, and after causing the congregation to do the + like, poured the remainder between the horns of the victim, after which + frankincense was strewn upon the altar, and a portion of the meal and + water poured upon the animal, which was then killed. If by any chance the + victim escaped the stroke, or became in any way restless, it was regarded + as an evil omen; if, on the contrary, it expired without a struggle, it + was considered auspicious.</p> + + <p>At the sacrifices to the aërial divinities music was added, whilst + dances were performed round the altar, and sacred hymns sung. These hymns + were generally composed in honour of the gods, and contained an account + of their famous actions, their clemency and beneficence, and the gifts + conferred by them on mankind. In conclusion, the gods were invoked for a + continuance of their favour, and when the service was ended a feast was + held.</p> + +<h3>ORACLES.</h3> + + <p>The desire to penetrate the dark veil of futurity, and thereby to + avert, if possible, threatened danger, has animated mankind in all ages + of the world. Prophetic knowledge was sought by the Greeks at the mouth + of oracles, whose predictions were interpreted to the people by priests, + specially appointed for the purpose.</p> + + <p>The most famous of these institutions was the oracle of Apollo at + Delphi, which was held in general repute all over the world. People + flocked from far and near to consult this wonderful mouth-piece of the + gods, one month in the year being specially set apart for the + purpose.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 195 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page195"></a>[195]</span></p> + + <p>The priestess who delivered the oracles was called the Pythia, after + the serpent Python, which was killed by Apollo. Having first bathed in + the waters of the Castalian spring, she was conducted into the temple by + the priests, and was seated on a sort of three-legged stool or table, + called a tripod, which was placed over the mouth of a cave whence issued + sulphurous vapours. Here she gradually became affected in a remarkable + manner, and fell into an ecstatic condition, in which she uttered wild + and extraordinary phrases, which were held to be the utterance of Apollo + himself; these the priests interpreted to the people, but in most cases + in so ambiguous a manner that the fulfilment of the prediction could not + easily be disputed. During the ceremony, clouds of incense filled the + temple, and hid the priestess from the view of the uninitiated, and at + its conclusion she was reconducted, in a fainting condition, to her + cell.</p> + + <p>The following is a striking instance of the ambiguity of oracular + predictions:—Crœsus, the rich king of Lydia, before going to + war with Cyrus, king of Persia, consulted an oracle as to the probable + success of the expedition. The reply he received was, that if he crossed + a certain river he would destroy a great empire. Interpreting the + response as being favourable to his design, Crœsus crossed the + river, and encountered the Persian king, by whom he was entirely + defeated; and his own empire being destroyed, the prediction of the + oracle was said to have been fulfilled.</p> + +<h3>SOOTHSAYERS (<span class="sc">Augurs</span>).</h3> + + <p>In addition to the manifestation of the will of the gods by means of + oracles, the Greeks also believed that certain men, called soothsayers, + were gifted with the power of foretelling future events from dreams, from + observing the flight of birds, the entrails of sacrificed animals, and + even the direction of the flames and smoke from the altar, &c. <!-- + Page 196 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page196"></a>[196]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">AUGURS.</p> + + <p>The Roman soothsayers were called augurs, and played an important part + in the history of the Romans, as no enterprise was ever undertaken + without first consulting them with regard to its ultimate success.</p> + +<h3>FESTIVALS.</h3> + + <p>Festivals were instituted as seasons of rest, rejoicing, and + thanksgiving, and also as anniversaries to commemorate events of national + importance. The most ancient festivals were those held after the + ingathering of the harvest or vintage, and were celebrated with + rejoicings and merry-makings, which lasted many days, during which time + the first-fruits of the fields were offered to the gods, accompanied by + prayers and thanksgiving.</p> + + <p>The festivals held in cities in honour of special divinities, or in + commemoration of particular events, were conducted with an elaborate + ceremonial. Gorgeous processions, games, chariot races, &c., were + conspicuous features on these occasions, and dramatic performances, + representing particular episodes in the lives of the gods and heroes, + frequently took place.</p> + + <p>We subjoin a few of the most interesting of the Greek and Roman + festivals.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>GREEK FESTIVALS.</h3> + +<h3>ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES.</h3> + + <p>One of the most ancient and important among the festivals observed by + the Greeks was that of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which was celebrated in + honour of Demeter and Persephone. The name was derived from Eleusis, a + town in Attica, where the Mysteries were first introduced by the goddess + herself. They were divided into the <!-- Page 197 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page197"></a>[197]</span>Greater and Lesser + Mysteries, and, according to the general account, were held every five + years. The Greater, which were celebrated in honour of Demeter, and + lasted nine days, were held in autumn; the Lesser, dedicated to + Persephone (who at these festivals was affectionately called Cora, or the + maiden), were held in spring.</p> + + <p>It is supposed that the secrets taught to the initiated by the + priests—the expounders of the Mysteries—were moral meanings, + elucidated from the myths concerning Demeter and Persephone; but the most + important belief inculcated was the doctrine of the immortality of the + soul. That the lessons taught were of the highest moral character is + universally admitted. "The souls of those who participated in them were + filled with the sweetest hopes both as to this and the future world;" and + it was a common saying among the Athenians: "In the Mysteries no one is + sad."</p> + + <p>The initiation into these solemn rites (which was originally the + exclusive privilege of the Athenians) was accompanied with awe-inspiring + ceremonies; and secrecy was so strictly enjoined that its violation was + punished by death. At the conclusion of the initiation great rejoicings + took place, chariot-races, wrestling matches, &c., were held, and + solemn sacrifices offered.</p> + + <p>The initiation into the Lesser Mysteries served as a preparation for + the Greater.</p> + +<h3>THESMOPHORIA.</h3> + + <p>The Thesmophoria was another festival held in honour of Demeter, in + her character as presiding over marriage and social institutions + resulting from the spread of agriculture.</p> + + <p>This festival was celebrated exclusively by women.</p> + +<h3>DIONYSIA.</h3> + + <p>A joyous spring festival was held in honour of Dionysus, in the month + of March, and lasted several days.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 198 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page198"></a>[198]</span></p> + + <p>This festival, which was called the Greater Dionysia, was celebrated + with particular splendour at Athens, when strangers flocked from all + parts of the world to take part in the ceremonies. The city was gaily + decorated, the houses were garlanded with ivy-leaves, crowds perambulated + the streets, everything wore its holiday garb, and wine was freely + indulged in.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0198-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0198-1.png" + alt="Celebrating the Dionysia" title="Celebrating the Dionysia" /></a> + </div> + <p>In the processions which took place during these festivities, the + statue of Dionysus was carried, and men and women, crowned with ivy and + bearing the thyrsus, were dressed in every description of grotesque + costume, and played on drums, pipes, flutes, cymbals, &c. Some + representing Silenus rode on asses, others wearing fawn-skins appeared as + Pan or the Satyrs, and the whole multitude sang pæans in honour of the + wine-god. Public shows, games, and sports took place, and the entire city + was full of revelry.</p> + + <p>What lent additional interest to these festivals was the custom of + introducing new comedies and tragedies to the public, representations of + which were given, and prizes awarded to those which elicited the greatest + admiration.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0198-2.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0198-2.png" + alt="Celebrating the Dionysia" title="Celebrating the Dionysia" /></a> + </div> + <p>The Lesser Dionysia were vintage festivals, celebrated in rural + districts in the month of November, and were characterized by drinking, + feasting, and joviality of all kinds.</p> + + <p>In connection with some of the festivals in honour of Dionysus were + certain mystic observances, into which only women, called Menades or + Bacchantes, were initiated. Clad in fawn-skins, they assembled by night + on the mountain sides, <!-- Page 199 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page199"></a>[199]</span>some carrying blazing torches, others + thyrsi, and all animated with religious enthusiasm and frenzy. They + shouted, clapped their hands, danced wildly, and worked themselves up to + such a pitch of excitement and fury that in their mad frenzy they tore in + pieces the animal brought as a sacrifice to Dionysus.</p> + + <p>Under the name of Bacchanalia, these mystic rites were introduced into + Rome, where men also were allowed to participate in them; but they were + attended with such frightful excesses that the state authorities at + length interfered and prohibited them.</p> + +<h3>PANATHENÆA.</h3> + + <p>The Panathenæa was a famous festival celebrated in Athens in honour of + Athene-Polias, the guardian of the state. There were two festivals of + this name, the Lesser and the Greater Panathenæa. The former was held + annually, and the latter, which lasted several days, was celebrated every + fourth year.</p> + + <p>For the Greater Panathenæa a garment, embroidered with gold, called + the Peplus, was specially woven by Athenian maidens, on which was + represented the victory gained by Athene over the Giants. This garment + was suspended to the mast of a ship which stood outside the city; and + during the festival, which was characterized by a grand procession, the + ship (with the Peplus on its mast) was impelled forward by means of + invisible machinery, and formed the most conspicuous feature of the + pageant. The whole population, bearing olive branches in their hands, + took part in the procession; and amidst music and rejoicings this + imposing pageant wended its way to the temple of Athene-Polias, where the + Peplus was deposited on the statue of the goddess.</p> + + <p>At this festival, Homer's poems were declaimed aloud, and poets also + introduced their own works to the public. Musical contests, foot and + horse races, and wrestling matches were held, and dances were performed + by boys in armour.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 200 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page200"></a>[200]</span></p> + + <p>Men who had deserved well of their country were presented at the + festival with a crown of gold, and the name of the person so + distinguished was announced publicly by a herald.</p> + + <p>The victors in the races and athletic games received, as a prize, a + vase of oil, supposed to have been extracted from the fruit of the sacred + olive-tree of Athene.</p> + +<h3>DAPHNEPHORIA.</h3> + + <p>The Daphnephoria was celebrated at Thebes in honour of Apollo every + ninth year.</p> + + <p>The distinguishing feature of this festival was a procession to the + temple of Apollo, in which a young priest (the Daphnephorus) of noble + descent, splendidly attired and wearing a crown of gold, was preceded by + a youth, carrying an emblematical representation of the sun, moon, stars, + and days of the year, and followed by beautiful maidens bearing laurel + branches, and singing hymns in honour of the god.</p> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>ROMAN FESTIVALS.</h3> + +<h3>SATURNALIA.</h3> + + <p>The Saturnalia, a national festival held in December in honour of + Saturn, was celebrated after the ingathering of the harvest, and lasted + several days.</p> + + <p>It was a time of universal rejoicing, cessation from labour, and + merry-making. School children had holidays, friends sent presents to each + other, the law-courts were closed, and no business was transacted.</p> + + <p>Crowds of people from the surrounding country flocked to Rome for this + festival attired in every variety of masquerade dress; practical jokes + were given and received with the utmost good humour, shouts of exultation + filled <!-- Page 201 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page201"></a>[201]</span>the air, all classes abandoned themselves + to enjoyment, and unrestrained hilarity reigned supreme. Social + distinctions were for a time suspended, or even reversed; and so heartily + was the spirit of this festival entered into, that masters waited upon + their slaves at banquets which they provided for them; the slaves being + dressed upon these occasions in the garments of their masters.</p> + + <p>There appears little doubt that the modern Carnival is a survival of + the ancient Saturnalia.</p> + +<h3>CEREALIA.</h3> + + <p>This festival was celebrated in honour of Ceres. It was solemnized + exclusively by women, who, dressed in white garments, wandered about with + torches in their hands, to represent the search of the goddess for her + daughter Proserpine.</p> + + <p>During this festival, games were celebrated in the Circus Maximus, to + which none were admitted unless clothed in white.</p> + +<h3>VESTALIA.</h3> + + <p>The Vestalia was a festival held in honour of Vesta on the 9th of + June, and was celebrated exclusively by women, who walked barefooted in + procession to the temple of the goddess.</p> + + <p>The priestesses of Vesta, called Vestales or Vestal Virgins, played a + conspicuous part in these festivals. They were six in number, and were + chosen—between the ages of six and ten—from the noblest + families in Rome. Their term of office was thirty years. During the first + ten years, they were initiated in their religious duties, during the + second ten they performed them, and during the third they instructed + novices. Their chief duty was to watch and feed the ever-burning flame on + the altar of Vesta, the extinction of which was regarded as a national + calamity of ominous import.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 202 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page202"></a>[202]</span></p> + + <p>Great honours and privileges were accorded to them; the best seats + were reserved for their use at all public spectacles, and even the + consuls and prætors made way for them to pass. If they met a criminal on + his way to execution they had the power to pardon him, provided it could + be proved that the meeting was accidental.</p> + + <p>The Vestales were vowed to chastity, a violation of which was visited + by the frightful punishment of being buried alive.</p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page 203 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page203"></a>[203]</span></p> + +<h2>PART II.—LEGENDS.</h2> + +<h3>CADMUS.</h3> + + <p>The following is the legendary account of the founding of + Thebes:—</p> + + <p>After the abduction of his daughter Europa by Zeus, Agenor, king of + Phœnicia, unable to reconcile himself to her loss, despatched his + son Cadmus in search of her, desiring him not to return without his + sister.</p> + + <p>For many years Cadmus pursued his search through various countries, + but without success. Not daring to return home without her, he consulted + the oracle of Apollo at Delphi; and the reply was that he must desist + from his task, and take upon himself a new duty, <i>i.e.</i> that of + founding a city, the site of which would be indicated to him by a heifer + which had never borne the yoke, and which would lie down on the spot + whereon the city was to be built.</p> + + <p>Scarcely had Cadmus left the sacred fane, when he observed a heifer + who bore no marks of servitude on her neck, walking slowly in front of + him. He followed the animal for a considerable distance, until at length, + on the site where Thebes afterwards stood, she looked towards heaven and, + gently lowing, lay down in the long grass. Grateful for this mark of + divine favour, Cadmus resolved to offer up the animal as a sacrifice, and + accordingly sent his followers to fetch water for the libation from a + neighbouring spring. This spring, which was sacred to Ares, was situated + in a wood, and guarded by a fierce dragon, who, at the approach of the + retainers of Cadmus, suddenly pounced upon them and killed them.</p> + + <p>After waiting some time for the return of his servants <!-- Page 204 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page204"></a>[204]</span>Cadmus grew + impatient, and hastily arming himself with his lance and spear, set out + to seek them. On reaching the spot, the mangled remains of his + unfortunate followers met his view, and near them he beheld the frightful + monster, dripping with the blood of his victims. Seizing a huge rock, the + hero hurled it with all his might upon the dragon; but protected by his + tough black skin and steely scales as by a coat of mail, he remained + unhurt. Cadmus now tried his lance, and with more success, for it pierced + the side of the beast, who, furious with pain, sprang at his adversary, + when Cadmus, leaping aside, succeeded in fixing the point of his spear + within his jaws, which final stroke put an end to the encounter.</p> + + <p>While Cadmus stood surveying his vanquished foe Pallas-Athene appeared + to him, and commanded him to sow the teeth of the dead dragon in the + ground. He obeyed; and out of the furrows there arose a band of armed + men, who at once commenced to fight with each other, until all except + five were killed. These last surviving warriors made peace with each + other, and it was with their assistance that Cadmus now built the famous + city of Thebes. In later times the noblest Theban families proudly + claimed their descent from these mighty earth-born warriors.</p> + + <p>Ares was furious with rage when he discovered that Cadmus had slain + his dragon, and would have killed him had not Zeus interfered, and + induced him to mitigate his punishment to that of servitude for the term + of eight years. At the end of that time the god of war became reconciled + to Cadmus, and, in token of his forgiveness, bestowed upon him the hand + of his daughter Harmonia in marriage. Their nuptials were almost as + celebrated as those of Peleus and Thetis. All the gods honoured them with + their presence, and offered rich gifts and congratulations. Cadmus + himself presented his lovely bride with a splendid necklace fashioned by + Hephæstus, which, however, after the death of Harmonia, always proved + fatal to its possessor.</p> + + <p>The children of Cadmus and Harmonia were one son, <!-- Page 205 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page205"></a>[205]</span>Polydorus, and + four daughters, Autonoe, Ino, Semele, and Agave.</p> + + <p>For many years the founder of Thebes reigned happily, but at length a + conspiracy was formed against him, and he was deprived of his throne by + his grandson Pentheus. Accompanied by his faithful wife Harmonia, he + retired into Illyria, and after death they were both changed by Zeus into + serpents, and transferred to Elysium.</p> + +<h3>PERSEUS.</h3> + + <p>Perseus, one of the most renowned of the legendary heroes of + antiquity, was the son of Zeus and Danaë, daughter of Acrisius, king of + Argos.</p> + + <p>An oracle having foretold to Acrisius that a son of Danaë would be the + cause of his death, he imprisoned her in a tower of brass in order to + keep her secluded from the world. Zeus, however, descended through the + roof of the tower in the form of a shower of gold, and the lovely Danaë + became his bride.</p> + + <p>For four years Acrisius remained in ignorance of this union, but one + evening as he chanced to pass by the brazen chamber, he heard the cry of + a young child proceeding from within, which led to the discovery of his + daughter's marriage with Zeus. Enraged at finding all his precautions + unavailing, Acrisius commanded the mother and child to be placed in a + chest and thrown into the sea.</p> + + <p>But it was not the will of Zeus that they should perish. He directed + Poseidon to calm the troubled waters, and caused the chest to float + safely to the island of Seriphus. Dictys, brother of Polydectes, king of + the island, was fishing on the sea-shore when he saw the chest stranded + on the beach; and pitying the helpless condition of its unhappy + occupants, he conducted them to the palace of the king, where they were + treated with the greatest kindness.</p> + + <p>Polydectes eventually became united to Danaë, and <!-- Page 206 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page206"></a>[206]</span>bestowed upon + Perseus an education befitting a hero. When he saw his stepson develop + into a noble and manly youth he endeavoured to instil into his mind a + desire to signalize himself by the achievement of some great and heroic + deed, and after mature deliberation it was decided that the slaying of + the Gorgon, Medusa, would bring him the greatest renown.</p> + + <p>For the successful accomplishment of his object it was necessary for + him to be provided with a pair of winged sandals, a magic wallet, and the + helmet of Aïdes, which rendered the wearer invisible, all of which were + in the keeping of the Nymphs, the place of whose abode was known only to + the Grææ. Perseus started on his expedition, and, guided by Hermes and + Pallas-Athene, arrived, after a long journey, in the far-off region, on + the borders of Oceanus, where dwelt the Grææ, daughters of Phorcys and + Ceto. He at once applied to them for the necessary information, and on + their refusing to grant it he deprived them of their single eye and + tooth, which he only restored to them when they gave him full directions + with regard to his route. He then proceeded to the abode of the Nymphs, + from whom he obtained the objects indispensable for his purpose.</p> + + <p>Equipped with the magic helmet and wallet, and armed with a sickle, + the gift of Hermes, he attached to his feet the winged sandals, and flew + to the abode of the Gorgons, whom he found fast asleep. Now as Perseus + had been warned by his celestial guides that whoever looked upon these + weird sisters would be transformed into stone, he stood with averted face + before the sleepers, and caught on his bright metal shield their triple + image. Then, guided by Pallas-Athene, he cut off the head of the Medusa, + which he placed in his wallet. No sooner had he done so than from the + headless trunk there sprang forth the winged steed Pegasus, and Chrysaor, + the father of the winged giant Geryon. He now hastened to elude the + pursuit of the two surviving sisters, who, aroused from their slumbers, + eagerly rushed to avenge the death of their sister.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 207 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page207"></a>[207]</span></p> + + <p>His invisible helmet and winged sandals here stood him in good stead; + for the former concealed him from the view of the Gorgons, whilst the + latter bore him swiftly over land and sea, far beyond the reach of + pursuit. In passing over the burning plains of Libya the drops of blood + from the head of the Medusa oozed through the wallet, and falling on the + hot sands below produced a brood of many-coloured snakes, which spread + all over the country.</p> + + <p>Perseus continued his flight until he reached the kingdom of Atlas, of + whom he begged rest and shelter. But as this king possessed a valuable + orchard, in which every tree bore golden fruit, he was fearful lest the + slayer of the Medusa might destroy the dragon which guarded it, and then + rob him of his treasures. He therefore refused to grant the hospitality + which the hero demanded, whereupon Perseus, exasperated at the churlish + repulse, produced from his wallet the head of the Medusa, and holding it + towards the king, transformed him into a stony mountain. Beard and hair + erected themselves into forests; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge + rocks, and the head grew up into a craggy peak which reached into the + clouds.</p> + + <p>Perseus then resumed his travels. His winged sandals bore him over + deserts and mountains, until he arrived at Æthiopia, the kingdom of King + Cepheus. Here he found the country inundated with disastrous floods, + towns and villages destroyed, and everywhere signs of desolation and + ruin. On a projecting cliff close to the shore he beheld a lovely maiden + chained to a rock. This was Andromeda, the king's daughter. Her mother + Cassiopea, having boasted that her beauty surpassed that of the Nereides, + the angry sea-nymphs appealed to Poseidon to avenge their wrongs, + whereupon the sea-god devastated the country with a terrible inundation, + which brought with it a huge monster who devoured all that came in his + way.</p> + + <p>In their distress the unfortunate Æthiopians applied to the oracle of + Jupiter-Ammon, in the Libyan desert, <!-- Page 208 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page208"></a>[208]</span>and obtained the + response, that only by the sacrifice of the king's daughter to the + monster could the country and people be saved.</p> + + <p>Cepheus, who was tenderly attached to his child, at first refused to + listen to this dreadful proposal; but overcome at length by the prayers + and solicitations of his unhappy subjects, the heart-broken father gave + up his child for the welfare of his country. Andromeda was accordingly + chained to a rock on the sea-shore to serve as a prey to the monster, + whilst her unhappy parents bewailed her sad fate on the beach below.</p> + + <p>On being informed of the meaning of this tragic scene, Perseus + proposed to Cepheus to slay the dragon, on condition that the lovely + victim should become his bride. Overjoyed at the prospect of Andromeda's + release, the king gladly acceded to the stipulation, and Perseus hastened + to the rock, to breathe words of hope and comfort to the trembling + maiden. Then assuming once more the helmet of Aïdes, he mounted into the + air, and awaited the approach of the monster.</p> + + <p>Presently the sea opened, and the shark's head of the gigantic beast + of the deep raised itself above the waves. Lashing his tail furiously + from side to side, he leaped forward to seize his victim; but the gallant + hero, watching his opportunity, suddenly darted down, and producing the + head of the Medusa from his wallet, held it before the eyes of the + dragon, whose hideous body became gradually transformed into a huge black + rock, which remained for ever a silent witness of the miraculous + deliverance of Andromeda. Perseus then led the maiden to her now happy + parents, who, anxious to evince their gratitude to her deliverer ordered + immediate preparations to be made for the nuptial feast. But the young + hero was not to bear away his lovely bride uncontested; for in the midst + of the banquet, Phineus, the king's brother, to whom Andromeda had + previously been betrothed, returned to claim his bride. Followed by a + band of armed warriors he forced his way into the hall, and a desperate + encounter took place between the rivals, <!-- Page 209 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page209"></a>[209]</span>which might have + terminated fatally for Perseus, had he not suddenly bethought himself of + the Medusa's head. Calling to his friends to avert their faces, he drew + it from his wallet, and held it before Phineus and his formidable + body-guard, whereupon they all stiffened into stone.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0209-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0209-1.png" + alt="Pallas-Athene with her shield" title="Pallas-Athene with her shield" /></a> + </div> + <p>Perseus now took leave of the Æthiopian king, and, accompanied by his + beautiful bride, returned to Seriphus, where a joyful meeting took place + between Danaë and her son. He then sent a messenger to his grandfather, + informing him that he intended returning to Argos; but Acrisius, fearing + the fulfilment of the oracular prediction, fled for protection to his + friend Teutemias, king of Larissa. Anxious to induce the aged monarch to + return to Argos, Perseus followed him thither. But here a strange + fatality occurred. Whilst taking part in some funereal games, celebrated + in honour of the king's father, Perseus, by an unfortunate throw of the + discus, accidentally struck his grandfather, and thereby was the innocent + cause of his death.</p> + + <p>After celebrating the funereal rites of Acrisius with due solemnity, + Perseus returned to Argos; but feeling loath to occupy the throne of one + whose death he had caused, he exchanged kingdoms with Megapenthes, king + of Tiryns, and in course of time founded the cities of Mycenæ and + Midea.</p> + + <p>The head of the Medusa he presented to his divine patroness, + Pallas-Athene, who placed it in the centre of her shield.</p> + + <p>Many great heroes were descended from Perseus and Andromeda, foremost + among whom was Heracles, whose mother, Alcmene, was their + granddaughter.</p> + + <p>Heroic honours were paid to Perseus, not only <!-- Page 210 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page210"></a>[210]</span>throughout Argos, but + also at Athens and in the island of Seriphus.</p> + +<h3>ION.</h3> + + <p>Ion was the son of Crëusa (the beauteous daughter of Erechtheus, king + of Athens) and the sun-god Phœbus-Apollo, to whom she was united + without the knowledge of her father.</p> + + <p>Fearing the anger of Erechtheus, Crëusa placed her new-born babe in a + little wicker basket, and hanging some golden charms round his neck, + invoked for him the protection of the gods, and concealed him in a lonely + cave. Apollo, pitying his deserted child, sent Hermes to convey him to + Delphi, where he deposited his charge on the steps of the temple. Next + morning the Delphic priestess discovered the infant, and was so charmed + by his engaging appearance that she adopted him as her own son. The young + child was carefully tended and reared by his kind foster-mother, and was + brought up in the service of the temple, where he was intrusted with some + of the minor duties of the holy edifice.</p> + + <p>And now to return to Crëusa. During a war with the Eubœans, in + which the latter were signally defeated, Xuthus, son of Æolus, greatly + distinguished himself on the side of the Athenians, and as a reward for + his valuable services, the hand of Crëusa, the king's daughter, was + bestowed upon him in marriage. Their union, however, was not blest with + children, and as this was a source of great grief to both of them, they + repaired to Delphi in order to consult the oracle. The response was, that + Xuthus should regard the first person who met him on leaving the + sanctuary as his son. Now it happened that Ion, the young guardian of the + temple, was the first to greet his view, and when Xuthus beheld the + beautiful youth, he gladly welcomed him as his son, declaring that the + gods had sent him to be a blessing and comfort to his old age. Crëusa, + however, who concluded that the youth was the offspring of a secret + marriage on the part of her husband, was filled with suspicion and + jealousy; <!-- Page 211 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page211"></a>[211]</span>when an old servant, observing her grief, + begged her to be comforted, assuring her that the cause of her distress + should be speedily removed.</p> + + <p>When, upon the occasion of the public adoption of his son, Xuthus gave + a grand banquet, the old servant of Crëusa contrived to mix a strong + poison in the wine of the unsuspecting Ion. But the youth—according + to the pious custom of the ancients, of offering a libation to the gods + before partaking of any repast—poured upon the ground a portion of + the wine before putting it to his lips, when suddenly, as if by a + miracle, a dove flew into the banquet-hall, and sipped of the wine of the + libation; whereupon the poor little creature began to quiver in every + limb, and in a few moments expired.</p> + + <p>Ion's suspicions at once fell upon the obsequious servant of Crëusa, + who with such officious attention had filled his cup. He violently seized + the old man, and accused him of his murderous intentions. Unprepared for + this sudden attack he admitted his guilt, but pointed to the wife of + Xuthus as the instigator of the crime. Ion was about to avenge himself + upon Crëusa, when, by means of the divine intervention of Apollo, his + foster-mother, the Delphic priestess appeared on the scene, and explained + the true relationship which existed between Crëusa and Ion. In order to + set all doubts at rest, she produced the charms which she had found round + the neck of the infant, and also the wicker basket in which he had been + conveyed to Delphi.</p> + + <p>Mother and son now became reconciled to each other, and Crëusa + revealed to Ion the secret of his divine origin. The priestess of Delphi + foretold that he would become the father of a great nation, called after + him the Ionians, and also that Xuthus and Crëusa would have a son called + Dorus, who would be the progenitor of the Dorian people, both of which + predictions were in due time verified.</p> + +<h3>DÆDALUS and ICARUS.</h3> + + <p>Dædalus, a descendant of Erechtheus, was an Athenian architect, + sculptor, and mechanician. He was the first <!-- Page 212 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page212"></a>[212]</span>to introduce the art of + sculpture in its higher development, for before his time statues were + merely rude representations, having the limbs altogether undefined.</p> + + <p>But great as was his genius, still greater was his vanity, and he + could brook no rival. Now his nephew and pupil, Talus, exhibited great + talent, having invented both the saw and the compass, and Dædalus, + fearing lest he might overshadow his own fame, secretly killed him by + throwing him down from the citadel of Pallas-Athene. The murder being + discovered, Dædalus was summoned before the court of the Areopagus and + condemned to death; but he made his escape to the island of Crete, where + he was received by king Minos in a manner worthy of his great + reputation.</p> + + <p>Dædalus constructed for the king the world-renowned labyrinth, which + was an immense building, full of intricate passages, intersecting each + other in such a manner, that even Dædalus himself is said, upon one + occasion, to have nearly lost his way in it; and it was in this building + the king placed the Minotaur, a monster with the head and shoulders of a + bull and the body of a man.</p> + + <p>In the course of time the great artist became weary of his long exile, + more especially as the king, under the guise of friendship, kept him + almost a prisoner. He therefore resolved to make his escape, and for this + purpose ingeniously contrived wings for himself and his young son Icarus, + whom he diligently trained how to use them. Having awaited a favourable + opportunity, father and son commenced their flight, and were well on + their way when Icarus, pleased with the novel sensation, forgot + altogether his father's oft-repeated injunction not to approach too near + the sun. The consequence was that the wax, by means of which his wings + were attached, melted, and he fell into the sea and was drowned. The body + of the unfortunate Icarus was washed up by the tide, and was buried by + the bereaved father on an island which he called after his son, + Icaria.</p> + + <p>After this sad event, Dædalus winged his flight to the island of + Sicily, where he met with a kind welcome from <!-- Page 213 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page213"></a>[213]</span>king Cocalus, for whom + he constructed several important public works. But no sooner did Minos + receive the intelligence that his great architect had found an asylum + with Cocalus than he sailed over to Sicily with a large army, and sent + messengers to the Sicilian king demanding the surrender of his guest. + Cocalus feigned compliance and invited Minos to his palace, where he was + treacherously put to death in a warm bath. The body of their king was + brought to Agrigent by the Cretans, where it was buried with great pomp, + and over his tomb a temple to Aphrodite was erected.</p> + + <p>Dædalus passed the remainder of his life tranquilly in the island of + Sicily, where he occupied himself in the construction of various + beautiful works of art.</p> + +<h3>THE ARGONAUTS.</h3> + + <p>Aeson, king of Iolcus, was forced to fly from his dominions, which had + been usurped by his younger brother, Pelias, and with difficulty + succeeded in saving the life of his young son, Jason, who was at that + time only ten years of age. He intrusted him to the care of the Centaur + Chiron, by whom he was carefully trained in company with other noble + youths, who, like himself, afterwards signalized themselves by their + bravery and heroic exploits. For ten years Jason remained in the cave of + the Centaur, by whom he was instructed in all useful and warlike arts. + But as he approached manhood he became filled with an unconquerable + desire to regain his paternal inheritance. He therefore took leave of his + kind friend and preceptor, and set out for Iolcus to demand from his + uncle Pelias the kingdom which he had so unjustly usurped.</p> + + <p>In the course of his journey he came to a broad and foaming river, on + the banks of which he perceived an old woman, who implored him to help + her across. At first he hesitated, knowing that even alone he would find + some difficulty in stemming the fierce torrent; but, <!-- Page 214 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page214"></a>[214]</span>pitying her + forlorn condition, he raised her in his arms, and succeeded, with a great + effort, in reaching the opposite shore. But as soon as her feet had + touched the earth she became transformed into a beautiful woman, who, + looking kindly at the bewildered youth, informed him that she was the + goddess Hera, and that she would henceforth guide and protect him + throughout his career. She then disappeared, and, full of hope and + courage at this divine manifestation, Jason pursued his journey. He now + perceived that in crossing the river he had lost one of his sandals, but + as it could not be recovered he was obliged to proceed without it.</p> + + <p>On his arrival at Iolcus he found his uncle in the market-place, + offering up a public sacrifice to Poseidon. When the king had concluded + his offering, his eye fell upon the distinguished stranger, whose manly + beauty and heroic bearing had already attracted the attention of his + people. Observing that one foot was unshod, he was reminded of an + oracular prediction which foretold to him the loss of his kingdom by a + man wearing only one sandal. He, however, disguised his fears, conversed + kindly with the youth, and drew from him his name and errand. Then + pretending to be highly pleased with his nephew, Pelias entertained him + sumptuously for five days, during which time all was festivity and + rejoicing. On the sixth, Jason appeared before his uncle, and with manly + firmness demanded from him the throne and kingdom which were his by + right. Pelias, dissembling his true feelings, smilingly consented to + grant his request, provided that, in return, Jason would undertake an + expedition for him, which his advanced age prevented him from + accomplishing himself. He informed his nephew that the shade of Phryxus + had appeared to him in his dreams, and entreated him to bring back from + Colchis his mortal remains and the Golden Fleece; and added that if Jason + succeeded in obtaining for him these sacred relics, throne, kingdom, and + sceptre should be his.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 215 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page215"></a>[215]</span></p> + +<h3>STORY OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE.</h3> + + <p>Athamas, king of Bœotia, had married Nephele, a cloud-nymph, and + their children were Helle and Phryxus. The restless and wandering nature + of Nephele, however, soon wearied her husband, who, being a mortal, had + little sympathy with his ethereal consort; so he divorced her, and + married the beautiful but wicked Ino (sister of Semele), who hated her + step-children, and even planned their destruction. But the watchful + Nephele contrived to circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in + getting the children out of the palace. She then placed them both on the + back of a winged ram, with a fleece of pure gold, which had been given to + her by Hermes; and on this wonderful animal brother and sister rode + through the air over land and sea; but on the way Helle, becoming seized + with giddiness, fell into the sea (called after her the Hellespont) and + was drowned.</p> + + <p>Phryxus arrived safely at Colchis, where he was hospitably received by + king Aëtes, who gave him one of his daughters in marriage. In gratitude + to Zeus for the protection accorded him during his flight, Phryxus + sacrificed to him the golden ram, whilst the fleece he presented to + Aëtes, who nailed it up in the Grove of Ares, and dedicated it to the god + of War. An oracle having declared that the life of Aëtes depended on the + safe-keeping of the fleece, he carefully guarded the entrance to the + grove by placing before it an immense dragon, which never slept.</p> + + <p><b>Building and Launch of the Argo.</b>—We will now return to + Jason, who eagerly undertook the perilous expedition proposed to him by + his uncle, who, well aware of the dangers attending such an enterprise, + hoped by this means to rid himself for ever of the unwelcome + intruder.</p> + + <p>Jason accordingly began to arrange his plans without delay, and + invited the young heroes whose friendship he <!-- Page 216 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page216"></a>[216]</span>had formed whilst under + the care of Chiron, to join him in the perilous expedition. None refused + the invitation, all feeling honoured at being allowed the privilege of + taking part in so noble and heroic an undertaking.</p> + + <p>Jason now applied to Argos, one of the cleverest ship-builders of his + time, who, under the guidance of Pallas-Athene, built for him a splendid + fifty-oared galley, which was called the Argo, after the builder. In the + upper deck of the vessel the goddess had imbedded a board from the + speaking oak of the oracle of Zeus at Dodona, which ever retained its + powers of prophecy. The exterior of the ship was ornamented with + magnificent carvings, and the whole vessel was so strongly built that it + defied the power of the winds and waves, and was, nevertheless, so light + that the heroes, when necessary, were able to carry it on their + shoulders. When the vessel was completed, the Argonauts (so called after + their ship) assembled, and their places were distributed by lot.</p> + + <p>Jason was appointed commander-in-chief of the expedition, Tiphys acted + as steersman, Lynceus as pilot. In the bow of the vessel sat the renowned + hero Heracles; in the stern, Peleus (father of Achilles) and Telamon (the + father of Ajax the Great). In the inner space were Castor and Pollux, + Neleus (the father of Nestor), Admetus (the husband of Alcestes), + Meleager (the slayer of the Calydonian boar), Orpheus (the renowned + singer), Menoctius (the father of Patroclus), Theseus (afterwards king of + Athens) and his friend Pirithöus (the son of Ixion), Hylas (the adopted + son of Heracles), Euphemus (the son of Poseidon), Oileus (father of Ajax + the Lesser), Zetes and Calais (the winged sons of Boreas), Idmon the Seer + (the son of Apollo), Mopsus (the Thessalian prophet), &c. &c.</p> + + <p>Before their departure Jason offered a solemn sacrifice to Poseidon + and all the other sea-deities; he also invoked the protection of Zeus and + the Fates, and then, Mopsus having taken the auguries, and found them + auspicious, the heroes stepped on board. And now a favourable breeze + having sprung up, they take their allotted places, <!-- Page 217 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page217"></a>[217]</span>the anchor is weighed, + and the ship glides like a bird out of the harbour into the waters of the + great sea.</p> + + <p><b>Arrival at Lemnos.</b>—The Argo, with her brave crew of fifty + heroes, was soon out of sight, and the sea-breeze only wafted to the + shore a faint echo of the sweet strains of Orpheus.</p> + + <p>For a time all went smoothly, but the vessel was soon driven, by + stress of weather, to take refuge in a harbour in the island of Lemnos. + This island was inhabited by women only, who, the year before, in a fit + of mad jealousy, had killed all the male population of the island, with + the exception of the father of their queen, Hypsipyle. As the protection + of their island now devolved upon themselves they were always on the + look-out for danger. When, therefore, they sighted the Argo from afar + they armed themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any + invasion of their territory.</p> + + <p>On arriving in port the Argonauts, astonished at beholding an armed + crowd of women, despatched a herald in one of their boats, bearing the + staff of peace and friendship. Hypsipyle, the queen, proposed that food + and presents should be sent to the strangers, in order to prevent their + landing; but her old nurse, who stood beside her, suggested that this + would be a good opportunity to provide themselves with noble husbands, + who would act as their defenders, and thus put an end to their constant + fears. Hypsipyle listened attentively to the advice of her nurse, and + after some consultation, decided to invite the strangers into the city. + Robed in his purple mantle, the gift of Pallas-Athene, Jason, accompanied + by some of his companions, stepped on shore, where he was met by a + deputation consisting of the most beautiful of the Lemnian women, and, as + commander of the expedition, was invited into the palace of the + queen.</p> + + <p>When he appeared before Hypsipyle, she was so struck with his godlike + and heroic presence that she presented him with her father's sceptre, and + invited him to seat himself on the throne beside her. Jason thereupon + <!-- Page 218 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page218"></a>[218]</span>took up his residence in the royal castle, + whilst his companions scattered themselves through the town, spending + their time in feasting and pleasure. Heracles, with a few chosen + comrades, alone remained on board.</p> + + <p>From day to day their departure was delayed, and the Argonauts, in + their new life of dissipation, had almost forgotten the object of the + expedition, when Heracles suddenly appeared amongst them, and at last + recalled them to a sense of their duty.</p> + + <p><b>Giants and Doliones.</b>—The Argonauts now pursued their + voyage, till contrary winds drove them towards an island, inhabited by + the Doliones, whose king Cyzicus received them with great kindness and + hospitality. The Doliones were descendants of Poseidon, who protected + them against the frequent attacks of their fierce and formidable + neighbours, the earth-born Giants—monsters with six arms.</p> + + <p>Whilst his companions were attending a banquet given by king Cyzicus, + Heracles, who, as usual, had remained behind to guard the ship, observed + that these Giants were busy blocking up the harbour with huge rocks. He + at once realized the danger, and, attacking them with his arrows, + succeeded in considerably thinning their numbers; then, assisted by the + heroes, who at length came to his aid, he effectually destroyed the + remainder.</p> + + <p>The Argo now steered out of the harbour and set sail; but in + consequence of a severe storm which arose at night, was driven back once + more to the shores of the kindly Doliones. Unfortunately, however, owing + to the darkness of the night, the inhabitants failed to recognize their + former guests, and, mistaking them for enemies, commenced to attack them. + Those who had so recently parted as friends were now engaged in mortal + combat, and in the battle which ensued, Jason himself pierced to the + heart his friend king Cyzicus; whereupon the Doliones, being deprived of + their leader, fled to their city and closed the gates. When morning + dawned, and both sides perceived their error, they were filled with <!-- + Page 219 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page219"></a>[219]</span>the + deepest sorrow and remorse; and for three days the heroes remained with + the Doliones, celebrating the funereal rites of the slain, with every + demonstration of mourning and solemnity.</p> + + <p><b>Heracles left behind.</b>—The Argonauts once more set sail, + and after a stormy voyage arrived at Mysia, where they were hospitably + received by the inhabitants, who spread before them plentiful banquets + and sumptuously regaled them.</p> + + <p>While his friends were feasting, Heracles, who had declined to join + them, went into the forest to seek a fir-tree which he required for an + oar, and was missed by his adopted son Hylas, who set out to seek him. + When the youth arrived at a spring, in the most secluded part of the + forest, the nymph of the fountain was so struck by his beauty that she + drew him down beneath the waters, and he was seen no more. Polyphemus, + one of the heroes, who happened to be also in the forest, heard his cry + for help, and on meeting Heracles informed him of the circumstance. They + at once set out in search of the missing youth, no traces of whom were to + be found, and whilst they were engaged looking for him, the Argo set sail + and left them behind.</p> + + <p>The ship had proceeded some distance before the absence of Heracles + was observed. Some of the heroes were in favour of returning for him, + others wished to proceed on their journey, when, in the midst of the + dispute, the sea-god Glaucus arose from the waves, and informed them that + it was the will of Zeus that Heracles, having another mission to perform, + should remain behind. The Argonauts continued their voyage without their + companions; Heracles returned to Argos, whilst Polyphemus remained with + the Mysians, where he founded a city and became its king.</p> + + <p><b>Contest with Amycus.</b>—Next morning the Argo touched at the + country of the Bebrycians, whose king Amycus was a famous pugilist, and + permitted no strangers to leave his shores without matching their <!-- + Page 220 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page220"></a>[220]</span>strength with his. When the heroes, + therefore, demanded permission to land, they were informed that they + could only do so provided that one of their number should engage in a + boxing-match with the king. Pollux, who was the best pugilist in Greece, + was selected as their champion, and a contest took place, which, after a + tremendous struggle, proved fatal to Amycus, who had hitherto been + victorious in all similar encounters.</p> + + <p><b>Phineus and the Harpies.</b>—They now proceeded towards + Bithynia, where reigned the blind old prophet-king Phineus, son of + Agenor. Phineus had been punished by the gods with premature old age and + blindness for having abused the gift of prophecy. He was also tormented + by the Harpies, who swooped down upon his food, which they either + devoured or so defiled as to render it unfit to be eaten. This poor old + man, trembling with the weakness of age, and faint with hunger, appeared + before the Argonauts, and implored their assistance against his fiendish + tormentors, whereupon Zetes and Calais, the winged sons of Boreas, + recognizing in him the husband of their sister Cleopatra, affectionately + embraced him, and promised to rescue him from his painful position.</p> + + <p>The heroes prepared a banquet on the sea-shore, to which they invited + Phineus; but no sooner had he taken his place, than the Harpies appeared + and devoured all the viands. Zetes and Calais now rose up into the air, + drove the Harpies away, and were pursuing them with drawn swords, when + Iris, the swift-footed messenger of the gods, appeared, and desired them + to desist from their work of vengeance, promising that Phineus should be + no longer molested.</p> + + <p>Freed at length from his tormentors the old man sat down and enjoyed a + plentiful repast with his kind friends the Argonauts, who now informed + him of the object of their voyage. In gratitude for his deliverance + Phineus gave them much useful information concerning their journey, and + not only warned them of the manifold <!-- Page 221 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page221"></a>[221]</span>dangers awaiting them, + but also instructed them how they might be overcome.</p> + + <p><b>Passage of the Symplegades.</b>—After a fortnight's sojourn + in Bithynia the Argonauts once more set sail, but had not proceeded far + on their course, when they heard a fearful and tremendous crash. This was + caused by the meeting of two great rocky islands, called the Symplegades, + which floated about in the sea, and constantly met and separated.</p> + + <p>Before leaving Bithynia, the blind old seer, Phineus, had informed + them that they would be compelled to pass between these terrible rocks, + and he instructed them how to do so with safety. As they now approached + the scene of danger they remembered his advice, and acted upon it. + Typhus, the steersman, stood at the helm, whilst Euphemus held in his + hand a dove ready to be let loose; for Phineus had told them that if the + dove ventured to fly through, they might safely follow. Euphemus now + despatched the bird, which passed swiftly through the islands, yet not + without losing some of the feathers of her tail, so speedily did they + reunite. Seizing the moment when the rocks once more separated, the + Argonauts worked at their oars with all their might, and achieved the + perilous passage in safety.</p> + + <p>After the miraculous passage of the Argo, the Symplegades became + permanently united, and attached to the bottom of the sea.</p> + + <p><b>The Stymphalides.</b>—The Argo pursued her course along the + southern coast of the Pontus, and arrived at the island of Aretias, which + was inhabited by birds, who, as they flew through the air, discharged + from their wings feathers sharp as arrows.</p> + + <p>As the ship was gliding along, Oileus was wounded by one of these + birds, whereupon the Argonauts held a council, and by the advice of + Amphidamas, an experienced hero, all put on their helmets, and held up + their glittering shields, uttering, at the same time, such fearful cries + that <!-- Page 222 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page222"></a>[222]</span>the birds flew away in terror, and the + Argonauts were enabled to land with safety on the island.</p> + + <p>Here they found four shipwrecked youths, who proved to be the sons of + Phryxus, and were greeted by Jason as his cousins. On ascertaining the + object of the expedition they volunteered to accompany the Argo, and to + show the heroes the way to Colchis. They also informed them that the + Golden Fleece was guarded by a fearful dragon, that king Aëtes was + extremely cruel, and, as the son of Apollo, was possessed of superhuman + strength.</p> + + <p><b>Arrival at Colchis.</b>—Taking with them the four new-comers + they journeyed on, and soon came in sight of the snow-capped peaks of the + Caucasus, when, towards evening, the loud flapping of wings was heard + overhead. It was the giant eagle of Prometheus on his way to torture the + noble and long-suffering Titan, whose fearful groans soon afterwards fell + upon their ears. That night they reached their journey's end, and + anchored in the smooth waters of the river Phases. On the left bank of + this river they beheld Ceuta, the capital of Colchis; and on their right + a wide field, and the sacred grove of Ares, where the Golden Fleece, + suspended from a magnificent oak-tree, was glittering in the sun. Jason + now filled a golden cup with wine, and offered a libation to + mother-earth, the gods of the country, and the shades of those of the + heroes who had died on the voyage.</p> + + <p>Next morning a council was held, in which it was decided, that before + resorting to forcible measures kind and conciliatory overtures should + first be made to king Aëtes in order to induce him to resign the Golden + Fleece. It was arranged that Jason, with a few chosen companions, should + proceed to the royal castle, leaving the remainder of the crew to guard + the Argo. Accompanied, therefore, by Telamon and Augeas, and the four + sons of Phryxus, he set out for the palace.</p> + + <p>When they arrived in sight of the castle they were struck by the + vastness and massiveness of the building, at the entrance to which + sparkling fountains played in <!-- Page 223 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page223"></a>[223]</span>the midst of luxuriant and park-like + gardens. Here the king's daughters, Chalciope and Medea, who were walking + in the grounds of the palace, met them. The former, to her great joy, + recognized in the youths who accompanied the hero her own long-lost sons, + whom she had mourned as dead, whilst the young and lovely Medea was + struck with the noble and manly form of Jason.</p> + + <p>The news of the return of the sons of Phryxus soon spread through the + palace, and brought Aëtes himself to the scene, whereupon the strangers + were presented to him, and were invited to a banquet which the king + ordered to be prepared in their honour. All the most beautiful ladies of + the court were present at this entertainment; but in the eyes of Jason + none could compare with the king's daughter, the young and lovely + Medea.</p> + + <p>When the banquet was ended, Jason related to the king his various + adventures, and also the object of his expedition, with the circumstances + which had led to his undertaking it. Aëtes listened, in silent + indignation, to this recital, and then burst out into a torrent of + invectives against the Argonauts and his grand-children, declaring that + the Fleece was his rightful property, and that on no consideration would + he consent to relinquish it. Jason, however, with mild and persuasive + words, contrived so far to conciliate him, that he was induced to promise + that if the heroes could succeed in demonstrating their divine origin by + the performance of some task requiring superhuman power, the Fleece + should be theirs.</p> + + <p>The task proposed by Aëtes to Jason was that he should yoke the two + brazen-footed, fire-breathing oxen of the king (which had been made for + him by Hephæstus) to his ponderous iron plough. Having done this he must + till with them the stony field of Ares, and then sow in the furrows the + poisonous teeth of a dragon, from which armed men would arise. These he + must destroy to a man, or he himself would perish at their hands.</p> + + <p>When Jason heard what was expected of him, his heart for a moment sank + within him; but he determined, nevertheless, not to flinch from his task, + but to trust to the <!-- Page 224 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page224"></a>[224]</span>assistance of the gods, and to his own + courage and energy.</p> + + <p><b>Jason ploughs the Field of Ares.</b>—Accompanied by his two + friends, Telamon and Augeas, and also by Argus, the son of Chalciope, + Jason returned to the vessel for the purpose of holding a consultation as + to the best means of accomplishing these perilous feats.</p> + + <p>Argus explained to Jason all the difficulties of the superhuman task + which lay before him, and pronounced it as his opinion that the only + means by which success was possible was to enlist the assistance of the + Princess Medea, who was a priestess of Hecate, and a great enchantress. + His suggestion meeting with approval, he returned to the palace, and by + the aid of his mother an interview was arranged between Jason and Medea, + which took place, at an early hour next morning, in the temple of + Hecate.</p> + + <p>A confession of mutual attachment took place, and Medea, trembling for + her lover's safety, presented him with a magic salve, which possessed the + property of rendering any person anointed with it invulnerable for the + space of one day against fire and steel, and invincible against any + adversary however powerful. With this salve she instructed him to anoint + his spear and shield on the day of his great undertaking. She further + added that when, after having ploughed the field and sown the teeth, + armed men should arise from the furrows, he must on no account lose + heart, but remember to throw among them a huge rock, over the possession + of which they would fight among themselves, and their attention being + thus diverted he would find it an easy task to destroy them. Overwhelmed + with gratitude, Jason thanked her, in the most earnest manner, for her + wise counsel and timely aid; at the same time he offered her his hand, + and promised her he would not return to Greece without taking her with + him as his wife.</p> + + <p>Next morning Aëtes, in all the pomp of state, surrounded by his family + and the members of his court, <!-- Page 225 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page225"></a>[225]</span>repaired to a spot whence a full view of + the approaching spectacle could be obtained. Soon Jason appeared in the + field of Ares, looking as noble and majestic as the god of war himself. + In a distant part of the field the brazen yokes and the massive plough + met his view, but as yet the dread animals themselves were nowhere to be + seen. He was about to go in quest of them, when they suddenly rushed out + from a subterranean cave, breathing flames of fire, and enveloped in a + thick smoke.</p> + + <p>The friends of Jason trembled; but the undaunted hero, relying on the + magic powers with which he was imbued by Medea, seized the oxen, one + after the other, by the horns, and forced them to the yoke. Near the + plough was a helmet full of dragon's teeth, which he sowed as he ploughed + the field, whilst with sharp pricks from his lance he compelled the + monstrous creatures to draw the plough over the stony ground, which was + thus speedily tilled.</p> + + <p>While Jason was engaged sowing the dragon's teeth in the deep furrows + of the field, he kept a cautious look-out lest the germinating giant + brood might grow too quickly for him, and as soon as the four acres of + land had been tilled he unyoked the oxen, and succeeded in frightening + them so effectually with his weapons, that they rushed back in terror to + their subterranean stables. Meanwhile armed men had sprung up out of the + furrows, and the whole field now bristled with lances; but Jason, + remembering the instructions of Medea, seized an immense rock and hurled + it into the midst of these earth-born warriors, who immediately began to + attack each other. Jason then rushed furiously upon them, and after a + terrible struggle not one of the giants remained alive.</p> + + <p>Furious at seeing his murderous schemes thus defeated, Aëtes not only + perfidiously refused to give Jason the Fleece which he had so bravely + earned, but, in his anger, determined to destroy all the Argonauts, and + to burn their vessel.</p> + + <p><b>Jason secures the Golden Fleece.</b>—Becoming aware of the + treacherous designs of her father, Medea at <!-- Page 226 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page226"></a>[226]</span>once took measures to + baffle them. In the darkness of night she went on board the Argo, and + warned the heroes of their approaching danger. She then advised Jason to + accompany her without loss of time to the sacred grove, in order to + possess himself of the long-coveted treasure. They set out together, and + Medea, followed by Jason, led the way, and advanced boldly into the + grove. The tall oak-tree was soon discovered, from the topmost boughs of + which hung the beautiful Golden Fleece. At the foot of this tree, keeping + his ever-wakeful watch, lay the dreadful, sleepless dragon, who at sight + of them bounded forward, opening his huge jaws.</p> + + <p>Medea now called into play her magic powers, and quietly approaching + the monster, threw over him a few drops of a potion, which soon took + effect, and sent him into a deep sleep; whereupon Jason, seizing the + opportunity, climbed the tree and secured the Fleece. Their perilous task + being now accomplished, Jason and Medea quitted the grove, and hastened + on board the Argo, which immediately put to sea.</p> + + <p><b>Murder of Absyrtus.</b>—Meanwhile Aëtes, having discovered + the loss of his daughter and the Golden Fleece, despatched a large fleet, + under the command of his son Absyrtus, in pursuit of the fugitives. After + some days' sail they arrived at an island at the mouth of the river + Ister, where they found the Argo at anchor, and surrounded her with their + numerous ships. They then despatched a herald on board of her, demanding + the surrender of Medea and the Fleece.</p> + + <p>Medea now consulted Jason, and, with his consent, carried out the + following stratagem. She sent a message to her brother Absyrtus, to the + effect that she had been carried off against her will, and promised that + if he would meet her, in the darkness of night, in the temple of Artemis, + she would assist him in regaining possession of the Golden Fleece. + Relying on the good faith of his sister, Absyrtus fell into the snare, + and duly appeared at the appointed trysting-place; and whilst Medea kept + her <!-- Page 227 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page227"></a>[227]</span>brother engaged in conversation, Jason + rushed forward and slew him. Then, according to a preconcerted signal, he + held aloft a lighted torch, whereupon the Argonauts attacked the + Colchians, put them to flight, and entirely defeated them.</p> + + <p>The Argonauts now returned to their ship, when the prophetic board + from the Dodonean oak thus addressed them: "The cruel murder of Absyrtus + was witnessed by the Erinyes, and you will not escape the wrath of Zeus + until the goddess Circe has purified you from your crime. Let Castor and + Pollux pray to the gods that you may be enabled to find the abode of the + sorceress." In obedience to the voice, the twin-brothers invoked divine + assistance, and the heroes set out in search of the isle of Circe.</p> + + <p><b>They arrive at the Island of Circe.</b>—The good ship Argo + sped on her way, and, after passing safely through the foaming waters of + the river Eridanus, at length arrived in the harbour of the island of + Circe, where she cast anchor.</p> + + <p>Commanding his companions to remain on board, Jason landed with Medea, + and conducted her to the palace of the sorceress. The goddess of charms + and magic arts received them kindly, and invited them to be seated; but + instead of doing so they assumed a supplicating attitude, and humbly + besought her protection. They then informed her of the dreadful crime + which they had committed, and implored her to purify them from it. This + Circe promised to do. She forthwith commanded her attendant Naiads to + kindle the fire on the altar, and to prepare everything necessary for the + performance of the mystic rites, after which a dog was sacrificed, and + the sacred cakes were burned. Having thus duly purified the criminals, + she severely reprimanded them for the horrible murder of which they had + been guilty; whereupon Medea, with veiled head, and weeping bitterly, was + reconducted by Jason to the Argo.</p> + + <p><b>Further Adventures of the Argonauts.</b>—Having left the + island of Circe they were wafted by gentle <!-- Page 228 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page228"></a>[228]</span>zephyrs towards the + abode of the Sirens, whose enticing strains soon fell upon their ears. + The Argonauts, powerfully affected by the melody, were making ready to + land, when Orpheus perceived the danger, and, to the accompaniment of his + magic lyre, commenced one of his enchanting songs, which so completely + absorbed his listeners that they passed the island in safety; but not + before Butes, one of their number, lured by the seductive music of the + Sirens, had sprung from the vessel into the waves below. Aphrodite, + however, in pity for his youth, landed him gently on the island of + Libibaon before the Sirens could reach him, and there he remained for + many years.</p> + + <p>And now the Argonauts approached new dangers, for on one side of them + seethed and foamed the whirlpool of Charybdis, whilst on the other + towered the mighty rock whence the monster Scylla swooped down upon + unfortunate mariners; but here the goddess Hera came to their assistance, + and sent to them the sea-nymph Thetis, who guided them safely through + these dangerous straits.</p> + + <p>The Argo next arrived at the island of the Phæaces, where they were + hospitably entertained by King Alcinous and his queen Arete. But the + banquet prepared for them by their kind host was unexpectedly interrupted + by the appearance of a large army of Colchians, sent by Aëtes to demand + the restoration of his daughter.</p> + + <p>Medea threw herself at the feet of the queen, and implored her to save + her from the anger of her father, and Arete, in her kindness of heart, + promised her her protection. Next morning, in an assembly of the people + at which the Colchians were invited to be present, the latter were + informed that as Medea was the lawful wife of Jason they could not + consent to deliver her up; whereupon the Colchians, seeing that the + resolution of the king was not to be shaken, and fearing to face the + anger of Aëtes should they return to Colchis without her, sought + permission of Alcinous to settle in his kingdom, which request was + accorded them.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 229 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page229"></a>[229]</span></p> + + <p>After these events the Argonauts once more set sail, and steered for + Iolcus; but, in the course of a terrible and fearful night, a mighty + storm arose, and in the morning they found themselves stranded on the + treacherous quicksands of Syrtes, on the shores of Libya. Here all was a + waste and barren desert, untenanted by any living creature, save the + venomous snakes which had sprung from the blood of the Medusa when borne + by Perseus over these arid plains.</p> + + <p>They had already passed several days in this abode of desolation, + beneath the rays of the scorching sun, and had abandoned themselves to + the deepest despair, when the Libyan queen, who was a prophetess of + divine origin, appeared to Jason, and informed him that a sea-horse would + be sent by the gods to act as his guide.</p> + + <p>Scarcely had she departed when a gigantic hippocamp was seen in the + distance, making its way towards the Argo. Jason now related to his + companions the particulars of his interview with the Libyan prophetess, + and after some deliberation it was decided to carry the Argo on their + shoulders, and to follow wherever the sea-horse should lead them. They + then commenced a long and weary journey through the desert, and at last, + after twelve days of severe toil and terrible suffering, the welcome + sight of the sea greeted their view. In gratitude for having been saved + from their manifold dangers they offered up sacrifices to the gods, and + launched their ship once more into the deep waters of the ocean.</p> + + <p><b>Arrival at Crete.</b>—With heartfelt joy and gladness they + proceeded on their homeward voyage, and after some days arrived at the + island of Crete, where they purposed to furnish themselves with fresh + provisions and water. Their landing, however, was opposed by a terrible + giant who guarded the island against all intruders. This giant, whose + name was Talus, was the last of the Brazen race, and being formed of + brass, was invulnerable, except in his right ankle, where there was a + sinew of flesh and a vein of blood. As he saw the Argo <!-- Page 230 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page230"></a>[230]</span>nearing the + coast, he hurled huge rocks at her, which would inevitably have sunk the + vessel had not the crew beat a hasty retreat. Although sadly in want of + food and water, the Argonauts had decided to proceed on their journey + rather than face so powerful an opponent, when Medea came forward and + assured them that if they would trust to her she would destroy the + giant.</p> + + <p>Enveloped in the folds of a rich purple mantle, she stepped on deck, + and after invoking the aid of the Fates, uttered a magic incantation, + which had the effect of throwing Talus into a deep sleep. He stretched + himself at full length upon the ground, and in doing so grazed his + vulnerable ankle against the point of a sharp rock, whereupon a mighty + stream of blood gushed forth from the wound. Awakened by the pain, he + tried to rise, but in vain, and with a mighty groan of anguish the giant + fell dead, and his enormous body rolled heavily over into the deep. The + heroes being now able to land, provisioned their vessel, after which they + resumed their homeward voyage.</p> + + <p><b>Arrival at Iolcus.</b>—After a terrible night of storm and + darkness they passed the island of Ægina, and at length reached in safety + the port of Iolcus, where the recital of their numerous adventures and + hair-breadth escapes was listened to with wondering admiration by their + fellow-countrymen.</p> + + <p>The Argo was consecrated to Poseidon, and was carefully preserved for + many generations till no vestige of it remained, when it was placed in + the heavens as a brilliant constellation.</p> + + <p>On his arrival at Iolcus, Jason conducted his beautiful bride to the + palace of his uncle Pelias, taking with him the Golden Fleece, for the + sake of which this perilous expedition had been undertaken. But the old + king, who had never expected that Jason would return alive, basely + refused to fulfil his part of the compact, and declined to abdicate the + throne.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 231 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page231"></a>[231]</span></p> + + <p>Indignant at the wrongs of her husband, Medea avenged them in a most + shocking manner. She made friends with the daughters of the king, and + feigned great interest in all their concerns. Having gained their + confidence, she informed them, that among her numerous magic arts, she + possessed the power of restoring to the aged all the vigour and strength + of youth, and in order to give them a convincing proof of the truth of + her assertion, she cut up an old ram, which she boiled in a cauldron, + whereupon, after uttering various mystic incantations, there came forth + from the vessel a beautiful young lamb. She then assured them, that in a + similar manner they could restore to their old father his former youthful + frame and vigour. The fond and credulous daughters of Pelias lent an all + too willing ear to the wicked sorceress, and thus the old king perished + at the hands of his innocent children.</p> + + <p><b>Death of Jason.</b>—Medea and Jason now fled to Corinth, + where at length they found, for a time, peace and tranquillity, their + happiness being completed by the birth of three children.</p> + + <p>As time passed on, however, and Medea began to lose the beauty which + had won the love of her husband, he grew weary of her, and became + attracted by the youthful charms of Glauce, the beautiful daughter of + Creon, king of Corinth. Jason had obtained her father's consent to their + union, and the wedding-day was already fixed, before he disclosed to + Medea the treachery which he meditated against her. He used all his + persuasive powers in order to induce her to consent to his union with + Glauce, assuring her that his affection had in no way diminished, but + that for the sake of the advantages which would thereby accrue to their + children, he had decided on forming this alliance with the royal house. + Though justly enraged at his deceitful conduct, Medea dissembled her + wrath, and, feigning to be satisfied with this explanation, sent, as a + wedding-gift to her rival, a magnificent robe of cloth-of-gold. This robe + was imbued with a deadly <!-- Page 232 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page232"></a>[232]</span>poison which penetrated to the flesh and + bone of the wearer, and burned them as though with a consuming fire. + Pleased with the beauty and costliness of the garment, the unsuspecting + Glauce lost no time in donning it; but no sooner had she done so than the + fell poison began to take effect. In vain she tried to tear the robe + away; it defied all efforts to be removed, and after horrible and + protracted sufferings, she expired.</p> + + <p>Maddened at the loss of her husband's love Medea next put to death her + three sons, and when Jason, thirsting for revenge, left the chamber of + his dead bride, and flew to his own house in search of Medea, the ghastly + spectacle of his murdered children met his view. He rushed frantically to + seek the murderess, but nowhere could she be found. At length, hearing a + sound above his head, he looked up, and beheld Medea gliding through the + air in a golden chariot drawn by dragons.</p> + + <p>In a fit of despair Jason threw himself on his own sword, and perished + on the threshold of his desolate and deserted home.</p> + +<h3>PELOPS.</h3> + + <p>Pelops, the son of the cruel Tantalus, was a pious and virtuous + prince. After his father was banished into Tartarus, a war ensued between + Pelops and the king of Troy, in which the former was vanquished and + forced to fly from his dominions in Phrygia. He emigrated into Greece, + where, at the court of Œnomaus, king of Elis, he beheld Hippodamia, + the king's daughter, whose beauty won his heart. But an oracle having + foretold to Œnomaus that he would die on the day of his daughter's + marriage, he threw every obstacle in the way of her suitors, and declared + that he would only give her to him who succeeded in vanquishing him in a + chariot race, but that all unsuccessful competitors should suffer death + at his hands.</p> + + <p>The conditions of the contest were as follows:—The race was to + be run from a given point at Pisa to the altar of Poseidon at Corinth; + the suitor was allowed to start <!-- Page 233 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page233"></a>[233]</span>on his course whilst Œnomaus + performed his sacrifice to Zeus, and only on its completion did the king + mount his chariot, guided by the skilful Myrtilus, and drawn by his two + famous horses, Phylla and Harpinna, who surpassed in swiftness the winds + themselves. In this manner many a gallant young prince had perished; for + although a considerable start was given to all competitors, still + Œnomaus, with his swift team, always overtook them before they + reached the goal, and killed them with his spear. But the love of Pelops + for Hippodamia overcame all fears, and, undeterred by the terrible fate + of his predecessors, he announced himself to Œnomaus as a suitor + for the hand of his daughter.</p> + + <p>On the eve of the race, Pelops repaired to the sea-shore and earnestly + implored Poseidon to assist him in his perilous undertaking. The sea-god + heard his prayer, and sent him out of the deep a chariot drawn by two + winged horses.</p> + + <p>When Pelops appeared on the course, the king at once recognized the + horses of Poseidon; but, nothing daunted, he relied on his own + supernatural team, and the contest was allowed to proceed.</p> + + <p>Whilst the king was offering his sacrifice to Zeus Pelops set out on + the race, and had nearly reached the goal, when, turning round, he beheld + Œnomaus, spear in hand, who, with his magic steeds, had nearly + overtaken him. But in this emergency Poseidon came to the aid of the son + of Tantalus. He caused the wheels of the royal chariot to fly off, + whereupon the king was thrown out violently, and killed on the spot, just + as Pelops arrived at the altar of Poseidon.</p> + + <p>As the hero was about to return to Pisa to claim his bride, he beheld, + in the distance, flames issuing from the royal castle, which at that + instant had been struck by lightning. With his winged horses he flew to + rescue his lovely bride, and succeeded in extricating her uninjured from + the burning building. They soon afterwards became united, and Pelops + reigned in Pisa for many years in great splendour.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 234 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page234"></a>[234]</span></p> + +<h3>HERACLES (<span class="sc">Hercules</span>).</h3> + + <p>Heracles, the most renowned hero of antiquity, was the son of Zeus and + Alcmene, and the great grandson of Perseus.</p> + + <p>At the time of his birth Alcmene was living at Thebes with her husband + Amphitryon, and thus the infant Heracles was born in the palace of his + stepfather.</p> + + <p>Aware of the animosity with which Hera persecuted all those who + rivalled her in the affections of Zeus, Alcmene, fearful lest this hatred + should be visited on her innocent child, intrusted him, soon after his + birth, to the care of a faithful servant, with instructions to expose him + in a certain field, and there leave him, feeling assured that the divine + offspring of Zeus would not long remain without the protection of the + gods.</p> + + <p>Soon after the child had been thus abandoned, Hera and Pallas-Athene + happened to pass by the field, and were attracted by its cries. Athene + pityingly took up the infant in her arms, and prevailed upon the queen of + heaven to put it to her breast; but no sooner had she done so, than the + child, causing her pain, she angrily threw him to the ground, and left + the spot. Athene, moved with compassion, carried him to Alcmene, and + entreated her kind offices on behalf of the poor little foundling. + Alcmene at once recognized her child, and joyfully accepted the + charge.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards Hera, to her extreme annoyance, discovered whom she + had nursed, and became filled with jealous rage. She now sent two + venomous snakes into the chamber of Alcmene, which crept, unperceived by + the nurses, to the cradle of the sleeping child. He awoke with a cry, and + grasping a snake in each hand, strangled them both. Alcmene and her + attendants, whom the cry of the child had awakened, rushed to the cradle, + where, to their astonishment and terror, they beheld the two reptiles + dead in the hands of the infant Heracles. Amphitryon was also attracted + to the chamber by the <!-- Page 235 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page235"></a>[235]</span>commotion, and when he beheld this + astounding proof of supernatural strength, he declared that the child + must have been sent to him as a special gift from Zeus. He accordingly + consulted the famous seer Tiresias, who now informed him of the divine + origin of his stepson, and prognosticated for him a great and + distinguished future.</p> + + <p>When Amphitryon heard the noble destiny which awaited the child + intrusted to his care, he resolved to educate him in a manner worthy of + his future career. At a suitable age he himself taught him how to guide a + chariot; Eurytus, how to handle the bow; Autolycus, dexterity in + wrestling and boxing; and Castor, the art of armed warfare; whilst Linus, + the son of Apollo, instructed him in music and letters.</p> + + <p>Heracles was an apt pupil; but undue harshness was intolerable to his + high spirit, and old Linus, who was not the gentlest of teachers, one day + corrected him with blows, whereupon the boy angrily took up his lyre, + and, with one stroke of his powerful arm, killed his tutor on the + spot.</p> + + <p>Apprehensive lest the ungovernable temper of the youth might again + involve him in similar acts of violence, Amphitryon sent him into the + country, where he placed him under the charge of one of his most trusted + herdsmen. Here, as he grew up to manhood, his extraordinary stature and + strength became the wonder and admiration of all beholders. His aim, + whether with spear, lance, or bow, was unerring, and at the age of + eighteen he was considered to be the strongest as well as the most + beautiful youth in all Greece.</p> + + <p><b>The Choice of Heracles.</b>—Heracles felt that the time had + now arrived when it became necessary to decide for himself how to make + use of the extraordinary powers with which he had been endowed by the + gods; and in order to meditate in solitude on this all-important subject, + he repaired to a lonely and secluded spot in the heart of the forest.</p> + + <p>Here two females of great beauty appeared to him. <!-- Page 236 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page236"></a>[236]</span>One was Vice, + the other Virtue. The former was full of artificial wiles and fascinating + arts, her face painted and her dress gaudy and attractive; whilst the + latter was of noble bearing and modest mien, her robes of spotless + purity.</p> + + <p>Vice stepped forward and thus addressed him: "If you will walk in my + paths, and make me your friend, your life shall be one round of pleasure + and enjoyment. You shall taste of every delight which can be procured on + earth; the choicest viands, the most delicious wines, the most luxuriant + of couches shall be ever at your disposal; and all this without any + exertion on your part, either physical or mental."</p> + + <p>Virtue now spoke in her turn: "If you will follow me and be my friend, + I promise you the reward of a good conscience, and the love and respect + of your fellowmen. I cannot undertake to smooth your path with roses, or + to give you a life of idleness and pleasure; for you must know that the + gods grant no good and desirable thing that is not earned by labour; and + as you sow, so must you reap."</p> + + <p>Heracles listened patiently and attentively to both speakers, and + then, after mature deliberation, decided to follow in the paths of + virtue, and henceforth to honour the gods, and to devote his life to the + service of his country.</p> + + <p>Full of these noble resolves he sought once more his rural home, where + he was informed that on Mount Cithæron, at the foot of which the herds of + Amphitryon were grazing, a ferocious lion had fixed his lair, and was + committing such frightful ravages among the flocks and herds that he had + become the scourge and terror of the whole neighbourhood. Heracles at + once armed himself and ascended the mountain, where he soon caught sight + of the lion, and rushing at him with his sword succeeded in killing him. + The hide of the animal he wore ever afterwards over his shoulders, and + the head served him as a helmet.</p> + + <p>As he was returning from this, his first exploit, he met <!-- Page 237 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page237"></a>[237]</span>the heralds of + Erginus, king of the Minyans, who were proceeding to Thebes to demand + their annual tribute of 100 oxen. Indignant at this humiliation of his + native city, Heracles mutilated the heralds, and sent them back, with + ropes round their necks, to their royal master.</p> + + <p>Erginus was so incensed at the ill-treatment of his messengers that he + collected an army and appeared before the gates of Thebes, demanding the + surrender of Heracles. Creon, who was at this time king of Thebes, + fearing the consequences of a refusal, was about to yield, when the hero, + with the assistance of Amphitryon and a band of brave youths, advanced + against the Minyans.</p> + + <p>Heracles took possession of a narrow defile through which the enemy + were compelled to pass, and as they entered the pass the Thebans fell + upon them, killed their king Erginus, and completely routed them. In this + engagement Amphitryon, the kind friend and foster-father of Heracles, + lost his life. The hero now advanced upon Orchomenus, the capital of the + Minyans, where he burned the royal castle and sacked the town.</p> + + <p>After this signal victory all Greece rang with the fame of the young + hero, and Creon, in gratitude for his great services, bestowed upon him + his daughter Megara in marriage. The Olympian gods testified their + appreciation of his valour by sending him presents; Hermes gave him a + sword, Phœbus-Apollo a bundle of arrows, Hephæstus a golden quiver, + and Athene a coat of leather.</p> + + <p><b>Heracles and Eurystheus.</b>—And now it will be necessary to + retrace our steps. Just before the birth of Heracles, Zeus, in an + assembly of the gods, exultingly declared that the child who should be + born on that day to the house of Perseus should rule over all his race. + When Hera heard her lord's boastful announcement she knew well that it + was for the child of the hated Alcmene that this brilliant destiny was + designed; and in order to rob the son of her rival of his rights, she + called to her aid the goddess Eilithyia, who retarded the birth of <!-- + Page 238 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page238"></a>[238]</span>Heracles, and caused his cousin Eurystheus + (another grandson of Perseus) to precede him into the world. And thus, as + the word of the mighty Zeus was irrevocable, Heracles became the subject + and servant of his cousin Eurystheus.</p> + + <p>When, after his splendid victory over Erginus, the fame of Heracles + spread throughout Greece, Eurystheus (who had become king of Mycenæ), + jealous of the reputation of the young hero, asserted his rights, and + commanded him to undertake for him various difficult tasks. But the proud + spirit of the hero rebelled against this humiliation, and he was about to + refuse compliance, when Zeus appeared to him and desired him not to rebel + against the Fates. Heracles now repaired to Delphi in order to consult + the oracle, and received the answer that after performing ten tasks for + his cousin Eurystheus his servitude would be at an end.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards Heracles fell into a state of the deepest melancholy, + and through the influence of his inveterate enemy, the goddess Hera, this + despondency developed into raving madness, in which condition he killed + his own children. When he at length regained his reason he was so + horrified and grieved at what he had done, that he shut himself up in his + chamber and avoided all intercourse with men. But in his loneliness and + seclusion the conviction that work would be the best means of procuring + oblivion of the past decided him to enter, without delay, upon the tasks + appointed him by Eurystheus.</p> + + <p><b>1. The Nemean Lion.</b>—His first task was to bring to + Eurystheus the skin of the much-dreaded Nemean lion, which ravaged the + territory between Cleone and Nemea, and whose hide was invulnerable + against any mortal weapon.</p> + + <p>Heracles proceeded to the forest of Nemea, where, having discovered + the lion's lair, he attempted to pierce him with his arrows; but finding + these of no avail he felled him to the ground with his club, and before + the animal had time to recover from the terrible blow, <!-- Page 239 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page239"></a>[239]</span>Heracles + seized him by the neck and, with a mighty effort, succeeded in strangling + him. He then made himself a coat of mail of the skin, and a new helmet of + the head of the animal. Thus attired, he so alarmed Eurystheus by + appearing suddenly before him, that the king concealed himself in his + palace, and henceforth forbade Heracles to enter his presence, but + commanded him to receive his behests, for the future, through his + messenger Copreus.</p> + + <p><b>2. The Hydra.</b>—His second task was to slay the Hydra, a + monster serpent (the offspring of Typhon and Echidna), bristling with + nine heads, one of which was immortal. This monster infested the + neighbourhood of Lerna, where she committed great depredations among the + herds.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0239-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0239-1.png" + alt="Heracles fighting the Hydra" title="Heracles fighting the Hydra" /></a> + </div> + <p>Heracles, accompanied by his nephew Iolaus, set out in a chariot for + the marsh of Lerna, in the slimy waters of which he found her. He + commenced the attack by assailing her with his fierce arrows, in order to + force her to leave her lair, from which she at length emerged, and sought + refuge in a wood on a neighbouring hill. Heracles now rushed forward and + endeavoured to crush her heads by means of well-directed blows from his + tremendous club; but no sooner was one head destroyed than it was + immediately replaced by two others. He next seized the monster in his + powerful grasp; but at this juncture a giant crab came to the assistance + of the Hydra and commenced biting the feet of her assailant. Heracles + destroyed this new adversary with his club, and now called upon his + nephew to come to his aid. At his command Iolaus set fire to the + neighbouring trees, <!-- Page 240 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page240"></a>[240]</span>and, with a burning branch, seared the + necks of the monster as Heracles cut them off, thus effectually + preventing the growth of more. Heracles next struck off the immortal + head, which he buried by the road-side, and placed over it a heavy stone. + Into the poisonous blood of the monster he then dipped his arrows, which + ever afterwards rendered wounds inflicted by them incurable.</p> + + <p><b>3. The Horned Hind.</b>—The third labour of Heracles was to + bring the horned hind Cerunitis alive to Mycenæ. This animal, which was + sacred to Artemis, had golden antlers and hoofs of brass.</p> + + <p>Not wishing to wound the hind Heracles patiently pursued her through + many countries for a whole year, and overtook her at last on the banks of + the river Ladon; but even there he was compelled, in order to secure her, + to wound her with one of his arrows, after which he lifted her on his + shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On his way he met Artemis with + her brother Phœbus-Apollo, when the goddess angrily reproved him + for wounding her favourite hind; but Heracles succeeded in appeasing her + displeasure, whereupon she permitted him to take the animal alive to + Mycenæ.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0240-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0240-1.png" + alt="A Centaur" title="A Centaur" /></a> + </div> + <p><b>4. The Erymantian Boar.</b>—The fourth task imposed upon + Heracles by Eurystheus was to bring alive to Mycenæ the Erymantian boar, + which had laid waste the region of Erymantia, and was the scourge of the + surrounding neighbourhood.</p> + + <p>On his way thither he craved food and shelter of a Centaur named + Pholus, who received him with generous hospitality, setting before him a + good and plentiful repast. When Heracles expressed his surprise that at + such a well-furnished board <!-- Page 241 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page241"></a>[241]</span>wine should be wanting, his host explained + that the wine-cellar was the common property of all the Centaurs, and + that it was against the rules for a cask to be broached, except all were + present to partake of it. By dint of persuasion, however, Heracles + prevailed on his kind host to make an exception in his favour; but the + powerful, luscious odour of the good old wine soon spread over the + mountains, and brought large numbers of Centaurs to the spot, all armed + with huge rocks and fir-trees. Heracles drove them back with fire-brands, + and then, following up his victory, pursued them with his arrows as far + as Malea, where they took refuge in the cave of the kind old Centaur + Chiron. Unfortunately, however, as Heracles was shooting at them with his + poisoned darts, one of these pierced the knee of Chiron. When Heracles + discovered that it was the friend of his early days that he had wounded, + he was overcome with sorrow and regret. He at once extracted the arrow, + and anointed the wound with a salve, the virtue of which had been taught + him by Chiron himself. But all his efforts were unavailing. The wound, + imbued with the deadly poison of the Hydra, was incurable, and so great + was the agony of Chiron that, at the intercession of Heracles, death was + sent him by the gods; for otherwise, being immortal, he would have been + doomed to endless suffering.</p> + + <p>Pholus, who had so kindly entertained Heracles, also perished by means + of one of these arrows, which he had extracted from the body of a dead + Centaur. While he was quietly examining it, astonished that so small and + insignificant an object should be productive of such serious results, the + arrow fell upon his foot and fatally wounded him. Full of grief at this + untoward event, Heracles buried him with due honours, and then set out to + chase the boar.</p> + + <p>With loud shouts and terrible cries he first drove him out of the + thickets into the deep snow-drifts which covered the summit of the + mountain, and then, having at length wearied him with his incessant + pursuit, he captured the exhausted animal, bound him with a rope, and + brought him alive to Mycenæ.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 242 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page242"></a>[242]</span></p> + + <p><b>5. Cleansing the Stables of Augeas.</b>—After slaying the + Erymantian boar Eurystheus commanded Heracles to cleanse in one day the + stables of Augeas.</p> + + <p>Augeas was a king of Elis who was very rich in herds. Three thousand + of his cattle he kept near the royal palace in an inclosure where the + refuse had accumulated for many years. When Heracles presented himself + before the king, and offered to cleanse his stables in one day, provided + he should receive in return a tenth part of the herds, Augeas, thinking + the feat impossible, accepted his offer in the presence of his son + Phyleus.</p> + + <p>Near the palace were the two rivers Peneus and Alpheus, the streams of + which Heracles conducted into the stables by means of a trench which he + dug for this purpose, and as the waters rushed through the shed, they + swept away with them the whole mass of accumulated filth.</p> + + <p>But when Augeas heard that this was one of the labours imposed by + Eurystheus, he refused the promised guerdon. Heracles brought the matter + before a court, and called Phyleus as a witness to the justice of his + claim, whereupon Augeas, without waiting for the delivery of the verdict, + angrily banished Heracles and his son from his dominions.</p> + + <p><b>6. The Stymphalides.</b>—The sixth task was to chase away the + Stymphalides, which were immense birds of prey who, as we have seen (in + the legend of the Argonauts), shot from their wings feathers sharp as + arrows. The home of these birds was on the shore of the lake Stymphalis, + in Arcadia (after which they were called), where they caused great + destruction among men and cattle.</p> + + <p>On approaching the lake, Heracles observed great numbers of them; and, + while hesitating how to commence the attack, he suddenly felt a hand on + his shoulder. Looking round he beheld the majestic form of Pallas-Athene, + who held in her hand a gigantic pair of brazen clappers made by + Hephæstus, with which she <!-- Page 243 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page243"></a>[243]</span>presented him; whereupon he ascended to + the summit of a neighbouring hill, and commenced to rattle them + violently. The shrill noise of these instruments was so intolerable to + the birds that they rose into the air in terror, upon which he aimed at + them with his arrows, destroying them in great numbers, whilst such as + escaped his darts flew away, never to return.</p> + + <p><b>7. The Cretan Bull.</b>—The seventh labour of Heracles was to + capture the Cretan bull.</p> + + <p>Minos, king of Crete, having vowed to sacrifice to Poseidon any animal + which should first appear out of the sea, the god caused a magnificent + bull to emerge from the waves in order to test the sincerity of the + Cretan king, who, in making this vow, had alleged that he possessed no + animal, among his own herds, worthy the acceptance of the mighty sea-god. + Charmed with the splendid animal sent by Poseidon, and eager to possess + it, Minos placed it among his herds, and substituted as a sacrifice one + of his own bulls. Hereupon Poseidon, in order to punish the cupidity of + Minos, caused the animal to become mad, and commit such great havoc in + the island as to endanger the safety of the inhabitants. When Heracles, + therefore, arrived in Crete for the purpose of capturing the bull, Minos, + far from opposing his design, gladly gave him permission to do so.</p> + + <p>The hero not only succeeded in securing the animal, but tamed him so + effectually that he rode on his back right across the sea as far as the + Peloponnesus. He now delivered him up to Eurystheus, who at once set him + at liberty, after which he became as ferocious and wild as before, roamed + all over Greece into Arcadia, and was eventually killed by Theseus on the + plains of Marathon.</p> + + <p><b>8. The Mares of Diomedes.</b>—The eighth labour of Heracles + was to bring to Eurystheus the mares of Diomedes, a son of Ares, and king + of the Bistonians, a warlike Thracian tribe. This king possessed a breed + of wild horses of tremendous size and strength, whose food consisted of + human flesh, and all strangers who had the <!-- Page 244 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page244"></a>[244]</span>misfortune to enter the + country were made prisoners and flung before the horses, who devoured + them.</p> + + <p>When Heracles arrived he first captured the cruel Diomedes himself, + and then threw him before his own mares, who, after devouring their + master, became perfectly tame and tractable. They were then led by + Heracles to the sea-shore, when the Bistonians, enraged at the loss of + their king, rushed after the hero and attacked him. He now gave the + animals in charge of his friend Abderus, and made such a furious + onslaught on his assailants that they turned and fled.</p> + + <p>But on his return from this encounter he found, to his great grief, + that the mares had torn his friend in pieces and devoured him. After + celebrating due funereal rites to the unfortunate Abderus, Heracles built + a city in his honour, which he named after him. He then returned to + Tiryns, where he delivered up the mares to Eurystheus, who set them loose + on Mount Olympus, where they became the prey of wild beasts.</p> + + <p>It was after the performance of this task that Heracles joined the + Argonauts in their expedition to gain possession of the Golden Fleece, + and was left behind at Chios, as already narrated. During his wanderings + he undertook his ninth labour, which was to bring to Eurystheus the + girdle of Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons.</p> + + <p><b>9. The Girdle of Hippolyte.</b>—The Amazons, who dwelt on the + shores of the Black Sea, near the river Thermodon, were a nation of + warlike women, renowned for their strength, courage, and great skill in + horsemanship. Their queen, Hippolyte, had received from her father, Ares, + a beautiful girdle, which she always wore as a sign of her royal power + and authority, and it was this girdle which Heracles was required to + place in the hands of Eurystheus, who designed it as a gift for his + daughter Admete.</p> + + <p>Foreseeing that this would be a task of no ordinary difficulty the + hero called to his aid a select band of brave companions, with whom he + embarked for the Amazonian <!-- Page 245 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page245"></a>[245]</span>town Themiscyra. Here they were met by + queen Hippolyte, who was so impressed by the extraordinary stature and + noble bearing of Heracles that, on learning his errand, she at once + consented to present him with the coveted girdle. But Hera, his + implacable enemy, assuming the form of an Amazon, spread the report in + the town that a stranger was about to carry off their queen. The Amazons + at once flew to arms and mounted their horses, whereupon a battle ensued, + in which many of their bravest warriors were killed or wounded. Among the + latter was their most skilful leader, Melanippe, whom Heracles afterwards + restored to Hippolyte, receiving the girdle in exchange.</p> + + <p>On his voyage home the hero stopped at Troy, where a new adventure + awaited him.</p> + + <p>During the time that Apollo and Poseidon were condemned by Zeus to a + temporary servitude on earth, they built for king Laomedon the famous + walls of Troy, afterwards so renowned in history; but when their work was + completed the king treacherously refused to give them the reward due to + them. The incensed deities now combined to punish the offender. Apollo + sent a pestilence which decimated the people, and Poseidon a flood, which + bore with it a marine monster, who swallowed in his huge jaws all that + came within his reach.</p> + + <p>In his distress Laomedon consulted an oracle, and was informed that + only by the sacrifice of his own daughter Hesione could the anger of the + gods be appeased. Yielding at length to the urgent appeals of his people + he consented to make the sacrifice, and on the arrival of Heracles the + maiden was already chained to a rock in readiness to be devoured by the + monster.</p> + + <p>When Laomedon beheld the renowned hero, whose marvellous feats of + strength and courage had become the wonder and admiration of all mankind, + he earnestly implored him to save his daughter from her impending fate, + and to rid the country of the monster, holding out to him as a reward the + horses which Zeus had presented to <!-- Page 246 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page246"></a>[246]</span>his grandfather Tros in + compensation for robbing him of his son Ganymede.</p> + + <p>Heracles unhesitatingly accepted the offer, and when the monster + appeared, opening his terrible jaws to receive his prey, the hero, sword + in hand, attacked and slew him. But the perfidious monarch once more + broke faith, and Heracles, vowing future vengeance, departed for Mycenæ, + where he presented the girdle to Eurystheus.</p> + + <p><b>10. The Oxen of Geryones.</b>—The tenth labour of Heracles + was the capture of the magnificent oxen belonging to the giant Geryon or + Geryones, who dwelt on the island of Erythia in the bay of Gadria + (Cadiz). This giant, who was the son of Chrysaor, had three bodies with + three heads, six hands, and six feet. He possessed a herd of splendid + cattle, which were famous for their size, beauty, and rich red colour. + They were guarded by another giant named Eurytion, and a two-headed dog + called Orthrus, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna.</p> + + <p>In choosing for him a task so replete with danger, Eurystheus was in + hopes that he might rid himself for ever of his hated cousin. But the + indomitable courage of the hero rose with the prospect of this difficult + and dangerous undertaking.</p> + + <p>After a long and wearisome journey he at last arrived at the western + coast of Africa, where, as a monument of his perilous expedition, he + erected the famous "Pillars of Hercules," one of which he placed on each + side of the Straits of Gibraltar. Here he found the intense heat so + insufferable that he angrily raised his bow towards heaven, and + threatened to shoot the sun-god. But Helios, far from being incensed at + his audacity, was so struck with admiration at his daring that he lent to + him the golden boat with which he accomplished his nocturnal transit from + West to East, and thus Heracles crossed over safely to the island of + Erythia.</p> + + <p>No sooner had he landed than Eurytion, accompanied by his savage dog + Orthrus, fiercely attacked him; but Heracles, with a superhuman effort, + slew the dog and <!-- Page 247 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page247"></a>[247]</span>then his master. Hereupon he collected the + herd, and was proceeding to the sea-shore when Geryones himself met him, + and a desperate encounter took place, in which the giant perished.</p> + + <p>Heracles then drove the cattle into the sea, and seizing one of the + oxen by the horns, swam with them over to the opposite coast of Iberia + (Spain). Then driving his magnificent prize before him through Gaul, + Italy, Illyria, and Thrace, he at length arrived, after many perilous + adventures and hair-breadth escapes, at Mycenæ, where he delivered them + up to Eurystheus, who sacrificed them to Hera.</p> + + <p>Heracles had now executed his ten tasks, which had been accomplished + in the space of eight years; but Eurystheus refused to include the + slaying of the Hydra and the cleansing of the stables of Augeas among the + number, alleging as a reason that the one had been performed by the + assistance of Iolaus, and that the other had been executed for hire. He + therefore insisted on Heracles substituting two more labours in their + place.</p> + + <p><b>11. The Apples of the Hesperides.</b>—The eleventh task + imposed by Eurystheus was to bring him the golden apples of the + Hesperides, which grew on a tree presented by Gæa to Hera, on the + occasion of her marriage with Zeus. This sacred tree was guarded by four + maidens, daughters of Night, called the Hesperides, who were assisted in + their task by a terrible hundred-headed dragon. This dragon never slept, + and out of its hundred throats came a constant hissing sound, which + effectually warned off all intruders. But what rendered the undertaking + still more difficult was the complete ignorance of the hero as to the + locality of the garden, and he was forced, in consequence, to make many + fruitless journeys and to undergo many trials before he could find + it.</p> + + <p>He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river + Echedorus, where he met the giant Cycnus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who + challenged him to single combat. In this encounter Heracles completely + vanquished <!-- Page 248 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page248"></a>[248]</span>his opponent, who was killed in the + contest; but now a mightier adversary appeared on the scene, for the + war-god himself came to avenge his son. A terrible struggle ensued, which + had lasted some time, when Zeus interfered between the brothers, and put + an end to the strife by hurling a thunderbolt between them. Heracles + proceeded on his journey, and reached the banks of the river Eridanus, + where dwelt the Nymphs, daughters of Zeus and Themis. On seeking advice + from them as to his route, they directed him to the old sea-god Nereus, + who alone knew the way to the Garden of the Hesperides. Heracles found + him asleep, and seizing the opportunity, held him so firmly in his + powerful grasp that he could not possibly escape, so that notwithstanding + his various metamorphoses he was at last compelled to give the + information required. The hero then crossed over to Libya, where he + engaged in a wrestling-match with king Anteos, son of Poseidon and Gæa, + which terminated fatally for his antagonist.</p> + + <p>From thence he proceeded to Egypt, where reigned Busiris, another son + of Poseidon, who (acting on the advice given by an oracle during a time + of great scarcity) sacrificed all strangers to Zeus. When Heracles + arrived he was seized and dragged to the altar; but the powerful demi-god + burst asunder his bonds, and then slew Busiris and his son.</p> + + <p>Resuming his journey he now wandered on through Arabia until he + arrived at Mount Caucasus, where Prometheus groaned in unceasing agony. + It was at this time that Heracles (as already related) shot the eagle + which had so long tortured the noble and devoted friend of mankind. Full + of gratitude for his deliverance, Prometheus instructed him how to find + his way to that remote region in the far West where Atlas supported the + heavens on his shoulders, near which lay the Garden of the Hesperides. He + also warned Heracles not to attempt to secure the precious fruit himself, + but to assume for a time the duties of Atlas, and to despatch him for the + apples. <!-- Page 249 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page249"></a>[249]</span></p> + + <p>On arriving at his destination Heracles followed the advice of + Prometheus. Atlas, who willingly entered into the arrangement, contrived + to put the dragon to sleep, and then, having cunningly outwitted the + Hesperides, carried off three of the golden apples, which he now brought + to Heracles. But when the latter was prepared to relinquish his burden, + Atlas, having once tasted the delights of freedom, declined to resume his + post, and announced his intention of being himself the bearer of the + apples to Eurystheus, leaving Heracles to fill his place. To this + proposal the hero feigned assent, merely begging that Atlas would be kind + enough to support the heavens for a few moments whilst he contrived a pad + for his head. Atlas good-naturedly threw down the apples and once more + resumed his load, upon which Heracles bade him adieu, and departed.</p> + + <p>When Heracles conveyed the golden apples to Eurystheus the latter + presented them to the hero, whereupon Heracles placed the sacred fruit on + the altar of Pallas-Athene, who restored them to the garden of the + Hesperides.</p> + + <p><b>12. Cerberus.</b>—The twelfth and last labour which + Eurystheus imposed on Heracles was to bring up Cerberus from the lower + world, believing that all his heroic powers would be unavailing in the + Realm of Shades, and that in this, his last and most perilous + undertaking, the hero must at length succumb and perish.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0249-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0249-1.png" + alt="Cerberus" title="Cerberus" /></a> + </div> + <p>Cerberus was a monster dog with three heads, out of whose awful jaws + dripped poison; the hair of his head and back was formed of venomous + snakes, and his body terminated in the tail of a dragon.</p> + + <p>After being initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries, and <!-- Page 250 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page250"></a>[250]</span>obtaining from + the priests certain information necessary for the accomplishment of his + task, Heracles set out for Tænarum in Lacolia, where there was an opening + which led to the under-world. Conducted by Hermes, he commenced his + descent into the awful gulf, where myriads of shades soon began to + appear, all of whom fled in terror at his approach, Meleager and Medusa + alone excepted. About to strike the latter with his sword, Hermes + interfered and stayed his hand, reminding him that she was but a shadow, + and that consequently no weapon could avail against her.</p> + + <p>Arrived before the gates of Hades he found Theseus and Pirithöus, who + had been fixed to an enchanted rock by Aïdes for their presumption in + endeavouring to carry off Persephone. When they saw Heracles they + implored him to set them free. The hero succeeded in delivering Theseus, + but when he endeavoured to liberate Pirithöus, the earth shook so + violently beneath him that he was compelled to relinquish his task.</p> + + <p>Proceeding further Heracles recognized Ascalaphus, who, as we have + seen in the history of Demeter, had revealed the fact that Persephone had + swallowed the seeds of a pomegranate offered to her by her husband, which + bound her to Aïdes for ever. Ascalaphus was groaning beneath a huge rock + which Demeter in her anger had hurled upon him, and which Heracles now + removed, releasing the sufferer.</p> + + <p>Before the gates of his palace stood Aïdes the mighty ruler of the + lower world, and barred his entrance; but Heracles, aiming at him with + one of his unerring darts, shot him in the shoulder, so that for the + first time the god experienced the agony of mortal suffering. Heracles + then demanded of him permission to take Cerberus to the upper-world, and + to this Aïdes consented on condition that he should secure him unarmed. + Protected by his breastplate and lion's skin Heracles went in search of + the monster, whom he found at the mouth of the river Acheron. Undismayed + by the hideous barking which proceeded from his three heads, he seized + the <!-- Page 251 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page251"></a>[251]</span>throat with one hand and the legs with the + other, and although the dragon which served him as a tail bit him + severely, he did not relinquish his grasp. In this manner he conducted + him to the upper-world, through an opening near Troezen in Argolia.</p> + + <p>When Eurystheus beheld Cerberus he stood aghast, and despairing of + ever getting rid of his hated rival, he returned the hell-hound to the + hero, who restored him to Aïdes, and with this last task the subjection + of Heracles to Eurystheus terminated.</p> + + <p><b>Murder of Iphitus.</b>—Free at last Heracles now returned to + Thebes; and it being impossible for him to live happily with Megara in + consequence of his having murdered her children he, with her own consent, + gave her in marriage to his nephew Iolaus. Heracles himself sought the + hand of Iole, daughter of Eurytus, king of Œchalia, who had + instructed him when a boy in the use of the bow. Hearing that this king + had promised to give his daughter to him who could surpass himself and + his three sons in shooting with the bow, Heracles lost no time in + presenting himself as a competitor. He soon proved that he was no + unworthy pupil of Eurytus, for he signally defeated all his opponents. + But although the king treated him with marked respect and honour he + refused, nevertheless, to give him the hand of his daughter, fearing for + her a similar fate to that which had befallen Megara. Iphitus, the eldest + son of Eurytus, alone espoused the cause of Heracles, and essayed to + induce his father to give his consent to the marriage; but all to no + purpose, and at length, stung to the quick at his rejection, the hero + angrily took his departure.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards the oxen of the king were stolen by the notorious + thief Autolycus, and Heracles was suspected by Eurytus of having + committed the theft. But Iphitus loyally defended his absent friend, and + proposed to seek out Heracles, and with his assistance to go in search of + the missing cattle. <!-- Page 252 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page252"></a>[252]</span></p> + + <p>The hero warmly welcomed his staunch young friend, and entered + cordially into his plan. They at once set out on their expedition; but + their search proved altogether unsuccessful. When they approached the + city of Tiryns they mounted a tower in hopes of discovering the missing + herd in the surrounding country; but as they stood on the topmost summit + of the building, Heracles became suddenly seized with one of his former + attacks of madness, and mistaking his friend Iphitus for an enemy, hurled + him down into the plain below, and he was killed on the spot.</p> + + <p>Heracles now set forth on a weary pilgrimage, begging in vain that + some one would purify him from the murder of Iphitus. It was during these + wanderings that he arrived at the palace of his friend Admetus, whose + beautiful and heroic wife (Alcestes) he restored to her husband after a + terrible struggle with Death, as already related.</p> + + <p>Soon after this event Heracles was struck with a fearful disease, and + betook himself to the temple of Delphi, hoping to obtain from the oracle + the means of relief. The priestess, however, refused him a response on + the ground of his having murdered Iphitus, whereupon the angry hero + seized upon the tripod, which he carried off, declaring that he would + construct an oracle for himself. Apollo, who witnessed the sacrilege, + came down to defend his sanctuary, and a violent struggle ensued. Zeus + once more interfered, and, flashing his lightnings between his two + favourite sons, ended the combat. The Pythia now vouchsafed an answer to + the prayer of the hero, and commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to + allow himself to be sold by Hermes for three years as a slave, the + purchase-money to be given to Eurytus in compensation for the loss of his + son.</p> + + <p><b>Heracles becomes the Slave of Omphale.</b>—Heracles bowed in + submission to the divine will, and was conducted by Hermes to Omphale, + queen of Lydia. The three talents which she paid for him were given <!-- + Page 253 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page253"></a>[253]</span>to + Eurytus, who, however, declined to accept the money, which was handed + over to the children of Iphitus.</p> + + <p>Heracles now regained his former vigour. He rid the territory of + Omphale of the robbers which infested it and performed for her various + other services requiring strength and courage. It was about this time + that he took part in the Calydonian boar-hunt, details of which have + already been given.</p> + + <p>When Omphale learned that her slave was none other than the renowned + Heracles himself she at once gave him his liberty, and offered him her + hand and kingdom. In her palace Heracles abandoned himself to all the + enervating luxuries of an oriental life, and so completely was the great + hero enthralled by the fascination which his mistress exercised over him, + that whilst she playfully donned his lion's skin and helmet, he, attired + in female garments, sat at her feet spinning wool, and beguiling the time + by the relation of his past adventures.</p> + + <p>But when at length, his term of bondage having expired, he became + master of his own actions, the manly and energetic spirit of the hero + reasserted itself, and tearing himself away from the palace of the + Mæonian queen, he determined to carry out the revenge he had so long + meditated against the treacherous Laomedon and the faithless Augeas.</p> + + <p><b>Heracles executes vengeance on Laomedon and + Augeas.</b>—Gathering round him some of his old brave + companions-in-arms, Heracles collected a fleet of vessels and set sail + for Troy, where he landed, took the city by storm, and killed Laomedon, + who thus met at length the retribution he had so richly deserved.</p> + + <p>To Telamon, one of his bravest followers, he gave Hesione, the + daughter of the king, in marriage. When Heracles gave her permission to + release one of the prisoners of war she chose her own brother Podarces, + whereupon she was informed that as he was already a prisoner of war she + would be compelled to ransom him. <!-- Page 254 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page254"></a>[254]</span>On hearing this Hesione + took off her golden diadem, which she joyfully handed to the hero. Owing + to this circumstance Podarces henceforth bore the name of Priamus (or + Priam), which signifies the "ransomed one."</p> + + <p>Heracles now marched against Augeas to execute his vengeance on him + also for his perfidious conduct. He stormed the city of Elis and put to + death Augeas and his sons, sparing only his brave advocate and staunch + defender Phyleus, on whom he bestowed the vacant throne of his + father.</p> + + <p><b>Heracles and Deianeira.</b>—Heracles now proceeded to + Calydon, where he wooed the beautiful Deianeira, daughter of Œneus, + king of Ætolia; but he encountered a formidable rival in Achelous, the + river-god, and it was agreed that their claims should be decided by + single combat. Trusting to his power of assuming various forms at will, + Achelous felt confident of success; but this availed him nothing, for + having at last transformed himself into a bull, his mighty adversary + broke off one of his horns, and compelled him to acknowledge himself + defeated.</p> + + <p>After passing three happy years with Deianeira an unfortunate accident + occurred, which for a time marred their felicity. Heracles was one day + present at a banquet given by Œneus, when, by a sudden swing of his + hand, he had the misfortune to strike on the head a youth of noble birth, + who, according to the custom of the ancients, was serving the guests at + table, and so violent was the blow that it caused his death. The father + of the unfortunate youth, who had witnessed the occurrence, saw that it + was the result of accident, and therefore absolved the hero from blame. + But Heracles resolved to act according to the law of the land, banished + himself from the country, and bidding farewell to his father-in-law, set + out for Trachin to visit his friend King Ceyx, taking with him his wife + Deianeira, and his young son Hyllus.</p> + + <p>In the course of their journey they arrived at the river Evenus, over + which the Centaur Nessus was in the habit <!-- Page 255 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page255"></a>[255]</span>of carrying travellers + for hire. Heracles, with his little son in his arms, forded the stream + unaided, intrusting his wife to the care of the Centaur, who, charmed + with the beauty of his fair burden, attempted to carry her off. But her + cries were heard by her husband, who without hesitation shot Nessus + through the heart with one of his poisoned arrows. Now the dying Centaur + was thirsting for revenge. He called Deianeira to his side, and directed + her to secure some of the blood which flowed from his wound, assuring her + that if, when in danger of losing her husband's affection, she used it in + the manner indicated by him, it would act as a charm, and prevent her + from being supplanted by a rival. Heracles and Deianeira now pursued + their journey, and after several adventures at length arrived at their + destination.</p> + + <p><b>Death of Heracles.</b>—The last expedition undertaken by the + great hero was against Eurytus, king of Œchalia, to revenge himself + upon this king and his sons for having refused to bestow upon him the + hand of Iole, after having fairly won the maiden. Having collected a + large army Heracles set out for Eubœa in order to besiege + Œchalia, its capital. Success crowned his arms. He stormed the + citadel, slew the king and his three sons, reduced the town to ashes, and + carried away captive the young and beautiful Iole.</p> + + <p>Returning from his victorious expedition, Heracles halted at + Cenœus in order to offer a sacrifice to Zeus, and sent to Deianeira + to Trachin for a sacrificial robe. Deianeira having been informed that + the fair Iole was in the train of Heracles was fearful lest her youthful + charms might supplant her in the affection of her husband, and calling to + mind the advice of the dying Centaur, she determined to test the efficacy + of the love-charm which he had given to her. Taking out the phial which + she had carefully preserved, she imbued the robe with a portion of the + liquid which it contained, and then sent it to Heracles.</p> + + <p>The victorious hero clothed himself with the garment, <!-- Page 256 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page256"></a>[256]</span>and was about + to perform the sacrifice, when the hot flames rising from the altar + heated the poison with which it was imbued, and soon every fibre of his + body was penetrated by the deadly venom. The unfortunate hero, suffering + the most fearful tortures, endeavoured to tear off the robe, but it + adhered so closely to the skin that all his efforts to remove it only + increased his agonies.</p> + + <p>In this pitiable condition he was conveyed to Trachin, where + Deianeira, on beholding the terrible suffering of which she was the + innocent cause, was overcome with grief and remorse, and hanged herself + in despair. The dying hero called his son Hyllus to his side, and desired + him to make Iole his wife, and then ordering his followers to erect a + funeral pyre, he mounted it and implored the by-standers to set fire to + it, and thus in mercy to terminate his insufferable torments. But no one + had the courage to obey him, until at last his friend and companion + Philoctetes, yielding to his piteous appeal, lighted the pile, and + received in return the bow and arrows of the hero.</p> + + <p>Soon flames on flames ascended, and amidst vivid flashes of lightning, + accompanied by awful peals of thunder, Pallas-Athene descended in a + cloud, and bore her favourite hero in a chariot to Olympus.</p> + + <p>Heracles became admitted among the immortals; and Hera, in token of + her reconciliation, bestowed upon him the hand of her beautiful daughter + Hebe, the goddess of eternal youth.</p> + +<h3>BELLEROPHON.</h3> + + <p>Bellerophon, or Bellerophontes, was the son of Glaucus, king of + Corinth, and grandson of Sisyphus. In consequence of an unpremeditated + murder Bellerophon fled to Tiryns, where he was kindly received by King + Prœtus, who purified him from his crime. Antea, the wife of + Prœtus, was so charmed with the comely youth that she fell in love + with him; but Bellerophon did not return her affection, and she, in + revenge, slandered him to the king by a gross misrepresentation of the + facts. <!-- Page 257 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page257"></a>[257]</span></p> + + <p>The first impulse of Prœtus, when informed of the conduct of + Bellerophon, was to kill him; but the youth, with his gentle and winning + manners, had so endeared himself to his host that he felt it impossible + to take his life with his own hands. He therefore sent him to his + father-in-law, Iobates, king of Lycia, with a kind of letter or tablet + which contained mysterious signs, indicating his desire that the bearer + of the missive should be put to death. But the gods watched over the true + and loyal youth, and inclined the heart of Iobates, who was an amiable + prince, towards his guest. Judging by his appearance that he was of noble + birth, he entertained him, according to the hospitable custom of the + Greeks, in the most princely manner for nine days, and not until the + morning of the tenth did he inquire his name and errand.</p> + + <p>Bellerophon now presented to him the letter intrusted to him by + Prœtus. Iobates, who had become greatly attached to the youth, was + horror-struck at its contents. Nevertheless he concluded that + Prœtus must have good reasons for his conduct, and that probably + Bellerophon had committed a crime which deserved death. But as he could + not make up his mind to murder the guest he had grown to esteem, he + decided to despatch him upon dangerous enterprises, in which he would in + all probability lose his life.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <a href="images/0257-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0257-1.png" + alt="The Chimæra" title="The Chimæra" /></a> + </div> + <p>He first sent him to kill the Chimæra, a monster which was at this + time devastating the country. The fore part of its body was that of a + lion, the centre of a goat, and the hind part of a dragon; whilst out of + its jaws issued flames of fire.</p> + + <p>Before starting on this difficult task Bellerophon invoked the + protection of the gods, and in answer to his prayer they despatched to + his aid the immortal-winged horse Pegasus, the offspring of Poseidon and + Medusa. But the divine animal would not suffer himself to be <!-- Page + 258 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page258"></a>[258]</span>caught, + and at last, worn out with his fruitless exertions, Bellerophon fell into + a deep sleep beside the sacred spring Pirene. Here Pallas-Athene appeared + to him in a dream, and presented him with a magic bridle for the purpose + of capturing the divine steed. On awaking Bellerophon instinctively put + out his hand to grasp it, when, to his amazement, there lay beside him + the bridle of his dream, whilst Pegasus was quietly drinking at the + fountain close by. Seizing him by the mane Bellerophon threw the bridle + over his head, and succeeded in mounting him without further difficulty; + then rising with him into the air he slew the Chimæra with his + arrows.</p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:25%;"> + <a href="images/0258-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0258-1.png" + alt="Bellerophon and Pegasus" title="Bellerophon and Pegasus" /></a> + </div> + <p>Iobates next sent him on an expedition against the Solymans, a fierce + neighbouring tribe with whom he was at enmity. Bellerophon succeeded in + vanquishing them, and was then despatched against the much-dreaded + Amazons; but greatly to the astonishment of Iobates the hero again + returned victorious.</p> + + <p>Finally, Iobates placed a number of the bravest Lycians in ambush for + the purpose of destroying him, but not one returned alive, for + Bellerophon bravely defended himself and slew them all. Convinced at + length that Bellerophon, far from deserving death, was the special + favourite of the gods, who had evidently protected him throughout his + perilous exploits, the king now ceased his persecutions.</p> + + <p>Iobates admitted him to a share in the government, and gave him his + daughter in marriage. But Bellerophon having attained the summit of + earthly prosperity became intoxicated with pride and vanity, and incurred + the displeasure of the gods by endeavouring to mount to heaven on his + winged horse, for the purpose of gratifying his idle curiosity. Zeus + punished him for his impiety by sending <!-- Page 259 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page259"></a>[259]</span>a gadfly to sting the + horse, who became so restive that he threw his rider, who was + precipitated to the earth. Filled with remorse at having offended the + gods Bellerophon fell a prey to the deepest melancholy, and wandered + about for the remainder of his life in the loneliest and most desolate + places.</p> + + <p>After death he was honoured in Corinth as a hero, and an altar was + erected to him in the grove of Poseidon.</p> + +<h3>THESEUS.</h3> + + <p>Aegeus, king of Athens, being twice married, and having no children, + was so desirous of an heir to his throne that he made a pilgrimage to + Delphi in order to consult the oracle. But the response being ambiguous, + he repaired to Troezen to consult his wise friend Pittheus, who reigned + over that city, by whose advice he contracted a secret marriage with his + friend's daughter Aethra.</p> + + <p>After passing some time with his bride, Aegeus prepared to take his + departure for his own dominions; but before doing so he led Aethra to the + sea-shore, where, after depositing his sword and sandals under a huge + rock, he thus addressed her: "Should the gods bless our union with a son, + do not reveal to him the name and rank of his father until he is old + enough to possess the strength requisite for moving this stone. Then send + him to my palace at Athens bearing these tokens of his identity."</p> + + <p>A son was born to Aethra, whom she called Theseus, and who was + carefully trained and educated by his grandfather Pittheus. When he had + developed into a strong and manly youth his mother conducted him to the + spot where the rock had been placed by Aegeus, and at her command he + rolled away the stone, and took possession of the sword and sandals which + had lain there for sixteen years, and which she now desired him to convey + to his father Aegeus, king of Athens.</p> + + <p>His mother and grandfather were anxious that the youth should travel + by the safe sea route, the road between Troezen and Athens being at this + time infested <!-- Page 260 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page260"></a>[260]</span>with robbers of great ferocity and + enormous strength. But feeling within himself the spirit of a hero, + Theseus resolved to emulate the deeds of Heracles, with whose fame all + Greece resounded, and therefore chose the more dangerous journey by land, + as calculated to afford him an opportunity of distinguishing himself by + feats of valour.</p> + + <p>His first adventure occurred at Epidaurus, where he met Periphetes, a + son of Hephæstus, who was armed with an iron club, with which he killed + all travellers. Having received from his grandfather a full description + of this savage, Theseus at once recognized him, and rushing upon him with + his sword, succeeded after a desperate encounter in killing him. He + appropriated the club as a trophy of his victory, and proceeded on his + journey without hinderance until he arrived at the Isthmus of + Corinth.</p> + + <p>Here the people warned him to beware of Sinnis the robber, who forced + all travellers to bend with him one of the branches of a tall pine-tree. + Having dragged it to the ground, the cruel Sinnis suddenly released his + hold, whereupon the bough rebounding high up into the air, the + unfortunate victim was dashed to the ground and killed. When Theseus + beheld Sinnis advancing towards him he steadily awaited his approach; + then seizing his powerful club, he killed the inhuman wretch with one + blow.</p> + + <p>Passing through the woody district of Crommyon Theseus next slew a + wild and dangerous sow which had long ravaged the country.</p> + + <p>He then continued his journey and approached the borders of Megara, + where, on a narrow path overhanging the sea, dwelt the wicked Scyron, + another terror to travellers. It was his custom to compel all strangers + who passed his abode to wash his feet, during which operation he kicked + them over the rock into the sea. Theseus boldly attacked the giant, + overcame him, and then flung his body over the cliff where so many of his + victims had perished.</p> + + <p>Theseus now journeyed on to Eleusis, where he found <!-- Page 261 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page261"></a>[261]</span>another + adversary in the person of King Cercyon, who forced all comers to wrestle + with him, and killed those whom he vanquished; but Theseus overcame the + mighty wrestler and slew him.</p> + + <p>Near Eleusis, on the banks of the river Cephissus, Theseus met with a + new adventure. Here lived the giant Damastes, called Procrustes or the + Stretcher, who had two iron beds, one being long and the other short, + into which he forced all strangers; In the short one he placed the tall + men, whose limbs he cut to the size of the bed, whilst to the short ones + he assigned the large bed, stretching them out to fit it; and thus he + left his victims to expire in the most cruel torments. Theseus freed the + country from this inhuman monster by serving him as he had done his + unfortunate victims.</p> + + <p>The hero now continued his journey, and at length reached Athens + without meeting with any further adventures. When he arrived at his + destination he found his father a helpless tool in the hands of the + sorceress Medea, whom he had married after her departure from Corinth. + Knowing, by means of her supernatural powers, that Theseus was the king's + son, and fearing that her influence might be weakened by his presence, + she poisoned the mind of the old king against the stranger, whom she + represented as being a spy. It was accordingly arranged that Theseus + should be invited to a banquet, and a strong poison mixed with his + wine.</p> + + <p>Now Theseus had resolved to reveal himself at this feast to the father + whom he yearned to embrace. Before tasting the wine he put his plan into + execution, and drew out his sword so that the eyes of the king might rest + upon it. When Aegeus beheld once more the well-known weapon which he had + so often wielded, he knew that it was his son who stood before him. He + warmly embraced him, presented him as his heir to his courtiers and + subjects, and then, no longer able to endure the sight of Medea, he + banished her for ever from his dominions.</p> + + <p>When Theseus was acknowledged as the rightful heir to the throne he + was opposed by the fifty sons of Pallas, <!-- Page 262 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page262"></a>[262]</span>the king's brother, who + had confidently expected that on the demise of the old king the + government of the country would devolve upon them. They therefore + resolved to put Theseus to death; but their plans becoming known to him, + he surprised them as they lay in ambush awaiting his approach, and + destroyed them all.</p> + + <p>Fearing, however, lest the Athenians might entertain a prejudice + against him on account of his extermination of their fellow-citizens, the + Pallantids, Theseus resolved to perform some signal service for the + state, which should gain for him the hearts of the people. He accordingly + decided to rid the country of the famous bull of Marathon, which had + become a terror to the cultivators of the land. He captured the animal + and brought him in chains to Athens, where, after publicly exhibiting him + to the astonished multitude, he solemnly sacrificed him to Apollo.</p> + + <p>The next enterprise undertaken by Theseus far surpassed all his other + feats of heroic daring, and secured to him the universal admiration and + gratitude of his fellow-citizens. This was the slaying of the Minotaur, + which put an end for ever to the shameful tribute of seven youths and + seven maidens which was exacted from the Athenians every nine years.</p> + + <p>The origin of this barbarous tribute was as follows: Androgeos, the + youthful son of Minos, king of Crete, having been treacherously murdered + by the Athenians, his father, anxious to avenge the death of his son, + declared war against their king Aegeus, and conquered Athens and the + villages in its vicinity. The conqueror henceforth compelled the + Athenians to send to him every nine years a tribute of seven youths and + seven maidens of the noblest families of the land, who became the prey of + the Minotaur, a monster, half-man, half-bull, whose lair was in the + wonderful labyrinth, constructed by Dædalus for the Cretan king.</p> + + <p>When Theseus informed his father of his heroic determination, he was + overwhelmed with grief, and endeavoured, by every means in his power, to + shake his son's resolution, but, confident of success, Theseus assured + his <!-- Page 263 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page263"></a>[263]</span>father that he would slay the Minotaur and + return home victorious.</p> + + <p>It was customary for the vessel bearing its unhappy freight of human + victims to use on this voyage black sails only; but Theseus promised his + father that, should he return in safety, he would hoist white ones in + their place.</p> + + <p>Before leaving Athens Theseus, by the advice of an oracle, chose + Aphrodite as his guardian and protectress, and accordingly offered up a + sacrifice to her. When he arrived in the presence of king Minos, the + goddess of Love inspired Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of the king, + with an ardent attachment for the noble young hero. During a secret + interview, in which a mutual confession of affection took place, Ariadne + furnished him with a sharp sword and a clue of thread, the end of which + she desired him to fasten at the entrance to the labyrinth and to + continue to unwind it till he reached the lair of the Minotaur. Full of + hope as to the successful issue of his undertaking, Theseus took leave of + the kind maiden, after expressing his gratitude for her timely aid.</p> + + <p>At the head of his companions he was now conducted by Minos to the + entrance of the labyrinth. Strictly adhering to the injunctions of the + fair Ariadne he succeeded in finding the Minotaur, whom, after a fierce + and violent struggle, he defeated and killed; then carefully feeling his + way, by means of the clue of thread, he led his companions safely out of + the labyrinth. They then fled to their ship, taking with them the lovely + maiden to whose affection for their deliverer they owed their safety.</p> + + <p>Arrived at the island of Naxos, Theseus had a dream, in which + Dionysus, the wine-god, appeared to him, and informed him that the Fates + had decreed that Ariadne should be his bride, at the same time menacing + the hero with all kinds of misfortunes should he refuse to resign her. + Now Theseus, having been taught from his youth to reverence the gods, + feared to disobey the wishes of Dionysus. He accordingly took a sad + farewell of the <!-- Page 264 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page264"></a>[264]</span>beautiful maiden who so tenderly loved + him, and left her on the lonely island, where she was found and wooed by + the wine-god.</p> + + <p>Theseus and his companions felt keenly the loss of their benefactress, + and in their grief at parting with her, forgot that the ship still bore + the black sails with which she had left the Attic coast. As she neared + the port of Athens, Aegeus, who was anxiously awaiting the return of his + son on the beach, caught sight of the vessel with its black sails, and + concluding that his gallant son had perished, threw himself in despair + into the sea.</p> + + <p>With the unanimous approval of the Athenians, Theseus now ascended the + vacant throne, and soon proved himself to be not only a valiant hero but + also a wise prince and prudent legislator. Athens was at this time but a + small city surrounded by a number of villages, each of which possessed + its own separate form of government; but by means of kind and + conciliatory measures Theseus induced the heads of these different + communities to resign their sovereignty, and to intrust the + administration of public affairs to a court which should sit constantly + at Athens, and exercise jurisdiction over all the inhabitants of Attica. + The result of these judicious measures was, that the Athenians became a + united and powerful people, and that numbers of strangers and foreigners + flocked to Athens, which became a flourishing maritime port and a + commercial centre of great importance.</p> + + <p>Theseus renewed the Isthmian Games, and also instituted numerous + festivals, the principal of which was the Panathenæa, held in honour of + Athene-Polias.</p> + + <p>It is related that Theseus upon one occasion arrived during a voyage + at the Amazonian coast. Anxious to ascertain the object of his visit, the + Amazons sent Hippolyte, one of their number, with presents to the + stranger; but no sooner did the fair herald set foot on board his vessel + than Theseus set sail and carried her off to Athens, where he made her + his queen. Enraged at this indignity the Amazons determined to be + revenged. Some time afterwards, when the whole affair would <!-- Page 265 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page265"></a>[265]</span>appear to have + been forgotten, they seized the opportunity when the city of Athens was + in a defenceless condition and landed an army in Attica. So sudden was + their attack that they had penetrated into the very heart of the city + before the Athenians could organize their forces; but Theseus + expeditiously collected his troops and commenced such a furious onslaught + upon the invaders that, after a desperate encounter, they were driven + from the city. Peace was then concluded, whereupon the Amazons evacuated + the country. During this engagement Hippolyte, forgetful of her origin, + fought valiantly by the side of her husband against her own kinsfolk, and + perished on the field of battle.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0265-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0265-1.png" + alt="Hippolyte" title="Hippolyte" /></a> + </div> + <p>It was soon after this sad event that Theseus joined the + world-renowned Calydonian Boar-hunt, in which he took a leading part. He + also formed one of the brave band who shared in the perils of the + Argonautic expedition.</p> + + <p>The remarkable friendship which existed between Theseus and Pirithöus + originated under such peculiar circumstances that it is worthy of + mention.</p> + + <p>Hearing upon one occasion that his herds, pasturing in the plains of + Marathon, had been carried off by Pirithöus, Theseus collected together + an armed force and sallied forth to punish the plunderer. But, when the + two heroes met face to face, both were seized with an impulse of + sympathetic admiration for each other. Pirithöus, holding out his hand in + token of peace, exclaimed, "What satisfaction shall I render thee, oh + Theseus? Be thou thyself the judge." Theseus seized the proffered hand + and replied, "I ask nought save thy <!-- Page 266 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page266"></a>[266]</span>friendship;" whereupon + the heroes embraced each other and swore eternal fidelity.</p> + + <p>When, soon afterwards, Pirithöus became united to Hippodamia, a + Thessalian princess, he invited Theseus to the wedding-feast, which was + also attended, among other guests, by a large number of Centaurs, who + were friends of Pirithöus. Towards the end of the banquet Eurytion, a + young Centaur, heated and flushed with wine, seized the lovely bride and + sought by force to carry her off. The other Centaurs, following his + example, each endeavoured to capture a maiden. Pirithöus and his + followers, aided by Theseus, who rendered most valuable assistance, + attacked the Centaurs, and after a violent hand-to-hand struggle in which + many perished, forced them to relinquish their prey.</p> + + <p>After the death of Hippolyte Theseus sought the hand of Phædra, the + sister of his former bride Ariadne, to whom he became united. For some + years they lived happily together, and their union was blessed by the + birth of two sons. During this time Hippolytus, the son of the Amazonian + queen, had been absent from home, having been placed under the care of + the king's uncles in order to be educated. When, having grown to manhood, + he now returned to his father's palace, his young stepmother, Phædra, + fell violently in love with him; but Hippolytus failed to return her + affection, and treated her with contempt and indifference. Filled with + rage and despair at his coldness Phædra put an end to her existence; and + when she was discovered by her husband she held in her hand a letter, + accusing Hippolytus of being the cause of her death, and of having + conspired against the honour of the king.</p> + + <p>Now Poseidon had upon one occasion promised to grant Theseus whatever + request he should demand; he therefore called upon the sea-god to destroy + Hippolytus, whom he cursed in the most solemn manner. The father's awful + malediction fell but too soon upon his innocent son; for, as the latter + was driving his chariot along the sea-shore, between Troezen and Athens, + a <!-- Page 267 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page267"></a>[267]</span>monster, sent by Poseidon, rose out of the + deep, and so frightened the horses that they became altogether + unmanageable. As they rushed on in their mad career the chariot was + dashed to pieces, and the unfortunate youth, whose feet had become + entangled in the reins, was dragged along until life was nearly + extinct.</p> + + <p>In this condition he was found by the unhappy Theseus, who, having + ascertained the true facts of the case from an old servant of Phædra, had + hastened to prevent the catastrophe. But he arrived too late, and was + only able to soothe the last moments of his dying son by acknowledging + the sad mistake which he had committed, and declaring his firm belief in + his honour and innocence.</p> + + <p>After these events Theseus was persuaded by his friend Pirithöus, who + had also about this time lost his young wife, Hippodamia, to join him in + a journey through Greece, with the object of carrying off by force the + most beautiful maidens whom they should chance to meet.</p> + + <p>Arrived at Sparta they beheld, in the temple of Artemis, Helen, the + daughter of Zeus and Leda, who was engaged in performing sacred dances in + honour of the goddess. Although the maiden was only nine years old the + fame of her beauty, which was destined to play so important a part in the + history of Greece, had already spread far and wide. Theseus and Pirithöus + forcibly abducted her, and then having cast lots for her, she fell to + Theseus, who placed her under the charge of his mother Æthra.</p> + + <p>Pirithöus now requested Theseus to assist him in his ambitious scheme + of descending to the lower world and carrying off Persephone, the queen + of Hades. Though fully alive to the perils of the undertaking Theseus + would not forsake his friend, and together they sought the gloomy realm + of Shades. But Aïdes had been forewarned of their approach, and scarcely + had the two friends set foot within his dominions when, by his orders, + they were seized, bound with chains, and secured to an enchanted rock at + the entrance of Hades. Here the two <!-- Page 268 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page268"></a>[268]</span>friends languished for + many years, until Heracles passed by in his search for Cerberus, when he + released Theseus; but in obedience to an injunction of the gods, left + Pirithöus to endure for ever the punishment of his too daring + ambition.</p> + + <p>While Theseus was imprisoned in the under world Castor and Pollux, the + brothers of Helen, invaded Athens, and demanded the restoration of their + young sister. Seeing his country threatened with the horrors of warfare, + an Athenian citizen named Academus, who knew of Helen's place of + concealment, repaired to the camp of the Dioscuri, and informed them + where they would find her. Æthra at once resigned her charge, whereupon + the brothers took leave of Athens, and, accompanied by Helen, returned to + their native country.</p> + + <p>But the prolonged absence of Theseus gave rise to other troubles of a + more serious character. Thinking the opportunity favourable for a revolt, + a faction, headed by Menesthius, a descendant of Erechtheus, arrogated to + themselves supreme power, and seized the reins of government.</p> + + <p>Returned to Athens, Theseus at once took active measures to quell the + insubordination which existed on all sides. He expelled Menesthius from + office, rigorously punished the ringleaders of the revolt, and placed + himself once more upon the throne. But his hold upon the people was gone. + His former services were all forgotten, and, finding at length that + dissensions and revolts were rife, he voluntarily abdicated the throne, + and retired to his estates in the island of Scyros. Here Lycomedes, king + of the island, feigned to receive him with the utmost friendship; but + being, as it is supposed, in league with Menesthius, he led the old king + to the summit of a high rock, under pretence of showing him his estates, + and treacherously killed him by pushing him over the cliff.</p> + + <p>Many centuries after his death, by the command of the oracle of + Delphi, Cimon, the father of Miltiades, at the conclusion of the Persian + war, brought the remains of Theseus, the great benefactor of Athens, to + that city, <!-- Page 269 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page269"></a>[269]</span>and in his honour a temple was erected, + which exists to the present day, and serves as a museum of art.</p> + +<h3>ŒDIPUS.</h3> + + <p>Laius, king of Thebes, the son of Labdacus, and a direct descendant of + Cadmus, was married to Jocaste, the daughter of a noble Theban. An oracle + having foretold that he would perish by the hand of his own son, he + determined to destroy the infant to whom Jocaste had just given birth. + With the consent of his wife, whose affection for her husband overcame + her love for her child, he pierced the feet of the babe, bound them + together, and handed the infant over to a servant, with instructions to + expose him on Mount Cithæron to perish. But instead of obeying this cruel + command, the servant intrusted him to a shepherd who was tending the + flocks of Polybus, king of Corinth, and then returned to Laius and + Jocaste, and informed them that their orders had been obeyed. The parents + were satisfied with the intelligence, and quieted their conscience by the + reflection that they had thus prevented their son from committing the + crime of parricide.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the shepherd of king Polybus had unbound the feet of the + infant, and in consequence of their being much swollen he called him + Œdipus, or Swollen-foot. He then carried him to the king, his + master, who, pitying the poor little waif, enlisted for him the kind + offices of his wife, Merope. Œdipus was adopted by the king and + queen as their own son, and grew up in the belief that they were his + parents, until one day a Corinthian noble taunted him at a banquet with + not being the son of the king. Stung at this reproach the youth appealed + to Merope, but receiving an equivocal, though kindly answer, he repaired + to Delphi to consult the oracle. The Pythia vouchsafed no reply to his + inquiry, but informed him, to his horror, that he was fated to kill his + father and to marry his own mother.</p> + + <p>Filled with dismay, for he was tenderly attached to Polybus and + Merope, Œdipus determined not to return <!-- Page 270 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page270"></a>[270]</span>to Corinth, and took + instead the road leading to Bœotia. On his way a chariot passed + him, in which sat an old man with two servants, who rudely pushed the + pedestrian out of the path. In the scuffle which ensued Œdipus + struck the old man with his heavy stick, and he fell back dead on the + seat of the chariot. Struck with dismay at the unpremeditated murder + which he had committed, the youth fled, and left the spot without + learning that the old man whom he had killed was his father, Laius, king + of Thebes.</p> + + <p>Not long after this occurrence the Sphinx (full details of whom have + already been given) was sent by the goddess Hera as a punishment to the + Thebans. Stationed on a rocky height just outside the city, she + propounded to the passers by riddles which she had been taught by the + Muses, and whoever failed to solve them was torn in pieces and devoured + by the monster, and in this manner great numbers of the inhabitants of + Thebes had perished.</p> + + <p>Now on the death of the old king Laius, Creon, the brother of the + widowed queen, had seized the reins of government and mounted the vacant + throne; and when at length his own son fell a victim to the Sphinx, he + resolved at all costs to rid the country of this fearful scourge. He + accordingly issued a proclamation, that the kingdom and the hand of his + sister Jocaste should be awarded to him who should succeed in solving one + of the riddles of the Sphinx, it having been foretold by an oracle that + only then would the country be freed from the monster.</p> + + <p>Just as this proclamation was being made in the streets of Thebes + Œdipus, with his pilgrim's staff in his hand, entered the city. + Tempted by the prospect of so magnificent a reward he repaired to the + rock, and boldly requested the Sphinx to propound to him one of her + riddles. She proposed to him one which she deemed impossible of solution, + but Œdipus at once solved it; whereupon the Sphinx, full of rage + and despair, precipitated herself into the abyss and perished. + Œdipus <!-- Page 271 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page271"></a>[271]</span>received the promised reward. He became + king of Thebes and the husband of Jocaste, the widow of his father, king + Laius.</p> + + <p>For many years Œdipus enjoyed the greatest happiness and + tranquillity. Four children were born to him—two sons, Eteocles and + Polynices, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene. But at last the gods + afflicted the country with a grievous pestilence, which made terrible + havoc among the people. In their distress they entreated the help of the + king, who was regarded by his subjects as a special favourite of the + gods. Œdipus consulted an oracle, and the response was that the + pestilence would continue to rage until the land was purified of the + blood of king Laius, whose murderer was living unpunished at Thebes.</p> + + <p>The king now invoked the most solemn imprecations on the head of the + murderer, and offered a reward for any information concerning him. He + then sent for the blind old seer Tiresias, and implored him, by means of + his prophetic powers, to reveal to him the author of the crime. Tiresias + at first hesitated, but yielding to the earnest solicitations of the + king, the old prophet thus addressed him: "Thou thyself art the murderer + of the old king Laius, who was thy father; and thou art wedded to his + widow, thine own mother." In order to convince Œdipus of the truth + of his words, he brought forward the old servant who had exposed him as a + babe on Mount Cithæron, and the shepherd who had conveyed him to king + Polybus. Horrified at this awful revelation Œdipus, in a fit of + despair, deprived himself of sight, and the unfortunate Jocaste, unable + to survive her disgrace, hanged herself.</p> + + <p>Accompanied by his faithful and devoted daughter Antigone, + Œdipus quitted Thebes and became a miserable and homeless outcast, + begging his bread from place to place. At length, after a long and + painful pilgrimage, he found a place of refuge in the grove of the + Eumenides (at Colonus, near Athens), where his last moments were soothed + and tended by the care and devotion of the faithful Antigone.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 272 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page272"></a>[272]</span></p> + +<h3>THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES.</h3> + + <p>After the voluntary abdication of Œdipus, his two sons, Eteocles + and Polynices, took possession of the crown and reigned over the city of + Thebes. But Eteocles, being an ambitious prince, soon seized the reins of + government himself, and expelled his brother from the throne.</p> + + <p>Polynices now repaired to Argos, where he arrived in the dead of + night. Outside the gates of the royal palace he encountered Tydeus, the + son of Œneus, king of Calydon. Having accidentally killed a + relative in the chase, Tydeus was also a fugitive; but being mistaken by + Polynices in the darkness for an enemy, a quarrel ensued, which might + have ended fatally, had not king Adrastus, aroused by the clamour, + appeared on the scene and parted the combatants.</p> + + <p>By the light of the torches borne by his attendants Adrastus observed, + to his surprise, that on the shield of Polynices a lion was depicted, and + on that of Tydeus a boar. The former bore this insignia in honour of the + renowned hero Heracles, the latter in memory of the famous Calydonian + boar-hunt. This circumstance reminded the king of an extraordinary + oracular prediction concerning his two beautiful daughters, Argia and + Deipyle, which was to the effect that he would give them in marriage to a + lion and a boar. Hailing with delight what he regarded as an auspicious + solution of the mysterious prophecy, he invited the strangers into his + palace; and when he heard their history, and had convinced himself that + they were of noble birth, he bestowed upon Polynices his beautiful + daughter Argia, and upon Tydeus the fair Deipyle, promising at the same + time that he would assist both his sons-in-law to regain their rightful + patrimony.</p> + + <p>The first care of Adrastus was to aid Polynices in regaining + possession of his lawful share in the government of Thebes. He + accordingly invited the most powerful chiefs in his kingdom to join in + the expedition, <!-- Page 273 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page273"></a>[273]</span>all of whom readily obeyed the call with + the exception of the king's brother-in-law, Amphiaraus, the seer. As he + foresaw a disastrous termination to the enterprise, and knew that not one + of the heroes, save Adrastus himself, would return alive, he earnestly + dissuaded the king from carrying out his project, and declined to take + any part in the undertaking. But Adrastus, seconded by Polynices and + Tydeus, was obstinately bent on the achievement of his purpose, and + Amphiaraus, in order to escape from their importunities, concealed + himself in a hiding-place known only to his wife Eriphyle.</p> + + <p>Now on the occasion of the marriage of Amphiaraus it had been agreed, + that if he ever differed in opinion with the king, his wife should decide + the question. As the presence of Amphiaraus was indispensable to the + success of the undertaking, and, moreover, as Adrastus would not enter + upon it without "the eye of the army," as he called his brother-in-law, + Polynices, bent on securing his services, determined to bribe Eriphyle to + use her influence with her husband and to decide the question in + accordance with his wishes. He bethought himself of the beautiful + necklace of Harmonia, wife of Cadmus, which he had brought with him in + his flight from Thebes. Without loss of time he presented himself before + the wife of Amphiaraus, and held up to her admiring gaze the glittering + bauble, promising that if she revealed the hiding-place of her husband + and induced him to join the expedition, the necklace should be hers. + Eriphyle, unable to withstand the tempting bait, accepted the bribe, and + thus Amphiaraus was compelled to join the army. But before leaving his + home he extorted a solemn promise from his son Alcmæon that, should he + perish on the field of battle, he would avenge his death on his mother, + the perfidious Eriphyle.</p> + + <p>Seven leaders were now chosen, each at the head of a separate + detachment of troops. These were Adrastus the king, his two brothers + Hippomedon and Parthenopæus, Capaneus his nephew, Polynices and Tydeus, + and Amphiaraus.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 274 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page274"></a>[274]</span></p> + + <p>When the army was collected they set out for Nemea, which was at this + time governed by king Lycurgus. Here the Argives, being short of water, + halted on the outskirts of a forest in order to search for a spring, when + they saw a majestic and beautiful woman seated on the trunk of a tree, + nursing an infant. They concluded from her noble and queenly appearance + that she must be a goddess, but were informed by her that she was + Hypsipile, queen of the Lemnians, who had been carried away captive by + pirates, and sold as a slave to king Lycurgus, and that she was now + acting as nurse to his infant son. When the warriors told her that they + were in search of water, she laid the child down in the grass, and led + them to a secret spring in the forest, with which she alone was + acquainted. But on their return they found, to their grief, that the + unfortunate babe had been killed during their absence, by a serpent. They + slew the reptile, and then collecting the remains of the infant, they + buried them with funereal honours and proceeded on their way.</p> + + <p>The warlike host now appeared before the walls of Thebes, and each + leader placed himself before one of the seven gates of the city in + readiness for the attack. Eteocles, in conjunction with Creon, had made + due preparations to repel the invaders, and had stationed troops, under + the command of trusty leaders, to guard each of the gates. Then, + according to the practice of the ancients of consulting soothsayers + before entering upon any undertaking, the blind old seer Tiresias was + sent for, who, after carefully taking the auguries from the flight of + birds, declared that all efforts to defend the city would prove + unavailing, unless the youngest descendant of the house of Cadmus would + offer himself as a voluntary sacrifice for the good of the state.</p> + + <p>When Creon heard the words of the seer his first thought was of his + favourite son Menœceus, the youngest scion of the royal house, who + was present at the interview. He therefore earnestly implored him to + leave the city, and to repair for safety to Delphi. But the gallant youth + heroically resolved to sacrifice his life for the <!-- Page 275 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page275"></a>[275]</span>benefit of his country, + and after taking leave of his old father, mounted the city walls, and + plunging a dagger into his heart, perished in the sight of the contending + hosts.</p> + + <p>Adrastus now gave his troops the word of command to storm the city, + and they rushed forward to the attack with great valour. The battle raged + long and furiously, and after heavy losses on both sides the Argives were + routed and put to flight.</p> + + <p>After the lapse of some days they reorganized their forces, and again + appeared before the gates of Thebes, when Eteocles, grieved to think that + there should be such a terrible loss of life on his account, sent a + herald into the opposite camp, with a proposition that the fate of the + campaign should be decided by single combat between himself and his + brother Polynices. The challenge was readily accepted, and in the duel + which took place outside the city walls, in the sight of the rival + forces, Eteocles and Polynices were both fatally wounded and expired on + the field of battle.</p> + + <p>Both sides now claimed the day, and the result was that hostilities + recommenced, and soon the battle raged with greater fury than ever. But + victory at last declared itself for the Thebans. In their flight the + Argives lost all their leaders, Adrastus excepted, who owed his safety to + the fleetness of his horse Arion.</p> + + <p>By the death of the brothers, Creon became once more king of Thebes, + and in order to show his abhorrence of the conduct of Polynices in + fighting against his country, he strictly forbade any one to bury either + his remains or those of his allies. But the faithful Antigone, who had + returned to Thebes on the death of her father, could not endure that the + body of her brother should remain unburied. She therefore bravely + disregarded the orders of the king, and endeavoured to give sepulture to + the remains of Polynices.</p> + + <p>When Creon discovered that his commands had been set at defiance, he + inhumanly condemned the devoted maiden to be entombed alive in a + subterranean vault. <!-- Page 276 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page276"></a>[276]</span>But retribution was at hand. His son, + Hæmon, who was betrothed to Antigone, having contrived to effect an + entrance into the vault, was horrified to find that Antigone had hanged + herself by her veil. Feeling that life without her would be intolerable, + he threw himself in despair on his own sword, and after solemnly invoking + the malediction of the gods on the head of his father, expired beside the + dead body of his betrothed.</p> + + <p>Hardly had the news of the tragic fate of his son reached the king, + before another messenger appeared, bearing the tidings that his wife + Eurydice, on hearing of the death of Hæmon, had put an end to her + existence, and thus the king found himself in his old age both widowed + and childless.</p> + + <p>Nor did he succeed in the execution of his vindictive designs; for + Adrastus, who, after his flight from Thebes, had taken refuge at Athens, + induced Theseus to lead an army against the Thebans, to compel them to + restore the dead bodies of the Argive warriors to their friends, in order + that they might perform due funereal rites in honour of the slain. This + undertaking was successfully accomplished, and the remains of the fallen + heroes were interred with due honours.</p> + +<h3>THE EPIGONI.</h3> + + <p>Ten years after these events the sons of the slain heroes, who were + called Epigoni, or descendants, resolved to avenge the death of their + fathers, and with this object entered upon a new expedition against the + city of Thebes.</p> + + <p>By the advice of the Delphic oracle the command was intrusted to + Alcmæon, the son of Amphiaraus; but remembering the injunction of his + father he hesitated to accept this post before executing vengeance on his + mother Eriphyle. Thersander, however, the son of Polynices, adopting + similar tactics to those of his father, bribed Eriphyle with the + beautiful veil of Harmonia, bequeathed to him by Polynices, to induce her + son <!-- Page 277 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page277"></a>[277]</span>Alcmæon and his brother Amphilochus to + join in this second war against Thebes.</p> + + <p>Now the mother of Alcmæon was gifted with that rare fascination which + renders its possessor irresistible to all who may chance to come within + its influence; nor was her own son able to withstand her blandishments. + Yielding therefore to her wily representations he accepted the command of + the troops, and at the head of a large and powerful army advanced upon + Thebes.</p> + + <p>Before the gates of the city Alcmæon encountered the Thebans under the + command of Laodamas, the son of Eteocles. A fierce battle ensued, in + which the Theban leader, after performing prodigies of valour, perished + by the hand of Alcmæon.</p> + + <p>After losing their chief and the flower of their army, the Thebans + retreated behind the city walls, and the enemy now pressed them hard on + every side. In their distress they appealed to the blind old seer + Tiresias, who was over a hundred years old. With trembling lips and in + broken accents, he informed them that they could only save their lives by + abandoning their native city with their wives and families. Upon this + they despatched ambassadors into the enemy's camp; and whilst these were + protracting negotiations during the night, the Thebans, with their wives + and children, evacuated the city. Next morning the Argives entered Thebes + and plundered it, placing Thersander, the son of Polynices (who was a + descendant of Cadmus), on the throne which his father had so vainly + contested.</p> + +<h3>ALCMÆON AND THE NECKLACE.</h3> + + <p>When Alcmæon returned from his expedition against the Thebans he + determined to fulfil the last injunction of his father Amphiaraus, who + had desired him to be revenged on his mother Eriphyle for her perfidy in + accepting a bribe to betray him. This resolution was further strengthened + by the discovery that his unprincipled mother had urged him also to join + the expedition <!-- Page 278 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page278"></a>[278]</span>in return for the much-coveted veil of + Harmonia. He therefore put her to death; and taking with him the + ill-fated necklace and veil, abandoned for ever the home of his + fathers.</p> + + <p>But the gods, who could not suffer so unnatural a crime to go + unpunished, afflicted him with madness, and sent one of the Furies to + pursue him unceasingly. In this unhappy condition he wandered about from + place to place, until at last having reached Psophis in Arcadia, Phegeus, + king of the country, not only purified him of his crime, but also + bestowed upon him the hand of his daughter Arsinoë, to whom Alcmæon + presented the necklace and veil, which had already been the cause of so + much unhappiness.</p> + + <p>Though now released from his mental affliction, the curse which hung + over him was not entirely removed, and on his account the country of his + adoption was visited with a severe drought. On consulting the oracle of + Delphi he was informed that any land which offered him shelter would be + cursed by the gods, and that the malediction would continue to follow him + till he came to a country which was not in existence at the time he had + murdered his mother. Bereft of hope, and resolved no longer to cast the + shadow of his dark fate over those he loved, Alcmæon took a tender leave + of his wife and little son, and became once more an outcast and + wanderer.</p> + + <p>Arrived after a long and painful pilgrimage at the river Achelous, he + discovered, to his unspeakable joy, a beautiful and fertile island, which + had but lately emerged from beneath the water. Here he took up his abode; + and in this haven of rest he was at length freed from his sufferings, and + finally purified of his crime by the river-god Achelous. But in his + new-found home where prosperity smiled upon him, Alcmæon soon forgot the + loving wife and child he had left behind, and wooed Calirrhoë, the + beautiful daughter of the river-god, who became united to him in + marriage.</p> + + <p>For many years Alcmæon and Calirrhoë lived happily together, and two + sons were born to them. But <!-- Page 279 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page279"></a>[279]</span>unfortunately for the peace of her + husband, the daughter of Achelous had heard of the celebrated necklace + and veil of Harmonia, and became seized with a violent desire to become + the possessor of these precious treasures.</p> + + <p>Now the necklace and veil were in the safe-keeping of Arsinoë; but as + Alcmæon had carefully concealed the fact of his former marriage from his + young wife, he informed her, when no longer able to combat her + importunities, that he had concealed them in a cave in his native + country, and promised to hasten thither and procure them for her. He + accordingly took leave of Calirrhoë and his children, and proceeded to + Psophis, where he presented himself before his deserted wife and her + father, king Phegeus. To them he excused his absence by the fact of his + having suffered from a fresh attack of madness, and added that an oracle + had foretold to him that his malady would only be cured when he had + deposited the necklace and veil of Harmonia in the temple of Apollo at + Delphi. Arsinoë, deceived by his artful representations, unhesitatingly + restored to him his bridal gifts, whereupon Alcmæon set out on his + homeward journey, well satisfied with the successful issue of his + expedition.</p> + + <p>But the fatal necklace and veil were doomed to bring ruin and disaster + to all who possessed them. During his sojourn at the court of king + Phegeus, one of the servants who had accompanied Alcmæon betrayed the + secret of his union with the daughter of the river-god; and when the king + informed his sons of his treacherous conduct, they determined to avenge + the wrongs of their sister Arsinoë. They accordingly concealed themselves + at a point of the road which Alcmæon was compelled to pass, and as he + neared the spot they suddenly emerged from their place of ambush, fell + upon him and despatched him.</p> + + <p>When Arsinoë, who still loved her faithless husband, heard of the + murder, she bitterly reproached her brothers for the crime which they had + perpetrated, at which they were so incensed, that they placed her in a + chest, and conveyed her to Agapenor, son of Ancæus, at Tegea. <!-- Page + 280 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page280"></a>[280]</span>Here they + accused her of the murder of which they themselves were guilty, and she + suffered a painful death.</p> + + <p>Calirrhoë, on learning the sad fate of Alcmæon, implored Zeus that her + infant sons might grow at once to manhood, and avenge the death of their + father. The ruler of Olympus heard the petition of the bereaved wife, + and, in answer to her prayer, the children of yesterday became + transformed into bearded men, full of strength and courage, and thirsting + for revenge.</p> + + <p>Hastening to Tegea, they there encountered the sons of Phegeus, who + were about to repair to Delphi, in order to deposit the necklace and veil + in the sanctuary of Apollo; and before the brothers had time to defend + themselves, the stalwart sons of Calirrhoë rushed upon them and slew + them. They then proceeded to Psophis, where they killed king Phegeus and + his wife, after which they returned to their mother with the necklace and + veil, which, by the command of her father Achelous, were deposited as + sacred offerings in the temple of Apollo at Delphi.</p> + +<h3>THE HERACLIDÆ.</h3> + + <p>After the apotheosis of Heracles, his children were so cruelly + persecuted by Eurystheus, that they fled for protection to king Ceyx at + Trachin, accompanied by the aged Iolaus, the nephew and life-long friend + of their father, who constituted himself their guide and protector. But + on Eurystheus demanding the surrender of the fugitives, the Heraclidæ, + knowing that the small force at the disposal of king Ceyx would be + altogether inadequate to protect them against the powerful king of Argos, + abandoned his territory, and sought refuge at Athens, where they were + hospitably received by king Demophoon, the son of the great hero Theseus. + He warmly espoused their cause, and determined to protect them at all + costs against Eurystheus, who had despatched a numerous force in pursuit + of them.</p> + + <p>When the Athenians had made all necessary preparations to repel the + invaders, an oracle announced that the <!-- Page 281 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page281"></a>[281]</span>sacrifice of a maiden + of noble birth was necessary to ensure to them victory; whereupon + Macaria, the beautiful daughter of Heracles and Deianira, magnanimously + offered herself as a sacrifice, and, surrounded by the noblest matrons + and maidens of Athens, voluntarily devoted herself to death.</p> + + <p>While these events were transpiring in Athens, Hyllus, the eldest son + of Heracles and Deianira, had advanced with a large army to the + assistance of his brothers, and having sent a messenger to the king + announcing his arrival, Demophoon, with his army, joined his forces.</p> + + <p>In the thick of the battle which ensued, Iolaus, following a sudden + impulse, borrowed the chariot of Hyllus, and earnestly entreated Zeus and + Hebe to restore to him, for this one day only, the vigour and strength of + his youth. His prayer was heard. A thick cloud descended from heaven and + enveloped the chariot, and when it disappeared, Iolaus, in the full + plenitude of manly vigour, stood revealed before the astonished gaze of + the combatants. He then led on his valiant band of warriors, and soon the + enemy was in headlong flight; and Eurystheus, who was taken prisoner, was + put to death by the command of king Demophoon.</p> + + <p>After gratefully acknowledging the timely aid of the Athenians, + Hyllus, accompanied by the faithful Iolaus and his brothers, took leave + of king Demophoon, and proceeded to invade the Peloponnesus, which they + regarded as their lawful patrimony; for, according to the will of Zeus, + it should have been the rightful possession of their father, the great + hero Heracles, had not Hera maliciously defeated his plans by causing his + cousin Eurystheus to precede him into the world.</p> + + <p>For the space of twelve months the Heraclidæ contrived to maintain + themselves in the Peloponnesus; but at the expiration of that time a + pestilence broke out, which spread over the entire peninsula, and + compelled the Heraclidæ to evacuate the country and return to Attica, + where for a time they settled.</p> + + <p>After the lapse of three years Hyllus resolved on <!-- Page 282 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page282"></a>[282]</span>making another + effort to obtain his paternal inheritance. Before setting out on the + expedition, however, he consulted the oracle of Delphi, and the response + was, that he must wait for the third fruit before the enterprise would + prove successful. Interpreting this ambiguous reply to signify the third + summer, Hyllus controlled his impatience for three years, when, having + collected a powerful army, he once more entered the Peloponnesus.</p> + + <p>At the isthmus of Corinth he was opposed by Atreus, the son of Pelops, + who at the death of Eurystheus had inherited the kingdom. In order to + save bloodshed, Hyllus offered to decide his claims by single combat, the + conditions being, that if he were victorious, he and his brothers should + obtain undisputed possession of their rights; but if defeated, the + Heraclidæ were to desist for fifty years from attempting to press their + claim.</p> + + <p>The challenge was accepted by Echemon, king of Tegea, and Hyllus lost + his life in the encounter, whereupon the sons of Heracles, in virtue of + their agreement, abandoned the Peloponnesus and retired to Marathon.</p> + + <p>Hyllus was succeeded by his son Cleodæus, who, at the expiration of + the appointed time, collected a large army and invaded the Peloponnesus; + but he was not more successful than his father had been, and perished + there with all his forces.</p> + + <p>Twenty years later his son Aristomachus consulted an oracle, which + promised him victory if he went by way of the defile. The Heraclidæ once + more set out, but were again defeated, and Aristomachus shared the fate + of his father and grandfather, and fell on the field of battle.</p> + + <p>When, at the expiration of thirty years, the sons of Aristomachus, + Temenus, Cresphontes, and Aristodemus again consulted the oracle, the + answer was still the same; but this time the following explanation + accompanied the response: the third fruit signified the third generation, + to which they themselves belonged, and not the third fruit of the earth; + and by the defile was indicated, not the isthmus of Corinth, but the + straits on the right of the isthmus.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 283 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page283"></a>[283]</span></p> + + <p>Temenus lost no time in collecting an army and building ships of war; + but just as all was ready and the fleet about to sail, Aristodemus, the + youngest of the brothers, was struck by lightning. To add to their + misfortunes, Hippolytes, a descendant of Heracles, who had joined in the + expedition, killed a soothsayer whom he mistook for a spy, and the gods, + in their displeasure, sent violent tempests, by means of which the entire + fleet was destroyed, whilst famine and pestilence decimated the ranks of + the army.</p> + + <p>The oracle, on being again consulted, advised that Hippolytes, being + the offender, should be banished from the country for ten years, and that + the command of the troops should be delegated to a man having three eyes. + A search was at once instituted by the Heraclidæ for a man answering to + this description, who was found at length in the person of Oxylus, a + descendant of the Ætolian race of kings. In obedience to the command of + the oracle, Hippolytes was banished, an army and fleet once more + equipped, and Oxylus elected commander-in-chief.</p> + + <p>And now success at length crowned the efforts of the long-suffering + descendants of the great hero. They obtained possession of the + Peloponnesus, which was divided among them by lot. Argos fell to Temenus, + Lacedæmon to Aristodemus, and Messene to Cresphontes. In gratitude for + the services of their able leader, Oxylus, the kingdom of Elis, was + conferred upon him by the Heraclidæ.</p> + +<h3>THE SIEGE OF TROY.</h3> + + <p>Troy or Ilion was the capital of a kingdom in Asia Minor, situated + near the Hellespont, and founded by Ilus, son of Tros. At the time of the + famous Trojan war this city was under the government of Priam, a direct + descendant of Ilus. Priam was married to Hecuba, daughter of Dymas, king + of Thrace; and among the most celebrated of their children were the + renowned and <!-- Page 284 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page284"></a>[284]</span>valiant Hector, the prophetess Cassandra, + and Paris, the cause of the Trojan war.</p> + + <p>Before the birth of her second son Paris, Hecuba dreamt that she had + given birth to a flaming brand, which was interpreted by Æsacus the seer + (a son of Priam by a former marriage) to signify that she would bear a + son who would cause the destruction of the city of Troy. Anxious to + prevent the fulfilment of the prophecy, Hecuba caused her new-born babe + to be exposed on Mount Ida to perish; but being found by some + kind-hearted shepherds, the child was reared by them, and grew up + unconscious of his noble birth.</p> + + <p>As the boy approached manhood he became remarkable, not only for his + wonderful beauty of form and feature, but also for his strength and + courage, which he exercised in defending the flocks from the attacks of + robbers and wild beasts; hence he was called Alexander, or helper of men. + It was about this time that he settled the famous dispute concerning the + golden apple, thrown by the goddess of Discord into the assembly of the + gods. As we have already seen, he gave his decision in favour of + Aphrodite; thus creating for himself two implacable enemies, for Hera and + Athene never forgave the slight.</p> + + <p>Paris became united to a beautiful nymph named Œnone, with whom + he lived happily in the seclusion and tranquillity of a pastoral life; + but to her deep grief this peaceful existence was not fated to be of long + duration.</p> + + <p>Hearing that some funereal games were about to be held in Troy in + honour of a departed relative of the king, Paris resolved to visit the + capital and take part in them himself. There he so greatly distinguished + himself in a contest with his unknown brothers, Hector and Deiphobus, + that the proud young princes, enraged that an obscure shepherd should + snatch from them the prize of victory, were about to create a + disturbance, when Cassandra, who had been a spectator of the proceedings, + stepped forward, and announced to them that the humble peasant who had so + signally defeated them was their own <!-- Page 285 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page285"></a>[285]</span>brother Paris. He was + then conducted to the presence of his parents, who joyfully acknowledged + him as their child; and amidst the festivities and rejoicings in honour + of their new-found son the ominous prediction of the past was + forgotten.</p> + + <p>As a proof of his confidence, the king now intrusted Paris with a + somewhat delicate mission. As we have already seen in the Legend of + Heracles, that great hero conquered Troy, and after killing king + Laomedon, carried away captive his beautiful daughter Hesione, whom he + bestowed in marriage on his friend Telamon. But although she became + princess of Salamis, and lived happily with her husband, her brother + Priam never ceased to regret her loss, and the indignity which had been + passed upon his house; and it was now proposed that Paris should be + equipped with a numerous fleet, and proceed to Greece in order to demand + the restoration of the king's sister.</p> + + <p>Before setting out on this expedition, Paris was warned by Cassandra + against bringing home a wife from Greece, and she predicted that if he + disregarded her injunction he would bring inevitable ruin upon the city + of Troy, and destruction to the house of Priam.</p> + + <p>Under the command of Paris the fleet set sail, and arrived safely in + Greece. Here the young Trojan prince first beheld Helen, the daughter of + Zeus and Leda, and sister of the Dioscuri, who was the wife of Menelaus, + king of Sparta, and the loveliest woman of her time. The most renowned + heroes in Greece had sought the honour of her hand; but her stepfather, + Tyndareus, king of Sparta, fearing that if he bestowed her in marriage on + one of her numerous lovers he would make enemies of the rest, made it a + stipulation that all suitors should solemnly swear to assist and defend + the successful candidate, with all the means at their command, in any + feud which might hereafter arise in connection with the marriage. He at + length conferred the hand of Helen upon Menelaus, a warlike prince, + devoted to martial exercises and the pleasures of the chase, to whom he + resigned his throne and kingdom.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 286 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page286"></a>[286]</span></p> + + <p>When Paris arrived at Sparta, and sought hospitality at the royal + palace, he was kindly received by king Menelaus. At the banquet given in + his honour, he charmed both host and hostess by his graceful manner and + varied accomplishments, and specially ingratiated himself with the fair + Helen, to whom he presented some rare and chaste trinkets of Asiatic + manufacture.</p> + + <p>Whilst Paris was still a guest at the court of the king of Sparta, the + latter received an invitation from his friend Idomeneus, king of Crete, + to join him in a hunting expedition; and Menelaus, being of an + unsuspicious and easy temperament, accepted the invitation, leaving to + Helen the duty of entertaining the distinguished stranger. Captivated by + her surpassing loveliness, the Trojan prince forgot every sense of honour + and duty, and resolved to rob his absent host of his beautiful wife. He + accordingly collected his followers, and with their assistance stormed + the royal castle, possessed himself of the rich treasures which it + contained, and succeeded in carrying off its beautiful, and not + altogether unwilling mistress.</p> + + <p>They at once set sail, but were driven by stress of weather to the + island of Crania, where they cast anchor; and it was not until some years + had elapsed, during which time home and country were forgotten, that + Paris and Helen proceeded to Troy.</p> + + <p><b>Preparations for the War.</b>—When Menelaus heard of the + violation of his hearth and home he proceeded to Pylos, accompanied by + his brother Agamemnon, in order to consult the wise old king Nestor, who + was renowned for his great experience and state-craft. On hearing the + facts of the case Nestor expressed it as his opinion that only by means + of the combined efforts of all the states of Greece could Menelaus hope + to regain Helen in defiance of so powerful a kingdom as that of Troy.</p> + + <p>Menelaus and Agamemnon now raised the war-cry, which was unanimously + responded to from one end of Greece to the other. Many of those who + volunteered <!-- Page 287 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page287"></a>[287]</span>their services were former suitors of the + fair Helen, and were therefore bound by their oath to support the cause + of Menelaus; others joined from pure love of adventure, but one and all + were deeply impressed with the disgrace which would attach to their + country should such a crime be suffered to go unpunished. Thus a powerful + army was collected in which few names of note were missing.</p> + + <p>Only in the case of two great heroes, Odysseus (Ulysses) and Achilles, + did Menelaus experience any difficulty.</p> + + <p>Odysseus, famed for his wisdom and great astuteness, was at this time + living happily in Ithaca with his fair young wife Penelope and his little + son Telemachus, and was loath to leave his happy home for a perilous + foreign expedition of uncertain duration. When therefore his services + were solicited he feigned madness; but the shrewd Palamedes, a + distinguished hero in the suite of Menelaus, detected and exposed the + ruse, and thus Odysseus was forced to join in the war. But he never + forgave the interference of Palamedes, and, as we shall see, eventually + revenged himself upon him in a most cruel manner.</p> + + <p>Achilles was the son of Peleus and the sea-goddess Thetis, who is said + to have dipped her son, when a babe, in the river Styx, and thereby + rendered him invulnerable, except in the right heel, by which she held + him. When the boy was nine years old it was foretold to Thetis that he + would either enjoy a long life of inglorious ease and inactivity, or that + after a brief career of victory he would die the death of a hero. + Naturally desirous of prolonging the life of her son, the fond mother + devoutly hoped that the former fate might be allotted to him. With this + view she conveyed him to the island of Scyros, in the Ægean Sea, where, + disguised as a girl, he was brought up among the daughters of Lycomedes, + king of the country.</p> + + <p>Now that the presence of Achilles was required, owing to an oracular + prediction that Troy could not be taken without him, Menelaus consulted + Calchas the soothsayer, who revealed to him the place of his concealment. + Odysseus was accordingly despatched to Scyros, where, by <!-- Page 288 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page288"></a>[288]</span>means of a + clever device, he soon discovered which among the maidens was the object + of his search. Disguising himself as a merchant, Odysseus obtained an + introduction to the royal palace, where he offered to the king's + daughters various trinkets for sale. The girls, with one exception, all + examined his wares with unfeigned interest. Observing this circumstance + Odysseus shrewdly concluded that the one who held aloof must be none + other than the young Achilles himself. But in order further to test the + correctness of his deduction, he now exhibited a beautiful set of warlike + accoutrements, whilst, at a given signal, stirring strains of martial + music were heard outside; whereupon Achilles, fired with warlike ardour, + seized the weapons, and thus revealed his identity. He now joined the + cause of the Greeks, accompanied at the request of his father by his + kinsman Patroclus, and contributed to the expedition a large force of + Thessalian troops, or Myrmidons, as they were called, and also fifty + ships.</p> + + <p>For ten long years Agamemnon and the other chiefs devoted all their + energy and means in preparing for the expedition against Troy. But during + these warlike preparations an attempt at a peaceful solution of the + difficulty was not neglected. An embassy consisting of Menelaus, + Odysseus, &c., was despatched to king Priam demanding the surrender + of Helen; but though the embassy was received with the utmost pomp and + ceremony, the demand was nevertheless rejected; upon which the + ambassadors returned to Greece, and the order was given for the fleet to + assemble at Aulis, in Bœotia.</p> + + <p>Never before in the annals of Greece had so large an army been + collected. A hundred thousand warriors were assembled at Aulis, and in + its bay floated over a thousand ships, ready to convey them to the Trojan + coast. The command of this mighty host was intrusted to Agamemnon, king + of Argos, the most powerful of all the Greek princes.</p> + + <p>Before the fleet set sail solemn sacrifices were offered to the gods + on the sea-shore, when suddenly a serpent was seen to ascend a + plane-tree, in which was a sparrow's <!-- Page 289 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page289"></a>[289]</span>nest containing nine + young ones. The reptile first devoured the young birds and then their + mother, after which it was turned by Zeus into stone. Calchas the + soothsayer, on being consulted, interpreted the miracle to signify that + the war with Troy would last for nine years, and that only in the tenth + would the city be taken.</p> + + <p><b>Departure of the Greek Fleet.</b>—The fleet then set sail; + but mistaking the Mysian coast for that of Troy, they landed troops and + commenced to ravage the country. Telephus, king of the Mysians, who was a + son of the great hero Heracles, opposed them with a large army, and + succeeded in driving them back to their ships, but was himself wounded in + the engagement by the spear of Achilles. Patroclus, who fought valiantly + by the side of his kinsman, was also wounded in this battle; but + Achilles, who was a pupil of Chiron, carefully bound up the wound, which + he succeeded in healing; and from this incident dates the celebrated + friendship which ever after existed between the two heroes, who even in + death remained united.</p> + + <p>The Greeks now returned to Aulis. Meanwhile, the wound of Telephus + proving incurable, he consulted an oracle, and the response was, that he + alone who had inflicted the wound possessed the power of curing it. + Telephus accordingly proceeded to the Greek camp, where he was healed by + Achilles, and, at the solicitation of Odysseus, consented to act as guide + in the voyage to Troy.</p> + + <p>Just as the expedition was about to start for the second time, + Agamemnon had the misfortune to kill a hind sacred to Artemis, who, in + her anger, sent continuous calms, which prevented the fleet from setting + sail. Calchas on being consulted announced that the sacrifice of + Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, would alone appease the incensed + goddess. How Agamemnon at length overcame his feelings as a father, and + how Iphigenia was saved by Artemis herself, has been already related in a + previous chapter.</p> + + <p>A fair wind having at length sprung up, the fleet <!-- Page 290 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page290"></a>[290]</span>once more set + sail. They first stopped at the island of Tenedos, where the famous + archer Philoctetes—who possessed the bow and arrows of Heracles, + given to him by the dying hero—was bitten in the foot by a venomous + snake. So unbearable was the odour emitted by the wound, that, at the + suggestion of Odysseus, Philoctetes was conveyed to the island of Lesbos, + where, to his great chagrin, he was abandoned to his fate, and the fleet + proceeded on their journey to Troy.</p> + + <p><b>Commencement of Hostilities.</b>—Having received early + intelligence of the impending invasion of their country, the Trojans + sought the assistance of the neighbouring states, who all gallantly + responded to their call for help, and thus ample preparations were made + to receive the enemy. King Priam being himself too advanced in years for + active service, the command of the army devolved upon his eldest son, the + brave and valiant Hector.</p> + + <p>At the approach of the Greek fleet the Trojans appeared on the coast + in order to prevent their landing. But great hesitation prevailed among + the troops as to who should be the first to set foot on the enemy's soil, + it having been predicted that whoever did so would fall a sacrifice to + the Fates. Protesilaus of Phylace, however, nobly disregarding the + ominous prediction, leaped on shore, and fell by the hand of Hector.</p> + + <p>The Greeks then succeeded in effecting a landing, and in the + engagement which ensued the Trojans were signally defeated, and driven to + seek safety behind the walls of their city. With Achilles at their head + the Greeks now made a desperate attempt to take the city by storm, but + were repulsed with terrible losses. After this defeat the invaders, + foreseeing a long and wearisome campaign, drew up their ships on land, + erected tents, huts, &c., and formed an intrenched camp on the + coast.</p> + + <p>Between the Greek camp and the city of Troy was a plain watered by the + rivers Scamander and Simois, and it was on this plain, afterwards so + renowned in history, <!-- Page 291 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page291"></a>[291]</span>that the ever memorable battles between + the Greeks and Trojans were fought.</p> + + <p>The impossibility of taking the city by storm was now recognized by + the leaders of the Greek forces. The Trojans, on their side, being less + numerous than the enemy, dared not venture on a great battle in the open + field; hence the war dragged on for many weary years without any decisive + engagement taking place.</p> + + <p>It was about this time that Odysseus carried out his long meditated + revenge against Palamedes. Palamedes was one of the wisest, most + energetic, and most upright of all the Greek heroes, and it was in + consequence of his unflagging zeal and wonderful eloquence that most of + the chiefs had been induced to join the expedition. But the very + qualities which endeared him to the hearts of his countrymen rendered him + hateful in the eyes of his implacable enemy, Odysseus, who never forgave + his having detected his scheme to avoid joining the army.</p> + + <p>In order to effect the ruin of Palamedes, Odysseus concealed in his + tent a vast sum of money. He next wrote a letter, purporting to be from + king Priam to Palamedes, in which the former thanked the Greek hero + effusively for the valuable information received from him, referring at + the same time to a large sum of money which he had sent to him as a + reward. This letter, which was found upon the person of a Phrygian + prisoner, was read aloud in a council of the Greek princes. Palamedes was + arraigned before the chiefs of the army and accused of betraying his + country to the enemy, whereupon a search was instituted, and a large sum + of money being found in his tent, he was pronounced guilty and sentenced + to be stoned to death. Though fully aware of the base treachery practised + against him, Palamedes offered not a word in self-defence, knowing but + too well that, in the face of such damning evidence, the attempt to prove + his innocence would be vain.</p> + + <p><b>Defection of Achilles.</b>—During the first year of the + campaign the Greeks ravaged the surrounding country, <!-- Page 292 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page292"></a>[292]</span>and pillaged + the neighbouring villages. Upon one of these foraging expeditions the + city of Pedasus was sacked, and Agamemnon, as commander-in-chief, + received as his share of the spoil the beautiful Chrysëis, daughter of + Chryses, the priest of Apollo; whilst to Achilles was allotted another + captive, the fair Brisëis. The following day Chryses, anxious to ransom + his daughter, repaired to the Greek camp; but Agamemnon refused to accede + to his proposal, and with rude and insulting words drove the old man + away. Full of grief at the loss of his child Chryses called upon Apollo + for vengeance on her captor. His prayer was heard, and the god sent a + dreadful pestilence which raged for ten days in the camp of the Greeks. + Achilles at length called together a council, and inquired of Calchas the + soothsayer how to arrest this terrible visitation of the gods. The seer + replied that Apollo, incensed at the insult offered to his priest, had + sent the plague, and that only by the surrender of Chrysëis could his + anger be appeased.</p> + + <p>On hearing this Agamemnon agreed to resign the maiden; but being + already embittered against Calchas for his prediction with regard to his + own daughter Iphigenia, he now heaped insults upon the soothsayer and + accused him of plotting against his interests. Achilles espoused the + cause of Calchas, and a violent dispute arose, in which the son of Thetis + would have killed his chief but for the timely interference of + Pallas-Athene, who suddenly appeared beside him, unseen by the rest, and + recalled him to a sense of the duty he owed to his commander. Agamemnon + revenged himself on Achilles by depriving him of his beautiful captive, + the fair Brisëis, who had become so attached to her kind and noble captor + that she wept bitterly on being removed from his charge. Achilles, now + fairly disgusted with the ungenerous conduct of his chief, withdrew + himself to his tent, and obstinately declined to take further part in the + war.</p> + + <p>Heart-sore and dejected he repaired to the sea-shore, and there + invoked the presence of his divine mother. In answer to his prayer Thetis + emerged from beneath <!-- Page 293 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page293"></a>[293]</span>the waves, and comforted her gallant son + with the assurance that she would entreat the mighty Zeus to avenge his + wrongs by giving victory to the Trojans, so that the Greeks might learn + to realize the great loss which they had sustained by his withdrawal from + the army. The Trojans being informed by one of their spies of the + defection of Achilles, became emboldened by the absence of this brave and + intrepid leader, whom they feared above all the other Greek heroes; they + accordingly sallied forth, and made a bold and eminently successful + attack upon the Greeks, who, although they most bravely and obstinately + defended their position, were completely routed, and driven back to their + intrenchments, Agamemnon and most of the other Greek leaders being + wounded in the engagement.</p> + + <p>Encouraged by this marked and signal success the Trojans now commenced + to besiege the Greeks in their own camp. At this juncture Agamemnon, + seeing the danger which threatened the army, sunk for the moment all + personal grievances, and despatched an embassy to Achilles consisting of + many noble and distinguished chiefs, urgently entreating him to come to + the assistance of his countrymen in this their hour of peril; promising + that not only should the fair Brisëis be restored to him, but also that + the hand of his own daughter should be bestowed on him in marriage, with + seven towns as her dowry. But the obstinate determination of the proud + hero was not to be moved; and though he listened courteously to the + arguments and representations of the messengers of Agamemnon, his + resolution to take no further part in the war remained unshaken.</p> + + <p>In one of the engagements which took place soon afterwards, the + Trojans, under the command of Hector, penetrated into the heart of the + Greek camp, and had already commenced to burn their ships, when + Patroclus, seeing the distress of his countrymen, earnestly besought + Achilles to send him to the rescue at the head of the Myrmidons. The + better nature of the hero prevailed, and he not only intrusted to his + friend the command of <!-- Page 294 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page294"></a>[294]</span>his brave band of warriors, but lent him + also his own suit of armour.</p> + + <p>Patroclus having mounted the war-chariot of the hero, Achilles lifted + on high a golden goblet and poured out a libation of wine to the gods, + accompanied by an earnest petition for victory, and the safe return of + his beloved comrade. As a parting injunction he warned Patroclus against + advancing too far into the territory of the enemy, and entreated him to + be content with rescuing the galleys.</p> + + <p>At the head of the Myrmidons Patroclus now made a desperate attack + upon the enemy, who, thinking that the invincible Achilles was himself in + command of his battalions, became disheartened, and were put to flight. + Patroclus followed up his victory and pursued the Trojans as far as the + walls of their city, altogether forgetting in the excitement of battle + the injunction of his friend Achilles. But his temerity cost the young + hero his life, for he now encountered the mighty Hector himself, and fell + by his hands. Hector stripped the armour from his dead foe, and would + have dragged the body into the city had not Menelaus and Ajax the Greater + rushed forward, and after a long and fierce struggle succeeded in + rescuing it from desecration.</p> + + <p><b>Death of Hector.</b>—And now came the mournful task of + informing Achilles of the fate of his friend. He wept bitterly over the + dead body of his comrade, and solemnly vowed that the funereal rites + should not be solemnized in his honour until he had slain Hector with his + own hands, and captured twelve Trojans to be immolated on his funeral + pyre. All other considerations vanished before the burning desire to + avenge the death of his friend; and Achilles, now thoroughly aroused from + his apathy, became reconciled to Agamemnon, and rejoined the Greek army. + At the request of the goddess Thetis, Hephæstus forged for him a new suit + of armour, which far surpassed in magnificence that of all the other + heroes.</p> + + <p>Thus gloriously arrayed he was soon seen striding <!-- Page 295 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page295"></a>[295]</span>along, calling + the Greeks to arms. He now led the troops against the enemy, who were + defeated and put to flight until, near the gates of the city, Achilles + and Hector encountered each other. But here, for the first time + throughout his whole career, the courage of the Trojan hero deserted him. + At the near approach of his redoubtable antagonist he turned and fled for + his life. Achilles pursued him; and thrice round the walls of the city + was the terrible race run, in sight of the old king and queen, who had + mounted the walls to watch the battle. Hector endeavoured, during each + course, to reach the city gates, so that his comrades might open them to + admit him or cover him with their missiles; but his adversary, seeing his + design, forced him into the open plain, at the same time calling to his + friends to hurl no spear upon his foe, but to leave to him the vengeance + he had so long panted for. At length, wearied with the hot pursuit, + Hector made a stand and challenged his foe to single combat. A desperate + encounter took place, in which Hector succumbed to his powerful adversary + at the Scæan gate; and with his last dying breath the Trojan hero + foretold to his conqueror that he himself would soon perish on the same + spot.</p> + + <p>The infuriated victor bound the lifeless corse of his fallen foe to + his chariot, and dragged it three times round the city walls and thence + to the Greek camp. Overwhelmed with horror at this terrible scene the + aged parents of Hector uttered such heart-rending cries of anguish that + they reached the ears of Andromache, his faithful wife, who, rushing to + the walls, beheld the dead body of her husband, bound to the conqueror's + car.</p> + + <p>Achilles now solemnized the funereal rites in honour of his friend + Patroclus. The dead body of the hero was borne to the funeral pile by the + Myrmidons in full panoply. His dogs and horses were then slain to + accompany him, in case he should need them in the realm of shades; after + which Achilles, in fulfilment of his savage vow, slaughtered twelve brave + Trojan captives, who were <!-- Page 296 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page296"></a>[296]</span>laid on the funeral pyre, which was now + lighted. When all was consumed the bones of Patroclus were carefully + collected and inclosed in a golden urn. Then followed the funereal games, + which consisted of chariot-races, fighting with the cestus (a sort of + boxing-glove), wrestling matches, foot-races, and single combats with + shield and spear, in all of which the most distinguished heroes took + part, and contended for the prizes.</p> + + <p><b>Penthesilea.</b>—After the death of Hector, their great hope + and bulwark, the Trojans did not venture beyond the walls of their city. + But soon their hopes were revived by the appearance of a powerful army of + Amazons under the command of their queen Penthesilea, a daughter of Ares, + whose great ambition was to measure swords with the renowned Achilles + himself, and to avenge the death of the valiant Hector.</p> + + <p>Hostilities now recommenced in the open plain. Penthesilea led the + Trojan host; the Greeks on their side being under the command of Achilles + and Ajax. Whilst the latter succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, + Achilles was challenged by Penthesilea to single combat. With heroic + courage she went forth to the fight; but even the strongest men failed + before the power of the great Achilles, and though a daughter of Ares, + Penthesilea was but a woman. With generous chivalry the hero endeavoured + to spare the brave and beautiful maiden-warrior, and only when his own + life was in imminent danger did he make a serious effort to vanquish his + enemy, when Penthesilea shared the fate of all who ventured to oppose the + spear of Achilles, and fell by his hand.</p> + + <p>Feeling herself fatally wounded, she remembered the desecration of the + dead body of Hector, and earnestly entreated the forbearance of the hero. + But the petition was hardly necessary, for Achilles, full of compassion + for his brave but unfortunate adversary, lifted her gently from the + ground, and she expired in his arms.</p> + + <p>On beholding the dead body of their leader in the <!-- Page 297 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page297"></a>[297]</span>possession of + Achilles, the Amazons and Trojans prepared for a fresh attack in order to + wrest it from his hands; but observing their purpose, Achilles stepped + forward and loudly called upon them to halt. Then in a few well-chosen + words he praised the great valour and intrepidity of the fallen queen, + and expressed his willingness to resign the body at once.</p> + + <p>The chivalrous conduct of Achilles was fully appreciated by both + Greeks and Trojans. Thersites alone, a base and cowardly wretch, + attributed unworthy motives to the gracious proceedings of the hero; and, + not content with these insinuations, he savagely pierced with his lance + the dead body of the Amazonian queen; whereupon Achilles, with one blow + of his powerful arm, felled him to the ground, and killed him on the + spot.</p> + + <p>The well-merited death of Thersites excited no commiseration, but his + kinsman Diomedes came forward and claimed compensation for the murder of + his relative; and as Agamemnon, who, as commander-in-chief, might easily + have settled the difficulty, refrained from interfering, the proud nature + of Achilles resented the implied condemnation of his conduct, and he once + more abandoned the Greek army and took ship for Lesbos. Odysseus, + however, followed him to the island, and, with his usual tact, succeeded + in inducing the hero to return to the camp.</p> + + <p><b>Death of Achilles.</b>—A new ally of the Trojans now appeared + on the field in the person of Memnon, the Æthiopian, a son of Eos and + Tithonus, who brought with him a powerful reinforcement of negroes. + Memnon was the first opponent who had yet encountered Achilles on an + equal footing; for like the great hero himself he was the son of a + goddess, and possessed also, like Achilles, a suit of armour made for him + by Hephæstus.</p> + + <p>Before the heroes encountered each other in single combat, the two + goddesses, Thetis and Eos, hastened to Olympus to intercede with its + mighty ruler for the life of their sons. Resolved even in this instance + not to act in opposition to the Moiræ, Zeus seized the golden scales <!-- + Page 298 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page298"></a>[298]</span>in + which he weighed the lot of mortals, and placed in it the respective + fates of the two heroes, whereupon that of Memnon weighed down the + balance, thus portending his death.</p> + + <p>Eos abandoned Olympus in despair. Arrived on the battlefield she + beheld the lifeless body of her son, who, after a long and brave defence, + had at length succumbed to the all-conquering arm of Achilles. At her + command her children, the Winds, flew down to the plain, and seizing the + body of the slain hero conveyed it through the air safe from the + desecration of the enemy.</p> + + <p>The triumph of Achilles was not of long duration. Intoxicated with + success he attempted, at the head of the Greek army, to storm the city of + Troy, when Paris, by the aid of Phœbus-Apollo, aimed a + well-directed dart at the hero, which pierced his vulnerable heel, and he + fell to the ground fatally wounded before the Scæan gate. But though face + to face with death, the intrepid hero, raising himself from the ground, + still performed prodigies of valour, and not until his tottering limbs + refused their office was the enemy aware that the wound was mortal.</p> + + <p>By the combined efforts of Ajax and Odysseus the body of Achilles was + wrested from the enemy after a long and terrible fight, and conveyed to + the Greek camp. Weeping bitterly over the untimely fate of her gallant + son, Thetis came to embrace him for the last time, and mingled her + regrets and lamentations with those of the whole Greek army. The funeral + pyre was then lighted, and the voices of the Muses were heard chanting + his funeral dirge. When, according to the custom of the ancients, the + body had been burned on the pyre, the bones of the hero were collected, + inclosed in a golden urn, and deposited beside the remains of his beloved + friend Patroclus.</p> + + <p>In the funereal games celebrated in honour of the fallen hero, the + property of her son was offered by Thetis as the prize of victory. But it + was unanimously agreed that the beautiful suit of armour made by + Hephæstus should be awarded to him who had contributed the most to the + <!-- Page 299 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page299"></a>[299]</span>rescue of the body from the hands of the + enemy. Popular opinion unanimously decided in favour of Odysseus, which + verdict was confirmed by the Trojan prisoners who were present at the + engagement. Unable to endure the slight, the unfortunate Ajax lost his + reason, and in this condition put an end to his existence.</p> + + <p><b>Final Measures.</b>—Thus were the Greeks deprived at one and + the same time of their bravest and most powerful leader, and of him also + who approached the nearest to this distinction. For a time operations + were at a standstill, until Odysseus at length, contrived by means of a + cleverly-arranged ambush to capture Helenus, the son of Priam. Like his + sister Cassandra, Helenus possessed the gift of prophecy, and the + unfortunate youth was now coerced by Odysseus into using this gift + against the welfare of his native city.</p> + + <p>The Greeks learned from the Trojan prince that three conditions were + indispensable to the conquest of Troy:—In the first place the son + of Achilles must fight in their ranks; secondly, the arrows of Heracles + must be used against the enemy; and thirdly, they must obtain possession + of the wooden image of Pallas-Athene, the famous Palladium of Troy.</p> + + <p>The first condition was easily fulfilled. Ever ready to serve the + interests of the community, Odysseus repaired to the island of Scyros, + where he found Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Having succeeded in + arousing the ambition of the fiery youth, he generously resigned to him + the magnificent armour of his father, and then conveyed him to the Greek + camp, where he immediately distinguished himself in single combat with + Eurypylus, the son of Telephus, who had come to the aid of the + Trojans.</p> + + <p>To procure the poison-dipped arrows of Heracles was a matter of + greater difficulty. They were still in the possession of the + much-aggrieved Philoctetes, who had remained in the island of Lemnos, his + wound still unhealed, suffering the most abject misery. But the <!-- Page + 300 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page300"></a>[300]</span>judicious + zeal of the indefatigable and ever-active Odysseus, who was accompanied + in this undertaking by Diomedes, at length gained the day, and he induced + Philoctetes to accompany him to the camp, where the skilful leech + Machaon, the son of Asclepias, healed him of his wound.</p> + + <p>Philoctetes became reconciled to Agamemnon, and in an engagement which + took place soon after, he mortally wounded Paris, the son of Priam. But + though pierced by the fatal arrow of the demi-god, death did not + immediately ensue; and Paris, calling to mind the prediction of an + oracle, that his deserted wife Œnone could alone cure him if + wounded, caused himself to be transported to her abode on Mount Ida, + where he implored her by the memory of their past love to save his life. + But mindful only of her wrongs, Œnone crushed out of her heart + every womanly feeling of pity and compassion, and sternly bade him + depart. Soon, however, all her former affection for her husband awoke + within her. With frantic haste she followed him; but on her arrival in + the city she found the dead body of Paris already laid on the lighted + funeral pile, and, in her remorse and despair, Œnone threw herself + on the lifeless form of her husband and perished in the flames.</p> + + <p>The Trojans were now shut up within their walls and closely besieged; + but the third and most difficult condition being still unfulfilled, all + efforts to take the city were unavailing. In this emergency the wise and + devoted Odysseus came once more to the aid of his comrades. Having + disfigured himself with self-inflicted wounds, he assumed the disguise of + a wretched old mendicant, and then crept stealthily into the city in + order to discover where the Palladium was preserved. He succeeded in his + object, and was recognized by no one save the fair Helen, who after the + death of Paris had been given in marriage to his brother Deiphobus. But + since death had robbed her of her lover, the heart of the Greek princess + had turned yearningly towards her native country and her husband + Menelaus, and Odysseus now found in her a most unlooked-for ally. On his + return to the camp <!-- Page 301 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page301"></a>[301]</span>Odysseus called to his aid the valiant + Diomedes, and with his assistance the perilous task of abstracting the + Palladium from its sacred precincts was, after some difficulty, + effected.</p> + + <p>The conditions of conquest being now fulfilled, a council was called + to decide on final proceedings. Epeios, a Greek sculptor, who had + accompanied the expedition, was desired to construct a colossal wooden + horse large enough to contain a number of able and distinguished heroes. + On its completion a band of warriors concealed themselves within, + whereupon the Greek army broke up their camp, and then set fire to it, as + though, wearied of the long and tedious ten years' siege, they had + abandoned the enterprise as hopeless.</p> + + <p>Accompanied by Agamemnon and the sage Nestor, the fleet set sail for + the island of Tenedos, where they cast anchor, anxiously awaiting the + torch signal to hasten back to the Trojan coast.</p> + + <p><b>Destruction of Troy.</b>—When the Trojans saw the enemy + depart, and the Greek camp in flames, they believed themselves safe at + last, and streamed in great numbers out of the town in order to view the + site where the Greeks had so long encamped. Here they found the gigantic + wooden horse, which they examined with wondering curiosity, various + opinions being expressed with regard to its utility. Some supposed it to + be an engine of war, and were in favour of destroying it, others regarded + it as a sacred idol, and proposed that it should be brought into the + city. Two circumstances which now occurred induced the Trojans to incline + towards the latter opinion.</p> + + <p>Chief among those who suspected a treacherous design in this huge + contrivance was Laocoon, a priest of Apollo, who, in company with his two + young sons, had issued from the city with the Trojans in order to offer a + sacrifice to the gods. With all the eloquence at his command he urged his + countrymen not to place confidence in any gift of the Greeks, and even + went so far as to pierce the <!-- Page 302 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page302"></a>[302]</span>side of the horse with a spear which he + took from a warrior beside him, whereupon the arms of the heroes were + heard to rattle. The hearts of the brave men concealed inside the horse + quailed within them, and they had already given themselves up for lost, + when Pallas-Athene, who ever watched over the cause of the Greeks, now + came to their aid, and a miracle occurred in order to blind and deceive + the devoted Trojans;—for the fall of Troy was decreed by the + gods.</p> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/0302-1.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/0302-1.png" + alt="Laocoon and his sons" title="Laocoon and his sons" /></a> + </div> + <p>Whilst Laocoon with his two sons stood prepared to perform the + sacrifice, two enormous serpents suddenly rose out of the sea, and made + direct for the altar. They entwined themselves first round the tender + limbs of the helpless youths, and then encircled their father who rushed + to their assistance, and thus all three were destroyed in sight of the + horrified multitude. The Trojans naturally interpreted the fate of + Laocoon and his sons to be a punishment sent by Zeus for his sacrilege + against the wooden horse, and were now fully convinced that it must be + consecrated to the gods.</p> + + <p>The crafty Odysseus had left behind his trusty friend Sinon with full + instructions as to his course of action. Assuming the rôle assigned to + him, he now approached king Priam with fettered hands and piteous + entreaties, alleging that the Greeks, in obedience to the command of an + oracle, had attempted to immolate him as a sacrifice; but that he had + contrived to escape from their hands, and now sought protection from the + king.</p> + + <p>The kind-hearted monarch, believing his story, released <!-- Page 303 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page303"></a>[303]</span>his bonds, + assured him of his favour, and then begged him to explain the true + meaning of the wooden horse. Sinon willingly complied. He informed the + king that Pallas-Athene, who had hitherto been the hope and stay of the + Greeks throughout the war, was so deeply offended at the removal of her + sacred image, the Palladium, from her temple in Troy, that she had + withdrawn her protection from the Greeks, and refused all further aid + till it was restored to its rightful place. Hence the Greeks had returned + home in order to seek fresh instructions from an oracle. But before + leaving, Calchas the seer had advised their building this gigantic wooden + horse as a tribute to the offended goddess, hoping thereby to appease her + just anger. He further explained that it had been constructed of such + colossal proportions in order to prevent its being brought into the city, + so that the favour of Pallas-Athene might not be transferred to the + Trojans.</p> + + <p>Hardly had the crafty Sinon ceased speaking when the Trojans, with one + accord, urged that the wooden horse should be brought into their city + without delay. The gates being too low to admit its entrance, a breach + was made in the walls, and the horse was conveyed in triumph into the + very heart of Troy; whereupon the Trojans, overjoyed at what they deemed + the successful issue of the campaign, abandoned themselves to feasting + and rioting.</p> + + <p>Amidst the universal rejoicing the unhappy Cassandra, foreseeing the + result of the admission of the wooden horse into the city, was seen + rushing through the streets with wild gestures and dishevelled hair, + warning her people against the dangers which awaited them. But her + eloquent words fell on deaf ears; for it was ever the fate of the + unfortunate prophetess that her predictions should find no credence.</p> + + <p>When, after the day's excitement, the Trojans had retired to rest, and + all was hushed and silent, Sinon, in the dead of night, released the + heroes from their voluntary imprisonment. The signal was then given to + the Greek fleet lying off Tenedos, and the whole army in unbroken silence + once more landed on the Trojan coast. <!-- Page 304 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page304"></a>[304]</span></p> + + <p>To enter the city was now an easy matter, and a fearful slaughter + ensued. Aroused from their slumbers, the Trojans, under the command of + their bravest leaders, made a gallant defence, but were easily overcome. + All their most valiant heroes fell in the fight, and soon the whole city + was wrapt in flames.</p> + + <p>Priam fell by the hand of Neoptolemus, who killed him as he lay + prostrate before the altar of Zeus, praying for divine assistance in this + awful hour of peril. The unfortunate Andromache with her young son + Astyanax had taken refuge on the summit of a tower, where she was + discovered by the victors, who, fearing lest the son of Hector might one + day rise against them to avenge the death of his father, tore him from + her arms and hurled him over the battlements.</p> + + <p>Æneas alone, the son of Aphrodite, the beloved of gods and men, + escaped the universal carnage with his son and his old father Anchises, + whom he carried on his shoulders out of the city. He first sought refuge + on Mount Ida, and afterwards fled to Italy, where he became the ancestral + hero of the Roman people.</p> + + <p>Menelaus now sought Helen in the royal palace, who, being immortal, + still retained all her former beauty and fascination. A reconciliation + took place, and she accompanied her husband on his homeward voyage. + Andromache, the widow of the brave Hector, was given in marriage to + Neoptolemus, Cassandra fell to the share of Agamemnon, and Hecuba, the + gray-haired and widowed queen, was made prisoner by Odysseus.</p> + + <p>The boundless treasures of the wealthy Trojan king fell into the hands + of the Greek heroes, who, after having levelled the city of Troy to the + ground, prepared for their homeward voyage.</p> + +<h3>RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY.</h3> + + <p>During the sacking of the city of Troy the Greeks, in the hour of + victory, committed many acts of desecration and cruelty, which called + down upon them the wrath of the <!-- Page 305 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page305"></a>[305]</span>gods, for which reason their homeward + voyage was beset with manifold dangers and disasters, and many perished + before they reached their native land.</p> + + <p>Nestor, Diomedes, Philoctetes, and Neoptolemus were among those who + arrived safely in Greece after a prosperous voyage. The vessel which + carried Menelaus and Helen was driven by violent tempests to the coast of + Egypt, and only after many years of weary wanderings and vicissitudes did + they succeed in reaching their home at Sparta.</p> + + <p>Ajax the Lesser having offended Pallas-Athene by desecrating her + temple on the night of the destruction of Troy, was shipwrecked off Cape + Caphareus. He succeeded, however, in clinging to a rock, and his life + might have been spared but for his impious boast that he needed not the + help of the gods. No sooner had he uttered the sacrilegious words than + Poseidon, enraged at his audacity, split with his trident the rock to + which the hero was clinging, and the unfortunate Ajax was overwhelmed by + the waves.</p> + + <p><b>Fate of Agamemnon.</b>—The homeward voyage of Agamemnon was + tolerably uneventful and prosperous; but on his arrival at Mycenæ + misfortune and ruin awaited him.</p> + + <p>His wife Clytemnestra, in revenge for the sacrifice of her beloved + daughter Iphigenia, had formed a secret alliance during his absence with + Ægisthus, the son of Thyestes, and on the return of Agamemnon they both + conspired to compass his destruction. Clytemnestra feigned the greatest + joy on beholding her husband, and in spite of the urgent warnings of + Cassandra, who was now a captive in his train, he received her + protestations of affection with the most trusting confidence. In her + well-assumed anxiety for the comfort of the weary traveller, she prepared + a warm bath for his refreshment, and at a given signal from the + treacherous queen, Ægisthus, who was concealed in an adjoining chamber, + rushed upon the defenceless hero and slew him. <!-- Page 306 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page306"></a>[306]</span></p> + + <p>During the massacre of the retainers of Agamemnon which followed, his + daughter Electra, with great presence of mind, contrived to save her + young brother Orestes. He fled for refuge to his uncle Strophius, king of + Phocis, who educated him with his own son Pylades, and an ardent + friendship sprung up between the youths, which, from its constancy and + disinterestedness, has become proverbial.</p> + + <p>As Orestes grew up to manhood, his one great all-absorbing desire was + to avenge the death of his father. Accompanied by his faithful friend + Pylades, he repaired in disguise to Mycenæ, where Ægisthus and + Clytemnestra reigned conjointly over the kingdom of Argos. In order to + disarm suspicion he had taken the precaution to despatch a messenger to + Clytemnestra, purporting to be sent by king Strophius, to announce to her + the untimely death of her son Orestes through an accident during a + chariot-race at Delphi.</p> + + <p>Arrived at Mycenæ, he found his sister Electra so overwhelmed with + grief at the news of her brother's death that to her he revealed his + identity. When he heard from her lips how cruelly she had been treated by + her mother, and how joyfully the news of his demise had been received, + his long pent-up passion completely overpowered him, and rushing into the + presence of the king and queen, he first pierced Clytemnestra to the + heart, and afterwards her guilty partner.</p> + + <p>But the crime of murdering his own mother was not long unavenged by + the gods. Hardly was the fatal act committed when the Furies appeared and + unceasingly pursued the unfortunate Orestes wherever he went. In this + wretched plight he sought refuge in the temple of Delphi, where he + earnestly besought Apollo to release him from his cruel tormentors. The + god commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to repair to + Taurica-Chersonnesus and convey the statue of Artemis from thence to the + kingdom of Attica, an expedition fraught with extreme peril. We have + already seen in a former chapter how Orestes escaped the fate which + befell all strangers <!-- Page 307 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page307"></a>[307]</span>who landed on the Taurian coast, and how, + with the aid of his sister Iphigenia, the priestess of the temple, he + succeeded in conveying the statue of the goddess to his native + country.</p> + + <p>But the Furies did not so easily relinquish their prey, and only by + means of the interposition of the just and powerful goddess Pallas-Athene + was Orestes finally liberated from their persecution. His peace of mind + being at length restored, Orestes assumed the government of the kingdom + of Argos, and became united to the beautiful Hermione, daughter of Helen + and Menelaus. On his faithful friend Pylades he bestowed the hand of his + beloved sister, the good and faithful Electra.</p> + + <p><b>Homeward Voyage of Odysseus.</b>—With his twelve ships laden + with enormous treasures, captured during the sacking of Troy, Odysseus + set sail with a light heart for his rocky island home of Ithaca. At + length the happy hour had arrived which for ten long years the hero had + so anxiously awaited, and he little dreamt that ten more must elapse + before he would be permitted by the Fates to clasp to his heart his + beloved wife and child.</p> + + <p>During his homeward voyage his little fleet was driven by stress of + weather to a land whose inhabitants subsisted entirely on a curious plant + called the lotus, which was sweet as honey to the taste, but had the + effect of causing utter oblivion of home and country, and of creating an + irresistible longing to remain for ever in the land of the lotus-eaters. + Odysseus and his companions were hospitably received by the inhabitants, + who regaled them freely with their peculiar and very delicious food; + after partaking of which, however, the comrades of the hero refused to + leave the country, and it was only by sheer force that he at length + succeeded in bringing them back to their ships.</p> + + <p><b>Polyphemus.</b>—Continuing their journey, they next arrived + at the country of the Cyclops, a race of giants remarkable for having + only one eye, which was placed in the centre of their foreheads. Here + Odysseus, whose love of adventure overcame more prudent considerations, + <!-- Page 308 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page308"></a>[308]</span>left his fleet safely anchored in the bay + of a neighbouring island, and with twelve chosen companions set out to + explore the country.</p> + + <p>Near the shore they found a vast cave, into which they boldly entered. + In the interior they saw to their surprise huge piles of cheese and great + pails of milk ranged round the walls. After partaking freely of these + provisions his companions endeavoured to persuade Odysseus to return to + the ship; but the hero being curious to make the acquaintance of the + owner of this extraordinary abode, ordered them to remain and await his + pleasure.</p> + + <p>Towards evening a fierce giant made his appearance, bearing an + enormous load of wood upon his shoulders, and driving before him a large + flock of sheep. This was Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon, the owner of + the cave. After all his sheep had entered, the giant rolled before the + entrance to the cave an enormous rock, which the combined strength of a + hundred men would have been powerless to move.</p> + + <p>Having kindled a fire of great logs of pine-wood he was about to + prepare his supper when the flames revealed to him, in a corner of the + cavern, its new occupants, who now came forward and informed him that + they were shipwrecked mariners, and claimed his hospitality in the name + of Zeus. But the fierce monster railed at the great ruler of + Olympus—for the lawless Cyclops knew no fear of the gods—and + hardly vouchsafed a reply to the demand of the hero. To the consternation + of Odysseus the giant seized two of his companions, and, after dashing + them to the ground, consumed their remains, washing down the ghastly meal + with huge draughts of milk. He then stretched his gigantic limbs on the + ground, and soon fell fast asleep beside the fire.</p> + + <p>Thinking the opportunity a favourable one to rid himself and his + companions of their terrible enemy, Odysseus drew his sword, and, + creeping stealthily forward, was about to slay the giant when he suddenly + remembered that the aperture of the cave was effectually closed by the + immense rock, which rendered egress impossible. He <!-- Page 309 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page309"></a>[309]</span>therefore wisely + determined to wait until the following day, and set his wits to work in + the meantime to devise a scheme by which he and his companions might make + their escape.</p> + + <p>When, early next morning, the giant awoke, two more unfortunate + companions of the hero were seized by him and devoured; after which + Polyphemus leisurely drove out his flock, taking care to secure the + entrance of the cave as before.</p> + + <p>Next evening the giant devoured two more of his victims, and when he + had finished his revolting meal Odysseus stepped forward and presented + him with a large measure of wine which he had brought with him from his + ship in a goat's skin. Delighted with the delicious beverage the giant + inquired the name of the donor. Odysseus replied that his name was Noman, + whereupon Polyphemus, graciously announced that he would evince his + gratitude by eating him the last.</p> + + <p>The monster, thoroughly overcome with the powerful old liquor, soon + fell into a heavy sleep, and Odysseus lost no time in putting his plans + into execution. He had cut during the day a large piece of the giant's + own olive-staff, which he now heated in the fire, and, aided by his + companions, thrust it into the eye-ball of Polyphemus, and in this manner + effectually blinded him.</p> + + <p>The giant made the cave resound with his howls of pain and rage. His + cries being heard by his brother Cyclops, who lived in caves not far + distant from his own, they soon came trooping over the hills from all + sides, and assailed the door of the cave with inquiries concerning the + cause of his cries and groans. But as his only reply was, "Noman has + injured me," they concluded that he had been playing them a trick, and + therefore abandoned him to his fate.</p> + + <p>The blinded giant now groped vainly round his cave in hopes of laying + hands on some of his tormentors; but wearied at length of these fruitless + exertions he rolled away the rock which closed the aperture, thinking + that his victims would rush out with the sheep, when it would <!-- Page + 310 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page310"></a>[310]</span>be an easy + matter to capture them. But in the meantime Odysseus had not been idle, + and the subtlety of the hero was now brought into play, and proved more + than a match for the giant's strength. The sheep were very large, and + Odysseus, with bands of willow taken from the bed of Polyphemus, had + cleverly linked them together three abreast, and under each centre one + had secured one of his comrades. After providing for the safety of his + companions, Odysseus himself selected the finest ram of the flock, and, + by clinging to the wool of the animal, made his escape. As the sheep + passed out of the cave the giant felt carefully among them for his + victims, but not finding them on the backs of the animals he let them + pass, and thus they all escaped.</p> + + <p>They now hastened on board their vessel, and Odysseus, thinking + himself at a safe distance, shouted out his real name and mockingly + defied the giant; whereupon Polyphemus seized a huge rock, and, following + the direction of the voice, hurled it towards the ship, which narrowly + escaped destruction. He then called upon his father Poseidon to avenge + him, entreating him to curse Odysseus with a long and tedious voyage, to + destroy all his ships and all his companions, and to make his return as + late, as unhappy, and as desolate as possible.</p> + + <p><b>Further Adventures.</b>—After sailing about over unknown seas + for some time the hero and his followers cast anchor at the island of + Æolus, king of the Winds, who welcomed them cordially, and sumptuously + entertained them for a whole month.</p> + + <p>When they took their leave he gave Odysseus the skin of an ox, into + which he had placed all the contrary winds in order to insure to them a + safe and speedy voyage, and then, having cautioned him on no account to + open it, caused the gentle Zephyrus to blow so that he might waft them to + the shores of Greece.</p> + + <p>On the evening of the tenth day after their departure they arrived in + sight of the watch-fires of Ithaca. But here, unfortunately, Odysseus, + being completely wearied <!-- Page 311 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page311"></a>[311]</span>out, fell asleep, and his comrades, + thinking Æolus had given him a treasure in the bag which he so sedulously + guarded, seized this opportunity of opening it, whereupon all the adverse + winds rushed out, and drove them back to the Æolian island. This time, + however, Æolus did not welcome them as before, but dismissed them with + bitter reproaches and upbraidings for their disregard of his + injunctions.</p> + + <p>After a six days' voyage they at length sighted land. Observing what + appeared to be the smoke from a large town, Odysseus despatched a herald, + accompanied by two of his comrades, in order to procure provisions. When + they arrived in the city they discovered to their consternation that they + had set foot in the land of the Læstrygones, a race of fierce and + gigantic cannibals, governed by their king Antiphates. The unfortunate + herald was seized and killed by the king; but his two companions, who + took to flight, succeeded in reaching their ship in safety, and urgently + entreated their chief to put to sea without delay.</p> + + <p>But Antiphates and his fellow-giants pursued the fugitives to the + sea-shore, where they now appeared in large numbers. They seized huge + rocks, which they hurled upon the fleet, sinking eleven of the ships with + all hands, on board; the vessel under the immediate command of Odysseus + being the only one which escaped destruction. In this ship, with his few + remaining followers, Odysseus now set sail, but was driven by adverse + winds to an island called Ææa.</p> + + <p><b>Circe.</b>—The hero and his companions were in sore need of + provisions, but, warned by previous disasters, Odysseus resolved that + only a certain number of the ship's crew should be despatched to + reconnoitre the country; and on lots being drawn by Odysseus and + Eurylochus, it fell to the share of the latter to fill the office of + conductor to the little band selected for this purpose.</p> + + <p>They soon came to a magnificent marble palace, which was situated in a + charming and fertile valley. Here <!-- Page 312 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page312"></a>[312]</span>dwelt a beautiful + enchantress called Circe, daughter of the sun-god and the sea-nymph + Perse. The entrance to her abode was guarded by wolves and lions, who, + however, to the great surprise of the strangers, were tame and harmless + as lambs. These were, in fact, human beings who, by the wicked arts of + the sorceress, had been thus transformed. From within they heard the + enchanting voice of the goddess, who was singing a sweet melody as she + sat at her work, weaving a web such as immortals alone could produce. She + graciously invited them to enter, and all save the prudent and cautious + Eurylochus accepted the invitation.</p> + + <p>As they trod the wide and spacious halls of tesselated marble objects + of wealth and beauty met their view on all sides. The soft and luxuriant + couches on which she bade them be seated were studded with silver, and + the banquet which she provided for their refreshment was served in + vessels of pure gold. But while her unsuspecting guests were abandoning + themselves to the pleasures of the table the wicked enchantress was + secretly working their ruin; for the wine-cup which was presented to them + was drugged with a potent draught, after partaking of which the sorceress + touched them with her magic wand, and they were immediately transformed + into swine, still, however, retaining their human senses.</p> + + <p>When Odysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had + befallen his companions he set out, regardless of personal danger, + resolved to make an effort to rescue them. On his way to the palace of + the sorceress he met a fair youth bearing a wand of gold, who revealed + himself to him as Hermes, the divine messenger of the gods. He gently + reproached the hero for his temerity in venturing to enter the abode of + Circe unprovided with an antidote against her spells, and presented him + with a peculiar herb called Moly, assuring him that it would inevitably + counteract the baneful arts of the fell enchantress. Hermes warned + Odysseus that Circe would offer him a draught of drugged wine with the + intention of transforming him as she had done his companions. He bade him + drink the wine, the effect of <!-- Page 313 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page313"></a>[313]</span>which would be completely nullified by the + herb which he had given him, and then rush boldly at the sorceress as + though he would take her life, whereupon her power over him would cease, + she would recognize her master, and grant him whatever he might + desire.</p> + + <p>Circe received the hero with all the grace and fascination at her + command, and presented him with a draught of wine in a golden goblet. + This he readily accepted, trusting to the efficacy of the antidote. Then, + in obedience to the injunction of Hermes, he drew his sword from its + scabbard and rushed upon the sorceress as though he would slay her.</p> + + <p>When Circe found that her fell purpose was for the first time + frustrated, and that a mortal had dared to attack her, she knew that it + must be the great Odysseus who stood before her, whose visit to her abode + had been foretold to her by Hermes. At his solicitation she restored to + his companions their human form, promising at the same time that + henceforth the hero and his comrades should be free from her + enchantments.</p> + + <p>But all warnings and past experience were forgotten by Odysseus when + Circe commenced to exercise upon him her fascinations and blandishments. + At her request his companions took up their abode in the island, and he + himself became the guest and slave of the enchantress for a whole year; + and it was only at the earnest admonition of his friends that he was at + length induced to free himself from her toils.</p> + + <p>Circe had become so attached to the gallant hero that it cost her a + great effort to part with him, but having vowed not to exercise her magic + spells against him she was powerless to detain him further. The goddess + now warned him that his future would be beset with many dangers, and + commanded him to consult the blind old seer Tiresias,<a name="NtA_52" + href="#Nt_52"><sup>[52]</sup></a> in the realm of Hades, concerning his + future destiny. She then loaded his ship with provisions for the voyage, + and reluctantly bade him farewell.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 314 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page314"></a>[314]</span></p> + + <p><b>The Realm of Shades.</b>—Though somewhat appalled at the + prospect of seeking the weird and gloomy realms inhabited by the spirits + of the dead, Odysseus nevertheless obeyed the command of the goddess, who + gave him full directions with regard to his course, and also certain + injunctions which it was important that he should carry out with strict + attention to detail.</p> + + <p>He accordingly set sail with his companions for the dark and gloomy + land of the Cimmerians, which lay at the furthermost end of the world, + beyond the great stream Oceanus. Favoured by gentle breezes they soon + reached their destination in the far west. On arriving at the spot + indicated by Circe, where the turbid waters of the rivers Acheron and + Cocytus mingled at the entrance to the lower world, Odysseus landed, + unattended by his companions.</p> + + <p>Having dug a trench to receive the blood of the sacrifices he now + offered a black ram and ewe to the powers of darkness, whereupon crowds + of shades rose up from the yawning gulf, clustering round him, eager to + quaff the blood of the sacrifice, which would restore to them for a time + their mental vigour. But mindful of the injunction of Circe, Odysseus + brandished his sword, and suffered none to approach until Tiresias had + appeared. The great prophet now came slowly forward leaning on his golden + staff, and after drinking of the sacrifice proceeded to impart to + Odysseus the hidden secrets of his future fate. Tiresias also warned him + of the numerous perils which would assail him, not only during his + homeward voyage but also on his return to Ithaca, and then instructed him + how to avoid them.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile numbers of other shades had quaffed the sense-awakening + draught of the sacrifice, among whom Odysseus recognized to his dismay + his tenderly-loved mother Anticlea. From her he learned that she had died + of grief at her son's protracted absence, and that his aged father + Laertes was wearing his life away in vain and anxious longings for his + return. He also conversed with the ill-fated Agamemnon, Patroclus, and + Achilles. The latter <!-- Page 315 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page315"></a>[315]</span>bemoaned his shadowy and unreal existence, + and plaintively assured his former companion-in-arms that rather would he + be the poorest day-labourer on earth than reign supreme as king over the + realm of shades. Ajax alone, who still brooded over his wrongs, held + aloof, refusing to converse with Odysseus, and sullenly retired when the + hero addressed him.</p> + + <p>But at last so many shades came swarming round him that the courage of + Odysseus failed him, and he fled in terror back to his ship. Having + rejoined his companions they once more put to sea, and proceeded on their + homeward voyage.</p> + + <p><b>The Sirens.</b>—After some days' sail their course led them + past the island of the Sirens.</p> + + <p>Now Circe had warned Odysseus on no account to listen to the seductive + melodies of these treacherous nymphs; for that all who gave ear to their + enticing strains felt an unconquerable desire to leap overboard and join + them, when they either perished at their hands, or were engulfed by the + waves.</p> + + <p>In order that his crew should not hear the song of the Sirens, + Odysseus had filled their ears with melted wax; but the hero himself so + dearly loved adventure that he could not resist the temptation of braving + this new danger. By his own desire, therefore, he was lashed to the mast, + and his comrades had strict orders on no account to release him until + they were out of sight of the island, no matter how he might implore them + to set him free.</p> + + <p>As they neared the fatal shore they beheld the Sirens seated side by + side on the verdant slopes of their island; and as their sweet and + alluring strains fell upon his ear the hero became so powerfully affected + by them, that, forgetful of all danger, he entreated his comrades to + release him; but the sailors, obedient to their orders, refused to unbind + him until the enchanted island had disappeared from view. The danger + past, the hero gratefully acknowledged the firmness of his followers, + which had been the means of saving his life. <!-- Page 316 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page316"></a>[316]</span></p> + + <p><b>The Island of Helios.</b>—They now approached the terrible + dangers of Scylla and Charybdis, between which Circe had desired them to + pass. As Odysseus steered the vessel beneath the great rock, Scylla + swooped down and seized six of his crew from the deck, and the cries of + her wretched victims long rang in his ears. At length they reached the + island of Trinacria (Sicily), whereon the sun-god pastured his flocks and + herds, and Odysseus, calling to mind the warning of Tiresias to avoid + this sacred island, would fain have steered the vessel past and left the + country unexplored. But his crew became mutinous, and insisted on + landing. Odysseus was therefore obliged to yield, but before allowing + them to set foot on shore he made them take an oath not to touch the + sacred herds of Helios, and to be ready to sail again on the following + morning.</p> + + <p>It happened, unfortunately, however, that stress of weather compelled + them to remain a whole month at Trinacria, and the store of wine and food + given to them by Circe at parting being completely exhausted, they were + obliged to subsist on what fish and birds the island afforded. Frequently + there was not sufficient to satisfy their hunger, and one evening when + Odysseus, worn out with anxiety and fatigue, had fallen asleep, + Eurylochus persuaded the hungry men to break their vows and kill some of + the sacred oxen.</p> + + <p>Dreadful was the anger of Helios, who caused the hides of the + slaughtered animals to creep and the joints on the spits to bellow like + living cattle, and threatened that unless Zeus punished the impious crew + he would withdraw his light from the heavens and shine only in Hades. + Anxious to appease the enraged deity Zeus assured him that his cause + should be avenged. When, therefore, after feasting for seven days + Odysseus and his companions again set sail, the ruler of Olympus caused a + terrible storm to overtake them, during which the ship was struck with + lightning and went to pieces. All the crew were drowned except Odysseus, + who, clinging to a mast, floated about in the open sea for nine days, + when, after once more <!-- Page 317 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page317"></a>[317]</span>escaping being sucked in by the whirlpool + of Charybdis, he was cast ashore on the island of Ogygia.</p> + + <p><b>Calypso.</b>—Ogygia was an island covered with dense forests, + where, in the midst of a grove of cypress and poplar, stood the charming + grotto-palace of the nymph Calypso, daughter of the Titan Atlas. The + entrance to the grotto was entwined with a leafy trellis-work of + vine-branches, from which depended clusters of purple and golden grapes; + the plashing of fountains gave a delicious sense of coolness to the air, + which was filled with the songs of birds, and the ground was carpeted + with violets and mosses.</p> + + <p>Calypso cordially welcomed the forlorn and shipwrecked hero, and + hospitably ministered to his wants. In the course of time she became so + greatly attached to him that she offered him immortality and eternal + youth if he would consent to remain with her for ever. But the heart of + Odysseus turned yearningly towards his beloved wife Penelope and his + young son. He therefore refused the boon, and earnestly entreated the + gods to permit him to revisit his home. But the curse of Poseidon still + followed the unfortunate hero, and for seven long years he was detained + on the island by Calypso, sorely against his will.</p> + + <p>At length Pallas-Athene interceded with her mighty father on his + behalf, and Zeus, yielding to her request, forthwith despatched the + fleet-footed Hermes to Calypso, commanding her to permit Odysseus to + depart and to provide him with the means of transport.</p> + + <p>The goddess, though loath to part with her guest, dared not disobey + the commands of the mighty Zeus. She therefore instructed the hero how to + construct a raft, for which she herself wove the sails. Odysseus now bade + her farewell, and alone and unaided embarked on the frail little craft + for his native land.</p> + + <p><b>Nausicaa.</b>—For seventeen days Odysseus contrived to pilot + the raft skilfully through all the perils of the deep, directing his + course according to the directions <!-- Page 318 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page318"></a>[318]</span>of Calypso, and guided + by the stars of heaven. On the eighteenth day he joyfully hailed the + distant outline of the Phæacian coast, and began to look forward + hopefully to temporary rest and shelter. But Poseidon, still enraged with + the hero who had blinded and insulted his son, caused an awful tempest to + arise, during which the raft was swamped by the waves, and Odysseus only + saved himself by clinging for bare life to a portion of the wreck.</p> + + <p>For two days and nights he floated about, drifted hither and thither + by the angry billows, till at last, after many a narrow escape of his + life, the sea-goddess Leucothea came to his aid, and he was cast ashore + on the coast of Scheria, the island of the luxurious Phæaces. Worn out + with the hardships and dangers he had passed through he crept into a + thicket for security, and, lying down on a bed of dried leaves, soon fell + fast asleep.</p> + + <p>It chanced that Nausicaa, the beautiful daughter of king Alcinous and + his queen Arete, had come down to the shore, accompanied by her maidens, + to wash the linen which was destined to form part of her marriage + portion. When they had finished their task they bathed and sat down to a + repast, after which they amused themselves with singing and playing at + ball.</p> + + <p>Their joyous shouts at last awoke Odysseus, who, rising from his + hiding place, suddenly found himself in the midst of the happy group. + Alarmed at his wild aspect the attendants of Nausicaa fled in terror; but + the princess, pitying the forlorn condition of the stranger, addressed + him with kind and sympathetic words. After hearing from him the account + of his shipwreck and the terrible hardships he had undergone, Nausicaa + called back her attendants, reproached them for their want of courtesy, + and bade them supply the wanderer with food, drink, and suitable raiment. + Odysseus then left the maidens to resume their games, whilst he bathed + and clothed himself with the garments with which they had furnished him. + Athene now appeared to the hero and endowed him with a commanding and + magnificent stature, and with more than mortal beauty. When he + reappeared, the young <!-- Page 319 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page319"></a>[319]</span>princess was struck with admiration, and + requested the hero to visit the palace of her father. She then desired + her attendants to yoke the mules to the wagons and prepare to return + home.</p> + + <p>Odysseus was cordially received by the king and queen, who entertained + him with magnificent hospitality, and in return for their kindness the + hero related to them the history of his long and eventful voyage, and the + many extraordinary adventures and miraculous escapes which had befallen + him since his departure from the coast of Ilion.</p> + + <p>When he at last took leave of his royal entertainers Alcinous loaded + him with rich gifts, and ordered him to be conveyed in one of his own + ships to Ithaca.</p> + + <p><b>Arrival at Ithaca.</b>—The voyage was a short and prosperous + one. By the direction of king Alcinous rich furs had been laid on deck + for the comfort of his guest, on which the hero, leaving the guidance of + the ship to the Phæacian sailors, soon fell into a deep sleep. When next + morning the vessel arrived in the harbour of Ithaca the sailors, + concluding that so unusually profound a slumber must be sent by the gods, + conveyed him on shore without disturbing him, where they gently placed + him beneath the cool shade of an olive-tree.</p> + + <p>When Odysseus awoke he knew not where he was, for his ever-watchful + protectress Pallas-Athene had enveloped him in a thick cloud in order to + conceal him from view. She now appeared to him in the disguise of a + shepherd, and informed him that he was in his native land; that his + father Laertes, bent with sorrow and old age, had withdrawn from the + court; that his son Telemachus had grown to manhood, and was gone to seek + for tidings of his father; and that his wife Penelope was harassed by the + importunities of numerous suitors, who had taken possession of his home + and devoured his substance. In order to gain time Penelope had promised + to marry one of her lovers as soon as she had finished weaving a robe for + the aged Laertes; but by secretly undoing at night <!-- Page 320 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page320"></a>[320]</span>what she had done in + the day she effectually retarded the completion of the work, and thus + deferred her final reply. Just as Odysseus had set foot in Ithaca the + angry suitors had discovered her stratagem, and had become in consequence + more clamorous than ever. When the hero heard that this was indeed his + native land, which, after an absence of twenty years, the gods had at + length permitted him to behold once more, he threw himself on the ground, + and kissed it in an ecstacy of joy.</p> + + <p>The goddess, who had meanwhile revealed her identity to Odysseus, now + assisted him to conceal in a neighbouring cave the valuable gifts of the + Phæacian king. Then seating herself beside him she consulted with him as + to the best means of ridding his palace of its shameless occupants.</p> + + <p>In order to prevent his being recognized she caused him to assume the + form of an aged mendicant. His limbs became decrepid, his brown locks + vanished, his eyes grew dim and bleared, and the regal robes given to him + by king Alcinous were replaced by a tattered garb of dingy hue, which + hung loosely round his shrunken form. Athene then desired him to seek + shelter in the hut of Eumæus his own swine-herd.</p> + + <p>Eumæus received the old beggar hospitably, kindly ministered to his + wants, and even confided to him his distress at the long continued + absence of his beloved old master, and his regrets at being compelled by + the unruly invaders of his house, to slaughter for their use all the + finest and fattest of the herd.</p> + + <p>It chanced that the following morning Telemachus returned from his + long and fruitless search for his father, and going first to the hut of + Eumæus, heard from him the story of the seeming beggar whom he promised + to befriend. Athene now urged Odysseus to make himself known to his son; + and at her touch his beggar's rags disappeared, and he stood before + Telemachus arrayed in royal robes and in the full strength and vigour of + manhood. So imposing was the appearance of the hero that at first the + young prince thought he must be a god; but when <!-- Page 321 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page321"></a>[321]</span>he was convinced that + it was indeed his beloved father, whose prolonged absence had caused him + so much grief, he fell upon his neck and embraced him with every + expression of dutiful affection.</p> + + <p>Odysseus charged Telemachus to keep his return a secret, and concerted + with him a plan whereby they might rid themselves of the detested + suitors. In order to carry it into effect Telemachus was to induce his + mother to promise her hand to the one who could conquer in shooting with + the famous bow of Odysseus, which the hero had left behind when he went + to Troy, deeming it too precious a treasure to be taken with him. + Odysseus now resumed his beggar's dress and appearance and accompanied + his son to the palace, before the door of which lay his faithful dog + Argo, who, though worn and feeble with age and neglect, instantly + recognized his master. In his delight the poor animal made a last effort + to welcome him; but his strength was exhausted, and he expired at his + feet.</p> + + <p>When Odysseus entered his ancestral halls he was mocked and reviled by + the riotous suitors, and Antinous, the most shameless of them all, + ridiculed his abject appearance, and insolently bade him depart; but + Penelope hearing of their cruel conduct, was touched with compassion, and + desired her maidens to bring the poor mendicant into her presence. She + spoke kindly to him, inquiring who he was and whence he came. He told her + that he was the brother of the king of Crete, in whose palace he had seen + Odysseus, who was about starting for Ithaca, and had declared his + intention of arriving there before the year was out. The queen, overjoyed + at the happy tidings, ordered her maidens to prepare a bed for the + stranger, and to treat him as an honoured guest. She then desired the old + nurse Euryclea to provide him with suitable raiment and to attend to all + his wants.</p> + + <p>As the old servant was bathing his feet her eyes fell upon a scar + which Odysseus had received in his youth from the tusks of a wild boar; + and instantly recognizing the beloved master whom she had nursed as a + babe, she <!-- Page 322 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page322"></a>[322]</span>would have cried aloud in her joy, but the + hero placing his hand upon her mouth, implored her not to betray him.</p> + + <p>The next day was a festival of Apollo, and the suitors in honour of + the occasion feasted with more than their accustomed revelry. After the + banquet was over Penelope, taking down the great bow of Odysseus from its + place, entered the hall and declared that whosoever of her lovers could + bend it and send an arrow through twelve rings (a feat which she had + often seen Odysseus perform) should be chosen by her as her husband.</p> + + <p>All the suitors tried their skill, but in vain; not one possessed the + strength required to draw the bow. Odysseus now stepped forward and asked + permission to be allowed to try, but the haughty nobles mocked at his + audacity, and would not have permitted it had not Telemachus interfered. + The pretended beggar took up the bow, and with the greatest ease sent an + arrow whizzing through the rings; then turning to Antinous, who was just + raising a goblet of wine to his lips, he pierced him to the heart. At + this the suitors sprang to their feet and looked round for their arms; + but in obedience to the instructions of Odysseus Telemachus had + previously removed them. He and his father now attacked the riotous + revellers, and after a desperate encounter not one of the whole crew + remained alive.</p> + + <p>The joyful intelligence of the return of Odysseus being conveyed to + Penelope she descended to the hall, but refused to recognize, in the aged + beggar, her gallant husband; whereupon he retired to the bath, from which + he emerged in all the vigour and beauty with which Athene had endowed him + at the court of Alcinous. But Penelope, still incredulous, determined to + put him to a sure test. She therefore commanded in his hearing that his + own bed should be brought from his chamber. Now the foot of this bed had + been fashioned by Odysseus himself out of the stem of an olive-tree which + was still rooted in the ground, and round it he had built the walls of + the chamber. Knowing therefore that the bed could not be moved, he + exclaimed that the errand was useless, for that no <!-- Page 323 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page323"></a>[323]</span>mortal could stir it + from its place. Then Penelope knew that it must be Odysseus himself who + stood before her, and a most touching and affectionate meeting took place + between the long-separated husband and wife.</p> + + <p>The following day the hero set out to seek his old father Laertes, + whom he found on one of his estates in the country engaged in digging up + a young olive-tree. The poor old man, who was dressed in the humble garb + of a labourer, bore the traces of deep grief on his furrowed countenance, + and so shocked was his son at the change in his appearance that for a + moment he turned aside to conceal his tears.</p> + + <p>When Odysseus revealed himself to his father as the son whom he had so + long mourned as lost, the joy of the poor old man was almost greater than + he could bear. With loving care Odysseus led him into the house, where at + length, for the first time since the departure of his son, Laertes once + more resumed his regal robes, and piously thanked the gods for this great + and unlooked-for happiness.</p> + + <p>But not yet was the hero permitted to enjoy his well-earned repose, + for the friends and relatives of the suitors now rose in rebellion + against him and pursued him to the abode of his father. The struggle, + however, was but a short one. After a brief contest negotiations of a + peaceful nature were entered into between Odysseus and his subjects. + Recognizing the justice of his cause, they became reconciled to their + chief, who for many years continued to reign over them.</p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page 325 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page325"></a>[325]</span></p> + +<h2>PRONOUNCING INDEX.</h2> + +<hr class="short" > + + <p>[<i>Note.</i>—The system of pronunciation here followed is the + English system, because it is the one at present most used among + English-speaking peoples. In it the letters have substantially their + English sound. Upon the continent of Europe the pronunciation of Latin + and Greek is in like manner made to correspond in each nation to the + pronunciation of its own language, and thus there is much diversity among + the continental systems, though they resemble each other more closely + than they do the English. In England and America also the continental + methods of pronunciation have been extensively used. Thus Æneas may be + pronounced A-na´-ahss; Aïdes ah-ee´-daze. Since the true, the ancient, + pronunciation has been lost, and, as many contend, cannot be even + substantially recovered, it is a matter of individual preference what + system shall be followed.]</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">A.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Abderus (ab-dee´-rus), <a href="#page244">244</a>.</p> + <p>Absyrtus (ab-sir´-tus), <a href="#page226">226</a>.</p> + <p>Academus (ak-ă-dee´-mus), <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Achelous (ak-e-lo´-us), <a href="#page254">254</a>, <a href="#page278">278</a>.</p> + <p>Acheron (ak´-e-ron), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p>Achilles (ă-kil´-leez), <a href="#page131">131</a>, <a href="#page291">291</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Acis (ā´-sis), <a href="#page105">105</a>, <a href="#page167">167</a>.</p> + <p>Acrisius (ă-crish´-e-us), <a href="#page189">189</a>, <a href="#page205">205</a>, <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p>Acropolis (ă-crop´-o-lis), <a href="#page189">189</a>.</p> + <p>Actæon (ak-tee´-on), <a href="#page91">91</a>.</p> + <p>Admete (ad-mee´-te), <a href="#page244">244</a>.</p> + <p>Admetus (ad-mee´-tus), <a href="#page76">76</a>, <a href="#page119">119</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Adonis (ă-don´-iss), <a href="#page59">59</a>.</p> + <p>Adrastia (ad-ras-ti´-ah), <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Adrastus (ă-dras´-tus), <a href="#page272">272</a>.</p> + <p>Æacus (ee´-ă-cus), <a href="#page34">34</a>.</p> + <p>Ææa (ee-ee´-ah), island of, <a href="#page67">67</a>.</p> + <p>Ægean Sea (ee-gee´-an), <a href="#page287">287</a>.</p> + <p><a name="NtA_53" href="#Nt_53"><sup>[53]</sup></a>Ægeus (ee´-juce), <a href="#page259">259</a>, <a href="#page262">262</a>, <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Ægina (ee-ji´-nah), island of, <a href="#page230">230</a>.</p> + <p>Ægis (ee´-jiss), <a href="#page26">26</a>.</p> + <p>Ægisthus (ee-jiss´-thus, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Ægle (egg´-le), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Ægyptus (ee-jip´-tus), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + <p>Aello (ă-el´-lo), <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Æneas (ee-nee´-ass), <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Æolus (ee´-o-lus), <a href="#page170">170</a>, <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + <p>Aër (ā´-er), <a href="#page12">12</a>.</p> + <p>Æsacus (es´-a-cus), <a href="#page284">284</a>.</p> + <p>Æsculapius (es-cu-la´-pe-us), <a href="#page177">177</a>.</p> + <p>Æson (ee´-son), <a href="#page213">213</a>.</p> + <p>Æetes (ee-ee´-teez), <a href="#page215">215</a>, <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Æther (ee´-ther), <a href="#page12">12</a>.</p> + <p>Æthiopia (e-thi-o´-pe-ah), <a href="#page207">207</a>.</p> + <p>Æthra (ee´-thrah), <a href="#page259">259</a>, <a href="#page267">267</a>, <a href="#page288">288</a>.</p> + <p>Ætna, Mount (et´-nah), <a href="#page100">100</a>.</p> + <p>Agamemnon (ag-ă-mem´-non), <a href="#page94">94</a>, <a href="#page286">286</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Agave (ă-ga´-ve), <a href="#page127">127</a>, <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Agenor (ă-jee´-nor), <a href="#page203">203</a>.</p> + <p>Ages, <a href="#page22">22</a>.</p> + <p>Aglaia (ag-lay´-yah), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Agraulos (ă-graw´-lŏs), <a href="#page122">122</a>.</p> + <p>Agrigent (ag´-ri-jent), <a href="#page213">213</a>.</p> + <p>Aïdes (a-i´-deez), <a href="#page52">52</a>, <a href="#page130">130</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—helmet of <a href="#page206">206</a>, <a href="#page208">208</a>.</p> + <p>Aïdoneus (a-i-do´-nuce), <a href="#page130">130</a>.</p> + <p>Air, <a href="#page12">12</a>.</p> + <p>Ajax (ā´-jax) the Greater, <a href="#page298">298</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—the Lesser, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Alcestis (al-ses´-tiss), <a href="#page76">76</a>.</p> + <p>Alcinous (al-sin´-o-us), <a href="#page228">228</a>, <a href="#page318">318</a>.</p> + <p>Alcippe (al-sip´-pe), <a href="#page113">113</a></p> + <p>Alcmæon (alk-mee´-on), <a href="#page273">273</a>, <a href="#page277">277</a>.</p> + <p>Alcmene (alk-mee´-ne), <a href="#page35">35</a>, <a href="#page234">234</a>.</p> + <p>Alecto (a-leck´-to), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Alexander (al-ex-an´-der), <a href="#page284">284</a>.</p> + <p>Aloidæ (al-o-i´-de), <a href="#page113">113</a>.</p> + <p>Alpheus (al´-fuce), <a href="#page242">242</a>.</p> + <p>Altars, <a href="#page191">191</a>.</p> + <p>Althea (al-thee´-ah, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page90">90</a>.</p> + <p>Altis (al´-tis) the, <a href="#page41">41</a>.</p> + <p>Amalthea (am-al-thee´-ah), <a href="#page15">15</a>.</p> + <p>Amazons (am´-a-zons), <a href="#page244">244</a>, <a href="#page258">258</a>, <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Ambrosia (am-bro´-zhah), <a href="#page15">15</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 326 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page326"></a>[326]</span> + <p>Amor (ā´-mor), <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Amphiaraus (am´-fe-a-ray´-us), <a href="#page273">273</a>.</p> + <p>Amphidamas (am-fid´-a-mass), <a href="#page221">221</a>.</p> + <p>Amphilochus (am-fil´-o-cus), <a href="#page277">277</a>.</p> + <p>Amphion (am-fi´-on), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Amphitrite (am-fe-tri´-te), <a href="#page104">104</a>, <a href="#page167">167</a>.</p> + <p>Amphitrion (am-fit´-re-on), <a href="#page35">35</a>, <a href="#page234">234</a>.</p> + <p>Amycus (am´-i-cus), <a href="#page219">219</a>.</p> + <p>Anaitis-Aphroditis (an-a-i´-tis-af-ro-di´-tis), <a href="#page92">92</a>.</p> + <p>Ananke (an-ang´-ke), <a href="#page147">147</a>.</p> + <p>Anciliæ (an-sil´-e-e), <a href="#page115">115</a>.</p> + <p>Androgeos (an-dro´-je-oss), <a href="#page262">262</a>.</p> + <p>Andromache (an-drom´-a-ke), <a href="#page295">295</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Andromeda (an-drom´-e-dah), <a href="#page207">207</a>.</p> + <p>Antea (an-tee´-ah), <a href="#page256">256</a>.</p> + <p>Anteos (an-tee´-ŏs), <a href="#page248">248</a>.</p> + <p>Anteros (an´-te-ross), <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Antigone (an-tig´-o-ne), <a href="#page271">271</a>, <a href="#page275">275</a>.</p> + <p>Antinous (an-tin´-o-us), <a href="#page321">321</a>.</p> + <p>Antiope (an-ti´-o-pe), <a href="#page32">32</a>.</p> + <p>Antiphates (an-tif´-a-teez), <a href="#page311">311</a>.</p> + <p>Aphareus (af´-a-ruce), <a href="#page34">34</a>.</p> + <p>Aphrodite (af-ro-di´-te), <a href="#page58">58</a>, <a href="#page99">99</a>, <a href="#page152">152</a>.</p> + <p>Apollo (ă-pol´-lo), <a href="#page68">68</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—(Roman), <a href="#page83">83</a>.</p> + <p>Apple of Discord, <a href="#page39">39</a>.</p> + <p>Arachne (a-rak´-ne), <a href="#page45">45</a>.</p> + <p>Arcadia (ar-ca´-de-ah), <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Arctos (ark´-tŏs), <a href="#page35">35</a>.</p> + <p>Areopagus (a-re-op´-a-gus), <a href="#page44">44</a>, <a href="#page113">113</a>, <a href="#page212">212</a>.</p> + <p>Ares (ā´-reez), <a href="#page99">99</a>, <a href="#page112">112</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—grove of, <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—field of, <a href="#page223">223</a>, <a href="#page225">225</a>.</p> + <p>Arete (a-ree´-te <i>or</i> ar´-e-te), <a href="#page228">228</a>, <a href="#page318">318</a>.</p> + <p>Arethusa (ar-e-thu´-sah), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Aretias (ă-ree´-she-ass), <a href="#page221">221</a>.</p> + <p>Argia (ar-ji´-ah), <a href="#page272">272</a>.</p> + <p>Argives (ar-jives), <a href="#page274">274</a>.</p> + <p>Argo, <a href="#page215">215</a>, <a href="#page230">230</a>, <a href="#page321">321</a>.</p> + <p>Argonauts (ar´-go-nawts), <a href="#page213">213</a>.</p> + <p>Argos (ar´-gŏs), <a href="#page209">209</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Argus, <a href="#page224">224</a>.</p> + <p>Argus-Panoptes (pan-op´-teez), <a href="#page36">36</a>.</p> + <p>Ariadne (a-re-ad´-ne), <a href="#page128">128</a>, <a href="#page263">263</a>.</p> + <p>Aricia (a-rish´-e-ah), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Arion (a-ri´-on), <a href="#page275">275</a>.</p> + <p>Aristæus (ar-iss-tee´-us), <a href="#page81">81</a>.</p> + <p>Aristodemus (a-ris´-to-de´-mus), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Aristomachus (ar-is-tom´-a-cus), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Arsinoë (ar-sin´-o-e), <a href="#page278">278</a>.</p> + <p>Artemis (ar´-te-miss), <a href="#page87">87</a>.</p> + <p>Ascalaphus (ass-cal´-a-fuss), <a href="#page55">55</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p>Asclepius (ass-clee´-pe-us), <a href="#page71">71</a>, <a href="#page76">76</a>, <a href="#page176">176</a>.</p> + <p>Ashtoreth (ash´-to-reth), <a href="#page61">61</a>.</p> + <p>Asphodel meadows (ass-fo-del), <a href="#page133">133</a>.</p> + <p>Astarte (ass-tar´-te), <a href="#page61">61</a>.</p> + <p>Astræa (ass-tree´-ah), <a href="#page85">85</a>.</p> + <p>Astræus (ass-tree´-us), <a href="#page68">68</a>.</p> + <p>Astyanax (ass-ti´-a-nax), <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Atalanta (at-a-lan´-tah), <a href="#page89">89</a>.</p> + <p>Ate (ā´-te), <a href="#page149">149</a>.</p> + <p>Athamas (ath´-a-mass), <a href="#page111">111</a>, <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p>Athene (a-thee´-ne, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page43">43</a>.</p> + <p>Athene-Polias (po´-le-ass), <a href="#page44">44</a>, <a href="#page189">189</a>, <a href="#page199">199</a>, <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Athens, <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Atlas, <a href="#page207">207</a>, <a href="#page248">248</a>.</p> + <p>Atreus, (ă´-truce), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Atropos (at´-ro-pŏs), <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Atys (ā´-tiss), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Augeas (aw´-je-ass), <a href="#page242">242</a>, <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Augurs, <a href="#page196">196</a>.</p> + <p>Aulis (aw´-lis), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Aurora (aw-ro´-rah), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page67">67</a>.</p> + <p>Autochthony (aw-tok´-tho-ny), <a href="#page22">22</a>.</p> + <p>Autolycus (aw-tol´-i-cus), <a href="#page235">235</a>, <a href="#page251">251</a>.</p> + <p>Autonoe, (aw-ton´-o-e), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Avernus (a-ver´-nus), <a href="#page132">132</a>.</p> + <p>Avertor (ā-ver´-tor), <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + <p>Averuncus (av-e-run´-cus), <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">B.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bacchanalia (bac-ca-na´-le-ah), <a href="#page199">199</a>.</p> + <p>Bacchantes (bac-can´-teez), <a href="#page198">198</a>.</p> + <p>Bacchus (bac´-cus), <a href="#page130">130</a>.</p> + <p>Battus (bat´-tus), <a href="#page119">119</a>.</p> + <p>Baucis (baw´-sis), <a href="#page37">37</a>.</p> + <p>Bebricians (be-brish´-e-anz), <a href="#page219">219</a>.</p> + <p>Beech-nymph, <a href="#page168">168</a>.</p> + <p>Bellerophon (bel-ler´-o-fon), <a href="#page256">256</a>.</p> + <p>Bellerophontes (bel-ler´-o-fon´-teez), <a href="#page256">256</a>.</p> + <p>Bellona (bel-lo´-nah), <a href="#page116">116</a>.</p> + <p>Belvedere (bel´-vi-deer), <a href="#page85">85</a>.</p> + <p>Benthesicyme, (ben-the-siss´-i-me), <a href="#page105">105</a>.</p> + <p>Berecynthia-Idea (ber´-e-sin´-the-ah-i-dee´-ah), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Beroe (ber´-o-e, first <i>e</i> like ei in <i>their</i>), <a href="#page35">35</a>.</p> + <p>Birch-nymph, <a href="#page168">168</a>.</p> + <p>Bistonians (bis-to´-ne-anz), <a href="#page243">243</a>.</p> + <p>Bithynia (bi-thin´-e-ah), <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Boreas (bo´-re-ass), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Brauron (braw´-ron), <a href="#page96">96</a>.</p> + <p>Brazen Age, <a href="#page23">23</a>.</p> + <p>Briareus (bri´-a-ruce), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Brisëis (bri-see´-iss), <a href="#page292">292</a>.</p> + <p>Brontes (bron´-teez), <a href="#page16">16</a>.</p> + <p>Busiris (bu-si´-ris), <a href="#page248">248</a>.</p> + <p>Butes (bu´-teez), <a href="#page228">228</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">C.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cadmus, <a href="#page203">203</a>.</p> + <p>Caduceus (ca-du´-she-us), <a href="#page121">121</a>.</p> + <p>Calais (cal´-a-iss), <a href="#page171">171</a>, <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Calchas (cal´-kas), <a href="#page94">94</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page289">289</a>, <a href="#page292">292</a>.</p> + <p>Calirrhoë (cal-lir´-ro-e), <a href="#page278">278</a>.</p> + <p>Calliope (cal-li´-o-pe), <a href="#page80">80</a>, <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Callisto (cal-lis´-to), <a href="#page35">35</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 327 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page327"></a>[327]</span> + <p>Calydonian Boar-hunt, <a href="#page89">89</a>.</p> + <p>Calypso (ca-lip´-so), <a href="#page317">317</a>.</p> + <p>Camenæ (ca-mee´-nee), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Campus Martius (mar´-she-us), <a href="#page115">115</a>.</p> + <p>Canens (ca´-nenz), <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Capaneus (cap´-a-nuce), <a href="#page273">273</a>.</p> + <p>Caphareus, Cape (ca-fa´-ruce), <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Carmenta (car-men´-tah), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Carmentalia (car-men-ta´-le-ah), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Carnival, <a href="#page201">201</a>.</p> + <p>Carpo, <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Cassandra (cas-san´-drah), <a href="#page284">284</a>, <a href="#page303">303</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Cassiopea (cas´-se-o-pee´-ah), <a href="#page207">207</a>.</p> + <p>Castalian Spring, <a href="#page159">159</a>, <a href="#page195">195</a>.</p> + <p>Castor, <a href="#page33">33</a>, <a href="#page187">187</a>, <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Caucasus (caw´-că-sus), Mount, <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Cecrops (see´-crops), <a href="#page189">189</a>.</p> + <p>Celæno (se-lee´-no), <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Celeus (see´-le-us), <a href="#page53">53</a>.</p> + <p>Celts, <a href="#page10">10</a>.</p> + <p>Cenæus (se-nee´-us), <a href="#page255">255</a>.</p> + <p>Centaurs (sen´-tawrs), <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Ceos (see´-ŏs), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Cepheus (see´-fuce), <a href="#page207">207</a>.</p> + <p>Cephissus (se-fiss´-us), <a href="#page169">169</a>.</p> + <p>Cerberus (ser´-be-rus), <a href="#page133">133</a>, <a href="#page153">153</a>, <a href="#page249">249</a>.</p> + <p>Cercyon (ser´-se-on), <a href="#page261">261</a>.</p> + <p>Cerealia (se-re-a´-le-ah), <a href="#page201">201</a>.</p> + <p>Ceres (see´-reez), <a href="#page58">58</a>, <a href="#page201">201</a>.</p> + <p>Cerunitis (ser-u-ni´-tis), <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Cestus (ses´-tus), <a href="#page59">59</a>.</p> + <p>Ceto (see´-to), <a href="#page111">111</a>.</p> + <p>Ceuta (su´-tah), <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Ceyx (see´-ix), <a href="#page110">110</a>, <a href="#page254">254</a>, <a href="#page280">280</a>.</p> + <p>Chalciope (cal-si´-o-pe), <a href="#page223">223</a>.</p> + <p>Chaos (ka´-oss), <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + <p>Chares (ca´-reez), <a href="#page99">99</a>.</p> + <p>Charites (car´-i-teez), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Charon (ca´-ron), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page153">153</a>.</p> + <p>Charybdis (ca-rib´-dis), <a href="#page228">228</a>, <a href="#page316">316</a>.</p> + <p>Chimæra (ki-mee´-rah), <a href="#page257">257</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>.</p> + <p>Chiron (ki´-ron), <a href="#page289">289</a>.</p> + <p>Chloris (clo´-ris), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Chrysaor (cris-ā´-or), <a href="#page145">145</a>.</p> + <p>Chrysëis (cri-see´-iss), <a href="#page292">292</a>.</p> + <p>Chryses (cri´-seez), <a href="#page292">292</a>.</p> + <p>Cimmerians (sim-me´-ri-anz), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page314">314</a>.</p> + <p>Cimon (si´-mon), <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Circe (sir´-se), <a href="#page64">64</a>, <a href="#page182">182</a>, <a href="#page227">227</a>, <a href="#page311">311</a>.</p> + <p>Cithæron (si-thee´-ron, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page40">40</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—Mount, <a href="#page236">236</a>.</p> + <p>Cleodæus (cle-o-dee´-us), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Cleopatra (cle-o-pat´-rah), <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Clio (cli´-o), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Cloacina (clo-a-si´-nah), <a href="#page61">61</a>.</p> + <p>Clotho (clo´-tho), <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Clymene (clim´-e-ne), <a href="#page64">64</a>.</p> + <p>Clytæmnestra (clit-em-nes´-trah), <a href="#page94">94</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Clytie (cli´-ti-e), <a href="#page63">63</a>.</p> + <p>Cocalus (coc´-a-lus), <a href="#page213">213</a>.</p> + <p>Cocytus (co-si´-tus), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page314">314</a>.</p> + <p>Cœlus (see´-lus), <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + <p>Colchis (col´-kis), <a href="#page215">215</a>, <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Colonus (co-lo´-nus), <a href="#page271">271</a>.</p> + <p>Colossus of Rhodes (co-lŏs´-sus), <a href="#page66">66</a>.</p> + <p>Comus (co´-mus), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Consualia (con-su-a´-le-ah), <a href="#page183">183</a>.</p> + <p>Consus (con´-sus), <a href="#page183">183</a>.</p> + <p>Copreus (co´-pruce), <a href="#page239">239</a>.</p> + <p>Cora, <a href="#page197">197</a>.</p> + <p>Cornucopia (cor-noo-co´-pe-ah), <a href="#page148">148</a>.</p> + <p>Coronis (co-ro´-nis), <a href="#page75">75</a>.</p> + <p>Corybantes (cor-i-ban´-teez), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Cos, island of (coss), <a href="#page104">104</a>.</p> + <p>Cottos (cot´-tŏs), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Crania, island of (cra-ni´-ah), <a href="#page286">286</a>.</p> + <p>Creon (cree´-on), <a href="#page237">237</a>, <a href="#page275">275</a>.</p> + <p>Cresphontes (cres-fon´-teez), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Cretan Bull, <a href="#page243">243</a>.</p> + <p>Crete (creet), <a href="#page229">229</a>.</p> + <p>Crëusa (cre-yu´-sah), <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + <p>Crios (cri´-ŏs), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Crœsus (cree´-sus), <a href="#page195">195</a>.</p> + <p>Crommyon (crom´-me-on), <a href="#page260">260</a>.</p> + <p>Cronus (cro´-nus), <a href="#page14">14</a>, <a href="#page179">179</a>.</p> + <p>Ctesiphon (tes´-i-fon), <a href="#page93">93</a>.</p> + <p>Cumæan Sibyl, the (cu-mee´-an), <a href="#page84">84</a>.</p> + <p>Cupid (cu´-pid), <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Curetes (cu-ree´-teez), <a href="#page15">15</a>.</p> + <p>Cybele (sib´-i-le), <a href="#page18">18</a>, <a href="#page128">128</a>.</p> + <p>Cyclops (si´-clops), <a href="#page105">105</a>, <a href="#page307">307</a>.</p> + <p>Cycnus (sik´-nus), <a href="#page66">66</a>, <a href="#page247">247</a>.</p> + <p>Cyllene, Mount (sil-lee´-ne), <a href="#page119">119</a>.</p> + <p>Cyparissus (sip-a-ris´-sus), <a href="#page77">77</a>, <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Cyprus, island of (si´-prus), <a href="#page60">60</a>.</p> + <p>Cyrus (si´-rus), <a href="#page195">195</a>.</p> + <p>Cythera (sith-ee´-rah), <a href="#page60">60</a>.</p> + <p>Cyzicus (siz´-i-cus), <a href="#page218">218</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">D.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dædalus (ded´-a-lus), <a href="#page211">211</a>.</p> + <p>Dæmons (de´-mons), <a href="#page185">185</a>.</p> + <p>Damastes (da-mas´-teez), <a href="#page261">261</a>.</p> + <p>Danaë (dan´-a-e), <a href="#page205">205</a>, <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p>Danaïdes (dan-a´-ĭ-deez), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + <p>Danaus (dan´-a-us), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + <p>Danneker (dan´-ek-ker), <a href="#page129">129</a>.</p> + <p>Daphne (daf´-ne), <a href="#page74">74</a>.</p> + <p>Daphnephoria (daf-ne-fo´-re-ah), <a href="#page200">200</a>.</p> + <p>Daphnephorus (daf-nef´-o-rus), <a href="#page200">200</a>.</p> + <p>Deianeira (de-i´-a-ni´-rah), <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Deiphobus (de-if´-o-bus), <a href="#page300">300</a>.</p> + <p>Deipyle (de-ip´-i-le), <a href="#page272">272</a>.</p> + <p>Delia (dee´-le-ah), <a href="#page83">83</a>.</p> + <p>Delos, island of (dee´-lŏs), <a href="#page69">69</a>, <a href="#page83">83</a>.</p> + <p>Delphi (del´-fi), <a href="#page82">82</a>.</p> + <p>Delphic Oracle, <a href="#page194">194</a>.</p> + <p>Demeter (de-mee´-ter), <a href="#page50">50</a>, <a href="#page197">197</a>.</p> + <p>Demi-gods, <a href="#page8">8</a>.</p> + <p>Demophoon (de-mof´-o-on), <a href="#page53">53</a>, <a href="#page280">280</a>.</p> + <p>Deucalion (du-ca´-le-on), <a href="#page21">21</a>.</p> + <p>Diana (di-an´-nah), <a href="#page87">87</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—of Versailles, <a href="#page88">88</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 328 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page328"></a>[328]</span> + <p>Dice (di´-se), <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Dictys (dic´-tiss), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Dindymene (din-di-mee´-ne), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Dino (di´-no), <a href="#page145">145</a>.</p> + <p>Diomedes (di-o-mee´-deez), <a href="#page112">112</a>, <a href="#page243">243</a>, <a href="#page297">297</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Dione (di-o´-ne), <a href="#page58">58</a>.</p> + <p>Dionysia (di-o-nish´-e-ah), <a href="#page180">180</a>, <a href="#page197">197</a>.</p> + <p>Dionysus (di-o-ni´-sus), <a href="#page124">124</a>, <a href="#page193">193</a>, <a href="#page198">198</a>, <a href="#page263">263</a>.</p> + <p>Dioscuri (di-ŏs-cu´-ri), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Diræ (di´-ree), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Dirce (dir´-se), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Dis (diss), <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Discord, goddess of, <a href="#page284">284</a>.</p> + <p>Dodona (do-do´-nah), <a href="#page29">29</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Doliones (do-li´-o-neez), <a href="#page218">218</a>.</p> + <p>Dorians (do´-re-anz), <a href="#page211">211</a>.</p> + <p>Doris (do´-ris), <a href="#page108">108</a>.</p> + <p>Dorus (do´-rus), <a href="#page211">211</a>.</p> + <p>Dryades (dri´-a-deez), <a href="#page168">168</a>.</p> + <p>Dryas (dri´-ass), <a href="#page126">126</a>.</p> + <p>Dymas (di´-mass), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">E.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Echedorus (ek-e-do´-rus), <a href="#page247">247</a>.</p> + <p>Echemon (ek-kee´-mon), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Echidna, (ek-kid´-nah), <a href="#page146">146</a>.</p> + <p>Echo (ek´-o), <a href="#page169">169</a>.</p> + <p>Egeria (e-gee´-re-ah), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Eilithyia (i-lith-i´-yah), <a href="#page41">41</a>, <a href="#page237">237</a>.</p> + <p>Electra (e-lek´-trah), <a href="#page111">111</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Electryon (e-lek´-tre-on), <a href="#page35">35</a>.</p> + <p>Eleusinian Mysteries (el-u-sin´-e-an), <a href="#page56">56</a>, <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page196">196</a>.</p> + <p>Eleusis (e-lu´-sis), <a href="#page54">54</a>.</p> + <p>Elis (ee´-lis), <a href="#page254">254</a>, <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Elysian Fields (e-lizh´-e-an), <a href="#page133">133</a>.</p> + <p>Elysium (e-lizh´-e-um), <a href="#page133">133</a>.</p> + <p>Enceladus (en-sel´-a-dus), <a href="#page20">20</a>.</p> + <p>Endymion (en-dim´-e-on), <a href="#page87">87</a>.</p> + <p>Enipeus (e-ni´-puce), <a href="#page106">106</a>.</p> + <p>Enyo (e-ni´-o), <a href="#page113">113</a>.</p> + <p>Eos (ee´-ŏs), <a href="#page67">67</a>, <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Epaphus (ep´-a-fus), <a href="#page36">36</a>, <a href="#page64">64</a>.</p> + <p>Epeios (ep-i´-ŏs), <a href="#page301">301</a>.</p> + <p>Ephesus, temple of (ef´-e-sus), <a href="#page92">92</a>.</p> + <p>Ephialtes (ef-e-āl´-teez), <a href="#page105">105</a>.</p> + <p>Epidaurus (ep-e-daw´-rus), <a href="#page260">260</a>.</p> + <p>Epigoni (e-pig´-o-ni), <a href="#page276">276</a>.</p> + <p>Epimetheus (ep-e-me´-thuce), <a href="#page25">25</a>.</p> + <p>Epopeus (e-po´-puce), <a href="#page32">32</a>.</p> + <p>Erato (er´-a-to), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Erebus (er´-e-buss), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Erechtheus (e-rek´-thuce), <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + <p>Eresichthon (er-e-sik´-thon), <a href="#page57">57</a>.</p> + <p>Erginus (er-ji´-nus), <a href="#page237">237</a>.</p> + <p>Eridanus, river, the (e-rid´-a-nus), <a href="#page65">65</a>, <a href="#page227">227</a>, <a href="#page248">248</a>.</p> + <p>Erinnyes (e-rin´-ne-eez), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Eriphyle (er-i-fi´-le), <a href="#page273">273</a>.</p> + <p>Eris (ee´-ris), <a href="#page39">39</a>.</p> + <p>Eros (ee´-rŏs), <a href="#page74">74</a>, <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Erymantian Boar (er-e-man´-shun), <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Erythia (er-e-thi´-ah), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Eteocles (e-tee´-o-cleez), <a href="#page272">272</a>, <a href="#page275">275</a>.</p> + <p>Ether (ee´-ther), <a href="#page12">12</a>.</p> + <p>Eubœans (u-bee´-anz), <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + <p>Eumæus (u-mee´-us), <a href="#page320">320</a>.</p> + <p>Eumenides (u-men´-i-deez), <a href="#page138">138</a>, <a href="#page271">271</a>.</p> + <p>Eunomia (u-no´-me-ah), <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Euphemus (u-fee´-mus), <a href="#page221">221</a>.</p> + <p>Euphrosyne (u-fros´-i-ne), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Europa (u-ro´-pah), <a href="#page34">34</a>.</p> + <p>Eurus (u´-rus), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Euryale (u-ri´-a-le), <a href="#page144">144</a>.</p> + <p>Eurybia (u-rib´-e-ah), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Euryclea (u-ri-clee´-ah), <a href="#page321">321</a>.</p> + <p>Eurydice (u-rid´-i-se), <a href="#page81">81</a>.</p> + <p>Eurylochus (u-ril´-o-kus), <a href="#page311">311</a>.</p> + <p>Eurynome (u-rin´-o-me), <a href="#page98">98</a>.</p> + <p>Eurypylus (u-rip´-i-lus), <a href="#page299">299</a>.</p> + <p>Eurystheus (u-riss´-thuce), <a href="#page237">237</a>, <a href="#page280">280</a>.</p> + <p>Eurytion (u-rit´-e-on), <a href="#page246">246</a>, <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Eurytus (u´-ri-tus), <a href="#page235">235</a>.</p> + <p>Euterpe (u-ter´-pe), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Evander (e-van´-der), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Evenus (e-ve´-nus), <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">F.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Farnese Bull, the (far´-neez), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Fates, <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Fauns (fawns), <a href="#page175">175</a>.</p> + <p>Faunus (faw´-nus), <a href="#page174">174</a>.</p> + <p>Festivals, <a href="#page196">196</a>.</p> + <p>Fetiales (fe-she-a´-leez), <a href="#page124">124</a>.</p> + <p>Flora, <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + <p>Floralia (flo-ra´-le-ah), <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + <p>Fortuna (for-tu´-nah), <a href="#page147">147</a>.</p> + <p>Furies, <a href="#page278">278</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">G.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gadria (gad´-re-ah), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Gæa (je´-ah), <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + <p>Galatea (gal-a-tee´-ah), <a href="#page167">167</a>.</p> + <p>Ganymede (gan-i-mee´-de), <a href="#page156">156</a>, <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Ganymedes (gan-i-mee´-deez), <a href="#page156">156</a>, <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Ge, <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + <p>Genii (jee´-ne-i), <a href="#page185">185</a>.</p> + <p>Geryon (jee´-re-on), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Geryones (je-ri´-o-neez), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Giants, <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page199">199</a>, <a href="#page218">218</a>.</p> + <p>Gigantomachia (ji-gan´-to-ma´-ke-ah), <a href="#page20">20</a>.</p> + <p>Glauce (glaw´-se), <a href="#page231">231</a>.</p> + <p>Glaucus (glaw´-cus), <a href="#page109">109</a>, <a href="#page219">219</a>.</p> + <p>Golden Age, <a href="#page22">22</a>, <a href="#page185">185</a>.</p> + <p>Golden Fleece, <a href="#page215">215</a>, <a href="#page223">223</a>, <a href="#page226">226</a>, <a href="#page230">230</a>.</p> + <p>Gordius (gor´-de-us), <a href="#page128">128</a>.</p> + <p>Gorgons, <a href="#page144">144</a>, <a href="#page206">206</a>.</p> + <p>Graces, <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 329 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page329"></a>[329]</span> + <p>Gradivus (gra-di´-vus), <a href="#page115">115</a>.</p> + <p>Grææ (gree´-ee), <a href="#page145">145</a>, <a href="#page206">206</a>.</p> + <p>Gratiæ (gra´-she-ee), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Gyges (ji´-jeez), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">H.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hades (ha´-deez), <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p>Hæmon (hee´-mon), <a href="#page276">276</a>.</p> + <p>Halcyone (hal-si´-o-ne), <a href="#page110">110</a>.</p> + <p>Halirrothius (hal-ir-ro´-the-us), <a href="#page113">113</a>.</p> + <p>Hamadryades (ham-a-dry´-a-deez), <a href="#page168">168</a>.</p> + <p>Harmonia (har-mo´-ne-ah), <a href="#page204">204</a>, <a href="#page276">276</a>.</p> + <p>Harpies (har´-piz), <a href="#page137">137</a>, <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Harpinna (har-pin´-nah), <a href="#page233">233</a>.</p> + <p>Hebe (hee´-be), <a href="#page41">41</a>, <a href="#page156">156</a>, <a href="#page256">256</a>.</p> + <p>Hebrus, river, the (hee´-brus), <a href="#page82">82</a>.</p> + <p>Hecate (hec´-a-te), <a href="#page85">85</a>.</p> + <p>Hecatombs (hec´-a-tomes), <a href="#page193">193</a>.</p> + <p>Hecatoncheires (hec´-a-ton-ki´-reez), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Hector, <a href="#page284">284</a>, <a href="#page290">290</a>, <a href="#page293">293</a>.</p> + <p>Hecuba (hec´-u-bah), <a href="#page283">283</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Helen, <a href="#page267">267</a>, <a href="#page286">286</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Helenus (hel´-e-nus), <a href="#page299">299</a>.</p> + <p>Helicon (hel´-e-con), <a href="#page158">158</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>.</p> + <p>Helios, (hee´-le-ŏs), <a href="#page61">61</a>, <a href="#page316">316</a>.</p> + <p>Helios-Apollo, <a href="#page70">70</a>.</p> + <p>Helle (hel´-le), <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p>Hemera (hee´-me-rah), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Heosphorus (he-ŏs´-fo-rus), <a href="#page68">68</a>.</p> + <p>Hephæstus (he-fes´-tus), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Hera (he´-rah), <a href="#page38">38</a>, <a href="#page214">214</a>.</p> + <p>Heracles <a name="NtA_54" href="#Nt_54"><sup>[54]</sup></a> (her´-a-cleez), <a href="#page26">26</a>, <a href="#page218">218</a>, <a href="#page234">234</a>.</p> + <p>Heraclidæ <a href="#Nt_54"><sup>[54]</sup></a> (her-a-cli´-dee), <a href="#page280">280</a>.</p> + <p>Heræ (he´-ree), <a href="#page41">41</a>.</p> + <p>Hercules (her´-cu-leez) <i>See</i> Heracles.</p> + <p class="i2">—Pillars of, <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Hermæ (her´-mee), <a href="#page118">118</a>.</p> + <p>Hermes (her´-meez), <a href="#page117">117</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>, <a href="#page312">312</a>.</p> + <p>Hermione (her-mi´-o-ne), <a href="#page307">307</a>.</p> + <p>Heroes, <a href="#page8">8</a>.</p> + <p>Herostratus (he-ros´-tra-tus), <a href="#page93">93</a>.</p> + <p>Herse (her´-se), <a href="#page87">87</a>, <a href="#page122">122</a>.</p> + <p>Hesiod's Theogony (he´-she-od), <a href="#page24">24</a>, <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Hesione (he-si´-o-ne), <a href="#page245">245</a>, <a href="#page253">253</a>, <a href="#page285">285</a>.</p> + <p>Hesperia (hes-pee´-re-ah), <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Hesperides (hes-per´-i-deez), <a href="#page162">162</a>, <a href="#page247">247</a>.</p> + <p>Hesperus (hes´-pe-rus), <a href="#page68">68</a>.</p> + <p>Hestia (hes´-te-ah), <a href="#page48">48</a>.</p> + <p>Hip´pocamp, <a href="#page229">229</a>.</p> + <p>Hippocamps, <a href="#page102">102</a>.</p> + <p>Hippocrene (hip-po-cree´-ne), <a href="#page159">159</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>.</p> + <p>Hippodamia (hip´-po-da-mi´-ah), <a href="#page232">232</a>, <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Hippolyte (hip-pol´-i-te), <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Hippolyte's Girdle, <a href="#page244">244</a>.</p> + <p>Hippolytes (hip-pol´-i teez), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Hippolytus (hip-pol´-i-tus), <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Hippomedon (hip-pom´-e-don), <a href="#page273">273</a>.</p> + <p>Hippomenes (hip-pom´-e-neez), <a href="#page91">91</a>.</p> + <p>Horæ (ho´-ree), <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Horned Hind, <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Hyacinthus (hi-a-sin´-thus), <a href="#page77">77</a>.</p> + <p>Hyades (hi´-a-deez), <a href="#page170">170</a>.</p> + <p>Hydra, Lernean, the (hi´-drah, ler-nee´-an), <a href="#page239">239</a>.</p> + <p>Hygeia (hi-jee´-yah), <a href="#page177">177</a>.</p> + <p>Hylas (hi´-las), <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page219">219</a>.</p> + <p>Hyllus (hil´-lus), <a href="#page254">254</a>, <a href="#page281">281</a>.</p> + <p>Hymen (hi´-men), or Hymenæus (hi-me-nee´-us), <a href="#page154">154</a>.</p> + <p>Hyperion (hi-pee´-re-on), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Hypermnestra (hip-erm-nes´-trah), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + <p>Hypnus (hip´-nus), <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Hypsipyle (hip-sip´-i-le), <a href="#page274">274</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">I.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Iambe (i-am´-be), <a href="#page53">53</a>.</p> + <p>Iapetus (i-ap´-e-tus), <a href="#page24">24</a>.</p> + <p>Iasion (i-a´-zhe-on), <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Iberia (i-bee´-re-ah), <a href="#page247">247</a>.</p> + <p>Icaria (i-ca´-re-ah), <a href="#page212">212</a>.</p> + <p>Icarus (ic´-a-rus), <a href="#page211">211</a>.</p> + <p>Ichor (i´-kor), <a href="#page7">7</a>.</p> + <p>Ida, Mount, <a href="#page157">157</a>, <a href="#page284">284</a>, <a href="#page300">300</a>.</p> + <p>Idas (i´-dass), <a href="#page34">34</a>, <a href="#page75">75</a>.</p> + <p>Idmon (id´-mon), <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Idomeneus (i-dom´-e-nuce), <a href="#page286">286</a>.</p> + <p>Ilion (il´-e-on), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Illyria (il-lir´-e-ah), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Ilus (i´-lus), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Inachus (in´-a-cus), <a href="#page36">36</a>.</p> + <p>Ino (i´-no), <a href="#page205">205</a>, <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p>Inuus (in´-u-us), <a href="#page174">174</a>.</p> + <p>Io (i´-o), <a href="#page36">36</a>.</p> + <p>Iobates (i-ob´-a-teez), <a href="#page257">257</a>.</p> + <p>Iolaus (i-o-la´-us), <a href="#page239">239</a>, <a href="#page251">251</a>, <a href="#page281">281</a>.</p> + <p>Iolcus (i-ol´-cus), <a href="#page213">213</a>, <a href="#page230">230</a>.</p> + <p>Iole (i´-o-le), <a href="#page251">251</a>, <a href="#page255">255</a>.</p> + <p>Ion (i´-on), <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + <p>Iphigenia (if´-i-ge-ni´-ah), <a href="#page94">94</a>, <a href="#page289">289</a>, <a href="#page307">307</a>.</p> + <p>Iphitus (if´-i-tus), <a href="#page251">251</a>.</p> + <p>Iris (i´-ris), <a href="#page155">155</a>, <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Iron Age, <a href="#page23">23</a>.</p> + <p>Ismene (iss-mee´-ne), <a href="#page271">271</a>.</p> + <p>Ister (iss´-ter), <a href="#page226">226</a>.</p> + <p>Isthmian Games (isth´-me-an), <a href="#page107">107</a>, <a href="#page264">264</a>.</p> + <p>Ithaca (ith´-a-cah), <a href="#page310">310</a>, <a href="#page319">319</a>.</p> + <p>Ixion (ix-i´-on), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">J.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Jani (ja´-ni), <a href="#page178">178</a>.</p> + <p>Janus (ja´-nus), <a href="#page18">18</a>, <a href="#page178">178</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 330 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page330"></a>[330]</span> + <p>Jason (ja´-son), <a href="#page213">213</a>.</p> + <p>Jocasta (jo-cas´-tah), <a href="#page269">269</a>, <a href="#page270">270</a>.</p> + <p>Juno (ju´-no), <a href="#page42">42</a>, <a href="#page185">185</a>.</p> + <p>Jupiter (ju´-pe-ter), <a href="#page38">38</a>.</p> + <p>Jupiter-Ammon, <a href="#page207">207</a>.</p> + <p>Juventas (ju-ven´-tăss), <a href="#page156">156</a>, <a href="#page183">183</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">K.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Keidomos (ki´-do-mos), <a href="#page113">113</a>.</p> + <p>Ker (cur), <a href="#page149">149</a>.</p> + <p>Keres (kee´-reez), <a href="#page149">149</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">L.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Labdacus (lab´-da-cus), <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Labyrinth (lab´-i-rinth), <a href="#page212">212</a>, <a href="#page262">262</a>.</p> + <p>Lacedæmon (las-e-dee´-mon), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Lac´edæmo´nians, <a href="#page189">189</a>.</p> + <p>Lachesis (lak´-e-sis), <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Lacolia (la-co´-le-ah), <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p>Lacus Nemorensis (la´-cus nem-o-ren´-sis), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Ladon (la´-don), <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Laertes (la-er´-teez), <a href="#page314">314</a>, <a href="#page323">323</a>.</p> + <p>Læstrygones (les-trig´-o-neez), <a href="#page311">311</a>.</p> + <p>Laius (la´-yus), <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Lampetus (lam´-pe-tus), <a href="#page67">67</a>.</p> + <p>Lampsacus (lamp´-sa-cus), <a href="#page176">176</a>.</p> + <p>Laocoon (la-oc´-o-on), <a href="#page301">301</a>.</p> + <p>Laodamas (la-od´-a-mass), <a href="#page277">277</a>.</p> + <p>Laomedon (la-om´-e-don), <a href="#page104">104</a>, <a href="#page245">245</a>, <a href="#page253">253</a>.</p> + <p>Lar, <a href="#page186">186</a>.</p> + <p>Lares Familiares (la´-reez fa-mil´-e-a´-reez), <a href="#page186">186</a>.</p> + <p>Larissa (la-ris´-sah), <a href="#page189">189</a>, <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p>Latmus Mount, <a href="#page87">87</a>.</p> + <p>Latona (la-to´-nah), <a href="#page31">31</a>.</p> + <p>Laverna (la-ver´-nah), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Leda (lee´-dah), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Lemnos, island of, (lem´-noss), <a href="#page98">98</a>, <a href="#page217">217</a>.</p> + <p>Lemuralia (lem-u-ra´-le-ah), <a href="#page186">186</a>.</p> + <p>Lemures (lem´-u-reez), <a href="#page186">186</a>.</p> + <p>Lerna, <a href="#page239">239</a>.</p> + <p>Lernean Hydra. <i>See</i> Hydra.</p> + <p>Lesbos (lez´-bos), <a href="#page290">290</a>.</p> + <p>Lethe (lee´-the, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page133">133</a>.</p> + <p>Leto (lee´-to), <a href="#page31">31</a>.</p> + <p>Leucippus (lu-sip´-pus), <a href="#page34">34</a>.</p> + <p>Leucothea (lu-co´-the-ah, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page111">111</a>, <a href="#page318">318</a>.</p> + <p>Liber (li´-ber), <a href="#page130">130</a>.</p> + <p>Liberalia (lib-er-a´-le-ah), <a href="#page130">130</a>.</p> + <p>Libya (lib´-yah), <a href="#page207">207</a>, <a href="#page229">229</a>.</p> + <p>Limoniades (lim-o-ni´-a-deez), <a href="#page170">170</a>.</p> + <p>Linden-nymph, <a href="#page168">168</a>.</p> + <p>Linus (li´-nus), <a href="#page235">235</a>.</p> + <p>Lion, Nemean (ne´-me-an), <a href="#page238">238</a>.</p> + <p>Ludi Maximi (lu´-di max´-i-mi), <a href="#page48">48</a>.</p> + <p>Ludovici Villa (lu-do-vee´-chee), <a href="#page116">116</a>.</p> + <p>Luna (lu´-nah), <a href="#page86">86</a>, <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Lupercus (lu-per´-cus), <a href="#page174">174</a>.</p> + <p>Lycaon (li-cay´-on), <a href="#page37">37</a>.</p> + <p>Lycomedes (lic-o-mee´-deez), <a href="#page268">268</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>.</p> + <p>Lycurgus (li-cur´-gus), <a href="#page126">126</a>, <a href="#page189">189</a>, <a href="#page274">274</a>.</p> + <p>Lycus (li´-cus), <a href="#page32">32</a>.</p> + <p>Lynceus (lin´-suce), <a href="#page34">34</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">M.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Macaria (ma-ca´-re-ah), <a href="#page281">281</a>.</p> + <p>Machaon (ma-ca´-on), <a href="#page177">177</a>, <a href="#page300">300</a>.</p> + <p>Magna-Mater (may´-ter), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Maia (may´-yah), <a href="#page119">119</a>.</p> + <p>Mamers (ma´-merz), <a href="#page114">114</a>.</p> + <p>Manes (ma´-neez), <a href="#page185">185</a>.</p> + <p>Marathonian Bull (mar-a-tho´-ne-an), <a href="#page262">262</a>.</p> + <p>Mares of Diomedes, <a href="#page243">243</a></p> + <p>Marpessa (mar-pes´-sah), <a href="#page75">75</a>.</p> + <p>Mars (marz), <a href="#page114">114</a>.</p> + <p>Marspiter (mars´-pe-ter), <a href="#page114">114</a>.</p> + <p>Marsyas (mar´-she-ass), <a href="#page78">78</a>.</p> + <p>Mater-Deorum (dee-o´-rum), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Matronalia (ma-tro-na´-le-ah), <a href="#page43">43</a>.</p> + <p>Mecone (me-co´-ne), <a href="#page24">24</a>.</p> + <p>Medea (me-dee´-ah), <a href="#page223">223</a>, <a href="#page261">261</a>.</p> + <p>Medusa (me-du´-sah), <a href="#page45">45</a>, <a href="#page144">144</a>, <a href="#page206">206</a>.</p> + <p>Megæra (me-jee´-rah), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Megapenthes (meg-a-pen´-theez), <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p>Megara (meg´-a-rah), <a href="#page138">138</a>, <a href="#page237">237</a>, <a href="#page251">251</a>.</p> + <p>Melanippe (mel-a-nip´-pe), <a href="#page245">245</a>.</p> + <p>Meleager (me-le-a´-jer), <a href="#page89">89</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Meliades (me-li´-a-deez), <a href="#page170">170</a>.</p> + <p>Melissa (me-lis´-sah), <a href="#page15">15</a>.</p> + <p>Melpomene (mel-pom´-e-ne), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Memnon (mem´-non), <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Memphis (mem´-fiss), <a href="#page36">36</a>.</p> + <p>Menades (men´-a-deez), <a href="#page198">198</a>.</p> + <p>Menelaus (men-e-la´-us), <a href="#page294">294</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Menesthius (me-nes´-the-us), <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Menœceus (me-nee´-suce), <a href="#page274">274</a>.</p> + <p>Menœtius (me-nee´-she-us), <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Mercury (mer´-cu-ry), <a href="#page123">123</a>.</p> + <p>Merope (mer´-ope, first <i>e</i> like <i>ei</i> in <i>their</i>), <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Messene (mes-see´-ne), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p>Metaneira (met-a-ni´-rah), <a href="#page53">53</a>.</p> + <p>Metis (mee´-tiss), <a href="#page30">30</a>.</p> + <p>Metra (mee´-trah), <a href="#page57">57</a>, <a href="#page92">92</a>.</p> + <p>Midas (mi´-das), <a href="#page79">79</a>, <a href="#page128">128</a>.</p> + <p>Midea (mi-dee´-ah), <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p>Milo (mi´-lo), <a href="#page60">60</a>.</p> + <p>Miltiades (mil-ti´-a-deez), <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Mimas (mi´-mass), <a href="#page20">20</a>.</p> + <p>Minerva (mi-ner´-vah), <a href="#page47">47</a>.</p> + <p>Minerval (mi-ner´-val), <a href="#page47">47</a>.</p> + <p>Minos (mi´-nŏs), <a href="#page34">34</a>, <a href="#page134">134</a>, <a href="#page212">212</a>, <a href="#page243">243</a>.</p> + <p>Minotaur (min´-o-tawr), <a href="#page212">212</a>, <a href="#page262">262</a>.</p> + <p>Minyans (min´-yanz), <a href="#page237">237</a>.</p> + <p>Mnemosyne (ne-mŏs´-i-ne), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page31">31</a>.</p> + <p>Moira (moy´-rah), <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Moiræ (moy´-ree), <a href="#page297">297</a>, <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 331 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page331"></a>[331]</span> + <p>Moly (mo´-ly), <a href="#page312">312</a>.</p> + <p>Momus (mo´-mus), <a href="#page149">149</a>.</p> + <p>Moneta Juno (mo-nee´-tah), <a href="#page42">42</a>.</p> + <p>Mopsus, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Morpheus (mor´-fuce), <a href="#page143">143</a>.</p> + <p>Mors (morz). <i>See</i> Thanatos.</p> + <p>Musagetes (mu-saj´-e-teez), <a href="#page71">71</a>.</p> + <p>Muses, <a href="#page157">157</a>.</p> + <p>Mutunus (mu-tu´-nus), <a href="#page176">176</a>.</p> + <p>Mycenæ (mi-see´-ne), <a href="#page209">209</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Myrmidons (mir´-mi-dons), <a href="#page288">288</a>, <a href="#page293">293</a>, <a href="#page295">295</a>.</p> + <p>Myrtilus (mir´-ti-lus), <a href="#page233">233</a>.</p> + <p>Mysia (mish´-e-ah), <a href="#page219">219</a>.</p> + <p>Mysians, <a href="#page289">289</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">N.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Naiads (na´-yads), or Naiades (na-i´-a-deez), <a href="#page166">166</a>, <a href="#page227">227</a>.</p> + <p>Napææ (na-pee´-ee), <a href="#page169">169</a>.</p> + <p>Narcissus (nar-sis´-sus), <a href="#page169">169</a>.</p> + <p>Nausicaa (naw-sic´-a-ah), <a href="#page317">317</a>.</p> + <p>Naxos (nax´-oss), <a href="#page128">128</a>, <a href="#page263">263</a>.</p> + <p>Necessitas (ne-ses´-si-tass), <a href="#page148">148</a>.</p> + <p>Nectar, <a href="#page15">15</a>.</p> + <p>Neleus (nee´-luce), <a href="#page106">106</a>, <a href="#page119">119</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Nemea (nee´-me-ah), <a href="#page274">274</a>.</p> + <p>Nemean Lion. <i>See</i> Lion.</p> + <p>Nemesis (nem´-e-siss), <a href="#page141">141</a>.</p> + <p>Nemoralia (nem-o-ra´-le-ah), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Neoptolemus (ne-op-tol´-e-mus), <a href="#page299">299</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Nephalia (ne-fa´-le-ah), <a href="#page139">139</a>.</p> + <p>Nephelæ (nef´-e-lee), <a href="#page12">12</a>.</p> + <p>Nephele (nef´-e-le), <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p>Neptunalia (nep-tu-na´-le-ah), <a href="#page107">107</a>.</p> + <p>Neptune (nept´-une), <a href="#page14">14</a>, <a href="#page107">107</a>.</p> + <p>Nereides (ne-ree´-i-deez), <a href="#page108">108</a>, <a href="#page167">167</a>.</p> + <p>Nereus (nee´-ruce), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page108">108</a>.</p> + <p>Nessus, <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Nestor, <a href="#page286">286</a>, <a href="#page301">301</a>, <a href="#page305">305</a>.</p> + <p>Nike (ni´-ke), <a href="#page117">117</a>.</p> + <p>Niobe (ni´-o-be), <a href="#page79">79</a>, <a href="#page141">141</a>.</p> + <p>Noman, <a href="#page309">309</a>.</p> + <p>Notus (no´-tus), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Nox. <i>See</i> Nyx.</p> + <p>Nyctimus (nic´-ti-mus), <a href="#page38">38</a>.</p> + <p>Nycteus (nic´-tuce), <a href="#page32">32</a>.</p> + <p>Nymphs, <a href="#page165">165</a>.</p> + <p>Nysa, Mount (ni´-sah), <a href="#page125">125</a>.</p> + <p>Nyx (nix), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">O.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oceanides (o-se-an´-i-deez), <a href="#page108">108</a>, <a href="#page166">166</a>.</p> + <p>Oceanus (o-see´-a-nus), <a href="#page12">12</a>, <a href="#page107">107</a>, <a href="#page166">166</a>, <a href="#page314">314</a>.</p> + <p>Ocypete (o-sip´-e-te), <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Odysseus (o-dis´-suce), <a href="#page131">131</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page307">307</a>.</p> + <p>Œchalia (e-ka´-le-ah), <a href="#page255">255</a>.</p> + <p>Œdipus (ed´-i-pus), <a href="#page146">146</a>, <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Œneus (ee´-nuce), <a href="#page89">89</a>, <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Œnomaus (ee-nom´-a-us), <a href="#page232">232</a>.</p> + <p>Œnone (ee-no´-ne) <a href="#page284">284</a>, <a href="#page300">300</a>.</p> + <p>Ogygia (o-jij´-e-ah), <a href="#page317">317</a>.</p> + <p>Oileus (o-i´-luce), <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page221">221</a>.</p> + <p>Olympia (o-lim´-pe-ah), <a href="#page29">29</a>, <a href="#page123">123</a>.</p> + <p>Olym´pic Games, <a href="#page30">30</a>.</p> + <p>Olym´pus, Mount, <a href="#page27">27</a>.</p> + <p>Omphale (om´-fa-le), <a href="#page252">252</a>.</p> + <p>Ops, <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Oracles, <a href="#page194">194</a>.</p> + <p>Orchamus (or´-ca-mus), <a href="#page63">63</a>.</p> + <p>Orchomenus (or-com´-e-nus), <a href="#page237">237</a>.</p> + <p>Orcus (or´-cus), <a href="#page136">136</a>.</p> + <p>Oreades (o-ree´-a-deez), <a href="#page169">169</a>.</p> + <p>Orithyia (or´-i-thi´-yah), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Orestes (o-res´-teez), <a href="#page95">95</a>, <a href="#page139">139</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Orpheus (or´-fuce), <a href="#page80">80</a>, <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page228">228</a>.</p> + <p>Orthrus (or´-thrus), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Ossa (oss´-sah), <a href="#page106">106</a>.</p> + <p>Othrys, Mount, (o´-thris), <a href="#page16">16</a>.</p> + <p>Otus (o´-tus), <a href="#page105">105</a>.</p> + <p>Oxen of Geryones. <i>See</i> Geryones.</p> + <p>Oxylus (ox´-i-lus), <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">P.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Palæmon (pa-lee´-mon), <a href="#page111">111</a>.</p> + <p>Palamedes (pal-a-mee´-deez), <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page291">291</a>.</p> + <p>Palatine (pal´-a-tin), <a href="#page181">181</a>.</p> + <p>Pales (pa´-leez), <a href="#page181">181</a>.</p> + <p>Palilia (pa-lil´-e-ah), <a href="#page181">181</a>.</p> + <p>Palladium (pal-la´-de-um), <a href="#page299">299</a>, <a href="#page301">301</a>.</p> + <p>Pallan´tids, <a href="#page262">262</a>.</p> + <p>Pallas (pal´-lass), <a href="#page117">117</a>.</p> + <p>Pallas-Athene, <a href="#page43">43</a>, <a href="#page234">234</a>, <a href="#page302">302</a>.</p> + <p>Pan, <a href="#page79">79</a>, <a href="#page171">171</a>, <a href="#page198">198</a>.</p> + <p>Panacea (pan-a-see´-ah), <a href="#page177">177</a>.</p> + <p>Panathenæa (pan´-ath-e-nee´-ah), <a href="#page199">199</a>.</p> + <p>Pandareos (pan-da´-re-oss), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Pandora (pan-do´-rah), <a href="#page25">25</a>.</p> + <p>Panisci (pa-nis´-si), <a href="#page174">174</a>.</p> + <p>Panoptes (pa-nop´-teez), <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Parcæ (par´-see). <i>See</i> Moiræ.</p> + <p>Paris (par´-ris), <a href="#page39">39</a>, <a href="#page284">284</a>, <a href="#page286">286</a>.</p> + <p>Parnassus (par-nas´-sus), <a href="#page158">158</a>.</p> + <p>Parthenon (par´-the-non), <a href="#page46">46</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">—Hill, <a href="#page89">89</a>.</p> + <p>Parthenopæus (par´-then-o-pee´-us), <a href="#page273">273</a>.</p> + <p>Patroclus (pă-tro´-clus), <a href="#page288">288</a>, <a href="#page293">293</a>, <a href="#page314">314</a>.</p> + <p>Pedasus (ped´-a-sus), <a href="#page292">292</a>.</p> + <p>Pegasus (peg´-a-sus), <a href="#page145">145</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>, <a href="#page257">257</a>.</p> + <p>Peitho (pi´-tho), <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Peleus (pee´-luce), <a href="#page39">39</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>.</p> + <p>Pelias (pee´-le-ass), <a href="#page106">106</a>, <a href="#page213">213</a>, <a href="#page230">230</a>.</p> + <p>Pelion, Mount (pee´-le-on), <a href="#page106">106</a>.</p> + <p>Peloponnesus (pel´-o-pon-nee´-sus), <a href="#page281">281</a>.</p> + <p>Pelops (pee´-lops), <a href="#page135">135</a>, <a href="#page232">232</a>.</p> + <p>Penates (pe-na´-teez), <a href="#page187">187</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 332 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page332"></a>[332]</span> + <p>Penelope (pe-nel´-o-pe), <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page319">319</a>.</p> + <p>Peneus (pe-nee´-us), <a href="#page74">74</a>, <a href="#page242">242</a>.</p> + <p>Penthesilea (pen´-the-si-lee´-ah), <a href="#page296">296</a></p> + <p>Pentheus (pen´-thuce), <a href="#page126">126</a>, <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Pephredo (pe-free´-do), <a href="#page145">145</a>.</p> + <p>Peplus (pee´-plus), <a href="#page199">199</a>.</p> + <p>Periphetes (per-i-fee´-teez), <a href="#page260">260</a>.</p> + <p>Perse (per´-se), <a href="#page64">64</a>, <a href="#page312">312</a>.</p> + <p>Persephone (per-sef´-o-ne), <a href="#page52">52</a>, <a href="#page197">197</a>, <a href="#page267">267</a>.</p> + <p>Perseus (per´-suce), <a href="#page145">145</a>, <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Petasus (pet´-a-sus), <a href="#page121">121</a>.</p> + <p>Phæaces (fee-a´-seez), <a href="#page228">228</a>, <a href="#page318">318</a>.</p> + <p>Phædra (fee´-drah), <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Phaëthon (fa´-e-thon), <a href="#page64">64</a>, <a href="#page67">67</a>.</p> + <p>Pharos, isle of, (fa´-rŏs), <a href="#page108">108</a>.</p> + <p>Phases, river (fa´-seez), <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Phegeus (fee´-juce), <a href="#page278">278</a>.</p> + <p>Phidias (fid´-e-ass), <a href="#page28">28</a>.</p> + <p>Philemon (fi-lee´-mon), <a href="#page37">37</a>.</p> + <p>Philoctetes (fil-oc-tee´-teez), <a href="#page256">256</a>, <a href="#page290">290</a>, <a href="#page299">299</a>.</p> + <p>Phineus (fi´-nuce), <a href="#page208">208</a>, <a href="#page220">220</a>.</p> + <p>Phlegethon (flej´-e-thon), <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Phocis (fo´-siss), <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Phœbe (fee´-be), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Phœbus-Apollo (fee´-bus), <a href="#page68">68</a>, <a href="#page298">298</a>.</p> + <p>Pholus (fo´-lus), <a href="#page240">240</a>.</p> + <p>Phorcys (for´-siss), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page111">111</a>.</p> + <p>Phrygia (frij´-e-ah), <a href="#page18">18</a>.</p> + <p>Phryxus (frix´-us), <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Phylace (fil´-a-se), <a href="#page290">290</a>.</p> + <p>Phyleus (fi´-luce), <a href="#page242">242</a>, <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Phylla (fil´-lah), <a href="#page233">233</a>.</p> + <p>Picumnus (pi-cum´-nus), <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Picus (pi´-cus), <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Pieria (pi-ee´-re-ah), <a href="#page119">119</a>, <a href="#page158">158</a>.</p> + <p>Pierides (pi-er´-i-deez), <a href="#page158">158</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>.</p> + <p>Pierus (pi´-e-rus), <a href="#page158">158</a>.</p> + <p>Pilumnus (pi-lum´-nus), <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Pindus, Mount, <a href="#page158">158</a>.</p> + <p>Pirithöus (pi-rith´-o-us), <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>, <a href="#page265">265</a>.</p> + <p>Pisa (pi´-sah), <a href="#page232">232</a>.</p> + <p>Pittheus (pit´-thuce), <a href="#page259">259</a>.</p> + <p>Platea (pla-tee´-ah), <a href="#page40">40</a>.</p> + <p>Pleiades (plee´-ya-deez), <a href="#page119">119</a>.</p> + <p>Pluto (plu´-to), <a href="#page136">136</a>.</p> + <p>Plutus (plu´-tus), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page137">137</a>, <a href="#page148">148</a>.</p> + <p>Podalirius (pod-a-lir´-e-us), <a href="#page177">177</a>.</p> + <p>Podarces (po-dar´-seez), <a href="#page253">253</a>.</p> + <p>Pollux, <a href="#page33">33</a>, <a href="#page187">187</a>, <a href="#page227">227</a>, <a href="#page268">268</a>.</p> + <p>Polybotes (pol-e-bo´-teez), <a href="#page104">104</a>.</p> + <p>Polybus (pol´-e-bus), <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Polydectes (pol-e-dec´-teez), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Polydeuces (pol-e-du´-seez). <i>See</i> Pollux.</p> + <p>Polydorus (pol-e-do´-rus), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Polyhymnia (pol-e-him´-ne-ah), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Polynices (pol-e-ni´-seez), <a href="#page271">271</a>, <a href="#page272">272</a>, <a href="#page275">275</a>.</p> + <p>Polyphemus (pol-e-fee´-mus), <a href="#page105">105</a>, <a href="#page219">219</a>, <a href="#page307">307</a>.</p> + <p>Pomona (po-mo´-nah), <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + <p>Pontus, <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Porta Lavernalis (lav-er-na´-lis), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Poseidon (po-si´-don), <a href="#page101">101</a>, <a href="#page162">162</a>, <a href="#page266">266</a>.</p> + <p>Praxiteles (prax-it´-e-leez), <a href="#page123">123</a>.</p> + <p>Priam (pri´-am), <a href="#page254">254</a>, <a href="#page283">283</a>, <a href="#page304">304</a>.</p> + <p>Priamus (pri´-a-mus). <i>See</i> Priam.</p> + <p>Priapus (pri-a´-pus), <a href="#page175">175</a>.</p> + <p>Priests, <a href="#page191">191</a>.</p> + <p>Procrustes (pro-crus´-teez), <a href="#page261">261</a>.</p> + <p>Prœtus (pree´-tus), <a href="#page257">257</a>.</p> + <p>Prometheus (pro-mee´-thuce), <a href="#page24">24</a>, <a href="#page149">149</a>, <a href="#page193">193</a>, <a href="#page222">222</a>.</p> + <p>Proserpine (pross´-er-pine), <i>See</i> Persephone.</p> + <p>Protesilaus (pro-tess´-i-la´-us), <a href="#page290">290</a>.</p> + <p>Proteus (pro´-tuce), <a href="#page108">108</a>.</p> + <p>Prytaneum (prit-a-nee´-um), <a href="#page49">49</a>.</p> + <p>Psophis (so´-fiss), <a href="#page278">278</a>.</p> + <p>Psyche (si´-ke), <a href="#page150">150</a>.</p> + <p>Pylades (pil´-a-deez), <a href="#page95">95</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Pylos (pi´-lŏs), <a href="#page286">286</a>.</p> + <p>Pyracmon (pi-rac´-mon), <a href="#page16">16</a>.</p> + <p>Pyrrha (pir´-rah), <a href="#page22">22</a>.</p> + <p>Pythia (pith´-e-ah) <a href="#page195">195</a>, <a href="#page269">269</a>.</p> + <p>Pythian Games, <a href="#page83">83</a>.</p> + <p>Python (pi´-thon), <a href="#page31">31</a>, <a href="#page72">72</a>, <a href="#page195">195</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">Q.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quirinus (que-ri´-nus), <a href="#page115">115</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">R.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Remus (ree´-mus), <a href="#page114">114</a>.</p> + <p>Rhadamanthus (rad-a-man´-thus), <a href="#page34">34</a>, <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Rhamnus (ram´-nus), <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Rhamnusia (ram-nu´-zhe-ah), <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Rhea (ree´-ah), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page18">18</a>.</p> + <p>Rhoda (ro´-dah), <a href="#page105">105</a>.</p> + <p>Rhodes (roads), <a href="#page105">105</a>.</p> + <p>Rhodope, Mount (rod´-o-pe), <a href="#page130">130</a>.</p> + <p>Rhœtus (ree´-tus), <a href="#page20">20</a>.</p> + <p>Robigus (ro-bi´-gus), <a href="#page180">180</a>.</p> + <p>Romulus (rom´-u-lus), <a href="#page114">114</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">S.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sacrifices, <a href="#page192">192</a>.</p> + <p>Sagaris (sag´-a-ris), <a href="#page19">19</a>.</p> + <p>Salamis (sal´-a-mis), <a href="#page285">285</a>.</p> + <p>Salii (sa´-le-i), <a href="#page115">115</a>.</p> + <p>Samos (sa´-mos), <a href="#page34">34</a>.</p> + <p>Saturn (sat´-urn), <a href="#page17">17</a>, <a href="#page200">200</a>.</p> + <p>Saturnalia (sat-ur-na´-le-ah), <a href="#page200">200</a>.</p> + <p>Satyrs (sa´-turz), <a href="#page174">174</a>, <a href="#page198">198</a>.</p> + <p>Scamander (sca-man´-der), <a href="#page290">290</a>.</p> + <p>Scheria (skee´-re-ah), <a href="#page318">318</a>.</p> + <p>Schœneus (skee´-nuce), <a href="#page89">89</a>.</p> + <p>Scyros, island of, (si´-rŏs), <a href="#page268">268</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>.</p> + <p>Scylla (sil´-lah), <a href="#page104">104</a>, <a href="#page316">316</a>.</p> + <p>Scyron (si´-ron), <a href="#page260">260</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 333 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page333"></a>[333]</span> + <p>Seasons, <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Selene (se-lee´-ne), <a href="#page86">86</a>.</p> + <p>Selene-Artemis, <a href="#page96">96</a>.</p> + <p>Selli (sel´-li), <a href="#page29">29</a>.</p> + <p>Semele (sem´-e-le), <a href="#page35">35</a>, <a href="#page205">205</a>, <a href="#page215">215</a>.</p> + <p>Seriphus (se-ri´-fus), <a href="#page205">205</a>.</p> + <p>Servius Tullius (ser´-ve-us tul´-le-us), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Shades, realm of, <a href="#page267">267</a>, <a href="#page314">314</a>.</p> + <p>Sibyls (sib´-bles), <a href="#page84">84</a>.</p> + <p>Silens (si´-lenz), <a href="#page174">174</a>.</p> + <p>Silenus (si-lee´-nus), <a href="#page125">125</a>, <a href="#page198">198</a>.</p> + <p>Silvanus (sil-va´-nus), <a href="#page115">115</a>, <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Silver Age, <a href="#page23">23</a>.</p> + <p>Simois (sim´-o-iss), <a href="#page290">290</a>.</p> + <p>Sinnis (sin´-nis), <a href="#page260">260</a>.</p> + <p>Sinon (si´-non), <a href="#page302">302</a>.</p> + <p>Siphylus (sif´-i-lus), <a href="#page80">80</a>.</p> + <p>Sirens (si´-renz), <a href="#page112">112</a>, <a href="#page158">158</a>, <a href="#page315">315</a>.</p> + <p>Sisyphus (sis´-i-fus), <a href="#page135">135</a>.</p> + <p>Sol (soll). <i>See</i> Helios.</p> + <p>Solymans (sol´-i-mans), <a href="#page258">258</a>.</p> + <p>Somnus (som´-nus). <i>See</i> Hypnus.</p> + <p>Soothsayers, <a href="#page195">195</a>.</p> + <p>Sparta, <a href="#page285">285</a>.</p> + <p>Sphinx (sfinks), <a href="#page146">146</a>.</p> + <p>Stables, Augean (aw-jee´-an), <a href="#page242">242</a>.</p> + <p>Statues, <a href="#page190">190</a>.</p> + <p>Stellio (stel´-le-o), <a href="#page57">57</a>.</p> + <p>Steropes (ster´-o peez, the first <i>e</i> like <i>ei</i> in <i>their</i>), <a href="#page16">16</a>.</p> + <p>Stheno (sthee´-no), <a href="#page144">144</a>.</p> + <p>Strophius (stro´-fe-us), <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Stymphalides (stim-fal´-i-deez), <a href="#page221">221</a>, <a href="#page242">242</a>.</p> + <p>Styx (sticks), <a href="#page117">117</a>, <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page287">287</a>.</p> + <p>Symplegades (sim-pleg´-a-deez), <a href="#page221">221</a>.</p> + <p>Syrinx (si´-rinks), <a href="#page172">172</a>.</p> + <p>Syrtes (sir´-teez), <a href="#page229">229</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">T.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Tænarum (ten´-a-rum), <a href="#page132">132</a>, <a href="#page250">250</a>.</p> + <p>Talaria (ta-la´-re-ah), <a href="#page121">121</a>.</p> + <p>Talus (ta´-lus), <a href="#page229">229</a>.</p> + <p>Tantalus (tan´-ta-lus), <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Tarquinius Superbus (tar-quin´-e-us su-per´-bus), <a href="#page84">84</a>.</p> + <p>Tartarus (tar´-ta-rus), <a href="#page14">14</a>, <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Taurica Chersonesus (taw´-ri-cah ker-so-nee´-sus), <a href="#page93">93</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Tauris (taw´-ris), <a href="#page93">93</a>, <a href="#page306">306</a>.</p> + <p>Tegea (tee´-je-ah), <a href="#page279">279</a>.</p> + <p>Telamon (tel´-a-mon), <a href="#page216">216</a>, <a href="#page253">253</a>, <a href="#page285">285</a>.</p> + <p>Telemachus (tel-lem´-a-cus), <a href="#page287">287</a>, <a href="#page320">320</a>.</p> + <p>Telephus (tel´-e-fus), <a href="#page289">289</a>.</p> + <p>Temenus (tem´-e-nus), <a href="#page282">282</a>.</p> + <p>Temples, <a href="#page188">188</a>.</p> + <p>Tenedos (ten´-e-dos), <a href="#page290">290</a>, <a href="#page301">301</a>, <a href="#page303">303</a>.</p> + <p>Terminus (ter´-mi-nus), <a href="#page182">182</a>.</p> + <p>Terpsichore (terp-sic´-o-re), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Terra (ter´-rah, the <i>e</i> like <i>ei</i> in <i>their</i>), <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + <p>Tethys (tee´-thiss, <i>th</i> as in <i>both</i>), <a href="#page107">107</a>, <a href="#page166">166</a>.</p> + <p>Teutamias (tu-ta´-me-ass), <a href="#page209">209</a>.</p> + <p><a name="NtA_55" href="#Nt_55"><sup>[55]</sup></a>Thalia (tha-li´-ah), <a href="#page159">159</a>, <a href="#page163">163</a>.</p> + <p>Thallo (thal´-lo), <a href="#page164">164</a>.</p> + <p>Thamyris (tham´-i ris), <a href="#page158">158</a>.</p> + <p>Thanatos (than´-a-tos), <a href="#page142">142</a>.</p> + <p>Thaumas (thaw´-mass), <a href="#page13">13</a>, <a href="#page111">111</a>, <a href="#page137">137</a>.</p> + <p>Thebes (theebs), <a href="#page203">203</a>.</p> + <p>Theia (thi´-ah), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Themis (thee´-mis), <a href="#page31">31</a>, <a href="#page48">48</a>.</p> + <p>Themiscyra (the-mis´-se-rah), <a href="#page245">245</a>.</p> + <p>Thermodon (ther-mo´-don), <a href="#page244">244</a>.</p> + <p>Thersander (ther-san´-der), <a href="#page276">276</a>.</p> + <p>Thersites (ther-si´-teez), <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Theseus (thee´-suce), <a href="#page250">250</a>, <a href="#page259">259</a>.</p> + <p>Thesmophoria (thes-mo-fo´-re-ah), <a href="#page197">197</a>.</p> + <p>Thes´saly, <a href="#page77">77</a>.</p> + <p>Thestius (thes´-te-us), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Thetis (thee´-tis), <a href="#page39">39</a>, <a href="#page98">98</a>, <a href="#page110">110</a>, <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Thyone (thi-o´-ne), <a href="#page128">128</a>.</p> + <p>Tiphys (ti´-fiss), <a href="#page216">216</a>.</p> + <p>Tiresias (ti-ree´-she-ass), <a href="#page235">235</a>, <a href="#page271">271</a>, <a href="#page274">274</a>, <a href="#page277">277</a>, <a href="#page313">313</a>.</p> + <p>Tiryns (ti´-rinz), <a href="#page209">209</a>, <a href="#page252">252</a>.</p> + <p>Tirynth (ti´-rinth), <a href="#page209">209</a>, <a href="#page252">252</a>.</p> + <p>Tisiphone (ti-sif´-o-ne), <a href="#page138">138</a>.</p> + <p>Titanomachia (ti´-tan-o-ma´-ke-ah), <a href="#page17">17</a>.</p> + <p>Titans (ti´-tanz), <a href="#page13">13</a>.</p> + <p>Tithonus (ti-tho´-nus), <a href="#page68">68</a>, <a href="#page297">297</a>.</p> + <p>Tityus (tit´-e-us), <a href="#page134">134</a>.</p> + <p>Trachin (tra´-kin), <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Trachis (tra´-kis), <a href="#page254">254</a>.</p> + <p>Trinacria (tri-na´-cre-ah), <a href="#page316">316</a>.</p> + <p>Triptolemus (trip-tol´-e-mus), <a href="#page53">53</a>.</p> + <p>Triton (tri´-ton), <a href="#page109">109</a>.</p> + <p>Trivia (triv´-e-ah), <a href="#page97">97</a>.</p> + <p>Trœzen (tree´-zen), <a href="#page251">251</a></p> + <p>Tros (trŏss), <a href="#page157">157</a>, <a href="#page246">246</a>.</p> + <p>Troy, <a href="#page283">283</a>.</p> + <p class="i2">— walls of, <a href="#page104">104</a>.</p> + <p>Tubal-Cain (too´-bal-cane), <a href="#page101">101</a>.</p> + <p>Tyche (ti´-ke), <a href="#page147">147</a>.</p> + <p>Tydeus (ti´-duce), <a href="#page272">272</a>.</p> + <p>Tyndareus (tin-da´-re-us), <a href="#page285">285</a>.</p> + <p>Typhœus (ti-fo´-yuce), <a href="#page21">21</a>.</p> + <p>Typhon (ti´-fon), <a href="#page21">21</a>.</p> + <p>Tyro (ti´-ro), <a href="#page106">106</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">U.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Uffizi Gallery (oof´-fid-ze), <a href="#page80">80</a>.</p> + <p>Ulysses (u-lis´-seez), <i>See</i> Odysseus.</p> + <p>Urania (u-ra´-ne-ah), <a href="#page159">159</a>.</p> + <p>Uranus (u´-ra-nus), <a href="#page11">11</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">V.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Veneralia (ven-e-ra´-le-ah), <a href="#page61">61</a>.</p> +<!-- Page 334 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page334"></a>[334]</span> + <p>Venus (vee´-nus), <a href="#page61">61</a>, <a href="#page183">183</a>.</p> + <p class="i1">— of Milo, <a href="#page60">60</a>.</p> + <p>Vertumnus (ver-tum´-nus), <a href="#page181">181</a>.</p> + <p>Vesta (ves´-tah), <a href="#page50">50</a>, <a href="#page201">201</a>.</p> + <p>Vestalia (ves-ta´-le-ah), <a href="#page59">59</a>, <a href="#page201">201</a>.</p> + <p>Via Salavia (vi´-ah sa-la´-ve-ah), <a href="#page184">184</a>.</p> + <p>Victo´ria, <a href="#page117">117</a>.</p> + <p>Vulcan, <a href="#page100">100</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">W.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Winds, <a href="#page170">170</a>, <a href="#page298">298</a>.</p> + <p>Wooden Horse, <a href="#page301">301</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">X.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Xuthus (zoo-thus), <a href="#page210">210</a>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">Z.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Zephyrus (zef´-i-rus), <a href="#page151">151</a>, <a href="#page171">171</a>, <a href="#page310">310</a>.</p> + <p>Zetes (zee´-teez), <a href="#page171">171</a>.</p> + <p>Zethus (zee´-thus), <a href="#page33">33</a>.</p> + <p>Zeus (zuce), <a href="#page26">26</a>.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr class="full" > + +<h2><span class="sc">A Complete Course in the Study of English.</span></h2> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3><i>Spelling, Language, Grammar, Composition, Literature</i>.</h3> + +<hr class="short" > + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span class="sc">Reed's Word Lessons—A Complete Speller.</span></p> + <p class="i2"><span class="sc">Reed's Introductory Language Work.</span></p> + <p class="i4"><span class="sc">Reed & Kellogg's Graded Lessons in English.</span></p> + <p class="i6"><span class="sc">Reed & Kellogg's Higher Lessons in English.</span></p> + <p class="i8"><span class="sc">Reed & Kellogg's One-book Course in English.</span></p> + <p class="i10"><span class="sc">Kellogg's Text-Book on Rhetoric.</span></p> + <p class="i12"><span class="sc">Kellogg's Text-Book on English Literature.</span></p> + </div> + </div> + <p>In the preparation of this series the authors have had one object + clearly in view—to so develop the study of the English language as + to present a complete, progressive course, from the Spelling-Book to the + study of English Literature. The troublesome contradictions which arise + in using books arranged by different authors on these subjects, and which + require much time for explanation in the schoolroom, will be avoided by + the use of the above "Complete Course."</p> + + <p>Teachers are earnestly invited to examine these books.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span class="sc">Maynard, Merrill, & Co., Publishers.</span></p> + <p class="i4">43, 45, and 47 East Tenth Street, New York.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr class="full" > + +<h3>NOTES</h3> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="Nt_1" href="#NtA_1">[1]</a> The early Greeks supposed the + earth to be a flat circle, in the centre of which was Greece. Oceanus, + the ocean stream, encircled it; the Mediterranean being supposed to flow + into this river on the one side, and the Euxine, or Black Sea, on the + other.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_2" href="#NtA_2">[2]</a> Owing to the vagueness of the + various accounts of creation, the origin of the primeval gods is + variously accounted for. Thus, for instance, Oceanus, with some, becomes + the younger brother of Uranus and Gæa.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_3" href="#NtA_3">[3]</a> The myth of Cronus swallowing his + children is evidently intended by the poets to express the melancholy + truth that time destroys all things.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_4" href="#NtA_4">[4]</a> Nectar was the drink, and + ambrosia the food of the gods.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_5" href="#NtA_5">[5]</a> The Cyclops are generally + mentioned as the sons of Uranus and Gæa, but Homer speaks of Polyphemus, + the chief of the Cyclops, as the son of Poseidon, and states the Cyclops + to be his brothers.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_6" href="#NtA_6">[6]</a> Possibly an image of him placed + in readiness.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_7" href="#NtA_7">[7]</a> This age was contemporary with + the commencement of the dynasty of Zeus.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_8" href="#NtA_8">[8]</a> Hesiod is said to have lived 850 + years before the Christian era, consequently about 200 years after King + David. He lived in Bœotia, where his tomb is still shown at + Orchomenus. This ancient writer left behind him two great poems, one + entitled "The Works and Days," in which he gives us some of the earliest + Greek legends, and the other, "The Theogony," containing the genealogies + of the gods; but, unfortunately, both these poems have been so + interpolated by the writers of the Alexandrian school that they have lost + their value as reliable sources of information with regard to the early + beliefs of the Greek nation.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_9" href="#NtA_9">[9]</a> Epimetheus signifies + after-thought, Prometheus fore-thought.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_10" href="#NtA_10">[10]</a> There are various versions of + this myth. According to some the jar or vase was full of all "the ills + which flesh is heir to."</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_11" href="#NtA_11">[11]</a> From <i>Diaus</i>, the + sky.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_12" href="#NtA_12">[12]</a> A sacred shield made for Zeus + by Hephæstus, which derived its name from being covered by the skin of + the goat Amalthea, the word Ægis signifying goat's-skin.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_13" href="#NtA_13">[13]</a> See Demeter.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_14" href="#NtA_14">[14]</a> This frightful monster had + sprung from the slimy and stagnant waters which remained on the surface + of the earth after the deluge of Deucalion.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_15" href="#NtA_15">[15]</a> Castor and Pollux were known + by the name of the Dioscuri, from <i>dios</i>, gods, and <i>kuroi</i>, + youths.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_16" href="#NtA_16">[16]</a> The ancient Greeks attributed + much of the subsequent character of an individual to early influences; + hence Hera, the future queen and mistress of heaven, is represented as + being brought up in a domesticated and orderly household, where home + virtues are carefully inculcated.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_17" href="#NtA_17">[17]</a> In the Homeric age peacocks + were unknown; it is therefore the later poets who describe Hera + surrounded with peacocks, which were brought to Greece from India.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_18" href="#NtA_18">[18]</a> This circumstance has given + rise to the erroneous conclusion that Juno presided over the finances of + the state, but the word <i>moneta</i> is derived from the Latin + <i>monere</i>, which means to warn or admonish.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_19" href="#NtA_19">[19]</a> See Roman Festivals.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_20" href="#NtA_20">[20]</a> The first large ship possessed + by the Greeks fit for more than coast navigation.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_21" href="#NtA_21">[21]</a> When Perseus, with the help of + Athene, had cut off the head of the Medusa, the two sisters caused a sad + dirge-like song to issue from the mouths of the many snakes of which + their hair was composed, whereupon Athene, pleased with the sound, + imitated the melody on a reed, and thus invented the flute.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_22" href="#NtA_22">[22]</a> For details see Roman + Festivals.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_23" href="#NtA_23">[23]</a> See Legend of Troy.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_24" href="#NtA_24">[24]</a> Some, with but little reason, + make Demeter the daughter of Uranus and Gæa.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_25" href="#NtA_25">[25]</a> Demeter transformed Ascalaphus + into an owl for revealing the secret.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_26" href="#NtA_26">[26]</a> The course which the sun ran + was considered by the ancients to be a rising and descending curve <img + src="images/0062-1.png" alt="arc" style="height:1ex" /> the centre of + which was supposed to be reached by Helios at mid-day.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_27" href="#NtA_27">[27]</a> The river Po.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_28" href="#NtA_28">[28]</a> This great work of antiquity + was destroyed by an earthquake fifty-six years after its erection, <span + class="scac">B.C.</span> 256. The fragments remained on the ground for + many centuries, until Rhodes was conquered by the Turks, and they were + eventually sold by one of the generals of Caliph Othman IV. to a merchant + of Emesa for £36,000, <span class="scac">A.D.</span> 672.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_29" href="#NtA_29">[29]</a> According to some authorities, + Strymon.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_30" href="#NtA_30">[30]</a> This wonderful lyre, which had + been given to Apollo by Hermes (Mercury) in exchange for the Caduceus or + rod of wealth, is said to have possessed such extraordinary powers, that + it caused a stone, upon which it was laid, to become so melodious, that + ever afterwards, on being touched, it emitted a musical sound which + resembled that produced by the lyre itself.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_31" href="#NtA_31">[31]</a> Aristæus was worshipped as a + rural divinity in various parts of Greece, and was supposed to have + taught mankind how to catch bees, and to utilize honey and wax.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_32" href="#NtA_32">[32]</a> Astræa was the daughter of the + Titans Cœus and Phœbe. Perses was son of the Titans Crios and + Eurybia.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_33" href="#NtA_33">[33]</a> Called also + Anaitis-Aphroditis.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_34" href="#NtA_34">[34]</a> This occurred during the night + Alexander the Great was born.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_35" href="#NtA_35">[35]</a> Another version with regard to + the origin of this defect, is that being born ugly and deformed, his + mother Hera, disgusted at his unsightliness, herself threw him violently + from her lap, and it was then that his leg was broken, producing the + lameness from which he suffered ever after. On this occasion he fell into + the sea, and was saved by the sea-nymphs Thetis and Eurynome, who kept + him for nine years in a cavern beneath the ocean, where he made for them, + in gratitude for their kindness, several beautiful ornaments, and + trinkets of rare workmanship.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_36" href="#NtA_36">[36]</a> According to some accounts + Chares was the wife of Hephæstus.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_37" href="#NtA_37">[37]</a> The trident resembled the + arrow-headed pronged fork, used by the fishermen of the Mediterranean Sea + in the eel-fishery.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_38" href="#NtA_38">[38]</a> Scylla is a dangerous rock, + much dreaded by mariners, in the Straits of Messina.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_39" href="#NtA_39">[39]</a> The island of Rhodes owes its + name to her.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_40" href="#NtA_40">[40]</a> It is worthy of notice that + the sons of Poseidon were, for the most part, distinguished by great + force and turbulence of character, in keeping with the element over which + their father was the presiding deity. They were giants in power, and + intractable, fiery, and impatient by nature, spurning all efforts to + control them; in all respects, therefore, fitting representatives of + their progenitor, the mighty ruler of the sea.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_41" href="#NtA_41">[41]</a> A cubit is the length from the + elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, and therefore an indefinite + measure, but modern usage takes it as representing a length of seventeen + to eighteen inches.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_42" href="#NtA_42">[42]</a> On the Egyptian coast.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_43" href="#NtA_43">[43]</a> See Legend of the + Argonauts.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_44" href="#NtA_44">[44]</a> His two sons Deimos and + Phobos.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_45" href="#NtA_45">[45]</a> Romulus was deified by the + Romans after death, and was worshipped by them under the name of + Quirinus, an appellation which he shared in common with his father + Mars.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_46" href="#NtA_46">[46]</a> Midas was the son of Cybele + and Gordius, the king who tied the celebrated and intricate knot.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_47" href="#NtA_47">[47]</a> The shades of those mortals + whose lives had neither been distinguished by virtue nor vice, were + condemned to a monotonous, joyless, existence in the Asphodel meadows of + Hades.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_48" href="#NtA_48">[48]</a> Echidna was a bloodthirsty + monster, half maiden, half serpent.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_49" href="#NtA_49">[49]</a> One of the horns of the goat + Amalthea, broken off by Zeus, and supposed to possess the power of + filling itself with whatsoever its owner desired.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_50" href="#NtA_50">[50]</a> According to another account, + Momus discovered that Aphrodite made a noise when she walked.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_51" href="#NtA_51">[51]</a> The word Psyche signifies + "butterfly," the emblem of the soul in ancient art.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_52" href="#NtA_52">[52]</a> Tiresias alone, of all the + shades, was in full possession of his mental vigour.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_53" href="#NtA_53">[53]</a> Most of the words ending in + eus may also be pronounced thus: <i>Æ´-ge-us</i>, <i>ā´-tre-us</i>, + <i>pro-me´-the-us</i>, etc.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_54" href="#NtA_54">[54]</a> The first e like ei in + their.</p> + + <p><a name="Nt_55" href="#NtA_55">[55]</a> <i>Th</i> at the beginning of + a word has its soft sound, as in <i>both</i>.</p> + +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece +and Rome, by E.M. 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differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2ccbda1 --- /dev/null +++ b/22381-page-images/p335.png diff --git a/22381-page-images/p336.png b/22381-page-images/p336.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7dd59cf --- /dev/null +++ b/22381-page-images/p336.png diff --git a/22381.txt b/22381.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..96eac85 --- /dev/null +++ b/22381.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12220 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome, by +E.M. Berens + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome + +Author: E.M. Berens + +Release Date: August 23, 2007 [EBook #22381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MYTHS AND LEGENDS *** + + + + +Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +_A HAND-BOOK OF MYTHOLOGY._ + + * * * * * + +THE + +MYTHS AND LEGENDS + +OF + +ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME. + +BY + +E. M. BERENS. + +_ILLUSTRATED FROM ANTIQUE SCULPTURES._ + +[Illustration] + +NEW YORK: + +MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO., + +43, 45 AND 47 EAST TENTH STREET. + + * * * * * + + +{i} + +PREFACE. + + * * * * * + +The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable for +the requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by the +principals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics themselves, +even where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this feasible, has +not been found altogether successful in giving to the student a clear and +succinct idea of the religious beliefs of the ancients, and it has been +suggested that a work which would so deal with the subject as to render it +at once interesting and instructive would be hailed as a valuable +introduction to the study of classic authors, and would be found to assist +materially the labours of both master and pupil. + +In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before the +reader a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they were +conceived and worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to awaken +in the minds of young students a desire to become more intimately +acquainted with the noble productions of classical antiquity. + +It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second portion of +the work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its customs, its +superstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which reason they are +given at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of the kind. + +In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have been +collected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and Romans +(more especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account of their +principal festivals. + +I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without passing +over details the omission of which would have {ii} marred the completeness +of the work, not a single passage should be found which could possibly +offend the most scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have purposely treated +the subject with that reverence which I consider due to every religious +system, however erroneous. + +It is hardly necessary to dwell upon the importance of the study of +Mythology: our poems, our novels, and even our daily journals teem with +classical allusions; nor can a visit to our art galleries and museums be +fully enjoyed without something more than a mere superficial knowledge of a +subject which has in all ages inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. It +therefore only remains for me to express a hope that my little work may +prove useful, not only to teachers and scholars, but also to a large class +of general readers, who, in whiling away a leisure hour, may derive some +pleasure and profit from its perusal. + +E. M. BERENS. + + * * * * * + + +{iii} + +CONTENTS. + + PART I.--MYTHS. + Page + Introduction, 7 + + FIRST DYNASTY. + ORIGIN OF THE WORLD-- + URANUS AND GAEA (Coelus and Terra), 11 + + SECOND DYNASTY. + CRONUS (Saturn), 14 + RHEA (Ops), 18 + DIVISION OF THE WORLD, 19 + THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF MAN, 21 + + THIRD DYNASTY. + OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES-- + ZEUS (Jupiter), 26 + HERA (Juno), 38 + PALLAS-ATHENE (Minerva), 43 + THEMIS, 48 + HESTIA (Vesta), 48 + DEMETER (Ceres), 50 + APHRODITE (Venus), 58 + HELIOS (Sol), 61 + EOS (Aurora), 67 + PHOEBUS-APOLLO, 68 + HECATE, 85 + SELENE (Luna), 86 + ARTEMIS (Diana), 87 + HEPHAESTUS (Vulcan), 97 + POSEIDON (Neptune), 101 + + {iv} + SEA DIVINITIES-- + OCEANUS, 107 + NEREUS, 108 + PROTEUS, 108 + TRITON AND THE TRITONS, 109 + GLAUCUS, 109 + THETIS, 110 + THAUMAS, PHORCYS, AND CETO, 111 + LEUCOTHEA, 111 + THE SIRENS, 112 + ARES (Mars), 112 + NIKE (Victoria), 117 + HERMES (Mercury), 117 + DIONYSUS (Bacchus or Liber), 124 + AIDES (Pluto), 130 + PLUTUS, 137 + + MINOR DIVINITIES-- + THE HARPIES, 137 + ERINYES, EUMENIDES (Furiae, Dirae), 138 + MOIRAE OR FATES (Parcae), 139 + NEMESIS, 141 + + NIGHT AND HER CHILDREN-- + NYX (Nox), 142 + THANATOS (Mors), HYPNUS (Somnus), 142 + MORPHEUS, 143 + THE GORGONS, 144 + GRAEAE, 145 + SPHINX, 146 + TYCHE (Fortuna) and ANANKE (Necessitas), 147 + KER, 149 + ATE, 149 + MOMUS, 149 + EROS (Cupid, Amor) and PSYCHE, 150 + HYMEN, 154 + IRIS, 155 + HEBE (Juventas), 156 + GANYMEDES, 157 + {v} + THE MUSES, 157 + PEGASUS, 162 + THE HESPERIDES, 162 + CHARITES OR GRACES, 163 + HORAE (Seasons), 164 + THE NYMPHS, 165 + THE WINDS, 170 + PAN (Faunus), 171 + THE SATYRS, 174 + PRIAPUS, 175 + ASCLEPIAS (AEsculapius), 176 + + ROMAN DIVINITIES-- + JANUS, 178 + FLORA, 180 + ROBIGUS, 180 + POMONA, 180 + VERTUMNUS, 181 + PALES, 181 + PICUS, 182 + PICUMNUS AND PILUMNUS, 182 + SILVANUS, 182 + TERMINUS, 182 + CONSUS, 183 + LIBITINA, 183 + LAVERNA, 184 + COMUS, 184 + CAMENAE, 184 + GENII, 185 + MANES, 185 + PENATES, 187 + + PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS-- + TEMPLES, 188 + STATUES, 190 + ALTARS, 191 + PRIESTS, 191 + SACRIFICES, 192 + ORACLES, 194 + SOOTHSAYERS, 195 + {vi} + AUGURS, 196 + FESTIVALS, 196 + + GREEK FESTIVALS-- + ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES, 196 + THESMOPHORIA, 197 + DIONYSIA, 197 + PANATHENAEA, 199 + DAPHNEPHORIA, 200 + + ROMAN FESTIVALS-- + SATURNALIA, 200 + CEREALIA, 201 + VESTALIA, 201 + + PART II.--LEGENDS. + CADMUS, 203 + PERSEUS, 205 + ION, 210 + DAEDALUS AND ICARUS, 211 + THE ARGONAUTS, 213 + PELOPS, 232 + HERACLES, 234 + BELLEROPHON, 256 + THESEUS, 259 + OEDIPUS, 269 + THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES, 272 + THE EPIGONI, 276 + ALCMAEON AND THE NECKLACE, 277 + THE HERACLIDAE, 280 + THE SIEGE OF TROY, 283 + RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY, 304 + + * * * * * + + +{7} + +MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME. + + * * * * * + +PART I.--MYTHS. + + * * * * * + +INTRODUCTION. + +Before entering upon the many strange beliefs of the ancient Greeks, and +the extraordinary number of gods they worshipped, we must first consider +what kind of beings these divinities were. + +In appearance, the gods were supposed to resemble mortals, whom, however, +they far surpassed in beauty, grandeur, and strength; they were also more +commanding in stature, height being considered by the Greeks an attribute +of beauty in man or woman. They resembled human beings in their feelings +and habits, intermarrying and having children, and requiring daily +nourishment to recruit their strength, and refreshing sleep to restore +their energies. Their blood, a bright ethereal fluid called Ichor, never +engendered disease, and, when shed, had the power of producing new life. + +The Greeks believed that the mental qualifications of their gods were of a +much higher order than those of men, but nevertheless, as we shall see, +they were not considered to be exempt from human passions, and we +frequently behold them actuated by revenge, deceit, and jealousy. They, +however, always punish the evil-doer, and visit with dire calamities any +impious mortal who dares to neglect their worship or despise their rites. +We often hear of them visiting mankind and partaking of their hospitality, +and not unfrequently both gods and goddesses {8} become attached to +mortals, with whom they unite themselves, the offspring of these unions +being called heroes or demi-gods, who were usually renowned for their great +strength and courage. But although there were so many points of resemblance +between gods and men, there remained the one great characteristic +distinction, viz., that the gods enjoyed immortality. Still, they were not +invulnerable, and we often hear of them being wounded, and suffering in +consequence such exquisite torture that they have earnestly prayed to be +deprived of their privilege of immortality. + +The gods knew no limitation of time or space, being able to transport +themselves to incredible distances with the speed of thought. They +possessed the power of rendering themselves invisible at will, and could +assume the forms of men or animals as it suited their convenience. They +could also transform human beings into trees, stones, animals, &c., either +as a punishment for their misdeeds, or as a means of protecting the +individual, thus transformed, from impending danger. Their robes were like +those worn by mortals, but were perfect in form and much finer in texture. +Their weapons also resembled those used by mankind; we hear of spears, +shields, helmets, bows and arrows, &c., being employed by the gods. Each +deity possessed a beautiful chariot, which, drawn by horses or other +animals of celestial breed, conveyed them rapidly over land and sea +according to their pleasure. Most of these divinities lived on the summit +of Mount Olympus, each possessing his or her individual habitation, and all +meeting together on festive occasions in the council-chamber of the gods, +where their banquets were enlivened by the sweet strains of Apollo's lyre, +whilst the beautiful voices of the Muses poured forth their rich melodies +to his harmonious accompaniment. Magnificent temples were erected to their +honour, where they were worshipped with the greatest solemnity; rich gifts +were presented to them, and animals, and indeed sometimes human beings, +were sacrificed on their altars. + +In the study of Grecian mythology we meet with some {9} curious, and what +may at first sight appear unaccountable notions. Thus we hear of terrible +giants hurling rocks, upheaving mountains, and raising earthquakes which +engulf whole armies; these ideas, however, may be accounted for by the +awful convulsions of nature, which were in operation in pre-historic times. +Again, the daily recurring phenomena, which to us, who know them to be the +result of certain well-ascertained laws of nature, are so familiar as to +excite no remark, were, to the early Greeks, matter of grave speculation, +and not unfrequently of alarm. For instance, when they heard the awful roar +of thunder, and saw vivid flashes of lightning, accompanied by black clouds +and torrents of rain, they believed that the great god of heaven was angry, +and they trembled at his wrath. If the calm and tranquil sea became +suddenly agitated, and the crested billows rose mountains high, dashing +furiously against the rocks, and threatening destruction to all within +their reach, the sea-god was supposed to be in a furious rage. When they +beheld the sky glowing with the hues of coming day they thought that the +goddess of the dawn, with rosy fingers, was drawing aside the dark veil of +night, to allow her brother, the sun-god, to enter upon his brilliant +career. Thus personifying all the powers of nature, this very imaginative +and highly poetical nation beheld a divinity in every tree that grew, in +every stream that flowed, in the bright beams of the glorious sun, and the +clear, cold rays of the silvery moon; for them the whole universe lived and +breathed, peopled by a thousand forms of grace and beauty. + +The most important of these divinities may have been something more than +the mere creations of an active and poetical imagination. They were +possibly human beings who had so distinguished themselves in life by their +preeminence over their fellow-mortals that after death they were deified by +the people among whom they lived, and the poets touched with their magic +wand the details of lives, which, in more prosaic times, would simply have +been recorded as illustrious. {10} + +It is highly probable that the reputed actions of these deified beings were +commemorated by bards, who, travelling from one state to another, +celebrated their praise in song; it therefore becomes exceedingly +difficult, nay almost impossible, to separate bare facts from the +exaggerations which never fail to accompany oral traditions. + +In order to exemplify this, let us suppose that Orpheus, the son of Apollo, +so renowned for his extraordinary musical powers, had existed at the +present day. We should no doubt have ranked him among the greatest of our +musicians, and honoured him as such; but the Greeks, with their vivid +imagination and poetic license, exaggerated his remarkable gifts, and +attributed to his music supernatural influence over animate and inanimate +nature. Thus we hear of wild beasts tamed, of mighty rivers arrested in +their course, and of mountains being moved by the sweet tones of his voice. +The theory here advanced may possibly prove useful in the future, in +suggesting to the reader the probable basis of many of the extraordinary +accounts we meet with in the study of classical mythology. + +And now a few words will be necessary concerning the religious beliefs of +the Romans. When the Greeks first settled in Italy they found in the +country they colonized a mythology belonging to the Celtic inhabitants, +which, according to the Greek custom of paying reverence to all gods, known +or unknown, they readily adopted, selecting and appropriating those +divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own, and thus they +formed a religious belief which naturally bore the impress of its ancient +Greek source. As the primitive Celts, however, were a less civilized people +than the Greeks, their mythology was of a more barbarous character, and +this circumstance, combined with the fact that the Romans were not gifted +with the vivid imagination of their Greek neighbours, leaves its mark on +the Roman mythology, which is far less fertile in fanciful conceits, and +deficient in all those fairy-like stories and wonderfully poetic ideas +which so strongly characterize that of the Greeks. + + * * * * * + +{11} + +ORIGIN OF THE WORLD.--FIRST DYNASTY. + +URANUS AND GAEA. (COELUS AND TERRA.) + +The ancient Greeks had several different theories with regard to the origin +of the world, but the generally accepted notion was that before this world +came into existence, there was in its place a confused mass of shapeless +elements called Chaos. These elements becoming at length consolidated (by +what means does not appear), resolved themselves into two widely different +substances, the lighter portion of which, soaring on high, formed the sky +or firmament, and constituted itself into a vast, overarching vault, which +protected the firm and solid mass beneath. + +Thus came into being the two first great primeval deities of the Greeks, +Uranus and Ge or Gaea. + +Uranus, the more refined deity, represented the light and air of heaven, +possessing the distinguishing qualities of light, heat, purity, and +omnipresence, whilst Gaea, the firm, flat,[1] life-sustaining earth, was +worshipped as the great all-nourishing mother. Her many titles refer to her +more or less in this character, and she appears to have been universally +revered among the Greeks, there being scarcely a city in Greece which did +not contain a temple erected in her honour; indeed Gaea was held in such +veneration that her name was always invoked whenever the gods took a solemn +oath, made an emphatic declaration, or implored assistance. + +Uranus, the heaven, was believed to have united himself in marriage with +Gaea, the earth; and a moment's reflection will show what a truly poetical, +and also what a logical idea this was; for, taken in a figurative sense, +{12} this union actually does exist. The smiles of heaven produce the +flowers of earth, whereas his long-continued frowns exercise so depressing +an influence upon his loving partner, that she no longer decks herself in +bright and festive robes, but responds with ready sympathy to his +melancholy mood. + +The first-born child of Uranus and Gaea was Oceanus,[2] the ocean stream, +that vast expanse of ever-flowing water which encircled the earth. Here we +meet with another logical though fanciful conclusion, which a very slight +knowledge of the workings of nature proves to have been just and true. The +ocean is formed from the rains which descend from heaven and the streams +which flow from earth. By making Oceanus therefore the offspring of Uranus +and Gaea, the ancients, if we take this notion in its literal sense, merely +assert that the ocean is produced by the combined influence of heaven and +earth, whilst at the same time their fervid and poetical imagination led +them to see in this, as in all manifestations of the powers of nature, an +actual, tangible divinity. + +But Uranus, the heaven, the embodiment of light, heat, and the breath of +life, produced offspring who were of a much less material nature than his +son Oceanus. These other children of his were supposed to occupy the +intermediate space which divided him from Gaea. Nearest to Uranus, and just +beneath him, came Aether (Ether), a bright creation representing that +highly rarified atmosphere which immortals alone could breathe. Then +followed Aer (Air), which was in close proximity to Gaea, and represented, +as its name implies, the grosser atmosphere surrounding the earth which +mortals could freely breathe, and without which they would perish. Aether +and Aer were separated from each other by divinities called Nephelae. These +were their restless and wandering sisters, who existed in the form of +clouds, ever {13} floating between Aether and Aer. Gaea also produced the +mountains, and Pontus (the sea). She united herself with the latter, and +their offspring were the sea-deities Nereus, Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto, and +Eurybia. + +Co-existent with Uranus and Gaea were two mighty powers who were also the +offspring of Chaos. These were Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night), who +formed a striking contrast to the cheerful light of heaven and the bright +smiles of earth. Erebus reigned in that mysterious world below where no ray +of sunshine, no gleam of daylight, nor vestige of health-giving terrestrial +life ever appeared. Nyx, the sister of Erebus, represented Night, and was +worshipped by the ancients with the greatest solemnity. + +Uranus was also supposed to have been united to Nyx, but only in his +capacity as god of light, he being considered the source and fountain of +all light, and their children were Eos (Aurora), the Dawn, and Hemera, the +Daylight. Nyx again, on her side was also doubly united, having been +married at some indefinite period to Erebus. + +In addition to those children of heaven and earth already enumerated, +Uranus and Gaea produced two distinctly different races of beings called +Giants and Titans. The Giants personified brute strength alone, but the +Titans united to their great physical power intellectual qualifications +variously developed. There were three Giants, Briareus, Cottus, and Gyges, +who each possessed a hundred hands and fifty heads, and were known +collectively by the name of the Hecatoncheires, which signified +hundred-handed. These mighty Giants could shake the universe and produce +earthquakes; it is therefore evident that they represented those active +subterranean forces to which allusion has been made in the opening chapter. +The Titans were twelve in number; their names were: Oceanus, Ceos, Crios, +Hyperion, Iapetus, Cronus, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, and +Tethys. + +Now Uranus, the chaste light of heaven, the essence of all that is bright +and pleasing, held in abhorrence his {14} crude, rough, and turbulent +offspring, the Giants, and moreover feared that their great power might +eventually prove hurtful to himself. He therefore hurled them into +Tartarus, that portion of the lower world which served as the subterranean +dungeon of the gods. In order to avenge the oppression of her children, the +Giants, Gaea instigated a conspiracy on the part of the Titans against +Uranus, which was carried to a successful issue by her son Cronus. He +wounded his father, and from the blood of the wound which fell upon the +earth sprang a race of monstrous beings also called Giants. Assisted by his +brother-Titans, Cronus succeeded in dethroning his father, who, enraged at +his defeat, cursed his rebellious son, and foretold to him a similar fate. +Cronus now became invested with supreme power, and assigned to his brothers +offices of distinction, subordinate only to himself. Subsequently, however, +when, secure of his position, he no longer needed their assistance, he +basely repaid their former services with treachery, made war upon his +brothers and faithful allies, and, assisted by the Giants, completely +defeated them, sending such as resisted his all-conquering arm down into +the lowest depths of Tartarus. + + * * * * * + +SECOND DYNASTY. + +CRONUS (SATURN). + +Cronus was the god of time in its sense of eternal duration. He married +Rhea, daughter of Uranus and Gaea, a very important divinity, to whom a +special chapter will be devoted hereafter. Their children were, three sons: +Aides (Pluto), Poseidon (Neptune), Zeus (Jupiter), and three daughters: +Hestia (Vesta), Demeter (Ceres), and Hera (Juno). Cronus, having an uneasy +conscience, was afraid that his children might one day rise up against his +authority, and thus verify the prediction of his father {15} Uranus. In +order, therefore, to render the prophecy impossible of fulfilment, Cronus +swallowed each child as soon as it was born,[3] greatly to the sorrow and +indignation of his wife Rhea. When it came to Zeus, the sixth and last, +Rhea resolved to try and save this one child at least, to love and cherish, +and appealed to her parents, Uranus and Gaea, for counsel and assistance. By +their advice she wrapped a stone in baby-clothes, and Cronus, in eager +haste, swallowed it, without noticing the deception. The child thus saved, +eventually, as we shall see, dethroned his father Cronus, became supreme +god in his stead, and was universally venerated as the great national god +of the Greeks. + +[Illustration] + +Anxious to preserve the secret of his existence from Cronus, Rhea sent the +infant Zeus secretly to Crete, where he was nourished, protected, and +educated. A sacred goat, called Amalthea, supplied the place of his mother, +by providing him with milk; nymphs, called Melissae, fed him with honey, +and eagles and doves brought him nectar and ambrosia.[4] He was kept +concealed in a cave in the heart of Mount Ida, and the Curetes, or priests +of Rhea, by beating their shields together, kept up a constant noise at the +entrance, which drowned the cries of the child and frightened away all +intruders. Under the watchful care of the Nymphs the infant Zeus throve +rapidly, developing great physical powers, combined with {16} extraordinary +wisdom and intelligence. Grown to manhood, he determined to compel his +father to restore his brothers and sisters to the light of day, and is said +to have been assisted in this difficult task by the goddess Metis, who +artfully persuaded Cronus to drink a potion, which caused him to give back +the children he had swallowed. The stone which had counterfeited Zeus was +placed at Delphi, where it was long exhibited as a sacred relic. + +Cronus was so enraged at being circumvented that war between the father and +son became inevitable. The rival forces ranged themselves on two separate +high mountains in Thessaly; Zeus, with his brothers and sisters, took his +stand on Mount Olympus, where he was joined by Oceanus, and others of the +Titans, who had forsaken Cronus on account of his oppressions. Cronus and +his brother-Titans took possession of Mount Othrys, and prepared for +battle. The struggle was long and fierce, and at length Zeus, finding that +he was no nearer victory than before, bethought himself of the existence of +the imprisoned Giants, and knowing that they would be able to render him +most powerful assistance, he hastened to liberate them. He also called to +his aid the Cyclops (sons of Poseidon and Amphitrite),[5] who had only one +eye each in the middle of their foreheads, and were called Brontes +(Thunder), Steropes (Lightning), and Pyracmon (Fire-anvil). They promptly +responded to his summons for help, and brought with them tremendous +thunderbolts which the Hecatoncheires, with their hundred hands, hurled +down upon the enemy, at the same time raising mighty earthquakes, which +swallowed up and destroyed all who opposed them. Aided by these new and +powerful allies, Zeus now made a furious onslaught on his enemies, and so +tremendous was the encounter that all nature is said to have throbbed in +accord with this mighty effort of the celestial deities. The sea rose +mountains high, and its angry billows {17} hissed and foamed; the earth +shook to its foundations, the heavens sent forth rolling thunder, and flash +after flash of death-bringing lightning, whilst a blinding mist enveloped +Cronus and his allies. + +And now the fortunes of war began to turn, and victory smiled on Zeus. +Cronus and his army were completely overthrown, his brothers despatched to +the gloomy depths of the lower world, and Cronus himself was banished from +his kingdom and deprived for ever of the supreme power, which now became +vested in his son Zeus. This war was called the Titanomachia, and is most +graphically described by the old classic poets. + +[Illustration] + +With the defeat of Cronus and his banishment from his dominions, his career +as a ruling Greek divinity entirely ceases. But being, like all the gods, +immortal, he was supposed to be still in existence, though possessing no +longer either influence or authority, his place being filled to a certain +extent by his descendant and successor, Zeus. + +Cronus is often represented as an old man leaning on a scythe, with an +hour-glass in his hand. The hour-glass symbolizes the fast-fleeting moments +as they succeed each other unceasingly; the scythe is emblematical of time, +which mows down all before it. + +SATURN. + +The Romans, according to their custom of identifying their deities with +those of the Greek gods whose attributes were similar to their own, +declared Cronus to be identical with their old agricultural divinity +Saturn. They believed that after his defeat in the {18} Titanomachia and +his banishment from his dominions by Zeus, he took refuge with Janus, king +of Italy, who received the exiled deity with great kindness, and even +shared his throne with him. Their united reign became so thoroughly +peaceful and happy, and was distinguished by such uninterrupted prosperity, +that it was called the Golden Age. + +Saturn is usually represented bearing a sickle in the one hand and a +wheat-sheaf in the other. + +A temple was erected to him at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in which +were deposited the public treasury and the laws of the state. + +RHEA (OPS). + +Rhea, the wife of Cronus, and mother of Zeus and the other great gods of +Olympus, personified the earth, and was regarded as the Great Mother and +unceasing producer of all plant-life. She was also believed to exercise +unbounded sway over the animal creation, more especially over the lion, the +noble king of beasts. Rhea is generally represented wearing a crown of +turrets or towers and seated on a throne, with lions crouching at her feet. +She is sometimes depicted sitting in a chariot, drawn by lions. + +The principal seat of her worship, which was always of a very riotous +character, was at Crete. At her festivals, which took place at night, the +wildest music of flutes, cymbals, and drums resounded, whilst joyful shouts +and cries, accompanied by dancing and loud stamping of feet, filled the +air. + +This divinity was introduced into Crete by its first colonists from +Phrygia, in Asia Minor, in which country she was worshipped under the name +of Cybele. The people of Crete adored her as the Great Mother, more +especially in her signification as the sustainer of the vegetable world. +Seeing, however, that year by year, as winter appears, all her glory +vanishes, her flowers fade, and her trees become leafless, they poetically +expressed this process of nature under the figure of a lost love. She {19} +was said to have been tenderly attached to a youth of remarkable beauty, +named Atys, who, to her grief and indignation, proved faithless to her. He +was about to unite himself to a nymph called Sagaris, when, in the midst of +the wedding feast, the rage of the incensed goddess suddenly burst forth +upon all present. A panic seized the assembled guests, and Atys, becoming +afflicted with temporary madness, fled to the mountains and destroyed +himself. Cybele, moved with sorrow and regret, instituted a yearly mourning +for his loss, when her priests, the Corybantes, with their usual noisy +accompaniments, marched into the mountains to seek the lost youth. Having +discovered him[6] they gave full vent to their ecstatic delight by +indulging in the most violent gesticulations, dancing, shouting, and, at +the same time, wounding and gashing themselves in a frightful manner. + +OPS. + +In Rome the Greek Rhea was identified with Ops, the goddess of plenty, the +wife of Saturn, who had a variety of appellations. She was called +Magna-Mater, Mater-Deorum, Berecynthia-Idea, and also Dindymene. This +latter title she acquired from three high mountains in Phrygia, whence she +was brought to Rome as Cybele during the second Punic war, B.C. 205, in +obedience to an injunction contained in the Sybilline books. She was +represented as a matron crowned with towers, seated in a chariot drawn by +lions. + + * * * * * + +DIVISION OF THE WORLD. + +We will now return to Zeus and his brothers, who, having gained a complete +victory over their enemies, began to consider how the world, which they had +{20} conquered, should be divided between them. At last it was settled by +lot that Zeus should reign supreme in Heaven, whilst Aides governed the +Lower World, and Poseidon had full command over the Sea, but the supremacy +of Zeus was recognized in all three kingdoms, in heaven, on earth (in which +of course the sea was included), and under the earth. Zeus held his court +on the top of Mount Olympus, whose summit was beyond the clouds; the +dominions of Aides were the gloomy unknown regions below the earth; and +Poseidon reigned over the sea. It will be seen that the realm of each of +these gods was enveloped in mystery. Olympus was shrouded in mists, Hades +was wrapt in gloomy darkness, and the sea was, and indeed still is, a +source of wonder and deep interest. Hence we see that what to other nations +were merely strange phenomena, served this poetical and imaginative people +as a foundation upon which to build the wonderful stories of their +mythology. + +The division of the world being now satisfactorily arranged, it would seem +that all things ought to have gone on smoothly, but such was not the case. +Trouble arose in an unlooked-for quarter. The Giants, those hideous +monsters (some with legs formed of serpents) who had sprung from the earth +and the blood of Uranus, declared war against the triumphant deities of +Olympus, and a struggle ensued, which, in consequence of Gaea having made +these children of hers invincible as long as they kept their feet on the +ground, was wearisome and protracted. Their mother's precaution, however, +was rendered unavailing by pieces of rock being hurled upon them, which +threw them down, and their feet being no longer placed firmly on their +mother-earth, they were overcome, and this tedious war (which was called +the Gigantomachia) at last came to an end. Among the most daring of these +earth-born giants were Enceladus, Rhoetus, and the valiant Mimas, who, with +youthful fire and energy, hurled against heaven great masses of rock and +burning oak-trees, and defied the lightnings of Zeus. One of the most +powerful monsters who opposed Zeus in this {21} war was called Typhon or +Typhoeus. He was the youngest son of Tartarus and Gaea, and had a hundred +heads, with eyes which struck terror to the beholders, and awe-inspiring +voices frightful to hear. This dreadful monster resolved to conquer both +gods and men, but his plans were at length defeated by Zeus, who, after a +violent encounter, succeeded in destroying him with a thunderbolt, but not +before he had so terrified the gods that they had fled for refuge to Egypt, +where they metamorphosed themselves into different animals and thus +escaped. + + * * * * * + +THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF MAN. + +Just as there were several theories concerning the origin of the world, so +there were various accounts of the creation of man. + +The first natural belief of the Greek people was that man had sprung from +the earth. They saw the tender plants and flowers force their way through +the ground in the early spring of the year after the frost of winter had +disappeared, and so they naturally concluded that man must also have issued +from the earth in a similar manner. Like the wild plants and flowers, he +was supposed to have had no cultivation, and resembled in his habits the +untamed beasts of the field, having no habitation except that which nature +had provided in the holes of the rocks, and in the dense forests whose +overarching boughs protected him from the inclemency of the weather. + +In the course of time these primitive human beings became tamed and +civilized by the gods and heroes, who taught them to work in metals, to +build houses, and other useful arts of civilization. But the human race +became in the course of time so degenerate that the gods resolved to +destroy all mankind by means of a flood; Deucalion {22} (son of Prometheus) +and his wife Pyrrha, being, on account of their piety, the only mortals +saved. + +By the command of his father, Deucalion built a ship, in which he and his +wife took refuge during the deluge, which lasted for nine days. When the +waters abated the ship rested on Mount Othrys in Thessaly, or according to +some on Mount Parnassus. Deucalion and his wife now consulted the oracle of +Themis as to how the human race might be restored. The answer was, that +they were to cover their heads, and throw the bones of their mother behind +them. For some time they were perplexed as to the meaning of the oracular +command, but at length both agreed that by the bones of their mother were +meant the stones of the earth. They accordingly took up stones from the +mountain side and cast them over their shoulders. From those thrown by +Deucalion there sprang up men, and from those thrown by Pyrrha, women. + +After the lapse of time the theory of Autochthony (from _autos_, self, and +_chthon_, earth) was laid aside. When this belief existed there were no +religious teachers whatever; but in course of time temples were raised in +honour of the different gods, and priests appointed to offer sacrifices to +them and conduct their worship. These priests were looked upon as +authorities in all religious matters, and the doctrine they taught was, +that man had been created by the gods, and that there had been several +successive ages of men, which were called the Golden, Silver, Brazen, and +Iron Ages. + +Life in the Golden Age was one unceasing round of ever-recurring pleasures +unmarred by sorrow or care. The favoured mortals living at this happy time +led pure and joyous lives, thinking no evil, and doing no wrong. The earth +brought forth fruits and flowers without toil or labour in plentiful +luxuriance, and war was unknown. This delightful and god-like existence +lasted for hundreds of years, and when at length life on earth was ended, +death laid his hand so gently upon them that they passed painlessly away in +a happy dream, and continued their existence as ministering spirits in +Hades, watching over and {23} protecting those they had loved and left +behind on earth. The men of the Silver Age[7] were a long time growing up, +and during their childhood, which lasted a hundred years, they suffered +from ill-health and extreme debility. When they at last became men they +lived but a short time, for they would not abstain from mutual injury, nor +pay the service due to the gods, and were therefore banished to Hades. +There, unlike the beings of the Golden Age, they exercised no beneficent +supervision over the dear ones left behind, but wandered about as restless +spirits, always sighing for the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life. + +The men of the Brazen Age were quite a different race of beings, being as +strong and powerful as those of the Silver Age were weak and enervated. +Everything which surrounded them was of brass; their arms, their tools, +their dwellings, and all that they made. Their characters seem to have +resembled the metal in which they delighted; their minds and hearts were +hard, obdurate, and cruel. They led a life of strife and contention, +introduced into the world, which had hitherto known nothing but peace and +tranquillity, the scourge of war, and were in fact only happy when fighting +and quarrelling with each other. Hitherto Themis, the goddess of Justice, +had been living among mankind, but becoming disheartened at their evil +doings, she abandoned the earth, and winged her flight back to heaven. At +last the gods became so tired of their evil deeds and continual +dissensions, that they removed them from the face of the earth, and sent +them down to Hades to share the fate of their predecessors. + +We now come to the men of the Iron Age. The earth, no longer teeming with +fruitfulness, only yielded her increase after much toil and labour. The +goddess of Justice having abandoned mankind, no influence remained +sufficiently powerful to preserve them from every kind of wickedness and +sin. This condition grew worse as time went on, until at last Zeus in his +anger let loose the water-courses from above, and drowned every {24} +individual of this evil race, except Deucalion and Pyrrha. + +The theory of Hesiod,[8] the oldest of all the Greek poets, was that the +Titan Prometheus, the son of Iapetus, had formed man out of clay, and that +Athene had breathed a soul into him. Full of love for the beings he had +called into existence, Prometheus determined to elevate their minds and +improve their condition in every way; he therefore taught them astronomy, +mathematics, the alphabet, how to cure diseases, and the art of divination. +He created this race in such great numbers that the gods began to see the +necessity of instituting certain fixed laws with regard to the sacrifices +due to them, and the worship to which they considered themselves entitled +from mankind in return for the protection which they accorded them. An +assembly was therefore convened at Mecone in order to settle these points. +It was decided that Prometheus, as the advocate of man, should slay an ox, +which should be divided into two equal parts, and that the gods should +select one portion which should henceforth, in all future sacrifices, be +set apart for them. Prometheus so divided the ox that one part consisted of +the bones (which formed of course the least valuable portion of the +animal), artfully concealed by the white fat; whilst the other contained +all the edible parts, which he covered with the skin, and on the top of all +he laid the stomach. + +Zeus, pretending to be deceived, chose the heap of bones, but he saw +through the stratagem, and was so angry at the deception practised on him +by Prometheus that he avenged himself by refusing to mortals the gift of +fire. {25} Prometheus, however, resolved to brave the anger of the great +ruler of Olympus, and to obtain from heaven the vital spark so necessary +for the further progress and comfort of the human race. He accordingly +contrived to steal some sparks from the chariot of the sun, which he +conveyed to earth hidden in a hollow tube. Furious at being again +outwitted, Zeus determined to be revenged first on mankind, and then on +Prometheus. To punish the former he commanded Hephaestus (Vulcan) to mould a +beautiful woman out of clay, and determined that through her +instrumentality trouble and misery should be brought into the world. + +The gods were so charmed with the graceful and artistic creation of +Hephaestus, that they all determined to endow her with some special gift. +Hermes (Mercury) bestowed on her a smooth persuasive tongue, Aphrodite gave +her beauty and the art of pleasing; the Graces made her fascinating, and +Athene (Minerva) gifted her with the possession of feminine +accomplishments. She was called Pandora, which means all-gifted, having +received every attribute necessary to make her charming and irresistible. +Thus beautifully formed and endowed, this exquisite creature, attired by +the Graces, and crowned with flowers by the Seasons, was conducted to the +house of Epimetheus[9] by Hermes the messenger of the gods. Now Epimetheus +had been warned by his brother not to accept any gift whatever from the +gods; but he was so fascinated by the beautiful being who suddenly appeared +before him, that he welcomed her to his home, and made her his wife. It was +not long, however, before he had cause to regret his weakness. + +He had in his possession a jar of rare workmanship, containing all the +blessings reserved by the gods for mankind, which he had been expressly +forbidden to open. But woman's proverbial curiosity could not withstand so +great a temptation, and Pandora determined to solve the mystery at any +cost. Watching her opportunity she raised the lid, and immediately all the +blessings which {26} the gods had thus reserved for mankind took wing and +flew away. But all was not lost. Just as Hope (which lay at the bottom) was +about to escape, Pandora hastily closed the lid of the jar, and thus +preserved to man that never-failing solace which helps him to bear with +courage the many ills which assail him.[10] + +Having punished mankind, Zeus determined to execute vengeance on +Prometheus. He accordingly chained him to a rock in Mount Caucasus, and +sent an eagle every day to gnaw away his liver, which grew again every +night ready for fresh torments. For thirty years Prometheus endured this +fearful punishment; but at length Zeus relented, and permitted his son +Heracles (Hercules) to kill the eagle, and the sufferer was released. + + * * * * * + +THIRD DYNASTY--OLYMPIAN DIVINITIES. + +ZEUS[11] (JUPITER). + +Zeus, the great presiding deity of the universe, the ruler of heaven and +earth, was regarded by the Greeks, first, as the god of all aerial +phenomena; secondly, as the personification of the laws of nature; thirdly, +as lord of state-life; and fourthly, as the father of gods and men. + +As the god of aerial phenomena he could, by shaking his aegis,[12] produce +storms, tempests, and intense darkness. At his command the mighty thunder +rolls, the lightning flashes, and the clouds open and pour forth their +refreshing streams to fructify the earth. + +As the personification of the operations of nature, he represents those +grand laws of unchanging and harmonious order, by which not only the +physical but also {27} the moral world is governed. Hence he is the god of +regulated time as marked by the changing seasons, and by the regular +succession of day and night, in contradistinction to his father Cronus, who +represents time absolutely, _i.e._ eternity. + +As the lord of state-life, he is the founder of kingly power, the upholder +of all institutions connected with the state, and the special friend and +patron of princes, whom he guards and assists with his advice and counsel. +He protects the assembly of the people, and, in fact, watches over the +welfare of the whole community. + +As the father of the gods, Zeus sees that each deity performs his or her +individual duty, punishes their misdeeds, settles their disputes, and acts +towards them on all occasions as their all-knowing counsellor and mighty +friend. + +As the father of men, he takes a paternal interest in the actions and +well-being of mortals. He watches over them with tender solicitude, +rewarding truth, charity, and uprightness, but severely punishing perjury, +cruelty, and want of hospitality. Even the poorest and most forlorn +wanderer finds in him a powerful advocate, for he, by a wise and merciful +dispensation, ordains that the mighty ones of the earth should succour +their distressed and needy brethren. + +The Greeks believed that the home of this their mighty and all-powerful +deity was on the top of Mount Olympus, that high and lofty mountain between +Thessaly and Macedon, whose summit, wrapt in clouds and mist, was hidden +from mortal view. It was supposed that this mysterious region, which even a +bird could not reach, extended beyond the clouds right into Aether, the +realm of the immortal gods. The poets describe this ethereal atmosphere as +bright, glistening, and refreshing, exercising a peculiar, gladdening +influence over the minds and hearts of those privileged beings permitted to +share its delights. Here youth never ages, and the passing years leave no +traces on its favoured inhabitants. On the cloud-capped summit of Olympus +was the palace of {28} Zeus and Hera, of burnished gold, chased silver, and +gleaming ivory. Lower down were the homes of the other gods, which, though +less commanding in position and size, were yet similar to that of Zeus in +design and workmanship, all being the work of the divine artist Hephaestus. +Below these were other palaces of silver, ebony, ivory, or burnished brass, +where the Heroes, or Demi-gods, resided. + +As the worship of Zeus formed so important a feature in the religion of the +Greeks, his statues were necessarily both numerous and magnificent. He is +usually represented as a man of noble and imposing mien, his countenance +expressing all the lofty majesty of the omnipotent ruler of the universe, +combined with the gracious, yet serious, benignity of the father and friend +of mankind. He may be recognized by his rich flowing beard, and the thick +masses of hair, which rise straight from the high and intellectual forehead +and fall to his shoulders in clustering locks. The nose is large and finely +formed, and the slightly-opened lips impart an air of sympathetic +kindliness which invites confidence. He is always accompanied by an eagle, +which either surmounts his sceptre, or sits at his feet; he generally bears +in his uplifted hand a sheaf of thunder-bolts, just ready to be hurled, +whilst in the other he holds the lightning. The head is frequently +encircled with a wreath of oak-leaves. + +[Illustration] + +The most celebrated statue of the Olympian Zeus was that by the famous +Athenian sculptor Phidias, which was forty feet high, and stood in the +temple of Zeus at Olympia. It was formed of ivory and gold, and was {29} +such a masterpiece of art, that it was reckoned among the seven wonders of +the world. It represented the god, seated on a throne, holding in his right +hand a life-sized image of Nike (the goddess of Victory), and in his left a +royal sceptre, surmounted by an eagle. It is said that the great sculptor +had concentrated all the marvellous powers of his genius on this sublime +conception, and earnestly entreated Zeus to give him a decided proof that +his labours were approved. An answer to his prayer came through the open +roof of the temple in the shape of a flash of lightning, which Phidias +interpreted as a sign that the god of heaven was pleased with his work. + +Zeus was first worshipped at Dodona in Epirus, where, at the foot of Mount +Tomarus, on the woody shore of Lake Joanina, was his famous oracle, the +most ancient in Greece. Here the voice of the eternal and invisible god was +supposed to be heard in the rustling leaves of a giant oak, announcing to +mankind the will of heaven and the destiny of mortals; these revelations +being interpreted to the people by the priests of Zeus, who were called +Selli. Recent excavations which have been made at this spot have brought to +light the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus, and also, among other +interesting relics, some plates of lead, on which are engraved inquiries +which were evidently made by certain individuals who consulted the oracle. +These little leaden plates speak to us, as it were, in a curiously homely +manner of a by-gone time in the buried past. One person inquires what god +he should apply to for health and fortune; another asks for advice +concerning his child; and a third, evidently a shepherd, promises a gift to +the oracle should a speculation in sheep turn out successfully. Had these +little memorials been of gold instead of lead, they would doubtless have +shared the fate of the numerous treasures which adorned this and other +temples, in the universal pillage which took place when Greece fell into +the hands of barbarians. + +Though Dodona was the most ancient of his shrines, the great national seat +of the worship of Zeus was at Olympia in Elis, where there was a +magnificent temple {30} dedicated to him, containing the famous colossal +statue by Phidias above described. Crowds of devout worshippers flocked to +this world-renowned fane from all parts of Greece, not only to pay homage +to their supreme deity, but also to join in the celebrated games which were +held there at intervals of four years. The Olympic games were such a +thoroughly national institution, that even Greeks who had left their native +country made a point of returning on these occasions, if possible, in order +to contend with their fellow-countrymen in the various athletic sports +which took place at these festivals. + +It will be seen on reflection that in a country like Greece, which +contained so many petty states, often at variance with each other, these +national gatherings must have been most valuable as a means of uniting the +Greeks in one great bond of brotherhood. On these festive occasions the +whole nation met together, forgetting for the moment all past differences, +and uniting in the enjoyment of the same festivities. + +It will doubtless have been remarked that in the representations of Zeus he +is always accompanied by an eagle. This royal bird was sacred to him, +probably from the fact of its being the only creature capable of gazing at +the sun without being dazzled, which may have suggested the idea that it +was able to contemplate the splendour of divine majesty unshrinkingly. + +The oak-tree, and also the summits of mountains, were sacred to Zeus. His +sacrifices consisted of white bulls, cows, and goats. + +Zeus had seven immortal wives, whose names were Metis, Themis, Eurynome, +Demeter, Mnemosyne, Leto, and Hera. + +METIS, his first wife, was one of the Oceanides or sea-nymphs. She was the +personification of prudence and wisdom, a convincing proof of which she +displayed in her successful administration of the potion which caused +Cronus to yield up his children. She was endowed with the gift of prophecy, +and foretold to Zeus that one of their children would gain ascendency over +{31} him. In order, therefore, to avert the possibility of the prediction +being fulfilled he swallowed her before any children were born to them. +Feeling afterwards violent pains in his head, he sent for Hephaestus, and +ordered him to open it with an axe. His command was obeyed, and out sprang, +with a loud and martial shout, a beautiful being, clad in armour from head +to foot. This was Athene (Minerva), goddess of Armed Resistance and Wisdom. + +THEMIS was the goddess of Justice, Law, and Order. + +EURYNOME was one of the Oceanides, and the mother of the Charites or +Graces. + +DEMETER,[13] the daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was the goddess of +Agriculture. + +MNEMOSYNE, the daughter of Uranus and Gaea, was the goddess of Memory and +the mother of the nine Muses. + +LETO (Latona) was the daughter of Coeus and Phoebe. She was gifted with +wonderful beauty, and was tenderly loved by Zeus, but her lot was far from +being a happy one, for Hera, being extremely jealous of her, persecuted her +with inveterate cruelty, and sent the dreadful serpent Python[14] to +terrify and torment her wherever she went. But Zeus, who had observed with +the deepest compassion her weary wanderings and agonized fears, resolved to +create for her some place of refuge, however humble, where she might feel +herself safe from the venomous attacks of the serpent. He therefore brought +her to Delos, a floating island in the AEgean Sea, which he made stationary +by attaching it with chains of adamant to the bottom of the sea. Here she +gave birth to her twin-children, Apollo and Artemis (Diana), two of the +most beautiful of the immortals. + +According to some versions of the story of Leto, Zeus transformed her into +a quail, in order that she might thus elude the vigilance of Hera, and she +is said to have {32} resumed her true form when she arrived at the island +of Delos. + +HERA, being the principal wife of Zeus and queen of heaven, a detailed +account will be given of her in a special chapter. + +In the union of Zeus with most of his immortal wives we shall find that an +allegorical meaning is conveyed. His marriage with Metis, who is said to +have surpassed both gods and men in knowledge, represents supreme power +allied to wisdom and prudence. His union with Themis typifies the bond +which exists between divine majesty and justice, law, and order. Eurynome, +as the mother of the Charites or Graces, supplied the refining and +harmonizing influences of grace and beauty, whilst the marriage of Zeus +with Mnemosyne typifies the union of genius with memory. + + * * * * * + +In addition to the seven immortal wives of Zeus, he was also allied to a +number of mortal maidens whom he visited under various disguises, as it was +supposed that if he revealed himself in his true form as king of heaven the +splendour of his glory would cause instant destruction to mortals. The +mortal consorts of Zeus have been such a favourite theme with poets, +painters, and sculptors, that it is necessary to give some account of their +individual history. Those best known are Antiope, Leda, Europa, Callisto, +Alcmene, Semele, Io, and Danae. + +ANTIOPE, to whom Zeus appeared under the form of a satyr, was the daughter +of Nicteus, king of Thebes. To escape the anger of her father she fled to +Sicyon, where king Epopeus, enraptured with her wonderful beauty, made her +his wife without asking her father's consent. This so enraged Nicteus that +he declared war against Epopeus, in order to compel him to restore Antiope. +At his death, which took place before he could succeed in his purpose, +Nicteus left his kingdom to his brother Lycus, commanding him, at the same +time, to carry on the war, and execute his vengeance. Lycus invaded Sicyon, +defeated and killed Epopeus, and brought back {33} Antiope as a prisoner. +On the way to Thebes she gave birth to her twin-sons, Amphion and Zethus, +who, by the orders of Lycus, were at once exposed on Mount Cithaeron, and +would have perished but for the kindness of a shepherd, who took pity on +them and preserved their lives. Antiope was, for many years, held captive +by her uncle Lycus, and compelled to suffer the utmost cruelty at the hands +of his wife Dirce. But one day her bonds were miraculously loosened, and +she flew for shelter and protection to the humble dwelling of her sons on +Mount Cithaeron. During the long period of their mother's captivity the +babes had grown into sturdy youths, and, as they listened angrily to the +story of her wrongs, they became all impatience to avenge them. Setting off +at once to Thebes they succeeded in possessing themselves of the town, and +after slaying the cruel Lycus they bound Dirce by the hair to the horns of +a wild bull, which dragged her hither and thither until she expired. Her +mangled body was cast into the fount near Thebes, which still bears her +name. Amphion became king of Thebes in his uncle's stead. He was a friend +of the Muses, and devoted to music and poetry. His brother, Zethus, was +famous for his skill in archery, and was passionately fond of the chase. It +is said that when Amphion wished to inclose the town of Thebes with walls +and towers, he had but to play a sweet melody on the lyre, given to him by +Hermes, and the huge stones began to move, and obediently fitted themselves +together. + +The punishment of Dirce at the hands of Amphion and Zethus forms the +subject of the world-renowned marble group in the museum at Naples, known +by the name of the Farnese Bull. + +In sculpture Amphion is always represented with a lyre; Zethus with a club. + +LEDA, whose affections Zeus won under the form of a swan, was the daughter +of Thestius, king of AEtolia. Her twin-sons, Castor and (Polydeuces or) +Pollux,[15] were {34} renowned for their tender attachment to each other. +They were also famous for their physical accomplishments, Castor being the +most expert charioteer of his day, and Pollux the first of pugilists. Their +names appear both among the hunters of the Calydonian boar-hunt and the +heroes of the Argonautic expedition. The brothers became attached to the +daughters of Leucippus, prince of the Messenians, who had been betrothed by +their father to Idas and Lynceus, sons of Aphareus. Having persuaded +Leucippus to break his promise, the twins carried off the maidens as their +brides. Idas and Lynceus, naturally furious at this proceeding, challenged +the Dioscuri to mortal combat, in which Castor perished by the hand of +Idas, and Lynceus by that of Pollux. Zeus wished to confer the gift of +immortality upon Pollux, but he refused to accept it unless allowed to +share it with Castor. Zeus gave the desired permission, and the faithful +brothers were both allowed to live, but only on alternate days. The +Dioscuri received divine honours throughout Greece, and were worshipped +with special reverence at Sparta. + +EUROPA was the beautiful daughter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia. She was one +day gathering flowers with her companions in a meadow near the sea-shore, +when Zeus, charmed with her great beauty, and wishing to win her love, +transformed himself into a beautiful white bull, and trotted quietly up to +the princess, so as not to alarm her. Surprised at the gentleness of the +animal, and admiring its beauty, as it lay placidly on the grass, she +caressed it, crowned it with flowers, and, at last, playfully seated +herself on its back. Hardly had she done so than the disguised god bounded +away with his lovely burden, and swam across the sea with her to the island +of Crete. + +Europa was the mother of Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthus. Minos, who became +king of Crete, was celebrated for his justice and moderation, and after +death he was created one of the judges of the lower world, which office he +held in conjunction with his brothers. {35} + +CALLISTO, the daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, was a huntress in the +train of Artemis, devoted to the pleasures of the chase, who had made a vow +never to marry; but Zeus, under the form of the huntress-goddess, succeeded +in obtaining her affections. Hera, being extremely jealous of her, changed +her into a bear, and caused Artemis (who failed to recognize her attendant +under this form) to hunt her in the chase, and put an end to her existence. +After her death she was placed by Zeus among the stars as a constellation, +under the name of Arctos, or the bear. + +ALCMENE, the daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae, was betrothed to her +cousin Amphytrion; but, during his absence on a perilous undertaking, Zeus +assumed his form, and obtained her affections. Heracles (whose +world-renowned exploits will be related among the legends) was the son of +Alcmene and Zeus. + +SEMELE, a beautiful princess, the daughter of Cadmus, king of Phoenicia, +was greatly beloved by Zeus. Like the unfortunate Callisto, she was hated +by Hera with jealous malignity, and the haughty queen of heaven determined +to effect her destruction. Disguising herself, therefore, as Beroe, +Semele's faithful old nurse, she artfully persuaded her to insist upon Zeus +visiting her, as he appeared to Hera, in all his power and glory, well +knowing that this would cause her instant death. Semele, suspecting no +treachery, followed the advice of her supposed nurse; and the next time +Zeus came to her, she earnestly entreated him to grant the favour she was +about to ask. Zeus swore by the Styx (which was to the gods an irrevocable +oath) to accede to her request whatsoever it might be. Semele, therefore, +secure of gaining her petition, begged of Zeus to appear to her in all the +glory of his divine power and majesty. As he had sworn to grant whatever +she asked of him, he was compelled to comply with her wish; he therefore +revealed himself as the mighty lord of the universe, accompanied by thunder +and lightning, and she was instantly consumed in the flames. {36} + +IO, daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was a priestess of Hera. She was +very beautiful, and Zeus, who was much attached to her, transformed her +into a white cow, in order to defeat the jealous intrigues of Hera, who, +however, was not to be deceived. Aware of the stratagem, she contrived to +obtain the animal from Zeus, and placed her under the watchful care of a +man called Argus-Panoptes, who fastened her to an olive-tree in the grove +of Hera. He had a hundred eyes, of which, when asleep, he never closed more +than two at a time; being thus always on the watch, Hera found him +extremely useful in keeping guard over Io. Hermes, however, by the command +of Zeus, succeeded in putting all his eyes to sleep with the sound of his +magic lyre, and then, taking advantage of his helpless condition, slew him. +The story goes, that in commemoration of the services which Argus had +rendered her, Hera placed his eyes on the tail of a peacock, as a lasting +memorial of her gratitude. Ever fertile in resource, Hera now sent a gadfly +to worry and torment the unfortunate Io incessantly, and she wandered all +over the world in hopes of escaping from her tormentor. At length she +reached Egypt, where she found rest and freedom from the persecutions of +her enemy. On the banks of the Nile she resumed her original form and gave +birth to a son called Epaphus, who afterwards became king of Egypt, and +built the famous city of Memphis. + +DANAE.--Zeus appeared to Danae under the form of a shower of gold. (Further +details concerning her will be found in the legend of Perseus.) + + * * * * * + +The Greeks supposed that the divine ruler of the Universe occasionally +assumed a human form, and descended from his celestial abode, in order to +visit mankind and observe their proceedings, his aim being generally either +to punish the guilty, or to reward the deserving. + +On one occasion Zeus, accompanied by Hermes, made a journey through +Phrygia, seeking hospitality and shelter wherever they went. But nowhere +did they receive a {37} kindly welcome till they came to the humble cottage +of an old man and his wife called Philemon and Baucis, who entertained them +with the greatest kindness, setting before them what frugal fare their +humble means permitted, and bidding them welcome with unaffected +cordiality. Observing in the course of their simple repast that the wine +bowl was miraculously replenished, the aged couple became convinced of the +divine nature of their guests. The gods now informed them that on account +of its wickedness their native place was doomed to destruction, and told +them to climb the neighbouring hill with them, which overlooked the village +where they dwelt. What was their dismay on beholding at their feet, in +place of the spot where they had passed so many happy years together, +nothing but a watery plain, the only house to be seen being their own +little cottage, which suddenly changed itself into a temple before their +eyes. Zeus now asked the worthy pair to name any wish they particularly +desired and it should be granted. They accordingly begged that they might +serve the gods in the temple below, and end life together. + +Their wish was granted, for, after spending the remainder of their lives in +the worship of the gods, they both died at the same instant, and were +transformed by Zeus into trees, remaining for ever side by side. + +Upon another occasion Zeus, wishing to ascertain for himself the truth of +the reports concerning the atrocious wickedness of mankind, made a journey +through Arcadia. Being recognized by the Arcadians as king of heaven, he +was received by them with becoming respect and veneration; but Lycaon, +their king, who had rendered himself infamous by the gross impiety of +himself and his sons, doubted the divinity of Zeus, ridiculed his people +for being so easily duped, and, according to his custom of killing all +strangers who ventured to trust his hospitality, resolved to murder him. +Before executing this wicked design, however, he decided to put Zeus to the +test, and having killed a boy for the purpose, placed before him a dish +containing human flesh. But Zeus was {38} not to be deceived. He beheld the +revolting dish with horror and loathing, and angrily upsetting the table +upon which it was placed, turned Lycaon into a wolf, and destroyed all his +fifty sons by lightning, except Nyctimus, who was saved by the intervention +of Gaea. + +JUPITER. + +The Roman Jupiter, who is so frequently confounded with the Greek Zeus, is +identical with him only as being the head of the Olympic gods, and the +presiding deity over Life, Light, and Aerial Phenomena. Jupiter is lord of +life in its widest and most comprehensive signification, having absolute +power over life and death, in which respect he differed from the Greek +Zeus, who was to a certain extent controlled by the all-potent sway of the +Moirae or Fates. Zeus, as we have seen, often condescends to visit mankind, +either as a mortal, or under various disguises, whereas Jupiter always +remains essentially the supreme god of heaven, and never appears upon +earth. + +The most celebrated temple of Jupiter was that on the Capitoline Hill in +the city of Rome, where he was worshipped under the names of +Jupiter-Optimus-Maximus, Capitolinus, and Tarpeius. + +The Romans represented him seated on a throne of ivory, holding in his +right hand a sheaf of thunderbolts, and in his left a sceptre, whilst an +eagle stands beside his throne. + +HERA (JUNO). + +Hera, the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was born at Samos, or, +according to some accounts, at Argos, and was reared by the sea-divinities +Oceanus and Tethys, who were models of conjugal fidelity.[16] She was the +{39} principal wife of Zeus, and, as queen of heaven, participated in the +honours paid to him, but her dominion only extended over the air (the lower +aerial regions). Hera appears to be the sublime embodiment of strict +matronly virtue, and is on that account the protectress of purity and +married women. Faultless herself in her fidelity as a wife, she is +essentially the type of the sanctity of the marriage tie, and holds in +abhorrence any violation of its obligations. So strongly was she imbued +with this hatred of any immorality, that, finding herself so often called +upon to punish the failings of both gods and men in this respect, she +became jealous, harsh, and vindictive. Her exalted position as the wife of +the supreme deity, combined with her extreme beauty, caused her to become +exceedingly vain, and she consequently resented with great severity any +infringement on her rights as queen of heaven, or any apparent slight on +her personal appearance. + +The following story will signally illustrate how ready she was to resent +any slight offered to her. + +At the marriage of the sea-nymph Thetis with a mortal called Peleus, all +the gods and goddesses were present, except Eris (the goddess of Discord). +Indignant at not being invited, she determined to cause dissension in the +assembly, and for this purpose threw into the midst of the guests a golden +apple with the inscription on it "For the Fairest." Now, as all the +goddesses were extremely beautiful, each claimed the apple; but at length, +the rest having relinquished their pretensions, the number of candidates +was reduced to three, Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite, who agreed to appeal to +Paris for a settlement of this delicate question, he being noted for the +wisdom he had displayed in his judgment upon several occasions. Paris was +the son of Priam, king of Troy, who, ignorant of his noble birth, was at +this time feeding his flocks on Mount Ida, in Phrygia. Hermes, as messenger +of the gods, conducted the three rival beauties to the young shepherd, and +with breathless anxiety they awaited his decision. Each fair candidate +endeavoured {40} to secure his favour by the most tempting offers. Hera +promised him extensive dominions; Athene, martial fame and glory; and +Aphrodite, the loveliest woman in the world. But whether he really +considered Aphrodite the fairest of the three, or preferred a beautiful +wife to fame and power, we cannot tell; all we know is that to her he +awarded the golden apple, and she became ever after universally +acknowledged as the goddess of beauty. Hera, having fully expected that +Paris would give her the preference, was so indignant that she never +forgave him, and not only persecuted him, but all the family of Priam, +whose dreadful sufferings and misfortunes during the Trojan war were +attributed to her influence. In fact, she carried her animosity to such an +extent that it was often the cause of domestic disagreements between +herself and Zeus, who espoused the cause of the Trojans. + +Among the many stories of these frequent quarrels there is one connected +with Heracles, the favourite son of Zeus, which is as follows:--Hera having +raised a storm at sea in order to drive him out of his course, Zeus became +so angry that he hung her in the clouds by a golden chain, and attached +heavy anvils to her feet. Her son Hephaestus tried to release his mother +from her humiliating position, for which Zeus threw him out of heaven, and +his leg was broken by the fall. + +Hera, being deeply offended with Zeus, determined to separate herself from +him for ever, and she accordingly left him and took up her abode in Euboea. +Surprised and grieved at this unlooked-for desertion, Zeus resolved to +leave no means untried to win her back again. In this emergency he +consulted Cithaeron, king of Platea, who was famed for his great wisdom and +subtlety. Cithaeron advised him to dress up an image in bridal attire and +place it in a chariot, announcing that this was Platea, his future wife. +The artifice succeeded. Hera, incensed at the idea of a rival, flew to meet +the procession in great anger, and seizing the supposed bride, she +furiously attacked her and dragged off her nuptial attire. Her delight on +discovering the deception was so great that a {41} reconciliation took +place, and, committing the image to the flames, with joyful laughter she +seated herself in its place and returned to Olympus. + +Hera was the mother of Ares (Mars), Hephaestus, Hebe, and Eileithyia. Ares +was the god of War; Hephaestus, of Fire; Hebe, of Youth; and Eileithyia +presided over the birth of mortals. + +Hera dearly loved Greece, and indeed always watched over and protected +Greek interests, her beloved and favourite cities being Argos, Samos, +Sparta, and Mycenae. + +[Illustration] + +Her principal temples were at Argos and Samos. From a remote period she was +greatly venerated at Olympia, and her temple there, which stood in the +Altis or sacred grove, was five hundred years older than that of Zeus on +the same spot. Some interesting excavations which are now going on there +have brought to light the remains of the ancient edifice, which contains +among other treasures of antiquity several beautiful statues, the work of +the famous sculptors of ancient Greece. At first this temple was built of +wood, then of stone, and the one lately discovered was formed of +conglomerate of shells. + +In the Altis races were run by young maidens in honour of Hera, and the +fleetest of foot received in token of her victory an olive-wreath and a +piece of the flesh of the sacrifices. These races, like the Olympic Games, +were celebrated at intervals of four years, and were called Herae. A +beautiful robe, woven by sixteen women chosen from the sixteen cities of +Elis, was always offered to Hera on these {42} occasions, and choral songs +and sacred dances formed part of the ceremonies. + +Hera is usually represented seated on a throne, holding a pomegranate in +one hand and a sceptre surmounted by a cuckoo in the other. She appears as +a calm, dignified matron of majestic beauty, robed in a tunic and mantle, +her forehead is broad and intellectual, her eyes large and fully opened, +and her arms dazzlingly white and finely moulded. + +The finest statue of this divinity was that by Polycletus at Argos. + +Her attributes are the diadem, veil, sceptre, and peacock. + +The first day of every month a ewe-lamb and sow were sacrificed to Hera. +The hawk, goose, and more particularly the peacock[17] were sacred to her. +Flocks of these beautiful birds generally surround her throne and draw her +chariot, Iris, the Rainbow, being seated behind her. + +Her favourite flowers were the dittany, poppy, and lily. + +JUNO. + +Juno, the Roman divinity supposed to be identical with the Greek Hera, +differed from her in the most salient points, for whereas Hera invariably +appears as the haughty, unbending queen of heaven, Juno, on the other hand, +is revered and beloved as the type of a matron and housewife. She was +worshipped in Rome under various titles, most of which point to her +vocation as the protectress of married women. Juno was believed to watch +over and guard the life of every woman from her birth to her death. The +principal temples dedicated to her were in Rome, one being erected on the +Aventine, and the other on the Capitoline Hill. She had also a temple on +the Arx, in which she was worshipped as Juno Moneta, or the {43} warning +goddess. Adjacent to this shrine was the public mint.[18] On the 1st of +March a grand annual festival, called the Matronalia, was celebrated in her +honour by all the married women of Rome, and this religious institution was +accompanied with much solemnity.[19] + +PALLAS-ATHENE (MINERVA). + +Pallas-Athene, goddess of Wisdom and Armed Resistance, was a purely Greek +divinity; that is to say, no other nation possessed a corresponding +conception. She was supposed, as already related, to have issued from the +head of Zeus himself, clad in armour from head to foot. The miraculous +advent of this maiden goddess is beautifully described by Homer in one of +his hymns: snow-capped Olympus shook to its foundation; the glad earth +re-echoed her martial shout; the billowy sea became agitated; and Helios, +the sun-god, arrested his fiery steeds in their headlong course to welcome +this wonderful emanation from the godhead. Athene was at once admitted into +the assembly of the gods, and henceforth took her place as the most +faithful and sagacious of all her father's counsellors. This brave, +dauntless maiden, so exactly the essence of all that is noble in the +character of "the father of gods and men," remained throughout chaste in +word and deed, and kind at heart, without exhibiting any of those failings +which somewhat mar the nobler features in the character of Zeus. This +direct emanation from his own self, justly his favourite child, his better +and purer counterpart, received from him several important prerogatives. +She was permitted to hurl the thunderbolts, to prolong the life of man, and +to bestow the gift of prophecy; in fact Athene was the only divinity whose +authority was equal to that of Zeus himself, and when he had ceased to +visit the earth in person {44} she was empowered by him to act as his +deputy. It was her especial duty to protect the state and all peaceful +associations of mankind, which she possessed the power of defending when +occasion required. She encouraged the maintenance of law and order, and +defended the right on all occasions, for which reason, in the Trojan war +she espouses the cause of the Greeks and exerts all her influence on their +behalf. The Areopagus, a court of justice where religious causes and +murders were tried, was believed to have been instituted by her, and when +both sides happened to have an equal number of votes she gave the +casting-vote in favour of the accused. She was the patroness of learning, +science, and art, more particularly where these contributed directly +towards the welfare of nations. She presided over all inventions connected +with agriculture, invented the plough, and taught mankind how to use oxen +for farming purposes. She also instructed mankind in the use of numbers, +trumpets, chariots, &c., and presided over the building of the Argo,[20] +thereby encouraging the useful art of navigation. She also taught the +Greeks how to build the wooden horse by means of which the destruction of +Troy was effected. + +The safety of cities depended on her care, for which reason her temples +were generally built on the citadels, and she was supposed to watch over +the defence of the walls, fortifications, harbours, &c. A divinity who so +faithfully guarded the best interests of the state, by not only protecting +it from the attacks of enemies, but also by developing its chief resources +of wealth and prosperity, was worthily chosen as the presiding deity of the +state, and in this character as an essentially political goddess she was +called Athene-Polias. + +The fact of Athene having been born clad in armour, which merely signified +that her virtue and purity were unassailable, has given rise to the +erroneous supposition that she was the presiding goddess of war; but a +deeper {45} study of her character in all its bearings proves that, in +contradistinction to her brother Ares, the god of war, who loved strife for +its own sake, she only takes up arms to protect the innocent and deserving +against tyrannical oppression. It is true that in the Iliad we frequently +see her on the battlefield fighting valiantly, and protecting her favourite +heroes; but this is always at the command of Zeus, who even supplies her +with arms for the purpose, as it is supposed that she possessed none of her +own. A marked feature in the representations of this deity is the aegis, +that wonderful shield given to her by her father as a further means of +defence, which, when in danger, she swung so swiftly round and round that +it kept at a distance all antagonistic influences; hence her name Pallas, +from _pallo_, I swing. In the centre of this shield, which was covered with +dragon's scales, bordered with serpents, and which she sometimes wore as a +breastplate, was the awe-inspiring head of the Medusa, which had the effect +of turning to stone all beholders. + +In addition to the many functions which she exercised in connection with +the state, Athene presided over the two chief departments of feminine +industry, spinning and weaving. In the latter art she herself displayed +unrivalled ability and exquisite taste. She wove her own robe and that of +Hera, which last she is said to have embroidered very richly; she also gave +Jason a cloak wrought by herself, when he set forth in quest of the Golden +Fleece. Being on one occasion challenged to a contest in this +accomplishment by a mortal maiden named Arachne, whom she had instructed in +the art of weaving, she accepted the challenge and was completely +vanquished by her pupil. Angry at her defeat, she struck the unfortunate +maiden on the forehead with the shuttle which she held in her hand; and +Arachne, being of a sensitive nature, was so hurt by this indignity that +she hung herself in despair, and was changed by Athene into a spider. This +goddess is said to have invented the flute,[21] upon {46} which she played +with considerable talent, until one day, being laughed at by the assembled +gods and goddesses for the contortions which her countenance assumed during +these musical efforts, she hastily ran to a fountain in order to convince +herself whether she deserved their ridicule. Finding to her intense disgust +that such was indeed the fact, she threw the flute away, and never raised +it to her lips again. + +[Illustration] + +Athene is usually represented fully draped; she has a serious and +thoughtful aspect, as though replete with earnestness and wisdom; the +beautiful oval contour of her countenance is adorned by the luxuriance of +her wealth of hair, which is drawn back from the temples and hangs down in +careless grace; she looks the embodiment of strength, grandeur, and +majesty; whilst her broad shoulders and small hips give her a slightly +masculine appearance. + +When represented as the war-goddess she appears clad in armour, with a +helmet on her head, from which waves a large plume; she carries the aegis on +her arm, and in her hand a golden staff, which possessed the property of +endowing her chosen favourites with youth and dignity. + +Athene was universally worshipped throughout Greece, but was regarded with +special veneration by the Athenians, she being the guardian deity of +Athens. Her most celebrated temple was the Parthenon, which stood on the +{47} Acropolis at Athens, and contained her world-renowned statue by +Phidias, which ranks second only to that of Zeus by the same great artist. +This colossal statue was 39 feet high, and was composed of ivory and gold; +its majestic beauty formed the chief attraction of the temple. It +represented her standing erect, bearing her spear and shield; in her hand +she held an image of Nike, and at her feet there lay a serpent. + +The tree sacred to her was the olive, which she herself produced in a +contest with Poseidon. The olive-tree thus called into existence was +preserved in the temple of Erectheus, on the Acropolis, and is said to have +possessed such marvellous vitality, that when the Persians burned it after +sacking the town it immediately burst forth into new shoots. + +The principal festival held in honour of this divinity was the Panathenaea. + +The owl, cock, and serpent were the animals sacred to her, and her +sacrifices were rams, bulls, and cows. + +[Illustration] + +MINERVA. + +The Minerva of the Romans was identified with the Pallas-Athene of the +Greeks. Like her she presides over learning and all useful arts, and is the +patroness of the feminine accomplishments of sewing, spinning, weaving, &c. +Schools were under her especial care, and schoolboys, therefore, had +holidays during her festivals (the Greater Quinquatria), when they always +brought a gift to their master, called the Minerval. + +It is worthy of notice that the only three divinities {48} worshipped in +the Capitol were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, and in their joint honour the +Ludi Maximi or great games were held. + +THEMIS. + +Themis, who has already been alluded to as the wife of Zeus, was the +daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and personified those divine laws of justice +and order by means of which the well-being and morality of communities are +regulated. She presided over the assemblies of the people and the laws of +hospitality. To her was intrusted the office of convoking the assembly of +the gods, and she was also mistress of ritual and ceremony. On account of +her great wisdom Zeus himself frequently sought her counsel and acted upon +her advice. Themis was a prophetic divinity, and had an oracle near the +river Cephissus in Boeotia. + +She is usually represented as being in the full maturity of womanhood, of +fair aspect, and wearing a flowing garment, which drapes her noble, +majestic form; in her right hand she holds the sword of justice, and in her +left the scales, which indicate the impartiality with which every cause is +carefully weighed by her, her eyes being bandaged so that the personality +of the individual should carry no weight with respect to the verdict. + +This divinity is sometimes identified with Tyche, sometimes with Ananke. + +Themis, like so many other Greek divinities, takes the place of a more +ancient deity of the same name who was a daughter of Uranus and Gaea. This +elder Themis inherited from her mother the gift of prophecy, and when she +became merged into her younger representative she transmitted to her this +prophetic power. + +HESTIA (Vesta). + +Hestia was the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She was the goddess of Fire in +its first application to the wants of mankind, hence she was essentially +the presiding deity {49} of the domestic hearth and the guardian spirit of +man, and it was her pure and benign influence which was supposed to protect +the sanctity of domestic life. + +Now in these early ages the hearth was regarded as the most important and +most sacred portion of the dwelling, probably because the protection of the +fire was an important consideration, for if once permitted to become +extinct, re-ignition was attended with extreme difficulty. In fact, the +hearth was held so sacred that it constituted the sanctum of the family, +for which reason it was always erected in the centre of every house. It was +a few feet in height and was built of stone; the fire was placed on the top +of it, and served the double purpose of preparing the daily meals, and +consuming the family sacrifices. Round this domestic hearth or altar were +gathered the various members of the family, the head of the house occupying +the place of honour nearest the hearth. Here prayers were said and +sacrifices offered, and here also every kind and loving feeling was +fostered, which even extended to the hunted and guilty stranger, who, if he +once succeeded in touching this sacred altar, was safe from pursuit and +punishment, and was henceforth placed under the protection of the family. +Any crime committed within the sacred precincts of the domestic hearth was +invariably visited by death. + +[Illustration] + +In Grecian cities there was a common hall, called the Prytaneum, in which +the members of the government had their meals at the expense of the state, +and here too was the Hestia, or public hearth, with its fire, by means of +which those meals were prepared. It was customary for emigrants to take +with them a portion of this sacred fire, which they jealously guarded and +brought with them to their new home, where it served as a connecting link +between the young Greek colony and the mother country. Hestia is generally +represented standing, and in accordance with the dignity and sanctity of +her character, always appears fully draped. Her countenance is +distinguished by a serene gravity of expression. {50} + +VESTA. + +Vesta occupies a distinguished place among the earlier divinities of the +Romans. Her temple in Rome, containing as it were the hearthstone of the +nation, stood close beside the palace of Numa Pompilius. + +On her altar burned the never-ceasing fire, which was tended by her +priestesses, the Vestal Virgins.[22] + +The temple of Vesta was circular in form, and contained that sacred and +highly prized treasure the Palladium of Troy.[23] + +The great festival in honour of Vesta, called the Vestalia, was celebrated +on the 9th of June. + +DEMETER (Ceres). + +Demeter (from _Ge-meter_, earth-mother) was the daughter of Cronus and +Rhea.[24] She represented that portion of Gaea (the whole solid earth) which +we call the earth's crust, and which produces all vegetation. As goddess of +agriculture, field-fruits, plenty, and productiveness, she was the +sustainer of material life, and was therefore a divinity of great +importance. When ancient Gaea lost, with Uranus, her position as a ruling +divinity, she abdicated her sway in favour of her daughter Rhea, who +henceforth inherited the powers which her mother had previously possessed, +receiving in her place the honour and worship of mankind. In a very old +poem Gaea is accordingly described as retiring to a cavern in the bowels +{51} of the earth, where she sits in the lap of her daughter, slumbering, +moaning, and nodding for ever and ever. + +It is necessary to keep clearly in view the distinctive difference between +the three great earth-goddesses Gaea, Rhea, and Demeter. Gaea represents the +earth as a whole, with its mighty subterranean forces; Rhea is that +productive power which causes vegetation to spring forth, thus sustaining +men and animals; Demeter, by presiding over agriculture, directs and +utilizes Rhea's productive powers. But in later times, when Rhea, like +other ancient divinities, loses her importance as a ruling deity, Demeter +assumes all her functions and attributes, and then becomes the goddess of +the life-producing and life-maintaining earth-crust. We must bear in mind +the fact that man in his primitive state knew neither how to sow nor how to +till the ground; when, therefore, he had exhausted the pastures which +surrounded him he was compelled to seek others which were as yet unreaped; +thus, roaming constantly from one place to another, settled habitations, +and consequently civilizing influences, were impossible. Demeter, however, +by introducing a knowledge of agriculture, put an end, at once and for +ever, to that nomadic life which was now no longer necessary. + +[Illustration] + +The favour of Demeter was believed to bring mankind rich harvests and +fruitful crops, whereas her displeasure caused blight, drought, and famine. +The island of Sicily was supposed to be under her especial protection, and +there she was regarded with particular veneration, the Sicilians naturally +attributing the wonderful fertility of their country to the partiality of +the goddess. + +Demeter is usually represented as a woman of noble {52} bearing and +majestic appearance, tall, matronly, and dignified, with beautiful golden +hair, which falls in rippling curls over her stately shoulders, the yellow +locks being emblematical of the ripened ears of corn. Sometimes she appears +seated in a chariot drawn by winged dragons, at others she stands erect, +her figure drawn up to its full height, and always fully draped; she bears +a sheaf of wheat-ears in one hand and a lighted torch in the other. The +wheat-ears are not unfrequently replaced by a bunch of poppies, with which +her brows are also garlanded, though sometimes she merely wears a simple +riband in her hair. + +Demeter, as the wife of Zeus, became the mother of Persephone (Proserpine), +to whom she was so tenderly attached that her whole life was bound up in +her, and she knew no happiness except in her society. One day, however, +whilst Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow, attended by the +ocean-nymphs, she saw to her surprise a beautiful narcissus, from the stem +of which sprang forth a hundred blossoms. Drawing near to examine this +lovely flower, whose exquisite scent perfumed the air, she stooped down to +gather it, suspecting no evil, when a yawning abyss opened at her feet, and +Aides, the grim ruler of the lower world, appeared from its depths, seated +in his dazzling chariot drawn by four black horses. Regardless of her tears +and the shrieks of her female attendants, Aides seized the terrified +maiden, and bore her away to the gloomy realms over which he reigned in +melancholy grandeur. Helios, the all-seeing sun-god, and Hecate, a +mysterious and very ancient divinity, alone heard her cries for aid, but +were powerless to help her. When Demeter became conscious of her loss her +grief was intense, and she refused to be comforted. She knew not where to +seek for her child, but feeling that repose and inaction were impossible, +she set out on her weary search, taking with her two torches which she +lighted in the flames of Mount Etna to guide her on her way. For nine long +days and nights she wandered on, inquiring of every one she met for tidings +of her child. {53} But all was in vain! Neither gods nor men could give her +the comfort which her soul so hungered for. At last, on the tenth day, the +disconsolate mother met Hecate, who informed her that she had heard her +daughter's cries, but knew not who it was that had borne her away. By +Hecate's advice Demeter consulted Helios, whose all-seeing eye nothing +escapes, and from him she learnt that it was Zeus himself who had permitted +Aides to seize Persephone, and transport her to the lower world in order +that she might become his wife. Indignant with Zeus for having given his +sanction to the abduction of his daughter, and filled with the bitterest +sorrow, she abandoned her home in Olympus, and refused all heavenly food. +Disguising herself as an old woman, she descended upon earth, and commenced +a weary pilgrimage among mankind. One evening she arrived at a place called +Eleusis, in Attica, and sat down to rest herself near a well beneath the +shade of an olive-tree. The youthful daughters of Celeus, the king of the +country, came with their pails of brass to draw water from this well, and +seeing that the tired wayfarer appeared faint and dispirited, they spoke +kindly to her, asking who she was, and whence she came. Demeter replied +that she had made her escape from pirates, who had captured her, and added +that she would feel grateful for a home with any worthy family, whom she +would be willing to serve in a menial capacity. The princesses, on hearing +this, begged Demeter to have a moment's patience while they returned home +and consulted their mother, Metaneira. They soon brought the joyful +intelligence that she was desirous of securing her services as nurse to her +infant son Demophoon, or Triptolemus. When Demeter arrived at the house a +radiant light suddenly illumined her, which circumstance so overawed +Metaneira that she treated the unknown stranger with the greatest respect, +and hospitably offered her food and drink. But Demeter, still grief-worn +and dejected, refused her friendly offers, and held herself apart from the +social board. At length, however, the maid-servant Iambe succeeded, by +means {54} of playful jests and merriment, in somewhat dispelling the grief +of the sorrowing mother, causing her at times to smile in spite of herself, +and even inducing her to partake of a mixture of barley-meal, mint, and +water, which was prepared according to the directions of the goddess +herself. Time passed on, and the young child throve amazingly under the +care of his kind and judicious nurse, who, however, gave him no food, but +anointed him daily with ambrosia, and every night laid him secretly in the +fire in order to render him immortal and exempt from old age. But, +unfortunately, this benevolent design on the part of Demeter was frustrated +by Metaneira herself, whose curiosity, one night, impelled her to watch the +proceedings of the mysterious being who nursed her child. When to her +horror she beheld her son placed in the flames, she shrieked aloud. +Demeter, incensed at this untimely interruption, instantly withdrew the +child, and throwing him on the ground, revealed herself in her true +character. The bent and aged form had vanished, and in its place there +stood a bright and beauteous being, whose golden locks streamed over her +shoulders in richest luxuriance, her whole aspect bespeaking dignity and +majesty. She told the awe-struck Metaneira that she was the goddess +Demeter, and had intended to make her son immortal, but that her fatal +curiosity had rendered this impossible, adding, however, that the child, +having slept in her arms, and been nursed on her lap, should ever command +the respect and esteem of mankind. She then desired that a temple and altar +should be erected to her on a neighbouring hill by the people of Eleusis, +promising that she herself would direct them how to perform the sacred +rites and ceremonies, which should be observed in her honour. With these +words she took her departure never to return. + +Obedient to her commands, Celeus called together a meeting of his people, +and built the temple on the spot which the goddess had indicated. It was +soon completed, and Demeter took up her abode in it, but her heart was +still sad for the loss of her daughter, and the whole world felt the +influence of her grief and dejection. This was {55} indeed a terrible year +for mankind. Demeter no longer smiled on the earth she was wont to bless, +and though the husbandman sowed the grain, and the groaning oxen ploughed +the fields, no harvest rewarded their labour. All was barren, dreary +desolation. The world was threatened with famine, and the gods with the +loss of their accustomed honours and sacrifices; it became evident, +therefore, to Zeus himself that some measures must be adopted to appease +the anger of the goddess. He accordingly despatched Iris and many of the +other gods and goddesses to implore Demeter to return to Olympus; but all +their prayers were fruitless. The incensed goddess swore that until her +daughter was restored to her she would not allow the grain to spring forth +from the earth. At length Zeus sent Hermes, his faithful messenger, to the +lower world with a petition to Aides, urgently entreating him to restore +Persephone to the arms of her disconsolate mother. When he arrived in the +gloomy realms of Aides, Hermes found him seated on a throne with the +beautiful Persephone beside him, sorrowfully bewailing her unhappy fate. On +learning his errand, Aides consented to resign Persephone, who joyfully +prepared to follow the messenger of the gods to the abode of life and +light. Before taking leave of her husband, he presented to her a few seeds +of pomegranate, which in her excitement she thoughtlessly swallowed, and +this simple act, as the sequel will show, materially affected her whole +future life. The meeting between mother and child was one of unmixed +rapture, and for the moment all the past was forgotten. The loving mother's +happiness would now have been complete had not Aides asserted his rights. +These were, that if any immortal had tasted food in his realms they were +bound to remain there for ever. Of course the ruler of the lower world had +to prove this assertion. This, however, he found no difficulty in doing, as +Ascalaphus, the son of Acheron and Orphne, was his witness to the fact.[25] +Zeus, pitying the disappointment of Demeter at finding {56} her hopes thus +blighted, succeeded in effecting a compromise by inducing his brother Aides +to allow Persephone to spend six months of the year with the gods above, +whilst during the other six she was to be the joyless companion of her grim +lord below. Accompanied by her daughter, the beautiful Persephone, Demeter +now resumed her long-abandoned dwelling in Olympus; the sympathetic earth +responded gaily to her bright smiles, the corn at once sprang forth from +the ground in fullest plenty, the trees, which late were sered and bare, +now donned their brightest emerald robes, and the flowers, so long +imprisoned in the hard, dry soil, filled the whole air with their fragrant +perfume. Thus ends this charming story, which was a favourite theme with +all the classic authors. + +It is very possible that the poets who first created this graceful myth +merely intended it as an allegory to illustrate the change of seasons; in +the course of time, however, a literal meaning became attached to this and +similar poetical fancies, and thus the people of Greece came to regard as +an article of religious belief what, in the first instance, was nothing +more than a poetic simile. + +In the temple erected to Demeter at Eleusis, the famous Eleusinian +Mysteries were instituted by the goddess herself. It is exceedingly +difficult, as in the case of all secret societies, to discover anything +with certainty concerning these sacred rites. The most plausible +supposition is that the doctrines taught by the priests to the favoured few +whom they initiated, were religious truths which were deemed unfit for the +uninstructed mind of the multitude. For instance, it is supposed that the +myth of Demeter and Persephone was explained by the teachers of the +Mysteries to signify the temporary loss which mother earth sustains every +year when the icy breath of winter robs her of her flowers and fruits and +grain. + +It is believed that in later times a still deeper meaning was conveyed by +this beautiful myth, viz., the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. The +grain, which, as it were, remains dead for a time in the dark earth, only +{57} to rise one day dressed in a newer and lovelier garb, was supposed to +symbolize the soul, which, after death, frees itself from corruption, to +live again under a better and purer form. + +When Demeter instituted the Eleusinian Mysteries, Celeus and his family +were the first to be initiated, Celeus himself being appointed high-priest. +His son Triptolemus and his daughters, who acted as priestesses, assisted +him in the duties of his sacred office. The Mysteries were celebrated by +the Athenians every five years, and were, for a long time, their exclusive +privilege. They took place by torchlight, and were conducted with the +greatest solemnity. + +In order to spread abroad the blessings which agriculture confers, Demeter +presented Triptolemus with her chariot drawn by winged dragons, and, giving +him some grains of corn, desired him to journey through the world, teaching +mankind the arts of agriculture and husbandry. + +[Illustration] + +Demeter exercised great severity towards those who incurred her +displeasure. We find examples of this in the stories of Stellio and +Eresicthon. Stellio was a youth who ridiculed the goddess for the eagerness +with which she was eating a bowl of porridge, when weary and faint in the +vain search for her daughter. Resolved that he should never again have an +opportunity of thus offending, she angrily threw into his face the +remainder of the food, and changed him into a spotted lizard. + +Eresicthon, son of Triopas, had drawn upon himself the anger of Demeter by +cutting down her sacred groves, for which she punished him with a constant +and insatiable hunger. He sold all his possessions in order to satisfy his +cravings, and was forced at last to devour his own limbs. His daughter +Metra, who was devotedly attached to him, possessed the power of +transforming herself into a variety of different animals. By this means she +contrived to support her father, who sold her again and again each time she +assumed a different form, and thus he dragged on a pitiful existence. {58} + +CERES. + +The Roman Ceres is actually the Greek Demeter under another name, her +attributes, worship, festivals, &c., being precisely identical. + +The Romans were indebted to Sicily for this divinity, her worship having +been introduced by the Greek colonists who settled there. + +The Cerealia, or festivals in honour of Ceres, commenced on the 12th of +April, and lasted several days. + +APHRODITE (VENUS). + +Aphrodite (from _aphros_, sea-foam, and _dite_, issued), the daughter of +Zeus and a sea-nymph called Dione, was the goddess of Love and Beauty. + +Dione, being a sea-nymph, gave birth to her daughter beneath the waves; but +the child of the heaven-inhabiting Zeus was forced to ascend from the +ocean-depths and mount to the snow-capped summits of Olympus, in order to +breathe that ethereal and most refined atmosphere which pertains to the +celestial gods. + +Aphrodite was the mother of Eros (Cupid), the god of Love, also of AEneas, +the great Trojan hero and the head of that Greek colony which settled in +Italy, and from which arose the city of Rome. As a mother Aphrodite claims +our sympathy for the tenderness she exhibits towards her children. Homer +tells us in his Iliad, how, when AEneas was wounded in battle, she came to +his assistance, regardless of personal danger, and was herself severely +wounded in attempting to save his life. {59} + +Aphrodite was tenderly attached to a lovely youth, called Adonis, whose +exquisite beauty has become proverbial. He was a motherless babe, and +Aphrodite, taking pity on him, placed him in a chest and intrusted him to +the care of Persephone, who became so fond of the beautiful youth that she +refused to part with him. Zeus, being appealed to by the rival +foster-mothers, decided that Adonis should spend four months of every year +with Persephone, four with Aphrodite, whilst during the remaining four +months he should be left to his own devices. He became, however, so +attached to Aphrodite that he voluntarily devoted to her the time at his +own disposal. Adonis was killed, during the chase, by a wild boar, to the +great grief of Aphrodite, who bemoaned his loss so persistently that Aides, +moved with pity, permitted him to pass six months of every year with her, +whilst the remaining half of the year was spent by him in the lower world. + +Aphrodite possessed a magic girdle (the famous _cestus_) which she +frequently lent to unhappy maidens suffering from the pangs of unrequited +love, as it was endowed with the power of inspiring affection for the +wearer, whom it invested with every attribute of grace, beauty, and +fascination. + +Her usual attendants are the Charites or Graces (Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and +Thalia), who are represented undraped and intertwined in a loving embrace. + +In Hesiod's _Theogony_ she is supposed to belong to the more ancient +divinities, and, whilst those of later date are represented as having +descended one from another, and all more or less from Zeus, Aphrodite has a +variously-accounted-for, yet independent origin. + +The most poetical version of her birth is that when Uranus was wounded by +his son Cronus, his blood mingled with the foam of the sea, whereupon the +bubbling waters at once assumed a rosy tint, and from their depths arose, +in all the surpassing glory of her loveliness, Aphrodite, goddess of love +and beauty! Shaking her long, fair tresses, the water-drops rolled down +into the beautiful {60} sea-shell in which she stood, and became +transformed into pure glistening pearls. Wafted by the soft and balmy +breezes, she floated on to Cythera, and was thence transported to the +island of Cyprus. Lightly she stepped on shore, and under the gentle +pressure of her delicate foot the dry and rigid sand became transformed +into a verdant meadow, where every varied shade of colour and every sweet +odour charmed the senses. The whole island of Cyprus became clothed with +verdure, and greeted this fairest of all created beings with a glad smile +of friendly welcome. Here she was received by the Seasons, who decked her +with garments of immortal fabric, encircling her fair brow with a wreath of +purest gold, whilst from her ears depended costly rings, and a glittering +chain embraced her swan-like throat. And now, arrayed in all the panoply of +her irresistible charms, the nymphs escort her to the dazzling halls of +Olympus, where she is received with ecstatic enthusiasm by the admiring +gods and goddesses. The gods all vied with each other in aspiring to the +honour of her hand, but Hephaestus became the envied possessor of this +lovely being, who, however, proved as faithless as she was beautiful, and +caused her husband much unhappiness, owing to the preference she showed at +various times for some of the other gods and also for mortal men. + +[Illustration] + +The celebrated Venus of Milo, now in the Louvre, is an exquisite statue of +this divinity. The head is beautifully formed; the rich waves of hair +descend on her rather low but broad forehead and are caught up gracefully +in a small knot at the back of the head; the expression of the face is most +bewitching, and bespeaks the perfect {61} joyousness of a happy nature +combined with the dignity of a goddess; the drapery falls in careless folds +from the waist downwards, and her whole attitude is the embodiment of all +that is graceful and lovely in womanhood. She is of medium height, and the +form is perfect in its symmetry and faultless proportions. + +Aphrodite is also frequently represented in the act of confining her +dripping locks in a knot, whilst her attendant nymphs envelop her in a +gauzy veil. + +The animals sacred to her were the dove, swan, swallow, and sparrow. Her +favourite plants were the myrtle, apple-tree, rose, and poppy. + +The worship of Aphrodite is supposed to have been introduced into Greece +from Central Asia. There is no doubt that she was originally identical with +the famous Astarte, the Ashtoreth of the Bible, against whose idolatrous +worship and infamous rites the prophets of old hurled forth their sublime +and powerful anathemas. + +VENUS. + +The Venus of the Romans was identified with the Aphrodite of the Greeks. +The worship of this divinity was only established in Rome in comparatively +later times. Annual festivals, called Veneralia, were held in her honour, +and the month of April, when flowers and plants spring forth afresh, was +sacred to her. She was worshipped as Venus Cloacina (or the Purifier), and +as Venus Myrtea (or the myrtle goddess), an epithet derived from the +myrtle, the emblem of Love. + +HELIOS (SOL). + +The worship of Helios was introduced into Greece from Asia. According to +the earliest conceptions of the Greeks he was not only the sun-god, but +also the personification of life and all life-giving power, for light is +well known to be an indispensable condition of all healthy terrestrial +life. The worship of the sun was originally very widely spread, {62} not +only among the early Greeks themselves, but also among other primitive +nations. To us the sun is simply the orb of light, which, high above our +heads, performs each day the functions assigned to it by a mighty and +invisible Power; we can, therefore, form but a faint idea of the impression +which it produced upon the spirit of a people whose intellect was still in +its infancy, and who believed, with child-like simplicity, that every power +of nature was a divinity, which, according as its character was baleful or +beneficent, worked for the destruction or benefit of the human race. + +Helios, who was the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, is described as +rising every morning in the east, preceded by his sister Eos (the Dawn), +who, with her rosy fingers, paints the tips of the mountains, and draws +aside that misty veil through which her brother is about to appear. When he +has burst forth in all the glorious light of day, Eos disappears, and +Helios now drives his flame-darting chariot along the accustomed track. +This chariot, which is of burnished gold, is drawn by four fire-breathing +steeds, behind which the young god stands erect with flashing eyes, his +head surrounded with rays, holding in one hand the reins of those fiery +coursers which in all hands save his are unmanageable. When towards evening +he descends the curve[26] in order to cool his burning forehead in the +waters of the deep sea, he is followed closely by his sister Selene (the +Moon), who is now prepared to take charge of the world, and illumine with +her silver crescent the dusky night. Helios meanwhile rests from his +labours, and, reclining softly on the cool fragrant couch prepared for him +by the sea-nymphs, recruits himself for another life-giving, joy-inspiring, +and beauteous day. + +It may appear strange that, although the Greeks considered the earth to be +a flat circle, no explanation is given of the fact that Helios sinks down +in the far {63} west regularly every evening, and yet reappears as +regularly every morning in the east. Whether he was supposed to pass +through Tartarus, and thus regain the opposite extremity through the bowels +of the earth, or whether they thought he possessed any other means of +making this transit, there is not a line in either Homer or Hesiod to +prove. In later times, however, the poets invented the graceful fiction, +that when Helios had finished his course, and reached the western side of +the curve, a winged-boat, or cup, which had been made for him by Hephaestus, +awaited him there, and conveyed him rapidly, with his glorious equipage, to +the east, where he recommenced his bright and glowing career. + +This divinity was invoked as a witness when a solemn oath was taken, as it +was believed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, and it was this fact +which enabled him to inform Demeter of the fate of her daughter, as already +related. He was supposed to possess flocks and herds in various localities, +which may possibly be intended to represent the days and nights of the +year, or the stars of heaven. + +Helios is said to have loved Clytie, a daughter of Oceanus, who ardently +returned his affection; but in the course of time the fickle sun-god +transferred his devotion to Leucothea, the daughter of Orchamus, king of +the eastern countries, which so angered the forsaken Clytie that she +informed Orchamus of his daughter's attachment, and he punished her by +inhumanly burying her alive. Helios, overcome with grief, endeavoured, by +every means in his power, to recall her to life. At last, finding all his +efforts unavailing, he sprinkled her grave with heavenly nectar, and +immediately there sprang forth from the spot a shoot of frankincense, which +spread around its aromatic perfume. + +The jealous Clytie gained nothing by her cruel conduct, for the sun-god +came to her no more. Inconsolable at his loss, she threw herself upon the +ground, and refused all sustenance. For nine long days she turned her face +towards the glorious god of day, as he moved along the {64} heavens, till +at length her limbs became rooted in the ground, and she was transformed +into a flower, which ever turns towards the sun. + +Helios married Perse, daughter of Oceanus, and their children were, Aetes, +king of Colchis (celebrated in the legend of the Argonauts as the possessor +of the Golden Fleece), and Circe, the renowned sorceress. + +Helios had another son named Phaethon, whose mother was Clymene, one of the +Oceanides. The youth was very beautiful, and a great favourite with +Aphrodite, who intrusted him with the care of one of her temples, which +flattering proof of her regard caused him to become vain and presumptuous. +His friend Epaphus, son of Zeus and Io, endeavoured to check his youthful +vanity by pretending to disbelieve his assertion that the sun-god was his +father. Phaethon, full of resentment, and eager to be able to refute the +calumny, hastened to his mother Clymene, and besought her to tell him +whether Helios was really his father. Moved by his entreaties, and at the +same time angry at the reproach of Epaphus, Clymene pointed to the glorious +sun, then shining down upon them, and assured her son that in that bright +orb he beheld the author of his being, adding that if he had still any +doubt, he might visit the radiant dwelling of the great god of light and +inquire for himself. Overjoyed at his mother's reassuring words, and +following the directions she gave him, Phaethon quickly wended his way to +his father's palace. + +As he entered the palace of the sun-god the dazzling rays almost blinded +him, and prevented him from approaching the throne on which his father was +seated, surrounded by the Hours, Days, Months, Years, and Seasons. Helios, +who with his all-seeing eye had watched him from afar, removed his crown of +glittering rays, and bade him not to be afraid, but to draw near to his +father. Encouraged by this kind reception, Phaethon entreated him to bestow +upon him such a proof of his love, that all the world might be convinced +that he was indeed his son; whereupon Helios desired him to ask any favour +he pleased, {65} and swore by the Styx that it should be granted. The +impetuous youth immediately requested permission to drive the chariot of +the sun for one whole day. His father listened horror-struck to this +presumptuous demand, and by representing the many dangers which would beset +his path, endeavoured to dissuade him from so perilous an undertaking; but +his son, deaf to all advice, pressed his point with such pertinacity, that +Helios was reluctantly compelled to lead him to the chariot. Phaethon +paused for a moment to admire the beauty of the glittering equipage, the +gift of the god of fire, who had formed it of gold, and ornamented it with +precious stones, which reflected the rays of the sun. And now Helios, +seeing his sister, the Dawn, opening her doors in the rosy east, ordered +the Hours to yoke the horses. The goddesses speedily obeyed the command, +and the father then anointed the face of his son with a sacred balm, to +enable him to endure the burning flames which issued from the nostrils of +the steeds, and sorrowfully placing his crown of rays upon his head, +desired him to ascend the chariot. + +The eager youth joyfully took his place and grasped the coveted reins, but +no sooner did the fiery coursers of the sun feel the inexperienced hand +which attempted to guide them, than they became restive and unmanageable. +Wildly they rushed out of their accustomed track, now soaring so high as to +threaten the heavens with destruction, now descending so low as nearly to +set the earth on fire. At last the unfortunate charioteer, blinded with the +glare, and terrified at the awful devastation he had caused, dropped the +reins from his trembling hands. Mountains and forests were in flames, +rivers and streams were dried up, and a general conflagration was imminent. +The scorched earth now called on Zeus for help, who hurled his thunderbolt +at Phaethon, and with a flash of lightning brought the fiery steeds to a +standstill. The lifeless body of the youth fell headlong into the river +Eridanus,[27] where it was received and buried by the {66} nymphs of the +stream. His sisters mourned so long for him that they were transformed by +Zeus into poplars, and the tears they shed, falling into the waters, became +drops of clear, transparent amber. Cycnus, the faithful friend of the +unhappy Phaethon, felt such overwhelming grief at his terrible fate, that +he pined and wasted away. The gods, moved with compassion, transformed him +into a swan, which for ever brooded over the fatal spot where the waters +had closed over the head of his unfortunate friend. + +[Illustration] + +The chief seat of the worship of Helios was the island of Rhodes, which +according to the following myth was his especial territory. At the time of +the Titanomachia, when the gods were dividing the world by lot, Helios +happened to be absent, and consequently received no share. He, therefore, +complained to Zeus, who proposed to have a new allotment, but this Helios +would not allow, saying, that as he pursued his daily journey, his +penetrating eye had beheld a lovely, fertile island lying beneath the waves +of the ocean, and that if the immortals would swear to give him the +undisturbed possession of this spot, he would be content to accept it as +his share of the universe. The gods took the oath, whereupon the island of +Rhodes immediately raised itself above the surface of the waters. + +The famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the seven wonders of the +world, was erected in honour of Helios. This wonderful statue was 105 feet +high, and was formed entirely of brass; it formed the entrance to the +harbour at Rhodes, and the largest vessel could easily sail between the +legs, which stood on moles, each side of the harbour. Though so gigantic, +it was perfectly proportioned in every part. Some idea of {67} its size may +be gained from the fact that very few people were able to span the thumb of +this statue with their arms. In the interior of the Colossus was a winding +staircase leading to the top, from the summit of which, by means of a +telescope, the coast of Syria, and also the shores of Egypt, are said to +have been visible.[28] + +EOS (AURORA). + +Eos, the Dawn, like her brother Helios, whose advent she always announced, +was also deified by the early Greeks. She too had her own chariot, which +she drove across the vast horizon both morning and night, before and after +the sun-god. Hence she is not merely the personification of the rosy morn, +but also of twilight, for which reason her palace is placed in the west, on +the island AEaea. The abode of Eos is a magnificent structure, surrounded by +flowery meads and velvety lawns, where nymphs and other immortal beings, +wind in and out in the mazy figures of the dance, whilst the music of a +sweetly-tuned melody accompanies their graceful, gliding movements. + +Eos is described by the poets as a beautiful maiden with rosy arms and +fingers, and large wings, whose plumage is of an ever-changing hue; she +bears a star on her forehead, and a torch in her hand. Wrapping round her +the rich folds of her violet-tinged mantle, she leaves her couch before the +break of day, and herself yokes her two horses, Lampetus and Phaethon, to +her glorious chariot. She then hastens with active cheerfulness to open the +gates of heaven, in order to herald the approach of her brother, the god of +day, whilst the tender plants and flowers, revived by the morning dew, lift +their heads to welcome her as she passes. + +{68} + +Eos first married the Titan Astraeus,[29] and their children were Heosphorus +(Hesperus), the evening star, and the winds. She afterwards became united +to Tithonus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy, who had won her affection by +his unrivalled beauty; and Eos, unhappy at the thought of their being ever +separated by death, obtained for him from Zeus the gift of immortality, +forgetting, however, to add to it that of eternal youth. The consequence +was that when, in the course of time, Tithonus grew old and decrepid, and +lost all the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos became disgusted with +his infirmities, and at last shut him up in a chamber, where soon little +else was left of him but his voice, which had now sunk into a weak, feeble +quaver. According to some of the later poets, he became so weary of his +cheerless and miserable existence, that he entreated to be allowed to die. +This was, however, impossible; but Eos, pitying his unhappy condition, +exerted her divine power, and changed him into a grasshopper, which is, as +it were, all voice, and whose monotonous, ceaseless chirpings may not +inaptly be compared to the meaningless babble of extreme old age. + +PHOEBUS-APOLLO. + +Phoebus-Apollo, the god of Light, Prophecy, Music, Poetry, and the Arts and +Sciences, is by far the noblest conception within the whole range of Greek +mythology, and his worship, which not only extended to all the states of +Greece, but also to Asia Minor and to every Greek colony throughout the +world, stands out among the most ancient and strongly-marked features of +Grecian history, and exerted a more decided influence over the Greek +nation, than that of any other deity, not excepting Zeus himself. + +Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto, and was born beneath the shade of a +palm tree which grew at the foot {69} of Mount Cynthus, on the barren and +rocky island of Delos. The poets tell us that the earth smiled when the +young god first beheld the light of day, and that Delos became so proud and +exultant at the honour thus conferred upon her, that she covered herself +with golden flowers; swans surrounded the island, and the Delian nymphs +celebrated his birth with songs of joy. + +[Illustration] + +The unhappy Leto, driven to Delos by the relentless persecutions of Hera, +was not long permitted to enjoy her haven of refuge. Being still tormented +by her enemy, the young mother was once more obliged to fly; she therefore +resigned the charge of her new-born babe to the goddess Themis, who +carefully wrapped the helpless infant in swaddling-clothes, and fed him +with nectar and ambrosia; but he had no sooner partaken of the heavenly +food than, to the amazement of the goddess, he burst asunder the bands +which confined his infant limbs, and springing to his feet, appeared before +her as a full-grown youth of divine strength and beauty. He now demanded a +lyre and a bow, declaring that henceforth he would announce to mankind the +will of his father Zeus. "The golden lyre," said he, "shall be my friend, +the bent bow my delight, and in oracles will I foretell the dark future." +With these words he ascended to Olympus, where he was received with joyful +acclamations into the assembly of the celestial gods, who acknowledged him +as the most beautiful and glorious of all the sons of Zeus. + +Phoebus-Apollo was the god of light in a twofold {70} signification: first, +as representing the great orb of day which illumines the world; and +secondly, as the heavenly light which animates the soul of man. He +inherited his function as sun-god from Helios, with whom, in later times, +he was so completely identified, that the personality of the one became +gradually merged in that of the other. We, accordingly, find Helios +frequently confounded with Apollo, myths belonging to the former attributed +to the latter; and with some tribes--the Ionic, for instance--so complete +is this identification, that Apollo is called by them Helios-Apollo. + +As the divinity whose power is developed in the broad light of day, he +brings joy and delight to nature, and health and prosperity to man. By the +influence of his warm and gentle rays he disperses the noxious vapours of +the night, assists the grain to ripen and the flowers to bloom. + +But although, as god of the sun, he is a life-giving and life-preserving +power, who, by his genial influence, dispels the cold of winter, he is, at +the same time, the god who, by means of his fiercely darting rays, could +spread disease and send sudden death to men and animals; and it is to this +phase of his character that we must look for the explanation of his being +considered, in conjunction with his twin-sister, Artemis (as moon-goddess), +a divinity of death. The brother and sister share this function between +them, he taking man and she woman as her aim, and those especially who died +in the bloom of youth, or at an advanced age, were believed to have been +killed by their gentle arrows. But Apollo did not always send an easy +death. We see in the _Iliad_ how, when angry with the Greeks, the "god of +the silver bow" strode down from Olympus, with his quiver full of +death-bringing darts, and sent a raging pestilence into their camp. For +nine days he let fly his fatal arrows, first on animals and then on men, +till the air became darkened with the smoke from the funeral pyres. + +In his character as god of light, Phoebus-Apollo is the protecting deity of +shepherds, because it is he who warms {71} the fields and meadows, and +gives rich pastures to the flocks, thereby gladdening the heart of the +herdsman. + +As the temperate heat of the sun exercises so invigorating an effect on man +and animals, and promotes the growth of those medicinal herbs and vegetable +productions necessary for the cure of diseases, Phoebus-Apollo was supposed +to possess the power of restoring life and health; hence he was regarded as +the god of healing; but this feature in his character we shall find more +particularly developed in his son Asclepius (AEsculapius), the veritable god +of the healing art. + +Pursuing our analysis of the various phases in the character of +Phoebus-Apollo, we find that with the first beams of his genial light, all +nature awakens to renewed life, and the woods re-echo with the jubilant +sound of the untaught lays, warbled by thousands of feathered choristers. +Hence, by a natural inference, he is the god of music, and as, according to +the belief of the ancients, the inspirations of genius were inseparably +connected with the glorious light of heaven, he is also the god of poetry, +and acts as the special patron of the arts and sciences. Apollo is himself +the heavenly musician among the Olympic gods, whose banquets are gladdened +by the wondrous strains which he produces from his favourite instrument, +the seven-stringed lyre. In the cultus of Apollo, music formed a +distinguishing feature. All sacred dances, and even the sacrifices in his +honour, were performed to the sound of musical instruments; and it is, in a +great measure, owing to the influence which the music in his worship +exercised on the Greek nation, that Apollo came to be regarded as the +leader of the nine Muses, the legitimate divinities of poetry and song. In +this character he is called Musagetes, and is always represented robed in a +long flowing garment; his lyre, to the tones of which he appears to be +singing, is suspended by a band across the chest; his head is encircled by +a wreath of laurel, and his long hair, streaming down over his shoulders, +gives him a somewhat effeminate appearance. + +And now we must view the glorious god of light under {72} another, and (as +far as regards his influence over the Greek nation) a much more important +aspect; for, in historical times, all the other functions and attributes of +Apollo sink into comparative insignificance before the great power which he +exercised as god of prophecy. It is true that all Greek gods were endowed, +to a certain extent, with the faculty of foretelling future events; but +Apollo, as sun-god, was the concentration of all prophetic power, as it was +supposed that nothing escaped his all-seeing eye, which penetrated the most +hidden recesses, and laid bare the secrets which lay concealed behind the +dark veil of the future. + +We have seen that when Apollo assumed his god-like form, he took his place +among the immortals; but he had not long enjoyed the rapturous delights of +Olympus, before he felt within him an ardent desire to fulfil his great +mission of interpreting to mankind the will of his mighty father. He +accordingly descended to earth, and travelled through many countries, +seeking a fitting site upon which to establish an oracle. At length he +reached the southern side of the rocky heights of Parnassus, beneath which +lay the harbour of Crissa. Here, under the overhanging cliff, he found a +secluded spot, where, from the most ancient times, there had existed an +oracle, in which Gaea herself had revealed the future to man, and which, in +Deucalion's time, she had resigned to Themis. It was guarded by the huge +serpent Python, the scourge of the surrounding neighbourhood, and the +terror alike of men and cattle. The young god, full of confidence in his +unerring aim, attacked and slew the monster with his arrows, thus freeing +land and people from their mighty enemy. + +The grateful inhabitants, anxious to do honour to their deliverer, flocked +round Apollo, who proceeded to mark out a plan for a temple, and, with the +assistance of numbers of eager volunteers, a suitable edifice was soon +erected. It now became necessary to choose ministers, who would offer up +sacrifices, interpret his prophecies to the people, and take charge of the +temple. Looking round, he saw in the far distance a vessel bound from Crete +to the {73} Peloponnesus, and determined to avail himself of her crew for +his service. Assuming the shape of an enormous dolphin, he agitated the +waters to such a degree, that the ship was tossed violently to and fro, to +the great alarm of the mariners; at the same time he raised a mighty wind, +which drove the ship into the harbour of Crissa, where she ran aground. The +terrified sailors dared not set foot on shore; but Apollo, under the form +of a vigorous youth, stepped down to the vessel, revealed himself in his +true character, and informed them that it was he who had driven them to +Crissa, in order that they might become his priests, and serve him in his +temple. Arrived at the sacred fane, he instructed them how to perform the +services in his honour, and desired them to worship him under the name of +Apollo-Delphinios, because he had first appeared to them under the form of +a dolphin. Thus was established the far-famed oracle of Delphi, the only +institution of the kind which was not exclusively national, for it was +consulted by Lydians, Phrygians, Etruscans, Romans, &c., and, in fact, was +held in the highest repute all over the world. In obedience to its decrees, +the laws of Lycurgus were introduced, and the earliest Greek colonies +founded. No cities were built without first consulting the Delphic oracle, +for it was believed that Apollo took special delight in the founding of +cities, the first stone of which he laid in person; nor was any enterprise +ever undertaken, without inquiring at this sacred fane as to its probable +success. + +But that which brought Apollo more closely home to the hearts of the +people, and raised the whole moral tone of the Greek nation, was the +belief, gradually developed with the intelligence of the people, that he +was the god who accepted repentance as an atonement for sin, who pardoned +the contrite sinner, and who acted as the special protector of those, who, +like Orestes, had committed a crime, which required long years of +expiation. + +Apollo is represented by the poets as being eternally young; his +countenance, glowing with joyous life, is the embodiment of immortal +beauty; his eyes are of a deep {74} blue; his forehead low, but broad and +intellectual; his hair, which falls over his shoulders in long waving +locks, is of a golden, or warm chestnut hue. He is crowned with laurel, and +wears a purple robe; in his hand he bears his silver bow, which is unbent +when he smiles, but ready for use when he menaces evil-doers. + +But Apollo, the eternally beautiful youth, the perfection of all that is +graceful and refined, rarely seems to have been happy in his love; either +his advances met with a repulse, or his union with the object of his +affection was attended with fatal consequences. + +His first love was Daphne (daughter of Peneus, the river-god), who was so +averse to marriage that she entreated her father to allow her to lead a +life of celibacy, and devote herself to the chase, which she loved to the +exclusion of all other pursuits. But one day, soon after his victory over +the Python, Apollo happened to see Eros bending his bow, and proud of his +own superior strength and skill, he laughed at the efforts of the little +archer, saying that such a weapon was more suited to the one who had just +killed the terrible serpent. Eros angrily replied that his arrow should +pierce the heart of the mocker himself, and flying off to the summit of +Mount Parnassus, he drew from his quiver two darts of different +workmanship--one of gold, which had the effect of inspiring love; the other +of lead, which created aversion. Taking aim at Apollo, he pierced his +breast with the golden shaft, whilst the leaden one he discharged into the +bosom of the beautiful Daphne. The son of Leto instantly felt the most +ardent affection for the nymph, who, on her part, evinced the greatest +dislike towards her divine lover, and, at his approach, fled from him like +a hunted deer. He called upon her in the most endearing accents to stay, +but she still sped on, until at length, becoming faint with fatigue, and +fearing that she was about to succumb, she called upon the gods to come to +her aid. Hardly had she uttered her prayer before a heavy torpor seized her +limbs, and just as Apollo threw out his arms to embrace her, she became +transformed {75} into a laurel-bush. He sorrowfully crowned his head with +its leaves, and declared, that in memory of his love, it should henceforth +remain evergreen, and be held sacred to him. + +He next sought the love of Marpessa, the daughter of Evenus; but though her +father approved his suit, the maiden preferred a youth named Idas, who +contrived to carry her off in a winged chariot which he had procured from +Poseidon. Apollo pursued the fugitives, whom he quickly overtook, and +forcibly seizing the bride, refused to resign her. Zeus then interfered, +and declared that Marpessa herself must decide which of her lovers should +claim her as his wife. After due reflection she accepted Idas as her +husband, judiciously concluding that although the attractions of the divine +Apollo were superior to those of her lover, it would be wiser to unite +herself to a mortal, who, growing old with herself, would be less likely to +forsake her, when advancing years should rob her of her charms. + +Cassandra, daughter of Priam, king of Troy, was another object of the love +of Apollo. She feigned to return his affection, and promised to marry him, +provided he would confer upon her the gift of prophecy; but having received +the boon she desired, the treacherous maiden refused to comply with the +conditions upon which it had been granted. Incensed at her breach of faith, +Apollo, unable to recall the gift he had bestowed, rendered it useless by +causing her predictions to fail in obtaining credence. Cassandra became +famous in history for her prophetic powers, but her prophecies were never +believed. For instance, she warned her brother Paris that if he brought +back a wife from Greece he would cause the destruction of his father's +house and kingdom; she also warned the Trojans not to admit the wooden +horse within the walls of the city, and foretold to Agamemnon all the +disasters which afterwards befell him. + +Apollo afterwards married Coronis, a nymph of Larissa, and thought himself +happy in the possession of her faithful love; but once more he was doomed +to {76} disappointment, for one day his favourite bird, the crow, flew to +him with the intelligence that his wife had transferred her affections to a +youth of Haemonia. Apollo, burning with rage, instantly destroyed her with +one of his death-bringing darts. Too late he repented of his rashness, for +she had been tenderly beloved by him, and he would fain have recalled her +to life; but, although he exerted all his healing powers, his efforts were +in vain. He punished the crow for its garrulity by changing the colour of +its plumage from pure white to intense black, and forbade it to fly any +longer among the other birds. + +Coronis left an infant son named Asclepius, who afterwards became god of +medicine. His powers were so extraordinary that he could not only cure the +sick, but could even restore the dead to life. At last Aides complained to +Zeus that the number of shades conducted to his dominions was daily +decreasing, and the great ruler of Olympus, fearing that mankind, thus +protected against sickness and death, would be able to defy the gods +themselves, killed Asclepius with one of his thunderbolts. The loss of his +highly gifted son so exasperated Apollo that, being unable to vent his +anger on Zeus, he destroyed the Cyclops, who had forged the fatal +thunderbolts. For this offence, Apollo would have been banished by Zeus to +Tartarus, but at the earnest intercession of Leto he partially relented, +and contented himself with depriving him of all power and dignity, and +imposing on him a temporary servitude in the house of Admetus, king of +Thessaly. Apollo faithfully served his royal master for nine years in the +humble capacity of a shepherd, and was treated by him with every kindness +and consideration. During the period of his service the king sought the +hand of Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Pelias, son of Poseidon; but +her father declared that he would only resign her to the suitor who should +succeed in yoking a lion and a wild boar to his chariot. By the aid of his +divine herdsman, Admetus accomplished this difficult task, and gained his +bride. Nor was this the only favour which the king received from the exiled +god, for Apollo obtained from {77} the Fates the gift of immortality for +his benefactor, on condition that when his last hour approached, some +member of his own family should be willing to die in his stead. When the +fatal hour arrived, and Admetus felt that he was at the point of death, he +implored his aged parents to yield to him their few remaining days. But +"life is sweet" even to old age, and they both refused to make the +sacrifice demanded of them. Alcestis, however, who had secretly devoted +herself to death for her husband, was seized with a mortal sickness, which +kept pace with his rapid recovery. The devoted wife breathed her last in +the arms of Admetus, and he had just consigned her to the tomb, when +Heracles chanced to come to the palace. Admetus held the rites of +hospitality so sacred, that he at first kept silence with regard to his +great bereavement; but as soon as his friend heard what had occurred, he +bravely descended into the tomb, and when death came to claim his prey, he +exerted his marvellous strength, and held him in his arms, until he +promised to restore the beautiful and heroic queen to the bosom of her +family. + +Whilst pursuing the peaceful life of a shepherd, Apollo formed a strong +friendship with two youths named Hyacinthus and Cyparissus, but the great +favour shown to them by the god did not suffice to shield them from +misfortune. The former was one day throwing the discus with Apollo, when, +running too eagerly to take up the one thrown by the god, he was struck on +the head with it and killed on the spot. Apollo was overcome with grief at +the sad end of his young favourite, but being unable to restore him to +life, he changed him into the flower called after him the Hyacinth. +Cyparissus had the misfortune to kill by accident one of Apollo's favourite +stags, which so preyed on his mind that he gradually pined away, and died +of a broken heart. He was transformed by the god into a cypress-tree, which +owes its name to this story. + +After these sad occurrences Apollo quitted Thessaly and repaired to +Phrygia, in Asia Minor, where he met Poseidon, who, like himself, was in +exile, and condemned {78} to a temporary servitude on earth. The two gods +now entered the service of Laomedon, king of Troy, Apollo undertaking to +tend his flocks, and Poseidon to build the walls of the city. But Apollo +also contributed his assistance in the erection of those wonderful walls, +and, by the aid of his marvellous musical powers, the labours of his +fellow-worker, Poseidon, were rendered so light and easy that his otherwise +arduous task advanced with astonishing celerity; for, as the master-hand of +the god of music grasped the chords of his lyre,[30] the huge blocks of +stone moved of their own accord, adjusting themselves with the utmost +nicety into the places designed for them. + +But though Apollo was so renowned in the art of music, there were two +individuals who had the effrontery to consider themselves equal to him in +this respect, and, accordingly, each challenged him to compete with them in +a musical contest. These were Marsyas and Pan. Marsyas was a satyr, who, +having picked up the flute which Athene had thrown away in disgust, +discovered, to his great delight and astonishment, that, in consequence of +its having touched the lips of a goddess, it played of itself in the most +charming manner. Marsyas, who was a great lover of music, and much beloved +on this account by all the elf-like denizens of the woods and glens, was so +intoxicated with joy at this discovery, that he foolishly challenged Apollo +to compete with him in a musical contest. The challenge being accepted, the +Muses were chosen umpires, and it was decided that the unsuccessful +candidate should suffer the punishment of being flayed alive. For a long +time the merits of both claimants remained so equally balanced, that it was +impossible to award the palm of victory to either, seeing which, Apollo, +resolved to conquer, added the sweet tones of his melodious voice to the +strains of his lyre, {79} and this at once turned the scale in his favour. +The unhappy Marsyas being defeated, had to undergo the terrible penalty, +and his untimely fate was universally lamented; indeed the Satyrs and +Dryads, his companions, wept so incessantly at his fate, that their tears, +uniting together, formed a river in Phrygia which is still known by the +name of Marsyas. + +The result of the contest with Pan was by no means of so serious a +character. The god of shepherds having affirmed that he could play more +skilfully on his flute of seven reeds (the syrinx or Pan's pipe), than +Apollo on his world-renowned lyre, a contest ensued, in which Apollo was +pronounced the victor by all the judges appointed to decide between the +rival candidates. Midas, king of Phrygia, alone demurred at this decision, +having the bad taste to prefer the uncouth tones of the Pan's pipe to the +refined melodies of Apollo's lyre. Incensed at the obstinacy and stupidity +of the Phrygian king, Apollo punished him by giving him the ears of an ass. +Midas, horrified at being thus disfigured, determined to hide his disgrace +from his subjects by means of a cap; his barber, however, could not be kept +in ignorance of the fact, and was therefore bribed with rich gifts never to +reveal it. Finding, however, that he could not keep the secret any longer, +he dug a hole in the ground into which he whispered it; then closing up the +aperture he returned home, feeling greatly relieved at having thus eased +his mind of its burden. But after all, this very humiliating secret was +revealed to the world, for some reeds which sprung up from the spot +murmured incessantly, as they waved to and fro in the wind: "King Midas has +the ears of an ass." + +In the sad and beautiful story of Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, and wife of +Amphion, king of Thebes, we have another instance of the severe punishments +meted out by Apollo to those who in any way incurred his displeasure. Niobe +was the proud mother of seven sons and seven daughters, and exulting in the +number of her children, she, upon one occasion, ridiculed the worship of +Leto, {80} because she had but one son and daughter, and desired the +Thebans, for the future, to give to her the honours and sacrifices which +they had hitherto offered to the mother of Apollo and Artemis. The +sacrilegious words had scarcely passed her lips before Apollo called upon +his sister Artemis to assist him in avenging the insult offered to their +mother, and soon their invisible arrows sped through the air. Apollo slew +all the sons, and Artemis had already slain all the daughters save one, the +youngest and best beloved, whom Niobe clasped in her arms, when the +agonized mother implored the enraged deities to leave her, at least, one +out of all her beautiful children; but, even as she prayed, the deadly +arrow reached the heart of this child also. Meanwhile the unhappy father, +unable to bear the loss of his children, had destroyed himself, and his +dead body lay beside the lifeless corpse of his favourite son. Widowed and +childless, the heart-broken mother sat among her dead, and the gods, in +pity for her unutterable woe, turned her into a stone, which they +transferred to Siphylus, her native Phrygian mountain, where it still +continues to shed tears. + +[Illustration] + +The punishment of Niobe forms the subject of a magnificent marble group, +which was found at Rome in the year 1553, and is now in the gallery of +Uffizi, at Florence. + +The renowned singer Orpheus was the son of Apollo and Calliope, the muse of +epic poetry, and, as might be expected with parents so highly gifted, was +endowed with most distinguished intellectual qualifications. He was a poet, +a teacher of the religious doctrines known as the Orphic mysteries, and a +great musician, having inherited from his father an extraordinary genius +for music. {81} When he sang to the sweet tones of his lyre, he charmed all +nature, and summoned round him the wild beasts of the forests, who, under +the influence of his music, became tame and gentle as lambs. The madly +rushing torrents stopped their rapid course, and the very mountains and +trees moved from their places at the sound of his entrancing melodies. + +Orpheus became united to a lovely nymph named Eurydice, the daughter of the +sea-god Nereus, whom he fondly loved. She was no less attached to him, and +their married life was full of joy and happiness. But it was only +short-lived; for Aristaeus,[31] the half-brother of Orpheus, having fallen +in love with the beautiful Eurydice, forcibly endeavoured to take her from +her husband, and as she fled across some fields to elude his pursuit, she +was bitten in the foot by a venomous snake, which lay concealed in the long +grass. Eurydice died of the wound, and her sorrowing husband filled the +groves and valleys with his piteous and unceasing lamentations. + +His longing to behold her once more became at last so unconquerable, that +he determined to brave the horrors of the lower world, in order to entreat +Aides to restore to him his beloved wife. Armed only with his golden lyre, +the gift of Apollo, he descended into the gloomy depths of Hades, where his +heavenly music arrested for a while the torments of the unhappy sufferers. +The stone of Sisyphus remained motionless; Tantalus forgot his perpetual +thirst; the wheel of Ixion ceased to revolve; and even the Furies shed +tears, and withheld for a time their persecutions. Undismayed at the scenes +of horror and suffering which met his view on every side, he pursued his +way until he arrived at the palace of Aides. Presenting himself before the +throne on which sat the stony-hearted king and his consort Persephone, +Orpheus recounted his woes to the sound of his lyre. Moved to pity by his +sweet strains, they listened to his {82} melancholy story, and consented to +release Eurydice on condition that he should not look upon her until they +reached the upper world. Orpheus gladly promised to comply with this +injunction, and, followed by Eurydice, ascended the steep and gloomy path +which led to the realms of life and light. All went well until he was just +about to pass the extreme limits of Hades, when, forgetting for the moment +the hard condition, he turned to convince himself that his beloved wife was +really behind him. The glance was fatal, and destroyed all his hopes of +happiness; for, as he yearningly stretched out his arms to embrace her, she +was caught back, and vanished from his sight for ever. The grief of Orpheus +at this second loss was even more intense than before, and he now avoided +all human society. In vain did the nymphs, his once chosen companions, +endeavour to win him back to his accustomed haunts; their power to charm +was gone, and music was now his sole consolation. He wandered forth alone, +choosing the wildest and most secluded paths, and the hills and vales +resounded with his pathetic melodies. At last he happened to cross the path +of some Thracian women, who were performing the wild rites of Dionysus +(Bacchus), and in their mad fury at his refusing to join them, they +furiously attacked him, and tore him in pieces. In pity for his unhappy +fate, the Muses collected his remains, which they buried at the foot of +Mount Olympus, and the nightingale warbled a funeral dirge over his grave. +His head was thrown into the river Hebrus, and as it floated down the +stream, the lips still continued to murmur the beloved name of Eurydice. + +The chief seat of the worship of Apollo was at Delphi, and here was the +most magnificent of all his temples, the foundation of which reaches far +beyond all historical knowledge, and which contained immense riches, the +offerings of kings and private persons, who had received favourable replies +from the oracle. The Greeks believed Delphi to be the central point of the +earth, because two eagles sent forth by Zeus, one from the east, the other +{83} from the west, were said to have arrived there at the same moment. + +The Pythian games, celebrated in honour of the victory of Apollo over the +Python, took place at Delphi every four years. At the first celebration of +these games, gods, goddesses, and heroes contended for the prizes, which +were at first of gold or silver, but consisted, in later times, of simple +laurel wreaths. + +On account of its being the place of his birth, the whole island of Delos +was consecrated to Apollo, where he was worshipped with great solemnity; +the greatest care was taken to preserve the sanctity of the spot, for which +reason no one was suffered to be buried there. At the foot of Mount Cynthus +was a splendid temple of Apollo which possessed an oracle, and was enriched +with magnificent offerings from all parts of Greece. Even foreign nations +held this island sacred, for when the Persians passed it on their way to +attack Greece, they not only sailed by, leaving it uninjured, but sent rich +presents to the temple. Games, called Delia, instituted by Theseus, were +celebrated at Delos every four years. + +A festival termed the Gymnopedaea was held at Sparta in honour of Apollo, in +which boys sang the praises of the gods, and of the three hundred +Lacedaemonians who fell at the battle of Thermopylae. + +Wolves and hawks were sacrificed to Apollo, and the birds sacred to him +were the hawk, raven, and swan. + +ROMAN APOLLO. + +The worship of Apollo never occupied the all-important position in Rome +which it held in Greece, nor was it introduced till a comparatively late +period. There was no sanctuary erected to this divinity until B.C. 430, +when the Romans, in order to avert a plague, built a temple in his honour; +but we do not find the worship of Apollo becoming in any way prominent +until the time of Augustus, who, having called upon this god for aid before +the famous battle of Actium, ascribed the victory which he {84} gained, to +his influence, and accordingly erected a temple there, which he enriched +with a portion of the spoil. + +Augustus afterwards built another temple in honour of Apollo, on the +Palatine Hill, in which at the foot of his statue, were deposited two gilt +chests, containing the Sibylline oracles. These oracles were collected to +replace the Sibylline books originally preserved in the temple of Jupiter, +which were destroyed when that edifice was burned. + +[Illustration] + +The Sibyls were maidens who had received the gift of prophecy, and the +privilege of living to an incredible age. One of these Sibyls (known as the +Cumaean) appeared to Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, offering +for sale nine books, which she informed him had been written by herself. +Not knowing who she was, Tarquin refused to buy them, upon which she burned +three, and returned with six, demanding the same price as before. Being +again driven away as an impostor, she again retired and burned three more, +returning with the remaining three, for which she still asked the same +price as at first. Tarquin, amazed at her inconsistency, now consulted the +Augurs, who blamed him for not having bought the nine books when they were +first offered to him, and desired him to secure the remaining three, at +whatever price they were to be had. He, accordingly, purchased the volumes, +which were found to contain predictions of great importance to the Romans. +After the disposal of the books, the Sibyl vanished, and was seen no more. + +The most beautiful and renowned of all the statues of Apollo now in +existence, is that known as the Apollo Belvedere, which was found in 1503 +among the ruins of {85} ancient Antium. It was purchased by Pope Julius +II., who removed it to the Belvedere of the Vatican, from whence it takes +its name, and where it has been, for more than three hundred years, the +admiration of the world. When Rome was taken, and plundered by the French, +this celebrated statue was transported to Paris, and placed in the museum +there, but in 1815 it was restored to its former place in the Vatican. The +attitude of the figure, which is more than seven feet high, is inimitable +in its freedom, grace, and majesty. The forehead is noble and intellectual, +and the whole countenance so exquisite in its beauty, that one pauses +spell-bound to gaze on so perfect a conception. The god has a very youthful +appearance, as is usual in all his representations, and with the exception +of a short mantle which falls from his shoulders, is unclothed. He stands +against the trunk of a tree, up which a serpent is creeping, and his left +arm is outstretched, as though about to punish. + +HECATE. + +Hecate would appear to have been originally a moon-goddess worshipped by +the Thracians. She became confounded, and eventually identified with Selene +and Persephone, and is one of those divinities of whom the ancients had +various conflicting accounts. + +Hecate was the daughter of Perses and "gold-wreathed" Astraea (the starry +night[32]), and her sway extended over earth, heaven, and hell, for which +reason she is represented in works of art as a triple divinity, having +three female bodies, all young and beautiful, and united together. + +In later times, when this divinity becomes identified with Persephone, she +is supposed to inhabit the lower world as a malignant deity, and +henceforward it is the gloomy, awe-inspiring side of her character which +alone {86} develops itself. She now presides over all practices connected +with witchcraft and enchantments, haunts sepulchres, and the point where +two roads cross, and lonely spots where murders have been committed. She +was supposed to be connected with the appearance of ghosts and spectres, to +possess unlimited influence over the powers of the lower world, and to be +able to lay to rest unearthly apparitions by her magic spells and +incantations. + +Hecate appears as a gigantic woman, bearing a torch and a sword. Her feet +and hair are formed of snakes, and her passage is accompanied by voices of +thunder, weird shrieks and yells, and the deep baying and howling of dogs. + +Her favour was propitiated by offerings and sacrifices, principally +consisting of black lambs. Her festivals were celebrated at night, by +torchlight, when these animals were offered to her, accompanied by many +peculiar ceremonies. These ceremonies were carried out with the minutest +attention to details, as it was believed that the omission of the slightest +particular would afford to her ministers, the evil spirits of the lower +world, who hovered round the worshippers, an opportunity for entering among +them, and exerting their baneful influence. At the end of every month food +was placed wherever two roads met, in readiness for her and other malignant +divinities. + +In studying the peculiar characteristics which Hecate assumes when she +usurps the place of Persephone, the rightful mistress of the lower world, +we are reminded of the various superstitions with regard to spectres, +witchcraft, &c., which have, even down to our own times, exerted so +powerful an influence over the minds of the ignorant, and which would +appear to owe their origin to a remote pagan source. + +SELENE (LUNA). + +Just as Helios personified the sun, so his sister Selene represented the +moon, and was supposed to drive her {87} chariot across the sky whilst her +brother was reposing after the toils of the day. + +When the shades of evening began to enfold the earth, the two milk-white +steeds of Selene rose out of the mysterious depths of Oceanus. Seated in a +silvery chariot, and accompanied by her daughter Herse, the goddess of the +dew, appeared the mild and gentle queen of the night, with a crescent on +her fair brow, a gauzy veil flowing behind, and a lighted torch in her +hand. + +Selene greatly admired a beautiful young shepherd named Endymion, to whom +Zeus had accorded the privilege of eternal youth, combined with the faculty +of sleeping whenever he desired, and as long as he wished. Seeing this +lovely youth fast asleep on Mount Latmus, Selene was so struck with his +beauty, that she came down every night from heaven to watch over and +protect him. + +ARTEMIS (DIANA). + +Artemis was worshipped by the Greeks under various appellations, to each of +which belonged special characteristics. Thus she is known as the Arcadian, +Ephesian and Brauronian Artemis, and also as Selene-Artemis, and in order +fully to comprehend the worship of this divinity, we must consider her +under each aspect. + +ARCADIAN ARTEMIS. + +The Arcadian Artemis (the real Artemis of the Greeks) was the daughter of +Zeus and Leto, and twin-sister of Apollo. She was the goddess of Hunting +and Chastity, and having obtained from her father permission to lead a life +of celibacy, she ever remained a maiden-divinity. Artemis is the feminine +counterpart of her brother, the glorious god of Light, and, like him, +though she deals out destruction and sudden death to men and animals, she +is also able to alleviate suffering and cure diseases. Like Apollo also, +she is skilled in the use of the bow, but in a far more eminent degree, for +in the character of Artemis, who devoted herself to the chase with +passionate {88} ardour, this becomes an all-distinguishing feature. Armed +with her bow and quiver, and attended by her train of huntresses, who were +nymphs of the woods and springs, she roamed over the mountains in pursuit +of her favourite exercise, destroying in her course the wild animals of the +forest. When the chase was ended, Artemis and her maidens loved to assemble +in a shady grove, or on the banks of a favourite stream, where they joined +in the merry song, or graceful dance, and made the hills resound with their +joyous shouts. + +As the type of purity and chastity, Artemis was especially venerated by +young maidens, who, before marrying, sacrificed their hair to her. She was +also the patroness of those vowed to celibacy, and punished severely any +infringement of their obligation. + +The huntress-goddess is represented as being a head taller than her +attendant nymphs, and always appears as a youthful and slender maiden. Her +features are beautiful, but wanting in gentleness of expression; her hair +is gathered negligently into a knot at the back of her well-shaped head; +and her figure, though somewhat masculine, is most graceful in its attitude +and proportions. The short robe she wears, leaves her limbs free for the +exercise of the chase, her devotion to which is indicated by the quiver +which is slung over her shoulder, and the bow which she bears in her hand. + +There are many famous statues of this divinity; but the most celebrated is +that known as the Diana of Versailles, now in the Louvre, which forms a not +unworthy companion to the Apollo-Belvedere of the Vatican. In this statue, +the goddess appears in the act of rescuing a hunted deer from its pursuers, +on whom she is turning with angry mien. One hand is laid protectingly on +the head of the stag, whilst with the other she draws an arrow from the +quiver which hangs over her shoulder. + +Her attributes are the bow, quiver, and spear. The animals sacred to her +are the hind, dog, bear, and wild boar. + +Artemis promptly resented any disregard or neglect of {89} her worship; a +remarkable instance of this is shown in the story of the Calydonian +boar-hunt, which is as follows:-- + +[Illustration] + +Oeneus, king of Calydon in AEtolia, had incurred the displeasure of Artemis +by neglecting to include her in a general sacrifice to the gods which he +had offered up, out of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The goddess, +enraged at this neglect, sent a wild boar of extraordinary size and +prodigious strength, which destroyed the sprouting grain, laid waste the +fields, and threatened the inhabitants with famine and death. At this +juncture, Meleager, the brave son of Oeneus, returned from the Argonautic +expedition, and finding his country ravaged by this dreadful scourge, +entreated the assistance of all the celebrated heroes of the age to join +him in hunting the ferocious monster. Among the most famous of those who +responded to his call were Jason, Castor and Pollux, Idas and Lynceus, +Peleus, Telamon, Admetus, Perithous, and Theseus. The brothers of Althea, +wife of Oeneus, joined the hunters, and Meleager also enlisted into his +service the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta. + +The father of this maiden was Schoeneus, an Arcadian, who, disappointed at +the birth of a daughter when he had particularly desired a son, had exposed +her on the Parthenian Hill, where he left her to perish. Here she was +nursed by a she-bear, and at last found by some hunters, who reared her, +and gave her the name of Atalanta. As the maiden grew up, she became an +ardent {90} lover of the chase, and was alike distinguished for her beauty +and courage. Though often wooed, she led a life of strict celibacy, an +oracle having predicted that inevitable misfortune awaited her, should she +give herself in marriage to any of her numerous suitors. + +Many of the heroes objected to hunt in company with a maiden; but Meleager, +who loved Atalanta, overcame their opposition, and the valiant band set out +on their expedition. Atalanta was the first to wound the boar with her +spear, but not before two of the heroes had met their death from his fierce +tusks. After a long and desperate encounter, Meleager succeeded in killing +the monster, and presented the head and hide to Atalanta, as trophies of +the victory. The uncles of Meleager, however, forcibly took the hide from +the maiden, claiming their right to the spoil as next of kin, if Meleager +resigned it. Artemis, whose anger was still unappeased, caused a violent +quarrel to arise between uncles and nephew, and, in the struggle which +ensued, Meleager killed his mother's brothers, and then restored the hide +to Atalanta. When Althea beheld the dead bodies of the slain heroes, her +grief and anger knew no bounds. She swore to revenge the death of her +brothers on her own son, and unfortunately for him, the instrument of +vengeance lay ready to her hand. + +At the birth of Meleager, the Moirae, or Fates, entered the house of +Oeneus, and pointing to a piece of wood then burning on the hearth, +declared that as soon as it was consumed the babe would surely die. On +hearing this, Althea seized the brand, laid it up carefully in a chest, and +henceforth preserved it as her most precious possession. But now, love for +her son giving place to the resentment she felt against the murderer of her +brothers, she threw the fatal brand into the devouring flames. As it +consumed, the vigour of Meleager wasted away, and when it was reduced to +ashes, he expired. Repenting too late the terrible effects of her rash +deed, Althea, in remorse and despair, took away her own life. + +The news of the courage and intrepidity displayed by {91} Atalanta in the +famous boar-hunt, being carried to the ears of her father, caused him to +acknowledge his long-lost child. Urged by him to choose one of her numerous +suitors, she consented to do so, but made it a condition that he alone, who +could outstrip her in the race, should become her husband, whilst those she +defeated should be put to death by her, with the lance which she bore in +her hand. Thus many suitors had perished, for the maiden was unequalled for +swiftness of foot, but at last a beautiful youth, named Hippomenes, who had +vainly endeavoured to win her love by his assiduous attentions in the +chase, ventured to enter the fatal lists. Knowing that only by stratagem +could he hope to be successful, he obtained, by the help of Aphrodite, +three golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which he threw down +at intervals during his course. Atalanta, secure of victory, stooped to +pick up the tempting fruit, and, in the meantime, Hippomenes arrived at the +goal. He became the husband of the lovely Atalanta, but forgot, in his +newly found happiness, the gratitude which he owed to Aphrodite, and the +goddess withdrew her favour from the pair. Not long after, the prediction +which foretold misfortune to Atalanta, in the event of her marriage, was +verified, for she and her husband, having strayed unsanctioned into a +sacred grove of Zeus, were both transformed into lions. + +The trophies of the ever-memorable boar-hunt had been carried by Atalanta +into Arcadia, and, for many centuries, the identical hide and enormous +tusks of the Calydonian boar hung in the temple of Athene at Tegea. The +tusks were afterwards conveyed to Rome, and shown there among other +curiosities. + +A forcible instance of the manner in which Artemis resented any intrusion +on her retirement, is seen in the fate which befell the famous hunter +Actaeon, who happening one day to see Artemis and her attendants bathing, +imprudently ventured to approach the spot. The goddess, incensed at his +audacity, sprinkled him with water, and transformed him into a stag, +whereupon he was torn in pieces and devoured by his own dogs. {92} + +EPHESIAN ARTEMIS. + +The Ephesian Artemis, known to us as "Diana of the Ephesians," was a very +ancient Asiatic divinity of Persian origin called Metra,[33] whose worship +the Greek colonists found already established, when they first settled in +Asia Minor, and whom they identified with their own Greek Artemis, though +she really possessed but one single attribute in common with their home +deity. + +Metra was a twofold divinity, and represented, in one phase of her +character, all-pervading love; in the other she was the light of heaven; +and as Artemis, in her character as Selene, was the only Greek female +divinity who represented celestial light, the Greek settlers, according to +their custom of fusing foreign deities into their own, seized at once upon +this point of resemblance, and decided that Metra should henceforth be +regarded as identical with Artemis. + +In her character as the love which pervades all nature, and penetrates +everywhere, they believed her also to be present in the mysterious Realm of +Shades, where she exercised her benign sway, replacing to a certain extent +that ancient divinity Hecate, and partly usurping also the place of +Persephone, as mistress of the lower world. Thus they believed that it was +she who permitted the spirits of the departed to revisit the earth, in +order to communicate with those they loved, and to give them timely warning +of coming evil. In fact, this great, mighty, and omnipresent power of love, +as embodied in the Ephesian Artemis, was believed by the great thinkers of +old, to be the ruling spirit of the universe, and it was to her influence, +that all the mysterious and beneficent workings of nature were ascribed. + +There was a magnificent temple erected to this divinity at Ephesus (a city +of Asia Minor), which was ranked among the seven wonders of the world, and +was unequalled in beauty and grandeur. The interior of this {93} edifice +was adorned with statues and paintings, and contained one hundred and +twenty-seven columns, sixty feet in height, each column having been placed +there by a different king. The wealth deposited in this temple was +enormous, and the goddess was here worshipped with particular awe and +solemnity. In the interior of the edifice stood a statue of her, formed of +ebony, with lions on her arms and turrets on her head, whilst a number of +breasts indicated the fruitfulness of the earth and of nature. Ctesiphon +was the principal architect of this world-renowned structure, which, +however, was not entirely completed till two hundred and twenty years after +the foundation-stone was laid. But the labour of centuries was destroyed in +a single night; for a man called Herostratus, seized with the insane desire +of making his name famous to all succeeding generations, set fire to it and +completely destroyed it.[34] So great was the indignation and sorrow of the +Ephesians at this calamity, that they enacted a law, forbidding the +incendiary's name to be mentioned, thereby however, defeating their own +object, for thus the name of Herostratus has been handed down to posterity, +and will live as long as the memory of the famous temple of Ephesus. + +BRAURONIAN ARTEMIS. + +In ancient times, the country which we now call the Crimea, was known by +the name of the Taurica Chersonnesus. It was colonized by Greek settlers, +who, finding that the Scythian inhabitants had a native divinity somewhat +resembling their own Artemis, identified her with the huntress-goddess of +the mother-country. The worship of this Taurian Artemis was attended with +the most barbarous practices, for, in accordance with a law which she had +enacted, all strangers, whether male or female, landing, or shipwrecked on +her shores, were sacrificed upon her altars. It is supposed that this +decree was {94} issued by the Taurian goddess of Chastity, to protect the +purity of her followers, by keeping them apart from foreign influences. + +The interesting story of Iphigenia, a priestess in the temple of Artemis at +Tauris, forms the subject of one of Schiller's most beautiful plays. The +circumstances occurred at the commencement of the Trojan war, and are as +follows:--The fleet, collected by the Greeks for the siege of Troy, had +assembled at Aulis, in Boeotia, and was about to set sail, when Agamemnon, +the commander-in-chief, had the misfortune to kill accidentally a stag +which was grazing in a grove, sacred to Artemis. The offended goddess sent +continuous calms that delayed the departure of the fleet, and Calchas, the +soothsayer, who had accompanied the expedition, declared that nothing less +than the sacrifice of Agamemnon's favorite daughter, Iphigenia, would +appease the wrath of the goddess. At these words, the heroic heart of the +brave leader sank within him, and he declared that rather than consent to +so fearful an alternative, he would give up his share in the expedition and +return to Argos. In this dilemma Odysseus and other great generals called a +council to discuss the matter, and, after much deliberation, it was decided +that private feeling must yield to the welfare of the state. For a long +time the unhappy Agamemnon turned a deaf ear to their arguments, but at +last they succeeded in persuading him that it was his duty to make the +sacrifice. He, accordingly, despatched a messenger to his wife, +Clytemnaestra, begging her to send Iphigenia to him, alleging as a pretext +that the great hero Achilles desired to make her his wife. Rejoicing at the +brilliant destiny which awaited her beautiful daughter, the fond mother at +once obeyed the command, and sent her to Aulis. When the maiden arrived at +her destination, and discovered, to her horror, the dreadful fate which +awaited her, she threw herself in an agony of grief at her father's feet, +and with sobs and tears entreated him to have mercy on her, and to spare +her young life. But alas! her doom was sealed, and her now repentant and +{95} heart-broken father was powerless to avert it. The unfortunate victim +was bound to the altar, and already the fatal knife was raised to deal the +death-blow, when suddenly Iphigenia disappeared from view, and in her place +on the altar, lay a beautiful deer ready to be sacrificed. It was Artemis +herself, who, pitying the youth and beauty of her victim, caused her to be +conveyed in a cloud to Taurica, where she became one of her priestesses, +and intrusted with the charge of her temple; a dignity, however, which +necessitated the offering of those human sacrifices presented to Artemis. + +Many years passed away, during which time the long and wearisome siege of +Troy had come to an end, and the brave Agamemnon had returned home to meet +death at the hands of his wife and Aegisthus. But his daughter, Iphigenia, +was still an exile from her native country, and continued to perform the +terrible duties which her office involved. She had long given up all hopes +of ever being restored to her friends, when one day two Greek strangers +landed on Taurica's inhospitable shores. These were Orestes and Pylades, +whose romantic attachment to each other has made their names synonymous for +devoted self-sacrificing friendship. Orestes was Iphigenia's brother, and +Pylades her cousin, and their object in undertaking an expedition fraught +with so much peril, was to obtain the statue of the Taurian Artemis. +Orestes, having incurred the anger of the Furies for avenging the murder of +his father Agamemnon, was pursued by them wherever he went, until at last +he was informed by the oracle of Delphi that, in order to pacify them, he +must convey the image of the Taurian Artemis from Tauris to Attica. This he +at once resolved to do, and accompanied by his faithful friend Pylades, who +insisted on sharing the dangers of the undertaking, he set out for Taurica. +But the unfortunate youths had hardly stepped on shore before they were +seized by the natives, who, as usual, conveyed them for sacrifice to the +temple of Artemis. Iphigenia, discovering that they were Greeks, though +unaware of their near relationship to herself, thought the {96} opportunity +a favourable one for sending tidings of her existence to her native +country, and, accordingly, requested one of the strangers to be the bearer +of a letter from her to her family. A magnanimous dispute now arose between +the friends, and each besought the other to accept the precious privilege +of life and freedom. Pylades, at length overcome by the urgent entreaties +of Orestes, agreed to be the bearer of the missive, but on looking more +closely at the superscription, he observed, to his intense surprise, that +it was addressed to Orestes. Hereupon an explanation followed; the brother +and sister recognized each other, amid joyful tears and loving embraces, +and assisted by her friends and kinsmen, Iphigenia escaped with them from a +country where she had spent so many unhappy days, and witnessed so many +scenes of horror and anguish. + +The fugitives, having contrived to obtain the image of the Taurian Artemis, +carried it with them to Brauron in Attica. This divinity was henceforth +known as the Brauronian Artemis, and the rites which had rendered her +worship so infamous in Taurica were now introduced into Greece, and human +victims bled freely under the sacrificial knife, both in Athens and Sparta. +The revolting practice of offering human sacrifices to her, was continued +until the time of Lycurgus, the great Spartan lawgiver, who put an end to +it by substituting in its place one, which was hardly less barbarous, +namely, the scourging of youths, who were whipped on the altars of the +Brauronian Artemis in the most cruel manner; sometimes indeed they expired +under the lash, in which case their mothers, far from lamenting their fate, +are said to have rejoiced, considering this an honourable death for their +sons. + +SELENE-ARTEMIS. + +Hitherto we have seen Artemis only in the various phases of her terrestrial +character; but just as her brother Apollo drew into himself by degrees the +attributes of that more ancient divinity Helios, the sun-god, so, in like +manner, she came to be identified in later times {97} with Selene, the +moon-goddess, in which character she is always represented as wearing on +her forehead a glittering crescent, whilst a flowing veil, bespangled with +stars, reaches to her feet, and a long robe completely envelops her. + +DIANA. + +The Diana of the Romans was identified with the Greek Artemis, with whom +she shares that peculiar tripartite character, which so strongly marks the +individuality of the Greek goddess. In heaven she was Luna (the moon), on +earth Diana (the huntress-goddess), and in the lower world Proserpine; but, +unlike the Ephesian Artemis, Diana, in her character as Proserpine, carries +with her into the lower world no element of love or sympathy; she is, on +the contrary, characterized by practices altogether hostile to man, such as +the exercise of witchcraft, evil charms, and other antagonistic influences, +and is, in fact, the Greek Hecate, in her later development. + +The statues of Diana were generally erected at a point where three roads +met, for which reason she is called Trivia (from _tri_, three, and _via_, +way). + +A temple was dedicated to her on the Aventine hill by Servius Tullius, who +is said to have first introduced the worship of this divinity into Rome. + +The Nemoralia, or Grove Festivals, were celebrated in her honour on the +13th of August, on the Lacus Nemorensis, or forest-buried lake, near +Aricia. The priest who officiated in her temple on this spot, was always a +fugitive slave, who had gained his office by murdering his predecessor, and +hence was constantly armed, in order that he might thus be prepared to +encounter a new aspirant. + +HEPHAESTUS (VULCAN). + +Hephaestus, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of fire in its beneficial +aspect, and the presiding deity over all workmanship accomplished by means +of this useful element. He was universally honoured, not only as the {98} +god of all mechanical arts, but also as a house and hearth divinity, who +exercised a beneficial influence on civilized society in general. Unlike +the other Greek divinities, he was ugly and deformed, being awkward in his +movements, and limping in his gait. This latter defect originated, as we +have already seen, in the wrath of his father Zeus, who hurled him down +from heaven[35] in consequence of his taking the part of Hera, in one of +the domestic disagreements, which so frequently arose between this royal +pair. Hephaestus was a whole day falling from Olympus to the earth, where he +at length alighted on the island of Lemnos. The inhabitants of the country, +seeing him descending through the air, received him in their arms; but in +spite of their care, his leg was broken by the fall, and he remained ever +afterwards lame in one foot. Grateful for the kindness of the Lemnians, he +henceforth took up his abode in their island, and there built for himself a +superb palace, and forges for the pursuit of his avocation. He instructed +the people how to work in metals, and also taught them other valuable and +useful arts. + +It is said that the first work of Hephaestus was a most ingenious throne of +gold, with secret springs, which he presented to Hera. It was arranged in +such a manner that, once seated, she found herself unable to move, and +though all the gods endeavoured to extricate her, their efforts were +unavailing. Hephaestus thus revenged himself on his mother for the cruelty +she had always displayed towards him, on account of his want of comeliness +and grace. Dionysus, the wine god, contrived, however, to intoxicate +Hephaestus, and then induced him to return to Olympus, where, after having +released the {99} queen of heaven from her very undignified position, he +became reconciled to his parents. + +He now built for himself a glorious palace on Olympus, of shining gold, and +made for the other deities those magnificent edifices which they inhabited. +He was assisted in his various and exquisitely skilful works of art, by two +female statues of pure gold, formed by his own hand, which possessed the +power of motion, and always accompanied him wherever he went. With the +assistance of the Cyclops, he forged for Zeus his wonderful thunderbolts, +thus investing his mighty father with a new power of terrible import. Zeus +testified his appreciation of this precious gift, by bestowing upon +Hephaestus the beautiful Aphrodite in marriage,[36] but this was a +questionable boon; for the lovely Aphrodite, who was the personification of +all grace and beauty, felt no affection for her ungainly and unattractive +spouse, and amused herself by ridiculing his awkward movements and +unsightly person. On one occasion especially, when Hephaestus good-naturedly +took upon himself the office of cup-bearer to the gods, his hobbling gait +and extreme awkwardness created the greatest mirth amongst the celestials, +in which his disloyal partner was the first to join, with unconcealed +merriment. + +Aphrodite greatly preferred Ares to her husband, and this preference +naturally gave rise to much jealousy on the part of Hephaestus, and caused +them great unhappiness. + +Hephaestus appears to have been an indispensable member of the Olympic +Assembly, where he plays the part of smith, armourer, chariot-builder, &c. +As already mentioned, he constructed the palaces where the gods resided, +fashioned the golden shoes with which they trod the air or water, built for +them their wonderful chariots, and shod with brass the horses of celestial +breed, which conveyed these glittering equipages over land and sea. He also +made the tripods which moved of themselves in and out of the celestial +halls, formed for Zeus the {100} far-famed aegis, and erected the +magnificent palace of the sun. He also created the brazen-footed bulls of +Aetes, which breathed flames from their nostrils, sent forth clouds of +smoke, and filled the air with their roaring. + +Among his most renowned works of art for the use of mortals were: the +armour of Achilles and AEneas, the beautiful necklace of Harmonia, and the +crown of Ariadne; but his masterpiece was Pandora, of whom a detailed +account has already been given. + +[Illustration] + +There was a temple on Mount Etna erected in his honour, which none but the +pure and virtuous were permitted to enter. The entrance to this temple was +guarded by dogs, which possessed the extraordinary faculty of being able to +discriminate between the righteous and the unrighteous, fawning upon and +caressing the good, whilst they rushed upon all evil-doers and drove them +away. + +Hephaestus is usually represented as a powerful, brawny, and very muscular +man of middle height and mature age; his strong uplifted arm is raised in +the act of striking the anvil with a hammer, which he holds in one hand, +whilst with the other he is turning a thunderbolt, which an eagle beside +him is waiting to carry to Zeus. The principal seat of his worship was the +island of Lemnos, where he was regarded with peculiar veneration. + +VULCAN. + +The Roman Vulcan was merely an importation from Greece, which never at any +time took firm root in Rome, nor entered largely into the actual life and +sympathies of the nation, his worship being unattended by the devotional +feeling and enthusiasm which characterized the religious rites of the other +deities. He still, however, retained in Rome his {101} Greek attributes as +god of fire, and unrivalled master of the art of working in metals, and was +ranked among the twelve great gods of Olympus, whose gilded statues were +arranged consecutively along the Forum. His Roman name, Vulcan, would seem +to indicate a connection with the first great metal-working artificer of +Biblical history, Tubal-Cain. + +POSEIDON (NEPTUNE). + +Poseidon was the son of Kronos and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus. He was +god of the sea, more particularly of the Mediterranean, and, like the +element over which he presided, was of a variable disposition, now +violently agitated, and now calm and placid, for which reason he is +sometimes represented by the poets as quiet and composed, and at others as +disturbed and angry. + +[Illustration] + +In the earliest ages of Greek mythology, he merely symbolized the watery +element; but in later times, as navigation and intercourse with other +nations engendered greater traffic by sea, Poseidon gained in importance, +and came to be regarded as a distinct divinity, holding indisputable +dominion over the sea, and over all sea-divinities, who acknowledged him as +their sovereign ruler. He possessed the power of causing at will, mighty +and destructive tempests, in which the billows rise mountains high, the +wind becomes a hurricane, land and sea being enveloped in thick mists, +whilst destruction assails the unfortunate mariners exposed to their fury. +On the other hand, his alone was the power of stilling the angry {102} +waves, of soothing the troubled waters, and granting safe voyages to +mariners. For this reason, Poseidon was always invoked and propitiated by a +libation before a voyage was undertaken, and sacrifices and thanksgivings +were gratefully offered to him after a safe and prosperous journey by sea. + +The symbol of his power was the fisherman's fork or trident,[37] by means +of which he produced earthquakes, raised up islands from the bottom of the +sea, and caused wells to spring forth out of the earth. + +Poseidon was essentially the presiding deity over fishermen, and was on +that account, more particularly worshipped and revered in countries +bordering on the sea-coast, where fish naturally formed a staple commodity +of trade. He was supposed to vent his displeasure by sending disastrous +inundations, which completely destroyed whole countries, and were usually +accompanied by terrible marine monsters, who swallowed up and devoured +those whom the floods had spared. It is probable that these sea-monsters +are the poetical figures which represent the demons of hunger and famine, +necessarily accompanying a general inundation. + +Poseidon is generally represented as resembling his brother Zeus in +features, height, and general aspect; but we miss in the countenance of the +sea-god the kindness and benignity which so pleasingly distinguish his +mighty brother. The eyes are bright and piercing, and the contour of the +face somewhat sharper in its outline than that of Zeus, thus corresponding, +as it were, with his more angry and violent nature. His hair waves in dark, +disorderly masses over his shoulders; his chest is broad, and his frame +powerful and stalwart; he wears a short, curling beard, and a band round +his head. He usually appears standing erect in a graceful shell-chariot, +drawn by hippocamps, or sea-horses, with golden manes and brazen hoofs, who +bound over the dancing waves with such wonderful swiftness, that the +chariot scarcely touches {103} the water. The monsters of the deep, +acknowledging their mighty lord, gambol playfully around him, whilst the +sea joyfully smooths a path for the passage of its all-powerful ruler. + +[Illustration] + +He inhabited a beautiful palace at the bottom of the sea at AEgea in Euboea, +and also possessed a royal residence on Mount Olympus, which, however, he +only visited when his presence was required at the council of the gods. + +His wonderful palace beneath the waters was of vast extent; in its lofty +and capacious halls thousands of his followers could assemble. The exterior +of the building was of bright gold, which the continual wash of the waters +preserved untarnished; in the interior, lofty and graceful columns +supported the gleaming dome. Everywhere fountains of glistening, silvery +water played; everywhere groves and arbours of feathery-leaved sea-plants +appeared, whilst rocks of pure crystal glistened with all the varied +colours of the rainbow. Some of the paths were strewn with white sparkling +sand, interspersed with jewels, pearls, and amber. This delightful abode +was surrounded on all sides by wide fields, where there were whole groves +of dark purple coralline, and tufts of beautiful scarlet-leaved plants, and +sea-anemones of every tint. Here grew bright, pinky sea-weeds, mosses of +all hues and shades, and tall grasses, which, growing upwards, formed +emerald caves and grottoes such as the Nereides love, whilst fish of +various kinds playfully darted in and out, in the full enjoyment of their +native element. Nor was illumination wanting in this fairy-like region, +which at night was lit up by the glow-worms of the deep. + +But although Poseidon ruled with absolute power over the ocean and its +inhabitants, he nevertheless bowed submissively to the will of the great +ruler of Olympus, and appeared at all times desirous of conciliating him. +We {104} find him coming to his aid when emergency demanded, and frequently +rendering him valuable assistance against his opponents. At the time when +Zeus was harassed by the attacks of the Giants, he proved himself a most +powerful ally, engaging in single combat with a hideous giant named +Polybotes, whom he followed over the sea, and at last succeeded in +destroying, by hurling upon him the island of Cos. + +These amicable relations between the brothers were, however, sometimes +interrupted. Thus, for instance, upon one occasion Poseidon joined Hera and +Athene in a secret conspiracy to seize upon the ruler of heaven, place him +in fetters, and deprive him of the sovereign power. The conspiracy being +discovered, Hera, as the chief instigator of this sacrilegious attempt on +the divine person of Zeus, was severely chastised, and even beaten, by her +enraged spouse, as a punishment for her rebellion and treachery, whilst +Poseidon was condemned, for the space of a whole year, to forego his +dominion over the sea, and it was at this time that, in conjunction with +Apollo, he built for Laomedon the walls of Troy. + +Poseidon married a sea-nymph named Amphitrite, whom he wooed under the form +of a dolphin. She afterwards became jealous of a beautiful maiden called +Scylla, who was beloved by Poseidon, and in order to revenge herself she +threw some herbs into a well where Scylla was bathing, which had the effect +of metamorphosing her into a monster of terrible aspect, having twelve +feet, six heads with six long necks, and a voice which resembled the bark +of a dog. This awful monster is said to have inhabited a cave at a very +great height in the famous rock which still bears her name,[38] and was +supposed to swoop down from her rocky eminence upon every ship that passed, +and with each of her six heads to secure a victim. + +Amphitrite is often represented assisting Poseidon in attaching the +sea-horses to his chariot. + +{105} + +The Cyclops, who have been already alluded to in the history of Cronus, +were the sons of Poseidon and Amphitrite. They were a wild race of gigantic +growth, similar in their nature to the earth-born Giants, and had only one +eye each in the middle of their foreheads. They led a lawless life, +possessing neither social manners nor fear of the gods, and were the +workmen of Hephaestus, whose workshop was supposed to be in the heart of the +volcanic mountain AEtna. + +Here we have another striking instance of the manner in which the Greeks +personified the powers of nature, which they saw in active operation around +them. They beheld with awe, mingled with astonishment, the fire, stones, +and ashes which poured forth from the summit of this and other volcanic +mountains, and, with their vivacity of imagination, found a solution of the +mystery in the supposition, that the god of Fire must be busy at work with +his men in the depths of the earth, and that the mighty flames which they +beheld, issued in this manner from his subterranean forge. + +The chief representative of the Cyclops was the man-eating monster +Polyphemus, described by Homer as having been blinded and outwitted at last +by Odysseus. This monster fell in love with a beautiful nymph called +Galatea; but, as may be supposed, his addresses were not acceptable to the +fair maiden, who rejected them in favour of a youth named Acis, upon which +Polyphemus, with his usual barbarity, destroyed the life of his rival by +throwing upon him a gigantic rock. The blood of the murdered Acis, gushing +out of the rock, formed a stream which still bears his name. + +Triton, Rhoda,[39] and Benthesicyme were also children of Poseidon and +Amphitrite. + +The sea-god was the father of two giant sons called Otus and Ephialtes.[40] +When only nine years old they {106} were said to be twenty-seven cubits[41] +in height and nine in breadth. These youthful giants were as rebellious as +they were powerful, even presuming to threaten the gods themselves with +hostilities. During the war of the Gigantomachia, they endeavoured to scale +heaven by piling mighty mountains one upon another. Already had they +succeeded in placing Mount Ossa on Olympus and Pelion on Ossa, when this +impious project was frustrated by Apollo, who destroyed them with his +arrows. It was supposed that had not their lives been thus cut off before +reaching maturity, their sacrilegious designs would have been carried into +effect. + +Pelias and Neleus were also sons of Poseidon. Their mother Tyro was +attached to the river-god Enipeus, whose form Poseidon assumed, and thus +won her love. Pelias became afterwards famous in the story of the +Argonauts, and Neleus was the father of Nestor, who was distinguished in +the Trojan War. + +The Greeks believed that it was to Poseidon they were indebted for the +existence of the horse, which he is said to have produced in the following +manner: Athene and Poseidon both claiming the right to name Cecropia (the +ancient name of Athens), a violent dispute arose, which was finally settled +by an assembly of the Olympian gods, who decided that whichever of the +contending parties presented mankind with the most useful gift, should +obtain the privilege of naming the city. Upon this Poseidon struck the +ground with his trident, and the horse sprang forth in all his untamed +strength and graceful beauty. From the spot which Athene touched with her +wand, issued the olive-tree, whereupon the gods unanimously awarded to her +the victory, declaring her gift to be the emblem of peace and plenty, +whilst that of Poseidon was thought to be the symbol of war and {107} +bloodshed. Athene accordingly called the city Athens, after herself, and it +has ever since retained this name. + +Poseidon tamed the horse for the use of mankind, and was believed to have +taught men the art of managing horses by the bridle. The Isthmian games (so +named because they were held on the Isthmus of Corinth), in which horse and +chariot races were a distinguishing feature, were instituted in honour of +Poseidon. + +He was more especially worshipped in the Peloponnesus, though universally +revered throughout Greece and in the south of Italy. His sacrifices were +generally black and white bulls, also wild boars and rams. His usual +attributes are the trident, horse, and dolphin. + +In some parts of Greece this divinity was identified with the sea-god +Nereus, for which reason the Nereides, or daughters of Nereus, are +represented as accompanying him. + +NEPTUNE. + +The Romans worshipped Poseidon under the name of Neptune, and invested him +with all the attributes which belong to the Greek divinity. + +The Roman commanders never undertook any naval expedition without +propitiating Neptune by a sacrifice. + +His temple at Rome was in the Campus Martius, and the festivals +commemorated in his honour were called Neptunalia. + + * * * * * + +SEA DIVINITIES. + +OCEANUS. + +Oceanus was the son of Uranus and Gaea. He was the personification of the +ever-flowing stream, which, according to the primitive notions of the early +Greeks, encircled the world, and from which sprang all the rivers and +streams that watered the earth. He was married to Tethys, one of the +Titans, and was the father of a {108} numerous progeny called the +Oceanides, who are said to have been three thousand in number. He alone, of +all the Titans, refrained from taking part against Zeus in the +Titanomachia, and was, on that account, the only one of the primeval +divinities permitted to retain his dominion under the new dynasty. + +NEREUS. + +Nereus appears to have been the personification of the sea in its calm and +placid moods, and was, after Poseidon, the most important of the +sea-deities. He is represented as a kind and benevolent old man, possessing +the gift of prophecy, and presiding more particularly over the AEgean Sea, +of which he was considered to be the protecting spirit. There he dwelt with +his wife Doris and their fifty blooming daughters, the Nereides, beneath +the waves in a beautiful grotto-palace, and was ever ready to assist +distressed mariners in the hour of danger. + +PROTEUS. + +Proteus, more familiarly known as "The Old Man of the Sea," was a son of +Poseidon, and gifted with prophetic power. But he had an invincible +objection to being consulted in his capacity as seer, and those who wished +him to foretell events, watched for the hour of noon, when he was in the +habit of coming up to the island of Pharos,[42] with Poseidon's flock of +seals, which he tended at the bottom of the sea. Surrounded by these +creatures of the deep, he used to slumber beneath the grateful shade of the +rocks. This was the favourable moment to seize the prophet, who, in order +to avoid importunities, would change himself into an infinite variety of +forms. But patience gained the day; for if he were only held long enough, +he became wearied at last, and, resuming his true form, gave the +information desired, after which he dived down again to the bottom of the +sea, accompanied by the animals he tended. + +{109} + +[Illustration] + +TRITON and the TRITONS. + +Triton was the only son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, but he possessed little +influence, being altogether a minor divinity. He is usually represented as +preceding his father and acting as his trumpeter, using a conch-shell for +this purpose. He lived with his parents in their beautiful golden palace +beneath the sea at AEgea, and his favourite pastime was to ride over the +billows on horses or sea-monsters. Triton is always represented as half +man, half fish, the body below the waist terminating in the tail of a +dolphin. We frequently find mention of Tritons who are either the offspring +or kindred of Triton. + +GLAUCUS. + +Glaucus is said to have become a sea-divinity in the following manner. +While angling one day, he observed that the fish he caught and threw on the +bank, at once nibbled at the grass and then leaped back into the water. His +curiosity was naturally excited, and he proceeded to gratify it by taking +up a few blades and tasting them. No sooner was this done than, obeying an +irresistible impulse, he precipitated himself into the deep, and became a +sea-god. + +Like most sea-divinities he was gifted with prophetic power, and each year +visited all the islands and coasts with a train of marine monsters, +foretelling all kinds of evil. Hence fishermen dreaded his approach, and +endeavoured, by prayer and fasting, to avert the misfortunes which he +prophesied. He is often represented floating on the billows, his body +covered with mussels, sea-weed, and shells, wearing a full beard and long +flowing hair, and bitterly bewailing his immortality. + +{110} + +THETIS. + +The silver-footed, fair-haired Thetis, who plays an important part in the +mythology of Greece, was the daughter of Nereus, or, as some assert, of +Poseidon. Her grace and beauty were so remarkable that Zeus and Poseidon +both sought an alliance with her; but, as it had been foretold that a son +of hers would gain supremacy over his father, they relinquished their +intentions, and she became the wife of Peleus, son of AEacus. Like Proteus, +Thetis possessed the power of transforming herself into a variety of +different shapes, and when wooed by Peleus she exerted this power in order +to elude him. But, knowing that persistence would eventually succeed, he +held her fast until she assumed her true form. Their nuptials were +celebrated with the utmost pomp and magnificence, and were honoured by the +presence of all the gods and goddesses, with the exception of Eris. How the +goddess of discord resented her exclusion from the marriage festivities has +already been shown. + +Thetis ever retained great influence over the mighty lord of heaven, which, +as we shall see hereafter, she used in favour of her renowned son, +Achilles, in the Trojan War. + +When Halcyone plunged into the sea in despair after the shipwreck and death +of her husband King Ceyx, Thetis transformed both husband and wife into the +birds called kingfishers (halcyones), which, with the tender affection +which characterized the unfortunate couple, always fly in pairs. The idea +of the ancients was that these birds brought forth their young in nests, +which float on the surface of the sea in calm weather, before and after the +shortest day, when Thetis was said to keep the waters smooth and tranquil +for their especial benefit; hence the term "halcyon-days," which signifies +a period of rest and untroubled felicity. + +{111} + +THAUMAS, PHORCYS, and CETO. + +The early Greeks, with their extraordinary power of personifying all and +every attribute of Nature, gave a distinct personality to those mighty +wonders of the deep, which, in all ages, have afforded matter of +speculation to educated and uneducated alike. Among these personifications +we find Thaumas, Phorcys, and their sister Ceto, who were the offspring of +Pontus. + +Thaumas (whose name signifies Wonder) typifies that peculiar, translucent +condition of the surface of the sea when it reflects, mirror-like, various +images, and appears to hold in its transparent embrace the flaming stars +and illuminated cities, which are so frequently reflected on its glassy +bosom. + +Thaumas married the lovely Electra (whose name signifies the sparkling +light produced by electricity), daughter of Oceanus. Her amber-coloured +hair was of such rare beauty that none of her fair-haired sisters could +compare with her, and when she wept, her tears, being too precious to be +lost, formed drops of shining amber. + +Phorcys and Ceto personified more especially the hidden perils and terrors +of the ocean. They were the parents of the Gorgons, the Graea, and the +Dragon which guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides. + +[Illustration] + +LEUCOTHEA. + +Leucothea was originally a mortal named Ino, daughter of Cadmus, king of +Thebes. She married Athamas, king of Orchomenus, who, incensed at her +unnatural conduct to her step-children,[43] pursued her and her son to the +sea-shore, when, seeing no hope of escape, she flung herself with her child +into the deep. They were kindly received by the Nereides, and became +sea-divinities under the name of Leucothea and Palaemon. + +{112} + +THE SIRENS. + +The Sirens would appear to have been personifications of those numerous +rocks and unseen dangers, which abound on the S.W. coast of Italy. They +were sea-nymphs, with the upper part of the body that of a maiden and the +lower that of a sea-bird, having wings attached to their shoulders, and +were endowed with such wonderful voices, that their sweet songs are said to +have lured mariners to destruction. + +ARES (MARS). + +Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of war, who gloried in strife +for its own sake; he loved the tumult and havoc of the battlefield, and +delighted in slaughter and extermination; in fact he presents no benevolent +aspect which could possibly react favourably upon human life. + +Epic poets, in particular, represent the god of battles as a wild +ungovernable warrior, who passes through the armies like a whirlwind, +hurling to the ground the brave and cowardly alike; destroying chariots and +helmets, and triumphing over the terrible desolation which he produces. + +In all the myths concerning Ares, his sister Athene ever appears in +opposition to him, endeavouring by every means in her power to defeat his +bloodthirsty designs. Thus she assists the divine hero Diomedes at the +siege of Troy, to overcome Ares in battle, and so well does he profit by +her timely aid, that he succeeds in wounding the sanguinary war-god, who +makes his exit from the field, roaring like ten thousand bulls. + +{113} + +Ares appears to have been an object of aversion to all the gods of Olympus, +Aphrodite alone excepted. As the son of Hera, he had inherited from his +mother the strongest feelings of independence and contradiction, and as he +took delight in upsetting that peaceful course of state-life which it was +pre-eminently the care of Zeus to establish, he was naturally disliked and +even hated by him. + +When wounded by Diomedes, as above related, he complains to his father, but +receives no sympathy from the otherwise kindly and beneficent ruler of +Olympus, who thus angrily addresses him: "Do not trouble me with thy +complaints, thou who art of all the gods of Olympus most hateful to me, for +thou delightest in nought save war and strife. The very spirit of thy +mother lives in thee, and wert thou not my son, long ago wouldst thou have +lain deeper down in the bowels of the earth than the son of Uranus." + +[Illustration] + +Ares, upon one occasion, incurred the anger of Poseidon by slaying his son +Halirrhothios, who had insulted Alcippe, the daughter of the war-god. For +this deed, Poseidon summoned Ares to appear before the tribunal of the +Olympic gods, which was held upon a hill in Athens. Ares was acquitted, and +this event is supposed to have given rise to the name Areopagus (or Hill of +Ares), which afterwards became so famous as a court of justice. In the +Gigantomachia, Ares was defeated by the Aloidae, the two giant-sons of +Poseidon, who put him in chains, and kept him in prison for thirteen +months. + +Ares is represented as a man of youthful appearance; his tall muscular form +combines great strength with wonderful agility. In his right hand he bears +a sword or a mighty lance, while on the left arm he carries his round +shield (see next page). His demoniacal surroundings are Terror and +Fear;[44] Enyo, the goddess of the war-cry; Keidomos, the demon of the +noise of battles; and Eris (Contention), his twin-sister and companion, who +always {114} precedes his chariot when he rushes to the fight, the latter +being evidently a simile of the poets to express the fact that war follows +contention. + +Eris is represented as a woman of florid complexion, with dishevelled hair, +and her whole appearance angry and menacing. In one hand she brandishes a +poniard and a hissing adder, whilst in the other she carries a burning +torch. Her dress is torn and disorderly, and her hair intertwined with +venomous snakes. This divinity was never invoked by mortals, except when +they desired her assistance for the accomplishment of evil purposes. + +MARS. + +The Roman divinity most closely resembling the Greek Ares, and identified +with him, was called Mars, Mamers, and Marspiter or Father Mars. + +The earliest Italian tribes, who were mostly engaged in the pursuit of +husbandry, regarded this deity more especially as the god of spring, who +vanquished the powers of winter, and encouraged the peaceful arts of +agriculture. But with the Romans, who were an essentially warlike nation, +Mars gradually loses his peaceful character, and, as god of war, attains, +after Jupiter, the highest position among the Olympic gods. The Romans +looked upon him as their special protector, and declared him to have been +the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of their city. But although +he was especially {115} worshipped in Rome as god of war, he still +continued to preside over agriculture, and was also the protecting deity +who watched over the welfare of the state. + +As the god who strode with warlike step to the battlefield, he was called +Gradivus (from _gradus_, a step), it being popularly believed by the Romans +that he himself marched before them to battle, and acted as their invisible +protector. As the presiding deity over agriculture, he was styled Sylvanus, +whilst in his character as guardian of the state, he bore the name of +Quirinus.[45] + +The priests of Mars were twelve in number, and were called Salii, or the +dancers, from the fact that sacred dances, in full armour, formed an +important item in their peculiar ceremonial. This religious order, the +members of which were always chosen from the noblest families in Rome, was +first instituted by Numa Pompilius, who intrusted to their special charge +the Anciliae, or sacred shields. It is said that one morning, when Numa was +imploring the protection of Jupiter for the newly-founded city of Rome, the +god of heaven, as though in answer to his prayer, sent down an oblong +brazen shield, and, as it fell at the feet of the king, a voice was heard +announcing that on its preservation depended the future safety and +prosperity of Rome. In order, therefore, to lessen the chances of this +sacred treasure being abstracted, Numa caused eleven more to be made +exactly like it, which were then given into the care of the Salii. + +The assistance and protection of the god of war was always solemnly invoked +before the departure of a Roman army for the field of battle, and any +reverses of fortune were invariably ascribed to his anger, which was +accordingly propitiated by means of extraordinary sin-offerings and +prayers. + +In Rome a field, called the Campus Martius, was dedicated to Mars. It was a +large, open space, in which armies were collected and reviewed, general +assemblies of {116} the people held, and the young nobility trained to +martial exercises. + +The most celebrated and magnificent of the numerous temples built by the +Romans in honour of this deity was the one erected by Augustus in the +Forum, to commemorate the overthrow of the murderers of Caesar. + +Of all existing statues of Mars the most renowned is that in the Villa +Ludovisi at Rome, in which he is represented as a powerful, muscular man in +the full vigour of youth. The attitude is that of thoughtful repose, but +the short, curly hair, dilated nostrils, and strongly marked features leave +no doubt as to the force and turbulence of his character. At his feet, the +sculptor has placed the little god of love, who looks up all undaunted at +the mighty war-god, as though mischievously conscious that this unusually +quiet mood is attributable to his influence. + +Religious festivals in honour of Mars were generally held in the month of +March; but he had also a festival on the Ides of October, when +chariot-races took place, after which, the right-hand horse of the team +which had drawn the victorious chariot, was sacrificed to him. In ancient +times, human sacrifices, more especially prisoners of war, were offered to +him; but, at a later period, this cruel practice was discontinued. + +The attributes of this divinity are the helmet, shield, and spear. The +animals consecrated to him were the wolf, horse, vulture, and woodpecker. + +Intimately associated with Mars in his character as god of war, was a +goddess called BELLONA, who was evidently the female divinity of battle +with one or other of the primitive nations of Italy (most probably the +Sabines), and is usually seen accompanying Mars, whose war-chariot she +guides. Bellona appears on the battle-field, inspired with mad rage, +cruelty, and the love of extermination. She is in full armour, her hair is +dishevelled, and she bears a scourge in one hand, and a lance in the other. + +A temple was erected to her on the Campus Martius. Before the entrance to +this edifice stood a pillar, over which a spear was thrown when war was +publicly declared. {117} + +NIKE (VICTORIA). + +Nike, the goddess of victory, was the daughter of the Titan Pallas, and of +Styx, the presiding nymph of the river of that name in the lower world. + +In her statues, Nike somewhat resembles Athene, but may easily be +recognized by her large, graceful wings and flowing drapery, which is +negligently fastened on the right shoulder, and only partially conceals her +lovely form. In her left hand, she holds aloft a crown of laurel, and in +the right, a palm-branch. In ancient sculpture, Nike is usually represented +in connection with colossal statues of Zeus or Pallas-Athene, in which case +she is life-sized, and stands on a ball, held in the open palm of the deity +she accompanies. Sometimes she is represented engaged in inscribing the +victory of a conqueror on his shield, her right foot being slightly raised +and placed on a ball. + +A celebrated temple was erected to this divinity on the Acropolis at +Athens, which is still to be seen, and is in excellent preservation. + +VICTORIA. + +Under the name of Victoria, Nike was highly honoured by the Romans, with +whom love of conquest was an all-absorbing characteristic. There were +several sanctuaries in Rome dedicated to her, the principal of which was on +the Capitol, where it was the custom of generals, after success had +attended their arms, to erect statues of the goddess in commemoration of +their victories. The most magnificent of these statues, was that raised by +Augustus after the battle of Actium. A festival was celebrated in honour of +Nike on the 12th of April. + +HERMES (MERCURY). + +Hermes was the swift-footed messenger, and trusted ambassador of all the +gods, and conductor of shades to Hades. He presided over the rearing and +education of {118} the young, and encouraged gymnastic exercises and +athletic pursuits, for which reason, all gymnasiums and wrestling schools +throughout Greece were adorned with his statues. He is said to have +invented the alphabet, and to have taught the art of interpreting foreign +languages, and his versatility, sagacity, and cunning were so +extraordinary, that Zeus invariably chose him as his attendant, when, +disguised as a mortal, he journeyed on earth. + +Hermes was worshipped as god of eloquence, most probably from the fact +that, in his office as ambassador, this faculty was indispensable to the +successful issue of the negotiations with which he was intrusted. He was +regarded as the god who granted increase and prosperity to flocks and +herds, and, on this account, was worshipped with special veneration by +herdsmen. + +In ancient times, trade was conducted chiefly by means of the exchange of +cattle. Hermes, therefore, as god of herdsmen, came to be regarded as the +protector of merchants, and, as ready wit and adroitness are valuable +qualities both in buying and selling, he was also looked upon as the patron +of artifice and cunning. Indeed, so deeply was this notion rooted in the +minds of the Greek people, that he was popularly believed to be also god of +thieves, and of all persons who live by their wits. + +[Illustration] + +As the patron of commerce, Hermes was naturally supposed to be the promoter +of intercourse among nations; hence, he is essentially the god of +travellers, over whose safety he presided, and he severely punished those +who refused assistance to the lost or weary wayfarer. He was also guardian +of streets and roads, and his statues, called Hermae (which were pillars of +stone surmounted by a head of Hermes), were placed at cross-roads, and +frequently in streets and public squares. + +Being the god of all undertakings in which gain was a feature, he was +worshipped as the giver of wealth and {119} good luck, and any unexpected +stroke of fortune was attributed to his influence. He also presided over +the game of dice, in which he is said to have been instructed by Apollo. + +Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, the eldest and most beautiful of the +seven Pleiades (daughters of Atlas), and was born in a cave of Mount +Cyllene in Arcadia. As a mere babe, he exhibited an extraordinary faculty +for cunning and dissimulation; in fact, he was a thief from his cradle, +for, not many hours after his birth, we find him creeping stealthily out of +the cave in which he was born, in order to steal some oxen belonging to his +brother Apollo, who was at this time feeding the flocks of Admetus. But he +had not proceeded very far on his expedition before he found a tortoise, +which he killed, and, stretching seven strings across the empty shell, +invented a lyre, upon which he at once began to play with exquisite skill. +When he had sufficiently amused himself with the instrument, he placed it +in his cradle, and then resumed his journey to Pieria, where the cattle of +Admetus were grazing. Arriving at sunset at his destination, he succeeded +in separating fifty oxen from his brother's herd, which he now drove before +him, taking the precaution to cover his feet with sandals made of twigs of +myrtle, in order to escape detection. But the little rogue was not +unobserved, for the theft had been witnessed by an old shepherd named +Battus, who was tending the flocks of Neleus, king of Pylos (father of +Nestor). Hermes, frightened at being discovered, bribed him with the finest +cow in the herd not to betray him, and Battus promised to keep the secret. +But Hermes, astute as he was dishonest, determined to test the shepherd's +integrity. Feigning to go away, he assumed the form of Admetus, and then +returning to the spot offered the old man two of his best oxen if he would +disclose the author of the theft. The ruse succeeded, for the avaricious +shepherd, unable to resist the tempting bait, gave the desired information, +upon which Hermes, exerting his divine power, changed him into a lump of +touchstone, as a {120} punishment for his treachery and avarice. Hermes now +killed two of the oxen, which he sacrificed to himself and the other gods, +concealing the remainder in the cave. He then carefully extinguished the +fire, and, after throwing his twig shoes into the river Alpheus, returned +to Cyllene. + +Apollo, by means of his all-seeing power, soon discovered who it was that +had robbed him, and hastening to Cyllene, demanded restitution of his +property. On his complaining to Maia of her son's conduct, she pointed to +the innocent babe then lying, apparently fast asleep, in his cradle, +whereupon, Apollo angrily aroused the pretended sleeper, and charged him +with the theft; but the child stoutly denied all knowledge of it, and so +cleverly did he play his part, that he even inquired in the most naive +manner what sort of animals cows were. Apollo threatened to throw him into +Tartarus if he would not confess the truth, but all to no purpose. At last, +he seized the babe in his arms, and brought him into the presence of his +august father, who was seated in the council chamber of the gods. Zeus +listened to the charge made by Apollo, and then sternly desired Hermes to +say where he had hidden the cattle. The child, who was still in +swaddling-clothes, looked up bravely into his father's face and said, "Now, +do I look capable of driving away a herd of cattle; I, who was only born +yesterday, and whose feet are much too soft and tender to tread in rough +places? Until this moment, I lay in sweet sleep on my mother's bosom, and +have never even crossed the threshold of our dwelling. You know well that I +am not guilty; but, if you wish, I will affirm it by the most solemn +oaths." As the child stood before him, looking the picture of innocence, +Zeus could not refrain from smiling at his cleverness and cunning, but, +being perfectly aware of his guilt, he commanded him to conduct Apollo to +the cave where he had concealed the herd, and Hermes, seeing that further +subterfuge was useless, unhesitatingly obeyed. But when the divine shepherd +was about to drive his cattle back into Pieria, Hermes, as though by +chance, touched the chords of his {121} lyre. Hitherto Apollo had heard +nothing but the music of his own three-stringed lyre and the syrinx, or +Pan's pipe, and, as he listened entranced to the delightful strains of this +new instrument, his longing to possess it became so great, that he gladly +offered the oxen in exchange, promising at the same time, to give Hermes +full dominion over flocks and herds, as well as over horses, and all the +wild animals of the woods and forests. The offer was accepted, and, a +reconciliation being thus effected between the brothers, Hermes became +henceforth god of herdsmen, whilst Apollo devoted himself enthusiastically +to the art of music. + +[Illustration] + +They now proceeded together to Olympus, where Apollo introduced Hermes as +his chosen friend and companion, and, having made him swear by the Styx, +that he would never steal his lyre or bow, nor invade his sanctuary at +Delphi, he presented him with the Caduceus, or golden wand. This wand was +surmounted by wings, and on presenting it to Hermes, Apollo informed him +that it possessed the faculty of uniting in love, all beings divided by +hate. Wishing to prove the truth of this assertion, Hermes threw it down +between two snakes which were fighting, whereupon the angry combatants +clasped each other in a loving embrace, and curling round the staff, +remained ever after permanently attached to it. The wand itself typified +power; the serpents, wisdom; and the wings, despatch--all qualities +characteristic of a trustworthy ambassador. + +The young god was now presented by his father with a winged silver cap +(Petasus), and also with silver wings for his feet (Talaria), and was +forthwith appointed herald of the gods, and conductor of shades to Hades, +which office had hitherto been filled by Aides. + +As messenger of the gods, we find him employed on all occasions requiring +special skill, tact, or despatch. Thus he conducts Hera, Athene, and +Aphrodite to Paris, leads Priam to Achilles to demand the body of Hector, +{122} binds Prometheus to Mount Caucasus, secures Ixion to the eternally +revolving wheel, destroys Argus, the hundred-eyed guardian of Io, &c. &c. + +As conductor of shades, Hermes was always invoked by the dying to grant +them a safe and speedy passage across the Styx. He also possessed the power +of bringing back departed spirits to the upper world, and was, therefore, +the mediator between the living and the dead. + +The poets relate many amusing stories of the youthful tricks played by this +mischief-loving god upon the other immortals. For instance, he had the +audacity to extract the Medusa's head from the shield of Athene, which he +playfully attached to the back of Hephaestus; he also stole the girdle of +Aphrodite; deprived Artemis of her arrows, and Ares of his spear, but these +acts were always performed with such graceful dexterity, combined with such +perfect good humour, that even the gods and goddesses he thus provoked, +were fain to pardon him, and he became a universal favourite with them all. + +It is said that Hermes was one day flying over Athens, when, looking down +into the city, he beheld a number of maidens returning in solemn procession +from the temple of Pallas-Athene. Foremost among them was Herse, the +beautiful daughter of king Cecrops, and Hermes was so struck with her +exceeding loveliness that he determined to seek an interview with her. He +accordingly presented himself at the royal palace, and begged her sister +Agraulos to favour his suit; but, being of an avaricious turn of mind, she +refused to do so without the payment of an enormous sum of money. It did +not take the messenger of the gods long to obtain the means of fulfilling +this condition, and he soon returned with a well-filled purse. But +meanwhile Athene, to punish the cupidity of Agraulos, had caused the demon +of envy to take possession of her, and the consequence was, that, being +unable to contemplate the happiness of her sister, she sat down before the +door, and resolutely refused to allow Hermes to enter. He tried every +persuasion and blandishment in his power, but she still remained obstinate. +At last, his patience {123} being exhausted, he changed her into a mass of +black stone, and, the obstacle to his wishes being removed, he succeeded in +persuading Herse to become his wife. + +[Illustration] + +In his statues, Hermes is represented as a beardless youth, with broad +chest and graceful but muscular limbs; the face is handsome and +intelligent, and a genial smile of kindly benevolence plays round the +delicately chiselled lips. + +As messenger of the gods he wears the Petasus and Talaria, and bears in his +hand the Caduceus or herald's staff. + +As god of eloquence, he is often represented with chains of gold hanging +from his lips, whilst, as the patron of merchants, he bears a purse in his +hand. + +The wonderful excavations in Olympia, to which allusion has already been +made, have brought to light an exquisite marble group of Hermes and the +infant Bacchus, by Praxiteles. In this great work of art, Hermes is +represented as a young and handsome man, who is looking down kindly and +affectionately at the child resting on his arm, but unfortunately nothing +remains of the infant save the right hand, which is laid lovingly on the +shoulder of his protector. + +The sacrifices to Hermes consisted of incense, honey, cakes, pigs, and +especially lambs and young goats. As god of eloquence, the tongues of +animals were sacrificed to him. + +MERCURY. + +Mercury was the Roman god of commerce and gain. We find mention of a temple +having been erected to him {124} near the Circus Maximus as early as B.C. +495; and he had also a temple and a sacred fount near the Porta Capena. +Magic powers were ascribed to the latter, and on the festival of Mercury, +which took place on the 25th of May, it was the custom for merchants to +sprinkle themselves and their merchandise with this holy water, in order to +insure large profits from their wares. + +The Fetiales (Roman priests whose duty it was to act as guardians of the +public faith) refused to recognize the identity of Mercury with Hermes, and +ordered him to be represented with a sacred branch as the emblem of peace, +instead of the Caduceus. In later times, however, he was completely +identified with the Greek Hermes. + +DIONYSUS (BACCHUS). + +Dionysus, also called Bacchus (from _bacca_, berry), was the god of wine, +and the personification of the blessings of Nature in general. + +[Illustration] + +The worship of this divinity, which is supposed to have been introduced +into Greece from Asia (in all probability from India), first took root in +Thrace, whence it gradually spread into other parts of Greece. + +Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, and was snatched by Zeus from the +devouring flames in which his mother perished, when he appeared to her in +all the splendour of his divine glory. The motherless child was intrusted +to the charge of Hermes, who conveyed him to Semele's sister, Ino. But +Hera, still implacable in her vengeance, visited Athamas, the husband of +Ino, with madness, {125} and the child's life being no longer safe, he was +transferred to the fostering care of the nymphs of Mount Nysa. An aged +satyr named Silenus, the son of Pan, took upon himself the office of +guardian and preceptor to the young god, who, in his turn, became much +attached to his kind tutor; hence we see Silenus always figuring as one of +the chief personages in the various expeditions of the wine-god. + +Dionysus passed an innocent and uneventful childhood, roaming through the +woods and forests, surrounded by nymphs, satyrs, and shepherds. During one +of these rambles, he found a fruit growing wild, of a most refreshing and +cooling nature. This was the vine, from which he subsequently learnt to +extract a juice which formed a most exhilarating beverage. After his +companions had partaken freely of it, they felt their whole being pervaded +by an unwonted sense of pleasurable excitement, and gave full vent to their +overflowing exuberance, by shouting, singing, and dancing. Their numbers +were soon swelled by a crowd, eager to taste a beverage productive of such +extraordinary results, and anxious to join in the worship of a divinity to +whom they were indebted for this new enjoyment. Dionysus, on his part, +seeing how agreeably his discovery had affected his immediate followers, +resolved to extend the boon to mankind in general. He saw that wine, used +in moderation, would enable man to enjoy a happier, and more sociable +existence, and that, under its invigorating influence, the sorrowful might, +for a while, forget their grief and the sick their pain. He accordingly +gathered round him his zealous followers, and they set forth on their +travels, planting the vine and teaching its cultivation wherever they went. + +We now behold Dionysus at the head of a large army composed of men, women, +fauns, and satyrs, all bearing in their hands the Thyrsus (a staff entwined +with vine-branches surmounted by a fir-cone), and clashing together cymbals +and other musical instruments. Seated in a chariot drawn by panthers, and +accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic followers, Dionysus made a +triumphal {126} progress through Syria, Egypt, Arabia, India, &c., +conquering all before him, founding cities, and establishing on every side +a more civilized and sociable mode of life among the inhabitants of the +various countries through which he passed. + +When Dionysus returned to Greece from his Eastern expedition, he +encountered great opposition from Lycurgus, king of Thrace, and Pentheus, +king of Thebes. The former, highly disapproving of the wild revels which +attended the worship of the wine-god, drove away his attendants, the nymphs +of Nysa, from that sacred mountain, and so effectually intimidated +Dionysus, that he precipitated himself into the sea, where he was received +into the arms of the ocean-nymph, Thetis. But the impious king bitterly +expiated his sacrilegious conduct. He was punished with the loss of his +reason, and, during one of his mad paroxysms, killed his own son Dryas, +whom he mistook for a vine. + +Pentheus, king of Thebes, seeing his subjects so completely infatuated by +the riotous worship of this new divinity, and fearing the demoralizing +effects of the unseemly nocturnal orgies held in honour of the wine-god, +strictly prohibited his people from taking any part in the wild +Bacchanalian revels. Anxious to save him from the consequences of his +impiety, Dionysus appeared to him under the form of a youth in the king's +train, and earnestly warned him to desist from his denunciations. But the +well-meant admonition failed in its purpose, for Pentheus only became more +incensed at this interference, and, commanding Dionysus to be cast into +prison, caused the most cruel preparations to be made for his immediate +execution. But the god soon freed himself from his ignoble confinement, for +scarcely had his jailers departed, ere the prison-doors opened of +themselves, and, bursting asunder his iron chains, he escaped to rejoin his +devoted followers. + +Meanwhile, the mother of the king and her sisters, inspired with +Bacchanalian fury, had repaired to Mount Cithaeron, in order to join the +worshippers of the {127} wine-god in those dreadful orgies which were +solemnized exclusively by women, and at which no man was allowed to be +present. Enraged at finding his commands thus openly disregarded by the +members of his own family, Pentheus resolved to witness for himself the +excesses of which he had heard such terrible reports, and for this purpose, +concealed himself behind a tree on Mount Cithaeron; but his hiding-place +being discovered, he was dragged out by the half-maddened crew of +Bacchantes and, horrible to relate, he was torn in pieces by his own mother +Agave and her two sisters. + +An incident which occurred to Dionysus on one of his travels has been a +favourite subject with the classic poets. One day, as some Tyrrhenian +pirates approached the shores of Greece, they beheld Dionysus, in the form +of a beautiful youth, attired in radiant garments. Thinking to secure a +rich prize, they seized him, bound him, and conveyed him on board their +vessel, resolved to carry him with them to Asia and there sell him as a +slave. But the fetters dropped from his limbs, and the pilot, who was the +first to perceive the miracle, called upon his companions to restore the +youth carefully to the spot whence they had taken him, assuring them that +he was a god, and that adverse winds and storms would, in all probability, +result from their impious conduct. But, refusing to part with their +prisoner, they set sail for the open sea. Suddenly, to the alarm of all on +board, the ship stood still, masts and sails were covered with clustering +vines and wreaths of ivy-leaves, streams of fragrant wine inundated the +vessel, and heavenly strains of music were heard around. The terrified +crew, too late repentant, crowded round the pilot for protection, and +entreated him to steer for the shore. But the hour of retribution had +arrived. Dionysus assumed the form of a lion, whilst beside him appeared a +bear, which, with a terrific roar, rushed upon the captain and tore him in +pieces; the sailors, in an agony of terror, leaped overboard, and were +changed into dolphins. The discreet and pious steersman was alone permitted +to escape the fate of his companions, {128} and to him Dionysus, who had +resumed his true form, addressed words of kind and affectionate +encouragement, and announced his name and dignity. They now set sail, and +Dionysus desired the pilot to land him at the island of Naxos, where he +found the lovely Ariadne, daughter of Minos, king of Crete. She had been +abandoned by Theseus on this lonely spot, and, when Dionysus now beheld +her, was lying fast asleep on a rock, worn out with sorrow and weeping. +Wrapt in admiration, the god stood gazing at the beautiful vision before +him, and when she at length unclosed her eyes, he revealed himself to her, +and, in gentle tones, sought to banish her grief. Grateful for his kind +sympathy, coming as it did at a moment when she had deemed herself forsaken +and friendless, she gradually regained her former serenity, and, yielding +to his entreaties, consented to become his wife. + +Dionysus, having established his worship in various parts of the world, +descended to the realm of shades in search of his ill-fated mother, whom he +conducted to Olympus, where, under the name of Thyone, she was admitted +into the assembly of the immortal gods. + +Among the most noted worshippers of Dionysus was Midas,[46] the wealthy +king of Phrygia, the same who, as already related, gave judgment against +Apollo. Upon one occasion Silenus, the preceptor and friend of Dionysus, +being in an intoxicated condition, strayed into the rose-gardens of this +monarch, where he was found by some of the king's attendants, who bound him +with roses and conducted him to the presence of their royal master. Midas +treated the aged satyr with the greatest consideration, and, after +entertaining him hospitably for ten days, led him back to Dionysus, who was +so grateful for the kind attention shown to his old friend, that he offered +to grant Midas any favour he chose to demand; whereupon the avaricious +monarch, not content with his boundless wealth, and still thirsting for +more, desired that everything he touched might turn to gold. The request +was {129} complied with in so literal a sense, that the now wretched Midas +bitterly repented his folly and cupidity, for, when the pangs of hunger +assailed him, and he essayed to appease his cravings, the food became gold +ere he could swallow it; as he raised the cup of wine to his parched lips, +the sparkling draught was changed into the metal he had so coveted, and +when at length, wearied and faint, he stretched his aching frame on his +hitherto luxurious couch, this also was transformed into the substance +which had now become the curse of his existence. The despairing king at +last implored the god to take back the fatal gift, and Dionysus, pitying +his unhappy plight, desired him to bathe in the river Pactolus, a small +stream in Lydia, in order to lose the power which had become the bane of +his life. Midas joyfully obeying the injunction, was at once freed from the +consequences of his avaricious demand, and from this time forth the sands +of the river Pactolus have ever contained grains of gold. + +Representations of Dionysus are of two kinds. According to the earliest +conceptions, he appears as a grave and dignified man in the prime of life; +his countenance is earnest, thoughtful, and benevolent; he wears a full +beard, and is draped from head to foot in the garb of an Eastern monarch. +But the sculptors of a later period represent him as a youth of singular +beauty, though of somewhat effeminate appearance; the expression of the +countenance is gentle and winning; the limbs are supple and gracefully +moulded; and the hair, which is adorned by a wreath of vine or ivy leaves, +falls over the shoulders in long curls. In one hand he bears the Thyrsus, +and in the other a drinking-cup with two handles, these being his +distinguishing attributes. He is often represented riding on a panther, or +seated in a chariot drawn by lions, tigers, panthers, or lynxes. + +Being the god of wine, which is calculated to promote sociability, he +rarely appears alone, but is usually accompanied by Bacchantes, satyrs, and +mountain-nymphs. + +The finest modern representation of Ariadne is that by Danneker, at +Frankfort-on-the-Maine. In this statue she {130} appears riding on a +panther; the beautiful upturned face inclines slightly over the left +shoulder; the features are regular and finely cut, and a wreath of +ivy-leaves encircles the well-shaped head. With her right hand she +gracefully clasps the folds of drapery which fall away negligently from her +rounded form, whilst the other rests lightly and caressingly on the head of +the animal. + +Dionysus was regarded as the patron of the drama, and at the state festival +of the Dionysia, which was celebrated with great pomp in the city of +Athens, dramatic entertainments took place in his honour, for which all the +renowned Greek dramatists of antiquity composed their immortal tragedies +and comedies. + +He was also a prophetic divinity, and possessed oracles, the principal of +which was that on Mount Rhodope in Thrace. + +The tiger, lynx, panther, dolphin, serpent, and ass were sacred to this +god. His favourite plants were the vine, ivy, laurel, and asphodel. His +sacrifices consisted of goats, probably on account of their being +destructive to vineyards. + +BACCHUS OR LIBER. + +The Romans had a divinity called Liber who presided over vegetation, and +was, on this account, identified with the Greek Dionysus, and worshipped +under the name of Bacchus. + +The festival of Liber, called the Liberalia, was celebrated on the 17th of +March. + +AIDES (PLUTO). + +Aides, Aidoneus, or Hades, was the son of Cronus and Rhea, and the youngest +brother of Zeus and Poseidon. He was the ruler of that subterranean region +called Erebus, which was inhabited by the shades or spirits of the dead, +and also by those dethroned and exiled deities who had been vanquished by +Zeus and his allies. Aides, the grim and gloomy monarch of this lower +world, was the {131} successor of Erebus, that ancient primeval divinity +after whom these realms were called. + +The early Greeks regarded Aides in the light of their greatest foe, and +Homer tells us that he was "of all the gods the most detested," being in +their eyes the grim robber who stole from them their nearest and dearest, +and eventually deprived each of them of their share in terrestrial +existence. His name was so feared that it was never mentioned by mortals, +who, when they invoked him, struck the earth with their hands, and in +sacrificing to him turned away their faces. + +The belief of the people with regard to a future state was, in the Homeric +age, a sad and cheerless one. It was supposed that when a mortal ceased to +exist, his spirit tenanted the shadowy outline of the human form it had +quitted. These shadows, or shades as they were called, were driven by Aides +into his dominions, where they passed their time, some in brooding over the +vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on earth, others in +regretting the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life, but all in a +condition of semi-consciousness, from which the intellect could only be +roused to full activity by drinking of the blood of the sacrifices offered +to their shades by living friends, which, for a time, endowed them with +their former mental vigour. The only beings supposed to enjoy any happiness +in a future state were the heroes, whose acts of daring and deeds of +prowess had, during their life, reflected honour on the land of their +birth; and even these, according to Homer, pined after their career of +earthly activity. He tells us that when Odysseus visited the lower world at +the command of Circe, and held communion with the shades of the heroes of +the Trojan war, Achilles assured him that he would rather be the poorest +day-labourer on earth than reign supreme over the realm of shades. + +The early Greek poets offer but scanty allusions to Erebus. Homer appears +purposely to envelop these realms in vagueness and mystery, in order, +probably, to heighten the sensation of awe inseparably connected with {132} +the lower world. In the Odyssey he describes the entrance to Erebus as +being beyond the furthermost edge of Oceanus, in the far west, where dwelt +the Cimmerians, enveloped in eternal mists and darkness. + +In later times, however, in consequence of extended intercourse with +foreign nations, new ideas became gradually introduced, and we find +Egyptian theories with regard to a future state taking root in Greece, +which become eventually the religious belief of the whole nation. It is now +that the poets and philosophers, and more especially the teachers of the +Eleusinian Mysteries, begin to inculcate the doctrine of the future reward +and punishment of good and bad deeds. Aides, who had hitherto been regarded +as the dread enemy of mankind, who delights in his grim office, and keeps +the shades imprisoned in his dominions after withdrawing them from the joys +of existence, now receives them with hospitality and friendship, and Hermes +replaces him as conductor of shades to Hades. Under this new aspect Aides +usurps the functions of a totally different divinity called Plutus (the god +of riches), and is henceforth regarded as the giver of wealth to mankind, +in the shape of those precious metals which lie concealed in the bowels of +the earth. + +The later poets mention various entrances to Erebus, which were for the +most part caves and fissures. There was one in the mountain of Taenarum, +another in Thesprotia, and a third, the most celebrated of all, in Italy, +near the pestiferous Lake Avernus, over which it is said no bird could fly, +so noxious were its exhalations. + +In the dominions of Aides there were four great rivers, three of which had +to be crossed by all the shades. These three were Acheron (sorrow), Cocytus +(lamentation), and Styx (intense darkness), the sacred stream which flowed +nine times round these realms. + +The shades were ferried over the Styx by the grim, unshaven old boatman +Charon, who, however, only took those whose bodies had received funereal +rites on earth, and who had brought with them his indispensable toll, which +was a small coin or obolus, usually placed under the {133} tongue of a dead +person for this purpose. If these conditions had not been fulfilled, the +unhappy shades were left behind to wander up and down the banks for a +hundred years as restless spirits. + +On the opposite bank of the Styx was the tribunal of Minos, the supreme +judge, before whom all shades had to appear, and who, after hearing full +confession of their actions whilst on earth, pronounced the sentence of +happiness or misery to which their deeds had entitled them. This tribunal +was guarded by the terrible triple-headed dog Cerberus, who, with his three +necks bristling with snakes, lay at full length on the ground;--a +formidable sentinel, who permitted all shades to enter, but none to return. + +The happy spirits, destined to enjoy the delights of Elysium, passed out on +the right, and proceeded to the golden palace where Aides and Persephone +held their royal court, from whom they received a kindly greeting, ere they +set out for the Elysian Fields which lay beyond.[47] This blissful region +was replete with all that could charm the senses or please the imagination; +the air was balmy and fragrant, rippling brooks flowed peacefully through +the smiling meadows, which glowed with the varied hues of a thousand +flowers, whilst the groves resounded with the joyous songs of birds. The +occupations and amusements of the happy shades were of the same nature as +those which they had delighted in whilst on earth. Here the warrior found +his horses, chariots, and arms, the musician his lyre, and the hunter his +quiver and bow. + +In a secluded vale of Elysium there flowed a gentle, silent stream, called +Lethe (oblivion), whose waters had the effect of dispelling care, and +producing utter forgetfulness of former events. According to the +Pythagorean doctrine of the transmigration of souls, it was supposed that +after the shades had inhabited Elysium for a thousand years they were +destined to animate other bodies on {134} earth, and before leaving Elysium +they drank of the river Lethe, in order that they might enter upon their +new career without any remembrance of the past. + +The guilty souls, after leaving the presence of Minos, were conducted to +the great judgment-hall of Hades, whose massive walls of solid adamant were +surrounded by the river Phlegethon, the waves of which rolled flames of +fire, and lit up, with their lurid glare, these awful realms. In the +interior sat the dread judge Rhadamanthus, who declared to each comer the +precise torments which awaited him in Tartarus. The wretched sinners were +then seized by the Furies, who scourged them with their whips, and dragged +them along to the great gate, which closed the opening to Tartarus, into +whose awful depths they were hurled, to suffer endless torture. + +Tartarus was a vast and gloomy expanse, as far below Hades as the earth is +distant from the skies. There the Titans, fallen from their high estate, +dragged out a dreary and monotonous existence; there also were Otus and +Ephialtes, those giant sons of Poseidon, who, with impious hands, had +attempted to scale Olympus and dethrone its mighty ruler. Principal among +the sufferers in this abode of gloom were Tityus, Tantalus, Sisyphus, +Ixion, and the Danaides. + +TITYUS, one of the earth-born giants, had insulted Hera on her way to +Peitho, for which offence Zeus flung him into Tartarus, where he suffered +dreadful torture, inflicted by two vultures, which perpetually gnawed his +liver. + +TANTALUS was a wise and wealthy king of Lydia, with whom the gods +themselves condescended to associate; he was even permitted to sit at table +with Zeus, who delighted in his conversation, and listened with interest to +the wisdom of his observations. Tantalus, however, elated at these +distinguished marks of divine favour, presumed upon his position, and used +unbecoming language to Zeus himself; he also stole nectar and ambrosia from +the table of the gods, with which he regaled his friends; but his greatest +crime consisted in killing his own son, {135} Pelops, and serving him up at +one of the banquets to the gods, in order to test their omniscience. For +these heinous offences he was condemned by Zeus to eternal punishment in +Tartarus, where, tortured with an ever-burning thirst, he was plunged up to +the chin in water, which, as he stooped to drink, always receded from his +parched lips. Tall trees, with spreading branches laden with delicious +fruits, hung temptingly over his head; but no sooner did he raise himself +to grasp them, than a wind arose, and carried them beyond his reach. + +SISYPHUS was a great tyrant who, according to some accounts, barbarously +murdered all travellers who came into his dominions, by hurling upon them +enormous pieces of rock. In punishment for his crimes he was condemned to +roll incessantly a huge block of stone up a steep hill, which, as soon as +it reached the summit, always rolled back again to the plain below. + +IXION was a king of Thessaly to whom Zeus accorded the privilege of joining +the festive banquets of the gods; but, taking advantage of his exalted +position, he presumed to aspire to the favour of Hera, which so greatly +incensed Zeus, that he struck him with his thunderbolts, and commanded +Hermes to throw him into Tartarus, and bind him to an ever-revolving wheel. + +The DANAIDES were the fifty daughters of Danaus, king of Argos, who had +married their fifty cousins, the sons of AEgyptus. By the command of their +father, who had been warned by an oracle that his son-in-law would cause +his death, they all killed their husbands in one night, Hypermnestra alone +excepted. Their punishment in the lower world was to fill with water a +vessel full of holes,--a never-ending and useless task. + +[Illustration] + +Aides is usually represented as a man of mature years and stern majestic +mien, bearing a striking resemblance to his brother Zeus; but the gloomy +and inexorable expression of the face contrasts forcibly with that peculiar +benignity which so characterizes the countenance of the mighty ruler of +heaven. He is seated on a throne of ebony, with his queen, the grave and +sad Persephone, {136} beside him, and wears a full beard, and long flowing +black hair, which hangs straight down over his forehead; in his hand he +either bears a two-pronged fork or the keys of the lower world, and at his +feet sits Cerberus. He is sometimes seen in a chariot of gold, drawn by +four black horses, and wearing on his head a helmet made for him by the +Cyclops, which rendered the wearer invisible. This helmet he frequently +lent to mortals and immortals. + +Aides, who was universally worshipped throughout Greece, had temples +erected to his honour in Elis, Olympia, and also at Athens. + +His sacrifices, which took place at night, consisted of black sheep, and +the blood, instead of being sprinkled on the altars or received in vessels, +as at other sacrifices, was permitted to run down into a trench, dug for +this purpose. The officiating priests wore black robes, and were crowned +with cypress. + +The narcissus, maiden-hair, and cypress were sacred to this divinity. + +PLUTO. + +Before the introduction into Rome of the religion and literature of Greece, +the Romans had no belief in a realm of future happiness or misery, +corresponding to the Greek Hades; hence they had no god of the lower world +identical with Aides. They supposed that there was, in the centre of the +earth, a vast, gloomy, and impenetrably dark cavity called Orcus, which +formed a place of eternal rest for the dead. But with the introduction of +Greek mythology, the Roman Orcus became the Greek Hades, and {137} all the +Greek notions with regard to a future state now obtained with the Romans, +who worshipped Aides under the name of Pluto, his other appellations being +Dis (from _dives_, rich) and Orcus from the dominions over which he ruled. +In Rome there were no temples erected to this divinity. + +PLUTUS. + +Plutus, the son of Demeter and a mortal called Iasion, was the god of +wealth, and is represented as being lame when he makes his appearance, and +winged when he takes his departure. He was supposed to be both blind and +foolish, because he bestows his gifts without discrimination, and +frequently upon the most unworthy objects. + +Plutus was believed to have his abode in the bowels of the earth, which was +probably the reason why, in later times, Aides became confounded with this +divinity. + + * * * * * + +MINOR DIVINITIES. + +THE HARPIES. + +[Illustration] + +The Harpies, who, like the Furies, were employed by the gods as instruments +for the punishment of the guilty, were three female divinities, daughters +of Thaumas and Electra, called Aello, Ocypete, and Celaeno. + +They were represented with the head of a fair-haired maiden and the body of +a vulture, and were perpetually devoured by the pangs of insatiable hunger, +which caused them to torment their victims by robbing them of their food; +this they either devoured with great {138} gluttony, or defiled in such a +manner as to render it unfit to be eaten. + +Their wonderfully rapid flight far surpassed that of birds, or even of the +winds themselves. If any mortal suddenly and unaccountably disappeared, the +Harpies were believed to have carried him off. Thus they were supposed to +have borne away the daughters of King Pandareos to act as servants to the +Erinyes. + +The Harpies would appear to be personifications of sudden tempests, which, +with ruthless violence, sweep over whole districts, carrying off or +injuring all before them. + +ERINYES, EUMENIDES (FURIAE, DIRAE). + +The Erinyes or Furies were female divinities who personified the torturing +pangs of an evil conscience, and the remorse which inevitably follows +wrong-doing. + +Their names were Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone, and their origin was +variously accounted for. According to Hesiod, they sprang from the blood of +Uranus, when wounded by Cronus, and were hence supposed to be the +embodiment of all the terrible imprecations, which the defeated deity +called down upon the head of his rebellious son. According to other +accounts they were the daughters of Night. + +Their place of abode was the lower world, where they were employed by Aides +and Persephone to chastise and torment those shades who, during their +earthly career, had committed crimes, and had not been reconciled to the +gods before descending to Hades. + +But their sphere of action was not confined to the realm of shades, for +they appeared upon earth as the avenging deities who relentlessly pursued +and punished murderers, perjurers, those who had failed in duty to their +parents, in hospitality to strangers, or in the respect due to old age. +Nothing escaped the piercing glance of these terrible divinities, from whom +flight was unavailing, for no corner of the earth was so remote as {139} to +be beyond their reach, nor did any mortal dare to offer to their victims an +asylum from their persecutions. + +The Furies are frequently represented with wings; their bodies are black, +blood drips from their eyes, and snakes twine in their hair. In their hands +they bear either a dagger, scourge, torch, or serpent. + +When they pursued Orestes they constantly held up a mirror to his horrified +gaze, in which he beheld the face of his murdered mother. + +These divinities were also called Eumenides, which signifies the +"well-meaning" or "soothed goddesses;" This appellation was given to them +because they were so feared and dreaded that people dared not call them by +their proper title, and hoped by this means to propitiate their wrath. + +In later times the Furies came to be regarded as salutary agencies, who, by +severely punishing sin, upheld the cause of morality and social order, and +thus contributed to the welfare of mankind. They now lose their +awe-inspiring aspect, and are represented, more especially in Athens, as +earnest maidens, dressed, like Artemis, in short tunics suitable for the +chase, but still retaining, in their hands, the wand of office in the form +of a snake. + +Their sacrifices consisted of black sheep and a libation composed of a +mixture of honey and water, called Nephalia. A celebrated temple was +erected to the Eumenides at Athens, near the Areopagus. + +MOIRAE OR FATES (PARCAE). + +The ancients believed that the duration of human existence and the +destinies of mortals were regulated by three sister-goddesses, called +Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who were the daughters of Zeus and Themis. + +The power which they wielded over the fate of man was significantly +indicated under the figure of a thread, which they spun out for the life of +each human being from his birth to the grave. This occupation they divided +between them. Clotho wound the flax round the distaff, {140} ready for her +sister Lachesis, who span out the thread of life, which Atropos, with her +scissors, relentlessly snapt asunder, when the career of an individual was +about to terminate. + +Homer speaks of one Moira only, the daughter of Night, who represents the +moral force by which the universe is governed, and to whom both mortals and +immortals were forced to submit, Zeus himself being powerless to avert her +decrees; but in later times this conception of one inexorable, +all-conquering fate became amplified by the poets into that above +described, and the Moirae are henceforth the special presiding deities over +the life and death of mortals. + +The Moirae are represented by the poets as stern, inexorable female +divinities, aged, hideous, and also lame, which is evidently meant to +indicate the slow and halting march of destiny, which they controlled. +Painters and sculptors, on the other hand, depicted them as beautiful +maidens of a grave but kindly aspect. + +There is a charming representation of Lachesis, which depicts her in all +the grace of youth and beauty. She is sitting spinning, and at her feet lie +two masks, one comic, the other tragic, as though to convey the idea, that, +to a divinity of fate, the brightest and saddest scenes of earthly +existence are alike indifferent, and that she quietly and steadily pursues +her occupation, regardless of human weal or woe. + +When represented at the feet of Aides in the lower world they are clad in +dark robes; but when they appear in Olympus they wear bright garments, +bespangled with stars, and are seated on radiant thrones, with crowns on +their heads. + +It was considered the function of the Moirae to indicate to the Furies the +precise torture which the wicked should undergo for their crimes. + +They were regarded as prophetic divinities, and had sanctuaries in many +parts of Greece. + +The Moirae are mentioned as assisting the Charites to conduct Persephone to +the upper world at her periodical {141} reunion with her mother Demeter. +They also appear in company with Eileithyia, goddess of birth. + +NEMESIS. + +Nemesis, the daughter of Nyx, represents that power which adjusts the +balance of human affairs, by awarding to each individual the fate which his +actions deserve. She rewards, humble, unacknowledged merit, punishes crime, +deprives the worthless of undeserved good fortune, humiliates the proud and +overbearing, and visits all evil on the wrong-doer; thus maintaining that +proper balance of things, which the Greeks recognized as a necessary +condition of all civilized life. But though Nemesis, in her original +character, was the distributor of rewards as well as punishments, the world +was so full of sin, that she found but little occupation in her first +capacity, and hence became finally regarded as the avenging goddess only. + +We have seen a striking instance of the manner in which this divinity +punishes the proud and arrogant in the history of Niobe. Apollo and Artemis +were merely the instruments for avenging the insult offered to their +mother; but it was Nemesis who prompted the deed, and presided over its +execution. + +Homer makes no mention of Nemesis; it is therefore evident that she was a +conception of later times, when higher views of morality had obtained among +the Greek nation. + +Nemesis is represented as a beautiful woman of thoughtful and benign aspect +and regal bearing; a diadem crowns her majestic brow, and she bears in her +hand a rudder, balance, and cubit;--fitting emblems of the manner in which +she guides, weighs, and measures all human events. She is also sometimes +seen with a wheel, to symbolize the rapidity with which she executes +justice. As the avenger of evil she appears winged, bearing in her hand +either a scourge or a sword, and seated in a chariot drawn by griffins. +{142} + +Nemesis is frequently called Adrastia, and also Rhamnusia, from Rhamnus in +Attica, the chief seat of her worship, which contained a celebrated statue +of the goddess. + +Nemesis was worshipped by the Romans, (who invoked her on the Capitol), as +a divinity who possessed the power of averting the pernicious consequences +of envy. + +NIGHT AND HER CHILDREN. +DEATH, SLEEP, AND DREAMS. + +NYX (NOX). + +Nyx, the daughter of Chaos, being the personification of Night, was, +according to the poetic ideas of the Greeks, considered to be the mother of +everything mysterious and inexplicable, such as death, sleep, dreams, &c. +She became united to Erebus, and their children were Aether and Hemera (Air +and Daylight), evidently a simile of the poets, to indicate that darkness +always precedes light. + +Nyx inhabited a palace in the dark regions of the lower world, and is +represented as a beautiful woman, seated in a chariot, drawn by two black +horses. She is clothed in dark robes, wears a long veil, and is accompanied +by the stars, which follow in her train. + +THANATOS (MORS) AND HYPNUS (SOMNUS). + +Thanatos (Death) and his twin-brother Hypnus (Sleep) were the children of +Nyx. + +Their dwelling was in the realm of shades, and when they appear among +mortals, Thanatos is feared and hated as the enemy of mankind, whose hard +heart knows no pity, whilst his brother Hypnus is universally loved and +welcomed as their kindest and most beneficent friend. + +But though the ancients regarded Thanatos as a gloomy and mournful +divinity, they did not represent him with any exterior repulsiveness. On +the contrary, he appears as a beautiful youth, who holds in his hand an +inverted {143} torch, emblematical of the light of life being extinguished, +whilst his disengaged arm is thrown lovingly round the shoulder of his +brother Hypnus. + +Hypnus is sometimes depicted standing erect with closed eyes; at others he +is in a recumbent position beside his brother Thanatos, and usually bears a +poppy-stalk in his hand. + +A most interesting description of the abode of Hypnus is given by Ovid in +his Metamorphoses. He tells us how the god of Sleep dwelt in a +mountain-cave near the realm of the Cimmerians, which the sun never pierced +with his rays. No sound disturbed the stillness, no song of birds, not a +branch moved, and no human voice broke the profound silence which reigned +everywhere. From the lowermost rocks of the cave issued the river Lethe, +and one might almost have supposed that its course was arrested, were it +not for the low, monotonous hum of the water, which invited slumber. The +entrance was partially hidden by numberless white and red poppies, which +Mother Night had gathered and planted there, and from the juice of which +she extracts drowsiness, which she scatters in liquid drops all over the +earth, as soon as the sun-god has sunk to rest. In the centre of the cave +stands a couch of blackest ebony, with a bed of down, over which is laid a +coverlet of sable hue. Here the god himself reposes, surrounded by +innumerable forms. These are idle dreams, more numerous than the sands of +the sea. Chief among them is Morpheus, that changeful god, who may assume +any shape or form he pleases. Nor can the god of Sleep resist his own +power; for though he may rouse himself for a while, he soon succumbs to the +drowsy influences which surround him. + +MORPHEUS. + +Morpheus, the son of Hypnus, was the god of Dreams. + +He is always represented winged, and appears sometimes as a youth, +sometimes as an old man. In his hand he bears a cluster of poppies, and as +he steps with {144} noiseless footsteps over the earth, he gently scatters +the seeds of this sleep-producing plant over the eyes of weary mortals. + +Homer describes the House of Dreams as having two gates: one, whence issue +all deceptive and flattering visions, being formed of ivory; the other, +through which proceed those dreams which are fulfilled, of horn. + +THE GORGONS. + +The Gorgons, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, were the three daughters of +Phorcys and Ceto, and were the personification of those benumbing, and, as +it were, petrifying sensations, which result from sudden and extreme fear. + +They were frightful winged monsters, whose bodies were covered with scales; +hissing, wriggling snakes clustered round their heads instead of hair; +their hands were of brass; their teeth resembled the tusks of a wild boar; +and their whole aspect was so appalling, that they are said to have turned +into stone all who beheld them. + +These terrible sisters were supposed to dwell in that remote and mysterious +region in the far West, beyond the sacred stream of Oceanus. + +The Gorgons were the servants of Aides, who made use of them to terrify and +overawe those shades, doomed to be kept in a constant state of unrest as a +punishment for their misdeeds, whilst the Furies, on their part, scourged +them with their whips and tortured them incessantly. + +The most celebrated of the three sisters was Medusa, who alone was mortal. +She was originally a golden-haired and very beautiful maiden, who, as a +priestess of Athene, was devoted to a life of celibacy; but, being wooed by +Poseidon, whom she loved in return, she forgot her vows, and became united +to him in marriage. For this offence she was punished by the goddess in a +most terrible manner. Each wavy lock of the beautiful hair which had so +charmed her husband, was changed into a {145} venomous snake; her once +gentle, love-inspiring eyes now became blood-shot, furious orbs, which +excited fear and disgust in the mind of the beholder; whilst her former +roseate hue and milk-white skin assumed a loathsome greenish tinge. Seeing +herself thus transformed into so repulsive an object, Medusa fled from her +home, never to return. Wandering about, abhorred, dreaded, and shunned by +all the world, she now developed into a character, worthy of her outward +appearance. In her despair she fled to Africa, where, as she passed +restlessly from place to place, infant snakes dropped from her hair, and +thus, according to the belief of the ancients, that country became the +hotbed of these venomous reptiles. With the curse of Athene upon her, she +turned into stone whomsoever she gazed upon, till at last, after a life of +nameless misery, deliverance came to her in the shape of death, at the +hands of Perseus. + +It is well to observe that when the Gorgons are spoken of in the singular, +it is Medusa who is alluded to. + +Medusa was the mother of Pegasus and Chrysaor, father of the three-headed, +winged giant Geryones, who was slain by Heracles. + +GRAEAE. + +The Graeae, who acted as servants to their sisters the Gorgons, were also +three in number; their names were Pephredo, Enyo, and Dino. + +In their original conception they were merely personifications of kindly +and venerable old age, possessing all its benevolent attributes without its +natural infirmities. They were old and gray from their birth, and so they +ever remained. In later times, however, they came to be regarded as +misshapen females, decrepid, and hideously ugly, having only one eye, one +tooth, and one gray wig between them, which they lent to each other, when +one of them wished to appear before the world. + +When Perseus entered upon his expedition to slay the Medusa, he repaired to +the abode of the Graeae, in the far {146} west, to inquire the way to the +Gorgons, and on their refusing to give any information, he deprived them of +their one eye, tooth, and wig, and did not restore them until he received +the necessary directions. + +SPHINX. + +The Sphinx was an ancient Egyptian divinity, who personified wisdom, and +the fertility of nature. She is represented as a lion-couchant, with the +head and bust of a woman, and wears a peculiar sort of hood, which +completely envelops her head, and falls down on either side of the face. + +Transplanted into Greece, this sublime and mysterious Egyptian deity +degenerates into an insignificant, and yet malignant power, and though she +also deals in mysteries, they are, as we shall see, of a totally different +character, and altogether inimical to human life. + +[Illustration] + +The Sphinx is represented, according to Greek genealogy, as the offspring +of Typhon and Echidna.[48] Hera, being upon one occasion displeased with +the Thebans, sent them this awful monster, as a punishment for their +offences. Taking her seat on a rocky eminence near the city of Thebes, +commanding a pass which the Thebans were compelled to traverse in their +usual way of business, she propounded to all comers a riddle, and if they +failed to solve it, she tore them in pieces. + +During the reign of King Creon, so many people had fallen a sacrifice to +this monster, that he determined to use every effort to rid the country of +so terrible a scourge. On consulting the oracle of Delphi, he was informed +that the only way to destroy the Sphinx was to solve one of her riddles, +when she would immediately precipitate herself from the rock on which she +was seated. + +Creon, accordingly, made a public declaration to the effect, that whoever +could give the true interpretation of a riddle propounded by the monster, +should obtain the crown, and the hand of his sister Jocaste. Oedipus +offered {147} himself as a candidate, and proceeding to the spot where she +kept guard, received from her the following riddle for solution: "What +creature goes in the morning on four legs, at noon on two, and in the +evening on three?" Oedipus replied, that it must be man, who during his +infancy creeps on all fours, in his prime walks erect on two legs, and when +old age has enfeebled his powers, calls a staff to his assistance, and thus +has, as it were, three legs. + +The Sphinx no sooner heard this reply, which was the correct solution of +her riddle, than she flung herself over the precipice, and perished in the +abyss below. + +The Greek Sphinx may be recognized by having wings and by being of smaller +dimensions than the Egyptian Sphinx. + +TYCHE (FORTUNA) AND ANANKE (NECESSITAS). + +TYCHE (FORTUNA). + +Tyche personified that peculiar combination of circumstances which we call +luck or fortune, and was considered to be the source of all unexpected +events in human life, whether good or evil. If a person succeeded in all he +undertook without possessing any special merit of his own, Tyche was +supposed to have smiled on his birth. If, on the other hand, undeserved +ill-luck followed him through life, and all his efforts resulted in +failure, it was ascribed to her adverse influence. + +This goddess of Fortune is variously represented. Sometimes she is depicted +bearing in her hand two rudders, with one of which she steers the bark of +the fortunate, and with the other that of the unfortunate among mortals. In +later times she appears blindfolded, and stands on a ball or wheel, +indicative of the fickleness and ever-revolving {148} changes of fortune. +She frequently bears the sceptre and cornucopia[49] or horn of plenty, and +is usually winged. In her temple at Thebes, she is represented holding the +infant Plutus in her arms, to symbolize her power over riches and +prosperity. + +Tyche was worshipped in various parts of Greece, but more particularly by +the Athenians, who believed in her special predilection for their city. + +FORTUNA. + +Tyche was worshipped in Rome under the name of Fortuna, and held a position +of much greater importance among the Romans than the Greeks. + +In later times Fortuna is never represented either winged or standing on a +ball; she merely bears the cornucopia. It is evident, therefore, that she +had come to be regarded as the goddess of good luck only, who brings +blessings to man, and not, as with the Greeks, as the personification of +the fluctuations of fortune. + +In addition to Fortuna, the Romans worshipped Felicitas as the giver of +positive good fortune. + +ANANKE (NECESSITAS). + +As Ananke, Tyche assumes quite another character, and becomes the +embodiment of those immutable laws of nature, by which certain causes +produce certain inevitable results. + +In a statue of this divinity at Athens she was represented with hands of +bronze, and surrounded with nails and hammers. The hands of bronze probably +indicated the irresistible power of the inevitable, and the hammer and +chains the fetters which she forged for man. + +Ananke was worshipped in Rome under the name of Necessitas. + +{149} + +KER. + +In addition to the Moirae, who presided over the life of mortals, there was +another divinity, called Ker, appointed for each human being at the moment +of his birth. The Ker belonging to an individual was believed to develop +with his growth, either for good or evil; and when the ultimate fate of a +mortal was about to be decided, his Ker was weighed in the balance, and, +according to the preponderance of its worth or worthlessness, life or death +was awarded to the human being in question. It becomes evident, therefore, +that according to the belief of the early Greeks, each individual had it in +his power, to a certain extent, to shorten or prolong his own existence. + +The Keres, who are frequently mentioned by Homer, were the goddesses who +delighted in the slaughter of the battle-field. + +ATE. + +Ate, the daughter of Zeus and Eris, was a divinity who delighted in evil. + +Having instigated Hera to deprive Heracles of his birthright, her father +seized her by the hair of her head, and hurled her from Olympus, forbidding +her, under the most solemn imprecations, ever to return. Henceforth she +wandered among mankind, sowing dissension, working mischief, and luring men +to all actions inimical to their welfare and happiness. Hence, when a +reconciliation took place between friends who had quarrelled, Ate was +blamed as the original cause of disagreement. + +MOMUS. + +Momus, the son of Nyx, was the god of raillery and ridicule, who delighted +to criticise, with bitter sarcasm, the actions of gods and men, and +contrived to discover in all things some defect or blemish. Thus when +Prometheus created the first man, Momus considered his work incomplete +because there was no aperture in the breast through which his inmost +thoughts might be read. He {150} also found fault with a house built by +Athene because, being unprovided with the means of locomotion, it could +never be removed from an unhealthy locality. Aphrodite alone defied his +criticism, for, to his great chagrin, he could find no fault with her +perfect form.[50] + +In what manner the ancients represented this god is unknown. In modern art +he is depicted like a king's jester, with a fool's cap and bells. + +EROS (CUPID, AMOR) AND PSYCHE. + +According to Hesiod's Theogony, Eros, the divine spirit of Love, sprang +forth from Chaos, while all was still in confusion, and by his beneficent +power reduced to order and harmony the shapeless, conflicting elements, +which, under his influence, began to assume distinct forms. This ancient +Eros is represented as a full-grown and very beautiful youth, crowned with +flowers, and leaning on a shepherd's crook. + +In the course of time, this beautiful conception gradually faded away, and +though occasional mention still continues to be made of the Eros of Chaos, +he is replaced by the son of Aphrodite, the popular, mischief-loving little +god of Love, so familiar to us all. + +In one of the myths concerning Eros, Aphrodite is described as complaining +to Themis, that her son, though so beautiful, did not appear to increase in +stature; whereupon Themis suggested that his small proportions were +probably attributable to the fact of his being always alone, and advised +his mother to let him have a companion. Aphrodite accordingly gave him, as +a playfellow, his younger brother Anteros (requited love), and soon had the +gratification of seeing the little Eros begin to grow and thrive; but, +curious to relate, this desirable result only continued as long as the +brothers remained together, for the moment they were separated, Eros shrank +once more to his original size. + +{151} + +By degrees the conception of Eros became multiplied and we hear of little +love-gods (Amors), who appear under the most charming and diversified +forms. These love-gods, who afforded to artists inexhaustible subjects for +the exercise of their imagination, are represented as being engaged in +various occupations, such as hunting, fishing, rowing, driving chariots, +and even busying themselves in mechanical labour. + +[Illustration] + +Perhaps no myth is more charming and interesting than that of Eros and +Psyche, which is as follows:--Psyche, the youngest of three princesses, was +so transcendently beautiful that Aphrodite herself became jealous of her, +and no mortal dared to aspire to the honour of her hand. As her sisters, +who were by no means equal to her in attractions, were married, and Psyche +still remained unwedded, her father consulted the oracle of Delphi, and, in +obedience to the divine response, caused her to be dressed as though for +the grave, and conducted to the edge of a yawning precipice. No sooner was +she alone than she felt herself lifted up, and wafted away by the gentle +west wind Zephyrus, who transported her to a verdant meadow, in the midst +of which stood a stately palace, surrounded by groves and fountains. + +Here dwelt Eros, the god of Love, in whose arms Zephyrus deposited his +lovely burden. Eros, himself unseen, wooed her in the softest accents of +affection; but warned her, as she valued his love, not to endeavour to +behold his form. For some time Psyche was obedient to the injunction of her +immortal spouse, and made no effort to gratify her natural curiosity; but, +unfortunately, in the midst of her happiness she was seized with an +unconquerable longing for the society of her {152} sisters, and, in +accordance with her desire, they were conducted by Zephyrus to her +fairy-like abode. Filled with envy at the sight of her felicity, they +poisoned her mind against her husband, and telling her that her unseen +lover was a frightful monster, they gave her a sharp dagger, which they +persuaded her to use for the purpose of delivering herself from his power. + +After the departure of her sisters, Psyche resolved to take the first +opportunity of following their malicious counsel. She accordingly rose in +the dead of night, and taking a lamp in one hand and a dagger in the other, +stealthily approached the couch where Eros was reposing, when, instead of +the frightful monster she had expected to see, the beauteous form of the +god of Love greeted her view. Overcome with surprise and admiration, Psyche +stooped down to gaze more closely on his lovely features, when, from the +lamp which she held in her trembling hand, there fell a drop of burning oil +upon the shoulder of the sleeping god, who instantly awoke, and seeing +Psyche standing over him with the instrument of death in her hand, +sorrowfully reproached her for her treacherous designs, and, spreading out +his wings, flew away. + +In despair at having lost her lover, the unhappy Psyche endeavoured to put +an end to her existence by throwing herself into the nearest river; but +instead of closing over her, the waters bore her gently to the opposite +bank, where Pan (the god of shepherds) received her, and consoled her with +the hope of becoming eventually reconciled to her husband. + +Meanwhile her wicked sisters, in expectation of meeting with the same good +fortune which had befallen Psyche, placed themselves on the edge of the +rock, but were both precipitated into the chasm below. + +Psyche herself, filled with a restless yearning for her lost love, wandered +all over the world in search of him. At length she appealed to Aphrodite to +take compassion on her; but the goddess of Beauty, still jealous of her +charms, imposed upon her the hardest tasks, the accomplishment of which +often appeared impossible. In these {153} she was always assisted by +invisible, beneficent beings, sent to her by Eros, who still loved her, and +continued to watch over her welfare. + +[Illustration] + +Psyche had to undergo a long and severe penance before she became worthy to +regain the happiness, which she had so foolishly trifled away. At last +Aphrodite commanded her to descend into the under world, and obtain from +Persephone a box containing all the charms of beauty. Psyche's courage now +failed her, for she concluded that death must of necessity precede her +entrance into the realm of shades. About to abandon herself to despair, she +heard a voice which warned her of every danger to be avoided on her +perilous journey, and instructed her with regard to certain precautions to +be observed. These were as follows:--not to omit to provide herself with +the ferryman's toll for Charon, and the cake to pacify Cerberus, also to +refrain from taking any part in the banquets of Aides and Persephone, and, +above all things, to bring the box of beauty charms unopened to Aphrodite. +In conclusion, the voice assured her, that compliance with the above +conditions would insure for her a safe return to the realms of light. But, +alas, Psyche, who had implicitly followed all injunctions, could not +withstand the temptation of the last condition; and, hardly had she quitted +the lower world, when, unable to resist the curiosity which devoured her, +she raised the lid of the box with eager expectation. But, instead of the +wondrous charms of beauty which she expected to behold, there issued from +the casket a dense black vapour, which had the effect of throwing her into +a death-like sleep, out of which Eros, who had long hovered round her +unseen, at length awoke her with the point of one of his golden arrows. He +gently reproached her with this second proof of her curiosity and folly, +and then, having persuaded Aphrodite to be reconciled to his beloved, he +induced Zeus to admit her among the immortal gods. + +Their reunion was celebrated amidst the rejoicings of all the Olympian +deities. The Graces shed perfume on {154} their path, the Hours sprinkled +roses over the sky, Apollo added the music of his lyre, and the Muses +united their voices in a glad chorus of delight. + +This myth would appear to be an allegory, which signifies that the soul, +before it can be reunited to its original divine essence, must be purified +by the chastening sorrows and sufferings of its earthly career.[51] + +Eros is represented as a lovely boy, with rounded limbs, and a merry, +roguish expression. He has golden wings, and a quiver slung over his +shoulder, which contained his magical and unerring arrows; in one hand he +bears his golden bow, and in the other a torch. + +He is also frequently depicted riding on a lion, dolphin, or eagle, or +seated in a chariot drawn by stags or wild boars, undoubtedly emblematical +of the power of love as the subduer of all nature, even of the wild +animals. + +In Rome, Eros was worshipped under the name of Amor or Cupid. + +HYMEN. + +Hymen or Hymenaeus, the son of Apollo and the muse Urania, was the god who +presided over marriage and nuptial solemnities, and was hence invoked at +all marriage festivities. + +There is a myth concerning this divinity, which tells us that Hymen was a +beautiful youth of very poor parents, who fell in love with a wealthy +maiden, so far above him in rank, that he dared not cherish the hope of +ever becoming united to her. Still he missed no opportunity of seeing her, +and, upon one occasion, disguised himself as {155} a girl, and joined a +troop of maidens, who, in company with his beloved, were proceeding from +Athens to Eleusis, in order to attend a festival of Demeter. On their way +thither they were surprised by pirates, who carried them off to a desert +island, where the ruffians, after drinking deeply, fell into a heavy sleep. +Hymen, seizing the opportunity, slew them all, and then set sail for +Athens, where he found the parents of the maidens in the greatest distress +at their unaccountable disappearance. He comforted them with the assurance +that their children should be restored to them, provided they would promise +to give him in marriage the maiden he loved. The condition being gladly +complied with, he at once returned to the island, and brought back the +maidens in safety to Athens, whereupon he became united to the object of +his love; and their union proved so remarkably happy, that henceforth the +name of Hymen became synonymous with conjugal felicity. + +IRIS (THE RAINBOW). + +Iris, the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, personified the rainbow, and was +the special attendant and messenger of the queen of heaven, whose commands +she executed with singular tact, intelligence, and swiftness. + +Most primitive nations have regarded the rainbow as a bridge of +communication between heaven and earth, and this is doubtless the reason +why Iris, who represented that beautiful phenomenon of nature, should have +been invested by the Greeks with the office of communicating between gods +and men. + +Iris is usually represented seated behind the chariot of Hera, ready to do +the bidding of her royal mistress. She appears under the form of a slender +maiden of great beauty, robed in an airy fabric of variegated hues, +resembling mother-of-pearl; her sandals are bright as burnished silver, she +has golden wings, and wherever she appears, a radiance of light, and a +sweet odour, as of delicate spring flowers, pervades the air. {156} + +[Illustration] + +HEBE (JUVENTAS). + +Hebe was the personification of eternal youth under its most attractive and +joyous aspect. + +She was the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and though of such distinguished +rank, is nevertheless represented as cup-bearer to the gods; a forcible +exemplification of the old patriarchal custom, in accordance with which the +daughters of the house, even when of the highest lineage, personally +assisted in serving the guests. + +Hebe is represented as a comely, modest maiden, small, of a beautifully +rounded contour, with nut-brown tresses and sparkling eyes. She is often +depicted pouring out nectar from an upraised vessel, or bearing in her hand +a shallow dish, supposed to contain ambrosia, the ever youth-renewing food +of the immortals. + +In consequence of an act of awkwardness, which caused her to slip while +serving the gods, Hebe was deprived of her office, which was henceforth +delegated to Ganymedes, son of Tros. + +Hebe afterwards became the bride of Heracles, when, after his apotheosis, +he was received among the immortals. + +JUVENTAS. + +Juventas was the Roman divinity identified with Hebe, whose attributes, +however, were regarded by the Romans as applying more particularly to the +imperishable vigour and immortal glory of the state. + +In Rome, several temples were erected in honour of this goddess. {157} + +GANYMEDES. + +Ganymedes, the youngest son of Tros, king of Troy, was one day drawing +water from a well on Mount Ida, when he was observed by Zeus, who, struck +with his wonderful beauty, sent his eagle to transport him to Olympus, +where he was endowed with immortality, and appointed cup-bearer to the +gods. + +Ganymedes is represented as a youth of exquisite beauty, with short golden +locks, delicately chiselled features, beaming blue eyes, and pouting lips. + +THE MUSES. + +Of all the Olympic deities, none occupy a more distinguished position than +the Muses, the nine beautiful daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. + +In their original signification, they presided merely over music, song, and +dance; but with the progress of civilization the arts and sciences claimed +their special presiding divinities, and we see these graceful creations, in +later times, sharing among them various functions, such as poetry, +astronomy, &c. + +The Muses were honoured alike by mortals and immortals. In Olympus, where +Apollo acted as their leader, no banquet or festivity was considered +complete without their joy-inspiring presence, and on earth no social +gathering was celebrated without libations being poured out to them; nor +was any task involving intellectual effort ever undertaken, without +earnestly supplicating their assistance. They endowed their chosen +favourites with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; they bestowed upon +the orator the gift of eloquence, inspired the poet with his noblest +thoughts, and the musician with his sweetest harmonies. + +Like so many of the Greek divinities, however, the refined conception of +the Muses is somewhat marred by the acerbity with which they punished any +effort on the part {158} of mortals to rival them in their divine powers. +An instance of this is seen in the case of Thamyris, a Thracian bard, who +presumed to invite them to a trial of skill in music. Having vanquished +him, they not only afflicted him with blindness, but deprived him also of +the power of song. + +Another example of the manner in which the gods punished presumption and +vanity is seen in the story of the daughters of King Pierus. Proud of the +perfection to which they had brought their skill in music, they presumed to +challenge the Muses themselves in the art over which they specially +presided. The contest took place on Mount Helicon, and it is said that when +the mortal maidens commenced their song, the sky became dark and misty, +whereas when the Muses raised their heavenly voices, all nature seemed to +rejoice, and Mount Helicon itself moved with exultation. The Pierides were +signally defeated, and were transformed by the Muses into singing birds, as +a punishment for having dared to challenge comparison with the immortals. + +Undeterred by the above example, the Sirens also entered into a similar +contest. The songs of the Muses were loyal and true, whilst those of the +Sirens were the false and deceptive strains with which so many unfortunate +mariners had been lured to their death. The Sirens were defeated by the +Muses, and as a mark of humiliation, were deprived of the feathers with +which their bodies were adorned. + +The oldest seat of the worship of the Muses was Pieria in Thrace, where +they were supposed to have first seen the light of day. Pieria is a +district on one of the sloping declivities of Mount Olympus, whence a +number of rivulets, as they flow towards the plains beneath, produce those +sweet, soothing sounds, which may possibly have suggested this spot as a +fitting home for the presiding divinities of song. + +They dwelt on the summits of Mounts Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus, and +loved to haunt the springs and fountains which gushed forth amidst these +rocky {159} heights, all of which were sacred to them and to poetic +inspiration. Aganippe and Hippocrene on Mount Helicon, and the Castalian +spring on Mount Parnassus, were sacred to the Muses. The latter flowed +between two lofty rocks above the city of Delphi, and in ancient times its +waters were introduced into a square stone basin, where they were retained +for the use of the Pythia and the priests of Apollo. + +[Illustration: CALLIOPE.] + +The libations to these divinities consisted of water, milk, and honey, but +never of wine. + +Their names and functions are as follows:-- + +CALLIOPE, the most honoured of the Muses, presided over heroic song and +epic poetry, and is represented with a pencil in her hand, and a slate upon +her knee. + +CLIO, the muse of History, holds in her hand a roll of parchment, and wears +a wreath of laurel. + +MELPOMENE, the muse of Tragedy, bears a tragic mask. + +THALIA, the muse of Comedy, carries in her right hand a shepherd's crook, +and has a comic mask beside her. + +POLYHYMNIA, the muse of Sacred Hymns, is crowned with a wreath of laurel. +She is always represented in a thoughtful attitude, and entirely enveloped +in rich folds of drapery. + +TERPSICHORE, the muse of Dance and Roundelay, is represented in the act of +playing on a seven-stringed lyre. + +URANIA, the muse of Astronomy, stands erect, and bears in her left hand a +celestial globe. + +EUTERPE, the muse of Harmony, is represented bearing a musical instrument, +usually a flute. + +ERATO, the muse of Love and hymeneal songs, wears a wreath of laurel, and +is striking the chords of a lyre. {160} + +[Illustration: CLIO.] + +[Illustration: TERPSICHORE.] + +[Illustration: EUTERPE.] + +[Illustration: ERATO.] + +With regard to the origin of the Muses, it is said that they were created +by Zeus in answer to a request on the part of the victorious deities, after +the war with the {161} Titans, that some special divinities should be +called into existence, in order to commemorate in song the glorious deeds +of the Olympian gods. + +[Illustration: URANIA.] + +[Illustration: MELPOMENE.] + +[Illustration: THALIA.] + +[Illustration: POLYHYMNIA.] + +{162} + +PEGASUS. + +Pegasus was a beautiful winged horse who sprang from the body of Medusa +when she was slain by the hero Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. +Spreading out his wings he immediately flew to the top of Mount Olympus, +where he was received with delight and admiration by all the immortals. A +place in his palace was assigned to him by Zeus, who employed him to carry +his thunder and lightning. Pegasus permitted none but the gods to mount +him, except in the case of Bellerophon, whom, at the command of Athene, he +carried aloft, in order that he might slay the Chimaera with his arrows. + +The later poets represent Pegasus as being at the service of the Muses, and +for this reason he is more celebrated in modern times than in antiquity. He +would appear to represent that poetical inspiration, which tends to develop +man's higher nature, and causes the mind to soar heavenwards. The only +mention by the ancients of Pegasus in connection with the Muses, is the +story of his having produced with his hoofs, the famous fountain +Hippocrene. + +It is said that during their contest with the Pierides, the Muses played +and sang on the summit of Mount Helicon with such extraordinary power and +sweetness, that heaven and earth stood still to listen, whilst the mountain +raised itself in joyous ecstasy towards the abode of the celestial gods. +Poseidon, seeing his special function thus interfered with, sent Pegasus to +check the boldness of the mountain, in daring to move without his +permission. When Pegasus reached the summit, he stamped the ground with his +hoofs, and out gushed the waters of Hippocrene, afterwards so renowned as +the sacred fount, whence the Muses quaffed their richest draughts of +inspiration. + +THE HESPERIDES. + +The Hesperides, the daughters of Atlas, dwelt in an island in the far west, +whence they derived their name. {163} + +They were appointed by Hera to act as guardians to a tree bearing golden +apples, which had been presented to her by Gaea on the occasion of her +marriage with Zeus. + +It is said that the Hesperides, being unable to withstand the temptation of +tasting the golden fruit confided to their care, were deprived of their +office, which was henceforth delegated to the terrible dragon Ladon, who +now became the ever-watchful sentinel of these precious treasures. + +The names of the Hesperides were Aegle, Arethusa, and Hesperia. + +CHARITES (GRATIAE) GRACES. + +All those gentler attributes which beautify and refine human existence were +personified by the Greeks under the form of three lovely sisters, +Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and Thalia, the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome (or, +according to later writers, of Dionysus and Aphrodite). + +They are represented as beautiful, slender maidens in the full bloom of +youth, with hands and arms lovingly intertwined, and are either undraped, +or wear a fleecy, transparent garment of an ethereal fabric. + +They portray every gentle emotion of the heart, which vents itself in +friendship and benevolence, and were believed to preside over those +qualities which constitute grace, modesty, unconscious beauty, gentleness, +kindliness, innocent joy, purity of mind and body, and eternal youth. + +They not only possessed the most perfect beauty themselves, but also +conferred this gift upon others. All the enjoyments of life were enhanced +by their presence, and were deemed incomplete without them; and wherever +joy or pleasure, grace and gaiety reigned, there they were supposed to be +present. + +Temples and altars were everywhere erected in their honour, and people of +all ages and of every rank in life entreated their favour. Incense was +burnt daily upon their altars, and at every banquet they were invoked, +{164} and a libation poured out to them, as they not only heightened all +enjoyment, but also by their refining influence moderated the exciting +effects of wine. + +Music, eloquence, poetry, and art, though the direct work of the Muses, +received at the hands of the Graces an additional touch of refinement and +beauty; for which reason they are always regarded as the friends of the +Muses, with whom they lived on Mount Olympus. + +Their special function was to act, in conjunction with the Seasons, as +attendants upon Aphrodite, whom they adorned with wreaths of flowers, and +she emerges from their hands like the Queen of Spring, perfumed with the +odour of roses and violets, and all sweet-scented blossoms. + +The Graces are frequently seen in attendance on other divinities; thus they +carry music for Apollo, myrtles for Aphrodite, &c., and frequently +accompany the Muses, Eros, or Dionysus. + +HORAE (SEASONS). + +Closely allied to the Graces were the Horae, or Seasons, who were also +represented as three beautiful maidens, daughters of Zeus and Themis. Their +names were Eunomia, Dice, and Irene. + +It may appear strange that these divinities, presiding over the seasons, +should be but three in number, but this is quite in accordance with the +notions of the ancient Greeks, who only recognized spring, summer, and +autumn as seasons; nature being supposed to be wrapt in death or slumber, +during that cheerless and unproductive portion of the year which we call +winter. In some parts of Greece there were but two Horae, Thallo, goddess of +the bloom, and Carpo, of the corn and fruit-bearing season. + +The Horae are always regarded as friendly towards mankind, and totally +devoid of guile or subtlety; they are represented as joyous, but gentle +maidens, crowned with flowers, and holding each other by the hand in a +round dance. When they are depicted separately as personifications of the +different seasons, the Hora {165} representing spring appears laden with +flowers, that of summer bears a sheaf of corn, whilst the personification +of autumn has her hands filled with clusters of grapes and other fruits. +They also appear in company with the Graces in the train of Aphrodite, and +are seen with Apollo and the Muses. + +They are inseparably connected with all that is good and beautiful in +nature, and as the regular alternation of the seasons, like all her other +operations, demands the most perfect order and regularity, the Horae, being +the daughters of Themis, came to be regarded as the representatives of +order, and the just administration of human affairs in civilized +communities. Each of these graceful maidens took upon herself a separate +function: Eunomia presided more especially over state life, Dice guarded +the interests of individuals, whilst Irene, the gayest and brightest of the +three sisters, was the light-hearted companion of Dionysus. + +The Horae were also the deities of the fast-fleeting hours, and thus +presided over the smaller, as well as the larger divisions of time. In this +capacity they assist every morning in yoking the celestial horses to the +glorious chariot of the sun, which they again help to unyoke when he sinks +to rest. + +In their original conception they were personifications of the clouds, and +are described as opening and closing the gates of heaven, and causing +fruits and flowers to spring forth, when they pour down upon them their +refreshing and life-giving streams. + +THE NYMPHS. + +The graceful beings called the Nymphs were the presiding deities of the +woods, grottoes, streams, meadows, &c. + +These divinities were supposed to be beautiful maidens of fairy-like form, +and robed in more or less shadowy garments. They were held in the greatest +veneration, though, being minor divinities, they had no temples {166} +dedicated to them, but were worshipped in caves or grottoes, with libations +of milk, honey, oil, &c. + +They may be divided into three distinct classes, viz., water, mountain, and +tree or wood nymphs. + +WATER NYMPHS. + +OCEANIDES, NEREIDES, AND NAIADES. + +The worship of water-deities is common to most primitive nations. The +streams, springs, and fountains of a country bear the same relation to it +which the blood, coursing through the numberless arteries of a human being, +bears to the body; both represent the living, moving, life-awakening +element, without which existence would be impossible. Hence we find among +most nations a deep feeling of attachment to the streams and waters of +their native land, the remembrance of which, when absent in foreign climes, +is always treasured with peculiar fondness. Thus among the early Greeks, +each tribe came to regard the rivers and springs of its individual state as +beneficent powers, which brought blessing and prosperity to the country. It +is probable also that the charm which ever accompanies the sound of running +water exercised its power over their imagination. They heard with delight +the gentle whisper of the fountain, lulling the senses with its low, +rippling tones; the soft purling of the brook as it rushes over the +pebbles, or the mighty voice of the waterfall as it dashes on in its +headlong course; and the beings which they pictured to themselves as +presiding over all these charming sights and sounds of nature, +corresponded, in their graceful appearance, with the scenes with which they +were associated. + +OCEANIDES. + +The OCEANIDES, or Ocean Nymphs, were the daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, +and, like most sea divinities, were endowed with the gift of prophecy. + +They are personifications of those delicate vapour-like {167} exhalations, +which, in warm climates, are emitted from the surface of the sea, more +especially at sunset, and are impelled forwards by the evening breeze. They +are accordingly represented as misty, shadowy beings, with graceful swaying +forms, and robed in pale blue, gauze-like fabrics. + +THE NEREIDES. + +The NEREIDES were the daughters of Nereus and Doris, and were nymphs of the +Mediterranean Sea. + +They are similar in appearance to the Oceanides, but their beauty is of a +less shadowy order, and is more like that of mortals. They wear a flowing, +pale green robe; their liquid eyes resemble, in their clear depths, the +lucid waters of the sea they inhabit; their hair floats carelessly over +their shoulders, and assumes the greenish tint of the water itself, which, +far from deteriorating from their beauty, greatly adds to its effect. The +Nereides either accompany the chariot of the mighty ruler of the sea, or +follow in his train. + +We are told by the poets that the lonely mariner watches the Nereides with +silent awe and wondering delight, as they rise from their grotto-palaces in +the deep, and dance, in joyful groups, over the sleeping waves. Some, with +arms entwined, follow with their movements the melodies which seem to hover +over the sea, whilst others scatter liquid gems around, these being +emblematical of the phosphorescent light, so frequently observed at night +by the traveller in southern waters. + +The best known of the Nereides were Thetis, the wife of Peleus, Amphitrite, +the spouse of Poseidon, and Galatea, the beloved of Acis. + +THE NAIADES. + +The NAIADES were the nymphs of fresh-water springs, lakes, brooks, rivers, +&c. + +As the trees, plants, and flowers owed their nourishment to their genial, +fostering care, these divinities were {168} regarded by the Greeks as +special benefactors to mankind. Like all the nymphs, they possessed the +gift of prophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains over +which they presided were believed to inspire mortals who drank of their +waters with the power of foretelling future events. The Naiades are +intimately connected in idea with those flowers which are called after them +Nymphae, or water-lilies, whose broad, green leaves and yellow cups float +upon the surface of the water, as though proudly conscious of their own +grace and beauty. + +We often hear of the Naiades forming alliances with mortals, and also of +their being wooed by the sylvan deities of the woods and dales. + +DRYADES, OR TREE NYMPHS. + +The tree nymphs partook of the distinguishing characteristics of the +particular tree to whose life they were wedded, and were known collectively +by the name of the Dryades. + +The HAMADRYADES, or oak nymphs, represent in their peculiar individuality +the quiet, self-reliant power which appears to belong essentially to the +grand and lordly king of the forest. + +The BIRCH NYMPH is a melancholy maiden with floating hair, resembling the +branches of the pale and fragile-looking tree which she inhabits. + +The BEECH NYMPH is strong and sturdy, full of life and joyousness, and +appears to give promise of faithful love and undisturbed repose, whilst her +rosy cheeks, deep brown eyes, and graceful form bespeak health, vigour, and +vitality. + +The nymph of the LINDEN TREE is represented as a little coy maiden, whose +short silver-gray dress reaches a little below the knee, and displays to +advantage her delicately formed limbs. The sweet face, which is partly +averted, reveals a pair of large blue eyes, which appear to look at you +with wondering surprise and shy mistrust; {169} her pale, golden hair is +bound by the faintest streak of rose-coloured ribbon. + +The tree nymph, being wedded to the life of the tree she inhabited, ceased +to exist when it was either felled, or so injured as to wither away and +die. + +NYMPHS OF THE VALLEYS AND MOUNTAINS. + +NAPAEAE AND OREADES. + +The Napaeae were the kind and gentle nymphs of the valleys and glens who +appear in the train of Artemis. They are represented as lovely maidens with +short tunics, which, reaching only to the knee, do not impede their swift +and graceful movements in the exercise of the chase. Their pale brown +tresses are fastened in a knot at the back of the head, whence a few stray +curls escape over their shoulders. The Napaeae are shy as the fawns, and +quite as frolicsome. + +The OREADES, or mountain nymphs, who are the principal and constant +companions of Artemis, are tall, graceful maidens, attired as huntresses. +They are ardent followers of the chase, and spare neither the gentle deer +nor the timid hare, nor indeed any animal they meet with in their rapid +course. Wherever their wild hunt goes the shy Napaeae are represented as +hiding behind the leaves, whilst their favourites, the fawns, kneel +tremblingly beside them, looking up beseechingly for protection from the +wild huntresses; and even the bold Satyrs dart away at their approach, and +seek safety in flight. + +There is a myth connected with one of these mountain nymphs, the +unfortunate Echo. She became enamoured of a beautiful youth named +Narcissus, son of the river-god Cephissus, who, however, failed to return +her love, which so grieved her that she gradually pined away, becoming a +mere shadow of her former self, till, at length, nothing remained of her +except her voice, which henceforth gave back, with unerring fidelity, every +sound that was uttered in the hills and dales. Narcissus himself {170} also +met with an unhappy fate, for Aphrodite punished him by causing him to fall +in love with his own image, which he beheld in a neighbouring fountain, +whereupon, consumed with unrequited love, he wasted away, and was changed +into the flower which bears his name. + +The LIMONIADES, or meadow nymphs, resemble the Naiades, and are usually +represented dancing hand in hand in a circle. + +The HYADES, who in appearance are somewhat similar to the Oceanides, are +cloudy divinities, and, from the fact of their being invariably accompanied +by rain, are represented as incessantly weeping. + +The MELIADES were the nymphs who presided over fruit-trees. + +Before concluding this subject, attention should be drawn to the fact that, +in more modern times, this beautiful idea of animating all nature in detail +reappears under the various local traditions extant in different countries. +Thus do the Oceanides and Nereides live again in the mermaids, whose +existence is still believed in by mariners, whilst the flower and meadow +nymphs assume the shape of those tiny elves and fairies, who were formerly +believed to hold their midnight revels in every wood and on every common; +indeed, even at the present day, the Irish peasantry, especially in the +west, firmly believe in the existence of the fairies, or "good people," as +they are called. + +THE WINDS. + +According to the oldest accounts, AEolus was a king of the AEolian Islands, +to whom Zeus gave 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 gods. + +In later times the above belief underwent a change, and the winds came to +be regarded as distinct divinities, whose aspect accorded with the +respective winds with which they were identified. They were depicted as +{171} winged youths in full vigour in the act of flying through the air. + +The principal winds were: Boreas (the north wind), Eurus (the east wind), +Zephyrus (the west wind), and Notus (the south wind), who were said to be +the children of Eos and Astraeus. + +There are no myths of interest connected with these divinities. Zephyrus +was united to Chloris (Flora), the goddess of flowers. Of Boreas it is +related that while flying over the river Ilissus, he beheld on the banks +Oreithyia, the charming daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, whom he +carried off to his native Thrace, and there made her his bride. Boreas and +Oreithyia were the parents of Zetes and Calais, afterwards famous in the +expedition of the Argonauts. + +There was an altar erected at Athens in honour of Boreas, in commemoration +of his having destroyed the Persian fleet sent to attack the Greeks. + +On the Acropolis at Athens there was a celebrated octagonal temple, built +by Pericles, which was dedicated to the winds, and on its sides were their +various representations. The ruins of this temple are still to be seen. + +PAN (FAUNUS). + +[Illustration] + +Pan was the god of fertility, and the special patron of shepherds and +huntsmen; he presided over all rural occupations, was chief of the Satyrs, +and head of all rural divinities. + +According to the common belief, he was the son of Hermes and a wood nymph, +and came into the world with horns sprouting from his forehead, a goat's +beard and a crooked nose, pointed ears, and the tail and feet of a goat, +and presented altogether so repulsive {172} an appearance that, at the +sight of him, his mother fled in dismay. + +Hermes, however, took up his curious little offspring, wrapt him in a hare +skin, and carried him in his arms to Olympus. The grotesque form and merry +antics of the little stranger made him a great favourite with all the +immortals, especially Dionysus; and they bestowed upon him the name of Pan +(all), because he had delighted them _all_. + +His favourite haunts were grottoes, and his delight was to wander in +uncontrolled freedom over rocks and mountains, following his various +pursuits, ever cheerful, and usually very noisy. He was a great lover of +music, singing, dancing, and all pursuits which enhance the pleasures of +life; and hence, in spite of his repulsive appearance, we see him +surrounded with nymphs of the forests and dales, who love to dance round +him to the cheerful music of his pipe, the syrinx. The myth concerning the +origin of Pan's pipe is as follows:--Pan became enamoured of a beautiful +nymph, called Syrinx, who, appalled at his terrible appearance, fled from +the pertinacious attentions of her unwelcome suitor. He pursued her to the +banks of the river Ladon, when, seeing his near approach, and feeling +escape impossible, she called on the gods for assistance, who, in answer to +her prayer, transformed her into a reed, just as Pan was about to seize +her. Whilst the love-sick Pan was sighing and lamenting his unfortunate +fate, the winds gently swayed the reeds, and produced a murmuring sound as +of one complaining. Charmed with the soothing tones, he endeavoured to +reproduce them himself, and after cutting seven of the reeds of unequal +length, he joined them together, and succeeded in producing the pipe, which +he called the syrinx, in memory of his lost love. + +Pan was regarded by shepherds as their most valiant protector, who defended +their flocks from the attacks of wolves. The shepherds of these early +times, having no penfolds, were in the habit of gathering together their +flocks in mountain caves, to protect them against the {173} inclemency of +the weather, and also to secure them at night against the attacks of wild +animals; these caves, therefore, which were very numerous in the mountain +districts of Arcadia, Boeotia, &c., were all consecrated to Pan. + +As it is customary in all tropical climates to repose during the heat of +the day, Pan is represented as greatly enjoying his afternoon sleep in the +cool shelter of a tree or cave, and also as being highly displeased at any +sound which disturbed his slumbers, for which reason the shepherds were +always particularly careful to keep unbroken silence during these hours, +whilst they themselves indulged in a quiet siesta. + +Pan was equally beloved by huntsmen, being himself a great lover of the +woods, which afforded to his cheerful and active disposition full scope, +and in which he loved to range at will. He was regarded as the patron of +the chase, and the rural sportsmen, returning from an unsuccessful day's +sport, beat, in token of their displeasure, the wooden image of Pan, which +always occupied a prominent place in their dwellings. + +All sudden and unaccountable sounds which startle travellers in lonely +spots, were attributed to Pan, who possessed a frightful and most +discordant voice; hence the term _pan_ic terror, to indicate sudden fear. +The Athenians ascribed their victory at Marathon to the alarm which he +created among the Persians by his terrible voice. + +Pan was gifted with the power of prophecy, which he is said to have +imparted to Apollo, and he possessed a well-known and very ancient oracle +in Arcadia, in which state he was more especially worshipped. + +The artists of later times have somewhat toned down the original very +unattractive conception of Pan, as above described, and merely represent +him as a young man, hardened by the exposure to all weathers which a rural +life involves, and bearing in his hand the shepherd's crook and +syrinx--these being his usual attributes--whilst small horns project from +his forehead. He is either undraped, or wears merely the light cloak called +the chlamys. + +The usual offerings to Pan were milk and honey in {174} shepherds' bowls. +Cows, lambs, and rams were also sacrificed to him. + +After the introduction of Pan into the worship of Dionysus, we hear of a +number of little Pans (Panisci), who are sometimes confounded with the +Satyrs. + +FAUNUS. + +The Romans had an old Italian divinity called Faunus, who, as the god of +shepherds, was identified with the Greek Pan, and represented in a similar +manner. + +Faunus is frequently called Inuus or the fertilizer, and Lupercus or the +one who wards off wolves. Like Pan, he possessed the gift of prophecy, and +was the presiding spirit of the woods and fields; he also shared with his +Greek prototype the faculty of alarming travellers in solitary places. Bad +dreams and evil apparitions were attributed to Faunus, and he was believed +to enter houses stealthily at night for this purpose. + +Fauna was the wife of Faunus, and participated in his functions. + +THE SATYRS. + +[Illustration] + +The Satyrs were a race of woodland spirits, who evidently personified the +free, wild, and untrammelled life of the forest. Their appearance was both +grotesque and repulsive; they had flat broad noses, pointed ears, and +little horns sprouting from their foreheads, a rough shaggy skin, and small +goat's tails. They led a life of pleasure and self-indulgence, followed the +chase, revelled in every description of wild music and dancing, were +terrible wine-bibbers, and addicted to the deep slumbers which follow heavy +potations. They were no less dreaded by mortals than by the gentle woodland +nymphs, who always avoided their coarse rough sports. + +The Satyrs were conspicuous figures in the train of Dionysus, and, as we +have seen, Silenus their chief was tutor to the wine god. The older Satyrs +were called Silens, and are represented in antique sculpture, as more +nearly approaching the human form. + +{175} + +In addition to the ordinary Satyrs, artists delighted in depicting little +Satyrs, young imps, frolicking about the woods in a marvellous variety of +droll attitudes. These little fellows greatly resemble their friends and +companions, the Panisci. + +In rural districts it was customary for the shepherds and peasants who +attended the festivals of Dionysus, to dress themselves in the skins of +goats and other animals, and, under this disguise, they permitted +themselves all kinds of playful tricks and excesses, to which circumstance +the conception of the Satyrs is by some authorities attributed. + +In Rome the old Italian wood-divinities, the FAUNS, who had goats' feet and +all other characteristics of the Satyrs greatly exaggerated, were +identified with them. + +PRIAPUS. + +Priapus, the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, was regarded as the god of +fruitfulness, the protector of flocks, sheep, goats, bees, the fruit of the +vine, and all garden produce. + +His statues, which were set up in gardens and vineyards, acted not only as +objects of worship, but also as scarecrows, the appearance of this god +being especially repulsive and unsightly. These statues were formed of wood +or stone, and from the hips downwards were merely rude columns. They +represent him as having a red and very ugly face; he bears in his hand a +pruning knife, and his head is crowned with a wreath of vine and laurel. He +usually carries fruit in his garments or a cornucopia in his hand, always, +however, retaining his singularly revolting aspect. It is said that Hera, +wishing {176} to punish Aphrodite, sent her this misshapen and unsightly +son, and that when he was born, his mother was so horrified at the sight of +him, that she ordered him to be exposed on the mountains, where he was +found by some shepherds, who, taking pity on him, saved his life. + +This divinity was chiefly worshipped at Lampsacus, his birthplace. Asses +were sacrificed to him, and he received the first-fruits of the fields and +gardens, with a libation of milk and honey. + +The worship of Priapus was introduced into Rome at the same time as that of +Aphrodite, and was identified with a native Italian divinity named Mutunus. + +ASCLEPIAS (AESCULAPIUS). + +Asclepias, the god of the healing art, was the son of Apollo and the nymph +Coronis. He was educated by the noble Centaur Chiron, who instructed him in +all knowledge, but more especially in that of the properties of herbs. +Asclepias searched out the hidden powers of plants, and discovered cures +for the various diseases which afflict the human body. He brought his art +to such perfection, that he not only succeeded in warding off death, but +also restored the dead to life. It was popularly believed that he was +materially assisted in his wonderful cures by the blood of the Medusa, +given to him by Pallas-Athene. + +[Illustration] + +It is well to observe that the shrines of this divinity, which were usually +built in healthy places, on hills outside the town, or near wells which +were believed to have healing powers, offered at the same time means of +cure for the sick and suffering, thus combining religious with sanitary +influences. It was the custom for the sufferer to sleep in the temple, +when, if he had been earnest in his devotions, Asclepias appeared to him in +a dream, and revealed the means to be employed for the cure of his malady. +On the walls of these temples were hung tablets, inscribed by the different +pilgrims with the particulars of their maladies, the remedies practised, +and the cures {177} worked by the god:--a custom undoubtedly productive of +most beneficial results. + +Groves, temples, and altars were dedicated to Asclepias in many parts of +Greece, but Epidaurus, the chief seat of his worship,--where, indeed, it is +said to have originated,--contained his principal temple, which served at +the same time as a hospital. + +The statue of Asclepias in the temple at Epidaurus was formed of ivory and +gold, and represented him as an old man with a full beard, leaning on a +staff round which a serpent is climbing. The serpent was the distinguishing +symbol of this divinity, partly because these reptiles were greatly used by +the ancients in the cure of diseases, and partly also because all the +prudence and wisdom of the serpent were deemed indispensable to the +judicious physician. + +His usual attributes are a staff, a bowl, a bunch of herbs, a pineapple, a +dog, and a serpent. + +His children inherited, for the most part, the distinguished talents of +their father. Two of his sons, Machaon and Podalirius, accompanied +Agamemnon to the Trojan war, in which expedition they became renowned, not +only as military heroes, but also as skilful physicians. + +Their sisters, HYGEIA (health), and PANACEA (all-healing), had temples +dedicated to them, and received divine honours. The function of Hygeia was +to maintain the health of the community, which great blessing was supposed +to be brought by her as a direct and beneficent gift from the gods. + +AESCULAPIUS. + +The worship of AEsculapius was introduced into Rome from Epidaurus, whence +the statue of the god of healing {178} was brought at the time of a great +pestilence. Grateful for their deliverance from this plague, the Romans +erected a temple in his honour, on an island near the mouth of the Tiber. + + * * * * * + +ROMAN DIVINITIES. + +JANUS. + +From the earliest ages Janus was regarded by the Romans with the utmost +affection and veneration, as a divinity who ranked only second to Jupiter +himself, and through whom all prayers and petitions were transmitted to the +other gods. + +He was believed to preside over the beginnings of all things, hence it was +he who inaugurated the years, months, and seasons, and in course of time +came to be considered as specially protecting the beginnings of all human +enterprises. The great importance which the Romans attached to an +auspicious commencement, as contributing to the ultimate success of an +enterprise, accounts for the high estimation in which Janus was held as the +god of beginnings. + +This divinity would appear to have been the ancient sun-god of the Italian +tribes, in which capacity he opens and closes the gates of heaven every +morning and evening. Hence he was regarded as the door-keeper of heaven, +and also as the presiding deity over all gates, entrances, &c., on earth. + +The fact of his being the god of city gates, which were called Jani after +him, is ascribed, however, to the following myth:--After the abduction of +their women by the Romans, the Sabines, in revenge, invaded the Roman +state, and were already about to enter the gates of the city, when suddenly +a hot sulphur spring, which was believed to have been sent by Janus for +their special preservation, gushed forth from the earth, and arrested the +progress of the enemy. + +{179} + +In his character as guardian of gates and doors, he was also regarded as a +protecting deity of the home, for which reason little shrines were erected +to him over the doors of houses, which contained an image of the god, +having two faces. + +Janus possessed no temples in the ordinary acceptation of the word, but all +the gates of cities were dedicated to him. Close to the Forum of Rome stood +the so-called temple of Janus, which, however, was merely an arched +passage, closed by massive gates. This temple was open only in time of war, +as it was supposed that the god had then taken his departure with the Roman +army, over whose welfare he personally presided. It is worthy of notice, as +an evidence of the many wars in which the Romans were engaged, that the +gates of this sanctuary were only closed three times during 700 years. + +As the god who ushers in the new year, the first month was called after +him, and on the 1st of January his most important festival was celebrated, +on which occasion all entrances of public and private buildings were +decorated with laurel branches and garlands of flowers. + +His sacrifices, consisting of cakes, wine, and barley, were offered to him +at the beginning of every month; and before sacrificing to the other gods +his name was always invoked, and a libation poured out to him. + +Janus is usually represented with two faces; in his special function as +door-keeper of heaven he stands erect, bearing a key in one hand, and a rod +or sceptre in the other. + +It is supposed that Janus was the most ancient king of Italy, who, during +his life, governed his subjects with such wisdom and moderation that, in +gratitude for the benefits conferred upon them, his people deified him +after death and placed him in the foremost rank among their divinities. We +have already seen in the history of Cronus that Saturn, who was identified +with the Greek Cronus (god of time), was the friend and colleague of Janus. +Anxious to prove his gratitude to his benefactor, Cronus endowed him with +the knowledge of past and future {180} events, which enabled him to adopt +the wisest measures for the welfare of his subjects, and it is on this +account that Janus is represented with two faces looking in opposite +directions, the one to the past, the other to the future. + +FLORA. + +Flora was the goddess of flowers, and was regarded as a beneficent power, +who watched over and protected the early blossoms. + +She was held in the highest estimation by the Romans, and a festival, +called the Floralia, was celebrated in her honour from the 28th of April to +the 1st of May. This festival was a season of universal merriment, in which +flowers were used profusely in adorning houses, streets, &c., and were worn +by young girls in their hair. + +Flora, who typified the season of Spring, is generally represented as a +lovely maiden, garlanded with flowers. + +ROBIGUS. + +In opposition to Flora we find an antagonistic divinity, called Robigus, a +worker of evil, who delighted in the destruction of the tender herbs by +mildew, and whose wrath could only be averted by prayers and sacrifices, +when he was invoked under the title of Averuncus, or the Avertor. + +The festival of Robigus (the Robigalia) was celebrated on the 25th of +April. + +POMONA. + +Pomona was the goddess of orchards and fruit-trees, who, according to Ovid, +cares not for woods or streams, but loves her gardens and the boughs that +bear the thriving fruit. + +Pomona, who typifies Autumn, is represented as a lovely maiden, laden with +branches of fruit-trees. + +{181} + +VERTUMNUS. + +Vertumnus was the god of garden and field produce. He personifies the +change of seasons, and that process of transformation in nature by means of +which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms, and the blossoms into +fruit. + +The change of seasons is symbolized in a myth which represents Vertumnus as +metamorphosing himself into a variety of different forms in order to gain +the affection of Pomona, who so loved her vocation that she abjured all +thoughts of marriage. He first appears to her as a ploughman, typifying +Spring; then as a reaper, to represent Summer; afterwards as a +vine-gatherer, to indicate Autumn; and finally as a gray-haired old woman, +symbolical of the snows of Winter; but it was not until he assumed his true +form, that of a beautiful youth, that he succeeded in his suit. + +Vertumnus is generally represented crowned with wheat-sheaves, and bearing +in his hand a cornucopia. + +PALES. + +Pales, a very ancient Italian divinity, is represented sometimes as a male, +sometimes as a female power. + +As a male divinity he is more particularly the god of shepherds and flocks. + +As a female deity, Pales presides over husbandry and the fruitfulness of +herds. Her festivals, the Palilia, were celebrated on the 21st of April, +the day on which the city of Rome was founded. During this festival it was +customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, through which they +rushed with their flocks, believing that this ordeal would purify them from +sin. + +The name Palatine, which originally signified a pastoral colony, is derived +from this divinity. Her offerings were cakes and milk. + +{182} + +PICUS. + +Picus, the son of Saturn and father of Faunus, was a woodland divinity, +gifted with prophetic powers. + +An ancient myth relates that Picus was a beautiful youth, united to a nymph +called Canens. The sorceress Circe, infatuated by his beauty, endeavoured +to secure his love, but he rejected her advances, and she, in revenge, +changed him into a woodpecker, under which form he still retained his +powers of prophecy. + +Picus is represented as a youth, with a woodpecker perched upon his head, +which bird became henceforth regarded as possessed of the power of +prophecy. + +PICUMNUS AND PILUMNUS. + +Picumnus and Pilumnus were two household divinities of the Romans, who were +the special presiding deities of new-born infants. + +SILVANUS. + +Silvanus was a woodland divinity, who, like Faunus, greatly resembled the +Greek Pan. He was the presiding deity of plantations and forests, and +specially protected the boundaries of fields. + +Silvanus is represented as a hale old man, carrying a cypress-tree, for, +according to Roman mythology, the transformation of the youth Cyparissus +into the tree which bears his name was attributed to him. + +His sacrifices consisted of milk, meat, wine, grapes, wheat-ears, and pigs. + +TERMINUS. + +Terminus was the god who presided over all boundaries and landmarks. + +He was originally represented by a simple block of stone, which in later +times became surmounted by a {183} head of this divinity. Numa Pompilius, +the great benefactor of his people, anxious to inculcate respect for the +rights of property, specially enjoined the erection of these blocks of +stone, as a durable monument to mark the line dividing one property from +another. He also caused altars to be raised to Terminus, and instituted his +festival (the Terminalia), which was celebrated on the 23rd of February. + +Upon one occasion, when Tarquin wished to remove the altars of several +deities, in order to build a new temple, it is said that Terminus and +Juventas alone objected to being displaced. This obstinate refusal on their +part was interpreted as a good omen, signifying that the city of Rome would +never lose her boundaries, and would remain ever young and vigorous. + +CONSUS. + +Consus was the god of secret counsel. + +The Romans believed that when an idea developed itself spontaneously within +the mind of an individual, it was Consus who had prompted the suggestion. +This applied, however, more particularly to plans which resulted +satisfactorily. + +An altar was erected to this divinity on the Circus Maximus, which was kept +always covered, except during his festival, the Consualia, which was +celebrated on the 18th of August. + +LIBITINA. + +Libitina was the goddess who presided over funerals. This divinity was +identified with Venus, possibly because the ancients considered that the +power of love extended even to the realms of death. + +Her temple in Rome, which was erected by Servius Tullius, contained all the +requisites for funerals, and these could either be bought or hired there. A +register of all deaths which occurred in the city of Rome was kept in {184} +this temple, and in order to ascertain the rate of mortality, a piece of +money was paid by command of Servius Tullius, on the demise of each person. + +LAVERNA. + +Laverna was the presiding goddess of thieves, and of all artifice and +fraud. There was an altar erected to her near the Porta Lavernalis, which +was called after her, and she possessed a sacred grove on the Via Salavia. + +COMUS. + +Comus was the presiding genius of banquets, festive scenes, revelry, and +all joyous pleasures and reckless gaiety. + +He is represented as a young man crowned with flowers, his face heated and +flushed with wine, leaning against a post in a half-sleepy and drunken +attitude, with a torch falling from his hand. + +THE CAMENAE. + +The Camenae were prophetic nymphs held in high veneration by the ancient +Italians. They were four in number, the best known of whom are Carmenta and +Egeria. + +Carmenta was celebrated as being the mother of Evander, who led an Arcadian +colony into Italy, and founded a town on the river Tiber, which became +afterwards incorporated with the city of Rome. Evander is said to have been +the first who introduced Greek art and civilization into Italy, and also +the worship of Greek divinities. + +A temple was erected to Carmenta on the Capitoline Hill, and a festival, +called the Carmentalia, was celebrated in her honour on the 11th of +January. + +Egeria is said to have initiated Numa Pompilius in the forms of religious +worship, which he introduced among his people. She was regarded as the +giver of {185} life, and was therefore invoked by women before the birth of +their children. + +The Camenae are frequently identified by Roman writers with the Muses. + +GENII. + +A comforting and assuring belief existed among the Romans, that each +individual was accompanied through life, from the hour of his birth to that +of his death, by a protecting spirit, called his genius, who prompted him +to good and noble deeds, and acted towards him as a guardian angel, +comforting him in sorrow, and guiding him throughout his earthly career. + +In the course of time a second genius was believed to exist, of an evil +nature, who, as the instigator of all wrong-doing, was ever at war with the +beneficent genius; and on the issue of the conflict between these +antagonistic influences, depended the fate of the individual. The genii +were depicted as winged beings, greatly resembling our modern +representations of guardian angels. + +Every state, town, or city, (as well as every man), possessed its special +genius. The sacrifices to the genii consisted of wine, cakes, and incense, +which were offered to them on birthdays. + +The genius which guided a woman was called, after the queen of heaven, +Juno. + +Among the Greeks, beings called Daemons were regarded as exercising similar +functions to those of the Roman genii. They were believed to be the spirits +of the righteous race which existed in the Golden Age, who watched over +mankind, carrying their prayers to the gods, and the gifts of the gods to +them. + +MANES. + +LEMURES (LARVAE) AND LARES. + +The Manes were the spirits of the departed, and were of two kinds, viz., +Lemures (or Larvae) and Lares. {186} + +The Lemures were those Manes who haunted their former abodes on earth as +evil spirits, appearing at night under awful forms and hideous shapes, +greatly to the alarm of their friends and relatives. They were so feared +that a festival, called the Lemuralia, was celebrated in order to +propitiate them. + +It appears extremely probable that the superstitions with regard to ghosts, +haunted houses, &c., which exist even at the present day, owe their origin +to this very ancient pagan source. + +The Lares Familiares were a much more pleasing conception. They were the +spirits of the ancestors of each family, who exercised after death a +protecting power over the well-being and prosperity of the family to which +they had in life belonged. The place of honour beside the hearth was +occupied by the statue of the Lar of the house, who was supposed to have +been the founder of the family. This statue was the object of profound +veneration, and was honoured on all occasions by every member of the +family; a portion of each meal was laid before it, and it was believed to +take an active part in all family affairs and domestic events, whether of a +sad or joyful nature. Before starting on any expedition the master of the +house saluted the statue of the Lar, and, on his return, a solemn +thanksgiving was offered to this, the presiding deity of his hearth and +home, in grateful acknowledgment of his protection; whereupon the statue +was crowned with garlands of flowers, these being the favourite offerings +to the Lares on all occasions of especial family rejoicing. + +The first act of a bride on entering her new abode was to do homage to the +Lar, in the belief that he would exercise over her a protecting influence +and shield her from evil. + +In addition to those above enumerated there were also public Lares, who +were guardians of the state, highroads, country, and sea. Their temples +were always open for any pious worshipper to enter, and on their altars +public sacrifices were offered for the welfare of the state or city. {187} + +PENATES. + +The Penates were deities selected by each family, and frequently by its +individual members, as a special protector. Various causes led to this +selection. If, for instance, a child were born on the festival of Vesta, it +was thought that that deity would henceforward act as its special guardian. +If a youth possessed great business talents he adopted Mercury as his +tutelary deity; should he, on the other hand, develop a passion for music, +Apollo was selected as his patron god, and so forth. These became regarded +as the special divinities of the household, small images of them adorned +the surroundings of the hearth, and honours similar to those paid to the +Lares were accorded to them. + +Just as there were public Lares so there were public Penates, which were +worshipped by the Roman people under the form of two youthful warriors, +who, in later times, were regarded as identical with Castor and Pollux. +They are generally represented on horseback, with conical caps on their +heads, and bearing long spears in their hands. + +{188} + +[Illustration] + +PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS. + +TEMPLES. + +In very remote times the Greeks had no shrines or sanctuaries devoted to +public worship, but performed their devotions beneath the vast and +boundless canopy of heaven, in the great temple of nature itself. Believing +that their divinities throned above the clouds, pious worshippers naturally +sought the highest available points, in order to place themselves in the +closest communion possible with their gods; hence the summits of high +mountains were selected for devotional purposes, and the more exalted the +rank and importance of the divinity invoked, the more elevated was the site +selected for his or her worship. But the inconvenience attending this mode +of worship gradually suggested the idea of erecting edifices which would +afford means of shelter from the inclemency of the weather. + +These structures were, in the first instance, of the most simple form, and +without decoration; but when, with the progress of civilization, the Greeks +became a {189} wealthy and powerful people, temples were built and adorned +with the greatest splendour and magnificence, talent, labour, and wealth +being lavished unsparingly on their erection and decoration; indeed so +massively were they constructed, that some of them have, to a certain +extent, withstood the ravages of time. The city of Athens especially +contains numerous remains of these buildings of antiquity. On the Acropolis +we may still behold, among other monuments of ancient art, the temple of +Athene-Polias, and that of Theseus, the latter of which is the most entire +ancient edifice in the world. In the island of Delos, also, are to be seen +the ruins of the temples of Apollo and Artemis, both of which are in a +wonderful state of preservation. These ruins are most valuable, being +sufficiently complete to enable us to study, by their aid, the plan and +character of the original structure. + +Among the Lacedaemonians, however, we find no vestiges of these stately +temples, for they were specially enjoined by a law of Lycurgus to serve the +gods with as little outlay as possible. When the great lawgiver was asked +the reason of this injunction, he replied that the Lacedaemonians, being a +poor nation, might otherwise abstain altogether from the observance of +their religious duties, and wisely added that magnificent edifices and +costly sacrifices were not so pleasing to the gods, as the true piety and +unfeigned devotion of their worshippers. + +The most ancient temples known to us served a double purpose: they were not +only consecrated to the service of the gods, but were at the same time +venerable monuments in honour of the dead. Thus, for instance, the temple +of Pallas-Athene, in the tower of the city of Larissa, served as the +sepulchre of Acrisius, and the Acropolis at Athens received the ashes of +Cecrops, founder of the city. + +A temple was frequently dedicated to two or more gods, and was always built +after the manner considered most acceptable to the particular divinities to +whom it was consecrated; for just as trees, birds, and animals of {190} +every description were held to be sacred to certain deities, so almost +every god had a form of building peculiar to himself, which was deemed more +acceptable to him than any other. Thus the Doric style of architecture was +sacred to Zeus, Ares, and Heracles; the Ionic to Apollo, Artemis, and +Dionysus; and the Corinthian to Hestia. + +In the porch of the temple stood a vessel of stone or brass, containing +holy water (which had been consecrated by putting into it a burning torch, +taken from the altar), with which all those admitted to take part in the +sacrifices were besprinkled. In the inmost recess of the sanctuary was the +most holy place, into which none but the priests were suffered to enter. + +Temples in the country were usually surrounded with groves of trees. The +solitude of these shady retreats naturally tended to inspire the worshipper +with awe and reverence, added to which the delightful shade and coolness +afforded by tall leafy trees is peculiarly grateful in hot countries. +Indeed so general did this custom of building temples in groves become, +that all places devoted to sacred purposes, even where no trees existed, +were called groves. That this practice must be of very remote antiquity is +proved by the Biblical injunction, having for its object the separation of +the Jews from all idolatrous practices: "Thou shalt not plant thee a grove +of trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy God." + +STATUES. + +The Greeks worshipped their gods without any visible representations of +them until the time of Cecrops. The most ancient of these representations +consisted of square blocks of stone, upon which the name of the deity +intended to be represented was engraved. The first attempts at sculpture +were rude stocks, with a head at one end and a shapeless trunk at the +other, tapering slightly down to the feet, which, however, were not +divided, the limbs being in no way defined. But the artists of later times +devoted all their genius to the {191} successful production of the highest +ideals of their gods, some of which are preserved to this day, and are +regarded as examples of purest art. + +On a pedestal in the centre of the edifice stood the statue of the divinity +to whom the temple was dedicated, surrounded by images of other gods, all +of which were fenced off by rails. + +ALTARS. + +The altar in a Greek temple, which stood in the centre of the building and +in front of the statue of the presiding deity, was generally of a circular +form, and constructed of stone. It was customary to engrave upon it the +name or distinguishing symbol of the divinity to whom it was dedicated; and +it was held so sacred that if any malefactor fled to it his life was safe +from his pursuers, and it was considered one of the greatest acts of +sacrilege to force him from this asylum. + +The most ancient altars were adorned with horns, which in former times were +emblems of power and dignity, as wealth, and consequently importance, +consisted among most primitive nations in flocks and herds. + +In addition to those erected in places of public worship, altars were +frequently raised in groves, on highways, or in the market-places of +cities. + +The gods of the lower world had no altars whatever, ditches or trenches +being dug for the reception of the blood of the sacrifices offered to them. + +PRIESTS. + +In ancient times the priests were recognized as a special social caste, and +were distinguished not only by their sacerdotal vestments, but also by +their piety, wisdom, and blameless life. They were the chosen mediators +between gods and men, and offered prayers and sacrifices in the name of the +people, whom they also instructed as to what vows, gifts, and offerings +would be most acceptable to the gods. + +{192} + +Every deity had a different order of priests consecrated to his worship, +and in every place a high-priest was appointed, whose duty it was to +superintend the rest of his order, and also to carry out the more sacred +rites and religious observances. + +Priests and priestesses were permitted to marry, but not a second time; +some, however, voluntarily adopted a life of celibacy. + +SACRIFICES. + +There is no doubt that a feeling of gratitude to the gods for their +protecting care, and the abundance with which they were believed to bless +mankind, has induced men of all nations and in all countries to feel a +desire to sacrifice to their divinities some portion of the gifts so +generously lavished upon them. + +Among the Greeks, sacrifices were of various kinds. They consisted of +_free-will offerings_, _propitiatory offerings_, &c. + +_Free-will offerings_ were grateful acknowledgments for benefits received, +and usually consisted of the first-fruits of the field, or the finest of +the flocks and herds, which were required to be without spot or blemish. + +_Propitiatory offerings_ were brought with the object of appeasing the +anger of the gods. + +In addition to those above enumerated, sacrifices were made, either with a +view of obtaining success in an enterprise about to be undertaken, or in +fulfilment of a vow, or at the command of an oracle. + +Every sacrifice was accompanied by salt and also by a libation, which +usually consisted of wine, the cup being always filled to the brim, +indicating that the offering was made without stint. When sacrificing to +the infernal gods the cup containing the libation was filled with blood. + +The animals offered to the Olympian divinities were white, whilst those to +the gods of the lower world were black. When a man offered a special +sacrifice for himself or his family it partook of the nature of his {193} +occupation; thus a shepherd brought a sheep, a vine-grower his grapes, and +so forth. But in the case of public sacrifices, the supposed individuality +of the deity was always consulted. For instance, to Demeter a sow was +offered, because that animal is apt to root up the seed-corn; to Dionysus a +goat, on account of its being destructive to vineyards, &c. + +The value of offerings depended greatly upon the position of the +individual; it being regarded as a contempt of the gods for a rich man to +bring a sordid offering, whilst from a poor man the smallest oblation was +considered acceptable. + +Hecatombs consisted of a hundred animals, and were offered by entire +communities, or by wealthy individuals who either desired, or had obtained +some special favour from the gods. + +When a sacrifice was to be offered, a fire was kindled on the altar, into +which wine and frankincense were poured, in order to increase the flame. In +very ancient times, the victim was laid upon the altar and burned whole; +but after the time of Prometheus portions only of the shoulders, thighs, +entrails, &c., were sacrificed, the remainder becoming the perquisites of +the priests. + +The officiating priests wore a crown composed of the leaves of the tree +sacred to the deity they invoked. Thus when sacrificing to Apollo the +crowns were of laurel; when to Heracles, of poplar. This practice of +wearing crowns was, at a later period, adopted by the general public at +banquets and other festivities. + +On occasions of special solemnity the horns of the victim were overlaid +with gold, and the altars decked with flowers and sacred herbs. + +The mode of conducting the sacrifices was as follows:--All things being +prepared, a salt cake, the sacrificial knife, and the crowns, were placed +in a small basket, and carried to the sanctuary by a young maiden, +whereupon the victim was conducted into the temple, frequently to the +accompaniment of music. If a small animal, it was driven loose to the +altar; if a large one, it was led by a {194} long trailing rope, in order +to indicate that it was not an unwilling sacrifice. + +When all were assembled, the priest, after walking in solemn state round +the altar, besprinkled it with a mixture of meal and holy water, after +which he also besprinkled the assembled worshippers, and exhorted them to +join with him in prayer. The service being ended, the priest first tasted +the libation, and after causing the congregation to do the like, poured the +remainder between the horns of the victim, after which frankincense was +strewn upon the altar, and a portion of the meal and water poured upon the +animal, which was then killed. If by any chance the victim escaped the +stroke, or became in any way restless, it was regarded as an evil omen; if, +on the contrary, it expired without a struggle, it was considered +auspicious. + +At the sacrifices to the aerial divinities music was added, whilst dances +were performed round the altar, and sacred hymns sung. These hymns were +generally composed in honour of the gods, and contained an account of their +famous actions, their clemency and beneficence, and the gifts conferred by +them on mankind. In conclusion, the gods were invoked for a continuance of +their favour, and when the service was ended a feast was held. + +ORACLES. + +The desire to penetrate the dark veil of futurity, and thereby to avert, if +possible, threatened danger, has animated mankind in all ages of the world. +Prophetic knowledge was sought by the Greeks at the mouth of oracles, whose +predictions were interpreted to the people by priests, specially appointed +for the purpose. + +The most famous of these institutions was the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, +which was held in general repute all over the world. People flocked from +far and near to consult this wonderful mouth-piece of the gods, one month +in the year being specially set apart for the purpose. + +{195} + +The priestess who delivered the oracles was called the Pythia, after the +serpent Python, which was killed by Apollo. Having first bathed in the +waters of the Castalian spring, she was conducted into the temple by the +priests, and was seated on a sort of three-legged stool or table, called a +tripod, which was placed over the mouth of a cave whence issued sulphurous +vapours. Here she gradually became affected in a remarkable manner, and +fell into an ecstatic condition, in which she uttered wild and +extraordinary phrases, which were held to be the utterance of Apollo +himself; these the priests interpreted to the people, but in most cases in +so ambiguous a manner that the fulfilment of the prediction could not +easily be disputed. During the ceremony, clouds of incense filled the +temple, and hid the priestess from the view of the uninitiated, and at its +conclusion she was reconducted, in a fainting condition, to her cell. + +The following is a striking instance of the ambiguity of oracular +predictions:--Croesus, the rich king of Lydia, before going to war with +Cyrus, king of Persia, consulted an oracle as to the probable success of +the expedition. The reply he received was, that if he crossed a certain +river he would destroy a great empire. Interpreting the response as being +favourable to his design, Croesus crossed the river, and encountered the +Persian king, by whom he was entirely defeated; and his own empire being +destroyed, the prediction of the oracle was said to have been fulfilled. + +SOOTHSAYERS (AUGURS). + +In addition to the manifestation of the will of the gods by means of +oracles, the Greeks also believed that certain men, called soothsayers, +were gifted with the power of foretelling future events from dreams, from +observing the flight of birds, the entrails of sacrificed animals, and even +the direction of the flames and smoke from the altar, &c. {196} + +AUGURS. + +The Roman soothsayers were called augurs, and played an important part in +the history of the Romans, as no enterprise was ever undertaken without +first consulting them with regard to its ultimate success. + +FESTIVALS. + +Festivals were instituted as seasons of rest, rejoicing, and thanksgiving, +and also as anniversaries to commemorate events of national importance. The +most ancient festivals were those held after the ingathering of the harvest +or vintage, and were celebrated with rejoicings and merry-makings, which +lasted many days, during which time the first-fruits of the fields were +offered to the gods, accompanied by prayers and thanksgiving. + +The festivals held in cities in honour of special divinities, or in +commemoration of particular events, were conducted with an elaborate +ceremonial. Gorgeous processions, games, chariot races, &c., were +conspicuous features on these occasions, and dramatic performances, +representing particular episodes in the lives of the gods and heroes, +frequently took place. + +We subjoin a few of the most interesting of the Greek and Roman festivals. + + * * * * * + +GREEK FESTIVALS. + +ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES. + +One of the most ancient and important among the festivals observed by the +Greeks was that of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which was celebrated in honour +of Demeter and Persephone. The name was derived from Eleusis, a town in +Attica, where the Mysteries were first introduced by the goddess herself. +They were divided into the {197} Greater and Lesser Mysteries, and, +according to the general account, were held every five years. The Greater, +which were celebrated in honour of Demeter, and lasted nine days, were held +in autumn; the Lesser, dedicated to Persephone (who at these festivals was +affectionately called Cora, or the maiden), were held in spring. + +It is supposed that the secrets taught to the initiated by the priests--the +expounders of the Mysteries--were moral meanings, elucidated from the myths +concerning Demeter and Persephone; but the most important belief inculcated +was the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. That the lessons taught +were of the highest moral character is universally admitted. "The souls of +those who participated in them were filled with the sweetest hopes both as +to this and the future world;" and it was a common saying among the +Athenians: "In the Mysteries no one is sad." + +The initiation into these solemn rites (which was originally the exclusive +privilege of the Athenians) was accompanied with awe-inspiring ceremonies; +and secrecy was so strictly enjoined that its violation was punished by +death. At the conclusion of the initiation great rejoicings took place, +chariot-races, wrestling matches, &c., were held, and solemn sacrifices +offered. + +The initiation into the Lesser Mysteries served as a preparation for the +Greater. + +THESMOPHORIA. + +The Thesmophoria was another festival held in honour of Demeter, in her +character as presiding over marriage and social institutions resulting from +the spread of agriculture. + +This festival was celebrated exclusively by women. + +DIONYSIA. + +A joyous spring festival was held in honour of Dionysus, in the month of +March, and lasted several days. + +{198} + +This festival, which was called the Greater Dionysia, was celebrated with +particular splendour at Athens, when strangers flocked from all parts of +the world to take part in the ceremonies. The city was gaily decorated, the +houses were garlanded with ivy-leaves, crowds perambulated the streets, +everything wore its holiday garb, and wine was freely indulged in. + +[Illustration] + +In the processions which took place during these festivities, the statue of +Dionysus was carried, and men and women, crowned with ivy and bearing the +thyrsus, were dressed in every description of grotesque costume, and played +on drums, pipes, flutes, cymbals, &c. Some representing Silenus rode on +asses, others wearing fawn-skins appeared as Pan or the Satyrs, and the +whole multitude sang paeans in honour of the wine-god. Public shows, games, +and sports took place, and the entire city was full of revelry. + +What lent additional interest to these festivals was the custom of +introducing new comedies and tragedies to the public, representations of +which were given, and prizes awarded to those which elicited the greatest +admiration. + +[Illustration] + +The Lesser Dionysia were vintage festivals, celebrated in rural districts +in the month of November, and were characterized by drinking, feasting, and +joviality of all kinds. + +In connection with some of the festivals in honour of Dionysus were certain +mystic observances, into which only women, called Menades or Bacchantes, +were initiated. Clad in fawn-skins, they assembled by night on the mountain +sides, {199} some carrying blazing torches, others thyrsi, and all animated +with religious enthusiasm and frenzy. They shouted, clapped their hands, +danced wildly, and worked themselves up to such a pitch of excitement and +fury that in their mad frenzy they tore in pieces the animal brought as a +sacrifice to Dionysus. + +Under the name of Bacchanalia, these mystic rites were introduced into +Rome, where men also were allowed to participate in them; but they were +attended with such frightful excesses that the state authorities at length +interfered and prohibited them. + +PANATHENAEA. + +The Panathenaea was a famous festival celebrated in Athens in honour of +Athene-Polias, the guardian of the state. There were two festivals of this +name, the Lesser and the Greater Panathenaea. The former was held annually, +and the latter, which lasted several days, was celebrated every fourth +year. + +For the Greater Panathenaea a garment, embroidered with gold, called the +Peplus, was specially woven by Athenian maidens, on which was represented +the victory gained by Athene over the Giants. This garment was suspended to +the mast of a ship which stood outside the city; and during the festival, +which was characterized by a grand procession, the ship (with the Peplus on +its mast) was impelled forward by means of invisible machinery, and formed +the most conspicuous feature of the pageant. The whole population, bearing +olive branches in their hands, took part in the procession; and amidst +music and rejoicings this imposing pageant wended its way to the temple of +Athene-Polias, where the Peplus was deposited on the statue of the goddess. + +At this festival, Homer's poems were declaimed aloud, and poets also +introduced their own works to the public. Musical contests, foot and horse +races, and wrestling matches were held, and dances were performed by boys +in armour. + +{200} + +Men who had deserved well of their country were presented at the festival +with a crown of gold, and the name of the person so distinguished was +announced publicly by a herald. + +The victors in the races and athletic games received, as a prize, a vase of +oil, supposed to have been extracted from the fruit of the sacred +olive-tree of Athene. + +DAPHNEPHORIA. + +The Daphnephoria was celebrated at Thebes in honour of Apollo every ninth +year. + +The distinguishing feature of this festival was a procession to the temple +of Apollo, in which a young priest (the Daphnephorus) of noble descent, +splendidly attired and wearing a crown of gold, was preceded by a youth, +carrying an emblematical representation of the sun, moon, stars, and days +of the year, and followed by beautiful maidens bearing laurel branches, and +singing hymns in honour of the god. + + * * * * * + +ROMAN FESTIVALS. + +SATURNALIA. + +The Saturnalia, a national festival held in December in honour of Saturn, +was celebrated after the ingathering of the harvest, and lasted several +days. + +It was a time of universal rejoicing, cessation from labour, and +merry-making. School children had holidays, friends sent presents to each +other, the law-courts were closed, and no business was transacted. + +Crowds of people from the surrounding country flocked to Rome for this +festival attired in every variety of masquerade dress; practical jokes were +given and received with the utmost good humour, shouts of exultation filled +{201} the air, all classes abandoned themselves to enjoyment, and +unrestrained hilarity reigned supreme. Social distinctions were for a time +suspended, or even reversed; and so heartily was the spirit of this +festival entered into, that masters waited upon their slaves at banquets +which they provided for them; the slaves being dressed upon these occasions +in the garments of their masters. + +There appears little doubt that the modern Carnival is a survival of the +ancient Saturnalia. + +CEREALIA. + +This festival was celebrated in honour of Ceres. It was solemnized +exclusively by women, who, dressed in white garments, wandered about with +torches in their hands, to represent the search of the goddess for her +daughter Proserpine. + +During this festival, games were celebrated in the Circus Maximus, to which +none were admitted unless clothed in white. + +VESTALIA. + +The Vestalia was a festival held in honour of Vesta on the 9th of June, and +was celebrated exclusively by women, who walked barefooted in procession to +the temple of the goddess. + +The priestesses of Vesta, called Vestales or Vestal Virgins, played a +conspicuous part in these festivals. They were six in number, and were +chosen--between the ages of six and ten--from the noblest families in Rome. +Their term of office was thirty years. During the first ten years, they +were initiated in their religious duties, during the second ten they +performed them, and during the third they instructed novices. Their chief +duty was to watch and feed the ever-burning flame on the altar of Vesta, +the extinction of which was regarded as a national calamity of ominous +import. + +{202} + +Great honours and privileges were accorded to them; the best seats were +reserved for their use at all public spectacles, and even the consuls and +praetors made way for them to pass. If they met a criminal on his way to +execution they had the power to pardon him, provided it could be proved +that the meeting was accidental. + +The Vestales were vowed to chastity, a violation of which was visited by +the frightful punishment of being buried alive. + + * * * * * + + +{203} + +PART II.--LEGENDS. + +CADMUS. + +The following is the legendary account of the founding of Thebes:-- + +After the abduction of his daughter Europa by Zeus, Agenor, king of +Phoenicia, unable to reconcile himself to her loss, despatched his son +Cadmus in search of her, desiring him not to return without his sister. + +For many years Cadmus pursued his search through various countries, but +without success. Not daring to return home without her, he consulted the +oracle of Apollo at Delphi; and the reply was that he must desist from his +task, and take upon himself a new duty, _i.e._ that of founding a city, the +site of which would be indicated to him by a heifer which had never borne +the yoke, and which would lie down on the spot whereon the city was to be +built. + +Scarcely had Cadmus left the sacred fane, when he observed a heifer who +bore no marks of servitude on her neck, walking slowly in front of him. He +followed the animal for a considerable distance, until at length, on the +site where Thebes afterwards stood, she looked towards heaven and, gently +lowing, lay down in the long grass. Grateful for this mark of divine +favour, Cadmus resolved to offer up the animal as a sacrifice, and +accordingly sent his followers to fetch water for the libation from a +neighbouring spring. This spring, which was sacred to Ares, was situated in +a wood, and guarded by a fierce dragon, who, at the approach of the +retainers of Cadmus, suddenly pounced upon them and killed them. + +After waiting some time for the return of his servants {204} Cadmus grew +impatient, and hastily arming himself with his lance and spear, set out to +seek them. On reaching the spot, the mangled remains of his unfortunate +followers met his view, and near them he beheld the frightful monster, +dripping with the blood of his victims. Seizing a huge rock, the hero +hurled it with all his might upon the dragon; but protected by his tough +black skin and steely scales as by a coat of mail, he remained unhurt. +Cadmus now tried his lance, and with more success, for it pierced the side +of the beast, who, furious with pain, sprang at his adversary, when Cadmus, +leaping aside, succeeded in fixing the point of his spear within his jaws, +which final stroke put an end to the encounter. + +While Cadmus stood surveying his vanquished foe Pallas-Athene appeared to +him, and commanded him to sow the teeth of the dead dragon in the ground. +He obeyed; and out of the furrows there arose a band of armed men, who at +once commenced to fight with each other, until all except five were killed. +These last surviving warriors made peace with each other, and it was with +their assistance that Cadmus now built the famous city of Thebes. In later +times the noblest Theban families proudly claimed their descent from these +mighty earth-born warriors. + +Ares was furious with rage when he discovered that Cadmus had slain his +dragon, and would have killed him had not Zeus interfered, and induced him +to mitigate his punishment to that of servitude for the term of eight +years. At the end of that time the god of war became reconciled to Cadmus, +and, in token of his forgiveness, bestowed upon him the hand of his +daughter Harmonia in marriage. Their nuptials were almost as celebrated as +those of Peleus and Thetis. All the gods honoured them with their presence, +and offered rich gifts and congratulations. Cadmus himself presented his +lovely bride with a splendid necklace fashioned by Hephaestus, which, +however, after the death of Harmonia, always proved fatal to its possessor. + +The children of Cadmus and Harmonia were one son, {205} Polydorus, and four +daughters, Autonoe, Ino, Semele, and Agave. + +For many years the founder of Thebes reigned happily, but at length a +conspiracy was formed against him, and he was deprived of his throne by his +grandson Pentheus. Accompanied by his faithful wife Harmonia, he retired +into Illyria, and after death they were both changed by Zeus into serpents, +and transferred to Elysium. + +PERSEUS. + +Perseus, one of the most renowned of the legendary heroes of antiquity, was +the son of Zeus and Danae, daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos. + +An oracle having foretold to Acrisius that a son of Danae would be the +cause of his death, he imprisoned her in a tower of brass in order to keep +her secluded from the world. Zeus, however, descended through the roof of +the tower in the form of a shower of gold, and the lovely Danae became his +bride. + +For four years Acrisius remained in ignorance of this union, but one +evening as he chanced to pass by the brazen chamber, he heard the cry of a +young child proceeding from within, which led to the discovery of his +daughter's marriage with Zeus. Enraged at finding all his precautions +unavailing, Acrisius commanded the mother and child to be placed in a chest +and thrown into the sea. + +But it was not the will of Zeus that they should perish. He directed +Poseidon to calm the troubled waters, and caused the chest to float safely +to the island of Seriphus. Dictys, brother of Polydectes, king of the +island, was fishing on the sea-shore when he saw the chest stranded on the +beach; and pitying the helpless condition of its unhappy occupants, he +conducted them to the palace of the king, where they were treated with the +greatest kindness. + +Polydectes eventually became united to Danae, and {206} bestowed upon +Perseus an education befitting a hero. When he saw his stepson develop into +a noble and manly youth he endeavoured to instil into his mind a desire to +signalize himself by the achievement of some great and heroic deed, and +after mature deliberation it was decided that the slaying of the Gorgon, +Medusa, would bring him the greatest renown. + +For the successful accomplishment of his object it was necessary for him to +be provided with a pair of winged sandals, a magic wallet, and the helmet +of Aides, which rendered the wearer invisible, all of which were in the +keeping of the Nymphs, the place of whose abode was known only to the Graeae. +Perseus started on his expedition, and, guided by Hermes and Pallas-Athene, +arrived, after a long journey, in the far-off region, on the borders of +Oceanus, where dwelt the Graeae, daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. He at once +applied to them for the necessary information, and on their refusing to +grant it he deprived them of their single eye and tooth, which he only +restored to them when they gave him full directions with regard to his +route. He then proceeded to the abode of the Nymphs, from whom he obtained +the objects indispensable for his purpose. + +Equipped with the magic helmet and wallet, and armed with a sickle, the +gift of Hermes, he attached to his feet the winged sandals, and flew to the +abode of the Gorgons, whom he found fast asleep. Now as Perseus had been +warned by his celestial guides that whoever looked upon these weird sisters +would be transformed into stone, he stood with averted face before the +sleepers, and caught on his bright metal shield their triple image. Then, +guided by Pallas-Athene, he cut off the head of the Medusa, which he placed +in his wallet. No sooner had he done so than from the headless trunk there +sprang forth the winged steed Pegasus, and Chrysaor, the father of the +winged giant Geryon. He now hastened to elude the pursuit of the two +surviving sisters, who, aroused from their slumbers, eagerly rushed to +avenge the death of their sister. + +{207} + +His invisible helmet and winged sandals here stood him in good stead; for +the former concealed him from the view of the Gorgons, whilst the latter +bore him swiftly over land and sea, far beyond the reach of pursuit. In +passing over the burning plains of Libya the drops of blood from the head +of the Medusa oozed through the wallet, and falling on the hot sands below +produced a brood of many-coloured snakes, which spread all over the +country. + +Perseus continued his flight until he reached the kingdom of Atlas, of whom +he begged rest and shelter. But as this king possessed a valuable orchard, +in which every tree bore golden fruit, he was fearful lest the slayer of +the Medusa might destroy the dragon which guarded it, and then rob him of +his treasures. He therefore refused to grant the hospitality which the hero +demanded, whereupon Perseus, exasperated at the churlish repulse, produced +from his wallet the head of the Medusa, and holding it towards the king, +transformed him into a stony mountain. Beard and hair erected themselves +into forests; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge rocks, and the head +grew up into a craggy peak which reached into the clouds. + +Perseus then resumed his travels. His winged sandals bore him over deserts +and mountains, until he arrived at AEthiopia, the kingdom of King Cepheus. +Here he found the country inundated with disastrous floods, towns and +villages destroyed, and everywhere signs of desolation and ruin. On a +projecting cliff close to the shore he beheld a lovely maiden chained to a +rock. This was Andromeda, the king's daughter. Her mother Cassiopea, having +boasted that her beauty surpassed that of the Nereides, the angry +sea-nymphs appealed to Poseidon to avenge their wrongs, whereupon the +sea-god devastated the country with a terrible inundation, which brought +with it a huge monster who devoured all that came in his way. + +In their distress the unfortunate AEthiopians applied to the oracle of +Jupiter-Ammon, in the Libyan desert, {208} and obtained the response, that +only by the sacrifice of the king's daughter to the monster could the +country and people be saved. + +Cepheus, who was tenderly attached to his child, at first refused to listen +to this dreadful proposal; but overcome at length by the prayers and +solicitations of his unhappy subjects, the heart-broken father gave up his +child for the welfare of his country. Andromeda was accordingly chained to +a rock on the sea-shore to serve as a prey to the monster, whilst her +unhappy parents bewailed her sad fate on the beach below. + +On being informed of the meaning of this tragic scene, Perseus proposed to +Cepheus to slay the dragon, on condition that the lovely victim should +become his bride. Overjoyed at the prospect of Andromeda's release, the +king gladly acceded to the stipulation, and Perseus hastened to the rock, +to breathe words of hope and comfort to the trembling maiden. Then assuming +once more the helmet of Aides, he mounted into the air, and awaited the +approach of the monster. + +Presently the sea opened, and the shark's head of the gigantic beast of the +deep raised itself above the waves. Lashing his tail furiously from side to +side, he leaped forward to seize his victim; but the gallant hero, watching +his opportunity, suddenly darted down, and producing the head of the Medusa +from his wallet, held it before the eyes of the dragon, whose hideous body +became gradually transformed into a huge black rock, which remained for +ever a silent witness of the miraculous deliverance of Andromeda. Perseus +then led the maiden to her now happy parents, who, anxious to evince their +gratitude to her deliverer ordered immediate preparations to be made for +the nuptial feast. But the young hero was not to bear away his lovely bride +uncontested; for in the midst of the banquet, Phineus, the king's brother, +to whom Andromeda had previously been betrothed, returned to claim his +bride. Followed by a band of armed warriors he forced his way into the +hall, and a desperate encounter took place between the rivals, {209} which +might have terminated fatally for Perseus, had he not suddenly bethought +himself of the Medusa's head. Calling to his friends to avert their faces, +he drew it from his wallet, and held it before Phineus and his formidable +body-guard, whereupon they all stiffened into stone. + +[Illustration] + +Perseus now took leave of the AEthiopian king, and, accompanied by his +beautiful bride, returned to Seriphus, where a joyful meeting took place +between Danae and her son. He then sent a messenger to his grandfather, +informing him that he intended returning to Argos; but Acrisius, fearing +the fulfilment of the oracular prediction, fled for protection to his +friend Teutemias, king of Larissa. Anxious to induce the aged monarch to +return to Argos, Perseus followed him thither. But here a strange fatality +occurred. Whilst taking part in some funereal games, celebrated in honour +of the king's father, Perseus, by an unfortunate throw of the discus, +accidentally struck his grandfather, and thereby was the innocent cause of +his death. + +After celebrating the funereal rites of Acrisius with due solemnity, +Perseus returned to Argos; but feeling loath to occupy the throne of one +whose death he had caused, he exchanged kingdoms with Megapenthes, king of +Tiryns, and in course of time founded the cities of Mycenae and Midea. + +The head of the Medusa he presented to his divine patroness, Pallas-Athene, +who placed it in the centre of her shield. + +Many great heroes were descended from Perseus and Andromeda, foremost among +whom was Heracles, whose mother, Alcmene, was their granddaughter. + +Heroic honours were paid to Perseus, not only {210} throughout Argos, but +also at Athens and in the island of Seriphus. + +ION. + +Ion was the son of Creusa (the beauteous daughter of Erechtheus, king of +Athens) and the sun-god Phoebus-Apollo, to whom she was united without the +knowledge of her father. + +Fearing the anger of Erechtheus, Creusa placed her new-born babe in a +little wicker basket, and hanging some golden charms round his neck, +invoked for him the protection of the gods, and concealed him in a lonely +cave. Apollo, pitying his deserted child, sent Hermes to convey him to +Delphi, where he deposited his charge on the steps of the temple. Next +morning the Delphic priestess discovered the infant, and was so charmed by +his engaging appearance that she adopted him as her own son. The young +child was carefully tended and reared by his kind foster-mother, and was +brought up in the service of the temple, where he was intrusted with some +of the minor duties of the holy edifice. + +And now to return to Creusa. During a war with the Euboeans, in which the +latter were signally defeated, Xuthus, son of AEolus, greatly distinguished +himself on the side of the Athenians, and as a reward for his valuable +services, the hand of Creusa, the king's daughter, was bestowed upon him in +marriage. Their union, however, was not blest with children, and as this +was a source of great grief to both of them, they repaired to Delphi in +order to consult the oracle. The response was, that Xuthus should regard +the first person who met him on leaving the sanctuary as his son. Now it +happened that Ion, the young guardian of the temple, was the first to greet +his view, and when Xuthus beheld the beautiful youth, he gladly welcomed +him as his son, declaring that the gods had sent him to be a blessing and +comfort to his old age. Creusa, however, who concluded that the youth was +the offspring of a secret marriage on the part of her husband, was filled +with suspicion and jealousy; {211} when an old servant, observing her +grief, begged her to be comforted, assuring her that the cause of her +distress should be speedily removed. + +When, upon the occasion of the public adoption of his son, Xuthus gave a +grand banquet, the old servant of Creusa contrived to mix a strong poison +in the wine of the unsuspecting Ion. But the youth--according to the pious +custom of the ancients, of offering a libation to the gods before partaking +of any repast--poured upon the ground a portion of the wine before putting +it to his lips, when suddenly, as if by a miracle, a dove flew into the +banquet-hall, and sipped of the wine of the libation; whereupon the poor +little creature began to quiver in every limb, and in a few moments +expired. + +Ion's suspicions at once fell upon the obsequious servant of Creusa, who +with such officious attention had filled his cup. He violently seized the +old man, and accused him of his murderous intentions. Unprepared for this +sudden attack he admitted his guilt, but pointed to the wife of Xuthus as +the instigator of the crime. Ion was about to avenge himself upon Creusa, +when, by means of the divine intervention of Apollo, his foster-mother, the +Delphic priestess appeared on the scene, and explained the true +relationship which existed between Creusa and Ion. In order to set all +doubts at rest, she produced the charms which she had found round the neck +of the infant, and also the wicker basket in which he had been conveyed to +Delphi. + +Mother and son now became reconciled to each other, and Creusa revealed to +Ion the secret of his divine origin. The priestess of Delphi foretold that +he would become the father of a great nation, called after him the Ionians, +and also that Xuthus and Creusa would have a son called Dorus, who would be +the progenitor of the Dorian people, both of which predictions were in due +time verified. + +DAEDALUS and ICARUS. + +Daedalus, a descendant of Erechtheus, was an Athenian architect, sculptor, +and mechanician. He was the first {212} to introduce the art of sculpture +in its higher development, for before his time statues were merely rude +representations, having the limbs altogether undefined. + +But great as was his genius, still greater was his vanity, and he could +brook no rival. Now his nephew and pupil, Talus, exhibited great talent, +having invented both the saw and the compass, and Daedalus, fearing lest he +might overshadow his own fame, secretly killed him by throwing him down +from the citadel of Pallas-Athene. The murder being discovered, Daedalus was +summoned before the court of the Areopagus and condemned to death; but he +made his escape to the island of Crete, where he was received by king Minos +in a manner worthy of his great reputation. + +Daedalus constructed for the king the world-renowned labyrinth, which was an +immense building, full of intricate passages, intersecting each other in +such a manner, that even Daedalus himself is said, upon one occasion, to +have nearly lost his way in it; and it was in this building the king placed +the Minotaur, a monster with the head and shoulders of a bull and the body +of a man. + +In the course of time the great artist became weary of his long exile, more +especially as the king, under the guise of friendship, kept him almost a +prisoner. He therefore resolved to make his escape, and for this purpose +ingeniously contrived wings for himself and his young son Icarus, whom he +diligently trained how to use them. Having awaited a favourable +opportunity, father and son commenced their flight, and were well on their +way when Icarus, pleased with the novel sensation, forgot altogether his +father's oft-repeated injunction not to approach too near the sun. The +consequence was that the wax, by means of which his wings were attached, +melted, and he fell into the sea and was drowned. The body of the +unfortunate Icarus was washed up by the tide, and was buried by the +bereaved father on an island which he called after his son, Icaria. + +After this sad event, Daedalus winged his flight to the island of Sicily, +where he met with a kind welcome from {213} king Cocalus, for whom he +constructed several important public works. But no sooner did Minos receive +the intelligence that his great architect had found an asylum with Cocalus +than he sailed over to Sicily with a large army, and sent messengers to the +Sicilian king demanding the surrender of his guest. Cocalus feigned +compliance and invited Minos to his palace, where he was treacherously put +to death in a warm bath. The body of their king was brought to Agrigent by +the Cretans, where it was buried with great pomp, and over his tomb a +temple to Aphrodite was erected. + +Daedalus passed the remainder of his life tranquilly in the island of +Sicily, where he occupied himself in the construction of various beautiful +works of art. + +THE ARGONAUTS. + +Aeson, king of Iolcus, was forced to fly from his dominions, which had been +usurped by his younger brother, Pelias, and with difficulty succeeded in +saving the life of his young son, Jason, who was at that time only ten +years of age. He intrusted him to the care of the Centaur Chiron, by whom +he was carefully trained in company with other noble youths, who, like +himself, afterwards signalized themselves by their bravery and heroic +exploits. For ten years Jason remained in the cave of the Centaur, by whom +he was instructed in all useful and warlike arts. But as he approached +manhood he became filled with an unconquerable desire to regain his +paternal inheritance. He therefore took leave of his kind friend and +preceptor, and set out for Iolcus to demand from his uncle Pelias the +kingdom which he had so unjustly usurped. + +In the course of his journey he came to a broad and foaming river, on the +banks of which he perceived an old woman, who implored him to help her +across. At first he hesitated, knowing that even alone he would find some +difficulty in stemming the fierce torrent; but, {214} pitying her forlorn +condition, he raised her in his arms, and succeeded, with a great effort, +in reaching the opposite shore. But as soon as her feet had touched the +earth she became transformed into a beautiful woman, who, looking kindly at +the bewildered youth, informed him that she was the goddess Hera, and that +she would henceforth guide and protect him throughout his career. She then +disappeared, and, full of hope and courage at this divine manifestation, +Jason pursued his journey. He now perceived that in crossing the river he +had lost one of his sandals, but as it could not be recovered he was +obliged to proceed without it. + +On his arrival at Iolcus he found his uncle in the market-place, offering +up a public sacrifice to Poseidon. When the king had concluded his +offering, his eye fell upon the distinguished stranger, whose manly beauty +and heroic bearing had already attracted the attention of his people. +Observing that one foot was unshod, he was reminded of an oracular +prediction which foretold to him the loss of his kingdom by a man wearing +only one sandal. He, however, disguised his fears, conversed kindly with +the youth, and drew from him his name and errand. Then pretending to be +highly pleased with his nephew, Pelias entertained him sumptuously for five +days, during which time all was festivity and rejoicing. On the sixth, +Jason appeared before his uncle, and with manly firmness demanded from him +the throne and kingdom which were his by right. Pelias, dissembling his +true feelings, smilingly consented to grant his request, provided that, in +return, Jason would undertake an expedition for him, which his advanced age +prevented him from accomplishing himself. He informed his nephew that the +shade of Phryxus had appeared to him in his dreams, and entreated him to +bring back from Colchis his mortal remains and the Golden Fleece; and added +that if Jason succeeded in obtaining for him these sacred relics, throne, +kingdom, and sceptre should be his. + +{215} + +STORY OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. + +Athamas, king of Boeotia, had married Nephele, a cloud-nymph, and their +children were Helle and Phryxus. The restless and wandering nature of +Nephele, however, soon wearied her husband, who, being a mortal, had little +sympathy with his ethereal consort; so he divorced her, and married the +beautiful but wicked Ino (sister of Semele), who hated her step-children, +and even planned their destruction. But the watchful Nephele contrived to +circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in getting the children out of +the palace. She then placed them both on the back of a winged ram, with a +fleece of pure gold, which had been given to her by Hermes; and on this +wonderful animal brother and sister rode through the air over land and sea; +but on the way Helle, becoming seized with giddiness, fell into the sea +(called after her the Hellespont) and was drowned. + +Phryxus arrived safely at Colchis, where he was hospitably received by king +Aetes, who gave him one of his daughters in marriage. In gratitude to Zeus +for the protection accorded him during his flight, Phryxus sacrificed to +him the golden ram, whilst the fleece he presented to Aetes, who nailed it +up in the Grove of Ares, and dedicated it to the god of War. An oracle +having declared that the life of Aetes depended on the safe-keeping of the +fleece, he carefully guarded the entrance to the grove by placing before it +an immense dragon, which never slept. + +BUILDING AND LAUNCH OF THE ARGO.--We will now return to Jason, who eagerly +undertook the perilous expedition proposed to him by his uncle, who, well +aware of the dangers attending such an enterprise, hoped by this means to +rid himself for ever of the unwelcome intruder. + +Jason accordingly began to arrange his plans without delay, and invited the +young heroes whose friendship he {216} had formed whilst under the care of +Chiron, to join him in the perilous expedition. None refused the +invitation, all feeling honoured at being allowed the privilege of taking +part in so noble and heroic an undertaking. + +Jason now applied to Argos, one of the cleverest ship-builders of his time, +who, under the guidance of Pallas-Athene, built for him a splendid +fifty-oared galley, which was called the Argo, after the builder. In the +upper deck of the vessel the goddess had imbedded a board from the speaking +oak of the oracle of Zeus at Dodona, which ever retained its powers of +prophecy. The exterior of the ship was ornamented with magnificent +carvings, and the whole vessel was so strongly built that it defied the +power of the winds and waves, and was, nevertheless, so light that the +heroes, when necessary, were able to carry it on their shoulders. When the +vessel was completed, the Argonauts (so called after their ship) assembled, +and their places were distributed by lot. + +Jason was appointed commander-in-chief of the expedition, Tiphys acted as +steersman, Lynceus as pilot. In the bow of the vessel sat the renowned hero +Heracles; in the stern, Peleus (father of Achilles) and Telamon (the father +of Ajax the Great). In the inner space were Castor and Pollux, Neleus (the +father of Nestor), Admetus (the husband of Alcestes), Meleager (the slayer +of the Calydonian boar), Orpheus (the renowned singer), Menoctius (the +father of Patroclus), Theseus (afterwards king of Athens) and his friend +Pirithoeus (the son of Ixion), Hylas (the adopted son of Heracles), Euphemus +(the son of Poseidon), Oileus (father of Ajax the Lesser), Zetes and Calais +(the winged sons of Boreas), Idmon the Seer (the son of Apollo), Mopsus +(the Thessalian prophet), &c. &c. + +Before their departure Jason offered a solemn sacrifice to Poseidon and all +the other sea-deities; he also invoked the protection of Zeus and the +Fates, and then, Mopsus having taken the auguries, and found them +auspicious, the heroes stepped on board. And now a favourable breeze having +sprung up, they take their allotted places, {217} the anchor is weighed, +and the ship glides like a bird out of the harbour into the waters of the +great sea. + +ARRIVAL AT LEMNOS.--The Argo, with her brave crew of fifty heroes, was soon +out of sight, and the sea-breeze only wafted to the shore a faint echo of +the sweet strains of Orpheus. + +For a time all went smoothly, but the vessel was soon driven, by stress of +weather, to take refuge in a harbour in the island of Lemnos. This island +was inhabited by women only, who, the year before, in a fit of mad +jealousy, had killed all the male population of the island, with the +exception of the father of their queen, Hypsipyle. As the protection of +their island now devolved upon themselves they were always on the look-out +for danger. When, therefore, they sighted the Argo from afar they armed +themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any invasion of +their territory. + +On arriving in port the Argonauts, astonished at beholding an armed crowd +of women, despatched a herald in one of their boats, bearing the staff of +peace and friendship. Hypsipyle, the queen, proposed that food and presents +should be sent to the strangers, in order to prevent their landing; but her +old nurse, who stood beside her, suggested that this would be a good +opportunity to provide themselves with noble husbands, who would act as +their defenders, and thus put an end to their constant fears. Hypsipyle +listened attentively to the advice of her nurse, and after some +consultation, decided to invite the strangers into the city. Robed in his +purple mantle, the gift of Pallas-Athene, Jason, accompanied by some of his +companions, stepped on shore, where he was met by a deputation consisting +of the most beautiful of the Lemnian women, and, as commander of the +expedition, was invited into the palace of the queen. + +When he appeared before Hypsipyle, she was so struck with his godlike and +heroic presence that she presented him with her father's sceptre, and +invited him to seat himself on the throne beside her. Jason thereupon {218} +took up his residence in the royal castle, whilst his companions scattered +themselves through the town, spending their time in feasting and pleasure. +Heracles, with a few chosen comrades, alone remained on board. + +From day to day their departure was delayed, and the Argonauts, in their +new life of dissipation, had almost forgotten the object of the expedition, +when Heracles suddenly appeared amongst them, and at last recalled them to +a sense of their duty. + +GIANTS AND DOLIONES.--The Argonauts now pursued their voyage, till contrary +winds drove them towards an island, inhabited by the Doliones, whose king +Cyzicus received them with great kindness and hospitality. The Doliones +were descendants of Poseidon, who protected them against the frequent +attacks of their fierce and formidable neighbours, the earth-born +Giants--monsters with six arms. + +Whilst his companions were attending a banquet given by king Cyzicus, +Heracles, who, as usual, had remained behind to guard the ship, observed +that these Giants were busy blocking up the harbour with huge rocks. He at +once realized the danger, and, attacking them with his arrows, succeeded in +considerably thinning their numbers; then, assisted by the heroes, who at +length came to his aid, he effectually destroyed the remainder. + +The Argo now steered out of the harbour and set sail; but in consequence of +a severe storm which arose at night, was driven back once more to the +shores of the kindly Doliones. Unfortunately, however, owing to the +darkness of the night, the inhabitants failed to recognize their former +guests, and, mistaking them for enemies, commenced to attack them. Those +who had so recently parted as friends were now engaged in mortal combat, +and in the battle which ensued, Jason himself pierced to the heart his +friend king Cyzicus; whereupon the Doliones, being deprived of their +leader, fled to their city and closed the gates. When morning dawned, and +both sides perceived their error, they were filled with {219} the deepest +sorrow and remorse; and for three days the heroes remained with the +Doliones, celebrating the funereal rites of the slain, with every +demonstration of mourning and solemnity. + +HERACLES LEFT BEHIND.--The Argonauts once more set sail, and after a stormy +voyage arrived at Mysia, where they were hospitably received by the +inhabitants, who spread before them plentiful banquets and sumptuously +regaled them. + +While his friends were feasting, Heracles, who had declined to join them, +went into the forest to seek a fir-tree which he required for an oar, and +was missed by his adopted son Hylas, who set out to seek him. When the +youth arrived at a spring, in the most secluded part of the forest, the +nymph of the fountain was so struck by his beauty that she drew him down +beneath the waters, and he was seen no more. Polyphemus, one of the heroes, +who happened to be also in the forest, heard his cry for help, and on +meeting Heracles informed him of the circumstance. They at once set out in +search of the missing youth, no traces of whom were to be found, and whilst +they were engaged looking for him, the Argo set sail and left them behind. + +The ship had proceeded some distance before the absence of Heracles was +observed. Some of the heroes were in favour of returning for him, others +wished to proceed on their journey, when, in the midst of the dispute, the +sea-god Glaucus arose from the waves, and informed them that it was the +will of Zeus that Heracles, having another mission to perform, should +remain behind. The Argonauts continued their voyage without their +companions; Heracles returned to Argos, whilst Polyphemus remained with the +Mysians, where he founded a city and became its king. + +CONTEST WITH AMYCUS.--Next morning the Argo touched at the country of the +Bebrycians, whose king Amycus was a famous pugilist, and permitted no +strangers to leave his shores without matching their {220} strength with +his. When the heroes, therefore, demanded permission to land, they were +informed that they could only do so provided that one of their number +should engage in a boxing-match with the king. Pollux, who was the best +pugilist in Greece, was selected as their champion, and a contest took +place, which, after a tremendous struggle, proved fatal to Amycus, who had +hitherto been victorious in all similar encounters. + +PHINEUS AND THE HARPIES.--They now proceeded towards Bithynia, where +reigned the blind old prophet-king Phineus, son of Agenor. Phineus had been +punished by the gods with premature old age and blindness for having abused +the gift of prophecy. He was also tormented by the Harpies, who swooped +down upon his food, which they either devoured or so defiled as to render +it unfit to be eaten. This poor old man, trembling with the weakness of +age, and faint with hunger, appeared before the Argonauts, and implored +their assistance against his fiendish tormentors, whereupon Zetes and +Calais, the winged sons of Boreas, recognizing in him the husband of their +sister Cleopatra, affectionately embraced him, and promised to rescue him +from his painful position. + +The heroes prepared a banquet on the sea-shore, to which they invited +Phineus; but no sooner had he taken his place, than the Harpies appeared +and devoured all the viands. Zetes and Calais now rose up into the air, +drove the Harpies away, and were pursuing them with drawn swords, when +Iris, the swift-footed messenger of the gods, appeared, and desired them to +desist from their work of vengeance, promising that Phineus should be no +longer molested. + +Freed at length from his tormentors the old man sat down and enjoyed a +plentiful repast with his kind friends the Argonauts, who now informed him +of the object of their voyage. In gratitude for his deliverance Phineus +gave them much useful information concerning their journey, and not only +warned them of the manifold {221} dangers awaiting them, but also +instructed them how they might be overcome. + +PASSAGE OF THE SYMPLEGADES.--After a fortnight's sojourn in Bithynia the +Argonauts once more set sail, but had not proceeded far on their course, +when they heard a fearful and tremendous crash. This was caused by the +meeting of two great rocky islands, called the Symplegades, which floated +about in the sea, and constantly met and separated. + +Before leaving Bithynia, the blind old seer, Phineus, had informed them +that they would be compelled to pass between these terrible rocks, and he +instructed them how to do so with safety. As they now approached the scene +of danger they remembered his advice, and acted upon it. Typhus, the +steersman, stood at the helm, whilst Euphemus held in his hand a dove ready +to be let loose; for Phineus had told them that if the dove ventured to fly +through, they might safely follow. Euphemus now despatched the bird, which +passed swiftly through the islands, yet not without losing some of the +feathers of her tail, so speedily did they reunite. Seizing the moment when +the rocks once more separated, the Argonauts worked at their oars with all +their might, and achieved the perilous passage in safety. + +After the miraculous passage of the Argo, the Symplegades became +permanently united, and attached to the bottom of the sea. + +THE STYMPHALIDES.--The Argo pursued her course along the southern coast of +the Pontus, and arrived at the island of Aretias, which was inhabited by +birds, who, as they flew through the air, discharged from their wings +feathers sharp as arrows. + +As the ship was gliding along, Oileus was wounded by one of these birds, +whereupon the Argonauts held a council, and by the advice of Amphidamas, an +experienced hero, all put on their helmets, and held up their glittering +shields, uttering, at the same time, such fearful cries that {222} the +birds flew away in terror, and the Argonauts were enabled to land with +safety on the island. + +Here they found four shipwrecked youths, who proved to be the sons of +Phryxus, and were greeted by Jason as his cousins. On ascertaining the +object of the expedition they volunteered to accompany the Argo, and to +show the heroes the way to Colchis. They also informed them that the Golden +Fleece was guarded by a fearful dragon, that king Aetes was extremely +cruel, and, as the son of Apollo, was possessed of superhuman strength. + +ARRIVAL AT COLCHIS.--Taking with them the four new-comers they journeyed +on, and soon came in sight of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus, when, +towards evening, the loud flapping of wings was heard overhead. It was the +giant eagle of Prometheus on his way to torture the noble and +long-suffering Titan, whose fearful groans soon afterwards fell upon their +ears. That night they reached their journey's end, and anchored in the +smooth waters of the river Phases. On the left bank of this river they +beheld Ceuta, the capital of Colchis; and on their right a wide field, and +the sacred grove of Ares, where the Golden Fleece, suspended from a +magnificent oak-tree, was glittering in the sun. Jason now filled a golden +cup with wine, and offered a libation to mother-earth, the gods of the +country, and the shades of those of the heroes who had died on the voyage. + +Next morning a council was held, in which it was decided, that before +resorting to forcible measures kind and conciliatory overtures should first +be made to king Aetes in order to induce him to resign the Golden Fleece. +It was arranged that Jason, with a few chosen companions, should proceed to +the royal castle, leaving the remainder of the crew to guard the Argo. +Accompanied, therefore, by Telamon and Augeas, and the four sons of +Phryxus, he set out for the palace. + +When they arrived in sight of the castle they were struck by the vastness +and massiveness of the building, at the entrance to which sparkling +fountains played in {223} the midst of luxuriant and park-like gardens. +Here the king's daughters, Chalciope and Medea, who were walking in the +grounds of the palace, met them. The former, to her great joy, recognized +in the youths who accompanied the hero her own long-lost sons, whom she had +mourned as dead, whilst the young and lovely Medea was struck with the +noble and manly form of Jason. + +The news of the return of the sons of Phryxus soon spread through the +palace, and brought Aetes himself to the scene, whereupon the strangers +were presented to him, and were invited to a banquet which the king ordered +to be prepared in their honour. All the most beautiful ladies of the court +were present at this entertainment; but in the eyes of Jason none could +compare with the king's daughter, the young and lovely Medea. + +When the banquet was ended, Jason related to the king his various +adventures, and also the object of his expedition, with the circumstances +which had led to his undertaking it. Aetes listened, in silent indignation, +to this recital, and then burst out into a torrent of invectives against +the Argonauts and his grand-children, declaring that the Fleece was his +rightful property, and that on no consideration would he consent to +relinquish it. Jason, however, with mild and persuasive words, contrived so +far to conciliate him, that he was induced to promise that if the heroes +could succeed in demonstrating their divine origin by the performance of +some task requiring superhuman power, the Fleece should be theirs. + +The task proposed by Aetes to Jason was that he should yoke the two +brazen-footed, fire-breathing oxen of the king (which had been made for him +by Hephaestus) to his ponderous iron plough. Having done this he must till +with them the stony field of Ares, and then sow in the furrows the +poisonous teeth of a dragon, from which armed men would arise. These he +must destroy to a man, or he himself would perish at their hands. + +When Jason heard what was expected of him, his heart for a moment sank +within him; but he determined, nevertheless, not to flinch from his task, +but to trust to the {224} assistance of the gods, and to his own courage +and energy. + +JASON PLOUGHS THE FIELD OF ARES.--Accompanied by his two friends, Telamon +and Augeas, and also by Argus, the son of Chalciope, Jason returned to the +vessel for the purpose of holding a consultation as to the best means of +accomplishing these perilous feats. + +Argus explained to Jason all the difficulties of the superhuman task which +lay before him, and pronounced it as his opinion that the only means by +which success was possible was to enlist the assistance of the Princess +Medea, who was a priestess of Hecate, and a great enchantress. His +suggestion meeting with approval, he returned to the palace, and by the aid +of his mother an interview was arranged between Jason and Medea, which took +place, at an early hour next morning, in the temple of Hecate. + +A confession of mutual attachment took place, and Medea, trembling for her +lover's safety, presented him with a magic salve, which possessed the +property of rendering any person anointed with it invulnerable for the +space of one day against fire and steel, and invincible against any +adversary however powerful. With this salve she instructed him to anoint +his spear and shield on the day of his great undertaking. She further added +that when, after having ploughed the field and sown the teeth, armed men +should arise from the furrows, he must on no account lose heart, but +remember to throw among them a huge rock, over the possession of which they +would fight among themselves, and their attention being thus diverted he +would find it an easy task to destroy them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, +Jason thanked her, in the most earnest manner, for her wise counsel and +timely aid; at the same time he offered her his hand, and promised her he +would not return to Greece without taking her with him as his wife. + +Next morning Aetes, in all the pomp of state, surrounded by his family and +the members of his court, {225} repaired to a spot whence a full view of +the approaching spectacle could be obtained. Soon Jason appeared in the +field of Ares, looking as noble and majestic as the god of war himself. In +a distant part of the field the brazen yokes and the massive plough met his +view, but as yet the dread animals themselves were nowhere to be seen. He +was about to go in quest of them, when they suddenly rushed out from a +subterranean cave, breathing flames of fire, and enveloped in a thick +smoke. + +The friends of Jason trembled; but the undaunted hero, relying on the magic +powers with which he was imbued by Medea, seized the oxen, one after the +other, by the horns, and forced them to the yoke. Near the plough was a +helmet full of dragon's teeth, which he sowed as he ploughed the field, +whilst with sharp pricks from his lance he compelled the monstrous +creatures to draw the plough over the stony ground, which was thus speedily +tilled. + +While Jason was engaged sowing the dragon's teeth in the deep furrows of +the field, he kept a cautious look-out lest the germinating giant brood +might grow too quickly for him, and as soon as the four acres of land had +been tilled he unyoked the oxen, and succeeded in frightening them so +effectually with his weapons, that they rushed back in terror to their +subterranean stables. Meanwhile armed men had sprung up out of the furrows, +and the whole field now bristled with lances; but Jason, remembering the +instructions of Medea, seized an immense rock and hurled it into the midst +of these earth-born warriors, who immediately began to attack each other. +Jason then rushed furiously upon them, and after a terrible struggle not +one of the giants remained alive. + +Furious at seeing his murderous schemes thus defeated, Aetes not only +perfidiously refused to give Jason the Fleece which he had so bravely +earned, but, in his anger, determined to destroy all the Argonauts, and to +burn their vessel. + +JASON SECURES THE GOLDEN FLEECE.--Becoming aware of the treacherous designs +of her father, Medea at {226} once took measures to baffle them. In the +darkness of night she went on board the Argo, and warned the heroes of +their approaching danger. She then advised Jason to accompany her without +loss of time to the sacred grove, in order to possess himself of the +long-coveted treasure. They set out together, and Medea, followed by Jason, +led the way, and advanced boldly into the grove. The tall oak-tree was soon +discovered, from the topmost boughs of which hung the beautiful Golden +Fleece. At the foot of this tree, keeping his ever-wakeful watch, lay the +dreadful, sleepless dragon, who at sight of them bounded forward, opening +his huge jaws. + +Medea now called into play her magic powers, and quietly approaching the +monster, threw over him a few drops of a potion, which soon took effect, +and sent him into a deep sleep; whereupon Jason, seizing the opportunity, +climbed the tree and secured the Fleece. Their perilous task being now +accomplished, Jason and Medea quitted the grove, and hastened on board the +Argo, which immediately put to sea. + +MURDER OF ABSYRTUS.--Meanwhile Aetes, having discovered the loss of his +daughter and the Golden Fleece, despatched a large fleet, under the command +of his son Absyrtus, in pursuit of the fugitives. After some days' sail +they arrived at an island at the mouth of the river Ister, where they found +the Argo at anchor, and surrounded her with their numerous ships. They then +despatched a herald on board of her, demanding the surrender of Medea and +the Fleece. + +Medea now consulted Jason, and, with his consent, carried out the following +stratagem. She sent a message to her brother Absyrtus, to the effect that +she had been carried off against her will, and promised that if he would +meet her, in the darkness of night, in the temple of Artemis, she would +assist him in regaining possession of the Golden Fleece. Relying on the +good faith of his sister, Absyrtus fell into the snare, and duly appeared +at the appointed trysting-place; and whilst Medea kept her {227} brother +engaged in conversation, Jason rushed forward and slew him. Then, according +to a preconcerted signal, he held aloft a lighted torch, whereupon the +Argonauts attacked the Colchians, put them to flight, and entirely defeated +them. + +The Argonauts now returned to their ship, when the prophetic board from the +Dodonean oak thus addressed them: "The cruel murder of Absyrtus was +witnessed by the Erinyes, and you will not escape the wrath of Zeus until +the goddess Circe has purified you from your crime. Let Castor and Pollux +pray to the gods that you may be enabled to find the abode of the +sorceress." In obedience to the voice, the twin-brothers invoked divine +assistance, and the heroes set out in search of the isle of Circe. + +THEY ARRIVE AT THE ISLAND OF CIRCE.--The good ship Argo sped on her way, +and, after passing safely through the foaming waters of the river Eridanus, +at length arrived in the harbour of the island of Circe, where she cast +anchor. + +Commanding his companions to remain on board, Jason landed with Medea, and +conducted her to the palace of the sorceress. The goddess of charms and +magic arts received them kindly, and invited them to be seated; but instead +of doing so they assumed a supplicating attitude, and humbly besought her +protection. They then informed her of the dreadful crime which they had +committed, and implored her to purify them from it. This Circe promised to +do. She forthwith commanded her attendant Naiads to kindle the fire on the +altar, and to prepare everything necessary for the performance of the +mystic rites, after which a dog was sacrificed, and the sacred cakes were +burned. Having thus duly purified the criminals, she severely reprimanded +them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty; whereupon +Medea, with veiled head, and weeping bitterly, was reconducted by Jason to +the Argo. + +FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE ARGONAUTS.--Having left the island of Circe they +were wafted by gentle {228} zephyrs towards the abode of the Sirens, whose +enticing strains soon fell upon their ears. The Argonauts, powerfully +affected by the melody, were making ready to land, when Orpheus perceived +the danger, and, to the accompaniment of his magic lyre, commenced one of +his enchanting songs, which so completely absorbed his listeners that they +passed the island in safety; but not before Butes, one of their number, +lured by the seductive music of the Sirens, had sprung from the vessel into +the waves below. Aphrodite, however, in pity for his youth, landed him +gently on the island of Libibaon before the Sirens could reach him, and +there he remained for many years. + +And now the Argonauts approached new dangers, for on one side of them +seethed and foamed the whirlpool of Charybdis, whilst on the other towered +the mighty rock whence the monster Scylla swooped down upon unfortunate +mariners; but here the goddess Hera came to their assistance, and sent to +them the sea-nymph Thetis, who guided them safely through these dangerous +straits. + +The Argo next arrived at the island of the Phaeaces, where they were +hospitably entertained by King Alcinous and his queen Arete. But the +banquet prepared for them by their kind host was unexpectedly interrupted +by the appearance of a large army of Colchians, sent by Aetes to demand the +restoration of his daughter. + +Medea threw herself at the feet of the queen, and implored her to save her +from the anger of her father, and Arete, in her kindness of heart, promised +her her protection. Next morning, in an assembly of the people at which the +Colchians were invited to be present, the latter were informed that as +Medea was the lawful wife of Jason they could not consent to deliver her +up; whereupon the Colchians, seeing that the resolution of the king was not +to be shaken, and fearing to face the anger of Aetes should they return to +Colchis without her, sought permission of Alcinous to settle in his +kingdom, which request was accorded them. + +{229} + +After these events the Argonauts once more set sail, and steered for +Iolcus; but, in the course of a terrible and fearful night, a mighty storm +arose, and in the morning they found themselves stranded on the treacherous +quicksands of Syrtes, on the shores of Libya. Here all was a waste and +barren desert, untenanted by any living creature, save the venomous snakes +which had sprung from the blood of the Medusa when borne by Perseus over +these arid plains. + +They had already passed several days in this abode of desolation, beneath +the rays of the scorching sun, and had abandoned themselves to the deepest +despair, when the Libyan queen, who was a prophetess of divine origin, +appeared to Jason, and informed him that a sea-horse would be sent by the +gods to act as his guide. + +Scarcely had she departed when a gigantic hippocamp was seen in the +distance, making its way towards the Argo. Jason now related to his +companions the particulars of his interview with the Libyan prophetess, and +after some deliberation it was decided to carry the Argo on their +shoulders, and to follow wherever the sea-horse should lead them. They then +commenced a long and weary journey through the desert, and at last, after +twelve days of severe toil and terrible suffering, the welcome sight of the +sea greeted their view. In gratitude for having been saved from their +manifold dangers they offered up sacrifices to the gods, and launched their +ship once more into the deep waters of the ocean. + +ARRIVAL AT CRETE.--With heartfelt joy and gladness they proceeded on their +homeward voyage, and after some days arrived at the island of Crete, where +they purposed to furnish themselves with fresh provisions and water. Their +landing, however, was opposed by a terrible giant who guarded the island +against all intruders. This giant, whose name was Talus, was the last of +the Brazen race, and being formed of brass, was invulnerable, except in his +right ankle, where there was a sinew of flesh and a vein of blood. As he +saw the Argo {230} nearing the coast, he hurled huge rocks at her, which +would inevitably have sunk the vessel had not the crew beat a hasty +retreat. Although sadly in want of food and water, the Argonauts had +decided to proceed on their journey rather than face so powerful an +opponent, when Medea came forward and assured them that if they would trust +to her she would destroy the giant. + +Enveloped in the folds of a rich purple mantle, she stepped on deck, and +after invoking the aid of the Fates, uttered a magic incantation, which had +the effect of throwing Talus into a deep sleep. He stretched himself at +full length upon the ground, and in doing so grazed his vulnerable ankle +against the point of a sharp rock, whereupon a mighty stream of blood +gushed forth from the wound. Awakened by the pain, he tried to rise, but in +vain, and with a mighty groan of anguish the giant fell dead, and his +enormous body rolled heavily over into the deep. The heroes being now able +to land, provisioned their vessel, after which they resumed their homeward +voyage. + +ARRIVAL AT IOLCUS.--After a terrible night of storm and darkness they +passed the island of AEgina, and at length reached in safety the port of +Iolcus, where the recital of their numerous adventures and hair-breadth +escapes was listened to with wondering admiration by their +fellow-countrymen. + +The Argo was consecrated to Poseidon, and was carefully preserved for many +generations till no vestige of it remained, when it was placed in the +heavens as a brilliant constellation. + +On his arrival at Iolcus, Jason conducted his beautiful bride to the palace +of his uncle Pelias, taking with him the Golden Fleece, for the sake of +which this perilous expedition had been undertaken. But the old king, who +had never expected that Jason would return alive, basely refused to fulfil +his part of the compact, and declined to abdicate the throne. + +{231} + +Indignant at the wrongs of her husband, Medea avenged them in a most +shocking manner. She made friends with the daughters of the king, and +feigned great interest in all their concerns. Having gained their +confidence, she informed them, that among her numerous magic arts, she +possessed the power of restoring to the aged all the vigour and strength of +youth, and in order to give them a convincing proof of the truth of her +assertion, she cut up an old ram, which she boiled in a cauldron, +whereupon, after uttering various mystic incantations, there came forth +from the vessel a beautiful young lamb. She then assured them, that in a +similar manner they could restore to their old father his former youthful +frame and vigour. The fond and credulous daughters of Pelias lent an all +too willing ear to the wicked sorceress, and thus the old king perished at +the hands of his innocent children. + +DEATH OF JASON.--Medea and Jason now fled to Corinth, where at length they +found, for a time, peace and tranquillity, their happiness being completed +by the birth of three children. + +As time passed on, however, and Medea began to lose the beauty which had +won the love of her husband, he grew weary of her, and became attracted by +the youthful charms of Glauce, the beautiful daughter of Creon, king of +Corinth. Jason had obtained her father's consent to their union, and the +wedding-day was already fixed, before he disclosed to Medea the treachery +which he meditated against her. He used all his persuasive powers in order +to induce her to consent to his union with Glauce, assuring her that his +affection had in no way diminished, but that for the sake of the advantages +which would thereby accrue to their children, he had decided on forming +this alliance with the royal house. Though justly enraged at his deceitful +conduct, Medea dissembled her wrath, and, feigning to be satisfied with +this explanation, sent, as a wedding-gift to her rival, a magnificent robe +of cloth-of-gold. This robe was imbued with a deadly {232} poison which +penetrated to the flesh and bone of the wearer, and burned them as though +with a consuming fire. Pleased with the beauty and costliness of the +garment, the unsuspecting Glauce lost no time in donning it; but no sooner +had she done so than the fell poison began to take effect. In vain she +tried to tear the robe away; it defied all efforts to be removed, and after +horrible and protracted sufferings, she expired. + +Maddened at the loss of her husband's love Medea next put to death her +three sons, and when Jason, thirsting for revenge, left the chamber of his +dead bride, and flew to his own house in search of Medea, the ghastly +spectacle of his murdered children met his view. He rushed frantically to +seek the murderess, but nowhere could she be found. At length, hearing a +sound above his head, he looked up, and beheld Medea gliding through the +air in a golden chariot drawn by dragons. + +In a fit of despair Jason threw himself on his own sword, and perished on +the threshold of his desolate and deserted home. + +PELOPS. + +Pelops, the son of the cruel Tantalus, was a pious and virtuous prince. +After his father was banished into Tartarus, a war ensued between Pelops +and the king of Troy, in which the former was vanquished and forced to fly +from his dominions in Phrygia. He emigrated into Greece, where, at the +court of Oenomaus, king of Elis, he beheld Hippodamia, the king's daughter, +whose beauty won his heart. But an oracle having foretold to Oenomaus that +he would die on the day of his daughter's marriage, he threw every obstacle +in the way of her suitors, and declared that he would only give her to him +who succeeded in vanquishing him in a chariot race, but that all +unsuccessful competitors should suffer death at his hands. + +The conditions of the contest were as follows:--The race was to be run from +a given point at Pisa to the altar of Poseidon at Corinth; the suitor was +allowed to start {233} on his course whilst Oenomaus performed his +sacrifice to Zeus, and only on its completion did the king mount his +chariot, guided by the skilful Myrtilus, and drawn by his two famous +horses, Phylla and Harpinna, who surpassed in swiftness the winds +themselves. In this manner many a gallant young prince had perished; for +although a considerable start was given to all competitors, still Oenomaus, +with his swift team, always overtook them before they reached the goal, and +killed them with his spear. But the love of Pelops for Hippodamia overcame +all fears, and, undeterred by the terrible fate of his predecessors, he +announced himself to Oenomaus as a suitor for the hand of his daughter. + +On the eve of the race, Pelops repaired to the sea-shore and earnestly +implored Poseidon to assist him in his perilous undertaking. The sea-god +heard his prayer, and sent him out of the deep a chariot drawn by two +winged horses. + +When Pelops appeared on the course, the king at once recognized the horses +of Poseidon; but, nothing daunted, he relied on his own supernatural team, +and the contest was allowed to proceed. + +Whilst the king was offering his sacrifice to Zeus Pelops set out on the +race, and had nearly reached the goal, when, turning round, he beheld +Oenomaus, spear in hand, who, with his magic steeds, had nearly overtaken +him. But in this emergency Poseidon came to the aid of the son of Tantalus. +He caused the wheels of the royal chariot to fly off, whereupon the king +was thrown out violently, and killed on the spot, just as Pelops arrived at +the altar of Poseidon. + +As the hero was about to return to Pisa to claim his bride, he beheld, in +the distance, flames issuing from the royal castle, which at that instant +had been struck by lightning. With his winged horses he flew to rescue his +lovely bride, and succeeded in extricating her uninjured from the burning +building. They soon afterwards became united, and Pelops reigned in Pisa +for many years in great splendour. + +{234} + +HERACLES (HERCULES). + +Heracles, the most renowned hero of antiquity, was the son of Zeus and +Alcmene, and the great grandson of Perseus. + +At the time of his birth Alcmene was living at Thebes with her husband +Amphitryon, and thus the infant Heracles was born in the palace of his +stepfather. + +Aware of the animosity with which Hera persecuted all those who rivalled +her in the affections of Zeus, Alcmene, fearful lest this hatred should be +visited on her innocent child, intrusted him, soon after his birth, to the +care of a faithful servant, with instructions to expose him in a certain +field, and there leave him, feeling assured that the divine offspring of +Zeus would not long remain without the protection of the gods. + +Soon after the child had been thus abandoned, Hera and Pallas-Athene +happened to pass by the field, and were attracted by its cries. Athene +pityingly took up the infant in her arms, and prevailed upon the queen of +heaven to put it to her breast; but no sooner had she done so, than the +child, causing her pain, she angrily threw him to the ground, and left the +spot. Athene, moved with compassion, carried him to Alcmene, and entreated +her kind offices on behalf of the poor little foundling. Alcmene at once +recognized her child, and joyfully accepted the charge. + +Soon afterwards Hera, to her extreme annoyance, discovered whom she had +nursed, and became filled with jealous rage. She now sent two venomous +snakes into the chamber of Alcmene, which crept, unperceived by the nurses, +to the cradle of the sleeping child. He awoke with a cry, and grasping a +snake in each hand, strangled them both. Alcmene and her attendants, whom +the cry of the child had awakened, rushed to the cradle, where, to their +astonishment and terror, they beheld the two reptiles dead in the hands of +the infant Heracles. Amphitryon was also attracted to the chamber by the +{235} commotion, and when he beheld this astounding proof of supernatural +strength, he declared that the child must have been sent to him as a +special gift from Zeus. He accordingly consulted the famous seer Tiresias, +who now informed him of the divine origin of his stepson, and +prognosticated for him a great and distinguished future. + +When Amphitryon heard the noble destiny which awaited the child intrusted +to his care, he resolved to educate him in a manner worthy of his future +career. At a suitable age he himself taught him how to guide a chariot; +Eurytus, how to handle the bow; Autolycus, dexterity in wrestling and +boxing; and Castor, the art of armed warfare; whilst Linus, the son of +Apollo, instructed him in music and letters. + +Heracles was an apt pupil; but undue harshness was intolerable to his high +spirit, and old Linus, who was not the gentlest of teachers, one day +corrected him with blows, whereupon the boy angrily took up his lyre, and, +with one stroke of his powerful arm, killed his tutor on the spot. + +Apprehensive lest the ungovernable temper of the youth might again involve +him in similar acts of violence, Amphitryon sent him into the country, +where he placed him under the charge of one of his most trusted herdsmen. +Here, as he grew up to manhood, his extraordinary stature and strength +became the wonder and admiration of all beholders. His aim, whether with +spear, lance, or bow, was unerring, and at the age of eighteen he was +considered to be the strongest as well as the most beautiful youth in all +Greece. + +THE CHOICE OF HERACLES.--Heracles felt that the time had now arrived when +it became necessary to decide for himself how to make use of the +extraordinary powers with which he had been endowed by the gods; and in +order to meditate in solitude on this all-important subject, he repaired to +a lonely and secluded spot in the heart of the forest. + +Here two females of great beauty appeared to him. {236} One was Vice, the +other Virtue. The former was full of artificial wiles and fascinating arts, +her face painted and her dress gaudy and attractive; whilst the latter was +of noble bearing and modest mien, her robes of spotless purity. + +Vice stepped forward and thus addressed him: "If you will walk in my paths, +and make me your friend, your life shall be one round of pleasure and +enjoyment. You shall taste of every delight which can be procured on earth; +the choicest viands, the most delicious wines, the most luxuriant of +couches shall be ever at your disposal; and all this without any exertion +on your part, either physical or mental." + +Virtue now spoke in her turn: "If you will follow me and be my friend, I +promise you the reward of a good conscience, and the love and respect of +your fellowmen. I cannot undertake to smooth your path with roses, or to +give you a life of idleness and pleasure; for you must know that the gods +grant no good and desirable thing that is not earned by labour; and as you +sow, so must you reap." + +Heracles listened patiently and attentively to both speakers, and then, +after mature deliberation, decided to follow in the paths of virtue, and +henceforth to honour the gods, and to devote his life to the service of his +country. + +Full of these noble resolves he sought once more his rural home, where he +was informed that on Mount Cithaeron, at the foot of which the herds of +Amphitryon were grazing, a ferocious lion had fixed his lair, and was +committing such frightful ravages among the flocks and herds that he had +become the scourge and terror of the whole neighbourhood. Heracles at once +armed himself and ascended the mountain, where he soon caught sight of the +lion, and rushing at him with his sword succeeded in killing him. The hide +of the animal he wore ever afterwards over his shoulders, and the head +served him as a helmet. + +As he was returning from this, his first exploit, he met {237} the heralds +of Erginus, king of the Minyans, who were proceeding to Thebes to demand +their annual tribute of 100 oxen. Indignant at this humiliation of his +native city, Heracles mutilated the heralds, and sent them back, with ropes +round their necks, to their royal master. + +Erginus was so incensed at the ill-treatment of his messengers that he +collected an army and appeared before the gates of Thebes, demanding the +surrender of Heracles. Creon, who was at this time king of Thebes, fearing +the consequences of a refusal, was about to yield, when the hero, with the +assistance of Amphitryon and a band of brave youths, advanced against the +Minyans. + +Heracles took possession of a narrow defile through which the enemy were +compelled to pass, and as they entered the pass the Thebans fell upon them, +killed their king Erginus, and completely routed them. In this engagement +Amphitryon, the kind friend and foster-father of Heracles, lost his life. +The hero now advanced upon Orchomenus, the capital of the Minyans, where he +burned the royal castle and sacked the town. + +After this signal victory all Greece rang with the fame of the young hero, +and Creon, in gratitude for his great services, bestowed upon him his +daughter Megara in marriage. The Olympian gods testified their appreciation +of his valour by sending him presents; Hermes gave him a sword, +Phoebus-Apollo a bundle of arrows, Hephaestus a golden quiver, and Athene a +coat of leather. + +HERACLES AND EURYSTHEUS.--And now it will be necessary to retrace our +steps. Just before the birth of Heracles, Zeus, in an assembly of the gods, +exultingly declared that the child who should be born on that day to the +house of Perseus should rule over all his race. When Hera heard her lord's +boastful announcement she knew well that it was for the child of the hated +Alcmene that this brilliant destiny was designed; and in order to rob the +son of her rival of his rights, she called to her aid the goddess +Eilithyia, who retarded the birth of {238} Heracles, and caused his cousin +Eurystheus (another grandson of Perseus) to precede him into the world. And +thus, as the word of the mighty Zeus was irrevocable, Heracles became the +subject and servant of his cousin Eurystheus. + +When, after his splendid victory over Erginus, the fame of Heracles spread +throughout Greece, Eurystheus (who had become king of Mycenae), jealous of +the reputation of the young hero, asserted his rights, and commanded him to +undertake for him various difficult tasks. But the proud spirit of the hero +rebelled against this humiliation, and he was about to refuse compliance, +when Zeus appeared to him and desired him not to rebel against the Fates. +Heracles now repaired to Delphi in order to consult the oracle, and +received the answer that after performing ten tasks for his cousin +Eurystheus his servitude would be at an end. + +Soon afterwards Heracles fell into a state of the deepest melancholy, and +through the influence of his inveterate enemy, the goddess Hera, this +despondency developed into raving madness, in which condition he killed his +own children. When he at length regained his reason he was so horrified and +grieved at what he had done, that he shut himself up in his chamber and +avoided all intercourse with men. But in his loneliness and seclusion the +conviction that work would be the best means of procuring oblivion of the +past decided him to enter, without delay, upon the tasks appointed him by +Eurystheus. + +1. THE NEMEAN LION.--His first task was to bring to Eurystheus the skin of +the much-dreaded Nemean lion, which ravaged the territory between Cleone +and Nemea, and whose hide was invulnerable against any mortal weapon. + +Heracles proceeded to the forest of Nemea, where, having discovered the +lion's lair, he attempted to pierce him with his arrows; but finding these +of no avail he felled him to the ground with his club, and before the +animal had time to recover from the terrible blow, {239} Heracles seized +him by the neck and, with a mighty effort, succeeded in strangling him. He +then made himself a coat of mail of the skin, and a new helmet of the head +of the animal. Thus attired, he so alarmed Eurystheus by appearing suddenly +before him, that the king concealed himself in his palace, and henceforth +forbade Heracles to enter his presence, but commanded him to receive his +behests, for the future, through his messenger Copreus. + +2. THE HYDRA.--His second task was to slay the Hydra, a monster serpent +(the offspring of Typhon and Echidna), bristling with nine heads, one of +which was immortal. This monster infested the neighbourhood of Lerna, where +she committed great depredations among the herds. + +[Illustration] + +Heracles, accompanied by his nephew Iolaus, set out in a chariot for the +marsh of Lerna, in the slimy waters of which he found her. He commenced the +attack by assailing her with his fierce arrows, in order to force her to +leave her lair, from which she at length emerged, and sought refuge in a +wood on a neighbouring hill. Heracles now rushed forward and endeavoured to +crush her heads by means of well-directed blows from his tremendous club; +but no sooner was one head destroyed than it was immediately replaced by +two others. He next seized the monster in his powerful grasp; but at this +juncture a giant crab came to the assistance of the Hydra and commenced +biting the feet of her assailant. Heracles destroyed this new adversary +with his club, and now called upon his nephew to come to his aid. At his +command Iolaus set fire to the neighbouring trees, {240} and, with a +burning branch, seared the necks of the monster as Heracles cut them off, +thus effectually preventing the growth of more. Heracles next struck off +the immortal head, which he buried by the road-side, and placed over it a +heavy stone. Into the poisonous blood of the monster he then dipped his +arrows, which ever afterwards rendered wounds inflicted by them incurable. + +3. THE HORNED HIND.--The third labour of Heracles was to bring the horned +hind Cerunitis alive to Mycenae. This animal, which was sacred to Artemis, +had golden antlers and hoofs of brass. + +Not wishing to wound the hind Heracles patiently pursued her through many +countries for a whole year, and overtook her at last on the banks of the +river Ladon; but even there he was compelled, in order to secure her, to +wound her with one of his arrows, after which he lifted her on his +shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On his way he met Artemis with +her brother Phoebus-Apollo, when the goddess angrily reproved him for +wounding her favourite hind; but Heracles succeeded in appeasing her +displeasure, whereupon she permitted him to take the animal alive to +Mycenae. + +[Illustration] + +4. THE ERYMANTIAN BOAR.--The fourth task imposed upon Heracles by +Eurystheus was to bring alive to Mycenae the Erymantian boar, which had laid +waste the region of Erymantia, and was the scourge of the surrounding +neighbourhood. + +On his way thither he craved food and shelter of a Centaur named Pholus, +who received him with generous hospitality, setting before him a good and +plentiful repast. When Heracles expressed his surprise that at such a +well-furnished board {241} wine should be wanting, his host explained that +the wine-cellar was the common property of all the Centaurs, and that it +was against the rules for a cask to be broached, except all were present to +partake of it. By dint of persuasion, however, Heracles prevailed on his +kind host to make an exception in his favour; but the powerful, luscious +odour of the good old wine soon spread over the mountains, and brought +large numbers of Centaurs to the spot, all armed with huge rocks and +fir-trees. Heracles drove them back with fire-brands, and then, following +up his victory, pursued them with his arrows as far as Malea, where they +took refuge in the cave of the kind old Centaur Chiron. Unfortunately, +however, as Heracles was shooting at them with his poisoned darts, one of +these pierced the knee of Chiron. When Heracles discovered that it was the +friend of his early days that he had wounded, he was overcome with sorrow +and regret. He at once extracted the arrow, and anointed the wound with a +salve, the virtue of which had been taught him by Chiron himself. But all +his efforts were unavailing. The wound, imbued with the deadly poison of +the Hydra, was incurable, and so great was the agony of Chiron that, at the +intercession of Heracles, death was sent him by the gods; for otherwise, +being immortal, he would have been doomed to endless suffering. + +Pholus, who had so kindly entertained Heracles, also perished by means of +one of these arrows, which he had extracted from the body of a dead +Centaur. While he was quietly examining it, astonished that so small and +insignificant an object should be productive of such serious results, the +arrow fell upon his foot and fatally wounded him. Full of grief at this +untoward event, Heracles buried him with due honours, and then set out to +chase the boar. + +With loud shouts and terrible cries he first drove him out of the thickets +into the deep snow-drifts which covered the summit of the mountain, and +then, having at length wearied him with his incessant pursuit, he captured +the exhausted animal, bound him with a rope, and brought him alive to +Mycenae. + +{242} + +5. CLEANSING THE STABLES OF AUGEAS.--After slaying the Erymantian boar +Eurystheus commanded Heracles to cleanse in one day the stables of Augeas. + +Augeas was a king of Elis who was very rich in herds. Three thousand of his +cattle he kept near the royal palace in an inclosure where the refuse had +accumulated for many years. When Heracles presented himself before the +king, and offered to cleanse his stables in one day, provided he should +receive in return a tenth part of the herds, Augeas, thinking the feat +impossible, accepted his offer in the presence of his son Phyleus. + +Near the palace were the two rivers Peneus and Alpheus, the streams of +which Heracles conducted into the stables by means of a trench which he dug +for this purpose, and as the waters rushed through the shed, they swept +away with them the whole mass of accumulated filth. + +But when Augeas heard that this was one of the labours imposed by +Eurystheus, he refused the promised guerdon. Heracles brought the matter +before a court, and called Phyleus as a witness to the justice of his +claim, whereupon Augeas, without waiting for the delivery of the verdict, +angrily banished Heracles and his son from his dominions. + +6. THE STYMPHALIDES.--The sixth task was to chase away the Stymphalides, +which were immense birds of prey who, as we have seen (in the legend of the +Argonauts), shot from their wings feathers sharp as arrows. The home of +these birds was on the shore of the lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia (after +which they were called), where they caused great destruction among men and +cattle. + +On approaching the lake, Heracles observed great numbers of them; and, +while hesitating how to commence the attack, he suddenly felt a hand on his +shoulder. Looking round he beheld the majestic form of Pallas-Athene, who +held in her hand a gigantic pair of brazen clappers made by Hephaestus, with +which she {243} presented him; whereupon he ascended to the summit of a +neighbouring hill, and commenced to rattle them violently. The shrill noise +of these instruments was so intolerable to the birds that they rose into +the air in terror, upon which he aimed at them with his arrows, destroying +them in great numbers, whilst such as escaped his darts flew away, never to +return. + +7. THE CRETAN BULL.--The seventh labour of Heracles was to capture the +Cretan bull. + +Minos, king of Crete, having vowed to sacrifice to Poseidon any animal +which should first appear out of the sea, the god caused a magnificent bull +to emerge from the waves in order to test the sincerity of the Cretan king, +who, in making this vow, had alleged that he possessed no animal, among his +own herds, worthy the acceptance of the mighty sea-god. Charmed with the +splendid animal sent by Poseidon, and eager to possess it, Minos placed it +among his herds, and substituted as a sacrifice one of his own bulls. +Hereupon Poseidon, in order to punish the cupidity of Minos, caused the +animal to become mad, and commit such great havoc in the island as to +endanger the safety of the inhabitants. When Heracles, therefore, arrived +in Crete for the purpose of capturing the bull, Minos, far from opposing +his design, gladly gave him permission to do so. + +The hero not only succeeded in securing the animal, but tamed him so +effectually that he rode on his back right across the sea as far as the +Peloponnesus. He now delivered him up to Eurystheus, who at once set him at +liberty, after which he became as ferocious and wild as before, roamed all +over Greece into Arcadia, and was eventually killed by Theseus on the +plains of Marathon. + +8. THE MARES OF DIOMEDES.--The eighth labour of Heracles was to bring to +Eurystheus the mares of Diomedes, a son of Ares, and king of the +Bistonians, a warlike Thracian tribe. This king possessed a breed of wild +horses of tremendous size and strength, whose food consisted of human +flesh, and all strangers who had the {244} misfortune to enter the country +were made prisoners and flung before the horses, who devoured them. + +When Heracles arrived he first captured the cruel Diomedes himself, and +then threw him before his own mares, who, after devouring their master, +became perfectly tame and tractable. They were then led by Heracles to the +sea-shore, when the Bistonians, enraged at the loss of their king, rushed +after the hero and attacked him. He now gave the animals in charge of his +friend Abderus, and made such a furious onslaught on his assailants that +they turned and fled. + +But on his return from this encounter he found, to his great grief, that +the mares had torn his friend in pieces and devoured him. After celebrating +due funereal rites to the unfortunate Abderus, Heracles built a city in his +honour, which he named after him. He then returned to Tiryns, where he +delivered up the mares to Eurystheus, who set them loose on Mount Olympus, +where they became the prey of wild beasts. + +It was after the performance of this task that Heracles joined the +Argonauts in their expedition to gain possession of the Golden Fleece, and +was left behind at Chios, as already narrated. During his wanderings he +undertook his ninth labour, which was to bring to Eurystheus the girdle of +Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons. + +9. THE GIRDLE OF HIPPOLYTE.--The Amazons, who dwelt on the shores of the +Black Sea, near the river Thermodon, were a nation of warlike women, +renowned for their strength, courage, and great skill in horsemanship. +Their queen, Hippolyte, had received from her father, Ares, a beautiful +girdle, which she always wore as a sign of her royal power and authority, +and it was this girdle which Heracles was required to place in the hands of +Eurystheus, who designed it as a gift for his daughter Admete. + +Foreseeing that this would be a task of no ordinary difficulty the hero +called to his aid a select band of brave companions, with whom he embarked +for the Amazonian {245} town Themiscyra. Here they were met by queen +Hippolyte, who was so impressed by the extraordinary stature and noble +bearing of Heracles that, on learning his errand, she at once consented to +present him with the coveted girdle. But Hera, his implacable enemy, +assuming the form of an Amazon, spread the report in the town that a +stranger was about to carry off their queen. The Amazons at once flew to +arms and mounted their horses, whereupon a battle ensued, in which many of +their bravest warriors were killed or wounded. Among the latter was their +most skilful leader, Melanippe, whom Heracles afterwards restored to +Hippolyte, receiving the girdle in exchange. + +On his voyage home the hero stopped at Troy, where a new adventure awaited +him. + +During the time that Apollo and Poseidon were condemned by Zeus to a +temporary servitude on earth, they built for king Laomedon the famous walls +of Troy, afterwards so renowned in history; but when their work was +completed the king treacherously refused to give them the reward due to +them. The incensed deities now combined to punish the offender. Apollo sent +a pestilence which decimated the people, and Poseidon a flood, which bore +with it a marine monster, who swallowed in his huge jaws all that came +within his reach. + +In his distress Laomedon consulted an oracle, and was informed that only by +the sacrifice of his own daughter Hesione could the anger of the gods be +appeased. Yielding at length to the urgent appeals of his people he +consented to make the sacrifice, and on the arrival of Heracles the maiden +was already chained to a rock in readiness to be devoured by the monster. + +When Laomedon beheld the renowned hero, whose marvellous feats of strength +and courage had become the wonder and admiration of all mankind, he +earnestly implored him to save his daughter from her impending fate, and to +rid the country of the monster, holding out to him as a reward the horses +which Zeus had presented to {246} his grandfather Tros in compensation for +robbing him of his son Ganymede. + +Heracles unhesitatingly accepted the offer, and when the monster appeared, +opening his terrible jaws to receive his prey, the hero, sword in hand, +attacked and slew him. But the perfidious monarch once more broke faith, +and Heracles, vowing future vengeance, departed for Mycenae, where he +presented the girdle to Eurystheus. + +10. THE OXEN OF GERYONES.--The tenth labour of Heracles was the capture of +the magnificent oxen belonging to the giant Geryon or Geryones, who dwelt +on the island of Erythia in the bay of Gadria (Cadiz). This giant, who was +the son of Chrysaor, had three bodies with three heads, six hands, and six +feet. He possessed a herd of splendid cattle, which were famous for their +size, beauty, and rich red colour. They were guarded by another giant named +Eurytion, and a two-headed dog called Orthrus, the offspring of Typhon and +Echidna. + +In choosing for him a task so replete with danger, Eurystheus was in hopes +that he might rid himself for ever of his hated cousin. But the indomitable +courage of the hero rose with the prospect of this difficult and dangerous +undertaking. + +After a long and wearisome journey he at last arrived at the western coast +of Africa, where, as a monument of his perilous expedition, he erected the +famous "Pillars of Hercules," one of which he placed on each side of the +Straits of Gibraltar. Here he found the intense heat so insufferable that +he angrily raised his bow towards heaven, and threatened to shoot the +sun-god. But Helios, far from being incensed at his audacity, was so struck +with admiration at his daring that he lent to him the golden boat with +which he accomplished his nocturnal transit from West to East, and thus +Heracles crossed over safely to the island of Erythia. + +No sooner had he landed than Eurytion, accompanied by his savage dog +Orthrus, fiercely attacked him; but Heracles, with a superhuman effort, +slew the dog and {247} then his master. Hereupon he collected the herd, and +was proceeding to the sea-shore when Geryones himself met him, and a +desperate encounter took place, in which the giant perished. + +Heracles then drove the cattle into the sea, and seizing one of the oxen by +the horns, swam with them over to the opposite coast of Iberia (Spain). +Then driving his magnificent prize before him through Gaul, Italy, Illyria, +and Thrace, he at length arrived, after many perilous adventures and +hair-breadth escapes, at Mycenae, where he delivered them up to Eurystheus, +who sacrificed them to Hera. + +Heracles had now executed his ten tasks, which had been accomplished in the +space of eight years; but Eurystheus refused to include the slaying of the +Hydra and the cleansing of the stables of Augeas among the number, alleging +as a reason that the one had been performed by the assistance of Iolaus, +and that the other had been executed for hire. He therefore insisted on +Heracles substituting two more labours in their place. + +11. THE APPLES OF THE HESPERIDES.--The eleventh task imposed by Eurystheus +was to bring him the golden apples of the Hesperides, which grew on a tree +presented by Gaea to Hera, on the occasion of her marriage with Zeus. This +sacred tree was guarded by four maidens, daughters of Night, called the +Hesperides, who were assisted in their task by a terrible hundred-headed +dragon. This dragon never slept, and out of its hundred throats came a +constant hissing sound, which effectually warned off all intruders. But +what rendered the undertaking still more difficult was the complete +ignorance of the hero as to the locality of the garden, and he was forced, +in consequence, to make many fruitless journeys and to undergo many trials +before he could find it. + +He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river Echedorus, +where he met the giant Cycnus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who challenged +him to single combat. In this encounter Heracles completely vanquished +{248} his opponent, who was killed in the contest; but now a mightier +adversary appeared on the scene, for the war-god himself came to avenge his +son. A terrible struggle ensued, which had lasted some time, when Zeus +interfered between the brothers, and put an end to the strife by hurling a +thunderbolt between them. Heracles proceeded on his journey, and reached +the banks of the river Eridanus, where dwelt the Nymphs, daughters of Zeus +and Themis. On seeking advice from them as to his route, they directed him +to the old sea-god Nereus, who alone knew the way to the Garden of the +Hesperides. Heracles found him asleep, and seizing the opportunity, held +him so firmly in his powerful grasp that he could not possibly escape, so +that notwithstanding his various metamorphoses he was at last compelled to +give the information required. The hero then crossed over to Libya, where +he engaged in a wrestling-match with king Anteos, son of Poseidon and Gaea, +which terminated fatally for his antagonist. + +From thence he proceeded to Egypt, where reigned Busiris, another son of +Poseidon, who (acting on the advice given by an oracle during a time of +great scarcity) sacrificed all strangers to Zeus. When Heracles arrived he +was seized and dragged to the altar; but the powerful demi-god burst +asunder his bonds, and then slew Busiris and his son. + +Resuming his journey he now wandered on through Arabia until he arrived at +Mount Caucasus, where Prometheus groaned in unceasing agony. It was at this +time that Heracles (as already related) shot the eagle which had so long +tortured the noble and devoted friend of mankind. Full of gratitude for his +deliverance, Prometheus instructed him how to find his way to that remote +region in the far West where Atlas supported the heavens on his shoulders, +near which lay the Garden of the Hesperides. He also warned Heracles not to +attempt to secure the precious fruit himself, but to assume for a time the +duties of Atlas, and to despatch him for the apples. {249} + +On arriving at his destination Heracles followed the advice of Prometheus. +Atlas, who willingly entered into the arrangement, contrived to put the +dragon to sleep, and then, having cunningly outwitted the Hesperides, +carried off three of the golden apples, which he now brought to Heracles. +But when the latter was prepared to relinquish his burden, Atlas, having +once tasted the delights of freedom, declined to resume his post, and +announced his intention of being himself the bearer of the apples to +Eurystheus, leaving Heracles to fill his place. To this proposal the hero +feigned assent, merely begging that Atlas would be kind enough to support +the heavens for a few moments whilst he contrived a pad for his head. Atlas +good-naturedly threw down the apples and once more resumed his load, upon +which Heracles bade him adieu, and departed. + +When Heracles conveyed the golden apples to Eurystheus the latter presented +them to the hero, whereupon Heracles placed the sacred fruit on the altar +of Pallas-Athene, who restored them to the garden of the Hesperides. + +12. CERBERUS.--The twelfth and last labour which Eurystheus imposed on +Heracles was to bring up Cerberus from the lower world, believing that all +his heroic powers would be unavailing in the Realm of Shades, and that in +this, his last and most perilous undertaking, the hero must at length +succumb and perish. + +[Illustration] + +Cerberus was a monster dog with three heads, out of whose awful jaws +dripped poison; the hair of his head and back was formed of venomous +snakes, and his body terminated in the tail of a dragon. + +After being initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries, and {250} obtaining +from the priests certain information necessary for the accomplishment of +his task, Heracles set out for Taenarum in Lacolia, where there was an +opening which led to the under-world. Conducted by Hermes, he commenced his +descent into the awful gulf, where myriads of shades soon began to appear, +all of whom fled in terror at his approach, Meleager and Medusa alone +excepted. About to strike the latter with his sword, Hermes interfered and +stayed his hand, reminding him that she was but a shadow, and that +consequently no weapon could avail against her. + +Arrived before the gates of Hades he found Theseus and Pirithoeus, who had +been fixed to an enchanted rock by Aides for their presumption in +endeavouring to carry off Persephone. When they saw Heracles they implored +him to set them free. The hero succeeded in delivering Theseus, but when he +endeavoured to liberate Pirithoeus, the earth shook so violently beneath him +that he was compelled to relinquish his task. + +Proceeding further Heracles recognized Ascalaphus, who, as we have seen in +the history of Demeter, had revealed the fact that Persephone had swallowed +the seeds of a pomegranate offered to her by her husband, which bound her +to Aides for ever. Ascalaphus was groaning beneath a huge rock which +Demeter in her anger had hurled upon him, and which Heracles now removed, +releasing the sufferer. + +Before the gates of his palace stood Aides the mighty ruler of the lower +world, and barred his entrance; but Heracles, aiming at him with one of his +unerring darts, shot him in the shoulder, so that for the first time the +god experienced the agony of mortal suffering. Heracles then demanded of +him permission to take Cerberus to the upper-world, and to this Aides +consented on condition that he should secure him unarmed. Protected by his +breastplate and lion's skin Heracles went in search of the monster, whom he +found at the mouth of the river Acheron. Undismayed by the hideous barking +which proceeded from his three heads, he seized the {251} throat with one +hand and the legs with the other, and although the dragon which served him +as a tail bit him severely, he did not relinquish his grasp. In this manner +he conducted him to the upper-world, through an opening near Troezen in +Argolia. + +When Eurystheus beheld Cerberus he stood aghast, and despairing of ever +getting rid of his hated rival, he returned the hell-hound to the hero, who +restored him to Aides, and with this last task the subjection of Heracles +to Eurystheus terminated. + +MURDER OF IPHITUS.--Free at last Heracles now returned to Thebes; and it +being impossible for him to live happily with Megara in consequence of his +having murdered her children he, with her own consent, gave her in marriage +to his nephew Iolaus. Heracles himself sought the hand of Iole, daughter of +Eurytus, king of Oechalia, who had instructed him when a boy in the use of +the bow. Hearing that this king had promised to give his daughter to him +who could surpass himself and his three sons in shooting with the bow, +Heracles lost no time in presenting himself as a competitor. He soon proved +that he was no unworthy pupil of Eurytus, for he signally defeated all his +opponents. But although the king treated him with marked respect and honour +he refused, nevertheless, to give him the hand of his daughter, fearing for +her a similar fate to that which had befallen Megara. Iphitus, the eldest +son of Eurytus, alone espoused the cause of Heracles, and essayed to induce +his father to give his consent to the marriage; but all to no purpose, and +at length, stung to the quick at his rejection, the hero angrily took his +departure. + +Soon afterwards the oxen of the king were stolen by the notorious thief +Autolycus, and Heracles was suspected by Eurytus of having committed the +theft. But Iphitus loyally defended his absent friend, and proposed to seek +out Heracles, and with his assistance to go in search of the missing +cattle. {252} + +The hero warmly welcomed his staunch young friend, and entered cordially +into his plan. They at once set out on their expedition; but their search +proved altogether unsuccessful. When they approached the city of Tiryns +they mounted a tower in hopes of discovering the missing herd in the +surrounding country; but as they stood on the topmost summit of the +building, Heracles became suddenly seized with one of his former attacks of +madness, and mistaking his friend Iphitus for an enemy, hurled him down +into the plain below, and he was killed on the spot. + +Heracles now set forth on a weary pilgrimage, begging in vain that some one +would purify him from the murder of Iphitus. It was during these wanderings +that he arrived at the palace of his friend Admetus, whose beautiful and +heroic wife (Alcestes) he restored to her husband after a terrible struggle +with Death, as already related. + +Soon after this event Heracles was struck with a fearful disease, and +betook himself to the temple of Delphi, hoping to obtain from the oracle +the means of relief. The priestess, however, refused him a response on the +ground of his having murdered Iphitus, whereupon the angry hero seized upon +the tripod, which he carried off, declaring that he would construct an +oracle for himself. Apollo, who witnessed the sacrilege, came down to +defend his sanctuary, and a violent struggle ensued. Zeus once more +interfered, and, flashing his lightnings between his two favourite sons, +ended the combat. The Pythia now vouchsafed an answer to the prayer of the +hero, and commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to allow himself to be +sold by Hermes for three years as a slave, the purchase-money to be given +to Eurytus in compensation for the loss of his son. + +HERACLES BECOMES THE SLAVE OF OMPHALE.--Heracles bowed in submission to the +divine will, and was conducted by Hermes to Omphale, queen of Lydia. The +three talents which she paid for him were given {253} to Eurytus, who, +however, declined to accept the money, which was handed over to the +children of Iphitus. + +Heracles now regained his former vigour. He rid the territory of Omphale of +the robbers which infested it and performed for her various other services +requiring strength and courage. It was about this time that he took part in +the Calydonian boar-hunt, details of which have already been given. + +When Omphale learned that her slave was none other than the renowned +Heracles himself she at once gave him his liberty, and offered him her hand +and kingdom. In her palace Heracles abandoned himself to all the enervating +luxuries of an oriental life, and so completely was the great hero +enthralled by the fascination which his mistress exercised over him, that +whilst she playfully donned his lion's skin and helmet, he, attired in +female garments, sat at her feet spinning wool, and beguiling the time by +the relation of his past adventures. + +But when at length, his term of bondage having expired, he became master of +his own actions, the manly and energetic spirit of the hero reasserted +itself, and tearing himself away from the palace of the Maeonian queen, he +determined to carry out the revenge he had so long meditated against the +treacherous Laomedon and the faithless Augeas. + +HERACLES EXECUTES VENGEANCE ON LAOMEDON AND AUGEAS.--Gathering round him +some of his old brave companions-in-arms, Heracles collected a fleet of +vessels and set sail for Troy, where he landed, took the city by storm, and +killed Laomedon, who thus met at length the retribution he had so richly +deserved. + +To Telamon, one of his bravest followers, he gave Hesione, the daughter of +the king, in marriage. When Heracles gave her permission to release one of +the prisoners of war she chose her own brother Podarces, whereupon she was +informed that as he was already a prisoner of war she would be compelled to +ransom him. {254} On hearing this Hesione took off her golden diadem, which +she joyfully handed to the hero. Owing to this circumstance Podarces +henceforth bore the name of Priamus (or Priam), which signifies the +"ransomed one." + +Heracles now marched against Augeas to execute his vengeance on him also +for his perfidious conduct. He stormed the city of Elis and put to death +Augeas and his sons, sparing only his brave advocate and staunch defender +Phyleus, on whom he bestowed the vacant throne of his father. + +HERACLES AND DEIANEIRA.--Heracles now proceeded to Calydon, where he wooed +the beautiful Deianeira, daughter of Oeneus, king of AEtolia; but he +encountered a formidable rival in Achelous, the river-god, and it was +agreed that their claims should be decided by single combat. Trusting to +his power of assuming various forms at will, Achelous felt confident of +success; but this availed him nothing, for having at last transformed +himself into a bull, his mighty adversary broke off one of his horns, and +compelled him to acknowledge himself defeated. + +After passing three happy years with Deianeira an unfortunate accident +occurred, which for a time marred their felicity. Heracles was one day +present at a banquet given by Oeneus, when, by a sudden swing of his hand, +he had the misfortune to strike on the head a youth of noble birth, who, +according to the custom of the ancients, was serving the guests at table, +and so violent was the blow that it caused his death. The father of the +unfortunate youth, who had witnessed the occurrence, saw that it was the +result of accident, and therefore absolved the hero from blame. But +Heracles resolved to act according to the law of the land, banished himself +from the country, and bidding farewell to his father-in-law, set out for +Trachin to visit his friend King Ceyx, taking with him his wife Deianeira, +and his young son Hyllus. + +In the course of their journey they arrived at the river Evenus, over which +the Centaur Nessus was in the habit {255} of carrying travellers for hire. +Heracles, with his little son in his arms, forded the stream unaided, +intrusting his wife to the care of the Centaur, who, charmed with the +beauty of his fair burden, attempted to carry her off. But her cries were +heard by her husband, who without hesitation shot Nessus through the heart +with one of his poisoned arrows. Now the dying Centaur was thirsting for +revenge. He called Deianeira to his side, and directed her to secure some +of the blood which flowed from his wound, assuring her that if, when in +danger of losing her husband's affection, she used it in the manner +indicated by him, it would act as a charm, and prevent her from being +supplanted by a rival. Heracles and Deianeira now pursued their journey, +and after several adventures at length arrived at their destination. + +DEATH OF HERACLES.--The last expedition undertaken by the great hero was +against Eurytus, king of Oechalia, to revenge himself upon this king and +his sons for having refused to bestow upon him the hand of Iole, after +having fairly won the maiden. Having collected a large army Heracles set +out for Euboea in order to besiege Oechalia, its capital. Success crowned +his arms. He stormed the citadel, slew the king and his three sons, reduced +the town to ashes, and carried away captive the young and beautiful Iole. + +Returning from his victorious expedition, Heracles halted at Cenoeus in +order to offer a sacrifice to Zeus, and sent to Deianeira to Trachin for a +sacrificial robe. Deianeira having been informed that the fair Iole was in +the train of Heracles was fearful lest her youthful charms might supplant +her in the affection of her husband, and calling to mind the advice of the +dying Centaur, she determined to test the efficacy of the love-charm which +he had given to her. Taking out the phial which she had carefully +preserved, she imbued the robe with a portion of the liquid which it +contained, and then sent it to Heracles. + +The victorious hero clothed himself with the garment, {256} and was about +to perform the sacrifice, when the hot flames rising from the altar heated +the poison with which it was imbued, and soon every fibre of his body was +penetrated by the deadly venom. The unfortunate hero, suffering the most +fearful tortures, endeavoured to tear off the robe, but it adhered so +closely to the skin that all his efforts to remove it only increased his +agonies. + +In this pitiable condition he was conveyed to Trachin, where Deianeira, on +beholding the terrible suffering of which she was the innocent cause, was +overcome with grief and remorse, and hanged herself in despair. The dying +hero called his son Hyllus to his side, and desired him to make Iole his +wife, and then ordering his followers to erect a funeral pyre, he mounted +it and implored the by-standers to set fire to it, and thus in mercy to +terminate his insufferable torments. But no one had the courage to obey +him, until at last his friend and companion Philoctetes, yielding to his +piteous appeal, lighted the pile, and received in return the bow and arrows +of the hero. + +Soon flames on flames ascended, and amidst vivid flashes of lightning, +accompanied by awful peals of thunder, Pallas-Athene descended in a cloud, +and bore her favourite hero in a chariot to Olympus. + +Heracles became admitted among the immortals; and Hera, in token of her +reconciliation, bestowed upon him the hand of her beautiful daughter Hebe, +the goddess of eternal youth. + +BELLEROPHON. + +Bellerophon, or Bellerophontes, was the son of Glaucus, king of Corinth, +and grandson of Sisyphus. In consequence of an unpremeditated murder +Bellerophon fled to Tiryns, where he was kindly received by King Proetus, +who purified him from his crime. Antea, the wife of Proetus, was so charmed +with the comely youth that she fell in love with him; but Bellerophon did +not return her affection, and she, in revenge, slandered him to the king by +a gross misrepresentation of the facts. {257} + +The first impulse of Proetus, when informed of the conduct of Bellerophon, +was to kill him; but the youth, with his gentle and winning manners, had so +endeared himself to his host that he felt it impossible to take his life +with his own hands. He therefore sent him to his father-in-law, Iobates, +king of Lycia, with a kind of letter or tablet which contained mysterious +signs, indicating his desire that the bearer of the missive should be put +to death. But the gods watched over the true and loyal youth, and inclined +the heart of Iobates, who was an amiable prince, towards his guest. Judging +by his appearance that he was of noble birth, he entertained him, according +to the hospitable custom of the Greeks, in the most princely manner for +nine days, and not until the morning of the tenth did he inquire his name +and errand. + +Bellerophon now presented to him the letter intrusted to him by Proetus. +Iobates, who had become greatly attached to the youth, was horror-struck at +its contents. Nevertheless he concluded that Proetus must have good reasons +for his conduct, and that probably Bellerophon had committed a crime which +deserved death. But as he could not make up his mind to murder the guest he +had grown to esteem, he decided to despatch him upon dangerous enterprises, +in which he would in all probability lose his life. + +[Illustration] + +He first sent him to kill the Chimaera, a monster which was at this time +devastating the country. The fore part of its body was that of a lion, the +centre of a goat, and the hind part of a dragon; whilst out of its jaws +issued flames of fire. + +Before starting on this difficult task Bellerophon invoked the protection +of the gods, and in answer to his prayer they despatched to his aid the +immortal-winged horse Pegasus, the offspring of Poseidon and Medusa. But +the divine animal would not suffer himself to be {258} caught, and at last, +worn out with his fruitless exertions, Bellerophon fell into a deep sleep +beside the sacred spring Pirene. Here Pallas-Athene appeared to him in a +dream, and presented him with a magic bridle for the purpose of capturing +the divine steed. On awaking Bellerophon instinctively put out his hand to +grasp it, when, to his amazement, there lay beside him the bridle of his +dream, whilst Pegasus was quietly drinking at the fountain close by. +Seizing him by the mane Bellerophon threw the bridle over his head, and +succeeded in mounting him without further difficulty; then rising with him +into the air he slew the Chimaera with his arrows. + +[Illustration] + +Iobates next sent him on an expedition against the Solymans, a fierce +neighbouring tribe with whom he was at enmity. Bellerophon succeeded in +vanquishing them, and was then despatched against the much-dreaded Amazons; +but greatly to the astonishment of Iobates the hero again returned +victorious. + +Finally, Iobates placed a number of the bravest Lycians in ambush for the +purpose of destroying him, but not one returned alive, for Bellerophon +bravely defended himself and slew them all. Convinced at length that +Bellerophon, far from deserving death, was the special favourite of the +gods, who had evidently protected him throughout his perilous exploits, the +king now ceased his persecutions. + +Iobates admitted him to a share in the government, and gave him his +daughter in marriage. But Bellerophon having attained the summit of earthly +prosperity became intoxicated with pride and vanity, and incurred the +displeasure of the gods by endeavouring to mount to heaven on his winged +horse, for the purpose of gratifying his idle curiosity. Zeus punished him +for his impiety by sending {259} a gadfly to sting the horse, who became so +restive that he threw his rider, who was precipitated to the earth. Filled +with remorse at having offended the gods Bellerophon fell a prey to the +deepest melancholy, and wandered about for the remainder of his life in the +loneliest and most desolate places. + +After death he was honoured in Corinth as a hero, and an altar was erected +to him in the grove of Poseidon. + +THESEUS. + +Aegeus, king of Athens, being twice married, and having no children, was so +desirous of an heir to his throne that he made a pilgrimage to Delphi in +order to consult the oracle. But the response being ambiguous, he repaired +to Troezen to consult his wise friend Pittheus, who reigned over that city, +by whose advice he contracted a secret marriage with his friend's daughter +Aethra. + +After passing some time with his bride, Aegeus prepared to take his +departure for his own dominions; but before doing so he led Aethra to the +sea-shore, where, after depositing his sword and sandals under a huge rock, +he thus addressed her: "Should the gods bless our union with a son, do not +reveal to him the name and rank of his father until he is old enough to +possess the strength requisite for moving this stone. Then send him to my +palace at Athens bearing these tokens of his identity." + +A son was born to Aethra, whom she called Theseus, and who was carefully +trained and educated by his grandfather Pittheus. When he had developed +into a strong and manly youth his mother conducted him to the spot where +the rock had been placed by Aegeus, and at her command he rolled away the +stone, and took possession of the sword and sandals which had lain there +for sixteen years, and which she now desired him to convey to his father +Aegeus, king of Athens. + +His mother and grandfather were anxious that the youth should travel by the +safe sea route, the road between Troezen and Athens being at this time +infested {260} with robbers of great ferocity and enormous strength. But +feeling within himself the spirit of a hero, Theseus resolved to emulate +the deeds of Heracles, with whose fame all Greece resounded, and therefore +chose the more dangerous journey by land, as calculated to afford him an +opportunity of distinguishing himself by feats of valour. + +His first adventure occurred at Epidaurus, where he met Periphetes, a son +of Hephaestus, who was armed with an iron club, with which he killed all +travellers. Having received from his grandfather a full description of this +savage, Theseus at once recognized him, and rushing upon him with his +sword, succeeded after a desperate encounter in killing him. He +appropriated the club as a trophy of his victory, and proceeded on his +journey without hinderance until he arrived at the Isthmus of Corinth. + +Here the people warned him to beware of Sinnis the robber, who forced all +travellers to bend with him one of the branches of a tall pine-tree. Having +dragged it to the ground, the cruel Sinnis suddenly released his hold, +whereupon the bough rebounding high up into the air, the unfortunate victim +was dashed to the ground and killed. When Theseus beheld Sinnis advancing +towards him he steadily awaited his approach; then seizing his powerful +club, he killed the inhuman wretch with one blow. + +Passing through the woody district of Crommyon Theseus next slew a wild and +dangerous sow which had long ravaged the country. + +He then continued his journey and approached the borders of Megara, where, +on a narrow path overhanging the sea, dwelt the wicked Scyron, another +terror to travellers. It was his custom to compel all strangers who passed +his abode to wash his feet, during which operation he kicked them over the +rock into the sea. Theseus boldly attacked the giant, overcame him, and +then flung his body over the cliff where so many of his victims had +perished. + +Theseus now journeyed on to Eleusis, where he found {261} another adversary +in the person of King Cercyon, who forced all comers to wrestle with him, +and killed those whom he vanquished; but Theseus overcame the mighty +wrestler and slew him. + +Near Eleusis, on the banks of the river Cephissus, Theseus met with a new +adventure. Here lived the giant Damastes, called Procrustes or the +Stretcher, who had two iron beds, one being long and the other short, into +which he forced all strangers; In the short one he placed the tall men, +whose limbs he cut to the size of the bed, whilst to the short ones he +assigned the large bed, stretching them out to fit it; and thus he left his +victims to expire in the most cruel torments. Theseus freed the country +from this inhuman monster by serving him as he had done his unfortunate +victims. + +The hero now continued his journey, and at length reached Athens without +meeting with any further adventures. When he arrived at his destination he +found his father a helpless tool in the hands of the sorceress Medea, whom +he had married after her departure from Corinth. Knowing, by means of her +supernatural powers, that Theseus was the king's son, and fearing that her +influence might be weakened by his presence, she poisoned the mind of the +old king against the stranger, whom she represented as being a spy. It was +accordingly arranged that Theseus should be invited to a banquet, and a +strong poison mixed with his wine. + +Now Theseus had resolved to reveal himself at this feast to the father whom +he yearned to embrace. Before tasting the wine he put his plan into +execution, and drew out his sword so that the eyes of the king might rest +upon it. When Aegeus beheld once more the well-known weapon which he had so +often wielded, he knew that it was his son who stood before him. He warmly +embraced him, presented him as his heir to his courtiers and subjects, and +then, no longer able to endure the sight of Medea, he banished her for ever +from his dominions. + +When Theseus was acknowledged as the rightful heir to the throne he was +opposed by the fifty sons of Pallas, {262} the king's brother, who had +confidently expected that on the demise of the old king the government of +the country would devolve upon them. They therefore resolved to put Theseus +to death; but their plans becoming known to him, he surprised them as they +lay in ambush awaiting his approach, and destroyed them all. + +Fearing, however, lest the Athenians might entertain a prejudice against +him on account of his extermination of their fellow-citizens, the +Pallantids, Theseus resolved to perform some signal service for the state, +which should gain for him the hearts of the people. He accordingly decided +to rid the country of the famous bull of Marathon, which had become a +terror to the cultivators of the land. He captured the animal and brought +him in chains to Athens, where, after publicly exhibiting him to the +astonished multitude, he solemnly sacrificed him to Apollo. + +The next enterprise undertaken by Theseus far surpassed all his other feats +of heroic daring, and secured to him the universal admiration and gratitude +of his fellow-citizens. This was the slaying of the Minotaur, which put an +end for ever to the shameful tribute of seven youths and seven maidens +which was exacted from the Athenians every nine years. + +The origin of this barbarous tribute was as follows: Androgeos, the +youthful son of Minos, king of Crete, having been treacherously murdered by +the Athenians, his father, anxious to avenge the death of his son, declared +war against their king Aegeus, and conquered Athens and the villages in its +vicinity. The conqueror henceforth compelled the Athenians to send to him +every nine years a tribute of seven youths and seven maidens of the noblest +families of the land, who became the prey of the Minotaur, a monster, +half-man, half-bull, whose lair was in the wonderful labyrinth, constructed +by Daedalus for the Cretan king. + +When Theseus informed his father of his heroic determination, he was +overwhelmed with grief, and endeavoured, by every means in his power, to +shake his son's resolution, but, confident of success, Theseus assured his +{263} father that he would slay the Minotaur and return home victorious. + +It was customary for the vessel bearing its unhappy freight of human +victims to use on this voyage black sails only; but Theseus promised his +father that, should he return in safety, he would hoist white ones in their +place. + +Before leaving Athens Theseus, by the advice of an oracle, chose Aphrodite +as his guardian and protectress, and accordingly offered up a sacrifice to +her. When he arrived in the presence of king Minos, the goddess of Love +inspired Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of the king, with an ardent +attachment for the noble young hero. During a secret interview, in which a +mutual confession of affection took place, Ariadne furnished him with a +sharp sword and a clue of thread, the end of which she desired him to +fasten at the entrance to the labyrinth and to continue to unwind it till +he reached the lair of the Minotaur. Full of hope as to the successful +issue of his undertaking, Theseus took leave of the kind maiden, after +expressing his gratitude for her timely aid. + +At the head of his companions he was now conducted by Minos to the entrance +of the labyrinth. Strictly adhering to the injunctions of the fair Ariadne +he succeeded in finding the Minotaur, whom, after a fierce and violent +struggle, he defeated and killed; then carefully feeling his way, by means +of the clue of thread, he led his companions safely out of the labyrinth. +They then fled to their ship, taking with them the lovely maiden to whose +affection for their deliverer they owed their safety. + +Arrived at the island of Naxos, Theseus had a dream, in which Dionysus, the +wine-god, appeared to him, and informed him that the Fates had decreed that +Ariadne should be his bride, at the same time menacing the hero with all +kinds of misfortunes should he refuse to resign her. Now Theseus, having +been taught from his youth to reverence the gods, feared to disobey the +wishes of Dionysus. He accordingly took a sad farewell of the {264} +beautiful maiden who so tenderly loved him, and left her on the lonely +island, where she was found and wooed by the wine-god. + +Theseus and his companions felt keenly the loss of their benefactress, and +in their grief at parting with her, forgot that the ship still bore the +black sails with which she had left the Attic coast. As she neared the port +of Athens, Aegeus, who was anxiously awaiting the return of his son on the +beach, caught sight of the vessel with its black sails, and concluding that +his gallant son had perished, threw himself in despair into the sea. + +With the unanimous approval of the Athenians, Theseus now ascended the +vacant throne, and soon proved himself to be not only a valiant hero but +also a wise prince and prudent legislator. Athens was at this time but a +small city surrounded by a number of villages, each of which possessed its +own separate form of government; but by means of kind and conciliatory +measures Theseus induced the heads of these different communities to resign +their sovereignty, and to intrust the administration of public affairs to a +court which should sit constantly at Athens, and exercise jurisdiction over +all the inhabitants of Attica. The result of these judicious measures was, +that the Athenians became a united and powerful people, and that numbers of +strangers and foreigners flocked to Athens, which became a flourishing +maritime port and a commercial centre of great importance. + +Theseus renewed the Isthmian Games, and also instituted numerous festivals, +the principal of which was the Panathenaea, held in honour of Athene-Polias. + +It is related that Theseus upon one occasion arrived during a voyage at the +Amazonian coast. Anxious to ascertain the object of his visit, the Amazons +sent Hippolyte, one of their number, with presents to the stranger; but no +sooner did the fair herald set foot on board his vessel than Theseus set +sail and carried her off to Athens, where he made her his queen. Enraged at +this indignity the Amazons determined to be revenged. Some time afterwards, +when the whole affair would {265} appear to have been forgotten, they +seized the opportunity when the city of Athens was in a defenceless +condition and landed an army in Attica. So sudden was their attack that +they had penetrated into the very heart of the city before the Athenians +could organize their forces; but Theseus expeditiously collected his troops +and commenced such a furious onslaught upon the invaders that, after a +desperate encounter, they were driven from the city. Peace was then +concluded, whereupon the Amazons evacuated the country. During this +engagement Hippolyte, forgetful of her origin, fought valiantly by the side +of her husband against her own kinsfolk, and perished on the field of +battle. + +[Illustration] + +It was soon after this sad event that Theseus joined the world-renowned +Calydonian Boar-hunt, in which he took a leading part. He also formed one +of the brave band who shared in the perils of the Argonautic expedition. + +The remarkable friendship which existed between Theseus and Pirithoeus +originated under such peculiar circumstances that it is worthy of mention. + +Hearing upon one occasion that his herds, pasturing in the plains of +Marathon, had been carried off by Pirithoeus, Theseus collected together an +armed force and sallied forth to punish the plunderer. But, when the two +heroes met face to face, both were seized with an impulse of sympathetic +admiration for each other. Pirithoeus, holding out his hand in token of +peace, exclaimed, "What satisfaction shall I render thee, oh Theseus? Be +thou thyself the judge." Theseus seized the proffered hand and replied, "I +ask nought save thy {266} friendship;" whereupon the heroes embraced each +other and swore eternal fidelity. + +When, soon afterwards, Pirithoeus became united to Hippodamia, a Thessalian +princess, he invited Theseus to the wedding-feast, which was also attended, +among other guests, by a large number of Centaurs, who were friends of +Pirithoeus. Towards the end of the banquet Eurytion, a young Centaur, heated +and flushed with wine, seized the lovely bride and sought by force to carry +her off. The other Centaurs, following his example, each endeavoured to +capture a maiden. Pirithoeus and his followers, aided by Theseus, who +rendered most valuable assistance, attacked the Centaurs, and after a +violent hand-to-hand struggle in which many perished, forced them to +relinquish their prey. + +After the death of Hippolyte Theseus sought the hand of Phaedra, the sister +of his former bride Ariadne, to whom he became united. For some years they +lived happily together, and their union was blessed by the birth of two +sons. During this time Hippolytus, the son of the Amazonian queen, had been +absent from home, having been placed under the care of the king's uncles in +order to be educated. When, having grown to manhood, he now returned to his +father's palace, his young stepmother, Phaedra, fell violently in love with +him; but Hippolytus failed to return her affection, and treated her with +contempt and indifference. Filled with rage and despair at his coldness +Phaedra put an end to her existence; and when she was discovered by her +husband she held in her hand a letter, accusing Hippolytus of being the +cause of her death, and of having conspired against the honour of the king. + +Now Poseidon had upon one occasion promised to grant Theseus whatever +request he should demand; he therefore called upon the sea-god to destroy +Hippolytus, whom he cursed in the most solemn manner. The father's awful +malediction fell but too soon upon his innocent son; for, as the latter was +driving his chariot along the sea-shore, between Troezen and Athens, a +{267} monster, sent by Poseidon, rose out of the deep, and so frightened +the horses that they became altogether unmanageable. As they rushed on in +their mad career the chariot was dashed to pieces, and the unfortunate +youth, whose feet had become entangled in the reins, was dragged along +until life was nearly extinct. + +In this condition he was found by the unhappy Theseus, who, having +ascertained the true facts of the case from an old servant of Phaedra, had +hastened to prevent the catastrophe. But he arrived too late, and was only +able to soothe the last moments of his dying son by acknowledging the sad +mistake which he had committed, and declaring his firm belief in his honour +and innocence. + +After these events Theseus was persuaded by his friend Pirithoeus, who had +also about this time lost his young wife, Hippodamia, to join him in a +journey through Greece, with the object of carrying off by force the most +beautiful maidens whom they should chance to meet. + +Arrived at Sparta they beheld, in the temple of Artemis, Helen, the +daughter of Zeus and Leda, who was engaged in performing sacred dances in +honour of the goddess. Although the maiden was only nine years old the fame +of her beauty, which was destined to play so important a part in the +history of Greece, had already spread far and wide. Theseus and Pirithoeus +forcibly abducted her, and then having cast lots for her, she fell to +Theseus, who placed her under the charge of his mother AEthra. + +Pirithoeus now requested Theseus to assist him in his ambitious scheme of +descending to the lower world and carrying off Persephone, the queen of +Hades. Though fully alive to the perils of the undertaking Theseus would +not forsake his friend, and together they sought the gloomy realm of +Shades. But Aides had been forewarned of their approach, and scarcely had +the two friends set foot within his dominions when, by his orders, they +were seized, bound with chains, and secured to an enchanted rock at the +entrance of Hades. Here the two {268} friends languished for many years, +until Heracles passed by in his search for Cerberus, when he released +Theseus; but in obedience to an injunction of the gods, left Pirithoeus to +endure for ever the punishment of his too daring ambition. + +While Theseus was imprisoned in the under world Castor and Pollux, the +brothers of Helen, invaded Athens, and demanded the restoration of their +young sister. Seeing his country threatened with the horrors of warfare, an +Athenian citizen named Academus, who knew of Helen's place of concealment, +repaired to the camp of the Dioscuri, and informed them where they would +find her. AEthra at once resigned her charge, whereupon the brothers took +leave of Athens, and, accompanied by Helen, returned to their native +country. + +But the prolonged absence of Theseus gave rise to other troubles of a more +serious character. Thinking the opportunity favourable for a revolt, a +faction, headed by Menesthius, a descendant of Erechtheus, arrogated to +themselves supreme power, and seized the reins of government. + +Returned to Athens, Theseus at once took active measures to quell the +insubordination which existed on all sides. He expelled Menesthius from +office, rigorously punished the ringleaders of the revolt, and placed +himself once more upon the throne. But his hold upon the people was gone. +His former services were all forgotten, and, finding at length that +dissensions and revolts were rife, he voluntarily abdicated the throne, and +retired to his estates in the island of Scyros. Here Lycomedes, king of the +island, feigned to receive him with the utmost friendship; but being, as it +is supposed, in league with Menesthius, he led the old king to the summit +of a high rock, under pretence of showing him his estates, and +treacherously killed him by pushing him over the cliff. + +Many centuries after his death, by the command of the oracle of Delphi, +Cimon, the father of Miltiades, at the conclusion of the Persian war, +brought the remains of Theseus, the great benefactor of Athens, to that +city, {269} and in his honour a temple was erected, which exists to the +present day, and serves as a museum of art. + +OEDIPUS. + +Laius, king of Thebes, the son of Labdacus, and a direct descendant of +Cadmus, was married to Jocaste, the daughter of a noble Theban. An oracle +having foretold that he would perish by the hand of his own son, he +determined to destroy the infant to whom Jocaste had just given birth. With +the consent of his wife, whose affection for her husband overcame her love +for her child, he pierced the feet of the babe, bound them together, and +handed the infant over to a servant, with instructions to expose him on +Mount Cithaeron to perish. But instead of obeying this cruel command, the +servant intrusted him to a shepherd who was tending the flocks of Polybus, +king of Corinth, and then returned to Laius and Jocaste, and informed them +that their orders had been obeyed. The parents were satisfied with the +intelligence, and quieted their conscience by the reflection that they had +thus prevented their son from committing the crime of parricide. + +Meanwhile the shepherd of king Polybus had unbound the feet of the infant, +and in consequence of their being much swollen he called him Oedipus, or +Swollen-foot. He then carried him to the king, his master, who, pitying the +poor little waif, enlisted for him the kind offices of his wife, Merope. +Oedipus was adopted by the king and queen as their own son, and grew up in +the belief that they were his parents, until one day a Corinthian noble +taunted him at a banquet with not being the son of the king. Stung at this +reproach the youth appealed to Merope, but receiving an equivocal, though +kindly answer, he repaired to Delphi to consult the oracle. The Pythia +vouchsafed no reply to his inquiry, but informed him, to his horror, that +he was fated to kill his father and to marry his own mother. + +Filled with dismay, for he was tenderly attached to Polybus and Merope, +Oedipus determined not to return {270} to Corinth, and took instead the +road leading to Boeotia. On his way a chariot passed him, in which sat an +old man with two servants, who rudely pushed the pedestrian out of the +path. In the scuffle which ensued Oedipus struck the old man with his heavy +stick, and he fell back dead on the seat of the chariot. Struck with dismay +at the unpremeditated murder which he had committed, the youth fled, and +left the spot without learning that the old man whom he had killed was his +father, Laius, king of Thebes. + +Not long after this occurrence the Sphinx (full details of whom have +already been given) was sent by the goddess Hera as a punishment to the +Thebans. Stationed on a rocky height just outside the city, she propounded +to the passers by riddles which she had been taught by the Muses, and +whoever failed to solve them was torn in pieces and devoured by the +monster, and in this manner great numbers of the inhabitants of Thebes had +perished. + +Now on the death of the old king Laius, Creon, the brother of the widowed +queen, had seized the reins of government and mounted the vacant throne; +and when at length his own son fell a victim to the Sphinx, he resolved at +all costs to rid the country of this fearful scourge. He accordingly issued +a proclamation, that the kingdom and the hand of his sister Jocaste should +be awarded to him who should succeed in solving one of the riddles of the +Sphinx, it having been foretold by an oracle that only then would the +country be freed from the monster. + +Just as this proclamation was being made in the streets of Thebes Oedipus, +with his pilgrim's staff in his hand, entered the city. Tempted by the +prospect of so magnificent a reward he repaired to the rock, and boldly +requested the Sphinx to propound to him one of her riddles. She proposed to +him one which she deemed impossible of solution, but Oedipus at once solved +it; whereupon the Sphinx, full of rage and despair, precipitated herself +into the abyss and perished. Oedipus {271} received the promised reward. He +became king of Thebes and the husband of Jocaste, the widow of his father, +king Laius. + +For many years Oedipus enjoyed the greatest happiness and tranquillity. +Four children were born to him--two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, and two +daughters, Antigone and Ismene. But at last the gods afflicted the country +with a grievous pestilence, which made terrible havoc among the people. In +their distress they entreated the help of the king, who was regarded by his +subjects as a special favourite of the gods. Oedipus consulted an oracle, +and the response was that the pestilence would continue to rage until the +land was purified of the blood of king Laius, whose murderer was living +unpunished at Thebes. + +The king now invoked the most solemn imprecations on the head of the +murderer, and offered a reward for any information concerning him. He then +sent for the blind old seer Tiresias, and implored him, by means of his +prophetic powers, to reveal to him the author of the crime. Tiresias at +first hesitated, but yielding to the earnest solicitations of the king, the +old prophet thus addressed him: "Thou thyself art the murderer of the old +king Laius, who was thy father; and thou art wedded to his widow, thine own +mother." In order to convince Oedipus of the truth of his words, he brought +forward the old servant who had exposed him as a babe on Mount Cithaeron, +and the shepherd who had conveyed him to king Polybus. Horrified at this +awful revelation Oedipus, in a fit of despair, deprived himself of sight, +and the unfortunate Jocaste, unable to survive her disgrace, hanged +herself. + +Accompanied by his faithful and devoted daughter Antigone, Oedipus quitted +Thebes and became a miserable and homeless outcast, begging his bread from +place to place. At length, after a long and painful pilgrimage, he found a +place of refuge in the grove of the Eumenides (at Colonus, near Athens), +where his last moments were soothed and tended by the care and devotion of +the faithful Antigone. + +{272} + +THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES. + +After the voluntary abdication of Oedipus, his two sons, Eteocles and +Polynices, took possession of the crown and reigned over the city of +Thebes. But Eteocles, being an ambitious prince, soon seized the reins of +government himself, and expelled his brother from the throne. + +Polynices now repaired to Argos, where he arrived in the dead of night. +Outside the gates of the royal palace he encountered Tydeus, the son of +Oeneus, king of Calydon. Having accidentally killed a relative in the +chase, Tydeus was also a fugitive; but being mistaken by Polynices in the +darkness for an enemy, a quarrel ensued, which might have ended fatally, +had not king Adrastus, aroused by the clamour, appeared on the scene and +parted the combatants. + +By the light of the torches borne by his attendants Adrastus observed, to +his surprise, that on the shield of Polynices a lion was depicted, and on +that of Tydeus a boar. The former bore this insignia in honour of the +renowned hero Heracles, the latter in memory of the famous Calydonian +boar-hunt. This circumstance reminded the king of an extraordinary oracular +prediction concerning his two beautiful daughters, Argia and Deipyle, which +was to the effect that he would give them in marriage to a lion and a boar. +Hailing with delight what he regarded as an auspicious solution of the +mysterious prophecy, he invited the strangers into his palace; and when he +heard their history, and had convinced himself that they were of noble +birth, he bestowed upon Polynices his beautiful daughter Argia, and upon +Tydeus the fair Deipyle, promising at the same time that he would assist +both his sons-in-law to regain their rightful patrimony. + +The first care of Adrastus was to aid Polynices in regaining possession of +his lawful share in the government of Thebes. He accordingly invited the +most powerful chiefs in his kingdom to join in the expedition, {273} all of +whom readily obeyed the call with the exception of the king's +brother-in-law, Amphiaraus, the seer. As he foresaw a disastrous +termination to the enterprise, and knew that not one of the heroes, save +Adrastus himself, would return alive, he earnestly dissuaded the king from +carrying out his project, and declined to take any part in the undertaking. +But Adrastus, seconded by Polynices and Tydeus, was obstinately bent on the +achievement of his purpose, and Amphiaraus, in order to escape from their +importunities, concealed himself in a hiding-place known only to his wife +Eriphyle. + +Now on the occasion of the marriage of Amphiaraus it had been agreed, that +if he ever differed in opinion with the king, his wife should decide the +question. As the presence of Amphiaraus was indispensable to the success of +the undertaking, and, moreover, as Adrastus would not enter upon it without +"the eye of the army," as he called his brother-in-law, Polynices, bent on +securing his services, determined to bribe Eriphyle to use her influence +with her husband and to decide the question in accordance with his wishes. +He bethought himself of the beautiful necklace of Harmonia, wife of Cadmus, +which he had brought with him in his flight from Thebes. Without loss of +time he presented himself before the wife of Amphiaraus, and held up to her +admiring gaze the glittering bauble, promising that if she revealed the +hiding-place of her husband and induced him to join the expedition, the +necklace should be hers. Eriphyle, unable to withstand the tempting bait, +accepted the bribe, and thus Amphiaraus was compelled to join the army. But +before leaving his home he extorted a solemn promise from his son Alcmaeon +that, should he perish on the field of battle, he would avenge his death on +his mother, the perfidious Eriphyle. + +Seven leaders were now chosen, each at the head of a separate detachment of +troops. These were Adrastus the king, his two brothers Hippomedon and +Parthenopaeus, Capaneus his nephew, Polynices and Tydeus, and Amphiaraus. + +{274} + +When the army was collected they set out for Nemea, which was at this time +governed by king Lycurgus. Here the Argives, being short of water, halted +on the outskirts of a forest in order to search for a spring, when they saw +a majestic and beautiful woman seated on the trunk of a tree, nursing an +infant. They concluded from her noble and queenly appearance that she must +be a goddess, but were informed by her that she was Hypsipile, queen of the +Lemnians, who had been carried away captive by pirates, and sold as a slave +to king Lycurgus, and that she was now acting as nurse to his infant son. +When the warriors told her that they were in search of water, she laid the +child down in the grass, and led them to a secret spring in the forest, +with which she alone was acquainted. But on their return they found, to +their grief, that the unfortunate babe had been killed during their +absence, by a serpent. They slew the reptile, and then collecting the +remains of the infant, they buried them with funereal honours and proceeded +on their way. + +The warlike host now appeared before the walls of Thebes, and each leader +placed himself before one of the seven gates of the city in readiness for +the attack. Eteocles, in conjunction with Creon, had made due preparations +to repel the invaders, and had stationed troops, under the command of +trusty leaders, to guard each of the gates. Then, according to the practice +of the ancients of consulting soothsayers before entering upon any +undertaking, the blind old seer Tiresias was sent for, who, after carefully +taking the auguries from the flight of birds, declared that all efforts to +defend the city would prove unavailing, unless the youngest descendant of +the house of Cadmus would offer himself as a voluntary sacrifice for the +good of the state. + +When Creon heard the words of the seer his first thought was of his +favourite son Menoeceus, the youngest scion of the royal house, who was +present at the interview. He therefore earnestly implored him to leave the +city, and to repair for safety to Delphi. But the gallant youth heroically +resolved to sacrifice his life for the {275} benefit of his country, and +after taking leave of his old father, mounted the city walls, and plunging +a dagger into his heart, perished in the sight of the contending hosts. + +Adrastus now gave his troops the word of command to storm the city, and +they rushed forward to the attack with great valour. The battle raged long +and furiously, and after heavy losses on both sides the Argives were routed +and put to flight. + +After the lapse of some days they reorganized their forces, and again +appeared before the gates of Thebes, when Eteocles, grieved to think that +there should be such a terrible loss of life on his account, sent a herald +into the opposite camp, with a proposition that the fate of the campaign +should be decided by single combat between himself and his brother +Polynices. The challenge was readily accepted, and in the duel which took +place outside the city walls, in the sight of the rival forces, Eteocles +and Polynices were both fatally wounded and expired on the field of battle. + +Both sides now claimed the day, and the result was that hostilities +recommenced, and soon the battle raged with greater fury than ever. But +victory at last declared itself for the Thebans. In their flight the +Argives lost all their leaders, Adrastus excepted, who owed his safety to +the fleetness of his horse Arion. + +By the death of the brothers, Creon became once more king of Thebes, and in +order to show his abhorrence of the conduct of Polynices in fighting +against his country, he strictly forbade any one to bury either his remains +or those of his allies. But the faithful Antigone, who had returned to +Thebes on the death of her father, could not endure that the body of her +brother should remain unburied. She therefore bravely disregarded the +orders of the king, and endeavoured to give sepulture to the remains of +Polynices. + +When Creon discovered that his commands had been set at defiance, he +inhumanly condemned the devoted maiden to be entombed alive in a +subterranean vault. {276} But retribution was at hand. His son, Haemon, who +was betrothed to Antigone, having contrived to effect an entrance into the +vault, was horrified to find that Antigone had hanged herself by her veil. +Feeling that life without her would be intolerable, he threw himself in +despair on his own sword, and after solemnly invoking the malediction of +the gods on the head of his father, expired beside the dead body of his +betrothed. + +Hardly had the news of the tragic fate of his son reached the king, before +another messenger appeared, bearing the tidings that his wife Eurydice, on +hearing of the death of Haemon, had put an end to her existence, and thus +the king found himself in his old age both widowed and childless. + +Nor did he succeed in the execution of his vindictive designs; for +Adrastus, who, after his flight from Thebes, had taken refuge at Athens, +induced Theseus to lead an army against the Thebans, to compel them to +restore the dead bodies of the Argive warriors to their friends, in order +that they might perform due funereal rites in honour of the slain. This +undertaking was successfully accomplished, and the remains of the fallen +heroes were interred with due honours. + +THE EPIGONI. + +Ten years after these events the sons of the slain heroes, who were called +Epigoni, or descendants, resolved to avenge the death of their fathers, and +with this object entered upon a new expedition against the city of Thebes. + +By the advice of the Delphic oracle the command was intrusted to Alcmaeon, +the son of Amphiaraus; but remembering the injunction of his father he +hesitated to accept this post before executing vengeance on his mother +Eriphyle. Thersander, however, the son of Polynices, adopting similar +tactics to those of his father, bribed Eriphyle with the beautiful veil of +Harmonia, bequeathed to him by Polynices, to induce her son {277} Alcmaeon +and his brother Amphilochus to join in this second war against Thebes. + +Now the mother of Alcmaeon was gifted with that rare fascination which +renders its possessor irresistible to all who may chance to come within its +influence; nor was her own son able to withstand her blandishments. +Yielding therefore to her wily representations he accepted the command of +the troops, and at the head of a large and powerful army advanced upon +Thebes. + +Before the gates of the city Alcmaeon encountered the Thebans under the +command of Laodamas, the son of Eteocles. A fierce battle ensued, in which +the Theban leader, after performing prodigies of valour, perished by the +hand of Alcmaeon. + +After losing their chief and the flower of their army, the Thebans +retreated behind the city walls, and the enemy now pressed them hard on +every side. In their distress they appealed to the blind old seer Tiresias, +who was over a hundred years old. With trembling lips and in broken +accents, he informed them that they could only save their lives by +abandoning their native city with their wives and families. Upon this they +despatched ambassadors into the enemy's camp; and whilst these were +protracting negotiations during the night, the Thebans, with their wives +and children, evacuated the city. Next morning the Argives entered Thebes +and plundered it, placing Thersander, the son of Polynices (who was a +descendant of Cadmus), on the throne which his father had so vainly +contested. + +ALCMAEON AND THE NECKLACE. + +When Alcmaeon returned from his expedition against the Thebans he determined +to fulfil the last injunction of his father Amphiaraus, who had desired him +to be revenged on his mother Eriphyle for her perfidy in accepting a bribe +to betray him. This resolution was further strengthened by the discovery +that his unprincipled mother had urged him also to join the expedition +{278} in return for the much-coveted veil of Harmonia. He therefore put her +to death; and taking with him the ill-fated necklace and veil, abandoned +for ever the home of his fathers. + +But the gods, who could not suffer so unnatural a crime to go unpunished, +afflicted him with madness, and sent one of the Furies to pursue him +unceasingly. In this unhappy condition he wandered about from place to +place, until at last having reached Psophis in Arcadia, Phegeus, king of +the country, not only purified him of his crime, but also bestowed upon him +the hand of his daughter Arsinoe, to whom Alcmaeon presented the necklace +and veil, which had already been the cause of so much unhappiness. + +Though now released from his mental affliction, the curse which hung over +him was not entirely removed, and on his account the country of his +adoption was visited with a severe drought. On consulting the oracle of +Delphi he was informed that any land which offered him shelter would be +cursed by the gods, and that the malediction would continue to follow him +till he came to a country which was not in existence at the time he had +murdered his mother. Bereft of hope, and resolved no longer to cast the +shadow of his dark fate over those he loved, Alcmaeon took a tender leave of +his wife and little son, and became once more an outcast and wanderer. + +Arrived after a long and painful pilgrimage at the river Achelous, he +discovered, to his unspeakable joy, a beautiful and fertile island, which +had but lately emerged from beneath the water. Here he took up his abode; +and in this haven of rest he was at length freed from his sufferings, and +finally purified of his crime by the river-god Achelous. But in his +new-found home where prosperity smiled upon him, Alcmaeon soon forgot the +loving wife and child he had left behind, and wooed Calirrhoe, the +beautiful daughter of the river-god, who became united to him in marriage. + +For many years Alcmaeon and Calirrhoe lived happily together, and two sons +were born to them. But {279} unfortunately for the peace of her husband, +the daughter of Achelous had heard of the celebrated necklace and veil of +Harmonia, and became seized with a violent desire to become the possessor +of these precious treasures. + +Now the necklace and veil were in the safe-keeping of Arsinoe; but as +Alcmaeon had carefully concealed the fact of his former marriage from his +young wife, he informed her, when no longer able to combat her +importunities, that he had concealed them in a cave in his native country, +and promised to hasten thither and procure them for her. He accordingly +took leave of Calirrhoe and his children, and proceeded to Psophis, where +he presented himself before his deserted wife and her father, king Phegeus. +To them he excused his absence by the fact of his having suffered from a +fresh attack of madness, and added that an oracle had foretold to him that +his malady would only be cured when he had deposited the necklace and veil +of Harmonia in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Arsinoe, deceived by his +artful representations, unhesitatingly restored to him his bridal gifts, +whereupon Alcmaeon set out on his homeward journey, well satisfied with the +successful issue of his expedition. + +But the fatal necklace and veil were doomed to bring ruin and disaster to +all who possessed them. During his sojourn at the court of king Phegeus, +one of the servants who had accompanied Alcmaeon betrayed the secret of his +union with the daughter of the river-god; and when the king informed his +sons of his treacherous conduct, they determined to avenge the wrongs of +their sister Arsinoe. They accordingly concealed themselves at a point of +the road which Alcmaeon was compelled to pass, and as he neared the spot +they suddenly emerged from their place of ambush, fell upon him and +despatched him. + +When Arsinoe, who still loved her faithless husband, heard of the murder, +she bitterly reproached her brothers for the crime which they had +perpetrated, at which they were so incensed, that they placed her in a +chest, and conveyed her to Agapenor, son of Ancaeus, at Tegea. {280} Here +they accused her of the murder of which they themselves were guilty, and +she suffered a painful death. + +Calirrhoe, on learning the sad fate of Alcmaeon, implored Zeus that her +infant sons might grow at once to manhood, and avenge the death of their +father. The ruler of Olympus heard the petition of the bereaved wife, and, +in answer to her prayer, the children of yesterday became transformed into +bearded men, full of strength and courage, and thirsting for revenge. + +Hastening to Tegea, they there encountered the sons of Phegeus, who were +about to repair to Delphi, in order to deposit the necklace and veil in the +sanctuary of Apollo; and before the brothers had time to defend themselves, +the stalwart sons of Calirrhoe rushed upon them and slew them. They then +proceeded to Psophis, where they killed king Phegeus and his wife, after +which they returned to their mother with the necklace and veil, which, by +the command of her father Achelous, were deposited as sacred offerings in +the temple of Apollo at Delphi. + +THE HERACLIDAE. + +After the apotheosis of Heracles, his children were so cruelly persecuted +by Eurystheus, that they fled for protection to king Ceyx at Trachin, +accompanied by the aged Iolaus, the nephew and life-long friend of their +father, who constituted himself their guide and protector. But on +Eurystheus demanding the surrender of the fugitives, the Heraclidae, knowing +that the small force at the disposal of king Ceyx would be altogether +inadequate to protect them against the powerful king of Argos, abandoned +his territory, and sought refuge at Athens, where they were hospitably +received by king Demophoon, the son of the great hero Theseus. He warmly +espoused their cause, and determined to protect them at all costs against +Eurystheus, who had despatched a numerous force in pursuit of them. + +When the Athenians had made all necessary preparations to repel the +invaders, an oracle announced that the {281} sacrifice of a maiden of noble +birth was necessary to ensure to them victory; whereupon Macaria, the +beautiful daughter of Heracles and Deianira, magnanimously offered herself +as a sacrifice, and, surrounded by the noblest matrons and maidens of +Athens, voluntarily devoted herself to death. + +While these events were transpiring in Athens, Hyllus, the eldest son of +Heracles and Deianira, had advanced with a large army to the assistance of +his brothers, and having sent a messenger to the king announcing his +arrival, Demophoon, with his army, joined his forces. + +In the thick of the battle which ensued, Iolaus, following a sudden +impulse, borrowed the chariot of Hyllus, and earnestly entreated Zeus and +Hebe to restore to him, for this one day only, the vigour and strength of +his youth. His prayer was heard. A thick cloud descended from heaven and +enveloped the chariot, and when it disappeared, Iolaus, in the full +plenitude of manly vigour, stood revealed before the astonished gaze of the +combatants. He then led on his valiant band of warriors, and soon the enemy +was in headlong flight; and Eurystheus, who was taken prisoner, was put to +death by the command of king Demophoon. + +After gratefully acknowledging the timely aid of the Athenians, Hyllus, +accompanied by the faithful Iolaus and his brothers, took leave of king +Demophoon, and proceeded to invade the Peloponnesus, which they regarded as +their lawful patrimony; for, according to the will of Zeus, it should have +been the rightful possession of their father, the great hero Heracles, had +not Hera maliciously defeated his plans by causing his cousin Eurystheus to +precede him into the world. + +For the space of twelve months the Heraclidae contrived to maintain +themselves in the Peloponnesus; but at the expiration of that time a +pestilence broke out, which spread over the entire peninsula, and compelled +the Heraclidae to evacuate the country and return to Attica, where for a +time they settled. + +After the lapse of three years Hyllus resolved on {282} making another +effort to obtain his paternal inheritance. Before setting out on the +expedition, however, he consulted the oracle of Delphi, and the response +was, that he must wait for the third fruit before the enterprise would +prove successful. Interpreting this ambiguous reply to signify the third +summer, Hyllus controlled his impatience for three years, when, having +collected a powerful army, he once more entered the Peloponnesus. + +At the isthmus of Corinth he was opposed by Atreus, the son of Pelops, who +at the death of Eurystheus had inherited the kingdom. In order to save +bloodshed, Hyllus offered to decide his claims by single combat, the +conditions being, that if he were victorious, he and his brothers should +obtain undisputed possession of their rights; but if defeated, the +Heraclidae were to desist for fifty years from attempting to press their +claim. + +The challenge was accepted by Echemon, king of Tegea, and Hyllus lost his +life in the encounter, whereupon the sons of Heracles, in virtue of their +agreement, abandoned the Peloponnesus and retired to Marathon. + +Hyllus was succeeded by his son Cleodaeus, who, at the expiration of the +appointed time, collected a large army and invaded the Peloponnesus; but he +was not more successful than his father had been, and perished there with +all his forces. + +Twenty years later his son Aristomachus consulted an oracle, which promised +him victory if he went by way of the defile. The Heraclidae once more set +out, but were again defeated, and Aristomachus shared the fate of his +father and grandfather, and fell on the field of battle. + +When, at the expiration of thirty years, the sons of Aristomachus, Temenus, +Cresphontes, and Aristodemus again consulted the oracle, the answer was +still the same; but this time the following explanation accompanied the +response: the third fruit signified the third generation, to which they +themselves belonged, and not the third fruit of the earth; and by the +defile was indicated, not the isthmus of Corinth, but the straits on the +right of the isthmus. + +{283} + +Temenus lost no time in collecting an army and building ships of war; but +just as all was ready and the fleet about to sail, Aristodemus, the +youngest of the brothers, was struck by lightning. To add to their +misfortunes, Hippolytes, a descendant of Heracles, who had joined in the +expedition, killed a soothsayer whom he mistook for a spy, and the gods, in +their displeasure, sent violent tempests, by means of which the entire +fleet was destroyed, whilst famine and pestilence decimated the ranks of +the army. + +The oracle, on being again consulted, advised that Hippolytes, being the +offender, should be banished from the country for ten years, and that the +command of the troops should be delegated to a man having three eyes. A +search was at once instituted by the Heraclidae for a man answering to this +description, who was found at length in the person of Oxylus, a descendant +of the AEtolian race of kings. In obedience to the command of the oracle, +Hippolytes was banished, an army and fleet once more equipped, and Oxylus +elected commander-in-chief. + +And now success at length crowned the efforts of the long-suffering +descendants of the great hero. They obtained possession of the +Peloponnesus, which was divided among them by lot. Argos fell to Temenus, +Lacedaemon to Aristodemus, and Messene to Cresphontes. In gratitude for the +services of their able leader, Oxylus, the kingdom of Elis, was conferred +upon him by the Heraclidae. + +THE SIEGE OF TROY. + +Troy or Ilion was the capital of a kingdom in Asia Minor, situated near the +Hellespont, and founded by Ilus, son of Tros. At the time of the famous +Trojan war this city was under the government of Priam, a direct descendant +of Ilus. Priam was married to Hecuba, daughter of Dymas, king of Thrace; +and among the most celebrated of their children were the renowned and {284} +valiant Hector, the prophetess Cassandra, and Paris, the cause of the +Trojan war. + +Before the birth of her second son Paris, Hecuba dreamt that she had given +birth to a flaming brand, which was interpreted by AEsacus the seer (a son +of Priam by a former marriage) to signify that she would bear a son who +would cause the destruction of the city of Troy. Anxious to prevent the +fulfilment of the prophecy, Hecuba caused her new-born babe to be exposed +on Mount Ida to perish; but being found by some kind-hearted shepherds, the +child was reared by them, and grew up unconscious of his noble birth. + +As the boy approached manhood he became remarkable, not only for his +wonderful beauty of form and feature, but also for his strength and +courage, which he exercised in defending the flocks from the attacks of +robbers and wild beasts; hence he was called Alexander, or helper of men. +It was about this time that he settled the famous dispute concerning the +golden apple, thrown by the goddess of Discord into the assembly of the +gods. As we have already seen, he gave his decision in favour of Aphrodite; +thus creating for himself two implacable enemies, for Hera and Athene never +forgave the slight. + +Paris became united to a beautiful nymph named Oenone, with whom he lived +happily in the seclusion and tranquillity of a pastoral life; but to her +deep grief this peaceful existence was not fated to be of long duration. + +Hearing that some funereal games were about to be held in Troy in honour of +a departed relative of the king, Paris resolved to visit the capital and +take part in them himself. There he so greatly distinguished himself in a +contest with his unknown brothers, Hector and Deiphobus, that the proud +young princes, enraged that an obscure shepherd should snatch from them the +prize of victory, were about to create a disturbance, when Cassandra, who +had been a spectator of the proceedings, stepped forward, and announced to +them that the humble peasant who had so signally defeated them was their +own {285} brother Paris. He was then conducted to the presence of his +parents, who joyfully acknowledged him as their child; and amidst the +festivities and rejoicings in honour of their new-found son the ominous +prediction of the past was forgotten. + +As a proof of his confidence, the king now intrusted Paris with a somewhat +delicate mission. As we have already seen in the Legend of Heracles, that +great hero conquered Troy, and after killing king Laomedon, carried away +captive his beautiful daughter Hesione, whom he bestowed in marriage on his +friend Telamon. But although she became princess of Salamis, and lived +happily with her husband, her brother Priam never ceased to regret her +loss, and the indignity which had been passed upon his house; and it was +now proposed that Paris should be equipped with a numerous fleet, and +proceed to Greece in order to demand the restoration of the king's sister. + +Before setting out on this expedition, Paris was warned by Cassandra +against bringing home a wife from Greece, and she predicted that if he +disregarded her injunction he would bring inevitable ruin upon the city of +Troy, and destruction to the house of Priam. + +Under the command of Paris the fleet set sail, and arrived safely in +Greece. Here the young Trojan prince first beheld Helen, the daughter of +Zeus and Leda, and sister of the Dioscuri, who was the wife of Menelaus, +king of Sparta, and the loveliest woman of her time. The most renowned +heroes in Greece had sought the honour of her hand; but her stepfather, +Tyndareus, king of Sparta, fearing that if he bestowed her in marriage on +one of her numerous lovers he would make enemies of the rest, made it a +stipulation that all suitors should solemnly swear to assist and defend the +successful candidate, with all the means at their command, in any feud +which might hereafter arise in connection with the marriage. He at length +conferred the hand of Helen upon Menelaus, a warlike prince, devoted to +martial exercises and the pleasures of the chase, to whom he resigned his +throne and kingdom. + +{286} + +When Paris arrived at Sparta, and sought hospitality at the royal palace, +he was kindly received by king Menelaus. At the banquet given in his +honour, he charmed both host and hostess by his graceful manner and varied +accomplishments, and specially ingratiated himself with the fair Helen, to +whom he presented some rare and chaste trinkets of Asiatic manufacture. + +Whilst Paris was still a guest at the court of the king of Sparta, the +latter received an invitation from his friend Idomeneus, king of Crete, to +join him in a hunting expedition; and Menelaus, being of an unsuspicious +and easy temperament, accepted the invitation, leaving to Helen the duty of +entertaining the distinguished stranger. Captivated by her surpassing +loveliness, the Trojan prince forgot every sense of honour and duty, and +resolved to rob his absent host of his beautiful wife. He accordingly +collected his followers, and with their assistance stormed the royal +castle, possessed himself of the rich treasures which it contained, and +succeeded in carrying off its beautiful, and not altogether unwilling +mistress. + +They at once set sail, but were driven by stress of weather to the island +of Crania, where they cast anchor; and it was not until some years had +elapsed, during which time home and country were forgotten, that Paris and +Helen proceeded to Troy. + +PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAR.--When Menelaus heard of the violation of his +hearth and home he proceeded to Pylos, accompanied by his brother +Agamemnon, in order to consult the wise old king Nestor, who was renowned +for his great experience and state-craft. On hearing the facts of the case +Nestor expressed it as his opinion that only by means of the combined +efforts of all the states of Greece could Menelaus hope to regain Helen in +defiance of so powerful a kingdom as that of Troy. + +Menelaus and Agamemnon now raised the war-cry, which was unanimously +responded to from one end of Greece to the other. Many of those who +volunteered {287} their services were former suitors of the fair Helen, and +were therefore bound by their oath to support the cause of Menelaus; others +joined from pure love of adventure, but one and all were deeply impressed +with the disgrace which would attach to their country should such a crime +be suffered to go unpunished. Thus a powerful army was collected in which +few names of note were missing. + +Only in the case of two great heroes, Odysseus (Ulysses) and Achilles, did +Menelaus experience any difficulty. + +Odysseus, famed for his wisdom and great astuteness, was at this time +living happily in Ithaca with his fair young wife Penelope and his little +son Telemachus, and was loath to leave his happy home for a perilous +foreign expedition of uncertain duration. When therefore his services were +solicited he feigned madness; but the shrewd Palamedes, a distinguished +hero in the suite of Menelaus, detected and exposed the ruse, and thus +Odysseus was forced to join in the war. But he never forgave the +interference of Palamedes, and, as we shall see, eventually revenged +himself upon him in a most cruel manner. + +Achilles was the son of Peleus and the sea-goddess Thetis, who is said to +have dipped her son, when a babe, in the river Styx, and thereby rendered +him invulnerable, except in the right heel, by which she held him. When the +boy was nine years old it was foretold to Thetis that he would either enjoy +a long life of inglorious ease and inactivity, or that after a brief career +of victory he would die the death of a hero. Naturally desirous of +prolonging the life of her son, the fond mother devoutly hoped that the +former fate might be allotted to him. With this view she conveyed him to +the island of Scyros, in the AEgean Sea, where, disguised as a girl, he was +brought up among the daughters of Lycomedes, king of the country. + +Now that the presence of Achilles was required, owing to an oracular +prediction that Troy could not be taken without him, Menelaus consulted +Calchas the soothsayer, who revealed to him the place of his concealment. +Odysseus was accordingly despatched to Scyros, where, by {288} means of a +clever device, he soon discovered which among the maidens was the object of +his search. Disguising himself as a merchant, Odysseus obtained an +introduction to the royal palace, where he offered to the king's daughters +various trinkets for sale. The girls, with one exception, all examined his +wares with unfeigned interest. Observing this circumstance Odysseus +shrewdly concluded that the one who held aloof must be none other than the +young Achilles himself. But in order further to test the correctness of his +deduction, he now exhibited a beautiful set of warlike accoutrements, +whilst, at a given signal, stirring strains of martial music were heard +outside; whereupon Achilles, fired with warlike ardour, seized the weapons, +and thus revealed his identity. He now joined the cause of the Greeks, +accompanied at the request of his father by his kinsman Patroclus, and +contributed to the expedition a large force of Thessalian troops, or +Myrmidons, as they were called, and also fifty ships. + +For ten long years Agamemnon and the other chiefs devoted all their energy +and means in preparing for the expedition against Troy. But during these +warlike preparations an attempt at a peaceful solution of the difficulty +was not neglected. An embassy consisting of Menelaus, Odysseus, &c., was +despatched to king Priam demanding the surrender of Helen; but though the +embassy was received with the utmost pomp and ceremony, the demand was +nevertheless rejected; upon which the ambassadors returned to Greece, and +the order was given for the fleet to assemble at Aulis, in Boeotia. + +Never before in the annals of Greece had so large an army been collected. A +hundred thousand warriors were assembled at Aulis, and in its bay floated +over a thousand ships, ready to convey them to the Trojan coast. The +command of this mighty host was intrusted to Agamemnon, king of Argos, the +most powerful of all the Greek princes. + +Before the fleet set sail solemn sacrifices were offered to the gods on the +sea-shore, when suddenly a serpent was seen to ascend a plane-tree, in +which was a sparrow's {289} nest containing nine young ones. The reptile +first devoured the young birds and then their mother, after which it was +turned by Zeus into stone. Calchas the soothsayer, on being consulted, +interpreted the miracle to signify that the war with Troy would last for +nine years, and that only in the tenth would the city be taken. + +DEPARTURE OF THE GREEK FLEET.--The fleet then set sail; but mistaking the +Mysian coast for that of Troy, they landed troops and commenced to ravage +the country. Telephus, king of the Mysians, who was a son of the great hero +Heracles, opposed them with a large army, and succeeded in driving them +back to their ships, but was himself wounded in the engagement by the spear +of Achilles. Patroclus, who fought valiantly by the side of his kinsman, +was also wounded in this battle; but Achilles, who was a pupil of Chiron, +carefully bound up the wound, which he succeeded in healing; and from this +incident dates the celebrated friendship which ever after existed between +the two heroes, who even in death remained united. + +The Greeks now returned to Aulis. Meanwhile, the wound of Telephus proving +incurable, he consulted an oracle, and the response was, that he alone who +had inflicted the wound possessed the power of curing it. Telephus +accordingly proceeded to the Greek camp, where he was healed by Achilles, +and, at the solicitation of Odysseus, consented to act as guide in the +voyage to Troy. + +Just as the expedition was about to start for the second time, Agamemnon +had the misfortune to kill a hind sacred to Artemis, who, in her anger, +sent continuous calms, which prevented the fleet from setting sail. Calchas +on being consulted announced that the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the daughter +of Agamemnon, would alone appease the incensed goddess. How Agamemnon at +length overcame his feelings as a father, and how Iphigenia was saved by +Artemis herself, has been already related in a previous chapter. + +A fair wind having at length sprung up, the fleet {290} once more set sail. +They first stopped at the island of Tenedos, where the famous archer +Philoctetes--who possessed the bow and arrows of Heracles, given to him by +the dying hero--was bitten in the foot by a venomous snake. So unbearable +was the odour emitted by the wound, that, at the suggestion of Odysseus, +Philoctetes was conveyed to the island of Lesbos, where, to his great +chagrin, he was abandoned to his fate, and the fleet proceeded on their +journey to Troy. + +COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.--Having received early intelligence of the +impending invasion of their country, the Trojans sought the assistance of +the neighbouring states, who all gallantly responded to their call for +help, and thus ample preparations were made to receive the enemy. King +Priam being himself too advanced in years for active service, the command +of the army devolved upon his eldest son, the brave and valiant Hector. + +At the approach of the Greek fleet the Trojans appeared on the coast in +order to prevent their landing. But great hesitation prevailed among the +troops as to who should be the first to set foot on the enemy's soil, it +having been predicted that whoever did so would fall a sacrifice to the +Fates. Protesilaus of Phylace, however, nobly disregarding the ominous +prediction, leaped on shore, and fell by the hand of Hector. + +The Greeks then succeeded in effecting a landing, and in the engagement +which ensued the Trojans were signally defeated, and driven to seek safety +behind the walls of their city. With Achilles at their head the Greeks now +made a desperate attempt to take the city by storm, but were repulsed with +terrible losses. After this defeat the invaders, foreseeing a long and +wearisome campaign, drew up their ships on land, erected tents, huts, &c., +and formed an intrenched camp on the coast. + +Between the Greek camp and the city of Troy was a plain watered by the +rivers Scamander and Simois, and it was on this plain, afterwards so +renowned in history, {291} that the ever memorable battles between the +Greeks and Trojans were fought. + +The impossibility of taking the city by storm was now recognized by the +leaders of the Greek forces. The Trojans, on their side, being less +numerous than the enemy, dared not venture on a great battle in the open +field; hence the war dragged on for many weary years without any decisive +engagement taking place. + +It was about this time that Odysseus carried out his long meditated revenge +against Palamedes. Palamedes was one of the wisest, most energetic, and +most upright of all the Greek heroes, and it was in consequence of his +unflagging zeal and wonderful eloquence that most of the chiefs had been +induced to join the expedition. But the very qualities which endeared him +to the hearts of his countrymen rendered him hateful in the eyes of his +implacable enemy, Odysseus, who never forgave his having detected his +scheme to avoid joining the army. + +In order to effect the ruin of Palamedes, Odysseus concealed in his tent a +vast sum of money. He next wrote a letter, purporting to be from king Priam +to Palamedes, in which the former thanked the Greek hero effusively for the +valuable information received from him, referring at the same time to a +large sum of money which he had sent to him as a reward. This letter, which +was found upon the person of a Phrygian prisoner, was read aloud in a +council of the Greek princes. Palamedes was arraigned before the chiefs of +the army and accused of betraying his country to the enemy, whereupon a +search was instituted, and a large sum of money being found in his tent, he +was pronounced guilty and sentenced to be stoned to death. Though fully +aware of the base treachery practised against him, Palamedes offered not a +word in self-defence, knowing but too well that, in the face of such +damning evidence, the attempt to prove his innocence would be vain. + +DEFECTION OF ACHILLES.--During the first year of the campaign the Greeks +ravaged the surrounding country, {292} and pillaged the neighbouring +villages. Upon one of these foraging expeditions the city of Pedasus was +sacked, and Agamemnon, as commander-in-chief, received as his share of the +spoil the beautiful Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, the priest of Apollo; +whilst to Achilles was allotted another captive, the fair Briseis. The +following day Chryses, anxious to ransom his daughter, repaired to the +Greek camp; but Agamemnon refused to accede to his proposal, and with rude +and insulting words drove the old man away. Full of grief at the loss of +his child Chryses called upon Apollo for vengeance on her captor. His +prayer was heard, and the god sent a dreadful pestilence which raged for +ten days in the camp of the Greeks. Achilles at length called together a +council, and inquired of Calchas the soothsayer how to arrest this terrible +visitation of the gods. The seer replied that Apollo, incensed at the +insult offered to his priest, had sent the plague, and that only by the +surrender of Chryseis could his anger be appeased. + +On hearing this Agamemnon agreed to resign the maiden; but being already +embittered against Calchas for his prediction with regard to his own +daughter Iphigenia, he now heaped insults upon the soothsayer and accused +him of plotting against his interests. Achilles espoused the cause of +Calchas, and a violent dispute arose, in which the son of Thetis would have +killed his chief but for the timely interference of Pallas-Athene, who +suddenly appeared beside him, unseen by the rest, and recalled him to a +sense of the duty he owed to his commander. Agamemnon revenged himself on +Achilles by depriving him of his beautiful captive, the fair Briseis, who +had become so attached to her kind and noble captor that she wept bitterly +on being removed from his charge. Achilles, now fairly disgusted with the +ungenerous conduct of his chief, withdrew himself to his tent, and +obstinately declined to take further part in the war. + +Heart-sore and dejected he repaired to the sea-shore, and there invoked the +presence of his divine mother. In answer to his prayer Thetis emerged from +beneath {293} the waves, and comforted her gallant son with the assurance +that she would entreat the mighty Zeus to avenge his wrongs by giving +victory to the Trojans, so that the Greeks might learn to realize the great +loss which they had sustained by his withdrawal from the army. The Trojans +being informed by one of their spies of the defection of Achilles, became +emboldened by the absence of this brave and intrepid leader, whom they +feared above all the other Greek heroes; they accordingly sallied forth, +and made a bold and eminently successful attack upon the Greeks, who, +although they most bravely and obstinately defended their position, were +completely routed, and driven back to their intrenchments, Agamemnon and +most of the other Greek leaders being wounded in the engagement. + +Encouraged by this marked and signal success the Trojans now commenced to +besiege the Greeks in their own camp. At this juncture Agamemnon, seeing +the danger which threatened the army, sunk for the moment all personal +grievances, and despatched an embassy to Achilles consisting of many noble +and distinguished chiefs, urgently entreating him to come to the assistance +of his countrymen in this their hour of peril; promising that not only +should the fair Briseis be restored to him, but also that the hand of his +own daughter should be bestowed on him in marriage, with seven towns as her +dowry. But the obstinate determination of the proud hero was not to be +moved; and though he listened courteously to the arguments and +representations of the messengers of Agamemnon, his resolution to take no +further part in the war remained unshaken. + +In one of the engagements which took place soon afterwards, the Trojans, +under the command of Hector, penetrated into the heart of the Greek camp, +and had already commenced to burn their ships, when Patroclus, seeing the +distress of his countrymen, earnestly besought Achilles to send him to the +rescue at the head of the Myrmidons. The better nature of the hero +prevailed, and he not only intrusted to his friend the command of {294} his +brave band of warriors, but lent him also his own suit of armour. + +Patroclus having mounted the war-chariot of the hero, Achilles lifted on +high a golden goblet and poured out a libation of wine to the gods, +accompanied by an earnest petition for victory, and the safe return of his +beloved comrade. As a parting injunction he warned Patroclus against +advancing too far into the territory of the enemy, and entreated him to be +content with rescuing the galleys. + +At the head of the Myrmidons Patroclus now made a desperate attack upon the +enemy, who, thinking that the invincible Achilles was himself in command of +his battalions, became disheartened, and were put to flight. Patroclus +followed up his victory and pursued the Trojans as far as the walls of +their city, altogether forgetting in the excitement of battle the +injunction of his friend Achilles. But his temerity cost the young hero his +life, for he now encountered the mighty Hector himself, and fell by his +hands. Hector stripped the armour from his dead foe, and would have dragged +the body into the city had not Menelaus and Ajax the Greater rushed +forward, and after a long and fierce struggle succeeded in rescuing it from +desecration. + +DEATH OF HECTOR.--And now came the mournful task of informing Achilles of +the fate of his friend. He wept bitterly over the dead body of his comrade, +and solemnly vowed that the funereal rites should not be solemnized in his +honour until he had slain Hector with his own hands, and captured twelve +Trojans to be immolated on his funeral pyre. All other considerations +vanished before the burning desire to avenge the death of his friend; and +Achilles, now thoroughly aroused from his apathy, became reconciled to +Agamemnon, and rejoined the Greek army. At the request of the goddess +Thetis, Hephaestus forged for him a new suit of armour, which far surpassed +in magnificence that of all the other heroes. + +Thus gloriously arrayed he was soon seen striding {295} along, calling the +Greeks to arms. He now led the troops against the enemy, who were defeated +and put to flight until, near the gates of the city, Achilles and Hector +encountered each other. But here, for the first time throughout his whole +career, the courage of the Trojan hero deserted him. At the near approach +of his redoubtable antagonist he turned and fled for his life. Achilles +pursued him; and thrice round the walls of the city was the terrible race +run, in sight of the old king and queen, who had mounted the walls to watch +the battle. Hector endeavoured, during each course, to reach the city +gates, so that his comrades might open them to admit him or cover him with +their missiles; but his adversary, seeing his design, forced him into the +open plain, at the same time calling to his friends to hurl no spear upon +his foe, but to leave to him the vengeance he had so long panted for. At +length, wearied with the hot pursuit, Hector made a stand and challenged +his foe to single combat. A desperate encounter took place, in which Hector +succumbed to his powerful adversary at the Scaean gate; and with his last +dying breath the Trojan hero foretold to his conqueror that he himself +would soon perish on the same spot. + +The infuriated victor bound the lifeless corse of his fallen foe to his +chariot, and dragged it three times round the city walls and thence to the +Greek camp. Overwhelmed with horror at this terrible scene the aged parents +of Hector uttered such heart-rending cries of anguish that they reached the +ears of Andromache, his faithful wife, who, rushing to the walls, beheld +the dead body of her husband, bound to the conqueror's car. + +Achilles now solemnized the funereal rites in honour of his friend +Patroclus. The dead body of the hero was borne to the funeral pile by the +Myrmidons in full panoply. His dogs and horses were then slain to accompany +him, in case he should need them in the realm of shades; after which +Achilles, in fulfilment of his savage vow, slaughtered twelve brave Trojan +captives, who were {296} laid on the funeral pyre, which was now lighted. +When all was consumed the bones of Patroclus were carefully collected and +inclosed in a golden urn. Then followed the funereal games, which consisted +of chariot-races, fighting with the cestus (a sort of boxing-glove), +wrestling matches, foot-races, and single combats with shield and spear, in +all of which the most distinguished heroes took part, and contended for the +prizes. + +PENTHESILEA.--After the death of Hector, their great hope and bulwark, the +Trojans did not venture beyond the walls of their city. But soon their +hopes were revived by the appearance of a powerful army of Amazons under +the command of their queen Penthesilea, a daughter of Ares, whose great +ambition was to measure swords with the renowned Achilles himself, and to +avenge the death of the valiant Hector. + +Hostilities now recommenced in the open plain. Penthesilea led the Trojan +host; the Greeks on their side being under the command of Achilles and +Ajax. Whilst the latter succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, Achilles +was challenged by Penthesilea to single combat. With heroic courage she +went forth to the fight; but even the strongest men failed before the power +of the great Achilles, and though a daughter of Ares, Penthesilea was but a +woman. With generous chivalry the hero endeavoured to spare the brave and +beautiful maiden-warrior, and only when his own life was in imminent danger +did he make a serious effort to vanquish his enemy, when Penthesilea shared +the fate of all who ventured to oppose the spear of Achilles, and fell by +his hand. + +Feeling herself fatally wounded, she remembered the desecration of the dead +body of Hector, and earnestly entreated the forbearance of the hero. But +the petition was hardly necessary, for Achilles, full of compassion for his +brave but unfortunate adversary, lifted her gently from the ground, and she +expired in his arms. + +On beholding the dead body of their leader in the {297} possession of +Achilles, the Amazons and Trojans prepared for a fresh attack in order to +wrest it from his hands; but observing their purpose, Achilles stepped +forward and loudly called upon them to halt. Then in a few well-chosen +words he praised the great valour and intrepidity of the fallen queen, and +expressed his willingness to resign the body at once. + +The chivalrous conduct of Achilles was fully appreciated by both Greeks and +Trojans. Thersites alone, a base and cowardly wretch, attributed unworthy +motives to the gracious proceedings of the hero; and, not content with +these insinuations, he savagely pierced with his lance the dead body of the +Amazonian queen; whereupon Achilles, with one blow of his powerful arm, +felled him to the ground, and killed him on the spot. + +The well-merited death of Thersites excited no commiseration, but his +kinsman Diomedes came forward and claimed compensation for the murder of +his relative; and as Agamemnon, who, as commander-in-chief, might easily +have settled the difficulty, refrained from interfering, the proud nature +of Achilles resented the implied condemnation of his conduct, and he once +more abandoned the Greek army and took ship for Lesbos. Odysseus, however, +followed him to the island, and, with his usual tact, succeeded in inducing +the hero to return to the camp. + +DEATH OF ACHILLES.--A new ally of the Trojans now appeared on the field in +the person of Memnon, the AEthiopian, a son of Eos and Tithonus, who brought +with him a powerful reinforcement of negroes. Memnon was the first opponent +who had yet encountered Achilles on an equal footing; for like the great +hero himself he was the son of a goddess, and possessed also, like +Achilles, a suit of armour made for him by Hephaestus. + +Before the heroes encountered each other in single combat, the two +goddesses, Thetis and Eos, hastened to Olympus to intercede with its mighty +ruler for the life of their sons. Resolved even in this instance not to act +in opposition to the Moirae, Zeus seized the golden scales {298} in which he +weighed the lot of mortals, and placed in it the respective fates of the +two heroes, whereupon that of Memnon weighed down the balance, thus +portending his death. + +Eos abandoned Olympus in despair. Arrived on the battlefield she beheld the +lifeless body of her son, who, after a long and brave defence, had at +length succumbed to the all-conquering arm of Achilles. At her command her +children, the Winds, flew down to the plain, and seizing the body of the +slain hero conveyed it through the air safe from the desecration of the +enemy. + +The triumph of Achilles was not of long duration. Intoxicated with success +he attempted, at the head of the Greek army, to storm the city of Troy, +when Paris, by the aid of Phoebus-Apollo, aimed a well-directed dart at the +hero, which pierced his vulnerable heel, and he fell to the ground fatally +wounded before the Scaean gate. But though face to face with death, the +intrepid hero, raising himself from the ground, still performed prodigies +of valour, and not until his tottering limbs refused their office was the +enemy aware that the wound was mortal. + +By the combined efforts of Ajax and Odysseus the body of Achilles was +wrested from the enemy after a long and terrible fight, and conveyed to the +Greek camp. Weeping bitterly over the untimely fate of her gallant son, +Thetis came to embrace him for the last time, and mingled her regrets and +lamentations with those of the whole Greek army. The funeral pyre was then +lighted, and the voices of the Muses were heard chanting his funeral dirge. +When, according to the custom of the ancients, the body had been burned on +the pyre, the bones of the hero were collected, inclosed in a golden urn, +and deposited beside the remains of his beloved friend Patroclus. + +In the funereal games celebrated in honour of the fallen hero, the property +of her son was offered by Thetis as the prize of victory. But it was +unanimously agreed that the beautiful suit of armour made by Hephaestus +should be awarded to him who had contributed the most to the {299} rescue +of the body from the hands of the enemy. Popular opinion unanimously +decided in favour of Odysseus, which verdict was confirmed by the Trojan +prisoners who were present at the engagement. Unable to endure the slight, +the unfortunate Ajax lost his reason, and in this condition put an end to +his existence. + +FINAL MEASURES.--Thus were the Greeks deprived at one and the same time of +their bravest and most powerful leader, and of him also who approached the +nearest to this distinction. For a time operations were at a standstill, +until Odysseus at length, contrived by means of a cleverly-arranged ambush +to capture Helenus, the son of Priam. Like his sister Cassandra, Helenus +possessed the gift of prophecy, and the unfortunate youth was now coerced +by Odysseus into using this gift against the welfare of his native city. + +The Greeks learned from the Trojan prince that three conditions were +indispensable to the conquest of Troy:--In the first place the son of +Achilles must fight in their ranks; secondly, the arrows of Heracles must +be used against the enemy; and thirdly, they must obtain possession of the +wooden image of Pallas-Athene, the famous Palladium of Troy. + +The first condition was easily fulfilled. Ever ready to serve the interests +of the community, Odysseus repaired to the island of Scyros, where he found +Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Having succeeded in arousing the ambition +of the fiery youth, he generously resigned to him the magnificent armour of +his father, and then conveyed him to the Greek camp, where he immediately +distinguished himself in single combat with Eurypylus, the son of Telephus, +who had come to the aid of the Trojans. + +To procure the poison-dipped arrows of Heracles was a matter of greater +difficulty. They were still in the possession of the much-aggrieved +Philoctetes, who had remained in the island of Lemnos, his wound still +unhealed, suffering the most abject misery. But the {300} judicious zeal of +the indefatigable and ever-active Odysseus, who was accompanied in this +undertaking by Diomedes, at length gained the day, and he induced +Philoctetes to accompany him to the camp, where the skilful leech Machaon, +the son of Asclepias, healed him of his wound. + +Philoctetes became reconciled to Agamemnon, and in an engagement which took +place soon after, he mortally wounded Paris, the son of Priam. But though +pierced by the fatal arrow of the demi-god, death did not immediately +ensue; and Paris, calling to mind the prediction of an oracle, that his +deserted wife Oenone could alone cure him if wounded, caused himself to be +transported to her abode on Mount Ida, where he implored her by the memory +of their past love to save his life. But mindful only of her wrongs, Oenone +crushed out of her heart every womanly feeling of pity and compassion, and +sternly bade him depart. Soon, however, all her former affection for her +husband awoke within her. With frantic haste she followed him; but on her +arrival in the city she found the dead body of Paris already laid on the +lighted funeral pile, and, in her remorse and despair, Oenone threw herself +on the lifeless form of her husband and perished in the flames. + +The Trojans were now shut up within their walls and closely besieged; but +the third and most difficult condition being still unfulfilled, all efforts +to take the city were unavailing. In this emergency the wise and devoted +Odysseus came once more to the aid of his comrades. Having disfigured +himself with self-inflicted wounds, he assumed the disguise of a wretched +old mendicant, and then crept stealthily into the city in order to discover +where the Palladium was preserved. He succeeded in his object, and was +recognized by no one save the fair Helen, who after the death of Paris had +been given in marriage to his brother Deiphobus. But since death had robbed +her of her lover, the heart of the Greek princess had turned yearningly +towards her native country and her husband Menelaus, and Odysseus now found +in her a most unlooked-for ally. On his return to the camp {301} Odysseus +called to his aid the valiant Diomedes, and with his assistance the +perilous task of abstracting the Palladium from its sacred precincts was, +after some difficulty, effected. + +The conditions of conquest being now fulfilled, a council was called to +decide on final proceedings. Epeios, a Greek sculptor, who had accompanied +the expedition, was desired to construct a colossal wooden horse large +enough to contain a number of able and distinguished heroes. On its +completion a band of warriors concealed themselves within, whereupon the +Greek army broke up their camp, and then set fire to it, as though, wearied +of the long and tedious ten years' siege, they had abandoned the enterprise +as hopeless. + +Accompanied by Agamemnon and the sage Nestor, the fleet set sail for the +island of Tenedos, where they cast anchor, anxiously awaiting the torch +signal to hasten back to the Trojan coast. + +DESTRUCTION OF TROY.--When the Trojans saw the enemy depart, and the Greek +camp in flames, they believed themselves safe at last, and streamed in +great numbers out of the town in order to view the site where the Greeks +had so long encamped. Here they found the gigantic wooden horse, which they +examined with wondering curiosity, various opinions being expressed with +regard to its utility. Some supposed it to be an engine of war, and were in +favour of destroying it, others regarded it as a sacred idol, and proposed +that it should be brought into the city. Two circumstances which now +occurred induced the Trojans to incline towards the latter opinion. + +Chief among those who suspected a treacherous design in this huge +contrivance was Laocoon, a priest of Apollo, who, in company with his two +young sons, had issued from the city with the Trojans in order to offer a +sacrifice to the gods. With all the eloquence at his command he urged his +countrymen not to place confidence in any gift of the Greeks, and even went +so far as to pierce the {302} side of the horse with a spear which he took +from a warrior beside him, whereupon the arms of the heroes were heard to +rattle. The hearts of the brave men concealed inside the horse quailed +within them, and they had already given themselves up for lost, when +Pallas-Athene, who ever watched over the cause of the Greeks, now came to +their aid, and a miracle occurred in order to blind and deceive the devoted +Trojans;--for the fall of Troy was decreed by the gods. + +[Illustration] + +Whilst Laocoon with his two sons stood prepared to perform the sacrifice, +two enormous serpents suddenly rose out of the sea, and made direct for the +altar. They entwined themselves first round the tender limbs of the +helpless youths, and then encircled their father who rushed to their +assistance, and thus all three were destroyed in sight of the horrified +multitude. The Trojans naturally interpreted the fate of Laocoon and his +sons to be a punishment sent by Zeus for his sacrilege against the wooden +horse, and were now fully convinced that it must be consecrated to the +gods. + +The crafty Odysseus had left behind his trusty friend Sinon with full +instructions as to his course of action. Assuming the role assigned to him, +he now approached king Priam with fettered hands and piteous entreaties, +alleging that the Greeks, in obedience to the command of an oracle, had +attempted to immolate him as a sacrifice; but that he had contrived to +escape from their hands, and now sought protection from the king. + +The kind-hearted monarch, believing his story, released {303} his bonds, +assured him of his favour, and then begged him to explain the true meaning +of the wooden horse. Sinon willingly complied. He informed the king that +Pallas-Athene, who had hitherto been the hope and stay of the Greeks +throughout the war, was so deeply offended at the removal of her sacred +image, the Palladium, from her temple in Troy, that she had withdrawn her +protection from the Greeks, and refused all further aid till it was +restored to its rightful place. Hence the Greeks had returned home in order +to seek fresh instructions from an oracle. But before leaving, Calchas the +seer had advised their building this gigantic wooden horse as a tribute to +the offended goddess, hoping thereby to appease her just anger. He further +explained that it had been constructed of such colossal proportions in +order to prevent its being brought into the city, so that the favour of +Pallas-Athene might not be transferred to the Trojans. + +Hardly had the crafty Sinon ceased speaking when the Trojans, with one +accord, urged that the wooden horse should be brought into their city +without delay. The gates being too low to admit its entrance, a breach was +made in the walls, and the horse was conveyed in triumph into the very +heart of Troy; whereupon the Trojans, overjoyed at what they deemed the +successful issue of the campaign, abandoned themselves to feasting and +rioting. + +Amidst the universal rejoicing the unhappy Cassandra, foreseeing the result +of the admission of the wooden horse into the city, was seen rushing +through the streets with wild gestures and dishevelled hair, warning her +people against the dangers which awaited them. But her eloquent words fell +on deaf ears; for it was ever the fate of the unfortunate prophetess that +her predictions should find no credence. + +When, after the day's excitement, the Trojans had retired to rest, and all +was hushed and silent, Sinon, in the dead of night, released the heroes +from their voluntary imprisonment. The signal was then given to the Greek +fleet lying off Tenedos, and the whole army in unbroken silence once more +landed on the Trojan coast. {304} + +To enter the city was now an easy matter, and a fearful slaughter ensued. +Aroused from their slumbers, the Trojans, under the command of their +bravest leaders, made a gallant defence, but were easily overcome. All +their most valiant heroes fell in the fight, and soon the whole city was +wrapt in flames. + +Priam fell by the hand of Neoptolemus, who killed him as he lay prostrate +before the altar of Zeus, praying for divine assistance in this awful hour +of peril. The unfortunate Andromache with her young son Astyanax had taken +refuge on the summit of a tower, where she was discovered by the victors, +who, fearing lest the son of Hector might one day rise against them to +avenge the death of his father, tore him from her arms and hurled him over +the battlements. + +AEneas alone, the son of Aphrodite, the beloved of gods and men, escaped the +universal carnage with his son and his old father Anchises, whom he carried +on his shoulders out of the city. He first sought refuge on Mount Ida, and +afterwards fled to Italy, where he became the ancestral hero of the Roman +people. + +Menelaus now sought Helen in the royal palace, who, being immortal, still +retained all her former beauty and fascination. A reconciliation took +place, and she accompanied her husband on his homeward voyage. Andromache, +the widow of the brave Hector, was given in marriage to Neoptolemus, +Cassandra fell to the share of Agamemnon, and Hecuba, the gray-haired and +widowed queen, was made prisoner by Odysseus. + +The boundless treasures of the wealthy Trojan king fell into the hands of +the Greek heroes, who, after having levelled the city of Troy to the +ground, prepared for their homeward voyage. + +RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY. + +During the sacking of the city of Troy the Greeks, in the hour of victory, +committed many acts of desecration and cruelty, which called down upon them +the wrath of the {305} gods, for which reason their homeward voyage was +beset with manifold dangers and disasters, and many perished before they +reached their native land. + +Nestor, Diomedes, Philoctetes, and Neoptolemus were among those who arrived +safely in Greece after a prosperous voyage. The vessel which carried +Menelaus and Helen was driven by violent tempests to the coast of Egypt, +and only after many years of weary wanderings and vicissitudes did they +succeed in reaching their home at Sparta. + +Ajax the Lesser having offended Pallas-Athene by desecrating her temple on +the night of the destruction of Troy, was shipwrecked off Cape Caphareus. +He succeeded, however, in clinging to a rock, and his life might have been +spared but for his impious boast that he needed not the help of the gods. +No sooner had he uttered the sacrilegious words than Poseidon, enraged at +his audacity, split with his trident the rock to which the hero was +clinging, and the unfortunate Ajax was overwhelmed by the waves. + +FATE OF AGAMEMNON.--The homeward voyage of Agamemnon was tolerably +uneventful and prosperous; but on his arrival at Mycenae misfortune and ruin +awaited him. + +His wife Clytemnestra, in revenge for the sacrifice of her beloved daughter +Iphigenia, had formed a secret alliance during his absence with AEgisthus, +the son of Thyestes, and on the return of Agamemnon they both conspired to +compass his destruction. Clytemnestra feigned the greatest joy on beholding +her husband, and in spite of the urgent warnings of Cassandra, who was now +a captive in his train, he received her protestations of affection with the +most trusting confidence. In her well-assumed anxiety for the comfort of +the weary traveller, she prepared a warm bath for his refreshment, and at a +given signal from the treacherous queen, AEgisthus, who was concealed in an +adjoining chamber, rushed upon the defenceless hero and slew him. {306} + +During the massacre of the retainers of Agamemnon which followed, his +daughter Electra, with great presence of mind, contrived to save her young +brother Orestes. He fled for refuge to his uncle Strophius, king of Phocis, +who educated him with his own son Pylades, and an ardent friendship sprung +up between the youths, which, from its constancy and disinterestedness, has +become proverbial. + +As Orestes grew up to manhood, his one great all-absorbing desire was to +avenge the death of his father. Accompanied by his faithful friend Pylades, +he repaired in disguise to Mycenae, where AEgisthus and Clytemnestra reigned +conjointly over the kingdom of Argos. In order to disarm suspicion he had +taken the precaution to despatch a messenger to Clytemnestra, purporting to +be sent by king Strophius, to announce to her the untimely death of her son +Orestes through an accident during a chariot-race at Delphi. + +Arrived at Mycenae, he found his sister Electra so overwhelmed with grief at +the news of her brother's death that to her he revealed his identity. When +he heard from her lips how cruelly she had been treated by her mother, and +how joyfully the news of his demise had been received, his long pent-up +passion completely overpowered him, and rushing into the presence of the +king and queen, he first pierced Clytemnestra to the heart, and afterwards +her guilty partner. + +But the crime of murdering his own mother was not long unavenged by the +gods. Hardly was the fatal act committed when the Furies appeared and +unceasingly pursued the unfortunate Orestes wherever he went. In this +wretched plight he sought refuge in the temple of Delphi, where he +earnestly besought Apollo to release him from his cruel tormentors. The god +commanded him, in expiation of his crime, to repair to Taurica-Chersonnesus +and convey the statue of Artemis from thence to the kingdom of Attica, an +expedition fraught with extreme peril. We have already seen in a former +chapter how Orestes escaped the fate which befell all strangers {307} who +landed on the Taurian coast, and how, with the aid of his sister Iphigenia, +the priestess of the temple, he succeeded in conveying the statue of the +goddess to his native country. + +But the Furies did not so easily relinquish their prey, and only by means +of the interposition of the just and powerful goddess Pallas-Athene was +Orestes finally liberated from their persecution. His peace of mind being +at length restored, Orestes assumed the government of the kingdom of Argos, +and became united to the beautiful Hermione, daughter of Helen and +Menelaus. On his faithful friend Pylades he bestowed the hand of his +beloved sister, the good and faithful Electra. + +HOMEWARD VOYAGE OF ODYSSEUS.--With his twelve ships laden with enormous +treasures, captured during the sacking of Troy, Odysseus set sail with a +light heart for his rocky island home of Ithaca. At length the happy hour +had arrived which for ten long years the hero had so anxiously awaited, and +he little dreamt that ten more must elapse before he would be permitted by +the Fates to clasp to his heart his beloved wife and child. + +During his homeward voyage his little fleet was driven by stress of weather +to a land whose inhabitants subsisted entirely on a curious plant called +the lotus, which was sweet as honey to the taste, but had the effect of +causing utter oblivion of home and country, and of creating an irresistible +longing to remain for ever in the land of the lotus-eaters. Odysseus and +his companions were hospitably received by the inhabitants, who regaled +them freely with their peculiar and very delicious food; after partaking of +which, however, the comrades of the hero refused to leave the country, and +it was only by sheer force that he at length succeeded in bringing them +back to their ships. + +POLYPHEMUS.--Continuing their journey, they next arrived at the country of +the Cyclops, a race of giants remarkable for having only one eye, which was +placed in the centre of their foreheads. Here Odysseus, whose love of +adventure overcame more prudent considerations, {308} left his fleet safely +anchored in the bay of a neighbouring island, and with twelve chosen +companions set out to explore the country. + +Near the shore they found a vast cave, into which they boldly entered. In +the interior they saw to their surprise huge piles of cheese and great +pails of milk ranged round the walls. After partaking freely of these +provisions his companions endeavoured to persuade Odysseus to return to the +ship; but the hero being curious to make the acquaintance of the owner of +this extraordinary abode, ordered them to remain and await his pleasure. + +Towards evening a fierce giant made his appearance, bearing an enormous +load of wood upon his shoulders, and driving before him a large flock of +sheep. This was Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon, the owner of the cave. +After all his sheep had entered, the giant rolled before the entrance to +the cave an enormous rock, which the combined strength of a hundred men +would have been powerless to move. + +Having kindled a fire of great logs of pine-wood he was about to prepare +his supper when the flames revealed to him, in a corner of the cavern, its +new occupants, who now came forward and informed him that they were +shipwrecked mariners, and claimed his hospitality in the name of Zeus. But +the fierce monster railed at the great ruler of Olympus--for the lawless +Cyclops knew no fear of the gods--and hardly vouchsafed a reply to the +demand of the hero. To the consternation of Odysseus the giant seized two +of his companions, and, after dashing them to the ground, consumed their +remains, washing down the ghastly meal with huge draughts of milk. He then +stretched his gigantic limbs on the ground, and soon fell fast asleep +beside the fire. + +Thinking the opportunity a favourable one to rid himself and his companions +of their terrible enemy, Odysseus drew his sword, and, creeping stealthily +forward, was about to slay the giant when he suddenly remembered that the +aperture of the cave was effectually closed by the immense rock, which +rendered egress impossible. He {309} therefore wisely determined to wait +until the following day, and set his wits to work in the meantime to devise +a scheme by which he and his companions might make their escape. + +When, early next morning, the giant awoke, two more unfortunate companions +of the hero were seized by him and devoured; after which Polyphemus +leisurely drove out his flock, taking care to secure the entrance of the +cave as before. + +Next evening the giant devoured two more of his victims, and when he had +finished his revolting meal Odysseus stepped forward and presented him with +a large measure of wine which he had brought with him from his ship in a +goat's skin. Delighted with the delicious beverage the giant inquired the +name of the donor. Odysseus replied that his name was Noman, whereupon +Polyphemus, graciously announced that he would evince his gratitude by +eating him the last. + +The monster, thoroughly overcome with the powerful old liquor, soon fell +into a heavy sleep, and Odysseus lost no time in putting his plans into +execution. He had cut during the day a large piece of the giant's own +olive-staff, which he now heated in the fire, and, aided by his companions, +thrust it into the eye-ball of Polyphemus, and in this manner effectually +blinded him. + +The giant made the cave resound with his howls of pain and rage. His cries +being heard by his brother Cyclops, who lived in caves not far distant from +his own, they soon came trooping over the hills from all sides, and +assailed the door of the cave with inquiries concerning the cause of his +cries and groans. But as his only reply was, "Noman has injured me," they +concluded that he had been playing them a trick, and therefore abandoned +him to his fate. + +The blinded giant now groped vainly round his cave in hopes of laying hands +on some of his tormentors; but wearied at length of these fruitless +exertions he rolled away the rock which closed the aperture, thinking that +his victims would rush out with the sheep, when it would {310} be an easy +matter to capture them. But in the meantime Odysseus had not been idle, and +the subtlety of the hero was now brought into play, and proved more than a +match for the giant's strength. The sheep were very large, and Odysseus, +with bands of willow taken from the bed of Polyphemus, had cleverly linked +them together three abreast, and under each centre one had secured one of +his comrades. After providing for the safety of his companions, Odysseus +himself selected the finest ram of the flock, and, by clinging to the wool +of the animal, made his escape. As the sheep passed out of the cave the +giant felt carefully among them for his victims, but not finding them on +the backs of the animals he let them pass, and thus they all escaped. + +They now hastened on board their vessel, and Odysseus, thinking himself at +a safe distance, shouted out his real name and mockingly defied the giant; +whereupon Polyphemus seized a huge rock, and, following the direction of +the voice, hurled it towards the ship, which narrowly escaped destruction. +He then called upon his father Poseidon to avenge him, entreating him to +curse Odysseus with a long and tedious voyage, to destroy all his ships and +all his companions, and to make his return as late, as unhappy, and as +desolate as possible. + +FURTHER ADVENTURES.--After sailing about over unknown seas for some time +the hero and his followers cast anchor at the island of AEolus, king of the +Winds, who welcomed them cordially, and sumptuously entertained them for a +whole month. + +When they took their leave he gave Odysseus the skin of an ox, into which +he had placed all the contrary winds in order to insure to them a safe and +speedy voyage, and then, having cautioned him on no account to open it, +caused the gentle Zephyrus to blow so that he might waft them to the shores +of Greece. + +On the evening of the tenth day after their departure they arrived in sight +of the watch-fires of Ithaca. But here, unfortunately, Odysseus, being +completely wearied {311} out, fell asleep, and his comrades, thinking AEolus +had given him a treasure in the bag which he so sedulously guarded, seized +this opportunity of opening it, whereupon all the adverse winds rushed out, +and drove them back to the AEolian island. This time, however, AEolus did not +welcome them as before, but dismissed them with bitter reproaches and +upbraidings for their disregard of his injunctions. + +After a six days' voyage they at length sighted land. Observing what +appeared to be the smoke from a large town, Odysseus despatched a herald, +accompanied by two of his comrades, in order to procure provisions. When +they arrived in the city they discovered to their consternation that they +had set foot in the land of the Laestrygones, a race of fierce and gigantic +cannibals, governed by their king Antiphates. The unfortunate herald was +seized and killed by the king; but his two companions, who took to flight, +succeeded in reaching their ship in safety, and urgently entreated their +chief to put to sea without delay. + +But Antiphates and his fellow-giants pursued the fugitives to the +sea-shore, where they now appeared in large numbers. They seized huge +rocks, which they hurled upon the fleet, sinking eleven of the ships with +all hands, on board; the vessel under the immediate command of Odysseus +being the only one which escaped destruction. In this ship, with his few +remaining followers, Odysseus now set sail, but was driven by adverse winds +to an island called AEaea. + +CIRCE.--The hero and his companions were in sore need of provisions, but, +warned by previous disasters, Odysseus resolved that only a certain number +of the ship's crew should be despatched to reconnoitre the country; and on +lots being drawn by Odysseus and Eurylochus, it fell to the share of the +latter to fill the office of conductor to the little band selected for this +purpose. + +They soon came to a magnificent marble palace, which was situated in a +charming and fertile valley. Here {312} dwelt a beautiful enchantress +called Circe, daughter of the sun-god and the sea-nymph Perse. The entrance +to her abode was guarded by wolves and lions, who, however, to the great +surprise of the strangers, were tame and harmless as lambs. These were, in +fact, human beings who, by the wicked arts of the sorceress, had been thus +transformed. From within they heard the enchanting voice of the goddess, +who was singing a sweet melody as she sat at her work, weaving a web such +as immortals alone could produce. She graciously invited them to enter, and +all save the prudent and cautious Eurylochus accepted the invitation. + +As they trod the wide and spacious halls of tesselated marble objects of +wealth and beauty met their view on all sides. The soft and luxuriant +couches on which she bade them be seated were studded with silver, and the +banquet which she provided for their refreshment was served in vessels of +pure gold. But while her unsuspecting guests were abandoning themselves to +the pleasures of the table the wicked enchantress was secretly working +their ruin; for the wine-cup which was presented to them was drugged with a +potent draught, after partaking of which the sorceress touched them with +her magic wand, and they were immediately transformed into swine, still, +however, retaining their human senses. + +When Odysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had befallen +his companions he set out, regardless of personal danger, resolved to make +an effort to rescue them. On his way to the palace of the sorceress he met +a fair youth bearing a wand of gold, who revealed himself to him as Hermes, +the divine messenger of the gods. He gently reproached the hero for his +temerity in venturing to enter the abode of Circe unprovided with an +antidote against her spells, and presented him with a peculiar herb called +Moly, assuring him that it would inevitably counteract the baneful arts of +the fell enchantress. Hermes warned Odysseus that Circe would offer him a +draught of drugged wine with the intention of transforming him as she had +done his companions. He bade him drink the wine, the effect of {313} which +would be completely nullified by the herb which he had given him, and then +rush boldly at the sorceress as though he would take her life, whereupon +her power over him would cease, she would recognize her master, and grant +him whatever he might desire. + +Circe received the hero with all the grace and fascination at her command, +and presented him with a draught of wine in a golden goblet. This he +readily accepted, trusting to the efficacy of the antidote. Then, in +obedience to the injunction of Hermes, he drew his sword from its scabbard +and rushed upon the sorceress as though he would slay her. + +When Circe found that her fell purpose was for the first time frustrated, +and that a mortal had dared to attack her, she knew that it must be the +great Odysseus who stood before her, whose visit to her abode had been +foretold to her by Hermes. At his solicitation she restored to his +companions their human form, promising at the same time that henceforth the +hero and his comrades should be free from her enchantments. + +But all warnings and past experience were forgotten by Odysseus when Circe +commenced to exercise upon him her fascinations and blandishments. At her +request his companions took up their abode in the island, and he himself +became the guest and slave of the enchantress for a whole year; and it was +only at the earnest admonition of his friends that he was at length induced +to free himself from her toils. + +Circe had become so attached to the gallant hero that it cost her a great +effort to part with him, but having vowed not to exercise her magic spells +against him she was powerless to detain him further. The goddess now warned +him that his future would be beset with many dangers, and commanded him to +consult the blind old seer Tiresias,[52] in the realm of Hades, concerning +his future destiny. She then loaded his ship with provisions for the +voyage, and reluctantly bade him farewell. + +{314} + +THE REALM OF SHADES.--Though somewhat appalled at the prospect of seeking +the weird and gloomy realms inhabited by the spirits of the dead, Odysseus +nevertheless obeyed the command of the goddess, who gave him full +directions with regard to his course, and also certain injunctions which it +was important that he should carry out with strict attention to detail. + +He accordingly set sail with his companions for the dark and gloomy land of +the Cimmerians, which lay at the furthermost end of the world, beyond the +great stream Oceanus. Favoured by gentle breezes they soon reached their +destination in the far west. On arriving at the spot indicated by Circe, +where the turbid waters of the rivers Acheron and Cocytus mingled at the +entrance to the lower world, Odysseus landed, unattended by his companions. + +Having dug a trench to receive the blood of the sacrifices he now offered a +black ram and ewe to the powers of darkness, whereupon crowds of shades +rose up from the yawning gulf, clustering round him, eager to quaff the +blood of the sacrifice, which would restore to them for a time their mental +vigour. But mindful of the injunction of Circe, Odysseus brandished his +sword, and suffered none to approach until Tiresias had appeared. The great +prophet now came slowly forward leaning on his golden staff, and after +drinking of the sacrifice proceeded to impart to Odysseus the hidden +secrets of his future fate. Tiresias also warned him of the numerous perils +which would assail him, not only during his homeward voyage but also on his +return to Ithaca, and then instructed him how to avoid them. + +Meanwhile numbers of other shades had quaffed the sense-awakening draught +of the sacrifice, among whom Odysseus recognized to his dismay his +tenderly-loved mother Anticlea. From her he learned that she had died of +grief at her son's protracted absence, and that his aged father Laertes was +wearing his life away in vain and anxious longings for his return. He also +conversed with the ill-fated Agamemnon, Patroclus, and Achilles. The latter +{315} bemoaned his shadowy and unreal existence, and plaintively assured +his former companion-in-arms that rather would he be the poorest +day-labourer on earth than reign supreme as king over the realm of shades. +Ajax alone, who still brooded over his wrongs, held aloof, refusing to +converse with Odysseus, and sullenly retired when the hero addressed him. + +But at last so many shades came swarming round him that the courage of +Odysseus failed him, and he fled in terror back to his ship. Having +rejoined his companions they once more put to sea, and proceeded on their +homeward voyage. + +THE SIRENS.--After some days' sail their course led them past the island of +the Sirens. + +Now Circe had warned Odysseus on no account to listen to the seductive +melodies of these treacherous nymphs; for that all who gave ear to their +enticing strains felt an unconquerable desire to leap overboard and join +them, when they either perished at their hands, or were engulfed by the +waves. + +In order that his crew should not hear the song of the Sirens, Odysseus had +filled their ears with melted wax; but the hero himself so dearly loved +adventure that he could not resist the temptation of braving this new +danger. By his own desire, therefore, he was lashed to the mast, and his +comrades had strict orders on no account to release him until they were out +of sight of the island, no matter how he might implore them to set him +free. + +As they neared the fatal shore they beheld the Sirens seated side by side +on the verdant slopes of their island; and as their sweet and alluring +strains fell upon his ear the hero became so powerfully affected by them, +that, forgetful of all danger, he entreated his comrades to release him; +but the sailors, obedient to their orders, refused to unbind him until the +enchanted island had disappeared from view. The danger past, the hero +gratefully acknowledged the firmness of his followers, which had been the +means of saving his life. {316} + +THE ISLAND OF HELIOS.--They now approached the terrible dangers of Scylla +and Charybdis, between which Circe had desired them to pass. As Odysseus +steered the vessel beneath the great rock, Scylla swooped down and seized +six of his crew from the deck, and the cries of her wretched victims long +rang in his ears. At length they reached the island of Trinacria (Sicily), +whereon the sun-god pastured his flocks and herds, and Odysseus, calling to +mind the warning of Tiresias to avoid this sacred island, would fain have +steered the vessel past and left the country unexplored. But his crew +became mutinous, and insisted on landing. Odysseus was therefore obliged to +yield, but before allowing them to set foot on shore he made them take an +oath not to touch the sacred herds of Helios, and to be ready to sail again +on the following morning. + +It happened, unfortunately, however, that stress of weather compelled them +to remain a whole month at Trinacria, and the store of wine and food given +to them by Circe at parting being completely exhausted, they were obliged +to subsist on what fish and birds the island afforded. Frequently there was +not sufficient to satisfy their hunger, and one evening when Odysseus, worn +out with anxiety and fatigue, had fallen asleep, Eurylochus persuaded the +hungry men to break their vows and kill some of the sacred oxen. + +Dreadful was the anger of Helios, who caused the hides of the slaughtered +animals to creep and the joints on the spits to bellow like living cattle, +and threatened that unless Zeus punished the impious crew he would withdraw +his light from the heavens and shine only in Hades. Anxious to appease the +enraged deity Zeus assured him that his cause should be avenged. When, +therefore, after feasting for seven days Odysseus and his companions again +set sail, the ruler of Olympus caused a terrible storm to overtake them, +during which the ship was struck with lightning and went to pieces. All the +crew were drowned except Odysseus, who, clinging to a mast, floated about +in the open sea for nine days, when, after once more {317} escaping being +sucked in by the whirlpool of Charybdis, he was cast ashore on the island +of Ogygia. + +CALYPSO.--Ogygia was an island covered with dense forests, where, in the +midst of a grove of cypress and poplar, stood the charming grotto-palace of +the nymph Calypso, daughter of the Titan Atlas. The entrance to the grotto +was entwined with a leafy trellis-work of vine-branches, from which +depended clusters of purple and golden grapes; the plashing of fountains +gave a delicious sense of coolness to the air, which was filled with the +songs of birds, and the ground was carpeted with violets and mosses. + +Calypso cordially welcomed the forlorn and shipwrecked hero, and hospitably +ministered to his wants. In the course of time she became so greatly +attached to him that she offered him immortality and eternal youth if he +would consent to remain with her for ever. But the heart of Odysseus turned +yearningly towards his beloved wife Penelope and his young son. He +therefore refused the boon, and earnestly entreated the gods to permit him +to revisit his home. But the curse of Poseidon still followed the +unfortunate hero, and for seven long years he was detained on the island by +Calypso, sorely against his will. + +At length Pallas-Athene interceded with her mighty father on his behalf, +and Zeus, yielding to her request, forthwith despatched the fleet-footed +Hermes to Calypso, commanding her to permit Odysseus to depart and to +provide him with the means of transport. + +The goddess, though loath to part with her guest, dared not disobey the +commands of the mighty Zeus. She therefore instructed the hero how to +construct a raft, for which she herself wove the sails. Odysseus now bade +her farewell, and alone and unaided embarked on the frail little craft for +his native land. + +NAUSICAA.--For seventeen days Odysseus contrived to pilot the raft +skilfully through all the perils of the deep, directing his course +according to the directions {318} of Calypso, and guided by the stars of +heaven. On the eighteenth day he joyfully hailed the distant outline of the +Phaeacian coast, and began to look forward hopefully to temporary rest and +shelter. But Poseidon, still enraged with the hero who had blinded and +insulted his son, caused an awful tempest to arise, during which the raft +was swamped by the waves, and Odysseus only saved himself by clinging for +bare life to a portion of the wreck. + +For two days and nights he floated about, drifted hither and thither by the +angry billows, till at last, after many a narrow escape of his life, the +sea-goddess Leucothea came to his aid, and he was cast ashore on the coast +of Scheria, the island of the luxurious Phaeaces. Worn out with the +hardships and dangers he had passed through he crept into a thicket for +security, and, lying down on a bed of dried leaves, soon fell fast asleep. + +It chanced that Nausicaa, the beautiful daughter of king Alcinous and his +queen Arete, had come down to the shore, accompanied by her maidens, to +wash the linen which was destined to form part of her marriage portion. +When they had finished their task they bathed and sat down to a repast, +after which they amused themselves with singing and playing at ball. + +Their joyous shouts at last awoke Odysseus, who, rising from his hiding +place, suddenly found himself in the midst of the happy group. Alarmed at +his wild aspect the attendants of Nausicaa fled in terror; but the +princess, pitying the forlorn condition of the stranger, addressed him with +kind and sympathetic words. After hearing from him the account of his +shipwreck and the terrible hardships he had undergone, Nausicaa called back +her attendants, reproached them for their want of courtesy, and bade them +supply the wanderer with food, drink, and suitable raiment. Odysseus then +left the maidens to resume their games, whilst he bathed and clothed +himself with the garments with which they had furnished him. Athene now +appeared to the hero and endowed him with a commanding and magnificent +stature, and with more than mortal beauty. When he reappeared, the young +{319} princess was struck with admiration, and requested the hero to visit +the palace of her father. She then desired her attendants to yoke the mules +to the wagons and prepare to return home. + +Odysseus was cordially received by the king and queen, who entertained him +with magnificent hospitality, and in return for their kindness the hero +related to them the history of his long and eventful voyage, and the many +extraordinary adventures and miraculous escapes which had befallen him +since his departure from the coast of Ilion. + +When he at last took leave of his royal entertainers Alcinous loaded him +with rich gifts, and ordered him to be conveyed in one of his own ships to +Ithaca. + +ARRIVAL AT ITHACA.--The voyage was a short and prosperous one. By the +direction of king Alcinous rich furs had been laid on deck for the comfort +of his guest, on which the hero, leaving the guidance of the ship to the +Phaeacian sailors, soon fell into a deep sleep. When next morning the vessel +arrived in the harbour of Ithaca the sailors, concluding that so unusually +profound a slumber must be sent by the gods, conveyed him on shore without +disturbing him, where they gently placed him beneath the cool shade of an +olive-tree. + +When Odysseus awoke he knew not where he was, for his ever-watchful +protectress Pallas-Athene had enveloped him in a thick cloud in order to +conceal him from view. She now appeared to him in the disguise of a +shepherd, and informed him that he was in his native land; that his father +Laertes, bent with sorrow and old age, had withdrawn from the court; that +his son Telemachus had grown to manhood, and was gone to seek for tidings +of his father; and that his wife Penelope was harassed by the importunities +of numerous suitors, who had taken possession of his home and devoured his +substance. In order to gain time Penelope had promised to marry one of her +lovers as soon as she had finished weaving a robe for the aged Laertes; but +by secretly undoing at night {320} what she had done in the day she +effectually retarded the completion of the work, and thus deferred her +final reply. Just as Odysseus had set foot in Ithaca the angry suitors had +discovered her stratagem, and had become in consequence more clamorous than +ever. When the hero heard that this was indeed his native land, which, +after an absence of twenty years, the gods had at length permitted him to +behold once more, he threw himself on the ground, and kissed it in an +ecstacy of joy. + +The goddess, who had meanwhile revealed her identity to Odysseus, now +assisted him to conceal in a neighbouring cave the valuable gifts of the +Phaeacian king. Then seating herself beside him she consulted with him as to +the best means of ridding his palace of its shameless occupants. + +In order to prevent his being recognized she caused him to assume the form +of an aged mendicant. His limbs became decrepid, his brown locks vanished, +his eyes grew dim and bleared, and the regal robes given to him by king +Alcinous were replaced by a tattered garb of dingy hue, which hung loosely +round his shrunken form. Athene then desired him to seek shelter in the hut +of Eumaeus his own swine-herd. + +Eumaeus received the old beggar hospitably, kindly ministered to his wants, +and even confided to him his distress at the long continued absence of his +beloved old master, and his regrets at being compelled by the unruly +invaders of his house, to slaughter for their use all the finest and +fattest of the herd. + +It chanced that the following morning Telemachus returned from his long and +fruitless search for his father, and going first to the hut of Eumaeus, +heard from him the story of the seeming beggar whom he promised to +befriend. Athene now urged Odysseus to make himself known to his son; and +at her touch his beggar's rags disappeared, and he stood before Telemachus +arrayed in royal robes and in the full strength and vigour of manhood. So +imposing was the appearance of the hero that at first the young prince +thought he must be a god; but when {321} he was convinced that it was +indeed his beloved father, whose prolonged absence had caused him so much +grief, he fell upon his neck and embraced him with every expression of +dutiful affection. + +Odysseus charged Telemachus to keep his return a secret, and concerted with +him a plan whereby they might rid themselves of the detested suitors. In +order to carry it into effect Telemachus was to induce his mother to +promise her hand to the one who could conquer in shooting with the famous +bow of Odysseus, which the hero had left behind when he went to Troy, +deeming it too precious a treasure to be taken with him. Odysseus now +resumed his beggar's dress and appearance and accompanied his son to the +palace, before the door of which lay his faithful dog Argo, who, though +worn and feeble with age and neglect, instantly recognized his master. In +his delight the poor animal made a last effort to welcome him; but his +strength was exhausted, and he expired at his feet. + +When Odysseus entered his ancestral halls he was mocked and reviled by the +riotous suitors, and Antinous, the most shameless of them all, ridiculed +his abject appearance, and insolently bade him depart; but Penelope hearing +of their cruel conduct, was touched with compassion, and desired her +maidens to bring the poor mendicant into her presence. She spoke kindly to +him, inquiring who he was and whence he came. He told her that he was the +brother of the king of Crete, in whose palace he had seen Odysseus, who was +about starting for Ithaca, and had declared his intention of arriving there +before the year was out. The queen, overjoyed at the happy tidings, ordered +her maidens to prepare a bed for the stranger, and to treat him as an +honoured guest. She then desired the old nurse Euryclea to provide him with +suitable raiment and to attend to all his wants. + +As the old servant was bathing his feet her eyes fell upon a scar which +Odysseus had received in his youth from the tusks of a wild boar; and +instantly recognizing the beloved master whom she had nursed as a babe, she +{322} would have cried aloud in her joy, but the hero placing his hand upon +her mouth, implored her not to betray him. + +The next day was a festival of Apollo, and the suitors in honour of the +occasion feasted with more than their accustomed revelry. After the banquet +was over Penelope, taking down the great bow of Odysseus from its place, +entered the hall and declared that whosoever of her lovers could bend it +and send an arrow through twelve rings (a feat which she had often seen +Odysseus perform) should be chosen by her as her husband. + +All the suitors tried their skill, but in vain; not one possessed the +strength required to draw the bow. Odysseus now stepped forward and asked +permission to be allowed to try, but the haughty nobles mocked at his +audacity, and would not have permitted it had not Telemachus interfered. +The pretended beggar took up the bow, and with the greatest ease sent an +arrow whizzing through the rings; then turning to Antinous, who was just +raising a goblet of wine to his lips, he pierced him to the heart. At this +the suitors sprang to their feet and looked round for their arms; but in +obedience to the instructions of Odysseus Telemachus had previously removed +them. He and his father now attacked the riotous revellers, and after a +desperate encounter not one of the whole crew remained alive. + +The joyful intelligence of the return of Odysseus being conveyed to +Penelope she descended to the hall, but refused to recognize, in the aged +beggar, her gallant husband; whereupon he retired to the bath, from which +he emerged in all the vigour and beauty with which Athene had endowed him +at the court of Alcinous. But Penelope, still incredulous, determined to +put him to a sure test. She therefore commanded in his hearing that his own +bed should be brought from his chamber. Now the foot of this bed had been +fashioned by Odysseus himself out of the stem of an olive-tree which was +still rooted in the ground, and round it he had built the walls of the +chamber. Knowing therefore that the bed could not be moved, he exclaimed +that the errand was useless, for that no {323} mortal could stir it from +its place. Then Penelope knew that it must be Odysseus himself who stood +before her, and a most touching and affectionate meeting took place between +the long-separated husband and wife. + +The following day the hero set out to seek his old father Laertes, whom he +found on one of his estates in the country engaged in digging up a young +olive-tree. The poor old man, who was dressed in the humble garb of a +labourer, bore the traces of deep grief on his furrowed countenance, and so +shocked was his son at the change in his appearance that for a moment he +turned aside to conceal his tears. + +When Odysseus revealed himself to his father as the son whom he had so long +mourned as lost, the joy of the poor old man was almost greater than he +could bear. With loving care Odysseus led him into the house, where at +length, for the first time since the departure of his son, Laertes once +more resumed his regal robes, and piously thanked the gods for this great +and unlooked-for happiness. + +But not yet was the hero permitted to enjoy his well-earned repose, for the +friends and relatives of the suitors now rose in rebellion against him and +pursued him to the abode of his father. The struggle, however, was but a +short one. After a brief contest negotiations of a peaceful nature were +entered into between Odysseus and his subjects. Recognizing the justice of +his cause, they became reconciled to their chief, who for many years +continued to reign over them. + + * * * * * + + +{325} + +PRONOUNCING INDEX. + + * * * * * + +[_Note._--The system of pronunciation here followed is the English system, +because it is the one at present most used among English-speaking peoples. +In it the letters have substantially their English sound. Upon the +continent of Europe the pronunciation of Latin and Greek is in like manner +made to correspond in each nation to the pronunciation of its own language, +and thus there is much diversity among the continental systems, though they +resemble each other more closely than they do the English. In England and +America also the continental methods of pronunciation have been extensively +used. Thus AEneas may be pronounced A-na'-ahss; Aides ah-ee'-daze. Since the +true, the ancient, pronunciation has been lost, and, as many contend, +cannot be even substantially recovered, it is a matter of individual +preference what system shall be followed.] + + A. + + Abderus (ab-dee'-rus), 244. + Absyrtus (ab-sir'-tus), 226. + Academus (ak-[)a]-dee'-mus), 268. + Achelous (ak-e-lo'-us), 254, 278. + Acheron (ak'-e-ron), 132, 250. + Achilles ([)a]-kil'-leez), 131, 291, 287, 297. + Acis ([=a]'-sis), 105, 167. + Acrisius ([)a]-crish'-e-us), 189, 205, 209. + Acropolis ([)a]-crop'-o-lis), 189. + Actaeon (ak-tee'-on), 91. + Admete (ad-mee'-te), 244. + Admetus (ad-mee'-tus), 76, 119, 216. + Adonis ([)a]-don'-iss), 59. + Adrastia (ad-ras-ti'-ah), 142. + Adrastus ([)a]-dras'-tus), 272. + AEacus (ee'-[)a]-cus), 34. + AEaea (ee-ee'-ah), island of, 67. + AEgean Sea (ee-gee'-an), 287. + [53]AEgeus (ee'-juce), 259, 262, 264. + AEgina (ee-ji'-nah), island of, 230. + AEgis (ee'-jiss), 26. + AEgisthus (ee-jiss'-thus, _th_ as in _both_), 305. + AEgle (egg'-le), 163. + AEgyptus (ee-jip'-tus), 135. + Aello ([)a]-el'-lo), 137. + AEneas (ee-nee'-ass), 304. + AEolus (ee'-o-lus), 170, 210. + Aer ([=a]'-er), 12. + AEsacus (es'-a-cus), 284. + AEsculapius (es-cu-la'-pe-us), 177. + AEson (ee'-son), 213. + AEetes (ee-ee'-teez), 215, 222. + AEther (ee'-ther), 12. + AEthiopia (e-thi-o'-pe-ah), 207. + AEthra (ee'-thrah), 259, 267, 288. + AEtna, Mount (et'-nah), 100. + Agamemnon (ag-[)a]-mem'-non), 94, 286, 305. + Agave ([)a]-ga'-ve), 127, 205. + Agenor ([)a]-jee'-nor), 203. + Ages, 22. + Aglaia (ag-lay'-yah), 163. + Agraulos ([)a]-graw'-l[)o]s), 122. + Agrigent (ag'-ri-jent), 213. + Aides (a-i'-deez), 52, 130, 250. + --helmet of 206, 208. + Aidoneus (a-i-do'-nuce), 130. + Air, 12. + Ajax ([=a]'-jax) the Greater, 298. + --the Lesser, 305. + Alcestis (al-ses'-tiss), 76. + Alcinous (al-sin'-o-us), 228, 318. + Alcippe (al-sip'-pe), 113 + Alcmaeon (alk-mee'-on), 273, 277. + Alcmene (alk-mee'-ne), 35, 234. + Alecto (a-leck'-to), 138. + Alexander (al-ex-an'-der), 284. + Aloidae (al-o-i'-de), 113. + Alpheus (al'-fuce), 242. + Altars, 191. + Althea (al-thee'-ah, _th_ as in _both_), 90. + Altis (al'-tis) the, 41. + Amalthea (am-al-thee'-ah), 15. + Amazons (am'-a-zons), 244, 258, 264. + Ambrosia (am-bro'-zhah), 15. + {326} + Amor ([=a]'-mor), 150. + Amphiaraus (am'-fe-a-ray'-us), 273. + Amphidamas (am-fid'-a-mass), 221. + Amphilochus (am-fil'-o-cus), 277. + Amphion (am-fi'-on), 33. + Amphitrite (am-fe-tri'-te), 104, 167. + Amphitrion (am-fit'-re-on), 35, 234. + Amycus (am'-i-cus), 219. + Anaitis-Aphroditis (an-a-i'-tis-af-ro-di'-tis), 92. + Ananke (an-ang'-ke), 147. + Anciliae (an-sil'-e-e), 115. + Androgeos (an-dro'-je-oss), 262. + Andromache (an-drom'-a-ke), 295, 304. + Andromeda (an-drom'-e-dah), 207. + Antea (an-tee'-ah), 256. + Anteos (an-tee'-[)o]s), 248. + Anteros (an'-te-ross), 150. + Antigone (an-tig'-o-ne), 271, 275. + Antinous (an-tin'-o-us), 321. + Antiope (an-ti'-o-pe), 32. + Antiphates (an-tif'-a-teez), 311. + Aphareus (af'-a-ruce), 34. + Aphrodite (af-ro-di'-te), 58, 99, 152. + Apollo ([)a]-pol'-lo), 68. + --(Roman), 83. + Apple of Discord, 39. + Arachne (a-rak'-ne), 45. + Arcadia (ar-ca'-de-ah), 240. + Arctos (ark'-t[)o]s), 35. + Areopagus (a-re-op'-a-gus), 44, 113, 212. + Ares ([=a]'-reez), 99, 112. + --grove of, 215. + --field of, 223, 225. + Arete (a-ree'-te _or_ ar'-e-te), 228, 318. + Arethusa (ar-e-thu'-sah), 163. + Aretias ([)a]-ree'-she-ass), 221. + Argia (ar-ji'-ah), 272. + Argives (ar-jives), 274. + Argo, 215, 230, 321. + Argonauts (ar'-go-nawts), 213. + Argos (ar'-g[)o]s), 209, 216, 283. + Argus, 224. + Argus-Panoptes (pan-op'-teez), 36. + Ariadne (a-re-ad'-ne), 128, 263. + Aricia (a-rish'-e-ah), 97. + Arion (a-ri'-on), 275. + Aristaeus (ar-iss-tee'-us), 81. + Aristodemus (a-ris'-to-de'-mus), 282. + Aristomachus (ar-is-tom'-a-cus), 282. + Arsinoe (ar-sin'-o-e), 278. + Artemis (ar'-te-miss), 87. + Ascalaphus (ass-cal'-a-fuss), 55, 250. + Asclepius (ass-clee'-pe-us), 71, 76, 176. + Ashtoreth (ash'-to-reth), 61. + Asphodel meadows (ass-fo-del), 133. + Astarte (ass-tar'-te), 61. + Astraea (ass-tree'-ah), 85. + Astraeus (ass-tree'-us), 68. + Astyanax (ass-ti'-a-nax), 304. + Atalanta (at-a-lan'-tah), 89. + Ate ([=a]'-te), 149. + Athamas (ath'-a-mass), 111, 215. + Athene (a-thee'-ne, _th_ as in _both_), 43. + Athene-Polias (po'-le-ass), 44, 189, 199, 264. + Athens, 264. + Atlas, 207, 248. + Atreus, ([)a]'-truce), 282. + Atropos (at'-ro-p[)o]s), 139. + Atys ([=a]'-tiss), 19. + Augeas (aw'-je-ass), 242, 254. + Augurs, 196. + Aulis (aw'-lis), 97. + Aurora (aw-ro'-rah), 13, 67. + Autochthony (aw-tok'-tho-ny), 22. + Autolycus (aw-tol'-i-cus), 235, 251. + Autonoe, (aw-ton'-o-e), 205. + Avernus (a-ver'-nus), 132. + Avertor ([=a]-ver'-tor), 180. + Averuncus (av-e-run'-cus), 180. + + B. + + Bacchanalia (bac-ca-na'-le-ah), 199. + Bacchantes (bac-can'-teez), 198. + Bacchus (bac'-cus), 130. + Battus (bat'-tus), 119. + Baucis (baw'-sis), 37. + Bebricians (be-brish'-e-anz), 219. + Beech-nymph, 168. + Bellerophon (bel-ler'-o-fon), 256. + Bellerophontes (bel-ler'-o-fon'-teez), 256. + Bellona (bel-lo'-nah), 116. + Belvedere (bel'-vi-deer), 85. + Benthesicyme, (ben-the-siss'-i-me), 105. + Berecynthia-Idea (ber'-e-sin'-the-ah-i-dee'-ah), 19. + Beroe (ber'-o-e, first _e_ like ei in _their_), 35. + Birch-nymph, 168. + Bistonians (bis-to'-ne-anz), 243. + Bithynia (bi-thin'-e-ah), 220. + Boreas (bo'-re-ass), 171. + Brauron (braw'-ron), 96. + Brazen Age, 23. + Briareus (bri'-a-ruce), 13. + Briseis (bri-see'-iss), 292. + Brontes (bron'-teez), 16. + Busiris (bu-si'-ris), 248. + Butes (bu'-teez), 228. + + C. + + Cadmus, 203. + Caduceus (ca-du'-she-us), 121. + Calais (cal'-a-iss), 171, 220. + Calchas (cal'-kas), 94, 287, 289, 292. + Calirrhoe (cal-lir'-ro-e), 278. + Calliope (cal-li'-o-pe), 80, 159. + Callisto (cal-lis'-to), 35. + {327} + Calydonian Boar-hunt, 89. + Calypso (ca-lip'-so), 317. + Camenae (ca-mee'-nee), 184. + Campus Martius (mar'-she-us), 115. + Canens (ca'-nenz), 182. + Capaneus (cap'-a-nuce), 273. + Caphareus, Cape (ca-fa'-ruce), 305. + Carmenta (car-men'-tah), 184. + Carmentalia (car-men-ta'-le-ah), 184. + Carnival, 201. + Carpo, 164. + Cassandra (cas-san'-drah), 284, 303, 305. + Cassiopea (cas'-se-o-pee'-ah), 207. + Castalian Spring, 159, 195. + Castor, 33, 187, 268. + Caucasus (caw'-c[)a]-sus), Mount, 222. + Cecrops (see'-crops), 189. + Celaeno (se-lee'-no), 137. + Celeus (see'-le-us), 53. + Celts, 10. + Cenaeus (se-nee'-us), 255. + Centaurs (sen'-tawrs), 266. + Ceos (see'-[)o]s), 13. + Cepheus (see'-fuce), 207. + Cephissus (se-fiss'-us), 169. + Cerberus (ser'-be-rus), 133, 153, 249. + Cercyon (ser'-se-on), 261. + Cerealia (se-re-a'-le-ah), 201. + Ceres (see'-reez), 58, 201. + Cerunitis (ser-u-ni'-tis), 240. + Cestus (ses'-tus), 59. + Ceto (see'-to), 111. + Ceuta (su'-tah), 222. + Ceyx (see'-ix), 110, 254, 280. + Chalciope (cal-si'-o-pe), 223. + Chaos (ka'-oss), 11. + Chares (ca'-reez), 99. + Charites (car'-i-teez), 163. + Charon (ca'-ron), 132, 153. + Charybdis (ca-rib'-dis), 228, 316. + Chimaera (ki-mee'-rah), 257, 162. + Chiron (ki'-ron), 289. + Chloris (clo'-ris), 171. + Chrysaor (cris-[=a]'-or), 145. + Chryseis (cri-see'-iss), 292. + Chryses (cri'-seez), 292. + Cimmerians (sim-me'-ri-anz), 132, 314. + Cimon (si'-mon), 268. + Circe (sir'-se), 64, 182, 227, 311. + Cithaeron (si-thee'-ron, _th_ as in _both_), 40. + --Mount, 236. + Cleodaeus (cle-o-dee'-us), 282. + Cleopatra (cle-o-pat'-rah), 220. + Clio (cli'-o), 159. + Cloacina (clo-a-si'-nah), 61. + Clotho (clo'-tho), 139. + Clymene (clim'-e-ne), 64. + Clytaemnestra (clit-em-nes'-trah), 94, 305, 306. + Clytie (cli'-ti-e), 63. + Cocalus (coc'-a-lus), 213. + Cocytus (co-si'-tus), 132, 314. + Coelus (see'-lus), 11. + Colchis (col'-kis), 215, 222. + Colonus (co-lo'-nus), 271. + Colossus of Rhodes (co-l[)o]s'-sus), 66. + Comus (co'-mus), 184. + Consualia (con-su-a'-le-ah), 183. + Consus (con'-sus), 183. + Copreus (co'-pruce), 239. + Cora, 197. + Cornucopia (cor-noo-co'-pe-ah), 148. + Coronis (co-ro'-nis), 75. + Corybantes (cor-i-ban'-teez), 19. + Cos, island of (coss), 104. + Cottos (cot'-t[)o]s), 13. + Crania, island of (cra-ni'-ah), 286. + Creon (cree'-on), 237, 275. + Cresphontes (cres-fon'-teez), 282. + Cretan Bull, 243. + Crete (creet), 229. + Creusa (cre-yu'-sah), 210. + Crios (cri'-[)o]s), 13. + Croesus (cree'-sus), 195. + Crommyon (crom'-me-on), 260. + Cronus (cro'-nus), 14, 179. + Ctesiphon (tes'-i-fon), 93. + Cumaean Sibyl, the (cu-mee'-an), 84. + Cupid (cu'-pid), 150. + Curetes (cu-ree'-teez), 15. + Cybele (sib'-i-le), 18, 128. + Cyclops (si'-clops), 105, 307. + Cycnus (sik'-nus), 66, 247. + Cyllene, Mount (sil-lee'-ne), 119. + Cyparissus (sip-a-ris'-sus), 77, 182. + Cyprus, island of (si'-prus), 60. + Cyrus (si'-rus), 195. + Cythera (sith-ee'-rah), 60. + Cyzicus (siz'-i-cus), 218. + + D. + + Daedalus (ded'-a-lus), 211. + Daemons (de'-mons), 185. + Damastes (da-mas'-teez), 261. + Danae (dan'-a-e), 205, 209. + Danaides (dan-a'-[)i]-deez), 135. + Danaus (dan'-a-us), 135. + Danneker (dan'-ek-ker), 129. + Daphne (daf'-ne), 74. + Daphnephoria (daf-ne-fo'-re-ah), 200. + Daphnephorus (daf-nef'-o-rus), 200. + Deianeira (de-i'-a-ni'-rah), 254. + Deiphobus (de-if'-o-bus), 300. + Deipyle (de-ip'-i-le), 272. + Delia (dee'-le-ah), 83. + Delos, island of (dee'-l[)o]s), 69, 83. + Delphi (del'-fi), 82. + Delphic Oracle, 194. + Demeter (de-mee'-ter), 50, 197. + Demi-gods, 8. + Demophoon (de-mof'-o-on), 53, 280. + Deucalion (du-ca'-le-on), 21. + Diana (di-an'-nah), 87. + --of Versailles, 88. + {328} + Dice (di'-se), 164. + Dictys (dic'-tiss), 205. + Dindymene (din-di-mee'-ne), 19. + Dino (di'-no), 145. + Diomedes (di-o-mee'-deez), 112, 243, 297, 305. + Dione (di-o'-ne), 58. + Dionysia (di-o-nish'-e-ah), 180, 197. + Dionysus (di-o-ni'-sus), 124, 193, 198, 263. + Dioscuri (di-[)o]s-cu'-ri), 33. + Dirae (di'-ree), 138. + Dirce (dir'-se), 33. + Dis (diss), 137. + Discord, goddess of, 284. + Dodona (do-do'-nah), 29, 216. + Doliones (do-li'-o-neez), 218. + Dorians (do'-re-anz), 211. + Doris (do'-ris), 108. + Dorus (do'-rus), 211. + Dryades (dri'-a-deez), 168. + Dryas (dri'-ass), 126. + Dymas (di'-mass), 283. + + E. + + Echedorus (ek-e-do'-rus), 247. + Echemon (ek-kee'-mon), 282. + Echidna, (ek-kid'-nah), 146. + Echo (ek'-o), 169. + Egeria (e-gee'-re-ah), 184. + Eilithyia (i-lith-i'-yah), 41, 237. + Electra (e-lek'-trah), 111, 306. + Electryon (e-lek'-tre-on), 35. + Eleusinian Mysteries (el-u-sin'-e-an), 56, 132, 196. + Eleusis (e-lu'-sis), 54. + Elis (ee'-lis), 254, 283. + Elysian Fields (e-lizh'-e-an), 133. + Elysium (e-lizh'-e-um), 133. + Enceladus (en-sel'-a-dus), 20. + Endymion (en-dim'-e-on), 87. + Enipeus (e-ni'-puce), 106. + Enyo (e-ni'-o), 113. + Eos (ee'-[)o]s), 67, 297. + Epaphus (ep'-a-fus), 36, 64. + Epeios (ep-i'-[)o]s), 301. + Ephesus, temple of (ef'-e-sus), 92. + Ephialtes (ef-e-[=a]l'-teez), 105. + Epidaurus (ep-e-daw'-rus), 260. + Epigoni (e-pig'-o-ni), 276. + Epimetheus (ep-e-me'-thuce), 25. + Epopeus (e-po'-puce), 32. + Erato (er'-a-to), 159. + Erebus (er'-e-buss), 13. + Erechtheus (e-rek'-thuce), 210. + Eresichthon (er-e-sik'-thon), 57. + Erginus (er-ji'-nus), 237. + Eridanus, river, the (e-rid'-a-nus), 65, 227, 248. + Erinnyes (e-rin'-ne-eez), 138. + Eriphyle (er-i-fi'-le), 273. + Eris (ee'-ris), 39. + Eros (ee'-r[)o]s), 74, 150. + Erymantian Boar (er-e-man'-shun), 240. + Erythia (er-e-thi'-ah), 246. + Eteocles (e-tee'-o-cleez), 272, 275. + Ether (ee'-ther), 12. + Euboeans (u-bee'-anz), 210. + Eumaeus (u-mee'-us), 320. + Eumenides (u-men'-i-deez), 138, 271. + Eunomia (u-no'-me-ah), 164. + Euphemus (u-fee'-mus), 221. + Euphrosyne (u-fros'-i-ne), 163. + Europa (u-ro'-pah), 34. + Eurus (u'-rus), 171. + Euryale (u-ri'-a-le), 144. + Eurybia (u-rib'-e-ah), 13. + Euryclea (u-ri-clee'-ah), 321. + Eurydice (u-rid'-i-se), 81. + Eurylochus (u-ril'-o-kus), 311. + Eurynome (u-rin'-o-me), 98. + Eurypylus (u-rip'-i-lus), 299. + Eurystheus (u-riss'-thuce), 237, 280. + Eurytion (u-rit'-e-on), 246, 266. + Eurytus (u'-ri-tus), 235. + Euterpe (u-ter'-pe), 159. + Evander (e-van'-der), 184. + Evenus (e-ve'-nus), 254. + + F. + + Farnese Bull, the (far'-neez), 33. + Fates, 139. + Fauns (fawns), 175. + Faunus (faw'-nus), 174. + Festivals, 196. + Fetiales (fe-she-a'-leez), 124. + Flora, 180. + Floralia (flo-ra'-le-ah), 180. + Fortuna (for-tu'-nah), 147. + Furies, 278, 306. + + G. + + Gadria (gad'-re-ah), 246. + Gaea (je'-ah), 11. + Galatea (gal-a-tee'-ah), 167. + Ganymede (gan-i-mee'-de), 156, 246. + Ganymedes (gan-i-mee'-deez), 156, 246. + Ge, 11. + Genii (jee'-ne-i), 185. + Geryon (jee'-re-on), 246. + Geryones (je-ri'-o-neez), 246. + Giants, 13, 199, 218. + Gigantomachia (ji-gan'-to-ma'-ke-ah), 20. + Glauce (glaw'-se), 231. + Glaucus (glaw'-cus), 109, 219. + Golden Age, 22, 185. + Golden Fleece, 215, 223, 226, 230. + Gordius (gor'-de-us), 128. + Gorgons, 144, 206. + Graces, 163. + {329} + Gradivus (gra-di'-vus), 115. + Graeae (gree'-ee), 145, 206. + Gratiae (gra'-she-ee), 163. + Gyges (ji'-jeez), 13. + + H. + + Hades (ha'-deez), 250. + Haemon (hee'-mon), 276. + Halcyone (hal-si'-o-ne), 110. + Halirrothius (hal-ir-ro'-the-us), 113. + Hamadryades (ham-a-dry'-a-deez), 168. + Harmonia (har-mo'-ne-ah), 204, 276. + Harpies (har'-piz), 137, 220. + Harpinna (har-pin'-nah), 233. + Hebe (hee'-be), 41, 156, 256. + Hebrus, river, the (hee'-brus), 82. + Hecate (hec'-a-te), 85. + Hecatombs (hec'-a-tomes), 193. + Hecatoncheires (hec'-a-ton-ki'-reez), 13. + Hector, 284, 290, 293. + Hecuba (hec'-u-bah), 283, 304. + Helen, 267, 286, 304. + Helenus (hel'-e-nus), 299. + Helicon (hel'-e-con), 158, 162. + Helios, (hee'-le-[)o]s), 61, 316. + Helios-Apollo, 70. + Helle (hel'-le), 215. + Hemera (hee'-me-rah), 13, 142. + Heosphorus (he-[)o]s'-fo-rus), 68. + Hephaestus (he-fes'-tus), 97. + Hera (he'-rah), 38, 214. + Heracles [54] (her'-a-cleez), 26, 218, 234. + Heraclidae [54] (her-a-cli'-dee), 280. + Herae (he'-ree), 41. + Hercules (her'-cu-leez) _See_ Heracles. + --Pillars of, 246. + Hermae (her'-mee), 118. + Hermes (her'-meez), 117, 250, 312. + Hermione (her-mi'-o-ne), 307. + Heroes, 8. + Herostratus (he-ros'-tra-tus), 93. + Herse (her'-se), 87, 122. + Hesiod's Theogony (he'-she-od), 24, 150. + Hesione (he-si'-o-ne), 245, 253, 285. + Hesperia (hes-pee'-re-ah), 163. + Hesperides (hes-per'-i-deez), 162, 247. + Hesperus (hes'-pe-rus), 68. + Hestia (hes'-te-ah), 48. + Hip'pocamp, 229. + Hippocamps, 102. + Hippocrene (hip-po-cree'-ne), 159, 162. + Hippodamia (hip'-po-da-mi'-ah), 232, 266. + Hippolyte (hip-pol'-i-te), 264. + Hippolyte's Girdle, 244. + Hippolytes (hip-pol'-i teez), 283. + Hippolytus (hip-pol'-i-tus), 266. + Hippomedon (hip-pom'-e-don), 273. + Hippomenes (hip-pom'-e-neez), 91. + Horae (ho'-ree), 164. + Horned Hind, 240. + Hyacinthus (hi-a-sin'-thus), 77. + Hyades (hi'-a-deez), 170. + Hydra, Lernean, the (hi'-drah, ler-nee'-an), 239. + Hygeia (hi-jee'-yah), 177. + Hylas (hi'-las), 216, 219. + Hyllus (hil'-lus), 254, 281. + Hymen (hi'-men), or Hymenaeus (hi-me-nee'-us), 154. + Hyperion (hi-pee'-re-on), 13. + Hypermnestra (hip-erm-nes'-trah), 135. + Hypnus (hip'-nus), 142. + Hypsipyle (hip-sip'-i-le), 274. + + I. + + Iambe (i-am'-be), 53. + Iapetus (i-ap'-e-tus), 24. + Iasion (i-a'-zhe-on), 137. + Iberia (i-bee'-re-ah), 247. + Icaria (i-ca'-re-ah), 212. + Icarus (ic'-a-rus), 211. + Ichor (i'-kor), 7. + Ida, Mount, 157, 284, 300. + Idas (i'-dass), 34, 75. + Idmon (id'-mon), 216. + Idomeneus (i-dom'-e-nuce), 286. + Ilion (il'-e-on), 283. + Illyria (il-lir'-e-ah), 205. + Ilus (i'-lus), 283. + Inachus (in'-a-cus), 36. + Ino (i'-no), 205, 215. + Inuus (in'-u-us), 174. + Io (i'-o), 36. + Iobates (i-ob'-a-teez), 257. + Iolaus (i-o-la'-us), 239, 251, 281. + Iolcus (i-ol'-cus), 213, 230. + Iole (i'-o-le), 251, 255. + Ion (i'-on), 210. + Iphigenia (if'-i-ge-ni'-ah), 94, 289, 307. + Iphitus (if'-i-tus), 251. + Iris (i'-ris), 155, 220. + Iron Age, 23. + Ismene (iss-mee'-ne), 271. + Ister (iss'-ter), 226. + Isthmian Games (isth'-me-an), 107, 264. + Ithaca (ith'-a-cah), 310, 319. + Ixion (ix-i'-on), 135. + + J. + + Jani (ja'-ni), 178. + Janus (ja'-nus), 18, 178. + {330} + Jason (ja'-son), 213. + Jocasta (jo-cas'-tah), 269, 270. + Juno (ju'-no), 42, 185. + Jupiter (ju'-pe-ter), 38. + Jupiter-Ammon, 207. + Juventas (ju-ven'-t[)a]ss), 156, 183. + + K. + + Keidomos (ki'-do-mos), 113. + Ker (cur), 149. + Keres (kee'-reez), 149. + + L. + + Labdacus (lab'-da-cus), 269. + Labyrinth (lab'-i-rinth), 212, 262. + Lacedaemon (las-e-dee'-mon), 283. + Lac'edaemo'nians, 189. + Lachesis (lak'-e-sis), 139. + Lacolia (la-co'-le-ah), 250. + Lacus Nemorensis (la'-cus nem-o-ren'-sis), 97. + Ladon (la'-don), 240. + Laertes (la-er'-teez), 314, 323. + Laestrygones (les-trig'-o-neez), 311. + Laius (la'-yus), 269. + Lampetus (lam'-pe-tus), 67. + Lampsacus (lamp'-sa-cus), 176. + Laocoon (la-oc'-o-on), 301. + Laodamas (la-od'-a-mass), 277. + Laomedon (la-om'-e-don), 104, 245, 253. + Lar, 186. + Lares Familiares (la'-reez fa-mil'-e-a'-reez), 186. + Larissa (la-ris'-sah), 189, 209. + Latmus Mount, 87. + Latona (la-to'-nah), 31. + Laverna (la-ver'-nah), 184. + Leda (lee'-dah), 33. + Lemnos, island of, (lem'-noss), 98, 217. + Lemuralia (lem-u-ra'-le-ah), 186. + Lemures (lem'-u-reez), 186. + Lerna, 239. + Lernean Hydra. _See_ Hydra. + Lesbos (lez'-bos), 290. + Lethe (lee'-the, _th_ as in _both_), 133. + Leto (lee'-to), 31. + Leucippus (lu-sip'-pus), 34. + Leucothea (lu-co'-the-ah, _th_ as in _both_), 111, 318. + Liber (li'-ber), 130. + Liberalia (lib-er-a'-le-ah), 130. + Libya (lib'-yah), 207, 229. + Limoniades (lim-o-ni'-a-deez), 170. + Linden-nymph, 168. + Linus (li'-nus), 235. + Lion, Nemean (ne'-me-an), 238. + Ludi Maximi (lu'-di max'-i-mi), 48. + Ludovici Villa (lu-do-vee'-chee), 116. + Luna (lu'-nah), 86, 97. + Lupercus (lu-per'-cus), 174. + Lycaon (li-cay'-on), 37. + Lycomedes (lic-o-mee'-deez), 268, 287. + Lycurgus (li-cur'-gus), 126, 189, 274. + Lycus (li'-cus), 32. + Lynceus (lin'-suce), 34, 216. + + M. + + Macaria (ma-ca'-re-ah), 281. + Machaon (ma-ca'-on), 177, 300. + Magna-Mater (may'-ter), 19. + Maia (may'-yah), 119. + Mamers (ma'-merz), 114. + Manes (ma'-neez), 185. + Marathonian Bull (mar-a-tho'-ne-an), 262. + Mares of Diomedes, 243 + Marpessa (mar-pes'-sah), 75. + Mars (marz), 114. + Marspiter (mars'-pe-ter), 114. + Marsyas (mar'-she-ass), 78. + Mater-Deorum (dee-o'-rum), 19. + Matronalia (ma-tro-na'-le-ah), 43. + Mecone (me-co'-ne), 24. + Medea (me-dee'-ah), 223, 261. + Medusa (me-du'-sah), 45, 144, 206. + Megaera (me-jee'-rah), 138. + Megapenthes (meg-a-pen'-theez), 209. + Megara (meg'-a-rah), 138, 237, 251. + Melanippe (mel-a-nip'-pe), 245. + Meleager (me-le-a'-jer), 89, 216. + Meliades (me-li'-a-deez), 170. + Melissa (me-lis'-sah), 15. + Melpomene (mel-pom'-e-ne), 159. + Memnon (mem'-non), 297. + Memphis (mem'-fiss), 36. + Menades (men'-a-deez), 198. + Menelaus (men-e-la'-us), 294, 304, 305. + Menesthius (me-nes'-the-us), 268. + Menoeceus (me-nee'-suce), 274. + Menoetius (me-nee'-she-us), 216. + Mercury (mer'-cu-ry), 123. + Merope (mer'-ope, first _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 269. + Messene (mes-see'-ne), 283. + Metaneira (met-a-ni'-rah), 53. + Metis (mee'-tiss), 30. + Metra (mee'-trah), 57, 92. + Midas (mi'-das), 79, 128. + Midea (mi-dee'-ah), 209. + Milo (mi'-lo), 60. + Miltiades (mil-ti'-a-deez), 268. + Mimas (mi'-mass), 20. + Minerva (mi-ner'-vah), 47. + Minerval (mi-ner'-val), 47. + Minos (mi'-n[)o]s), 34, 134, 212, 243. + Minotaur (min'-o-tawr), 212, 262. + Minyans (min'-yanz), 237. + Mnemosyne (ne-m[)o]s'-i-ne), 13, 31. + Moira (moy'-rah), 139. + Moirae (moy'-ree), 297, 139. + {331} + Moly (mo'-ly), 312. + Momus (mo'-mus), 149. + Moneta Juno (mo-nee'-tah), 42. + Mopsus, 216. + Morpheus (mor'-fuce), 143. + Mors (morz). _See_ Thanatos. + Musagetes (mu-saj'-e-teez), 71. + Muses, 157. + Mutunus (mu-tu'-nus), 176. + Mycenae (mi-see'-ne), 209, 305. + Myrmidons (mir'-mi-dons), 288, 293, 295. + Myrtilus (mir'-ti-lus), 233. + Mysia (mish'-e-ah), 219. + Mysians, 289. + + N. + + Naiads (na'-yads), or Naiades (na-i'-a-deez), 166, 227. + Napaeae (na-pee'-ee), 169. + Narcissus (nar-sis'-sus), 169. + Nausicaa (naw-sic'-a-ah), 317. + Naxos (nax'-oss), 128, 263. + Necessitas (ne-ses'-si-tass), 148. + Nectar, 15. + Neleus (nee'-luce), 106, 119, 216. + Nemea (nee'-me-ah), 274. + Nemean Lion. _See_ Lion. + Nemesis (nem'-e-siss), 141. + Nemoralia (nem-o-ra'-le-ah), 97. + Neoptolemus (ne-op-tol'-e-mus), 299, 304. + Nephalia (ne-fa'-le-ah), 139. + Nephelae (nef'-e-lee), 12. + Nephele (nef'-e-le), 215. + Neptunalia (nep-tu-na'-le-ah), 107. + Neptune (nept'-une), 14, 107. + Nereides (ne-ree'-i-deez), 108, 167. + Nereus (nee'-ruce), 13, 108. + Nessus, 254. + Nestor, 286, 301, 305. + Nike (ni'-ke), 117. + Niobe (ni'-o-be), 79, 141. + Noman, 309. + Notus (no'-tus), 171. + Nox. _See_ Nyx. + Nyctimus (nic'-ti-mus), 38. + Nycteus (nic'-tuce), 32. + Nymphs, 165. + Nysa, Mount (ni'-sah), 125. + Nyx (nix), 13, 142. + + O. + + Oceanides (o-se-an'-i-deez), 108, 166. + Oceanus (o-see'-a-nus), 12, 107, 166, 314. + Ocypete (o-sip'-e-te), 137. + Odysseus (o-dis'-suce), 131, 287, 307. + Oechalia (e-ka'-le-ah), 255. + Oedipus (ed'-i-pus), 146, 269. + Oeneus (ee'-nuce), 89, 254. + Oenomaus (ee-nom'-a-us), 232. + Oenone (ee-no'-ne) 284, 300. + Ogygia (o-jij'-e-ah), 317. + Oileus (o-i'-luce), 216, 221. + Olympia (o-lim'-pe-ah), 29, 123. + Olym'pic Games, 30. + Olym'pus, Mount, 27. + Omphale (om'-fa-le), 252. + Ops, 19. + Oracles, 194. + Orchamus (or'-ca-mus), 63. + Orchomenus (or-com'-e-nus), 237. + Orcus (or'-cus), 136. + Oreades (o-ree'-a-deez), 169. + Orithyia (or'-i-thi'-yah), 171. + Orestes (o-res'-teez), 95, 139, 306. + Orpheus (or'-fuce), 80, 216, 228. + Orthrus (or'-thrus), 246. + Ossa (oss'-sah), 106. + Othrys, Mount, (o'-thris), 16. + Otus (o'-tus), 105. + Oxen of Geryones. _See_ Geryones. + Oxylus (ox'-i-lus), 283. + + P. + + Palaemon (pa-lee'-mon), 111. + Palamedes (pal-a-mee'-deez), 287, 291. + Palatine (pal'-a-tin), 181. + Pales (pa'-leez), 181. + Palilia (pa-lil'-e-ah), 181. + Palladium (pal-la'-de-um), 299, 301. + Pallan'tids, 262. + Pallas (pal'-lass), 117. + Pallas-Athene, 43, 234, 302. + Pan, 79, 171, 198. + Panacea (pan-a-see'-ah), 177. + Panathenaea (pan'-ath-e-nee'-ah), 199. + Pandareos (pan-da'-re-oss), 138. + Pandora (pan-do'-rah), 25. + Panisci (pa-nis'-si), 174. + Panoptes (pa-nop'-teez), 246. + Parcae (par'-see). _See_ Moirae. + Paris (par'-ris), 39, 284, 286. + Parnassus (par-nas'-sus), 158. + Parthenon (par'-the-non), 46. + --Hill, 89. + Parthenopaeus (par'-then-o-pee'-us), 273. + Patroclus (p[)a]-tro'-clus), 288, 293, 314. + Pedasus (ped'-a-sus), 292. + Pegasus (peg'-a-sus), 145, 162, 257. + Peitho (pi'-tho), 134. + Peleus (pee'-luce), 39, 287. + Pelias (pee'-le-ass), 106, 213, 230. + Pelion, Mount (pee'-le-on), 106. + Peloponnesus (pel'-o-pon-nee'-sus), 281. + Pelops (pee'-lops), 135, 232. + Penates (pe-na'-teez), 187. + {332} + Penelope (pe-nel'-o-pe), 287, 319. + Peneus (pe-nee'-us), 74, 242. + Penthesilea (pen'-the-si-lee'-ah), 296 + Pentheus (pen'-thuce), 126, 205. + Pephredo (pe-free'-do), 145. + Peplus (pee'-plus), 199. + Periphetes (per-i-fee'-teez), 260. + Perse (per'-se), 64, 312. + Persephone (per-sef'-o-ne), 52, 197, 267. + Perseus (per'-suce), 145, 205. + Petasus (pet'-a-sus), 121. + Phaeaces (fee-a'-seez), 228, 318. + Phaedra (fee'-drah), 266. + Phaethon (fa'-e-thon), 64, 67. + Pharos, isle of, (fa'-r[)o]s), 108. + Phases, river (fa'-seez), 222. + Phegeus (fee'-juce), 278. + Phidias (fid'-e-ass), 28. + Philemon (fi-lee'-mon), 37. + Philoctetes (fil-oc-tee'-teez), 256, 290, 299. + Phineus (fi'-nuce), 208, 220. + Phlegethon (flej'-e-thon), 134. + Phocis (fo'-siss), 306. + Phoebe (fee'-be), 13. + Phoebus-Apollo (fee'-bus), 68, 298. + Pholus (fo'-lus), 240. + Phorcys (for'-siss), 13, 111. + Phrygia (frij'-e-ah), 18. + Phryxus (frix'-us), 222. + Phylace (fil'-a-se), 290. + Phyleus (fi'-luce), 242, 254. + Phylla (fil'-lah), 233. + Picumnus (pi-cum'-nus), 182. + Picus (pi'-cus), 182. + Pieria (pi-ee'-re-ah), 119, 158. + Pierides (pi-er'-i-deez), 158, 162. + Pierus (pi'-e-rus), 158. + Pilumnus (pi-lum'-nus), 182. + Pindus, Mount, 158. + Pirithoeus (pi-rith'-o-us), 216, 250, 265. + Pisa (pi'-sah), 232. + Pittheus (pit'-thuce), 259. + Platea (pla-tee'-ah), 40. + Pleiades (plee'-ya-deez), 119. + Pluto (plu'-to), 136. + Plutus (plu'-tus), 132, 137, 148. + Podalirius (pod-a-lir'-e-us), 177. + Podarces (po-dar'-seez), 253. + Pollux, 33, 187, 227, 268. + Polybotes (pol-e-bo'-teez), 104. + Polybus (pol'-e-bus), 269. + Polydectes (pol-e-dec'-teez), 205. + Polydeuces (pol-e-du'-seez). _See_ Pollux. + Polydorus (pol-e-do'-rus), 205. + Polyhymnia (pol-e-him'-ne-ah), 159. + Polynices (pol-e-ni'-seez), 271, 272, 275. + Polyphemus (pol-e-fee'-mus), 105, 219, 307. + Pomona (po-mo'-nah), 180. + Pontus, 13. + Porta Lavernalis (lav-er-na'-lis), 184. + Poseidon (po-si'-don), 101, 162, 266. + Praxiteles (prax-it'-e-leez), 123. + Priam (pri'-am), 254, 283, 304. + Priamus (pri'-a-mus). _See_ Priam. + Priapus (pri-a'-pus), 175. + Priests, 191. + Procrustes (pro-crus'-teez), 261. + Proetus (pree'-tus), 257. + Prometheus (pro-mee'-thuce), 24, 149, 193, 222. + Proserpine (pross'-er-pine), _See_ Persephone. + Protesilaus (pro-tess'-i-la'-us), 290. + Proteus (pro'-tuce), 108. + Prytaneum (prit-a-nee'-um), 49. + Psophis (so'-fiss), 278. + Psyche (si'-ke), 150. + Pylades (pil'-a-deez), 95, 306. + Pylos (pi'-l[)o]s), 286. + Pyracmon (pi-rac'-mon), 16. + Pyrrha (pir'-rah), 22. + Pythia (pith'-e-ah) 195, 269. + Pythian Games, 83. + Python (pi'-thon), 31, 72, 195. + + Q. + + Quirinus (que-ri'-nus), 115. + + R. + + Remus (ree'-mus), 114. + Rhadamanthus (rad-a-man'-thus), 34, 134. + Rhamnus (ram'-nus), 142. + Rhamnusia (ram-nu'-zhe-ah), 142. + Rhea (ree'-ah), 13, 18. + Rhoda (ro'-dah), 105. + Rhodes (roads), 105. + Rhodope, Mount (rod'-o-pe), 130. + Rhoetus (ree'-tus), 20. + Robigus (ro-bi'-gus), 180. + Romulus (rom'-u-lus), 114. + + S. + + Sacrifices, 192. + Sagaris (sag'-a-ris), 19. + Salamis (sal'-a-mis), 285. + Salii (sa'-le-i), 115. + Samos (sa'-mos), 34. + Saturn (sat'-urn), 17, 200. + Saturnalia (sat-ur-na'-le-ah), 200. + Satyrs (sa'-turz), 174, 198. + Scamander (sca-man'-der), 290. + Scheria (skee'-re-ah), 318. + Schoeneus (skee'-nuce), 89. + Scyros, island of, (si'-r[)o]s), 268, 287. + Scylla (sil'-lah), 104, 316. + Scyron (si'-ron), 260. + {333} + Seasons, 164. + Selene (se-lee'-ne), 86. + Selene-Artemis, 96. + Selli (sel'-li), 29. + Semele (sem'-e-le), 35, 205, 215. + Seriphus (se-ri'-fus), 205. + Servius Tullius (ser'-ve-us tul'-le-us), 184. + Shades, realm of, 267, 314. + Sibyls (sib'-bles), 84. + Silens (si'-lenz), 174. + Silenus (si-lee'-nus), 125, 198. + Silvanus (sil-va'-nus), 115, 182. + Silver Age, 23. + Simois (sim'-o-iss), 290. + Sinnis (sin'-nis), 260. + Sinon (si'-non), 302. + Siphylus (sif'-i-lus), 80. + Sirens (si'-renz), 112, 158, 315. + Sisyphus (sis'-i-fus), 135. + Sol (soll). _See_ Helios. + Solymans (sol'-i-mans), 258. + Somnus (som'-nus). _See_ Hypnus. + Soothsayers, 195. + Sparta, 285. + Sphinx (sfinks), 146. + Stables, Augean (aw-jee'-an), 242. + Statues, 190. + Stellio (stel'-le-o), 57. + Steropes (ster'-o peez, the first _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 16. + Stheno (sthee'-no), 144. + Strophius (stro'-fe-us), 306. + Stymphalides (stim-fal'-i-deez), 221, 242. + Styx (sticks), 117, 132, 287. + Symplegades (sim-pleg'-a-deez), 221. + Syrinx (si'-rinks), 172. + Syrtes (sir'-teez), 229. + + T. + + Taenarum (ten'-a-rum), 132, 250. + Talaria (ta-la'-re-ah), 121. + Talus (ta'-lus), 229. + Tantalus (tan'-ta-lus), 134. + Tarquinius Superbus (tar-quin'-e-us su-per'-bus), 84. + Tartarus (tar'-ta-rus), 14, 134. + Taurica Chersonesus (taw'-ri-cah ker-so-nee'-sus), 93, 306. + Tauris (taw'-ris), 93, 306. + Tegea (tee'-je-ah), 279. + Telamon (tel'-a-mon), 216, 253, 285. + Telemachus (tel-lem'-a-cus), 287, 320. + Telephus (tel'-e-fus), 289. + Temenus (tem'-e-nus), 282. + Temples, 188. + Tenedos (ten'-e-dos), 290, 301, 303. + Terminus (ter'-mi-nus), 182. + Terpsichore (terp-sic'-o-re), 159. + Terra (ter'-rah, the _e_ like _ei_ in _their_), 11. + Tethys (tee'-thiss, _th_ as in _both_), 107, 166. + Teutamias (tu-ta'-me-ass), 209. + [55]Thalia (tha-li'-ah), 159, 163. + Thallo (thal'-lo), 164. + Thamyris (tham'-i ris), 158. + Thanatos (than'-a-tos), 142. + Thaumas (thaw'-mass), 13, 111, 137. + Thebes (theebs), 203. + Theia (thi'-ah), 13. + Themis (thee'-mis), 31, 48. + Themiscyra (the-mis'-se-rah), 245. + Thermodon (ther-mo'-don), 244. + Thersander (ther-san'-der), 276. + Thersites (ther-si'-teez), 297. + Theseus (thee'-suce), 250, 259. + Thesmophoria (thes-mo-fo'-re-ah), 197. + Thes'saly, 77. + Thestius (thes'-te-us), 33. + Thetis (thee'-tis), 39, 98, 110, 297. + Thyone (thi-o'-ne), 128. + Tiphys (ti'-fiss), 216. + Tiresias (ti-ree'-she-ass), 235, 271, 274, 277, 313. + Tiryns (ti'-rinz), 209, 252. + Tirynth (ti'-rinth), 209, 252. + Tisiphone (ti-sif'-o-ne), 138. + Titanomachia (ti'-tan-o-ma'-ke-ah), 17. + Titans (ti'-tanz), 13. + Tithonus (ti-tho'-nus), 68, 297. + Tityus (tit'-e-us), 134. + Trachin (tra'-kin), 254. + Trachis (tra'-kis), 254. + Trinacria (tri-na'-cre-ah), 316. + Triptolemus (trip-tol'-e-mus), 53. + Triton (tri'-ton), 109. + Trivia (triv'-e-ah), 97. + Troezen (tree'-zen), 251 + Tros (tr[)o]ss), 157, 246. + Troy, 283. + -- walls of, 104. + Tubal-Cain (too'-bal-cane), 101. + Tyche (ti'-ke), 147. + Tydeus (ti'-duce), 272. + Tyndareus (tin-da'-re-us), 285. + Typhoeus (ti-fo'-yuce), 21. + Typhon (ti'-fon), 21. + Tyro (ti'-ro), 106. + + U. + + Uffizi Gallery (oof'-fid-ze), 80. + Ulysses (u-lis'-seez), _See_ Odysseus. + Urania (u-ra'-ne-ah), 159. + Uranus (u'-ra-nus), 11. + + V. + + Veneralia (ven-e-ra'-le-ah), 61. + {334} + Venus (vee'-nus), 61, 183. + -- of Milo, 60. + Vertumnus (ver-tum'-nus), 181. + Vesta (ves'-tah), 50, 201. + Vestalia (ves-ta'-le-ah), 59, 201. + Via Salavia (vi'-ah sa-la'-ve-ah), 184. + Victo'ria, 117. + Vulcan, 100. + + W. + + Winds, 170, 298. + Wooden Horse, 301. + + X. + + Xuthus (zoo-thus), 210. + + Z. + + Zephyrus (zef'-i-rus), 151, 171, 310. + Zetes (zee'-teez), 171. + Zethus (zee'-thus), 33. + Zeus (zuce), 26. + + * * * * * + + +A COMPLETE COURSE IN THE STUDY OF ENGLISH. + + * * * * * + +_Spelling, Language, Grammar, Composition, Literature_. + + * * * * * + + REED'S WORD LESSONS--A COMPLETE SPELLER. + REED'S INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE WORK. + REED & KELLOGG'S GRADED LESSONS IN ENGLISH. + REED & KELLOGG'S HIGHER LESSONS IN ENGLISH. + REED & KELLOGG'S ONE-BOOK COURSE IN ENGLISH. + KELLOGG'S TEXT-BOOK ON RHETORIC. + KELLOGG'S TEXT-BOOK ON ENGLISH LITERATURE. + +In the preparation of this series the authors have had one object clearly +in view--to so develop the study of the English language as to present a +complete, progressive course, from the Spelling-Book to the study of +English Literature. The troublesome contradictions which arise in using +books arranged by different authors on these subjects, and which require +much time for explanation in the schoolroom, will be avoided by the use of +the above "Complete Course." + +Teachers are earnestly invited to examine these books. + + MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO., PUBLISHERS. + 43, 45, and 47 East Tenth Street, New York. + + * * * * * + + +NOTES + +[1] The early Greeks supposed the earth to be a flat circle, in the centre +of which was Greece. Oceanus, the ocean stream, encircled it; the +Mediterranean being supposed to flow into this river on the one side, and +the Euxine, or Black Sea, on the other. + +[2] Owing to the vagueness of the various accounts of creation, the origin +of the primeval gods is variously accounted for. Thus, for instance, +Oceanus, with some, becomes the younger brother of Uranus and Gaea. + +[3] The myth of Cronus swallowing his children is evidently intended by the +poets to express the melancholy truth that time destroys all things. + +[4] Nectar was the drink, and ambrosia the food of the gods. + +[5] The Cyclops are generally mentioned as the sons of Uranus and Gaea, but +Homer speaks of Polyphemus, the chief of the Cyclops, as the son of +Poseidon, and states the Cyclops to be his brothers. + +[6] Possibly an image of him placed in readiness. + +[7] This age was contemporary with the commencement of the dynasty of Zeus. + +[8] Hesiod is said to have lived 850 years before the Christian era, +consequently about 200 years after King David. He lived in Boeotia, where +his tomb is still shown at Orchomenus. This ancient writer left behind him +two great poems, one entitled "The Works and Days," in which he gives us +some of the earliest Greek legends, and the other, "The Theogony," +containing the genealogies of the gods; but, unfortunately, both these +poems have been so interpolated by the writers of the Alexandrian school +that they have lost their value as reliable sources of information with +regard to the early beliefs of the Greek nation. + +[9] Epimetheus signifies after-thought, Prometheus fore-thought. + +[10] There are various versions of this myth. According to some the jar or +vase was full of all "the ills which flesh is heir to." + +[11] From _Diaus_, the sky. + +[12] A sacred shield made for Zeus by Hephaestus, which derived its name +from being covered by the skin of the goat Amalthea, the word AEgis +signifying goat's-skin. + +[13] See Demeter. + +[14] This frightful monster had sprung from the slimy and stagnant waters +which remained on the surface of the earth after the deluge of Deucalion. + +[15] Castor and Pollux were known by the name of the Dioscuri, from _dios_, +gods, and _kuroi_, youths. + +[16] The ancient Greeks attributed much of the subsequent character of an +individual to early influences; hence Hera, the future queen and mistress +of heaven, is represented as being brought up in a domesticated and orderly +household, where home virtues are carefully inculcated. + +[17] In the Homeric age peacocks were unknown; it is therefore the later +poets who describe Hera surrounded with peacocks, which were brought to +Greece from India. + +[18] This circumstance has given rise to the erroneous conclusion that Juno +presided over the finances of the state, but the word _moneta_ is derived +from the Latin _monere_, which means to warn or admonish. + +[19] See Roman Festivals. + +[20] The first large ship possessed by the Greeks fit for more than coast +navigation. + +[21] When Perseus, with the help of Athene, had cut off the head of the +Medusa, the two sisters caused a sad dirge-like song to issue from the +mouths of the many snakes of which their hair was composed, whereupon +Athene, pleased with the sound, imitated the melody on a reed, and thus +invented the flute. + +[22] For details see Roman Festivals. + +[23] See Legend of Troy. + +[24] Some, with but little reason, make Demeter the daughter of Uranus and +Gaea. + +[25] Demeter transformed Ascalaphus into an owl for revealing the secret. + +[26] The course which the sun ran was considered by the ancients to be a +rising and descending curve [drawing of an arc], the centre of which was +supposed to be reached by Helios at mid-day. + +[27] The river Po. + +[28] This great work of antiquity was destroyed by an earthquake fifty-six +years after its erection, B.C. 256. The fragments remained on the ground +for many centuries, until Rhodes was conquered by the Turks, and they were +eventually sold by one of the generals of Caliph Othman IV. to a merchant +of Emesa for L36,000, A.D. 672. + +[29] According to some authorities, Strymon. + +[30] This wonderful lyre, which had been given to Apollo by Hermes +(Mercury) in exchange for the Caduceus or rod of wealth, is said to have +possessed such extraordinary powers, that it caused a stone, upon which it +was laid, to become so melodious, that ever afterwards, on being touched, +it emitted a musical sound which resembled that produced by the lyre +itself. + +[31] Aristaeus was worshipped as a rural divinity in various parts of +Greece, and was supposed to have taught mankind how to catch bees, and to +utilize honey and wax. + +[32] Astraea was the daughter of the Titans Coeus and Phoebe. Perses was son +of the Titans Crios and Eurybia. + +[33] Called also Anaitis-Aphroditis. + +[34] This occurred during the night Alexander the Great was born. + +[35] Another version with regard to the origin of this defect, is that +being born ugly and deformed, his mother Hera, disgusted at his +unsightliness, herself threw him violently from her lap, and it was then +that his leg was broken, producing the lameness from which he suffered ever +after. On this occasion he fell into the sea, and was saved by the +sea-nymphs Thetis and Eurynome, who kept him for nine years in a cavern +beneath the ocean, where he made for them, in gratitude for their kindness, +several beautiful ornaments, and trinkets of rare workmanship. + +[36] According to some accounts Chares was the wife of Hephaestus. + +[37] The trident resembled the arrow-headed pronged fork, used by the +fishermen of the Mediterranean Sea in the eel-fishery. + +[38] Scylla is a dangerous rock, much dreaded by mariners, in the Straits +of Messina. + +[39] The island of Rhodes owes its name to her. + +[40] It is worthy of notice that the sons of Poseidon were, for the most +part, distinguished by great force and turbulence of character, in keeping +with the element over which their father was the presiding deity. They were +giants in power, and intractable, fiery, and impatient by nature, spurning +all efforts to control them; in all respects, therefore, fitting +representatives of their progenitor, the mighty ruler of the sea. + +[41] A cubit is the length from the elbow to the extremity of the middle +finger, and therefore an indefinite measure, but modern usage takes it as +representing a length of seventeen to eighteen inches. + +[42] On the Egyptian coast. + +[43] See Legend of the Argonauts. + +[44] His two sons Deimos and Phobos. + +[45] Romulus was deified by the Romans after death, and was worshipped by +them under the name of Quirinus, an appellation which he shared in common +with his father Mars. + +[46] Midas was the son of Cybele and Gordius, the king who tied the +celebrated and intricate knot. + +[47] The shades of those mortals whose lives had neither been distinguished +by virtue nor vice, were condemned to a monotonous, joyless, existence in +the Asphodel meadows of Hades. + +[48] Echidna was a bloodthirsty monster, half maiden, half serpent. + +[49] One of the horns of the goat Amalthea, broken off by Zeus, and +supposed to possess the power of filling itself with whatsoever its owner +desired. + +[50] According to another account, Momus discovered that Aphrodite made a +noise when she walked. + +[51] The word Psyche signifies "butterfly," the emblem of the soul in +ancient art. + +[52] Tiresias alone, of all the shades, was in full possession of his +mental vigour. + +[53] Most of the words ending in eus may also be pronounced thus: +_AE'-ge-us_, _[=a]'-tre-us_, _pro-me'-the-us_, etc. + +[54] The first e like ei in their. + +[55] _Th_ at the beginning of a word has its soft sound, as in _both_. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece +and Rome, by E.M. 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