#endymion and selene

[kustavglimt]

Victor Florence Pollet: Endymion and Selene (mid 19th century)

[bodhi-devotee]

devotional lock + home screens i made for apollo, artemis, selene and endymion. i love looking at it

[androphonos-theoi]

Selene -

Immortal goddess, Moon who Rides across the Sky, Lover of Endymion,

May you be praised as you are due.

Khaire, Lady Selene.

[sleepnowmychild]

The hotel I'm in RN is fancy as fuck and has a heap of massive paintings in the halls. And would you look who I found! Selene and Endymion (and I'm assuming baby eros)

[mythologypaintings]

Selene and Endymion

Artist: Gerard de Lairesse (Dutch, 1641-1711)

Date: ca. 1680

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Description

In Greek mythology, the moon goddess Selene was the lover of the mortal shepherd Endymion; but because of her lunar nature, their meetings could only take place at night. Nicolas Poussin has represented the poignant moment at which the two must part.

[coldraindropsss]

Sappho, Fragment 199 (from Scholiast on Apollonius of Rhodes) (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "The story goes that Selene comes down to this cave [on Mount Latmos in Karia (Caria)] to meet Endymion. Sappho and Nikandros) (Nicander [poet C2nd B.C.] . . . tell the story of the love of Selene."

Selene was the mother of the goddesses Pandia (All-Gifts), Ersa (Dew)

[the-banks-of-lethe]

Hypnos and the myth of Endymion

As voted on on Wednesday, today's topic is the myth of Endymion! If any of you have suggestions for next weeks poll, or anything you want me to talk about / research!

Apologies for any spelling, grammar, or general sentence fulidity errors. I've been tired and mentally / emotionally drained recently due to some personal happenings; but I still wanted to get this out on time. Let me know if there was anything you wanted me to elaborate on more or anthing I missed and I can try and get back to you as soon as possible! << Post under the cut >>

So, Who was Endymion?

ENDYMION was a handsome shepherd-prince loved by the moon-goddess Selene. When Zeus offered him his choice of destinies, Endymion chose immortality and youth in eternal slumber. He was laid out in a cave on Mount Latmus in Karia (Caria) where his lunar lover would visit him each night. In another myth--which contradicts the first--Endymion was a king of Elis in the Greek Peloponesse who founded the kingdom with a group of Aiolian (Aeolian) colonists from Thessalia (Thessaly). Zeus granted him foreknowledge of his own death and, when his time had come, he set up a racecourse at Olympia and commanded his sons compete for the throne. Endymion was afterwards entombed beside the starting gate. - theoi.com

There are many different variations of the myth of Prince Endymion, but they all hold the same basics; Endymion was a prince / king renowned for his beauty, so much so that he caught the eyes of various (due to differing sources) gods, and he, by one way or another, was succumb to eternal slumber with his eyes open.

Front of a Sarcophagus with the Myth of Endymion ^^

Variations of myth

In most myths, Endymion was beloved by Selene, the moon goddess. She was so enamored by his beauty, that she begged Zeus to make him and his beauty immortal in slumber - with his eyes open so that she may peer into them and bask in his beauty. Zeus agreed and let him lay upon Mt Latmos for eternity, allowing Selene to gaze at her lover each night.

In another retelling of the myth, it was Zeus who gave the King a choice to have anything he [Endymion] may desire; Endymion chosing to be cast into an everlasting sleep so that he might remain youthful forever. Then after he was bound to sleep forever did Selene fall in love. In both versions of these myths, Selene laid with Endymion one night and concieved 50 lunar nymphs called the Menae, whose number was said to represent the fifty lunar months of the Olympiad (the four years between each Olympic games). No sources tend to say whether the conception happened before Endymions eteneral sleep or after / during.

Again, in another version, the eternal sleep of Endymion was a punishment given to him by Zeus for falling in love with and attempting to have sexual relations with Hera - Zeus' wife.

However, in the earlier accounts of the myth by Licymnius (as shown below) it was Hypnos who had fallen in love with the beauty of the Prince. And some recounts say that both Selene and Hypnos fell in love with him.

Licymnius, Fragment 771 (from Athenaeus, Scholars at Dinner) (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric V) (Greek lyric C4th B.C.) : "[Endymion was a handsome youth loved by the moon-goddess Selene. He was granted immortality in a state of eternal slumber :] Likymnios of Khios (Licymnius of Chios) says the Hypnos (Sleep) loves Endymion and does not close they eyes of his beloved boy even while he is asleep, but lulls him to rest with eyes wide open so that he may without interruption enjoy the pleasure of gazing at them. His words are ‘And Hypnos (Sleep), rejoicing in the rays of his eyes, would lull the boy to rest with eyes wide open.’" - theoi.com

There are technically more versions of this myth, however that would be too many for this post to cover. Some are also just combinations of the different myths listed, in an attempt to fit all the variations into one.

How do people view the myth?

Despite the variations of the myth; the metaphors that it proposes largely all stay the same. One may view the myth as the ancients giving a reason for being comatose state; however most interpretations from what I could find, see the story of Selene / Hypnos and Endymion as a divine love story; showing how great of lengths one is willing to go for love. In Selene / Hypnos' case, casting their lover into eternal slumber, something many would consider selfish, but is a true testiment to what lengths one will go in order for them to feel love.

Little disclaimer!: This story, as all myths, can be interpreted in different ways - yours may be different to mine and that's okay. As mythic literalism does not occur in Hellenic Polytheism, the myths are open to interpretation from person to person; although their may be a consensus or a majority that interprets it one way, does not mean you must follow. That being said you can find truth / believe in multiple interpretation / variations. They are myths, not history bound by fact.

Photos / Art:

Sources used;

(not including the knowledge I previously had of this myth)

Khaire friends, and sweet dreams 💙

[river-gale]

jane eyre and fairy tale references in the mars house by natasha pulley

Let's talk about folklore! TMH references it near-constantly. This post was originally just going to be me chatting about individual references for fun and enrichment, but now I want to talk about what purpose they serve.

A few of them are to describe situations or scenery:

This one is a Sleeping Beauty reference, used to describe what happens when the internet goes out. Sleeping Beauty is also a ballet with music by Tchaikovsky, completed in 1899; a lot of ballets are based on fairy tales, so it makes sense that these are the stories the narrator picks. The story is from January's perspective, and he's a former ballet principal—it's a neat bit of characterization.

He also uses them to talk to and about Gale:

(If you know a specific Tang dynasty novel this is referencing, please tell me, I will give you my hand in marriage.)

This is the plot of Bluebeard!

The second one here is Selene and Endymion. The first one is Jane Eyre, which is not technically a folk tale—it's a novel, a work of Gothic literature by Charlotte Brontë—but, like TMH, it follows the same archetypal plot of plenty of folk tales. A vulnerable person, usually a young woman and sometimes poor, has to marry someone powerful and monstrous—an animal, a dragon, an invisible god, a serial murderer, a nobleman who's keeping his ex-wife locked in the attic, or in the case of TMH, a CEO who is also a xenophobic demagogue who may or may not have murdered their last spouse. This is why January references Bluebeard. He's in the exact same type of story.

There's an equivalent feminine archetype of the Monster Bridegroom—the Swan Maiden and related tales—but the allusions in TMH tend towards the Monster Bridegroom version, just because it works better for the themes of power dynamics and different kinds of power.

The thing that makes TMH interesting, though, is that it isn't just an Monster Bridegroom folktale from January's perspective. It's also one from River's. January is marrying an incredibly wealthy and influential politician who wants people like him permanently disabled; River is marrying someone with superhuman strength who belongs to the same group as the person who recently ripped off their leg. If we take "monstrous" to mean alien, powerful, and potentially dangerous, then that's exactly what they are to each other—and what the animal spouses in Monster Bridegroom myths are.

And the allusions in the book reflect that, because they're also used to describe January.

Could be a lot of things—many different cultures have Things In Ponds That Eat You, and that's beautiful—but my first thought is kelpies.

A generic one.

January's Swan King thing! (And then they kiss about it!!)

I don't have a quote for this one, but Earthstrongers—and January in particular—are often compared to polar bears. (He's got polar-bear-colored hair.) It's very East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

The double fairy tale plot of this book is super cool—they're each the same fairy tale archetype to each other—but possibly even cooler is that Jane Eyre does a really similar thing with its fairy tale allusions!

The first speaker is Rochester, and the second is Jane. He's her monster bridegroom (due to the attic wife situation), but he frequently alludes to changeling and fairy stories when speaking about her. It adds some depth to the Jane Eyre reference in TMH!

It also recalls this passage from TMH:

Because at their hearts, Jane Eyre and TMH are both stories about class boundaries and power dynamics being transcended by the ability to match someone's freak.

[neoclassicalblobphilosopher]

Nobody gets them like I do

[fuji-sen]

THE SUN AND THE MOON

Apollo from Blood of Zeus, forgot to clarify. Based on the Song: o sol e a lua - Pequeno Cidadão lyrics translation: hwartless.mp3 in youtube!

notes!

— main character is a free slot where you can insert your oc or yourself,

— main character is depicted as the daughter of Selene, also the goddess of the moon, Artemis still exists, she is still also a goddess of the moon, however her role (as the goddess of the moon) is different and will be more minor compared to the main character.

— main character isn't related or at least closely related to Apollo

— I describe the main character as someone with dark blue hair, white-iridescent eyes, pale skin. You are free to change things and as a female character.

*changes between 2nd and 3rd person pov sometimes.

★₊˚⊹✧˖°.

「 The Sun proposed to the Moon

Said he's loved her for a very long time

Since the time of dinosaurs

pterodactyls, tyrannosaurus,

When there weren't even bicycles,

nor tricycles,

Nor motorcycles 」

It was the first time the God of the Sun had met her. He had just finished pulling the sun by himself on the chariot without the guidance of his mentor and predecessor.

He got off the chariot, pulled by four winged stead's. His hand went to comb his luscious golden locks as he sighed, satisfied at his progress. Soon enough he would be the new God of the Sun and it would be forever his job to herd the Sun over the lands.

He guided the horses back to their first owner, their master, Helios the Golden titan. He could see the titan from a distance and he found him chatting with someone.

Apollo stopped in his tracks, mesmerized at the Titan's companion.

The sun had long since set and the moon now ruled the skies. It's gentle rays enveloping all in a comforting embrace.

A head of cerulean hair shone under the moonlight, an iridescent halo floating behind her head. He found himself staring at the Goddess from behind who talked with the Titan of the Sun, Helios, with such familiarity.

"Helios, it's nice to see you again, how long has it been" the woman politely told the titan who laughed.

"Ah child, still stiff as ever, I told you to call me uncle." The titan responded with a jovial laugh, his large hands reaching and patting her small back (in comparison). The Goddess nearly fell at the strength of his hands, and the Titan laughed more and more.

"Oh Apollo, come here!" Helios noticed his protege from afar, bringing him back his chariot and horses. "Meet my niece, [___]" The titan gestured to the Goddess, who turned to take a look at the approaching God.

Apollo found his breath being taken away from him, his golden eyes lost in iridescent ones. It was akin to his brother's cloak. A white base with a mesh of multiple colors. He stepped closer and closer, eyes staring intently.

He could see a rainbow reflecting in his eyes, and gold. Her eyes reflected golden rays, perhaps from his own aura and eyes.

"What are you doing?" The Goddess asked with a frown, putting a hand on his chest and pushing him back. "oh" he stood there, mouth akin to that of a fish's. Flapping open and close. Helios stared at the God weirdly, it was unlikely him to be at a loss for words, Apollo was a smooth talker, witty even, so he was never without a response.

Apollo's cheeks turned pink, "apologies, I simply got lost in your beautiful eyes." he remarked after finding composure, he offered his hand to her and she hesitantly took it, assuming he wanted to shake it.

But to her surprise, the God brought the back of her hand to his lips, nearly kissing it if it weren't for her quick reflexes. She quickly took her hand back awkwardly, "there's no need for such.. actions."

He laughed, slightly embarrassed, but he pressed on, he wasn't one to give up. "My name is Apollo, I'm your uncle's, Helios', student. In the future, it will be my job to raise and lower the sun." He introduced himself, a hand on his chest and a warm smile.

The Goddess stared at him, lightly coughing as she put her hand at her side. "It's nice to meet you Apollo, my name is [___]." Her voice was quiet, nearly betrayed by the winds, luckily he managed to hear it.

"It's nice you two are getting along, considering you two may be working with each other everyday in the future." Helios cut in, reminding the two of his presence. Apollo's brows raised questioningly.

"Little one here is a prospective Goddess for the task of herding the Moon." The Titan said softly, putting a hand on her small back in assurance and trust.

"Oh, You will be taking after the Goddess Selene?" Apollo turned to the iridescent Goddess. She slowly nodded with a purse of her lips, "highly likely, she is my mother and she has been suggesting I take on her role." she answered "of course, if your sister doesn't mind, she too is a Goddess of the Moon."

"Artemis?" he chuckled at the thought "She prefers spending the night hunting, I think she'll be overjoyed with passing that job to you." Apollo reassured her of any worries, waving his hand to dismiss such a thought. He knew his twin quite well, and honestly, Artemis has confessed to him her worries of receiving such a.. to quote her, 'boring' and 'repetitive' job.

"I see, then I suppose we will really be seeing much of the other in the future."

Ever since then, they meet briefly nearly every twilight. Passing by each other in their own chariots whenever they herded the Sun and the Moon.

They passed by each other when the Sun set or the Moon rested. Apollo always sent a smile and a wave her way, and she in turn would nod her head respectfully towards the God.

Sometimes the task of pulling the moon was managed by Selene and the Goddess was nowhere to be found.

And tonight, was one of those nights.

Apollo couldn't help but found himself riding his chariot in the night, the stars were shining brightly and the Moon ever watching. He could not find her among the Gods at Mount Olympus, he wondered if she was asleep, resting for the night.

The Sun God couldn't help but notice how often he looked for her presence, enjoyed it, as if it was like basking in the moonlight. A comforting feeling.

"Is that?" he pulled the reins, guiding the horses near the beach. There in the water, stood a woman, bathing alone in the waters. Letting the currents hit her body.

Hearing the sound of horses, the Goddess turned her head, finding a golden chariot, driven by a golden haired God approaching her "Apollo?" she called with a raised brow.

She sank further into the waters, embarrassed, remembering her robes were on a nearby rock. Apollo got off the chariot, waving her as he made her way.

"[___]" he called, unknowingly his lips tugged to a smile. She was beautiful, a gentle type of beauty. The moonlight framed her body, and

the waters reflected the light, its wavy pattern appearing on her pale skin. Her cheeks a rosy pink, she was flustered.

"Apollo" she stammered, her hand covering the lower half of her face as she turned away "could you hand me my dress?" she asked.

"Of course."

The bundle of fabric was in his hands, but he made no move to approach her. "Apollo?" she called, worriedly. "I can't just hand it to you while you're in the waters, are you going to wear it and get it wet?" he questioned amused.

"right.."

"don't worry" he reassured softly "I'll close my eyes and turn around." He did as he said and she sighed thoughtfully.

He smiled slightly, hearing the sound of water moving and a pair of footsteps approached him. The item he held was taken away from him and he could hear the rustle of clothes.

"Thank you," she said still embarrassed "I'm okay now." She took a step back as Apollo turned around, admiring her beauty.

Her hair was still wet, drops of water dripping from the ends, her hair stuck to her skin as well as her clothes. Luckily the fabric was not sheer or of light colors.

"What brings you here?" she questioned, "I would have assumed you would be resting by now or partying up there at Mount Olympus."

"I felt like exploring the area, and I found myself bewitched by a beautiful woman by the beach." He sighed in content, "However I was worried to see that she was alone, and bare. The waters are very dangerous at night, have you not heard of Poseidon's son and how he met his end by Ares'?"

The Goddess shrugged "I have, but I can defend myself. However, thank you for your words and assistance." She smiled at him.

"I only speak the truth." He told her, offering his hand to the moon eyed goddess. "Would you like to take a walk with me?"

She eyed him "I suppose.. considering you just assisted me." she took his hand, and he felt like he touched fire. A soothing warm, and something akin to lightning. His skin tingled and his body felt warmer.

They took a walk by the beach, the waters occasionally reaching their feet. Wetting it and coating Apollo's sandals with sand. "I did not think this through" he muttered, annoyed as he kicked his feet, it seemed to only make his situation worse if not sandier.

She laughed in amusement, and the two dove in a lighthearted conversation. Their hobbies, their preferred offerings, their titles.

"How have I not seen you before in Mount Olympus?" he asked and confessed to her "I wished I had met you sooner."

"oh.." she blinked, staring away from his intense gaze, opting to look at the moon's reflection in the waters "it's cause I usually sleep the day away, I'm more active at night." And as she said that, a yawn escaped her lips.

"it looks like you haven't been sleeping the day away as you claimed" he said hand reaching to brush the hair that was sticking to her forehead.

"I've been preparing with Ares and Athena" she explained, "I never got to properly tell you all my titles."

"What would a Moon Goddess have business with the War Duo?" he asked.

"I'm a Restoration Goddess, but I also represent the defensive aspects of war." She replied with a proud grin, shaking her arm away from his as her hands went to grab her waist. "I usually come after the battle, I help the victims heal and build themselves back up again."

"An honorable duty." He complimented her.

"Thank you Apollo, now I must retire, Ares told me he'll be breaking me down and up" she sighed.

"I know my thing or two around the blade, would you like my assistance as well?" he offered.

"Thanks, but aren't you supposed to be pulling the Sun?" she reminded him in amusement, his eyes widened having forgotten his role. "Right, still, I'll think of something."

She turned away, beginning to continue their walk. "It's alright, you don't have to Apollo." she said with a hum. They both had time consuming tasks. And although Helios and her mother were there to take some days off, the task of pulling either one of the heavenly bodies required half the day or so. She stared at the moon with a longing expression.

'It would be easier if the horses were tamed and could pull it on their own..'

"I want to though." Apollo stated, grabbing her hand and making her turn to meet his gaze, his eyes were filled with warmth, it had a glow akin to the light of the sun. His eyes resembled that of melted gold and ambrosia, they were absolutely stunning.

"Let me help you." he told her with an almost pleading voice.

"W-why do you treat me like this?" she questioned taking back her hand.

"Because—"

★₊˚⊹✧˖°.

「 But the Moon found it so strange,

A fire ball that doesn't even bathe

Just imagine!

What a pity! 」

「 Because, my heart doesn't belong to anyone

I'm the inspiration of all couples

From the great poets to the most ordinary ones

Get off man! 」

"You love her?!" Artemis repeated, eyes wide as she nearly dropped her glass of wine. The four gods, siblings, were in Apollo's quarters.

Artemis had noticed her twin's recent moodiness and so she brought Hermes and Dionysus with her and barged into her brother's room with food and drinks.

She practically had to threaten him to tell his most embarrassing stories to the other Gods in the room to get him to talk.

Dionysus looked amused, cheeks flushed from the wine he was drinking "you just told her you love her! and she rejected you!?" the God of parties and wine laughed, nearly toppling over to the floor in his very much drunken state.

Apollo breathed in deeply, but his annoyance grew and he ended up throwing a pillow at the youngest God.

Hermes looked at the God of Sun with amusement, "I didn't think you'd be capable of falling so deeply for someone." he admitted, raising his hands seemingly in surrender "What did she say?"

"She didn't believe me." Apollo frowned as he slumped on his chair, he looked at his chalice of wine, already empty, and he could feel the alcohol's effects. "Nor does she care for love."

Artemis and Hermes shared a glance.

"What?"

"Well.." Artemis turned to Hermes, as if mentally communicating with him but the Herald of Gods shrugged. "It probably has something to do with her parents." The white haired Goddess theorizes.

He raised a brow "Selene and..?"

"Endymion." Hermes answered, being fast and easily travelling around let the God hear a lot of things. And one of which was about The Titan Goddess of the Moon and her forever sleeping lover.

"And I don't think our own parents, especially Father, makes love look amazing." Artemis nonchalantly said as she looked at her nails. "[___] she probably just got turned off with love."

"Or you aren't her type." Dionysus chimed in raising his hand and waving it.

Apollo's response was to throw another pillow at the drunk.

"Brother, perhaps you should focus on drinking." Hermes suggested to avoid things escalating with the drunk God's teasing. "Will you be giving up?" Artemis questioned her brother. Apollo quickly answered "No, of course not!"

"Maybe you should, respect her boundaries, she did say no." The huntress shrugged getting some grapes from the fruit bowl.

"I'm not going to force her to like me" Apollo frowned at his sister "But I can not just simply let go of my feelings for her."

Artemis looked at her brother with a long hard stare before sighing, "alright, suit yourself, but the minute you start harassing her, my dear brother, you will find yourself as my personal archery target."

"What am I? A common thug? I have no intentions of harassing anybody!"

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆

"[___]" The cerulean haired goddess turned to the source of that familiar voice, she lowered her weapon and the spar between her and Athena was paused as the trio (her, Artemis and Ares) gave their full attentions to the sun God who walked with a sword in his hands. "What is he doing here?" Ares asked in a gruff voice.

"I think he has invited himself, [___]?" Athena turned questioningly towards you.

You shrug in response, unable to answer or say that he was following you like some puppy due to some trivial and fleeting emotions and attraction.

"I simply wanted to train with the Moon Goddess. It would do us well to be able to fight well together, do you not think so?" Apollo stated seeing their questioning glances. "Ah." Ares looked unamused at his waltzing in.

"Damn Bastards.." he cursed under his breath.

"Well at least there's an even number of people" Athena said with a smile, trying to avoid any in-fighting between siblings with how Ares was looking at the God of the Sun. "Why don't we try fighting in pairs?" She suggested.

Apollo positively brightened at the idea, the aura around his form shined brighter. Ares hissed, squinting his eyes having been nearly blinded. "Okay.. considering Apollo's words, why don't you and [___] work together."

"A-against you.. and him?" You sputtered, glancing cautiously at Ares, on a good day he was a good sparring partner, but he seemed to have gotten ticked off due to Apollo's presence, you were sure he wasn't going to go easy on anyone of you now at this point. Athena seemed to understand your worries, and whispered to you that she will try to keep the other War God in line.

And now you find yourself paired up with your supposed 'other half,' Apollo. "Don't look too worried, I'm not all talk." Apollo said with a smile, noticing her reluctance in partnering with him. "It's not that, it just seems.. Ares isn't quite fond of you." you pointed out, careful with your words.

Apollo laughed, "you must have been sleeping under a rock, of course he doesn't like me, his mother, Hera hates us. She hates us illegitimate children and our mothers." You found yourself frowning at that and found yourself muttering "but it's not your fault you were born in such circumstances.." 

The golden eyes God looked at you softly, "your kindness warms my heart, but you do not need to worry about me, I am quite used to such hatred."

You looked at him in silent, he looked at you with a smile albeit a sad one that seemed to try to reassure her and himself deep down. You turn your eyes to Ares who was stretching, the God noticing your stare, turned to you.

And you both meet eyes.

He raised a brow at you, and you cocked your head to the side, mentally communicating with him. He rolled his eyes but nonetheless nodded, understanding you wanted to talk to him later.

Apollo looked at the interaction between you two, and found himself to feel an ugly sort of feeling in his stomach. It was a feeling that made his gut twist, he felt a bit angry at the interaction, and he found himself wondering if you were close to Ares?

"Let us begin." Athena announced.

. . . . .

"We lost horribly" you sighed, you and Apollo sat at a bench together, injured and bruised from the spar. "Apologies, I left you to fend for yourself against Athena" Apollo chuckled but winced, his ribs needed to be healed, despite his strange ways of love, pain was not one of his methods. He disliked pain.

"Here" you softly murmur, hand extending towards his chest, there was a hideous purple bruise on it and you suspect a few bones have been broken. "Thank you" Apollo said, watching you as you focused on his wounds. He sighed in relief feeling the pain melt away, and with that, he could focus on the feeling of your hand on his skin.

Soft and cool skin, that left goosebumps on his body with each trace. "I.. I didn't know you could heal." he uttered. "Just like the Sun, the moon is known for its healing." you simply say, your mother Selene could heal, and she was the original Goddess of the moon, and Helios could as well, although his healing works in the way of purification, purifying the body from poison sort of way.

You took back your hand but Apollo caught it with his own much bigger hand, his hand was calloused and could easily cover your own. The God simply smiled at you, cherishing the feeling of holding hands, his thumb brushed your knuckles as he hummed.

You felt chills from his touch, nearly taking your hand away until you felt it. It was warm, soothing and comforting, you watched as his energy and aura extended to you, covering your body and found that the pain from your injuries were becoming numb.

"Thank you." You'd say, and looked away with an unreadable face.

「the sun proposed to the moon,

and the moon said

'I don't know!'

'I don't know!'

'I don't know!'

'give me a break' 」

"[___]" he suddenly called your name and you turned to look at him, there was a hopeful look on the God of the Sun's face. "Would you like to spend some time together with me? Tonight?" he offered.

You raised a brow, and found yourself looking at him with amusement. "I'm afraid I cannot, I did not hand my duties to my mother, so I will be reining the Moon." he frowned at that, looking thoughtful as he then beamed, having an idea.

"Then perhaps, would you let me join you?"

"Join me? in my chariot?" you asked bewildered, and found yourself quickly denying him "I'm afraid there wouldn't be enough space." "Then I will be on my own chariot, we can race." he suggested.

"Apollo, I would prefer to spend my night alone for today." You told him softly as you took back your hand and stood up, it was about time for you to talk to Ares.

"Wait!" he called after you, and luckily for him, you stopped and looked at him patiently.

"I'm sorry if I was being too much but.." He placed a hand on his chest, "my feelings for you are genuine and sincere, please do not brush me off so coldly." "But Apollo, your feelings will quickly melt away, and you will realize that what you felt was simple attraction." you countered with a smile, he didn't like how you talked down on his feelings, he knew what he felt, he was sure of it, it wasn't some simple thing as attraction, nor was it lust.

"I really do love you." he confessed "Will you not let me court you at least?"

"I.. I don't know" you rubbed your hands to seek comfort, as you felt your heart heavy with burden.

"[___]" Apollo frowned as you were approached by Ares who gave you a silent look, "is he bothering you?" "..."  you didn't know how to answer, and Ares then asked something else "what do you want to talk about?"

"wait" you told him as you turned to Apollo, finding him to have a scowl on his pretty face. "I have to go now.." you say and turned around, you and Ares began to walk away. You felt a stare piercing your back so you sighed and turned to Apollo "I won't stop you from whatever you feel for me,,, just don't expect an answer."

Apollo smiled at that, at least you were acknowledging his feelings. And the Sun God had realized he was a victim of the ugly feeling called jealousy.

༄˖°.🪐.ೃ࿔*:･

Since then Apollo had joined you, Ares and Athena for your spars. It ended up with him having to ask Helios to manage the job of pulling the sun to him for a few days. Luckily for him the Titan did not mind. However, ever since the first practice, he found himself usually partnered with either Athena or Ares.

He couldn't help but wonder if you didn't want to partner with him due to your first practice ending with a humiliating defeat. He bit his lip, until he found himself rolling on the ground, "Don't get distracted." Athena told him and offered her hand to him, helping him stand up.

"Your counterpart is fairing better than you." She told him, as they turned to watch you spar with Ares, you were slowly but surely keeping up with him. "They seem to work quite well with and against each other." Apollo couldn't help but say through gritted teeth.

Athena looked at him weirdly, "Apollo, perhaps you should cool down, less you want your jealousy to be your downfall." The Goddess of War and Wisdom told him. Apollo released a sigh of frustration as he calmed his feelings down, "you're right." he conceded "I just can't help but wonder what type of relationship those two have."

"Clearly nothing romantic." Athena scoffed as they watched you smack Ares with your weapon and letting a yell of victory as you stood on the male's back. "How are you sure?" He asked, and winced as Ares grab your foot and threw you towards the wall. Fighting against Ares wasn't easy, but at least you weren't losing too badly.

"Well, Ares' interest has been piqued by Aphrodite and they banter and act more like siblings, it's like seeing you and Artemis." Athena chuckled in amusement, considering you and Ares resulted into throwing insults at each other childishly. "Other than that, [___] has been inquiring me how I became an official virgin Goddess."

He swallowed thickly, "she is interested in becoming a virgin Goddess?"

"Perhaps, she has been deflecting my questions of why she was asking." Athena simply said and grabbed her weapon once again, "now, let's try this again, I believe your head has become clearer?" Apollo laughed hollowly "I'm afraid not, but I shall try my best dear sister."

"Yield!"

"No!"

"I said Yield!"

Apollo didn't know why he was worried about you and Ares, you two bicker like actual siblings!

It was amusing honestly but.. he wondered if you truly planned to stay a virgin.

afterwards..

You were walking to your chariot, the sun was slowly setting and you can see Helios from afar going back to Mount Olympus with the chariot. Your body ached but you knew it was too late to ask your mother to handle your shift.

So she got on the chariot only to find it having a bouquet of your favorite flowers and a basket of fruits for the road. A piece of parchment could be seen sticking out between the blossoming flowers.

My dear moon, please take these flowers for I hope they brighten up your night just like how you brighten up my days. And do not forget to take care of your bodies, we may be mortals but we too experience the feeling of hunger and thirst.

Your Sun.

You found yourself chuckling, folding the piece of paper carefully. "My sun?" you recited, before shaking your head "No, no, no.."

"damn it all.."

"Such lovely flowers, it seems Apollo is quite taken with you." You jumped, finding your uncle approach you, the chariot was parked on the ground. He had finished his duty.

"How do you know?"

"Why I see you two getting closer and closer, I see a lot of things, even when I no longer pull the sun." He told her and smiled. "He picked those for you personally."

"I see.."

"My dear, little one, why do you refuse yourself of what you want?"

"I don't" you swallowed the lump in your throat, your voice shook "I don't think this.. love, is for me."

Helios looked at you softly, understanding painted on his face "I understand that your mother's love for your father has.. made you question a lot of things but.. there are many ways to love someone, many types of love other than what you know from your parents."

"I know but.."

"Is it not only that?" he questioned, "is there something else holding you back?"

"Mhmm.." you bobbed your head.

"I see, well, I cannot give you all the answers to your questions, because there are some things you must find out for yourself." He patted your head gently, and you nodded in understand and soon you set off, pulling the moon across the night.

Your head was heavy with thoughts. Thoughts about love, thoughts about your role and of course, thoughts about a certain God. And you reach to cover your flustered cheeks.

★₊˚⊹✧˖°. ᯓ★

「the sun proposed to the moon,

and the moon said

'I don't know!'

'I don't know!'

'I don't know!'

'give me a break' 」

And things were like that between the Iridescent eyed Goddess of healing and the soft light of the moon and the God of music and blazing light of the sun. Two opposite yet complementary beings, with one chasing the other who rejects, and rejects him.

Apollo found ways to court the resilient Goddess, be it simply leaving flowers or poems he had picked or wrote himself, or simply leaving food and drinks for her whenever she had a long night ahead. The God of the Sun didn't bother to hide his feelings, why would he be ashamed of it even?

The other Gods would always find him looking fondly at the Goddess as if she were his everything.

Maybe she was, with the way he acted for her. It almost made the Gods feel ashamed at how putty he'd become. And a bit bad for the God who could only be at the receiving end of rejections.

"[___]," he'd say softly with a bouquet of fresh flowers, her favorites, "my day was horrid until I saw you, you always did make everything better." he'd said handing her the bouquet, she'd sneeze from the pollen and he'd be over her saying how cute her sneeze was much to the embarrassment of Ares who was misfortunate enough to witness it.

"[___], I heard Zeus tasked you with overseeing his latest champion, mind if I join you?" Apollo loved in many ways, be it small sentimental gifts to more extravagant one, or acts of service like accompanying and helping her with tasks, and so on- it was almost embarrassing. Luckily he was courting a fellow God instead of a mortal.

And yet despite the rejections and the shenanigans, the residents of mount Olympus couldn't help but look at the two fondly. Well, most of them. Hera had different opinions, she found the idea of one of Zeus' children courting someone pure and unlike him was offending, she would try matching you up with other men she deemed more befitting of your standards.

One morning, you and Hera were walking together, having recently finished one of the many tea sessions the Queen of the Gods would host. She'd namely invite those she didn't personally hate which wasn't a lot, like Demeter, Hestia, you, and Aphrodite who was ran  a bit late.

Anyways- the two of you beautiful and radiant Goddesses were engaged in a small conversation over love. "Although admittedly your roles compliment one another, but you deserved more than someone like Apollo, perhaps my sons would be a better match for you." The Queen said with a thoughtful look, referring to Olympus' resident Sun God.

"A-actually, I was thinking about becoming a Virgin Goddess.." you told her slowly, hoping she wouldn't be as upset as Aphrodite. "A virgin goddess?" the aubergine haired goddess repeated looking thoughtful "I suppose that would be better than marrying a man." You sighed in relief, luckily you caught Hera in one of her 'i hate men' moods.

"In the end it's quite good that you're rejecting him, perhaps it is about time me or Aphrodite match you with someone more.. befitting of your status, not another one of Zeus' bastards."

"Is that so?" you questioned, frowning, Hera didn't quite understand you if she thought you were rejecting him because of his blood or illegitimacy.

There was a rustle of leaves, and you find yourself turning, you saw a blond haired god walking away, a bouquet of flowers in one hand, shoulder and back slumped in what you thought to be defeat.

⋆｡°•☁︎⋆｡°•☁︎

That day the Sun didn't rise above the skies, and Helios had to be rushed in to pull the ball of fire, lighting the land with its blazing glory. You looked at the sky, despite the Sun finally being in the sky, everything felt.. off. Almost gloomy, which was weird.

"I wonder what's up with Apollo?" Ares frowned as he lowered his hammer to his shoulder "Oi Where are you going?" he called for you as you began to run off to somewhere. "Don't mind them" Athena said inspecting her lance, "she probably made her mind up of something."

Apollo laid on his bed, unable to move, the weight of his heart was heavy, heavy enough to pin him down at the comforting nest he had built for himself. Numerous pillows and blankets were there, from the corner of his eye, he could see the cloud covered skies. And then there was a knock on his door.

He didn't answer, hoping the person would go away.

And after a few more knocks and silence as response, the person went away. He sighed, placing a hand on his face, massaging it as he was unable to find it in himself to smile. His thoughts were plagued by you and only you, and he found himself hurting, mulling over Hera's words and the constant rejections.

"I find myself enjoying your presence, and when I do not see you, I look for it. I enjoy what little moments we have, those short greetings as we meet at twilight but I know I want something more with you." Apollo desperately said staring at the sky. "What do I do with these feelings when you do not reciprocate them, and Hera is right, you deserve far better things, far better than me." His hand gripped his chest as his heart felt constricted.

"Oh beloved and golden child, why do you cry?" He nearly screamed and fell when he heard your voice, seeing you jump down to his terrace to enter his room.

"[___]!" he yelled "What are you doing here!"

You looked hesitant, wondering if you should really be comforting him? To comfort him would send signals to him and make him think you like him, but you do- the problem was however, if you were willing to let yourself fall.

"I came to check on you, I heard you missed your duties." You said and he looked disappointed, "ah yes, I just wasn't feeling it today." he simple brushed off, sitting back down on his bed. To his surprise you did not leave, instead you sat beside him.

"You probably heard Hera and me while we were walking.." you started and he silently nodded.

Apollo tried to smile, if not for him, but for you, "you do not need to feel guilty, it is your right to reject my advances for your own reasons-" "I did not reject you because you are an illegitimate child!" you corrected him fiercely, "I do not care whether you are an illegitimate child or not, whether you a god or human!"

"i-" you realized your outburst and meekly closed your lips after apologizing. "then why?" he exhaled deeply, hand moving to comb his hair, he looked tired, you wondered if he was tired of you "why do you reject me so? you haven't told me your real reasons."

You averted your eyes away from his "You deserve better."

"But all I want is you." he countered, leaning towards you.

"I am afraid to love." you admitted.

He took your hand "then allow me to show you that there is nothing to be afraid of!"

You turned away from him, taking your hand back "it would never work!"

"You say that when you haven't tried." He cried out to you "[___]!" he yelled, brows furrowing as his frown deepened "Please be honest with me."

"I am honest" you turned to him with a conflicted expression, "you are brilliant and loving, but I am me, I am unable to reciprocate your advances, I fear the love that I grew up knowing, I fear those tender touches and intimacy that I see with my parents."

"My beloved" his hands cups your cheeks, they were warm and big, but very gentle, he was always gentle with you, and because of that, your heart wavered, it wavered for him and it made you cry "it hurts me to hear you talk of yourself like that."

"you say that I am brilliant, but you are as well, I may shine like the sun, but you glow like the moon, gentle and lovely. You do not have to force yourself to reciprocate my advances, you are you, you are beautiful and precious, you are all that I wanted, so do not speak yourself in such way." he murmured, staring deeply into the eyes he had grown to love, and dream in his sleep.

He felt lose in them, and he had no complaints.

"We could never work.." you whispered closing your eyes as tears slipped down your face.

"Because you are the Sun and I am the moon, we cannot collide, we are destined to forever part from each other." You'd say, and he'd refute proudly "My moon, we are not the heavenly bodies themselves, we are simply their shepherds." he'd laugh, tucking your hair behind your ear as his thumbs would wipe the tears away from your face.

"I know, but think of our jobs. You would be busy at the day, and I at night. Where will we find the time to let our love grow?" you questioned, opening your eyes.

"You think too much.." he whispered, letting his forehead rest against yours, noses brushing and lips slightly apart "you think too much that it stops you from doing what you want. If our love is true and meant to be, which I believe it is, we will be able to find ways. My dear, look at our uncle and aunt, Hades and Persephone are able to continue to love each other despite parting every year when winter is gone."

Yours hands grabbed his wrist, but instead of pulling away just like he feared, you remained in his hold, and your thumbs would simply caress his wrists, until they rested just above a vein, you could feel his pulse, it was beating rapidly.

Your lips part to let out a shaky eye as you stared back into his eyes, overwhelmingly filled with love and care.

"I think too much because I want to prepare myself, I do not want to hurt." you told him. "I would never willingly hurt you, but [___], to love is to let yourself get open to hurt because you trust your partner not to. Do you trust me?" he questioned her.

His breath fanned your face, and so your cheeks became quite red. "I do trust you.." you admitted "and I have honestly felt feelings for you but.."

"Can we take it slow?"

"We can take it at your pace.." he smiled, a tear escaping his eye.

"Why do you cry?" you fretted "Did my words hurt you?" "No" he shook his head, "your words have greatly lifted the burden in my heart."

Soon you'd find yourself on his bed, limbs tangled with each other. His arms were hooked around your waist, and yours around his neck. You spent the whole day talking or simply being in each others' embrace.

"Apologies, that I have not realized you were hesitant because of your own dilemmas." Apollo said, hugging you close. You gasped, "It is alright, I believed that my dilemmas were mine to bear, but.. Apollo.. this is a bit too much." you told him "it feels overwhelming.." you admitted.

He chuckled, apologizing as he loosened his hold around your frame. "you do not have to be guilty" he assured her "may I bury my head atop of yours?" he asked. You looked at him weirdly, but agreed to at least let him try.

"did you just smell me?" you asked with narrowed eyes.

"My love smells heavenly, it is a sin I do not smell her." He said proudly, you giggled, finding him to be strange. "Thank you" you said smiling at him "for being patient and loving me."

"I'm the one who should be thanking you.." he said parting for your head, "thank you for letting me love you."

༘⋆₊ ⊹★🔭๋࣭ ⭑⋆｡˚

      ☀︎ I referenced how Apollo loves with that one greek story of him being exiled and doting on a king so much the other Gods were embarrassed by the way he was acting.

     ִֶָ࣪☾. Main character or [___], if you haven't picked up on the small details, is hesitant to fall in love because of mainly three things.

a. the Gods don't make love look exactly good with the constant cheating, affairs, jealousy.

b. Her Mother, Selene and Endymion, Selene basically had 50 daughters with Endymion who was in a magical coma that rendered him immortal but still human, that's a whole lot of red flags imho. So yeah, I think [___] would be at least put off if she grew up, thinking that was real love.

c. specifically to Apollo, she doesn't know if it would work out, considering he'd pull the sun on days and she'd do the same with the moon at night, and when ever they weren't they would have other jobs or plans or were too tired from pulling heavenly bodies, that made her question, when would they have the time to actually love each other and spend time with each other?

      ☀︎ Ares and Apollo, I'll be giving more details to that when I continue this oneshot into a small series.

Forgive me if this wasn't very A or S grade quality, I'm just writing this whenever I have the time.

      ִֶָ࣪☾. I lowkey displayed the mc to have a minor fear of being touched, specifically intimately, so she's also easily overwhelmed with affectionate touches.

[skinnyhyena]

Selene & Endymion 🥹, Corneille van Clève, Legion of Honor

[lesbian-iphigenia]

Holaaa, ya que eres chilena espero que no te moleste que te escriba en español, se me hace más cómodo ya que aún estoy practicando el inglés, pero como también eres latina entonces pensé "¿Por qué no?" Y acá estamos (si no te gusta no tengas problemas en decirlo)

Bueno primero decir que me alegra ver que existe un fan de ifigenia que cuando habla de ella no se centra solo en Agamenón y Clitmenestra, es refrescante cuando las charlas sobre ella giran en torno a ella como personaje en lugar de terceros, ella es uno de mis personajes trágicos favoritos junto con Antigona

Bueno algo que quería preguntar y no tiene mucho que ver, y es si tienes alguna otra pareja favorita en la mitologia aparte de Hermione y Orestes (no tiene que ser solo de mitologia griega, ya que reblogueas mucho sobre mitologia egipcia) , yo también lo amo a Hermione y Orestes y me encanta cuando la gente habla de ellos! Y entonces me causo curiosidad saber si te gusta alguna otra pareja

Aahhh gracias por el ask!!! Es bueno saber que hay más personas en el mundo q les interesa Ifigenia como personaje trágico ^^

Y con respecto a pareja mitológicas q me gusten...mmmhhh depende!

Si hablamos de parejas "canon" (por decirles de alguna forma) en la Mitología: Afrodita x Ares es una de mis favs entre las parejas de dioses! Entre mortal y dios, serían Dioniso x Ariadna, Dioniso x Ámpelo, Endimión x Selene y Zeus x Semele (ese último es mi gusto culposo!) Y entre dos mortales, serían Menelao x Helena (cuando me pongo a pensar en los paralelos Ovidio hace con ellos y Hermíone x Orestes yo me muero 💕💕💕), Andromaca x Héctor es otra de mi favs, tal vez Electra x Pílades?? Me gustan más como ship platónica que como romántico pero tampoco me molestó si los shippean. En la mitología egipcia recién me empece a meter, pero me gusta mucho Isis x Osiris, Horus x Hathor y Ra x Hathor!

Si hablamos de parejas "no canónicas": Demeter x Hecate tiene q ser mi ship principal 💕💕 yo las amo son mi mamis. También me gusta mucho Artemisa x Ifigenia, son mi ship más culposo!! Hay algo en la dinámica de sacerdotisa x su diosa que me puede!!! También me gusta Artemis x Callisto, son mis lesbianas trágicas. Iris x Hera me gusta como one-sided 🤭 Orestes x Pílades también es muy bueno!! Ellos están una área más gris pq aunque no eran considerados amantes, su relación si se entendía como homoerotica, Hermíone x Electra es otro gusto culposo mío 🤭 Creo que con la versión donde crecen juntas hay mucho potencial para hacer algo divertido con su relación. Con respecto a la Mitología egipcia, estoy muy interesada en Horus x Set y Isis x Neftis, ambos son conocidos por ser de las pocas parejas del mismo sexo representadas frecuentemente en los dibujos de los dioses (no parejas en el sentido romántico, pero pareja en el sentido de literalmente ser dibujos uno al lado del otro). Horus x Set también están en esta área gris que mencione antes, pq aunque hay literalmente un mito donde tienen sexo su relación no es romántica

Gracias por el ask, y perdón por la respuesta tan larga jsjsjs

[archypopsworld]

Meet Endymion!

Inspired by Greek mythology, Endymion is often portrayed as a beautiful shepherd, hunter, or even a king, blessed with eternal youth and a peaceful slumber. In my fanon art for DreamWorks' Moon Boy, I’ve reimagined him with a dreamy yet confident charm, blending classical elements with a modern twist. Holding his shepherd's staff and draped in flowing robes, he embodies a timeless allure, caught between reality and dreams.

Endymion is a serene and introspective shepherd who finds solace in the quiet company of his sheep and the vast, starry night sky. While his extraordinary beauty is widely admired, Endymion remains detached from the affections of those who covet his looks, seeking instead the peace and simplicity of his pastoral life. His heart is content with the rhythm of the fields, the whispers of the night breeze, and the gentle presence of his flock, far removed from the complexities of human desires.

His tranquil existence caught the eye of the Titan Selene, goddess of the moon, who became enamored with him as she watched him care for his sheep under her light. Night after night, she lingered, captivated by his quiet devotion and unearthly beauty. Overcome by her love, Selene beseeched Zeus to grant Endymion immortality, so she could be with him forever. Zeus, in his own twisted mercy, granted her request—but not in the way she had hoped. He cast Endymion into eternal slumber, preserving his youth and beauty but forever separating him from the waking world.

Though immortal, Endymion now sleeps endlessly beneath the heavens he once admired, his flock scattered and his peaceful life lost. Selene, heartbroken, visits him nightly, her love unfulfilled as she can only gaze upon him in his dreaming state. Cursed to know him only as a silent and distant figure, she can never truly have him as her husband. Their story is one of eternal longing—Endymion, the peaceful shepherd, and Selene, the goddess bound by her unrequited love.

I had a lot of fun working on this piece, experimenting with lighting and shading to bring out his celestial essence. Let me know what you think—does he capture the mythic beauty of Endymion?

Stay tuned for more mythology-inspired designs!

[aliciavance4228]

💀

[sleepnowmychild]

Hypnos and Endymion

Hypnos’ connection to Endymion is one of those myths that has varying versions. So let’s give a quick rundown on who exactly Endymion is and the varying myths he’s involved in that involve Hypnos.

Who he is:

Endymion was called a king, a shepherd, a hunter and an astronomer.

Myths surrounding Endymion are also based in distinct areas, with Elis (said to be the king of) and Caria to the fore.

Typically depicted as a young adult, with children from varying mothers.

Not immortal in the godly sense, but said to be immortal because his eternal sleep keeps him young forever.

His beauty is always a point in his myths. Said to be very beautiful.

Connection to Hypnos:

He’s one of those figures who has a confusing mythology that differs from place to place, it’s likely certain areas had their own versions of the myths. Said myths are as follows:

He and Hypnos were simply lovers, Hypnos put him into an eternal sleep at his request to stay young and beautiful forever (sometimes it was Zeus that made the offer, but Hypnos was still the one to make him sleep)

Selene asked Hypnos to put him into eternal sleep so she could gaze on his beauty forever (sometimes said to be with his eyes open, and proceeded to have 50 kids with him in his sleep, yikes)

The eternal sleep was a punishment from Zeus (thus requesting Hypnos to cast him into sleep) because he made advances on Hera

Hypnos and Selene BOTH loved him and they had a disagreement over it, end result being his eternal sleep.

Whichever version of the myth, he always ends up in that eternal sleep cast by Hypnos. Personally I like the lovers myth because hello I’m bi and I love me some bisexual gods. No matter the version he ends up under Hypnos’ domain of sleep no matter what. Thus, making him a one of the figures directly linked to Hypnos.

[fleurbleedinghearts]

Tithonus might have the worst fate in Greek mythology I would literally rather be punished in Tartarus

even being put in eternal sleep sounds less horrifying ...I can't believe I'd rather have Endymion's fate