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Ancient Greece - Blog Posts
Day 8/30
Okay, today I'm way better than last week to be honest so I'm posting two photos of my final assignment in volume, the first one is the "definitive" one and the second is before my teacher did any kind of intervention. I'm quite happy with the result.
Books are expensive, Hermes thinks learning about your religion should be free.
They're just the basics and only a few, but feel free to ask me to add anything and I'll try my best!
Not generally, but now I do
Do you ever think about how many of the items now considered priceless artifacts were once commonplace items? The coins we now marvel at from behind the glass at a museum were once tossed around, stepped on, and traded around. The pottery painstakingly pieced back together was somebody’s favorite wine jug. The decorative pin now rusted and bent once held together the shoulder of someone’s chiton. History is simply a trail of ordinary people going about their day, and I think there’s an odd sort of beauty in that.
Sooo, the other day I made a post about how much I'm in love with Lore Olympus then noticed that I misspelled something; so I edited it and when it said that the edited version was posted, I deleted what I thought was the original only to find out that it was still the same post😅😅😅.... So here's a shorter version of that post (since I can't remember what I originally said):
Sooo, Lore Olympus is my new favorite thing ever! I love Greek mythology, mythology in general is one of my favorite things but Greek mythology (well, technically it would be Greco-Roman mythology but I prefer the Greek versions) is probably my favorite, so Lore Olympus becoming a new obsession was pretty much a no-brainer. Hades and Persephone are so pure!! Zeus is every bit as much of an ass as he always is; Hera is Queen; dude-bro Poseidon is great; Artemis is great; Hecate is bestie; Eros is the best; Hermes is also the best; Cerberus is best dog... okay, I'll end my rambling there but seriously Lore Olympus is amazing!
For my drama theory exam I have to read The Bacchae by Euripides and It's basically just Dionysus in his reputation era.
yall.
do you think Christians don’t believe in their god? or haven’t all this time? you think they slaughtered billions for a made up man in the sky?
no
they firmly truly believe(d) their god exists and is present and real. why the fuck would the ancient Greeks write all this shit down if they didn’t believe it?
Were there any specific individuals in ancient Greece who believed in the reality of their gods? How do we know about their beliefs?
Yeah, for sure—tons of people in ancient Greece actually believed the gods were real, not just stories. We know this from stuff they wrote, like hymns, plays, and even letters to the gods on little offerings. I’m a Hellenic polytheist myself, and honestly, reading their words makes it super clear they had real devotion, not just myth-making.
Head canon I haven’t read past the first two-three books for Percy Jackson this is more Ancient Greece, but you can’t tell me after every single one of Apollos heart breaks that Artemis didn’t help him get over it.
my roman empire is lowkey the dog that waited for odysseus to come back for like 20 years, was the only one who recognised his master in disguise and was too sick and tired and old to get up and greet him. And exactly because odysseus was in disquise he couldn't go to greet the dog and the dog FUCKING WIGGLES HIS LITTLE TAIL AND DIES ARGOS YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED
a quick psa to anyone recently getting into greek mythology and is a victim of tumblr and/or tiktok misconceptions:
-there is no shame in being introduced to mytholgy from something like percy jackson, epic the musical or anything like that, but keep in mind that actual myths are going to be VERY different from modern retellings
-the myth of medusa you probably know (her being a victim of poseidon and being cursed by athena) isn't 100% accurate to GREEK mythology (look up ovid)
-there is no version of persephone's abduction in which persephone willingly stays with hades, that's a tumblr invention (look up homeric hymn to demeter)
-as much as i would like it, no, cerberus' name does not mean "spot" (probably a misunderstanding from this wikipedia article)
-zeus isn't the only god who does terrible things to women, your fav male god probably has done the same
-on that note, your fav greek hero has probably done some heinous shit as well
-gods are more complicated than simply being "god of [insert thing]", many titles overlap between gods and some may even change depending on where they were worshipped
-also, apollo and artemis being the gods of the sun and the moon isn't 100% accurate, their main aspects as deities originally were music and the hunt
-titans and gods aren't two wholly different concepts, titan is just the word used to decribe the generation of gods before the olympians
-hector isn't the villain some people make him out to be
-hephaestus WAS married to aphrodite. they divorced. yes, divorce was a thing in ancient greece. hephaestus' wife is aglaia
-ancient greek society didn't have the same concepts of sexuality that we have now, it's incorrect to describe virgin goddesses like artemis and athena as lesbians, BUT it's also not wholly accurate to describe them as aromantic/asexual, it's more complex than that
-you can never fully understand certain myths if you don't understand the societal context in which they were told
-myths have lots and lots of retellings, there isn't one singular "canon", but we can try to distinguish between older and newer versions and bewteen greek and roman versions
-most of what you know about sparta is probably incorrect
-reading/waching retellings is not a substitute to reading the original myths, read the iliad! read the odyssey! i know they may seem intimidating, but they're much more entertaining than you may think
greek mythology is so complex and interesting, don't go into it with preconcieved notions! try to be open to learn!
The hands wanted to take him,
He did not want to go.
They wanted to take him down under,
He did not want to go.
Thanatos had come for him,
He did not want to go.
There was one he would leave,
He did not want to go.
The hands over his mouth, no air in his lungs,
He did not want to go.
A future never to be seen,
He did not want to go.
A life of joy in the sorrow,
He did not want to go.
But they pulled and pulled,
He did not want to go.
He was sorry, Achilles,
He did not want to go.
Just something I thought of while listening to 'Achilles Come Down' by Gang of Youth. Hope you like it.
unpopular opinion but with the new tide of Greek mythology stories and retellings, Greek Cultural Sensitivity Readings are absolutely necessary. We are in 2024, with thousands of fics and retellings out there!! How is this not a thing yet?? There's vast improvement one can achieve by working professionally on their text with a Greek. I've seen it so many times!!
Also, duh, I'm offering the service BUT I want you to know that the situation with the inaccuracies of SERIOUS works is so dire that initially I didn't even do it for money. As a writer I just wanted to... fix things, to set a new standard for writers and the industry that sells us the most heavily Americanized pop-culture material and passes it as "authentic vibes of Greek mythology". (And of course there were writers who wanted to do right by their story and they had reached out to me. So kudos to them as well!)
Okay, but why does Cultural Sensitivity Reading make a vast difference and it's not just smoke and mirrors?
As a Greek, I am tired of well-meaning writers and authors butchering very basic elements of my culture. It's not their fault exactly, since they were raised in another culture with a different perspective. And nobody clued them in on how different Greek culture is from theirs, so writers sometimes assume that their culture is the default and they project that into ancient Greece. (Even published professionals like Madeline Miller have written "UK or US in antiquity" (with a very colonialist flavor) instead of writing "Ancient Greece". (Looking at you, Circe!)
Even writers who researched a lot before coming to me still had a lot of misinformation or wrong information in their text, easily verifiable by the average Greek. Again, not their fault. They can only access certain information, which does not include Greek scholarly work and scientific articles that DO offer valuable context.
Translation, accuracy, and meaning: If you ever wondered what a word means or how to pronounce it, here's your chance! There are Greeks like me who are knowledgeable and have a keen interest in antiquity and they will be able to read and compare ancient texts, and dive deeper into the work of Greek scholars regarding those texts.
If you want to create new words, you can do that as well! (It doesn't always work, but we can try. Greek is a really rich language and has a word about everything) If you use existing words, I can help you separate reality from fantasy in the context of your story.
(Do not assume we Greeks are ignorant of our heritage, or that we don't know how to research! Our archaeology sector is huge and archaeological museums are closer to most of us than your local Target is to you)
I guarantee there are things you never thought about Greece and the Mediterranean - from the ancient to the modern era. Sprinkling elements like phrases, types of interactions, customs, songs, instruments, dances, etc , into your text will make your text absolutely rich in culture.
Names matter!!! The genders of the names matter, diminutives matter (If I see one more "Perse" for Persephone I will claw my eyes out along with a few thousand Greeks), naming traditions matter!!! In many cases you should not even use a diminutive!!
You will be able to write about a foreign culture easily! Because of the continuity of Greek culture, you can even write a few more recent Greek elements to fill in the gaps. I can make sure they are not mismatched, and they will complement your ancient setting. I have observed a few things I didn't know we had since antiquity, but they make sense because our land has certain characteristics.
Non-Greek writers often miss the whole context of Greek culture! Do you know how Greek respect towards deities and parents looks like? What tones we use when we talk to our elders? When to use honorific plural - if your setting is more modernized?
Oh, and please let's avoid caricatures when describing Greeks?? (even fantasy Greeks) There can be heavy exotisation and odd descriptions of Greeks, as if we are another species. Even in published works. For many western writers it's difficult to catch, unfortunately.
The whole process is actually way easier than you think. You send me a text, I make notes and then we have some discussion on your vision.
It's always okay to seek guidance from the locals! You are not "guilty" when you admit you don't know! How can you know if you don't ask?? You can't imagine what relief and "πάλι καλά!!!" I read/see from other Greeks when I tell them another foreigner is using me for cultural sensitivity? Greeks want you to seek help and will NOT shame you for it!
(On the contrary, you have no idea how many eye-rolls Greeks do when they see a blatantly wrong thing in a story... Which has happened pretty often for many years now. Can we do better as an industry?? Please???)
You can send me a personal message to share your story, or ask what this whole cultural sensitivity thing is all about, or ask about what I have done so far and how I can help. But for the love of all that's good, don't let your story be another "generic greek myth retelling"! And don't let others sell you their generic greek myth retellings!!
—The Golden Apple of Discord 🍎
The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles. An oppressive, hot wind blew from the southeast, carrying with it the putrefying stench of decay. And outside the city walls, Death itself waited— in the persons of Titus, son of Vespasian, and sixty thousand legionnaires, who were anxious to gut the City of God.
—Francine Rivers, A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion series).
I feel the heart is the most aromantic organ. I know what your think but hear me out.
Most people associate the heart with love, and this is mainly because of the love heart shape (which is actually to do with love) has the same name as the organ.
But the shape actually originally comes from the Silphium's seedpod plant which was seen as a herb of love and sex, it was also used as an early form of birth control. The plant was the put on ancient Cyrene money.
Anyway, in reality in the brain controls love. The feeling of love is controlled by three hormones, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. The brain controls the secretion of all hormones, and the glands of all three of these hormones are in the brain (except dopamine which can come from the the hypothalamus, in the brain, and the adrenal glands, above kidneys).
In reality the only effect love has on the heart is that it can speed up your pulse (how fast the heart bets), but that is true for way to many other things for it to be considered a connection, non one every relates being scared, angry or stressed to the heart (unless for medical reasons as lots stress can cause the blood vessel to narrow).
But despite the heart (organ) having nothing to do with love, romance or sex, it is seen as such and those things are forced on it. As an aromantic person I think that’s quite relatable.
Part 2 of Art for Every Book I Read this Summer: The Symposium by Plato!
(Little explanation)
This is a fairly liberal interpretation of the word ‘fanart’ but it is art inspired by the book I read, which is what I’m going for. The main take away from this book for me was that Ancient Greek philosophers and those three side characters in Dazed and Confused have something in common, and that is that they both represent the way me and my friends get together and have deeply existential conversations for the fun of it. Philosophy hasn’t changed, just the way the philosophers dress.
Achilles
I
To them I am the brute not the lover
The raging king’s hound, his gold spear – death’s kiss
Was this the way, was there no other?
II
History, prayèrs did try to cover –
Those violent delights, and that violent bliss
- To them I am the brute not the lover.
III
Yet, if time would but only uncover
Those extra curves of your smiles that they miss – I miss.
Was this the way – was there no other?
IV
If the Prince of Troy did not hover over
My mind and your ghost – in debt to the Styx –
To them I am the brute not the lover!
V
They forget romeo, the pre-mover;
Was it for this you died, was it for this?
Alas, I am the brute. Not your lover.
Was this the way? Was there no other?
"Achilles" by Sadbh Kellett. First published in The Attic XX, 2017.
A snippet of my book since you guys asked for more info! <3 @ze-melon-lord
For context, the setting is supposed to be similar to the Hellenistic Era of Ancient Greece, in a Caveat-like theatre(If you like my writing, and want to see more, PLS send me asks, the fandoms I write for and Nono's are pinned on my page)
Warnings// Depictions of gore and violence, guns and swords, minor cliffhanger if you squint
DO NOT repost w/out using the button on the post or claim as your own, you will be blocked and reported. All rights ARE reserved
Chapter One; Loyalty is Only Obsession
“Ms. Serafina? Ma’am, are you ready?” A young voice spoke up from the darkness of a corner. A dark, private, cavea-like seating area.
“Indeed, I should like to see the show begin…,” A heavenly deep voice responded, “Maybe this one will be different?”
On the guards’ ends, they passed a small cue down to the stage before replacing themselves behind the Goddess’s chair, “Ladies and gentlemen, let the show… begin!”
A disarming smile displayed on the Woman's lips, Her slender hand leaning softly against Her cheek. As She shifted Her hands, the off-shoulder sleeves on Her velvety black dress— garnished with silk roses—, wrinkled and slid ever so slightly up Her arms.
A messily beautiful display of tricks and twists went on at the infant stage below. The dear, dejected Serafina just couldn’t be satisfied by pulling rabbits out of hats, anymore. Of course, She couldn’t control that She was like this, She had simply existed for just… so long.
Some sorrowful display cast over Her smile whilst staring upon what the people thought Her upbringing had been, “This is all wrong…!”
“Would you like me to inform them?” A fit, armored, young woman knelt beside Her Grace.
“Absolutely not, Anthea; I would rather they not know than they be aware and revolt… Ignorance is bliss, afterall,” She kept Her stern facade through Her disgust.
“As you wish, My Liege,” The soldier of sorts returned to her post in the corner, armor clanking softly against itself.
The show continued, seemingly harmless. No one in the theatre nearly had the chance to catch the barrel of a gun in an actress’s boot. An evil grin consistently mistaken for one of enjoyment.
“and now…,” The man from earlier announced an hour since the start, “Let the beginning of the end commence!”
“Haah, finally…; this one was starting to bore me more than some of the others have… And I thought it would be different,” Serafina, ever the infamous one for never giving up pride, therefore, even when a show appalled Her, She stayed.
“You know, it would be a shame if-,” The lights went out, accompanied by the ping of a bullet ringing through the air — the result of Her own foolishness.
A deep chuckle slipped from Her mouth, “Oh, is it going to be interesting, afterall? Save the best for last, I suppose.”
“No, Miss, I-I don’t think that is part of the show,” Ethaan called, across from Anthea.
“Not part of the show? So you believe it may be an attack?”
“It is possible, yes,” He adjusted his glasses as if they had miraculously slid down his nose, which they were too tight to do.
“Then should we not evacuate the Lady?” Anthea protested.
“Err…” A small stutter sounded from the boy.
“If I am not in any immediate danger then what is the point?” Serafina stood up, turning around to face the two guards with a perky chuckle, “If it comes down to, then you shall fight.”
“If it is your order, My Lady,” Ethaan hesitantly obeyed, nodding as he turned and looked to his colleague.
The Woman placed a hand on the chair’s armrest from where she stood beside it. The young soldiers exchanged glances; they had only met fairly recently, though they figured they got along just fine.
“We can make that-” Bullets split the mount of one last burning candle, hurling flames towards the ground.
“Well, this means we fight?” Ethaan adjusted his glasses once more, the nerves shaking his fingertips.
“It does. Lady Serafina, please get back.” Anthea stood her ground, moving slightly in front of her superior.
With the Goddess safely behind Her guards, they readied themselves. Combat may be approaching.
“Where is it coming from? Do you think it is one person or multiple?” Her trusted guards quickly questioned the Lady.
“The first shot sounded like it came from the stage, when the lights went out. And if the one from just now managed to hit our only light left… then it had to of also come from the stage; so, it is at least one of the actors.” Serafina always had such an unnatural sense of hearing. Quite convenient, yes…
Stampeding footsteps raced up the stairs, just so happening to stop in front of their target —There were two of them.
The five of them only needed the slivers of moonlight, seeping in through scream-soaked curtains, to spot each other’s silhouettes. Second by second, breath by labored breath, the anticipation of who would move first—or even breathe first.
Ethaan and Anthea were too slow, the attackers too fast. The darkness blinded Serafina. How unfortunate, She just can’t see in the dark.
Pew, one bullet shot was all it took. Where was it going? To the Goddess? To the guards? The latter. Who? Anthea; she pushed her partner away, taking the bullet to her own abdomen. Wait…, a second shot? So quickly? Did they both have guns?
Ethaan didn’t risk it, he lunged at the anonymous—too late… He landed his blade in a shoulder, yes, but The Lady had already taken the blow.
Her senses had failed Her. She had only been hit in Her right eye, communication was still possible; unless it had gone too deep?
“Ms. Serafina!” Ethaan called out, watching as his boss dropped to Her knees.
She kept silent, still, and silent.
The only audible thing being the labored breaths of the others.
Panicked, the attackers left. Was that it? They thought the bullet took Serafina’s life; so, that was it? How awfully pathetic.
“They’re gone now; please tell me you’re alive, Milady!”
“Yes, I am fine. I only dropped, so they would leave. Though, My eye is definitely going to be blinded; the shrapnel got in it.” She paused, looking at the frightened boy, “Is Anthea alive?”
A withered, “Yes…” sounded from the ground, Anthea lay there, broken and defeated.
“Come now, we shall get you the medical attention you require; we can’t have My best in centuries dying on Me, now, can we?” Serafina carefully cradled the maimed maiden in Her arms, “You aren't injured, as well, are you Ethaan?”
He shook his head, thankfully in good physical health. Yes, physical, at the very least. Had anyone more been injured She wouldn’t have known what to do with Herself. She already didn’t know what to do with Herself; this whole moment felt oddly evocative, almost as if this had maybe happened to Her before. But it hadn’t, it couldn’t have! Or could it. Had it?
© a-yciecat
Hey so like, I'm currently writing a book and was wondering how many people would be interested in reading the first 2 or 3 chapters of it? It's set in a fantasy version of Ancient Greece, and the main characters are a goddess and her two guards. It's about the goddess, Serafina, and how the loyalty of one of her guards turns into the guard obsessing over her, and how everything takes a turn when the guard does something to "prove her loyalty" to Serafina. Would you guys be interested?
People who have read "the song of Achilles" need to read "the silence of the girls" and Homer's Iliad, as in song of Achilles the story is told from Patroclus' perspective, someone who loved Achilles so he's incredibly biased and mainly focuses on how amazing Achilles was,
when actually he's the reason so many died during the trojan was because of his massive tantrum over Briseis (who would not have been like a close friend to them she would have just been a slave for Achilles to use)
Then again after Patroclus dies he commits horrific acts "in the name of love" but in Homer's Iliad the entire plot is off Achilles anger, it starts with his annoyance of being dishonoured and ends with his rage as his lover is killed because of his original anger.
Reblogging my art with folk songs I feel are fitting part 2
after “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller (warning: violence)
Heliotropic soul who smells of spring.
Sunshine hair with gold-leafed summer irises,
Bright, shining from alabaster flesh.
Chiseled hands over carved wood,
Sinew-plucked strings.
They would never draw blood.
Winter is a minimalist,
Warmed by our roseate love,
Thawed anew.
"these flowers suit your hair so well"
Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw, Greece, circa 460 BC
from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
DOG MOSAICS (From Italy and Greece ××)