#lycian city

[reno-matago]

''Gold is his cloak, and the clasp also; gold the Lycian lyre and bow, and the quiver; gold also the sandals. Apollo is all gold and all wealth; we see this clearly through Pythô. God always beautiful, God always young; no down ever covered her tender cheeks. Her hair spreads the perfumed oil that she distills onto the ground; but the drops are not greasy; no, it is the panacea itself; there, in the city where the dew slides to the ground, there everything is salvation.''

Callimaque - Hymns

Rɪᴊᴋsᴍᴜsᴇᴜᴍ ᴠᴀɴ Oᴜᴅʜᴇᴅᴇɴ • Aᴘᴏʟʟᴏ (ᴡʜɪᴛᴇ ᴍᴀʀʙʟᴇ, Rᴏᴍᴀɴ (50-350 AD)

[ancientorigins]

Myra, an ancient Lycian city in the area where today is located in the castle district of Antalya province of Turkey.

[heliomanteia]

Everyday I wonder how Rick could have made the Greek Gods and Olympus based in, you know, Greece, instead of America and have the story go that the Greek Gods always roamed around the world and had kids at random locations, which could then lead to the existence of multiple CHBs across the globe in almost every country. This would not only help maintain the integrity of Greek culture but also make a lot of sense - because is Rick really trying to tell us that the demigod kids from places on the other side of the globe have to necessarily come to America in order to live a safer life?

Hi hon! 🌻

You hit me in the "agh, I've been thinking that this entire time" with your ask because ever since first getting into PJO as a child, I've been getting a weird vibe over how America-centric it is. It only hit me later on what exactly has been annoying me so much.

There are a few very questionable ideas in the core of PJO as a series, which are:

The Mediterranean is a "dangerous" place for Mediterranean Gods and their descendants.

Modern day America is a "good" place for Mediterranean Gods

America is the cradle of Western civilization so "of course" Greek Deities would move there

Let me just say that I find it ridiculous that Riordan never dwells on the Mediterranean in his Mediterranean Deities series. Sure Nico goes back there at some point for a bit but Nico's proposed to be a Northern Italian boy from Venice of all places. It's like trying to represent, say, Egypt by picking someone from the wealthiest home in Cairo - or Ancient Greece by talking about just 5th century Athens. Venice is a rich place that was under control of France of all places for a long time. Did you know Italy was colonized by at least three wealthy European powers? Not talking about Magna Graecia now. It's not representative of Italy, and it's definitely not representative of Italo-Greek people, which Nico is supposed to be. In my opinion, Nico should be Sicilian or Southern Italian. Venetian Nico does not exist to me.

But! I just find it a little weird that across dozens of books about the Greek myths we never hear about Eastern Mediterranean? Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and more? I cannot emphasize how important Islamic influence was in Ancient times, and how much interesting and fun stuff you could find there, not to even mention the ethnicities you can represent.

Now, the "cradle of the Western civilization" talk is notably frequently used to make Greece/Ancient Greece more palatable for Westerners even though it's arguable how "Western" Greece is/was. There's a lot of talk about the degree of Eastern influence in Ancient Greece and how an average Ancient Greek would probably be closer to the Eastern civilization than the Western one. Music, culture, art, way of life, trade routes, you know? But, again, no mention of that. And I know he knows because he mentions extremely episodic characters of Greek folklore - he has to know about all the talk on Lycian/Carian/etc. influence on Ancient Greek culture and life.

The whole "Mediterranean is a dangerous place" thing is just gross to me. If he talked about the gradual anti-pagan (word used loosely) views building up in Italy and Greece, he could just say that. But even then, moving is unnecessary - polytheistic heritage organizations exist in modern Greece and Italy. They are not always the best but they exist. Also, the religion never died, families from the area have carried it through generations, but I shouldn't be even specifying that. "Dead Gods that need to be resurrected" is a savior plot.

Westernization is weird. I'm Eastern European and I feel more relation to Greek concepts of the life/afterlife/Deities than I will ever feel to a common Westerner (British/German/French/British American conceptual clusters, etc.). I just find the whole "moving Deities from their native habitat to some American city" idea very gross and borderline colonizer-mindset-aligned.

I do have to comment that he doesn't handle the topic of "otherness" well and it's especially prominent in Nico.

Nico moved to America in the beginning of the century. If you didn't know, Italians were treated like scum back then, and because most Italian immigration to the US was from the South, they would be called racial slurs, forced to work low paying jobs, and eventually be forced to naturalize and "drop" their language/culture/heritage to align themselves with the growing "white" cluster in America when anti-Black hatred was coming to its full power. But, there's plenty of period literature talking on how first Italian immigrants closely worked with/related to other immigrants (Irish, African American, etc.) and how quickly anti-Italian hate crimes grew when the general Italian populations started establishing businesses and earning money. All the same story ain't it!

My point is, Nico di Angelo would absolutely be treated like shit when he moved to America. "Otherness" is his entire character theme, and we NEVER see it explored past the gay stuff. He's an immigrant, a "time traveler", a gay boy, and so much more. Where's all that, Richard? I also have to point out that he's not handling diaspora talks well either. Italian Americans exist. Greek Americans exist. Somehow he kinda brushes over that and grabs random American kids, then assigns them Greek/Greco-Italian heritage, then drops the topic altogether. Sometimes you really get reminded that an American man wrote this.

NOW TO YOUR POINT!

YES it would be SO MUCH BETTER if he wrote about Greek and Italian Deities traveling the world because that's what HAPPENED when sailors crossed the Mediterranean and went from Greece to Lebanon to Egypt to Turkey; when they crossed into modern Central Europe, into Scythia/modern Ukraine and Caucasus, and more! That would be correct and historically respectful because you don't just remove local fucking Gods from their culture and add American flare to it.

It would be so much cooler to have LOCAL CULTS TOO because the way someone in Syria experiences adopted Deities would be so much different than someone who moved to America and retained their national faith - and so much different than someone in modern day Italy or modern day Egypt would. There's more! Imagine the cultures you could get! The local versions of Deities! Imagine not having the dumbass militarized Camp of Jupiter and instead having local cultural clusters across Europe and American places that Mediterranean immigrants settled in?

It would be much better of a series, and would actually be respectful of local cultures without assigning them to singled out nationalities.

[evilios]

Ancient Letoon - the first temple to the Goddess Leto and Her children in the city of Xanthos (sometimes: Xanthos-Letoon; Lycian: 𐊀𐊕𐊑𐊏𐊀 Arñna) located in the southwestern part of Anatolia, Turkey. The complex represents extant examples of the Ancient Lycian civilization, one of the most important cultures of the Anatolian Iron Age.

Xanthos was the capital of Ancient Lycia (Lycian: 𐊗𐊕𐊐𐊎𐊆𐊖 Trm̃mis), and the ruins of the site still demonstrate how pre-Greek Lycian traditions blended with Hellenic and Roman influence overtime. Some of the Lycian monuments include: the Lycian Acropolis, heavily remodeled after the Hellenistic and Byzantine eras; great funerary monuments and examples of Xanthos-typical woodwork are featured in the area as well. A later archaeological zone is present in Xanthos, too, with the Hellenistic Acropolis alongside the Roman and Hellenistic agoras and some later-constructed churches.

One of the most spectacular buildings at the site, though, are temples to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo dating back to the 6th century BCE, which means that the site predates Hellenic influence in the region as well as prominence of Leto in Greece, where the cult came in the 4th century BCE. That, together with Leto’s name of uncertain etymology, might suggest that the Goddess has a precursor - an Anatolian Mother-Goddess, possibly the local Eni Mahanahi. The cult of the local Mother-Goddess included a variety of functions, such as observation of funeral rites. Later buildings erected at the site date back to different time periods in the political history of Lycia, which includes a Hadrian era Nymphaeum.

According to UNESCO, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancients, is directly influenced by Xanthos’ Nereid Monument:

Sources and further reading: 🏺 🏺 🏺

[madebypointlesswords]

Rating all the Latin authors I've read in the past two years in honor of my oral Latin exam tomorrow

Caesar (De Bello Gallico)

This is a weird one because while his prose isn't extremely difficult, it was also the first unedited work I read, so for lil 15-year-old me, this was very difficult. But I learned a lot from Caesar (especially that he made it an art to making his sentences as long as possible. We read an entire 200 words, and IT WAS JUST ONE SENTENCE.), and the sense of nostalgia while rereading it is very pleasant, so I will give you a solid 6/10

Pliny the Younger (Epistulae)

Mixed feelings about this one again. This could also be just because I despise prose. I really do not like it at all. Pliny's epistulae were pretty okay. I liked them a little better than Caesar's because of their variety (for those that don't know, epistulae means letters). His letter about the Vesuvius was a lot of fun to translate, even with all the hyperbata, but his letters about or to his third wife were very uncomfortable. Like, I get things were different back then. BUT YOU WERE 45, PLINY. 45. SHE WAS WHAT? 14? 15 TOPS? MY GOD. THAT'S A BIGGER AGE DIFFERENCE THAN I HAVE WITH MY FATHER.

7/10

Ovid (Metamorphoses)

Ovid is life Ovid is love. He was the one who introduced me to Latin poetry, and I will always love him for it. He was an icon and a legend. The poems of his that we read (Daedalus & Icarus, Latona and the Lycian peasants, Diana and Actaeon) were all bangers, and I love them all to death. I never wanted to go back to reading prose after this (but unfortunately, I will have to next year. ew)

11/10 (I love you, Ovid)

Vergil (The Aeneid)

*deep sigh* Listen. I love his complex works, and I have great respect for this poem but by the GODS. Vergil's poetry is the most difficult I've had to translate by a long shot. He made me rethink my entire career in Latin. I have considered quitting so many times because of this man. I felt like a complete idiot most of the time. This is not a guy to fuck with. Luckily I got through it on my finals (barely.) but Christ alive this man made my life difficult.

5/10

Horatius (Satires and Odes)

Horatius will always have a special place in my heart. We read his poetry right after Vergil's, and it almost completely restored my faith in my abilities. He's just my little guy and I have fond memories of translating his works. We still know many Latin phrases that he wrote (Carpe Diem being the most famous. Hello, DPS fandom). Also, he and Vergil were most definitely in love. I don't make the rules. I have evidence if you want me to elaborate.

9/10

Catullus (love poems)

Ah, Catullus. Horny poet of the year. Had a wild affair with an older married woman. Nepotism baby. Sappho stan. Didn't know how to budget, but we aren't holding that against him. Just wanted to write poetry and dance (who doesn't, honestly). Gave fuck-all about education. Wrote nearly all of his poetry about the older woman he had an affair with. Might I add that this woman was married to one of his father's bestest buddies? Yeah. Icon. Here's a kid's choice award.

8/10

Martialis (Epigrams)

This dude had ZERO chill. Roasted everyone in the city. Literally, no one is safe. Wasn't afraid to call people out by their real names. Some people allegedly committed suicide after being roasted by this guy. Translating his epigrams gave me more joy than hearing we had seen the end of Vergil. His humour may be a little silly now, but I will not accept any Martialis slander on my blog.

10/10

And that is all folks

[orsialos]

Hello, I just saw you're post about working with Ares, and I'm curious. Especially about what you said with him being a comfort to you as you work through your trauma since I've been working through mine. I've been thinking about working with him for a while, and I'd be happy to hear anything you have to share about him.

I think its a shame that he's so pigeon holed. I've seen a lot of people who worship and work with him say he's a paternal and comforting figure. Someone who encourages you to keep going through the worst of it. That'd someone I could really use right now.

Dia duit! My apologies for the delay, i constantly forget to check my asks inbox 🤦‍♀️

You are very correct that the modern interpretation of Ares is very limited and pigeon holes him as an angry, terrifying, almost evil presence. While some of this can be attributed to Athenian bias against Sparta, part of it is also due to the lack of knowledge about his various cults outside of Sparta.

Before I go too far I'mma drop this recently answered ask here about researching Ares, as it has good info about a few things I'll mention below. Ok, so getting into it. Let's talk about a bit of historical background because duh, I love history, and then my personal experiences.

Ares as a Protector - Historical Context

Here, we journey east into the rising Sun to the ancient lands of Anatolia, now modern-day Turkey. Many of the Greek gods worshipped here were syncretized with pre-existing deities as the Greek world expanded. Many of these deity names have been lost to time, but we do have evidence of a pastoral protective male deity that was likely syncretized with Ares. From what I have read, we have the most evidence for this new/syncretized cult of Ares from the Lycian and Pamphylian regions of southwestern Anatolia.

The ask I linked above contains an excellent free paper on an oracular cult of Ares in this region. We have documented inscriptions that this oracle called for a protective "binding" of a figure of Ares for the citizens to protect their shores from raiding pirates. Figures of Ares or figures symbolic of Ares were often found in areas around the city, another demonstration of his dual nature as both pastoral protector and invader.

Coinage is a very useful tool in archaeology for learning more about the important cultural figures in a given society. Time and time again we find detailed coins with an image of Ares, usually with a helmet. While we cannot use this to determine how Ares was worshipped, we can surmise Ares was a large part of daily life in western Anatolia.

This is in stark contrast to mainland Greece, where images of Ares outside of pottery and sculptures are quite rare; Ares was often seen as the literal personification of war itself, the din and fury and bloodlust that comes out during war is all because of Ares. Here, Ares was almost feared out of respect for his chaotic nature and ability to turn the tide in war rather than admired and worshipped for his protective nature.

Ares as a Protector - Personal Experience

Well this is the fun, UPG part! Everything you've heard about Ares - his protective nature, his warmth & tenderness, his encouragement in the face of darkness are all so true it nearly makes me cry! My experience with Ares has been about 70% him being fatherly and tender when i was in therapy to finally talk about my SA trauma and 30% helping me learn to deal with my anger towards life in general (for this I look to wisdom from the mythologies surrounding Ares, especially the death of Adonis).

I'd say currently Ares is more of a "hey, I'm here if you need me" presence in my life, always at the edges and sometimes coming to say hello unprompted, just as a loving father would do. While my worship of Ares has only gotten stronger and more involved over the year-ish I've had him in my life, his daily presence is much more subdued. And i think a lot of that is because I don't need him in my life as much, which is honestly a good thing!

Ares came to me at a time in my life where I was caught up in unresolved trauma from an incident years prior and experienced something that broke the floodgates holding everything back. He was there nearly every second of every day - a warmth at my shoulder, an echo in my mind. At night when i was lying awake trying not to let my mind spiral, i quite honestly felt a warmth by my side as if someone was sitting next to me tracing their fingers along my back to calm me down. What I find a bit unnerving as far as UPG goes is that is what a lot of other people have said their experiences are like with Ares.

It seems to me, from my experiences and what I've heard from others, is that Ares is wonderful at providing solid ground and a strong arm to hold on to when it feels like you are in free fall. He is not pushy or demanding and delights with any time we spend with him. Of course this is not to say his war-like aspect and place on the battlefield does not exist! But rather, as literally any other Greek god I can think of, he is a god of duality and while war and protection may seem at odds, they are truly two sides of the same coin.

Can you tell I love Ares just a little bit?

[homos-odyssey]

For all that people rave about how impressive and important the rosetta stone is, they conveniantly forget about similar trilingual carvings like the xanthian obelisk and behistun.

Xanthian obelisk: It‘s a funerary marker for a dynast of Achaemenid Lycia (likely Kherei or Kheriga) dating back to the 4th C. BCE. It‘s located in the acropolis of Xanthos, the capital city of ancient Lycia. It is inscribed with ANCIENT GREEK, LYCIAN and MILYAN.

Behistun: Three panels of OLD PERSIAN, BABYLONIAN and ELAMITE are inscriped into the cliff edge overlooking the road connecting Babylon and Ecbatana, the capital cities of Babylonia and Media. It was commisioned by King Darius I of Persia and details how his ascension to the throne was chosen by the god Ahuramazda.

There are many other multilingual inscriptions like these that are largely unknown despite many having been preserved better than the rosetta stone. I would greatly appreciate if people were less euro-centric. For more information on Behistun: ‚thin end of the wedge‘ podcast have done an episode talking to one of the assyriologists working on it.

[four-loose-screws]

FE7 Novelization Translation - Chapter 11 Section 1

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations

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———————————

Chapter 11: Four-Fanged Offense (Section 1)

Eliwood and his allies successfully hid their identities, snuck into Bern, and arrived in one of its villages.

There, the atmosphere celebrating the coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Zephiel could be felt throughout the entire area. From the people's passion for the event, anyone could pick up on just how much they liked him.

After settling in, Eliwood’s army started a meeting, and the topic was what their next move should be to reach the Shrine of Seals. But just from the information Pent knew alone, it was clear that they had a difficult journey ahead.

This was the path Athos asked them to follow to defeat Nergal, however…

"I manage the top military affairs in all of Etruria. When I learned of the existence of the Shrine of Seals, I sent subordinates several times to investigate. …But not a single one of them came home. Bern does not allow anyone to infiltrate it."

Hearing that anyone who made it to the shrine was captured by Bern on the spot, made everyone’s faces darken.

"And if they learned your true identities, Bern would likely take this as an excuse to attack Lycia."

Though the Lycian League and Bern had long maintained an alliance, Desmond, the current king, with the full backing of his powerful military, had started to show aggression towards Lycia.

Considering the circumstances, if Eliwood, as a noble of Lycia, was captured, then it would cause the war-mongering king to become even more aggressive. 

"...That is the one situation we absolutely must avoid…" Eliwood muttered, worried sick about their current situation. 

That was when Pent and his wife both took a step further closer to him. "...This is where we come in."

"Huh?"

"We would fulfill our duty just by attending the celebration after the ceremony, but we shall visit with the queen and greet her in private beforehand."

Pent and Louise were originally going to Bern anyway to celebrate the crown prince's coming-of-age, as ambassadors representing Etruria.

They would take advantage of that opportunity to gain information regarding the Shrine of Seals.

"You can do something like that?" Eliwood asked. Though Pent may be the Count Reglay of Etruria, still, it was unthinkable that anyone would be able to so easily meet with the queen the day before such a significant event.

But to dispel that thought, Louise said, "The Queen of Bern, Lady Hellene, was from Etruria before she married, and is a distant relative of ours."

"As we converse, I'll ask something about the Shrine of Seals. …She likely won't give up any information easily, but it's better than doing nothing, isn’t it? Don't worry. Even if we fail, we will not speak a word about you." Count Reglay left it at that, then took his wife with him and went to Bern's imperial city.

Though it may be a risky gamble, all they could do right now was rely on Pent.

Still, it would be a waste of time to simply wait for Pent’s return.

“I wonder if there isn’t anything we can do?” Eliwood said, unable to bear just sitting around.

“I wish! But we can’t do anything that will make us stand out…” It was also against Hector’s nature to wait, and so his mind was racing, thinking about whether or not there was something they could do. Still, they couldn’t reveal their identities, so any flashy movements were entirely off-limits.

Having said all that, they were still stuck, without a single good plan.

It was then that Legault proposed, “So what if we gathered information about the Black Fang?”

“Gathered information?” Eliwood repeated.

Legault nodded and answered,  “That’s right. Here in Bern is the Black Fang’s base, though even I was never taught where it is. The Black Fang as it is now is completely changed from what it once was… But don’t you think that it would be beneficial to gather information on our enemies? Even if indirectly.”

“...That’s good thinking. Thanks, Legault.”

And so, Eliwood and the others scattered around town to seek information.

They did not notice at all that their targets were nearby, actively pursuing them…

ー

At that same time, two of the Four Fangs, the Reed brothers, were in the northeast section of the same town.

They learned that their target, Eliwood, had headed into the Nabata Desert.

They were deliberating over whether their best course of action would be to pursue him or wait for him to move closer towards them. About one dozen of the Black Fang’s members under their direct control were lying in wait around town.

“This is such a pain. Let’s just chase them down, Brother!” Linus complained.

Lloyd shook his head. “No, we should be cautious and wait here. It would be far more painful to travel all the way to the desert, don’t you think?” 

“But just waiting around sucks…” As Linus was protesting his brother’s decision, he saw a girl they knew out of the corner of his eye. “Hey, if it isn’t Nino!”

“Ah, Brother Lloyd! Brother Linus! What are you doing here? Working?” The girl saw and rushed right up to them. She was full of energy, and looked nothing like she had anything to do with the Black Fang.

A black headband held back her short hair; and she had big, round, pretty eyes and a cute face. Wrapped around her small body was a large cape. No matter how anyone looked at her, she seemed to be a normal girl. It was entirely unthinkable that she had any connection to these high-ranking members of the Black Fang.

“Yeah, you could say that." Lloyd said in response with a wave.

“How about you? Where are you going in such a hurry?”

She answered Linus' question excitedly, "I have a job to do, too! Mother told me to deliver messages, so I'll do my best!" Her face was filled with the joy of knowing that she was helping her mother. "See you! Let's play again when our work is done!" She waved goodbye and ran off. 

After she disappeared, Lloyd muttered, "She's a good kid."

"Yeah, I can't believe she's her kid." Linus grumbled.

Nino’s mother was Sonia, their father’s second wife. As Sonia’s child, she was also a member of the Black Fang.

It was unthinkable that the woman manipulating their father, and such an angelic, innocent girl could be related in any way.

As they pondered that thought, just as they watched Nino turn a corner, they saw a red haired young man appear.

‘No way… Is that our target?!’ Lloyd couldn’t believe his eyes. 

“Brother! Isn’t that guy over there Eliwood?!” Linus next to him saw the exact same thing he did, and was just as shocked.

At Linus’ words, Lloyd checked one more time to make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. “It can’t be him. We were told he was headed for Nabata, right?”

“Forget about that. We’ve finally found him, so let’s go get him, Brother!” Having been saved from the work of finding their target, Linus laughed out loud and clapped his hands together.

But Lloyd remained cautious. “We should… But now is not the right time. It is against our law to act in the middle of a town.”

The Black Fang would never kill anyone that was not their target.

It was not just Lloyd who followed that law, but everyone else who had sworn their loyalty to the Black Fang since long ago. Even though now, as a whole, the organization's obedience to that law was waning.

They knew the root cause. It was the new members brought in by Sonia, always at their father’s side and acting as if she was their true leader. 

However, they had no solid proof. Without proof, they could not have her driven out from the Black Fang.

And even with proof, it would still be difficult to do anything. In her shadow was the man named Nergal. Though they had only seen him two or three times, his dangerous and ominous aura made even the brothers, who had survived countless battles, feel their blood run cold.

But for now, carrying out their orders came first.

‘...Should we report one more time to Father and wait for his orders, just to be safe?’ Lloyd was suspicious of their current order.

His father asserted that they were in line with his will, but considering how he was behaving, Lloyd could only conclude that he was doing as Sonia told him to. 

“Linus, I’m going to report this to Father. You keep an eye on them." He decided, keeping Linus held back, who looked like he was going to run off at any moment.

Linus made a clearly displeased expression. "Is it that bad of an idea to go after him right now?"

"It is. Hold on for just a bit longer. You should figure out where he's going, and that is it. Alright?"

"Alright." Linus replied in a tone just as displeased as the expression on his face. 

While his brother’s behavior worried him, Lloyd ran off to return to their base.

And he was exactly right to be worried.

'...Still, it would be shameful not to bite when my prey is right in front of me!’ The Mad Dog thought, and called over one of his men in town with him. “Hey! Igor!!”

“What is it, Linus?” Igor appeared to answer his call. 

A violent smile flashed across Linus’s face and he said, “We’re going on the offensive! Lure our target into the center of town!”

“W-Wait a minute! Are you really gonna go against Lloyd’s orders?”

“...He only told us not to let any of the townsfolk get hurt, right? We’ll just make sure not to do that.”

“But…”

“Please, Igor! I want to show Brother our good side! Whadda ya say? Please!!” Linus clasped his hands together and begged his unwilling subordinate.

Though it contrasted his rugged, boorish personality, Linus sometimes showed this side that was softer, and difficult to say no to.

“...Jeez, you never listen to anyone!” Igor said, but deep down, respected his leader. Even if it meant sacrificing his own life, if it was for Linus, then he would have no regrets. 

And it wasn’t just Igor, but all of the people who fought directly under the Reed brothers, who were fiercely loyal to them.

☆

Eliwood and his allies started asking around town to gather information about the Black Fang after Nergal’s appearance, but their efforts did not prove fruitful. Whenever they mentioned the words “Black Fang,” they heard the same praise every time that the Black Fang was a group of heroes taking down greedy, ruthless nobles.

However, every so often…

“Something about them feels different from before.”

He also heard that opinion.

“There’s nothing more we can do. Let’s go back to the inn for now.” Eliwood ordered, just before a man clad in black suddenly blocked his path.

“You’re Eliwood, ain’t ya?”

“Are you with the Black Fang?!”

The man clearly knew his name. Eliwood quickly unsheathed his sword, and shifted into a battle stance without any openings.

This member of the Black Fang, Igor, responded back to him in a deep, threatening voice, "...I am. The Fang never lets anyone escape! You will all die here!"

"Eliwood, is he our enemy?!" Hector rushed over to him.

"Yes! We will fight back!" Eliwood said without moving his eyes away from his target. He could hear the sounds of several sets of footsteps coming their way. It was probably his allies, rushing out after having realized the Black Fang appeared.

"C'mere! I'll tear out your windpipe!" He said to provoke them, then turned his back to Eliwood and ran into the center of town.

ー

"Ummm… This should be the place… Maybe he's not here yet?"

As Eliwood’s battle with the Black Fang was starting, Nino entered an empty house in the south-west west corner of town.

The Black Fang owned houses in various towns all over the continent, used for handing down orders and trading information. Nino was inside one such house. Her mother had given her a letter with a message for Jaffar, then ordered her to deliver it. 

"Ahhh! The weather is so beautiful today! This is the best kind of day to take out bad guys, but all my jobs have me running errands! I just want to grow up already and help everyone out!" She muttered as she gazed at the peaceful town outside the window.

From this house, she could not see the battle between Eliwood and the Black Fang. 

The moment she turned around, facing the inside of the house again and fighting back a yawn, she noticed that a person had appeared without her realizing it, and shrieked. "Wah! D-Don't scare me like that, Jaffar!"

The person who appeared without a sound was the very person she was here to deliver her message to - Jaffar.

"Did something happen? It's unusual for you to be late to receive a message!"

She'd handed off orders to Jaffar on many occasions already. He'd always been on time until now, so for him to be late made her curious as to why.

But Jaffar answered in the same monotonous tone as always. "...My previous job took longer than expected."

"Wow, even you have a hard time too sometimes! I didn’t expect that. What a surprise!"

"...If I have another order… then hurry up and tell me what it is." His face was a bit pale as he pushed her to hurry. 

"Oh, yeah! I got this from Mother…" She took the parchment out of her breast pocket, and tried to hand it over to him.

But she then realized that he was bleeding from his abdomen, and started to freak out. "Wh-What happened?! That's blood you're covered in, isn’t it?!"

"...It's just a scratch. Nothing you should be worried about…" He tried to callously push her away as she rushed in closer to him, but did not have the strength to do so.

"It can’t be a scratch if you're bleeding that much! C'mon, show it to me!

"Scratch, wound, it's all the same. Now hurry and tell me… my next… target…" Was all Jaffar managed to say before he collapsed. 

As her ally fell forward, Nino panicked and rushed over to him. "Jaffar?! H-Hey! Hang in there!"

She called out and called out, but Jaffar showed no signs of returning to consciousness. 

Nino pressed both of her small hands on the wound, still gushing blood, and whispered with a terrified look on her face, "What should I do…"

☆

[aimer-imaginer-penser]

Lycian Rock Tombs located in the ancient city of Myra. Antalya, Demre.

[deathlessathanasia]

“It has been shown pretty convincingly that HEPHAISTOS, who has a non-Greek name, was a god of foreign and probably Asiatic origin. Although he was little worshipped on the Greek mainland except at Athens, his cult was of some importance in Asia Minor and the adjoining islands, and also the Greek colonies in the volcanic regions of Italy and Sicily. In Asia Minor, he was particularly associated with Lycia in the south-west, and above all the region of the Lycian Olympos, which was remarkable for the presence of large quantities of natural gas; he appears to have been the principal god of Phaselis, the main coastal city of that region. It has been suggested that he may have originated as a fire-god among the native peoples of Lycia, and that his cult may have spread from this original centre not only to other areas of the Anatolian mainland, but also to adjacent islands, especially Lemnos, whose mountain, Moschylos, is volcanic though long extinct. The city of Hephaistias on the north coast of the island was named after Hephaistos, and an ancient myth that was already known to Homer presented him as having fallen to earth on the island. As a deity who was associated with fire, he was pictured as a divine blacksmith from a very early period, and various places came to be identified as the site of his underground forge, wherever its presence could be inferred from extensive emissions of fire and smoke. When his cult was transferred to the volcanic regions of the west, the Aeolian (Lipari) islands near Sicily came to be connected with him, and also to some extent Sicily itself and southern Campania. In mainland Greece, Hephaistos was worshipped with considerable zeal in Attica, which was home to many craftsmen whose trades depended on the use of fire, but hardly at all anywhere else even if he was universally familiar as a god of myth.”

 - The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology

[indo-europeans]

from perkunos to indra & zeus

Anatolian languages:

tarhuan, tarhunna, tarhunnaradu - hittite (linked w bull in anatolia)

tarhu, tarhunz, tarhunta, tarhuwant - luwian

tarhuwanta - palaic

trqqas - lycian

taru - hattian

teshub - hurrian

turvant - sanskrit cognate for indra?

aleppo - 

hadad - mesopotamia?

iskur - sumeria?

zeus - greek

indra - vedic

trokondas - rome

jupiter dolichenus  - armenian/roman

- associated with sky, weather, lightning, thunder, battlefield, commander, mountains, helpful, slaying enemies with an axe, vanquishing, decided whether would be drought and famine or fertile fields and good harvests, thunderbolt becomes axe

religious treatment

- "Weather god of the thunderbolt, glow on me like the moonlight, shine over me like the son god of heaven!" - KUB 6.45 iii 68-70, Hittite king Muwatalli II’s personal god who he referred to as “my lord, king of heaven” (associated with Anatolia’s bulls instead of horses)

- Hittite king Warpalawas II made rock relief and animals were sacrificed to him 

- Luwian magic rituals intended to bring rain or heal the sick

- chief god of the luwians, whose chariot was pulled by horses. later depicted standing on a bull.

- cows + sheep were sacrificed to him for grain + wine to grow 

- in curses, he was called upon to “smash enemies with his axe” and gave the king royal power, courage and marched him in battle - in late Luwian texts

- Pegasus, Greek winged horse which carries Zeus’ thunderbolt name comes from one of his epithets piḫaššašši meaning “of the thunderblot”

cult sites

- Aleppo, Syria, major city of the weather god - conquered by Hittite king Suppiluluima I who installed his son Telipinu as priest-king. Temple for weather god was modified to conform to Hittite cult

snake/dragon slayer myth near Mount Kasios in Syria & Corycus in Turkey

- Illuyanka in Hittite

- Hedammu in Hurrian

- Typhon in Greek (taken from Cilicia)

- Naga in Sanskrit

[unusualplaces]

The Sunken Ruins of Kekova Island: Turkey's Ancient Lycian Federation

Sea, near ruins of the ancient city on the Kekova island, TurkeyPhoto by depositphotos.com Centuries before the Byzantines, Romans, or Ottomans ruled Turkey, a remote corner of the country was home to the world’s first democratic federation, the Lycians. The Lycians were a peaceful federation of city-states that dated back to around 2000 BCE and included the city of Simena, a bustling sea-trading…

[ancientorigins]

Lycian Rock Tombs located in the ancient city of Myra. Antalya, Demre.

[turkeyvisa01]

Luxury Travel in Turkey: Indulgent Experiences for Bhutanese Tourists

Turkey, a mesmerizing blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers an array of indulgent experiences for discerning travelers. For Bhutanese tourists seeking luxury travel, Turkey promises a journey filled with opulence, unique cultural encounters, and breathtaking destinations. From lavish hotels to exclusive tours, this country caters to every aspect of a high-end vacation. However, before embarking on this luxurious adventure, it's essential to understand the Turkey visa for Bhutan citizens and the process involved in obtaining it.

Opulent Accommodations

Turkey boasts some of the world's most luxurious accommodations, perfect for Bhutanese travelers seeking comfort and elegance. The Bosphorus strait in Istanbul is lined with grand palaces converted into five-star hotels, such as the Çırağan Palace Kempinski and the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. These hotels offer exquisite suites, world-class dining, and unparalleled views of the city’s skyline and waterways.

In Cappadocia, the Museum Hotel provides an extraordinary experience. This boutique hotel, carved into ancient caves, combines history with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy hot air balloon rides at dawn, offering a serene view of the whimsical landscapes below. The Aegean coast also offers upscale resorts like the Bodrum Edition and the Mandarin Oriental, where private beaches, gourmet dining, and luxurious spas await.

Gourmet Dining

Turkey's culinary scene is a paradise for food connoisseurs. Istanbul, in particular, offers an array of Michelin-starred restaurants. At Mikla, chef Mehmet Gürs crafts modern Turkish dishes with a Scandinavian twist, served with panoramic views of the city. Meanwhile, Neolokal emphasizes sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients to create contemporary Anatolian cuisine.

For a truly unique experience, the Sunset Grill & Bar on Ulus Park serves exquisite dishes with a blend of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences. Here, Bhutanese tourists can indulge in the finest wines and spectacular views of the Bosphorus, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Exclusive Tours and Experiences

Luxury travel in Turkey extends beyond accommodations and dining. Private yacht tours along the Bosphorus offer a serene escape from the bustling city, complete with personalized services and stunning views of historic landmarks. For those interested in history and culture, bespoke tours of ancient sites like Ephesus, Troy, and Pamukkale can be arranged, providing deep insights into Turkey’s rich heritage with the comfort of exclusive guides and transportation.

In Cappadocia, private hot air balloon rides, followed by a champagne breakfast, offer an unparalleled experience of the region's unique landscapes. For adventure enthusiasts, luxury tours of the Lycian Way, an ancient coastal path, can be customized, ensuring a blend of comfort and exploration.

Spa and Wellness

Turkey's hammams, or Turkish baths, are an integral part of its culture and a must-try for luxury travelers. The Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul provides a regal experience, where guests can enjoy traditional treatments in an opulent setting. Many luxury hotels also offer state-of-the-art wellness centers and spas, such as the Raffles Istanbul Spa, which combines traditional Turkish rituals with contemporary wellness practices.

Shopping and Souvenirs

No luxury trip is complete without indulging in some high-end shopping. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are famous for their exotic goods, but for a more upscale experience, the city’s high-end districts like Nişantaşı and Istinye Park offer a range of international designer brands and exclusive Turkish boutiques. Here, Bhutanese tourists can find unique jewelry, designer clothing, and exquisite home decor items.

Visa Information

To enjoy these luxurious experiences, Bhutanese travelers need to secure a Turkey visa for Bhutan citizens. The process is straightforward. Bhutanese passport holders can apply for an e-visa online, which allows them to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's essential to ensure that the passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey. Detailed information and applications can be accessed on the official Turkish government website or through authorized visa service providers.

In conclusion, Turkey offers a wealth of luxurious experiences tailored to the tastes of Bhutanese tourists. From lavish accommodations and gourmet dining to exclusive tours and wellness retreats, every aspect of the journey promises indulgence and comfort. By securing the necessary Turkey visa for Bhutan passport holders, travelers can embark on an unforgettable adventure, exploring the opulent side of Turkey.

[istanbullocalguides]

Discovering Türkiye: Why It Should Be A Bucket List Travel Destination

Türkiye (Turkey) unquestionably stands out as one of the must-visit destinations in the vast landscape of global travel destinations. It presents an exceptional travel opportunity. It is home to a diverse array of historical sites, cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and contemporary facilities. The rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty always captivates travelers from around the world. Why not consider Turkey as your top pick for your next vacation destination?

Turkey is a nation boasting a wealth of historical significance, captivating cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders. You may have never contemplated it as a vacation destination. Have ever planned to delve deeper into the allure of this transcontinental gem? You will swiftly find yourself eagerly organizing your journey. 

Turkey tour (14 Days) lets you discover a plethora of options to suit your interests. It could be adventure, water sports, exploring nature, immersing in history, or indulging in delectable cuisine. The 14-day Turkey tour offers everything you desire in a vacation. Embark on an unforgettable Turkey tour. It lets you explore the compelling reasons why Turkey should be your ultimate travel destination. See why it is the best place for your next getaway.

Historical and Cultural Heritage: Turkey boasts a wide array of historical and cultural treasures. Istanbul is the sole city in the world that spans two continents. It is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Additionally, there are other remarkable historical gems in Turkey such as Ephesus, Troy, and Pamukkale.

Unique Blend of East and West: Turkey's strategic location between Europe and Asia has led to a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures. From traditional Turkish tea houses to modern shopping districts, visitors can experience a unique fusion of influences. 

Culinary Delights: Turkish cuisine is celebrated for its wide array of delicious dishes. Make sure to sample kebabs, mezes, baklava, and other food delights in Turkey. Savor the diverse flavors and textures that reflect the country's rich culinary history. 

Stunning Landscapes: Turkey's landscapes are truly breathtaking. It ranges from stunning coastlines along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas to the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia and the natural wonders of Pamukkale. Are you a beach enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff? A Turkey tour (14 Days) has something for everyone. 

Warm Hospitality: The warm hospitality of the Turkish people is renowned worldwide. Visitors are often greeted with open arms. The friendly locals are eager to share their culture and traditions with guests. 

Affordable Travel: Turkey is a budget-friendly destination compared to many European countries. It offers affordable accommodations, dining options, and transportation for travelers on a budget. 

Bazaars and Markets: The bustling markets and bazaars in cities like Istanbul provide a vibrant shopping experience. Visitors are open to buy a wide range of goods, including spices and textiles to unique handmade crafts. 

Religious and Historical Diversity: Turkey's rich history is a testament to its religious and cultural diversity, with influences from civilizations such as the Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans. This diversity is reflected in the country's architecture, ancient churches, and mosques, which coexist harmoniously. 

Adventure Activities: Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Turkey, from hot air ballooning in Cappadocia to boating and cycling along the Lycian Way, as well as water sports along the Turkish Riviera. 

Modern Amenities: While preserving its historical heritage, Turkey also offers modern amenities and infrastructure. The major cities here boast well-developed transportation systems that make your journey convenient.

Turkey is known for its exceptional combination of historical sites, cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. It renders it an enchanting and multifaceted spot for tourists. Discover the wonders of Turkey with a variety of tours including the Turkey tour (14 Days) and experience the enchantment! Call Istanbul Local Guides to learn more or customize your Turkey tour (14 Days)!

[bestofnewsblog]

Exploring Turkey: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cuisine

Turkey, a land where ancient history meets vibrant culture and tantalizing cuisine, beckons travelers from all corners of the globe. From the majestic historical sites to the savory delights of Turkish cuisine, this country offers a rich tapestry of experiences for those seeking adventure, enlightenment, and gastronomic pleasure.

Historical Places in Turkey

Turkey is a treasure trove of historical wonders, boasting a legacy that spans millennia. One cannot explore Turkey without encountering its awe-inspiring historical sites, each bearing witness to the civilizations that once flourished here. Among the must-visit destinations is Istanbul, where the Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires' grandeur. This architectural marvel, with its magnificent dome and stunning mosaics, captures the essence of Turkey's rich history.

Venture further into Turkey, and you'll encounter Ephesus, an ancient city that once served as a bustling metropolis of the Roman Empire. Wander through its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, and marvel at the ingenuity of the past.

Cappadocia, with its otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys and rock-cut dwellings, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Explore the underground cities carved into the soft volcanic rock, marvel at the ancient frescoes adorning the cave churches, and take in the breathtaking vistas from a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Turkey Travel Guide

Navigating Turkey's diverse landscapes and cultural offerings can be a thrilling adventure for travelers. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul or wandering through the tranquil countryside, there's no shortage of experiences to delight the senses.

Start your journey in Istanbul, where the old meets the new in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. Explore the iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for treasures amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

For those seeking relaxation, Turkey's coastal regions offer sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are dotted with charming seaside towns, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Adventure awaits in Turkey's rugged interior, where you can hike through pristine valleys, explore ancient ruins, and encounter traditional villages untouched by time. Don't miss the opportunity to trek the Lycian Way, a scenic trail that winds its way along the stunning coastline of southwestern Turkey.

Turkish Cuisine

No journey to Turkey is complete without savoring its world-renowned cuisine, a tantalizing fusion of flavors influenced by its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. From savory kebabs to indulgent desserts, Turkish cuisine offers a feast for the senses.

Start your culinary adventure with a traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring an array of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread. Indulge in menemen, a flavorful dish of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, or enjoy börek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or minced meat.

For lunch or dinner, sample classic Turkish dishes such as köfte (grilled meatballs), döner kebab (spit-roasted meat), and lahmacun (thin crust pizza topped with minced meat and vegetables). Don't forget to try mezes, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers, including hummus, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves.

Save room for dessert, as Turkish sweets are not to be missed. Indulge in baklava, layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey syrup, or try künefe, a decadent dessert made with shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup. Wash it all down with a cup of Turkish çay (tea) or Turkish coffee, served strong and sweet.

Turkey offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and cuisine that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, wandering through vibrant bazaars, or indulging in mouthwatering dishes, Turkey never fails to enchant and delight.