#Ancient Epics

[kasperl-ruprecht]

[blueheartbookclub]

"Unveiling the Mystique of Antiquity: A Journey Through 'The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome' by E. M. Berens"

In the realm of classical mythology, E. M. Berens' "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" stands as a venerable guide, beckoning readers into the enchanting tapestry of gods, heroes, and timeless tales. As I embarked on this literary odyssey, I found myself captivated by the author's adept storytelling and his ability to breathe life into the ancient narratives, making them accessible and engaging for a contemporary audience.

Berens' comprehensive exploration begins with the origins of the Greek and Roman pantheons, tracing the lineage of deities and the epic events that shaped their divine realms. The book then unfurls a rich tableau of myths, ranging from the birth of the cosmos to the heroic exploits of figures like Hercules, Perseus, and Odysseus. Each narrative is meticulously crafted, with Berens providing insightful commentary that delves into the symbolic and cultural significance of these tales.

What sets Berens' work apart is his knack for blending academic rigor with a storyteller's flair. He navigates the intricate genealogies and complex relationships of the gods with clarity, ensuring that readers, whether well-versed in classical mythology or newcomers to the subject, can easily follow the intricate narratives. The prose is eloquent, evoking the grandeur of ancient civilizations while maintaining a modern accessibility that makes the myths feel vibrant and relevant.

One of the standout features of the book is Berens' meticulous attention to detail. He not only recounts the well-known myths but also unearths lesser-known stories, providing a holistic view of the ancient mythological landscape. The inclusion of lesser-known tales adds depth to the reader's understanding, creating a nuanced portrayal of the diverse characters and themes that populate the classical mythos.

"The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" also serves as a valuable cultural resource, shedding light on the moral and philosophical underpinnings of these ancient societies. Berens explores how these myths were interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping religious practices, artistic expressions, and even political ideologies. This contextualization enriches the reader's appreciation for the enduring impact of classical mythology on Western culture.

While Berens' work is undoubtedly a comprehensive and illuminating resource, it is not without its limitations. The book, originally published in the late 19th century, reflects the perspectives and biases of its time. Some readers may find aspects of the text to be outdated or culturally insensitive. Additionally, the absence of in-depth analysis or critical engagement with the source material may leave scholars wanting more scholarly depth.

In conclusion, "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" by E. M. Berens is a captivating journey through the timeless narratives of classical mythology. Berens' storytelling prowess, coupled with his dedication to presenting a comprehensive overview, makes this book a valuable companion for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of ancient Greek and Roman myths. The author's ability to strike a balance between academic rigor and engaging storytelling ensures that this work remains an enduring classic in the realm of mythological literature.

E. M. Berens' "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 23.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 422

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[quinnduck]

Odysseus: *gently hands Athena baby Telemachus*

Athena: …you were PREGNANT AND YOU DIDNT TELL ME?!

Odysseus: what?- no-

Athena: DO YOU KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THAT IS?! I WAS TRAINING YOU!

Odysseus: no I wasn’t the one-

Athena: THAT POOR BOY WAS PROBABLY SO SQUISHED IN YOUR HELMET! LOOK AT HOW SMALL HE IS!!

[blueheartbooks]

"Unveiling the Mystique of Antiquity: A Journey Through 'The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome' by E. M. Berens"

In the realm of classical mythology, E. M. Berens' "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" stands as a venerable guide, beckoning readers into the enchanting tapestry of gods, heroes, and timeless tales. As I embarked on this literary odyssey, I found myself captivated by the author's adept storytelling and his ability to breathe life into the ancient narratives, making them accessible and engaging for a contemporary audience.

Berens' comprehensive exploration begins with the origins of the Greek and Roman pantheons, tracing the lineage of deities and the epic events that shaped their divine realms. The book then unfurls a rich tableau of myths, ranging from the birth of the cosmos to the heroic exploits of figures like Hercules, Perseus, and Odysseus. Each narrative is meticulously crafted, with Berens providing insightful commentary that delves into the symbolic and cultural significance of these tales.

What sets Berens' work apart is his knack for blending academic rigor with a storyteller's flair. He navigates the intricate genealogies and complex relationships of the gods with clarity, ensuring that readers, whether well-versed in classical mythology or newcomers to the subject, can easily follow the intricate narratives. The prose is eloquent, evoking the grandeur of ancient civilizations while maintaining a modern accessibility that makes the myths feel vibrant and relevant.

One of the standout features of the book is Berens' meticulous attention to detail. He not only recounts the well-known myths but also unearths lesser-known stories, providing a holistic view of the ancient mythological landscape. The inclusion of lesser-known tales adds depth to the reader's understanding, creating a nuanced portrayal of the diverse characters and themes that populate the classical mythos.

"The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" also serves as a valuable cultural resource, shedding light on the moral and philosophical underpinnings of these ancient societies. Berens explores how these myths were interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping religious practices, artistic expressions, and even political ideologies. This contextualization enriches the reader's appreciation for the enduring impact of classical mythology on Western culture.

While Berens' work is undoubtedly a comprehensive and illuminating resource, it is not without its limitations. The book, originally published in the late 19th century, reflects the perspectives and biases of its time. Some readers may find aspects of the text to be outdated or culturally insensitive. Additionally, the absence of in-depth analysis or critical engagement with the source material may leave scholars wanting more scholarly depth.

In conclusion, "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome" by E. M. Berens is a captivating journey through the timeless narratives of classical mythology. Berens' storytelling prowess, coupled with his dedication to presenting a comprehensive overview, makes this book a valuable companion for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of ancient Greek and Roman myths. The author's ability to strike a balance between academic rigor and engaging storytelling ensures that this work remains an enduring classic in the realm of mythological literature.

E. M. Berens' "The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 23.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 422

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[msbunnat]

🦉 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒓

Here is my Atena design!

I'm thinking of making her a little more muscular, but slender, as if she represented the agility of battles. She rarely smiles, like a strict teacher who wants the best for you and one way or another, she will always be remembered. Also her snakes re a refference to medusa, as they represent each other (as my friend told me and I love to see like that).

And! Apollo and Athena after 'God Games' in EPIC - the musical and she gets this lightning scar.

Zeus beat the crap out of her, but he would never kill Athena!! And I like that it suits him to be so strict with her, at least for me, she is the oldest daughter and the one who suffers the most pressure. What I dont like... its that in Epic, Zeus changed to look worse again!! ;w; really, he was way chill about releasing Odisseus and just wanted to not upset Poseidon in the process....

[mint-wreck]

Alexa, play "No Longer You"

Animatic by yours truly An extended version will be uploaded on my YouTube channel

[joncronshawauthor]

The Anti-Hero's Journey: From Ancient Epics to Modern Fantasy

Fantasy literature has long been known for its iconic heroes and valiant champions, but it is the rise of the anti-hero that has reshaped the genre’s landscape. Anti-heroes, flawed and morally ambiguous protagonists who defy conventional notions of heroism, have emerged as captivating figures who challenge traditional storytelling tropes. Today, we’ll trace the evolution of anti-heroes in…

[mythology-void]

okay so I was doing a Research™️ about ancient Greek etymology as one does and I found some Things that made me want to Violently Claw My Arms Off please allow me to force feed you my discoveries

So there are 2 words for "not" in ancient Greek, depending on the context: ou and mē. Having introduced himself in the Cyclops episode as " ou tis", or No-man, he then stabs Polyphemus in the eye. When Polyphemus' brothers come to check on him, they say this:

"... surely no man [mē tis] is carrying off your sheep? Surely no man [mē tis] is trying to kill you either by fraud or by force?"

Right after this, after the other cyclopes ditch Polyphemus, Odysseus's inner monologue goes something like this:

"Then they went away, and I laughed inwardly at the success of my clever strategem [metis]." (pronounced mEH-Tis)

Now, there's a difference between mē tis and metis. [mē tis] (pronounced mEH-Tis with a space between the syllables) is the literal translation for "no man". Metis is a word for extreme intelligence/cunning, which is something Odysseus is famous for.

Now, there are several examples of abuse of metis/intelligence in the Odyssey, but I think the juxtaposition between [mē tis], or the concept of anonymity, and metis, or extreme intelligence, is REALLY interesting. Odysseus's adoption of the title "No-man" was characteristic of metis--it was a really smart move that simultaneously hid him from the cyclops and avoided any future consequences. It was a highly effective strategy all wrapped up in a nest little package with a bow on it.

But when he revealed himself as Odysseus of Ithaca, effectively throwing off No-man (anonymity and [mē tis]), that was characterized as idiocy--he's essentially doxxed himself, and now he's doing to (spoiler alert) get tossed around the Mediterranean by Poseidon for the next 10 years.

This is really interesting because it lets you see the parallels/codependency between metis(intelligence) and humility. When Odysseus refused to allow himself to go unnoticed (hubris) he suffered for it. BUT when he declined instant glory/satisfaction (kleos) in order to achieve the long term goal of survival, he was rewarded with Athena's favor (pay attention. This part is important).

And this situation repeats itself MULTIPLE TIMES in the Odyssey--the EXACT SAME THING happens near the end of the book, with the suitors. When. Odysseus is dressed as a beggar and the suitors/Antinious are abusing him, he ACTIVELY CHOOSES not to react--he doesn't stand up and rip off his disguise and start hollering "TIS I, ODYSSEUS OF ITHACA! FEAR MY WRATH"

No. He sits there patiently and waits. He plans and schemes and quietly orchestrates their downfall without alerting them of it. Why? Because he learned his lesson the first time this happened. He buried his rage and adopted what was, according to Grace LA Franz, a more feminine form of metis, weaving a web of destruction for his enemies that ultimately resulted in their total annihilation (see Weaving a Way to Nostos: Odysseus and Feminine Metis in the Odyssey by Grace LaFranz). His patience allowed him to win the whole prize--no questions asked, no 10-year-long-business-trip strings attached--just the sweetness of a full victory. And he is, once again, rewarded with Athena's favor--both in the battle with the suitors and in the aftermath (cleanup/reuniting with Penelope).

This really reinforces the idea in the Odyssey that Odysseus's defining characteristic is not just his intelligence--it's his ability to learn from his mistakes. He used what he learned at the Lotus Eaters Island against Polyphemus--the Lotus Eaters drugged his men, so he drugged Polyphemus. He used what he learned from Circe and Polyphemus against the suitors--Circe used false sweetness and honeyed words to lure his men into a trap, so that's exactly what he did to the suitors. His hubris on Polyphemus' island cost his whole crew their lives, so he intentionally left well enough alone until the right time. He didn't just learn from his failures--he turned them into BATTLE STRATEGY.

i don't care what anyone says that is completely totally and objectively awesome

[simo0n]

—It's time to rest, Odysseus..

[katerinaaqu]

Odysseus's fixation upon his son could possibly be explained by the timeline.

A small thing that needs to be said is that according to Homer Odysseus left Telemachus a "newborn" (or at least so Menelaus says in the Odyssey). Interestingly is hard to tell how long Odysseus and Penelope have been married before they had Telemachus because the time line is not cut and clear.

It seems like their marriage took place during the oath of Tyndareus period when Odysseus was at Sparta as a suitor to Helen. From the Oath till Helen's infidelity or abduction or forced seduction by Aphrodite we see there were around 10 years of difference (quite frankly according to some accounts Helen mentions she was 20 years in Troy). That means that he and Penelope were potentially married at least a decade (which makes sense given that he made a wedding bed for her from scratch making it seem that their palace was also being rebuilt at that time)

But if Telemachus was newborn or almost newborn (like let's say about 1 year old tops) that means that Odysseus and Penelope were childless for almost a decade. Either that means they were having some issues aka Odysseus running errands in the kingdom or that they were trying very hard to have children and somehow they couldn't

Do you imagine what this means?

Odysseus potentially had to leave behind a son he wished for for almost a decade full and not to mention that Palamedes nearly killed him, that very son that he potentially tried so hard for and wished for so much!

Hell no wonder he names himself "Father of Telemachus" and quite frankly one can understand why he would hold a grudge against Palamedes (be it Higenius you follow where he frames him or be it Pausanias who says he drowned him) one can imagine why his brain would snap like that! If this hypothesis is correct that is.

[meditando-en-paris]

[kasperl-ruprecht]

[elianzis]

There is a world where I help you get home But that's not a world I know

[thejadeofc]

I'm just a girl in the sense odysseus sings "I'm just a man" in epic the musical while commiting war crimes

[doesephs]

i don’t know why odysseus was so scared of a bunch of women, what an incel (circes island)

[xixovart]

all i need in life is for odysseus to reunite with telemachus and immediately say, “you’re taller”