good natured, and every body loved and commended her. It will hardly be believed that the elder sisters hated the pretty

most beautiful of all goddesses, and if any mortal was pronounced to be as fair as she, Venus was so jealous, that she wa

with Venus, but Psyche was perfectly innocent, and did not deserve to be punished for the folly of her father and mother;

retty young girl love the most ill-looking, disagreeable man that can be imagined. Venus one day called to her the god of

and they will scold and insult her for her perverseness, and she will be very unhappy. At length you must make her so fool

sagreeable as he truly is, and then she must loathe and hate him, and be very wretched.” It seems by this that Venus was a

thing, and that she loved whatever she looked upon, thought it would be very cruel to make her unhappy. He lay down upon

nd Psyche, “I can do nothing to disturb this innocent creature. If it be thy will to grieve her, choose another to do it;

ce, tyrannical, cruel gods. As he flew upward, Cupid thought it might be well not to tell his mother of his intention to d

to tell his mother his intentions concerning Psyche, lest she should be offended, nor to tell Psyche that he was a god, l

earn what might happen to her. The oracle informed them that she must be carried to a promontory near the sea, and there l

girl was informed that she must quit the dwelling of her father, and be forced to marry, she knew not whom, she was not s

poor; and when I leave my dear father and mother, all my friends will be sorry for my departure; but I will go, and trust

e the most frightful monster in the world; but that which is ugly may be good. I will endeavour to make him love me. My ki

e in that bleak and solitary spot. It is the will of Cupid she should be removed to a delightful palace in the midst of a

o look at me. If you should forget what I now tell you, if you should be very curious to see me, and should inconsideratel

happen to you. Remember what I tell you, obey my words, and you will be happy.” Psyche listened — she felt very sorry not

My time is mostly spent in a sad and lonely way; if I could sometimes be indulged with the society of my sisters, I should

could sometimes be indulged with the society of my sisters, I should be grateful to you for it” This request was very rea

ay. It was enough, they said, to make any woman miserable. “There can be no doubt,” said one, “that he is the most frightf

“that he is the most frightful monster living; and as the oracle said be was unreasonable and capricious, very likely he m

know that he is fast asleep, take a lamp and examine his features. If be should be found to be a very shocking object, you

he is fast asleep, take a lamp and examine his features. If be should be found to be a very shocking object, you had best

sleep, take a lamp and examine his features. If be should be found to be a very shocking object, you had best kill him. I

kill him. I will give you a dagger. When you approach the couch where be shall be asleep, take this instrument in your han

I will give you a dagger. When you approach the couch where be shall be asleep, take this instrument in your hand; if you

r hand; if you should find him the deformed object you suppose him to be , you will know what to do.” Psyche had the weakne

her son, demanded of him to go in pursuit of her, and when she should be found, return to the skies, and inform her where

return to the skies, and inform her where the audacious mortal could be found. Poor Psyche, when she had quite come to he

d repair to the shrine of some deity and offer her prayers, she might be instructed how she ought to act. Therefore, she w

she said, “Perhaps, as she has pitied the poor and ignorant, she will be gracious to me, a foolish and unhappy girl, who l

n example of harmony among themselves; I must therefore leave thee to be dealt with as thy persecutor wills. I pity, but I

resence of Juno. Presenting herself before the goddess, she begged to be granted an asylum from the persecutions of Venus.

could not excuse herself — she was sincerely sorry, but she begged to be forgiven. She begged to be restored to that belov

she was sincerely sorry, but she begged to be forgiven. She begged to be restored to that beloved being of whom she was no

outcast and a wanderer: none pitied nor would relieve her. She might be very happy if she could reconcile a goddess who,

the realm of the dead, and she believed she must die before she could be admitted to the land of ghosts; so she climbed to

he top of a high tower, that she might throw herself down, and thence be conveyed to the land of spirits. But as she stood

te you, when you get to the entrance of Pluto’s kingdom, and who will be quiet if you offer him a cake. And there is a riv

she had repented of her faults, and been punished for them, it might be hoped she would be as pure and good as the spirit

f her faults, and been punished for them, it might be hoped she would be as pure and good as the spirits of light. Jupiter

e consent to the marriage of Cupid and Psyche, but declared it should be celebrated in the presence of all the gods and go

ad declared that he could not enjoy heaven itself if he were there to be deprived of his beloved Psyche; and it was his wi

d none of the gods ever opposed his sovereign will,) that they should be united. Venus was not much pleased with this deci

presented her with a cup of nectar with his own hand. “Receive,” said be , fair Psyche, this mark of my favour. When you dr

his mark of my favour. When you drink of this, your human nature will be exalted to that of the immortals.” The bloomin

of Greece and Italy been Christians. Mother. Some of them learned to be Christiana while Christ and his apostles were in

o punishment; and acting secretly and deceitfully, as Cupid did, will be followed by misfortunes. Ann. Is the story of Ps

enteen hundred years ago, said he found it in an old book; so it must be very old. Ann. It is a very pretty story. Mothe

o read? Mother. Yes, I have many; and the next I will give you shall be one about Proserpine, who gave Psyche the box.

welt in in the cheerful light of the sun, fancied Pluto’s domain must be . Pluto, however, resolved to have her without her

e heart’s-ease. “Here,” cried Proserpine, is honey-suckle; this shall be thine Cyane. Wear it for my sake.” At that moment

kingly crown which he wore, and his magnificent appearance, it could be no other than the lord of the world below. She sh

ains. I have left them all, and chosen thee. Come, then, with me, and be my queen.” “Hear him not,” cried Cyane; “come wit

r me, Proserpina;” interrupted the god; “one third of the world shall be yours. None hut the queen of heaven, the glorious

ou forsake me?” But Pluto heeded not; nor was Proserpine unwilling to be carried off. He caught her up in his arms, seated

quite covered over, or encrusted with salt. Ann. But how could Cyane be changed to a fountain? Mother. I think the whole

, and so this marvellous story of the transformation of Cyane came to be believed by ignorant credulous people. Ann. What

e, always. I once beard of a man who did not believe that water could be changed to ice. Ann. But the man might have seen

e Search for Proserpine. Ceres returned to her home, expecting to be received by her beloved daughter; but no daughter

not tasted food, in the kingdom of Pluto; but if she has, she cannot be restored to you. But why do you wish to recover h

ter. So she preferred to recover Proserpine rather than suffer her to be happy with Pluto, and with Jupiter’s leave descen

fond of polenta. “Mother,” said Becubo’s son, “I am afraid there will be no polenta for my supper. Look at that greedy wom

rinaceous food. Ann. What is farinaceous food? Mother. Whatever can be reduced to flour, such as wheat, rye, and potatoe

of their small pittance to the destitute and wandering, and ought to be honoured and imitated for their liberality. Ann.

t would have taught him better manners. The next story you read, will be one of a prettier transformation, than that of Be

er their heads. All this threatened misfortune to the couple about to be united. But notwithstanding these sad portents, T

long and dangerous voyage to Athens. Our little Itys is too young to be exposed to the rude gales of the sea; and if we s

of the sea; and if we should leave him with his nurse, we should not be happy away from him. Will it not be better for me

him with his nurse, we should not be happy away from him. Will it not be better for me to go, and bring your sister hither

t to her sister. Pandion loved Philomela dearly; he could not bear to be separated from her; and he only shook his head, a

u forget how long it is since she left us. Think how unhappy she must be never to see her father and her sister. You canno

. My good Zanthea, the faithful maiden whom I so tenderly love, shall be a daughter to you while I am gone. And, my dear f

ile I am gone. And, my dear father, I shall soon return to you, if it be the will of the gods.” While Philomela was thus u

ela in a lonely house which belonged to him, near the coast, and that be would tell Progne she was dead; and perhaps he mi

t. I love you, Philomela, and I will get rid of Progne, and you shall be my queen.” Philomela, terrified and angry at this

at liberty. “Base man,” she cried, “did not you promise my father to be kind to me, and to restore me to him? Did not I t

and his own guilty conscience told him, that if his treachery should be known, every one would abhor him. To prevent Phil

ilomela was accustomed to put a mark upon her work, by which it might be known. Progne knew the embroidery was hers, and w

s, and to go with them into the woods. She designed, when they should be running about in the forest, to direct them to th

ace thought the Bacchantes were holy, and that all they demanded must be granted; accordingly the keeper, to whom the old

barous times, revenge, the returning of evil for evil, was thought to be right, so Progne resolved to inflict the greatest

ingale. Conversation: Ann and her Mother Ann. This story would be agreeable enough if it were not for the unhappy e

ir application by saying, “I do not like your appearance; people must be careful nowadays who they take in, there are so m

an aged and a happy pair. They were poor, but they did not desire to be rich. They had no servants to command, and they n

nd to sojourn in mine. You will find indifferent cheer, but you shall be welcome;” and waving his hand for them to pass, t

y will to bring destruction upon an impious people, but you shall not be involved in their punishment. Trust the gods; the

express our desires, that in the few days which remain to us, we may be allowed to serve at thine altar, to minister toge

, to minister together in thy holy rites; and when this service shall be finished, that in the same hour we may cease to b

nsformation of their cottage, old Philemon perceived his good dame to be covered with leaves, of tender green; and old Bau

which stood side by side. The votaries prayed that their wives might be helpers and comforters like Baucis, and their hus

Philemon were a very happy couple. Mother. Yes; all people, let them be ever so humble, that are good-natured, honest, an

do you suppose is the fact contained in this fable? Mother. It might be , that where a, virtuous pair had lived, a temple

them. These are the words which Abraham addressed to the angels, when be sat at the tent-door, and invited them to enter,

ent-door, and invited them to enter, “Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves

I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts.” This may be found in the 18th chapter of Genesis. Mother. Ma

ages. She is a native of the southern countries of Europe, and it may be of Western Asia. She is called in poetry, Philome

ry, Philomela, from that fable you have been reading. The fable might be concluded by saying, that Philomela bewailed her

for a wife, and immediately descended the king’s house that he might be there when she should return from the sacrifice.

It was a custom in those days for the eldest daughter of a family to be married the first, and if a young man desired to

of Aglauria. She knew it displeased Aglauria, that her sister should be preferred to herself. Minerva saw that she envied

iable Herse. It is my will that those who wish to injure others shall be miserable themselves, therefore make her as unhap

the room. What was become of him she knew not. She supposed he might be gone to torment Herse. Herse had gone to the proc

hand was that of Envy, and, wherever she came, the very air seemed to be filled with her presence. Aglauria, half waked by

im to bestow my sister immediately upon a mortal, and then she cannot be given to a god. Mercury himself respects marriage

, or we should not like it we call a story impossible, when it cannot be true; and improbable, when it is not very likely

when it cannot be true; and improbable, when it is not very likely to be true. Ann. What part of the story I have been re

may see a lyre in the hands of one of the muses. Poets made songs to be sung to the music of the lyre, and called their s

e more hard-hearted. That shows that if we are wicked, we must try to be good, or we shall be punished; and that if we do

That shows that if we are wicked, we must try to be good, or we shall be punished; and that if we do not try we shall grow

Narcissus. Like the parents of Psyche, she wished to know what would be the future fortune of her child; and she went to

consulted Tiresias, the prophet told her that Narcissus would live to be old, if he could be kept from seeing himself; and

the prophet told her that Narcissus would live to be old, if he could be kept from seeing himself; and, then, that was not

ng himself; and, then, that was not so difficult a matter as it would be at this time, in our houses hung with mirrors. Th

had none in the coral cave where she dwelt; so little Narcissus might be kept there from looking at his pretty face. But L

ified the poor nymph so much, that she pined away, till nothing could be found of her but her voice. She still inhabits wo

e gods to torment him with a wish for something which he should never be able to obtain. Those who refuse to enjoy what th

, he would not have gone to sleep in a place which he did not know to be safe. We cannot always know where we are safe, bu

pleased with them; and, even if they have injured or affronted us, to be moderate in our anger, and not punish them loo se

py who are amiable, and who love one another; because, if they should be afflicted, they comfort each other, and sympathy

ana. For this offence he was sentenced, by the judges of the dead, to be chained to the ground in Tartarus, while a vultur

too, Juno saw the wretched Tantalus, who had caused his son Pelops to be murdered. As a punishment for this crime, he suff

k the serpents which hung over her face, replied, “Goddess, you shall be obeyed. Now, leave this forlorn place.” Satisfied

as it was. Every object assumed a new form. The unhappy Ino seemed to be a lioness and his children whelps. Impelled by hi

Palemon. Conversation: Mother and Ann. Ann. How can this fable be explained? Mother. Easily enough. The fact was,

rship is serious and solemn, and that noise and drunkenness could not be acceptable to a god. Pentheus should have told th

on for him: “Dearest of men! for thou, though now no more, Shall yet be numbered ’mongst my best lov’d sons. No more thy

collection of her murdered son, and of her crime, were too painful to be endured. Conversation: Mother and Ann. Mot

e is like caution somewhat. It is thinking beforehand what is best to be done; thinking of what may happen in consequence

t and muddy streets, I am imprudent — I shall take cold. My cold will be the consequence of my imprudence. Mother. Did yo

f cause and effect? Ann. Yes. My wearing thin shoes in the wet would be the cause of my cold, and the cold would be the e

in shoes in the wet would be the cause of my cold, and the cold would be the effect. Mother. That is right. What do you t

the sea coast, and her father ordered that she and her infant should be put into a chest, and thrown into the waves. Many

Argos, in displeasure against me and this innocent babe, caused us to be thrown into the waves, and some merciful god has

their goodness; and hoped, she said, that one day or other she should be able to repay them. ——— Perseus grew up under the

nd to Dana; and her son, did not love Perseus when he had grown up to be a man. Perseus was young, handsome, and vigorous;

to be a man. Perseus was young, handsome, and vigorous; he was fit to be king over a rude people like those of Seriphus, w

g Perseus; they will kill me, I fear; or perhaps he will, that he may be king himself. But I will be too cunning for him.

, I fear; or perhaps he will, that he may be king himself. But I will be too cunning for him. If I should kill him, my sub

rive him from my palace: I will vex and mortify him, so that he shall be very miserable, and go away to some distant count

hese verses show that Medusa was destined to die, therefore she might be killed; but her sisters were immortal. Medusa had

ning the temple, and sacrilege, and caused the sacrilegious person to be punished. Minerva, to punish Medusa, changed her

eus proposed to cut off the head of Medusa for Polydectes. This would be a great achievement, and his courage would be com

Polydectes. This would be a great achievement, and his courage would be commended every where. Polydectes admired the pro

formed as themselves, discovered their habitation. Medusa happened to be asleep when Perseus arrived; but he was afraid to

ed. An oracle had declared, that the gardens of the Hesperides should be robbed by a son of Jupiter; and the moment that A

ant, I will thrust thee out with my own hands.” Atlas did not wait to be obeyed, but immediately aimed at Perseus a violen

hained to a rock, where she was expecting, in unspeakable anguish, to be devoured by a sea monster. Andromeda’s mother was

pity on her, but her eyes met those of Perseus, whom she imagined to be Mercury, whose wings he wore. “Thou art come to m

they will afford me help to deliver you: but tell me how came you to be in this sad condition? Andromeda then related how

ssing himself to Perseus; “You have taken another man’s bride. It may be that you do not know the perfidy of her father an

m his place of retreat, seeing their danger, would not permit them to be slain in his cause. He rushed from his concealmen

both forgiven him. They knew that believed his grandson would live to be his murderer, and that he had only attempted to s

y you know, my child, is a bad passion, which persons feel. It cannot be seen, like a woman or child, though you may think

was a happy omen; a sign, it was thought, that the married pair would be very happy. If it shed a lurid glare, or dim, smo

shut up the winds? Mother. Æolus, the wind god, who had a cave where be kept the winds. These were Boreas, the north wind

h overshadowed them, they heard a sound like human voices. “Can these be birds which I hear?” asked Minerva. “They are bir

s they deserved,” remarked Minerva; “conceit and presumption ought to be mortified.” “Has this spring any peculiar qualiti

ed arrow would love the lady he next saw; while the person who should be wounded by the leaden one would dislike the first

nd of healing; stay, and listen my lyre.” Daphne heard, but would not be detained. Fleet as the fearful fawn, she hurried

r!” she cried, “I detest Apollo, but still he pursues me. Rather than be his, I would be swallowed up by the cold earth: s

I detest Apollo, but still he pursues me. Rather than be his, I would be swallowed up by the cold earth: suffer me to be h

than be his, I would be swallowed up by the cold earth: suffer me to be hidden in her dark bosom, so that I escape from h

striking his radiant forehead, exclaimed, “O, Daphne, thou canst not be my bride, but thou shalt be my favourite tree. My

ad, exclaimed, “O, Daphne, thou canst not be my bride, but thou shalt be my favourite tree. My temples, my lute, and my qu

shalt be my favourite tree. My temples, my lute, and my quiver shall be adorned with thy leaves, and in ages to come, tho

hes. Time and age shall not wither thy foliage, but thy verdure shall be at once the emblem of glory and of immortality!”

he Greeks personified rivers. Upon ancient medals, and in prints, may be seen figures of venerable men, sometimes pouring

led the god of that river. Upon a map of Greece, the river Peneus may be seen in Thessaly, passing through the Vale of Tem

eign of the gods; “go and destroy Argus. It is my will that Io should be transported to Egypt, to preside over the waters

the waters of the Nile: the winds which breathe over that river shall be subject to her control, and grateful navigators,

Juno was grieved at the loss of Argus, and caused his hundred eyes to be placed in the tail of her peacocks; where, depriv

answered the god, “I am grieved that thou shouldst permit thyself to be thus disturbed by this young man’s suspicions of

eem without dread of their vengeance, Manto called upon the people to be more zealous in their devotions. “Haste, Thebans,

r robe, entreating with bitter cries, that one of her offspring might be spared; but her supplications were vain; the last

I was to transact this business, I engaged a native of the country to be my guide. “During our journey, we met with nothin

tar, he bowed, and in a low tone of voice, murmured, ‘Protect me, and be propitious!’ I repeated the same words, and then

and her children reached the place where we now stand, it happened to be a season of great drought; the streams no longer

in the world that you must come to drink of this lake? “‘Can any man be so unreasonable and cruel as to deny this refresh

Latona, justly provoked at their insolence, exclaimed, ‘Henceforward, be this lake thy habitation!’ Scarcely had she prono

planation is due) are as follows. The work was originally intended to be a mere school-book, and it was commenced on that

-book, and it was commenced on that plan ; circumstances caused it to be continued on another, and to be completed on a th

hat plan ; circumstances caused it to be continued on another, and to be completed on a third ; hence the inequality in it

fever, when few could think of the calm pursuit of literature, it may be said to have had more success than could have bee

been well aware of its defects, it is plain that they thought them to be more than compensated by its merits. Of the prese

hich I have not made myself directly from the originals. It will also be found to contain the results of the inquiries of

d render some service, however trifling, to my country, that it might be said of me, Haud inutiliter vixit. It appeared to

pearance, proved, I may say, their merit ; for to nothing else can it be justly ascribed. I have thus the satisfaction of

ustly ascribed. I have thus the satisfaction of thinking that I shall be instrumental in impressing correct ideas in histo

correct ideas in history and politics on the minds of those who will be future legislators, or occupy other important sta

eral adoption in schools ; but I should hope that it will continue to be used in the Universities, and that in schools the

used in the Universities, and that in schools the reading of it will be recommended to, though not enjoined on, the highe

k with some confidence of the correctness of the narratives : it must be of advantage to know the opinions of the leading

k possession of a field which lay totally unoccupied. This can hardly be said of any other part of classic literature, but

hardly be said of any other part of classic literature, but many may be better cultivated than they have been hitherto. T

hitherto. Thus the private life of the ancient Greeks and Romans may be more fully elucidated. That of the latter people

r exceeds mine ; and his work, when it appears, will, I am confident, be found to contain a vast store of curious knowledg

is no good reason for this last usage, and I think Greek names should be so written as that they might be at once transfer

sage, and I think Greek names should be so written as that they might be at once transferred to the original Greek charact

e original Greek characters. For this purpose the long e and o should be marked as they are in the Index, and if we were t

r instance Kimôn and Kephalos instead of Cimon and Cephalus, it would be all the better. The subjects of the plates are al

ities in orthography or grammar. The following digression will I hope be excused. It is on a subject — that of literary pr

pressing his sentiments on it. The following are mine. No fallacy can be greater than that of supposing that the public ha

of supposing that the public have any rights in this matter unless it be the right of the stronger, according to the simp

iple does not apply in any way to literature. What, we may ask, is to be derived from Waverley and such books ? Simply amu

and it surely seems very absurd to say that the public has a right to be amused, to which right those of individuals must

terms, the principle of the O. P. riots of our younger days. No man, be it observed, will be the worse statesman, lawyer,

of the O. P. riots of our younger days. No man, be it observed, will be the worse statesman, lawyer, or physician for not

r not having read Waverley, so that the plea of public utility cannot be urged. Even in books of instruction I deny any ri

my own terms. The legitimate course, if these were exorbitant, would be to get some one to write a cheaper and better wor

s of property. I am far however from expecting that full justice will be done us by the legislature. We are a small and a

s by the legislature. We are a small and a disunited party. It cannot be said of us Hic multum in Fabia valet, ille Velin

nd public spirit. I do not think that the great publishing houses can be properly classed among our opponents. They have n

ction to the extension of the period of copyright provided the author be empowered to transfer all his rights to them, and

s of trade. Nay, when they wanted me to write another work, likely to be as popular, they said they could not afford to gi

ve more for a long than for a short term of copyright, let the public be the gainer ; and if an author has parted, or will

fe, or of the twenty-eight years. Otherwise the great publishers will be almost the only gainers by a change in the law ;

36. — Neither of the derivations given of the name Artemis appears to be satisfactory. The following may seem perhaps to c

se influence on vegetation and growth in general the ancients held to be so very considerable (see p. 194, note b), and wh

and signification. Page 284. — The names of the water-deities seem to be all expressive of the qualities and powers of the

l Pontano.» In a work named ‘Tales of an Indian Camp,’ which seems to be not a work of mere fiction, the chief Tecumseh sa

r. Page 511. — The following inscriptions to the Junones of women may be seen in the Capitoline and Vatican collections : 

vino, as prudens is from pro videns. Page 517. — It appears to us to be quite erroneous to suppose that the Ceres, Liber

ee cellœ like that on the Capitoline. Page 522. — The critics seem to be unanimous in regarding the Pater Matutinus of Hor

race (Serm. ii. 6, 20) as Janus ; for which they are certainly not to be blamed, the poet himself having set them the exam

et himself having set them the example. To us however this appears to be an error, though as we see a very ancient one. Th

hence we meet with Censorinus and Marcellinus. If these observations be correct, Matutinus is the same as Matutus, and is

rs of corn : Demeter is handing him some more : a person, supposed to be Hecate, is behind the goddess, and another is fee

s and instructors. The legends which compose a nation’s mythology may be divided into two classes. The first will contain

entures, and those of its princes and heroes, and which may therefore be called domestic ; or those of ancient or distant

ng been at one time matters of actual belief. Mythology may therefore be regarded as the depository of the early religion

belief in a number of beings of a nature superior to man, and who can be of benefit or injury to him, seems congenial to t

inds of the weak and the ignorant4. An appearance so general can only be the result of some law of the mind ; and those wh

 ; the rivers which flowed continuously, which swelled and sank, must be under the control of intelligences ; and trees at

t times flows from his lips, being referable to no known cause, would be attributed to the unseen working of superior bein

rm so perfect or so beautiful as his own, and none so well adapted to be the vehicle of mind7. He naturally, therefore, fe

n in form, were held to exceed him far in power and knowledge, but to be , like him, under the influence of passion and app

l in future speak of gods of the sea, the sun, the moon, we would not be understood to mean personifications of these obje

away captive of the daughter of Chryses and the pestilence itself to be actual and real facts, all those who heard of the

sources, or the occasions of the production, of mythes may, we think, be arranged under the following heads, which fall in

of the various bodies of mythology. 2. As a second source may perhaps be added the pride of family and the flattery of poe

r met her in the wood or at the fountain. Legends of this kind are to be placed among the latest. Indeed we very much doub

are to be placed among the latest. Indeed we very much doubt if this be a real original source of mythes10, and we place

hich the waters flowed off and left the plain dry13. To this head may be referred the practice of the Greeks to assign the

of this procedure (which was probably learned from the Greeks) are to be found ; the origin of the rose is ascribed to the

dently signifies a place abounding in potter's earth (argilla)21, may be divided into two words (Argi letum), signifying d

sea have been styled a son of the sea ; and when the metaphor came to be understood literally, persons thus spoken of may

the Origin of Mythology. The theory already given appears to us to be the one which most simply and satisfactorily expl

which have been most prevalent in modern times. These may, we think, be divided into three classes : the Historic, the Ph

iger37 in Germany. II. The Philosophic : which supposes mythology to be merely the poetical envelope of some branch of hu

ndifference toward true religion. In fact, if the theory of these men be true, the necessity for Christianity becomes a qu

e those of ancient Greece, of India, and of Scandinavia. To these may be added that of ancient Egypt. Italy has left no my

ules for the Interpretation of Mythes. The following rules should be attended to in mythological inquiries. 1. To cons

s to the neglect of this rule that we owe so much of the absurdity to be found in the works of many mythologists, and noth

s of Greece and India. 2. In like manner the mythes themselves should be considered separately, and detached from the syst

of a mythe, or even of a whole cycle50. Great caution however should be used in the application of this rule, or it may l

hough we should never pronounce a mythe which we have not examined to be devoid of signification, we should not too confid

n but the creation of capricious fancy52. On these occasions it would be well to bear in mind the following words of Johns

it will only serve to damp ardour and check inquiry. The rule should be , — this mythe most probably has a meaning, but it

Greece are involved in such total obscurity, that nothing certain can be adduced respecting the origin of the people or th

as we shall presently show, Olympos was in the time of Homer held to be the seat of the gods. It does not appear to us th

the seat of the gods. It does not appear to us that any one spot can be regarded as the birth-place of the Grecian religi

e same attributes as some of their own, they at once inferred them to be the same under different names ; but where the le

could not reconcile with their own Zeus, and of queens who could not be brought to agree with their Hera. But a new diffi

which might shock the opinions of their auditors. Accordingly we may be certain that the mythes contained in Homer and He

αία), or mixing up, as we may call it, of the gods together, began to be employed63. It was thus that the wine-god Dionyso

ere mixed up with the old tales of gods and heroes ; and the fable to be represented on the stage often varied so much fro

carried to a much greater extent by Ephorus : but the work which may be regarded as having contributed by far the most to

nturies, have for some years engaged the pens of critics. It seems to be now generally agreed that the two poems are the p

of which are of no small magnitude, but that notwithstanding they may be regarded as faithful pictures of the manners and

ys, the Theogony, and the Shield of Hercules. Hesiod was also said to be the author of a poem in four books named the Cata

death of Odysseus. This was named the Epic Cycle, and it continued to be read during some centuries of the Christian æra83

ve disappeared, excepting a portion of those of Pindar. It is much to be lamented, in a mythologic view, that so little re

f Ovid, of whose legends the Greek originals can,with few exceptions, be pointed out85. It was also in this period that Hy

ect, as likewise is the Violet-bed86 of the empress Eudocia. It would be tedious to particularise all the other sources of

, extent, and divisions, is absolutely requisite. Without it we shall be for ever falling into error ; and by applying to

hem a degree of folly and inconsistency with which they cannot justly be charged88. The earliest view of Grecian cosmology

anvil to fall from Heaven to Earth ; and an equal space of time would be occupied by its fall from Earth to the bottom of

, and on the isles of the Ocean, the passage to which was supposed to be close to the island of Circe, dwelt the Sirens, t

Italians and other nations seem to have been similar. Hence we might be led to infer that Olympos, the abode of the Greci

ian Olympos, the highest mountain with which they were acquainted, to be the abode of their gods125. The entrance to the c

the wicked suffered the punishment due to their crimes134. It may not be uninteresting ere we quit the subject of the cosm

niverse for the scene of the poem, whose object (the noblest that can be conceived) was to ………assert eternal Providence,

ving learned from his parents, Heaven and Earth, that he was fated to be deprived by one of his sons of the kingdom which

devoured his children as fast as they were born. Rhea, when about to be delivered of Zeus, besought her parents to teach

eams. The making thunder, lightning, and other celestial phænomena to be children of Heaven and Earth might seem to imply

and Earth might seem to imply a deeper knowledge of physics than can be justly assigned to these early ages. The cause, h

ot produce of himself, and Earth was the only female being that could be united with him. The Cyclopes, that is the Whirle

ne kind of celestial phænomena, and the Hundred-handed must therefore be the personifications of another, but what kind is

presently treat at length, and the progeny of Earth and Pontos shall be noticed in another place148. There remain therefo

shall be noticed in another place148. There remain therefore only to be considered the beings which sprang from the blood

t they simply signify Producers 149. By the Melian nymphs may perhaps be signified the producers of fruits or cattle150. T

of fruits or cattle150. The Erinnyes offer most difficulty ; they may be , as some think, telluric powers151, and have unde

of the Titans, and as the view of it given by Völcker seems to us to be more correct than any preceding one, we will lay

t equivalent to Earth-born 153. The germs of all beings afterwards to be formed lie in them, but they are inclosed within

lity between the two classes of gods. Imitation is also everywhere to be traced. Zeus is made to mutilate Kronos as Kronos

ace of Uranos and Gæa to Ophiôn and Eurynome. As this last is said to be an Oceanis, and the former name is manifestly der

unishment due to vice. The reason is not so apparent why Night should be the parent of Mockery. Hesiod places the abode of

y kindred between Night and Sleep. The dwelling of both would seem to be on Olympos. Alcman174 and Sophocles175 speak of t

ages which are akin to the Greek182, its derivation is not perhaps to be found in any of them. Ὠκϵανὸς καὶ Тηθύς. Ocea

In Stesichorus, as we may observe, the abode of Helios would seem to be in the realm of Night, beyond Ocean. Alexander th

?)225. Augeas, king of Elis, so rich in flocks and herds, was said to be the offspring of the Sun-god by Iphiboe226. By th

tale is unknown, but it is probably not very ancient ; it is only to be found at present in the Latin poet Ovid236; but b

rtals were dividing the earth among them by lot, the Sun happening to be absent got no share. On his reminding Zeus of thi

een a fertile land lying beneath the ‘hoary sea’, with which he would be content. The gods then swore that it should be th

’, with which he would be content. The gods then swore that it should be the undisturbed possession of the Sun-god, and th

e of the large family of words of which ἕλα or ἕλη (Helle, Germ.) may be regarded as the root. Ήώς. Aurora. Dawn.

er poets263 from Pallas, and their reason for so doing is not easy to be discerned. Æschylus would seem to term her the ch

os, was for his exceeding beauty snatched away by her, ‘that he might be among the gods275.’ She also carried off Cephalos

The most probable derivation of the name Eôs (Ήὼς, Dor.Ἀὼς) seems to be that from ἂω, to blow, regarding it as the cool m

4, which last espoused Perses, the son of Crios. Leto was destined to be the mother of Apollo and Artemis under the new or

6. κρKpȋος. Crius. This Titan is in the Theogony287 said to be the sire of Astræos, Pallas and Perses, by Eurybi

t289. Pallas (Shaker ?) would seem from the names of his offspring to be of a moral, not of a physical nature, unlike the

etos with an Ocean-nymph ; while Themis and Mnemosyne are reserved to be the parents of moral beings by Zeus in the new or

t is now, however, hardly possible to rectify the error, if it should be such. Έκάτη. Hecate. In the Theogony291 t

d at the time of new moon the wealthy persons used to send suppers to be placed before her, which the poor would then come

ic as well as other accomplishments, a more suitable mother could not be assigned him than the nymph Lyreloving324. It is

e place of their abode shares in their exaltation ; and it may almost be doubted if the poet who drew the following pictur

who drew the following picture of Olympos could have conceived it to be no more than the summit of a terrestrial mountain

o was of unstained purity357. Of the goddesses, Aphrodite alone could be charged with breach of chastity358; Artemis, Pall

as perhaps the number of the months of the year that caused twelve to be fixed on as that of the Titans and the Olympians3

e monarch of Olympos. According to this tradition Rhea, when about to be delivered of Zeus, retired to a cavern near Lycto

ty to have been born among themselves. The Cretan legend must however be regarded as the more ancient, for the Arcadians e

d equal himself in strength and counsel, and her second, a son, would be king of gods and men, he cajoled her when she was

desired by Zeus to express their wishes, they prayed that they might be appointed to officiate in that temple, and that t

y might be appointed to officiate in that temple, and that they might be united in death as in life. Their prayer was gran

this, founded on physical or moral grounds, or on both. Nothing could be more natural than to assign the oak402, the monar

torian would have derived Poseidôn from that country. Again, what can be more absurd than to suppose that Greece, a portio

ansport by land, as the ship is by sea ; the one name might therefore be metaphorically employed for the other. Thus in Ho

The simple Doric form of his name, Ποτίδας, shows its true origin to be from the root ΠΟΩ, and that it is of the same fam

rsion and hatred both to gods and men458. All the latter were sure to be sooner or later collected into his kingdom. His n

lles, the son of a goddess, declares to Odysseus that he would rather be a day-labourer to the poorest cultivator on earth

their crimes, but not apart from the rest of the dead471. Nothing can be more gloomy and comfortless than the whole aspect

he time of Homer and Hesiod was thought to lie far beneath it, and to be the prison of the Titans, became one of these reg

te other bodies on earth479. In the sixth book of Virgil’s Æneïs will be found the richest and fullest description of the

those who love to trace the progress and change of ideas, it will not be an uninteresting employment to compare it with th

the sun with the close of life, may have led the Greeks485, or it may be the Phœnicians, to place the dwelling of the dead

conception of the god of the under-world, he was probably supposed to be himself the agent in removing from the realms of

imself the agent in removing from the realms of day those who were to be his subjects. Pindar speaks of the staff of Hades

cestis494. Of this rite, however, no other mention is, we believe, to be found in Grecian literature. If we may trust to t

e symbol of the social union, gave the Greeks occasion to fancy it to be under the guardianship of a peculiar deity, whom

e, gave her to sit in the middle of the house ‘receiving fat,’ and to be honoured in all the temples of the gods. In the P

Leto underwent from the enmity of Hera, who also, as shall hereafter be related, made Io, Semele, Alcmena and other women

Hera, and its being the cause of the spring of plants, may, we think, be discerned. The tradition of Stymphalos in Arcadia

nd, the goddess was born522. Another name of the Imbrasos was said to be Parthenios523. Every year an ancient wooden image

, and it was brought back to the temple524. In this ceremony also may be discerned a reference to the marriage of Hera. Th

ce it was said arose the annual ceremony. In the name Admeta, it will be observed, we have here again a reference to the c

ius536 and Virgile537. The consecration of the cow to Hera is also to be considered as a proof of her being regarded as th

is possible, however, that the two derivations may in a certain sense be correct. The goddess may have been originally mer

led his rage, and going to his workshop forged a net so subtile as to be invisible, so strong as to be infrangible by even

workshop forged a net so subtile as to be invisible, so strong as to be infrangible by even the god of war. He disposed i

t lead us to assign its origin to a comparatively late period. It may be , as is generally supposed, an ancient physical my

ycnos, Phlegyas, Dryas, Parthenopæos, and Tereus. He was also said to be the sire of Meleagros and other hero-princes of Æ

People-rouser ; 8. Impetuous, etc. The name Ares (Ἄρης) would seem to be connected with ἀνὴρ, ἄῤῥην and ἀρϵτὴ (valour), an

to be connected with ἀνὴρ, ἄῤῥην and ἀρϵτὴ (valour), and therefore to be significant of the character of the god. But some

rding to Hesiod567 he was the son of Hera alone, who was unwilling to be outdone by Zeus when he had given birth to Pallas

ments, and arms of the Olympians were the work of his hands. It would be an almost endless task to enumerate all the artic

æan character. The simplest derivation of his name therefore seems to be that which, regarding the first letter as euphoni

nion, is that which regards herself as Night, and esteems her name to be of the same family of words with λήθω, λήθη, and

ght, which is made to spring from darkness, may, in a reversed order, be regarded as its origin. The epithet ‘sable-vested

fferently. According to him, Hera, knowing that the son of Leto would be dearer to Zeus than her own son Ares, was resolve

ive her ; and the god called out to her that a floating island was to be his birth-place. At length she met Delos, then ca

e of Apollo, dissuaded him, by representing how much his oracle would be disturbed by the noise of the horses and mules co

his temple, where they become his priests and ministers618. As might be expected, the legends of so celebrated an event a

ϕνη, laurus). The god embraced its trunk, and declared that it should be ever afterwards his favourite tree623. Of this le

places her on the funereal pyre : extracting the babe, he gave him to be reared by Cheirôn, the centaur. To punish the rav

pe, of which the fruit was Orpheus630. No parents more suitable could be assigned to the poet, whose strains could move th

Tartaros, but, on the entreaty of Leto, he was so far mollified as to be content with the offender’s becoming a servant to

year. Admetos, king of Pheræ, in Thessaly, was the person selected to be honoured by the service of the god, who, accordin

dmetos, Müller sees matter of deeper import than might at first sight be supposed. According to the Delphian tradition, it

ong the Sacred Road to the vale of Tempe in the north of Thessaly, to be purified as it were from the guilt of the bloodsh

goddess Hecate, who was connected with the lower-world641. It cannot be said positively whether this mythe (which is appa

parts of the Hias of which the antiquity is most dubious. It may also be doubted if the temple-legend of Delphi could be a

dubious. It may also be doubted if the temple-legend of Delphi could be as old as the age to which Homer is usually refer

gard Apollo as the sun-god, or as a moral being of great purity, will be that this last is the real root of these names, a

ly similarity of sound that caused the wolf, or the country Lycia, to be regarded as their origin. Thus the god is called

as their origin. Thus the god is called by Homer λυκγϵυὴς, which may be rendered with the utmost propriety Light-born,665

her from his healing power (from παύω or ΠΑΩ), in which case he would be identical with Pæeôn ; or from his protecting and

n of all is that of Buttmann, who, taking the Cretan form ᾽Αβέλιος to be the original one, deduces it, according to his sy

ate, and even with Persephone, the goddess of the under-world, and to be thence called the three-formed goddess699 ruling

not an attribute of the Asiatic goddess, the former is more likely to be the true supposition705. No spot on earth is assi

them to affix the names which he employs to various places really to be found, and the islet at the mouth of the port of

and the islet at the mouth of the port of Syracuse was determined to be the Ortygia of the Odyssey708. Artemis is general

ary procedure of priests and philosophers, and more sure grounds must be sought in the attributes and epithets of these de

deity) and Leto, whose name, by a perfectly unstrained etymology, may be rendered Night ; and the origin of the sun and mo

t ; and the origin of the sun and moon, and their affinity, could not be more appropriately described. Apollo is represent

ollo being conceived armed with bow and arrows, was naturally held to be the god of archery ; and the sun, whose eye surve

the god of archery ; and the sun, whose eye surveys everything, might be looked on as the most suitable revealer of the wi

most suitable revealer of the will of Zeus to men, and thence Apollo be the god of prophecy. The cheerfulness which the a

precede or accompany his rising728, might easily cause the sun-god to be regarded as the god of music, though it is more l

atural symbol of the god who sends death from afar ; that nothing can be concluded from his being a patron and protector o

and females with mortals. But Zeus resolved that she should no longer be exempt from the common lot. Accordingly he infuse

he exulting goddess filled with love and desire. Anchises happened to be alone in the cotes at this time, and was amusing

till he had brought her to Ida, where he informed her that she was to be the wife of Anchises ; and then, having instructe

goddess filled the heart of the youth with love. Believing her now to be mortal, all his veneration vanishes, and he decla

he decreed that Adonis should have one third of the year to himself, be another third with Aphrodite, and the remaining t

hose of his parents refer to that part of the world751. He appears to be the same with the Thammuz mentioned by the prophe

e to the sea, supposed with blood Of Thammuz yearly wounded ; and to be a Phœnician personification of the sun, who durin

ief for the absence of the sun during the winter, is not, however, to be too readily acquiesced in. Lobeck754 for example

her inquires, whether the ancient nations, who esteemed their gods to be so little superior to men, may not have believed

ing the same with the Astarte of the Phœnicians. There can, we think, be little doubt of the identification of this last w

hrodite so frequently by Homer evinces. Still we look on Aphrodite to be (as her name seems to denote761) an originally Gr

ithyia, the president of child-birth, is not equally apparent. It may be perhaps that in the hymn ascribed to Olên this go

ing Love the offspring of the West-wind and the Rainbow would seem to be only a poetic mode of expressing the wellknown fa

Erôs are not numerous. Some pretty little trifles respecting him will be found in the bucolic poets, and his adventure wit

of Apollo, and was ordered to expose her on a rock, whence she would be carried away by a monster, the terror of heaven,

voice, telling her that all there is hers, and all her commands will be obeyed. She bathes, sits down to a rich repast, a

venture to open the box and take a portion for herself, that she may be the more pleasing to her husband. She opens the b

e trials and purifications which the latter must undergo, in order to be perfectly fitted for an enduring union with the d

view of the general sense and meaning. In truth many a tale seems to be allegorical which was never meant to be so by its

In truth many a tale seems to be allegorical which was never meant to be so by its author, and many a tale is allegorical

e Homeric poems is the daughter of Zeus ; in one place784 it seems to be intimated that she had no other parent. In the Th

of her sire in perfect panoply, — a circumstance however evidently to be understood in the narrative of Pindar. According

age required for that service792. Every prudent chief was esteemed to be under the patronage of Athena, and Odysseus was t

lemachos she also took under her protection, assuming a human form to be his guide and director. In like manner Cadmos, He

simplest and most natural interpretation of Pallas Athenæe appears to be ‘Athenian Maid,’ and she thus forms a parallel to

Ophthalmitis or Eyed, and at Argos Sharp-sighted. 818. If this theory be correct, the best explanation of the perplexing e

best explanation of the perplexing epithet Tritogeneia would seem to be that which derives it from the three phases of th

s the air824, others as the earth825. There are some mythes which can be explained with so much more ease on this last hyp

ing of the kine, Battos ran out to look, and immediately knew them to be stolen, but agreed for a certain reward not to gi

ed by Ovid in his Metamorphoses847. Hermes is in some legends said to be the father of the Arcadian god Pan848, and he is

been the deity of productiveness in general, but he came gradually to be regarded as presiding more particularly over floc

and herds857. From this last view some of his Hellenic attributes may be simply deduced. Thus the god of shepherds was nat

ly in the exchange of cattle, Hermes, the herdsman’s god, was held to be the god of commerce858 ; and the skill and eloque

d the skill and eloquence employed in commercial dealings made him to be the god of eloquence, artifice, and ingenuity, an

f cheating859. As herdsmen are the best guides in the country, it may be thence that Hermes was thought to protect wayfare

thence that Hermes was thought to protect wayfarers860, and thence to be a protector in general861. For this cause, among

gods Pan and Priapos. The rural character of Herse and Aglauros will be shown in the sequel. We shall also find that it w

e deity by this name in passages the genuineness of which cannot well be disputed870. The sense of that legend shall be di

s of which cannot well be disputed870. The sense of that legend shall be discussed in its proper place ; here we will only

proper place ; here we will only observe, that if it should appear to be as old as the age of Homer, there can be no furth

that if it should appear to be as old as the age of Homer, there can be no further dispute about the origin of the epithe

will still remain a subject of inquiry. Supposing however such not to be the case, it may be asked how the rural deity, th

subject of inquiry. Supposing however such not to be the case, it may be asked how the rural deity, the field-god, came by

ese explanations ; and should the derivation from the story of Io not be approved of, none appears more probable than the

s formerly suggested, that the term may signify Field-slayer 874, and be applied to Hermes as the god of husbandry, under

signified the flowers with which the meads are bespread875. It is to be observed that, in the version of the story of Io

r and her daughter Persephone are so closely connected, that it would be extremely difficult, or rather impossible, to tre

s Aïdoneus, who by the permission of her sire had carried her away to be his queen ; and he exhorts the goddess to patienc

her father governed Eleusis, each of whose wives would, she was sure, be most happy to receive into her family a person wh

her family a person who looked so god-like : but she prays her not to be precipitate, but to wait till she had consulted h

e, of whom if the stranger could obtain the nursing her fortune would be made. The goddess bowed her thanks, and the princ

by the inconsiderateness of his mother, but announcing that he would be great and honoured, since he had ‘sat in her lap

ghter had tasted anything while below ; for if she had not, she would be free to spend her whole time with her father and

pears merely as the daughter of Zeus888 and queen of Hades. There can be little doubt we think of its being an allegory. P

one was to spend with the god in the invisible state, was intended to be expressed the period between the sowing of the se

nter when torrents spring forth from its womb. These might very aptly be represented by the steed Flowing (ῥείων or ῥέων)9

state, and worshiped a deity presiding over that unseen world. It may be doubted whether they gave him a consort (for in t

rs. In such case the spouse of the invisible god might very naturally be termed the Light-destroyer. The epithets of Perse

own favourite deities, under whose especial protection it was held to be , and these deities were propitiated by sacrifices

eremonies, which were different in different places. It is further to be recollected, that the Greeks believed their gods

is further to be recollected, that the Greeks believed their gods to be very little superior in moral qualities to themse

nt sacrifices and offerings were made to them, their virtue might not be adequate to resisting the temptation. As the best

ing that was grossly immoral or indecent919. There does not appear to be any valid reason for supposing, as many do, that

the highest office in the mysteries ; whose name would rather seem to be derived from his exhibiting the sacred things, — 

opes, and this tranquillity of mind and favour of Heaven, are easy to be accounted for without having recourse to so absur

importance of all that he beheld, conceived that nothing there could be without some mysterious meaning. What this might

thing there could be without some mysterious meaning. What this might be , he inquired of the officiating ministers, who, a

minuteness as if he had been actually himself initiated924. It is to be observed, in conclusion, with respect to the char

sia, which were undoubtedly liable to that imputation. It must always be remembered, that those of Eleusis were public, an

was in full operation, the powers of song and memory were supposed to be excited by certain goddesses who were denominated

r, for we cannot regard as his the verse930 in which they are said to be nine. Perhaps originally, as in the case of the E

till they were arrived in the upper-world. Fearing that she might not be following him, the anxious husband looked back, a

the mother of the Sirens. Hymenæos, the god of marriage, was said to be the offspring of the divine Urania, but the name

ing. The most probable derivation of the name Muse (Mοȗσα), seems to be that which deduces it from the obsolete verb MAΩ

untains ; for Egeria was one of them, and her fount long continued to be an object of veneration. The Gotho-German race (w

seidôn958 as bringing round the period at which he and Apollo were to be paid their wages by Laomedôn. Hesiod says959 that

ivided the year964. As the day was similarly divided965, they came to be regarded as presiding over its parts also ; and w

n for his aid in deceiving Zeus. By later writers she is even said to be their mother978. The Homeridian hymn to Artemis d

our ascribed to the ancient Lycian poet Olên. In this she was said to be the mother of Love992. Eileithyia was called993,

e, that the Noms, the Destinies of Scandinavian theology, should also be spinsters, and three in number1007. Κῆρες. Mor

t much more frequently as the former. When a common noun, it seems to be equivalent to fate. Achilleus says, that his moth

of perjury1026 : even beggars have their Erinnyes, that they may not be insulted with impunity1027 ; and when a horse has

the act1028. The Erinnyes, these personified feelings, may therefore be regarded as the maintainers of order both in the

ess, and in the concluding choruses of the Eumenides of Æschylus, may be discerned ideas of this nature1029. The epithet g

said respecting her rank or her origin. By Hesiod1033 she is said to be a Titaness, one of the daughters of Heaven and Ea

ht. By Homer they are, for a very natural and obvious reason, said to be twins. When, in the Ilias1050, Sarpedôn the heroi

it to the twin brothers Sleep and Death to convey to Lycia, there to be interred by his relatives and friends. In the sam

Hera, by urging that the affection of Zeus for the Trojans could not be supposed equal to that for his own son, and final

t. He is alluded to by Plato and Aristotle ; and Lucian1054, as might be expected, makes some use of him. Νέμεσις. Neme

icos under the name of Adresteia, said by the poet of the Phoronis to be the same with Cybele1059, is named Nemesis by Ant

It was not however by any means peculiar to Greece ; it will probably be found wherever poetry exists1068. But it was only

ly that these personifications were objects of worship, and seemed to be regarded as having a real personal existence. In

s sister, rouse with him the Trojans to battle1069. Strife is said to be small at first, but at last to raise her head to

g on the ship of Odysseus in the centre of the fleet, shouts so as to be heard at either extremity. When Ares1071 hears of

to all the immortal gods.” Language more unsuitable surely could not be put into the mouth of Diomedes ; and we may obser

Ovid1090 has narrated somewhat differently. Dionysos once let himself be seen as a handsome youth on the shore of a desert

they espied him jumped on shore and made him captive, thinking him to be of royal birth. They bound him with cords ; but t

(βρόμιος). Herodotus and the tragedians describe what we consider to be the mixed religion of Dionysos. The idea of mere

y both father and mother, were carried off, the former by the gods to be the cup-bearer of Zeus1091, the latter by Eôs ; a

ds to be the cup-bearer of Zeus1091, the latter by Eôs ; and it is to be presumed, though Homer does not expressly say so,

d Semele, who in after-times, in pursuance of a practice hereafter to be explained, may have been degraded to the rank of

ountry ; and, supposing the passage in the sixth book of the Ilias to be genuine, some account of it had possibly reached

not have been known in Greece during the Achæan period1098. There can be no doubt of the Dionysiac religion, with its noct

hebes, however, set himself against them ; but Dionysos caused him to be torn to pieces by his mother and his aunts. The d

containing forty-eight books, the wildest and strangest that can well be conceived, more resembling the Ramayuna of India

be conceived, more resembling the Ramayuna of India than anything to be found in ancient or modern occidental literature.

with tolerable fidelity to his authorities, and the ‘Dionysiacs’ may be regarded as a vast repertory of Bacchic fable, pe

ord. It is not impossible that the real root of his mother’s name may be ϭέλɑς. 1129. In favour of this god’s presiding ov

onysos in the Homeric poems, namely, that he was of too low a rank to be an actor of importance in those aristocratie vers

e times, which, being illumined by hardly any literary monuments, may be said to resemble a region covered with dark cloud

laws, which direct that those who have committed manslaughter should be brought before the King of the Sacred Affairs, an

ing of the Sacred Affairs, and being absolved by the judgement should be solemnly purified, — of which laws Dracôn is said

s said to have derived her name, though the reverse is more likely to be the truth. At Pessinos was preserved the aërolite

e truth. At Pessinos was preserved the aërolite1138 which was held to be her heaven-sent image. The following pragmatised

he oracle, on being consulted, directed that the body of Attis should be buried, and divine honours be paid to Cybele. A s

directed that the body of Attis should be buried, and divine honours be paid to Cybele. A stately temple was accordingly

either of the natural fecundity of the earth, or of that supposed to be induced by the influence of the moon. Nothing can

that supposed to be induced by the influence of the moon. Nothing can be clearer than that this goddess was originally dis

nd in the Nile, said (for Herodotus could not perceive it to move) to be a floating one, Delos1152. Ισις. Isis. Isi

elta Egypt, the rest Thebes, for which reason Memphis might very well be the Thebes of Homer. This poet had no knowledge o

he was told by the oracle of Buto that brazen men from the sea would be his avengers. Shortly afterwards some Carians and

ich he allowed the Greeks to build on the Canobic arm of the Nile, to be the emporium of the trade of Greece and Egypt, ju

n Egypt, Psammitichos put some Egyptian children under their care, to be instructed in the Greek language ; and, as everyt

he was a child of Heaven and Earth1168. There was also a Pan said to be the son of Zeus and the nymph Thymbris or Hybris,

nians why they paid no regard to him, who was always, and still would be , friendly and assisting to them. After the battle

ives his sheep into a cave, and there plays on his reeds music not to be excelled by that of the bird “who among the leave

were ascribed to Pan ; for loud noises, whose cause could not easily be traced, were not unfrequently heard in mountainou

ous apprehensions : hence perhaps it is, that madness was believed to be the consequence of encountering the rural deities

tyr Buck-goat (τράγος)1193. In all views of the Satyrs they appear to be a rough, shaggy kind of beings. The Satyrs were a

us, and danced at them in their goat-skin dresses1194. Their name may be merely the reduplication of ϴήρ 1195. Σϵιληνὸς

hen one is ignorant of future evils. It is best of all for man not to be born…… the second is, for those who are born to d

that he had a long-eared father, — Pan or a Satyr perhaps, or it may be his own sacred beast the ass1223 ; others gave hi

ask what reward he would. Rhœcos then requested her to permit him to be her lover, and the Nymph acceded to his desire. S

void the society of every other woman, and told him that a bee should be her messenger. One time the bee happened to come

g remained but her voice and bones. The former still remains, and may be heard among the hills ; the latter were turned to

name in Persian is Nirgis, which proves the derivation from ναρкέω to be wrong. It was sacred to Demeter and the Kora1241.

have been contending with the Epimelian nymphs ! you shall therefore be punished.” The shepherds instantly became trees w

em a temple, and instituted games, at which no woman was permitted to be present ; because when Dryope was taken away, two

fice was to rear the children of men. From their names they appear to be personifications of the various qualities and app

ïdes, like all the other female deities, were originally conceived to be of a beautiful form, with skin of a delicate whit

he perfect likeness of one hair to another, so that no difference can be perceived among them : the rest of their body is

ave from shipwreck, and were invoked by sailors. The fable appears to be ancient ; as Leucothea, who gives her veil to Ody

Pallas-Athene) were original water-deities. Leucothea is supposed to be derived from the white waves, and Ino may be mere

Leucothea is supposed to be derived from the white waves, and Ino may be merely Ilo, and be connected with ἕλος, ἰλύς 1277

ed to be derived from the white waves, and Ino may be merely Ilo, and be connected with ἕλος, ἰλύς 1277. Palæmôn (Champion

pion) seems to refer to the Isthmian games1278. Melicertes is said to be a name of Poseidôn ; it may however be the Phœnic

mes1278. Melicertes is said to be a name of Poseidôn ; it may however be the Phœnician Melcart, introduced into the Cadmei

mprobable that the theory of some mythologists of the present day may be the true one ; namely, that the two Gorgons and t

-flowing Ocean, whither they were transported when they had ceased to be regarded as personifications, and had been introd

r of antiquity places them somewhere in Libya. This however is not to be wondered at, for it is only a part of the system

and ζόϕος, which denoted the East and West1324. Boreas is thought to be Oreas (from ὄρος), as rushing from the mountains.

re told, used to sail even as far as Sidôn1330. Nothing therefore can be collected with certainty from Temesa. But it may

ing therefore can be collected with certainty from Temesa. But it may be said that the Sikelans, who dwelt in Italy and Si

but it is in the part of the poem which ancient critics pronounced to be spurious. We think ourselves therefore justified

-eyed ; yet in the account of the blinding of the latter, it seems to be assumed as a thing well known. We may hence perha

island answering to that of the Odyssey, stretching before a harbour, be shown in it. If the little islet of Ortygia in fr

own in it. If the little islet of Ortygia in front of Syracuse should be thought of, we reply, that it in no point accords

s saying that they were destroyed by the gods (though the reverse may be the truth) that gave occasion to the fiction of a

 ; and the distance thence to the isle of Ææa, which we shall show to be near the extremity of the Sea, could not have bee

st. It is much more probable that the solution of the difficulty will be found in the notion, presently to be noticed, of

solution of the difficulty will be found in the notion, presently to be noticed, of the abode of the Sun and Dawn being i

onsistently : for when the floating island of Æolos was determined to be one of the Liparæan isles, and the cape of Circæu

etermined to be one of the Liparæan isles, and the cape of Circæum to be that of Circe, it followed of course that the lan

t the land of the Læstrygonians which lay somewhere between them must be on the coast of Italy. Κίρκη ἐν Αἰαίῃ. Circe i

l they came to the isle of Ææa1361, the abode of Circe. This isle may be regarded as the most westerly of those scattered

water, but dwelt continually in one place. She is said by him1362 to be the daughter of Helios by the Oceanis Persa, and

st returned, lay within the realms of day1372. This may very possibly be the truth ; but we cannot help fancying that our

eying the ‘beautiful wonders’ of the Odyssey, it is impossible not to be struck with the resemblance which many of them be

l find their parallel in the adventures of Sindbad. Are these, it may be asked, mere coincidences, or did the tales of the

d their voice he said1378 stilled the winds. Their names were said to be Aglaiopheme (Clear-voice) and Thelxiepeia (Magic-

Lysander, ordering him to allow the funeral rites of the new Siren to be celebrated, which was at once understood to be So

es of the new Siren to be celebrated, which was at once understood to be Sophocles, then just dead1390. Eventually, howeve

active power. To us the Semitic Shîr (שּﬧ), song, seems more likely to be the true root, and we regard them as one of the w

he earliest account we have of these monsters, in which indeed it may be doubted if Charybdis is to be regarded as an anim

these monsters, in which indeed it may be doubted if Charybdis is to be regarded as an animate being. The whole fable is

is no whirlpool there at all resembling Charybdis, the most that can be said is, that that strait may have given occasion

dis somewhere between the Wandering Rocks and Thrinakia (if this last be Sicily) ; for it is after passing those rocks tha

u think he is an enemy ? There is not a living mortal, nor will there be , who will come bearing war to the land of the Phæ

ghtful poem1427. The place determined by both ancients and moderns to be Scheria is the island of Corcyra1428, the modern

a very short distance from the coast of Epeiros. It would not perhaps be allowable to urge, that the circumstances of the

ausicaa, is said to have been brought from Apeiros, which is taken to be Epeiros1429 ; the other the fictitious narrative

and had gone thence to Thesprotia, which was consequently supposed to be near it ; and as Corcyra was the principal island

as the principal island in that direction, it was at once inferred to be that of the Phæacians. Völcker lays great stress

en, he never could have described the Phæacians, supposing Corcyra to be their island, as dwelling so remote. Two islands

cyra to be their island, as dwelling so remote. Two islands remain to be considered, in order to finish our view of the is

other identical with Syros, one of the Cyclades1434. The Phœnicians, be it observed, who stole away Eumæos, sailed with a

ia ; and the tongue of land opposite to it was probably pronounced to be Syria. The ‘turnings of the sun’ seems merely to

rnings of the sun’ seems merely to denote a westerly position, and to be an expression of the same nature with that of the

mankind, like that of the earth their abode, is a subject which will be found to have engaged the thoughts of almost ever

misery ; the gods will give them grievous cares, yet good will still be mixed with the evil. Zeus will destroy this race

oy this race also, when they become ‘hoary-templed.’ Fathers will not be at unity with their children, nor brethren with e

heir children, nor brethren with each other ; friends and guests will be discordant, children will not honour their aged p

our their aged parents. Club-law will prevail, faith and justice will be in no repute, the evil-doer and the violent will

and justice will be in no repute, the evil-doer and the violent will be most esteemed, ‘evil-loving Envy’ will accompany

ntles’ and depart to the gods, leaving misery to man ; and there will be no defence against evil. Aratus1441 is the next i

s destroyed them by a deluge of water. In all these accounts it is to be observed that it is races of men, not ages of the

so the four ages of the world compose a mundane year which will also be renewed, and the iron race be succeeded by a new

compose a mundane year which will also be renewed, and the iron race be succeeded by a new one of gold, when Kronos will

of Genesis, and introduced into Grecian literature by Hesiod, who may be regarded as the Plato of his age. It contained or

daughters, named Pleiades after their mother1457. He was also said to be the father of the nymphs named Hyades1458. When,

his being the father of two of the celestial constellations, it will be perhaps difficult to avoid assenting to the opini

elivered by Themis had announced to him that his precious trees would be plundered by a son of Zeus. When therefore Perseu

in the realms of Atlas, and seeking hospitality announced himself to be a son of the king of the gods, the western monarc

e choicest parts of the flesh as elsewhere1465 ; the latter mythe may be perhaps thus explained. The first men lived in a

sk of distributing powers and qualities to them. Epimetheus prayed to be allowed to make the distribution. Prometheus asse

s perfection. Prometheus said that he could not tell what there might be in heaven to his purpose, unless he could go thit

ad formed it she should possess it while it lived, and that it should be called Man (Homo), because it was made of earth (

men ; and men, like the tenants of griping landlords, were obliged to be very circumspect, that is, to use a good deal of

e dwelling of Epime-theus ; who, though his brother had warned him to be upon his guard and to receive no gifts from Zeus,

losed jar, which they had been forbidden to open. Forethought, as may be supposed, had rigidly obeyed this direction, and

tions however becoming apparent, Prometheus and his brother ceased to be looked on as the first men, but Pandora still kep

soon regarded as the symbols of Prudence and Folly, and were held to be gods. From the remote period in which the legends

om the remote period in which the legends placed them they could only be regarded as Titans, and accordingly by Hesiod and

, as he let down the lid before she had escaped1486. Such is what may be regarded as the best explanation that has been gi

ve of Eve and the forbidden fruit is so very striking, that one might be induced to regard it as a rivulet derived from th

exception of a dubious passage in Theognis1489, where Hope is said to be the only good deity that remained among men, — Te

and the others having left the earth and gone to Olympos, — which may be founded on this mythe, we find no allusion to it

ce came the Greek name for people 1494. This narrative, it may easily be seen, is of a very narrow and even unpoetic chara

mer and Hesiod, who make no mention of it ; neither should we perhaps be too forward to maintain that a tradition of the g

, have inferred it from the evident tokens of inundation which are to be seen on various parts of the earth's surface ; a

n tradition1504 made Ogyges (also a personification of water1505 ) to be the person who was saved at the time of the delug

had but little previous intercourse with foreign nations. Nothing can be collected from these poems respecting the origin

me by which to distinguish themselves1518. It would therefore seem to be the most probable hypothesis on this subject, to

f character and manners among the various portions of them which will be produced by local situation and other accidental

having been chiefly of a rural character1520, such as it continued to be in Arcadia to a late period ; and that, as we hav

g of foreign colonists to Greece. The various supposed instances will be examined as they occur. In Grecian history we are

t is ante-historic and even ante-mythic, and its existence is only to be inferred from a few feeble traces : the second is

me ; a practice by no means confined to Grecian mythology, as it will be found to pervade that of almost every other peopl

ith the Dorian migration, — that the regular succession of events can be traced with any appearance of probability. The my

pearance of probability. The mythic portion of a nation’s annals must be always regarded as a world in itself1528, the cre

imaginary, and becomes indistinguishable from it ; where no event can be pronounced absolutely true ; where fancy and inge

nd magnificent imagery. Though chronology, properly so called, cannot be introduced into mythic history, it has however a

into mythic history, it has however a chronology of its own, and may be divided into distinct periods. In the mythic hist

f Greece, for instance, we find an indefinite period, in which are to be placed Cadmos, Cecrops, Perseus, and other heroes

l commence at Thessaly, the most northerly portion of Greece. It must be previously stated, that the genealogists make Deu

do, if he had the power, had it been predicted to him that he should be slain by one of his citizens. Iasôn replied, that

Achilleus on the Elysian Plain1551. Neither Iasôn nor Medeia can well be regarded as a real historical personage. Whether

ification of the Ionian race (Ἰάονϵς), or, in reference to a mythe to be noticed in the sequel, signifies the healing, ato

oticed in the sequel, signifies the healing, atoning god or hero, may be doubted. Medeia seems plainly to be only another

healing, atoning god or hero, may be doubted. Medeia seems plainly to be only another form of Hera, and to have been separ

as follows. Medeia reigned at Corinth, but the people, disdaining to be governed by an enchantress, conspired against her

his brother Poseidôn, but Themis having declared that her child would be greater than his sire, the gods withdrew1564. Oth

the test, when Peleus lost patience and refused to let the experiment be tried on Achilleus. His goddess-wife then deserte

perform the rites by which the guilt of the offender was supposed to be removed. The most extreme case is given by making

re is no ground for supposing that Homer and Hesiod conceived them to be of a mingled form, as they were subsequently repr

m as a compensation to turn her into a man, and grant that she should be invulnerable1592. The god assented, and in the fi

s the Lapiths as being the same people with the Phlegyans, shortly to be described. Κήϋξ καὶ.Ἀλκυόνη Ceÿx et Halcyone.

e resemblance of his name to that of the bird that caused his wife to be called Halcyone, and the legend above to be inven

d that caused his wife to be called Halcyone, and the legend above to be invented. Chapter III. MYTHES OF ÆTOLIA.

) the father of Agrios, Melas, and Œneus1609. From this genealogy may be collected the tradition of Elis having in ancient

as they were named, having migrated to Ætolia. This last however may be only a late fiction, to give a colour of right to

declared that when the billet which was burning on the hearth should be consumed the babe would die. Althæa on hearing th

or a sword. Cleopatra died of grief ; and his sisters, who would not be comforted in their affliction, were by the compas

rotecting deity of the Curetes1622. Two distinct classes of names may be recognised in these Ætolian legends, the one rela

racle that if they made Cadmos and Harmonia their leaders they should be successful. They obeyed the god, and his predicti

nd the Semitic term for the East, Kedem,1633, and this may in reality be the sole foundation for the notion of a Phœnician

ny at Thebes ; for none of the usual evidences of colonisation are to be found. We do not, for example, meet with the slig

r their leaders, that is, to adopt regular discipline, and they would be victorious in war. The name of this people (Ἐγχέλ

esent military prowess, the legend of the serpent slain by Cadmos may be interpreted in a political sense, of the conquest

le herself may refer to the brightness (σέλας) of water, and her name be like Electra, Galateia, Galene, Glauce, Ianthe, a

d respecting her the Centaur replied, by informing him that he was to be her spouse, and to carry her in his golden car ov

ith nectar and ambrosia, and render him immortal ; and that he should be called Zeus, and holy Apollo, Agreus (Hunter), an

lion, and having by her a son named Aristæos. The mythe of Actæôn may be thus explained. On the summit of Pelion stood a t

ave of Cheirôn was on Mount Pelion. The tale of the image may perhaps be connected with the following legend. There was an

eing consulted, directed that whatever was remaining of Actæôn should be hidden in the earth, and a brazen figure of that

tæôn should be hidden in the earth, and a brazen figure of that image be made, and bound with iron to the rock, and that t

sent to Delphi to consult the oracle how the threatening famine might be averted. Ino persuaded the messengers to say that

. Ino persuaded the messengers to say that Apollo directed Phrixos to be sacrificed to Zeus. Compelled by his people Atham

settle. He was told to establish himself in the place where he should be entertained by the wild beasts. Having wandered o

At the sight of him they fled, abandoning their prey. Judging this to be the fulfilment of the oracle, he settled in this

t purpose to dress them in black and her own in white, that she might be able to distinguish them. Ino however reversed th

rom entering the Prytaneion or senate-house, or if found there should be offered as a sacrifice. Many of those in this sit

h to sacrifice bound with woollen fillets. These persons were said to be the descendents of Kytissoros the son of Phrixos,

eived by the god, he went secretly and ascended a tree on Cithærôn to be an ocular witness of the revels. While there he w

descried by his mother and aunts, to whom Dionysos made him appear to be a wild beast, and he was torn to pieces by them16

earcher. The Twins, the offspring of the Deity and the Moon, may then be the Sun who goes each day his round, and whose ey

foundling Œdipûs was brought up by Polybos as his heir. Happening to be reproached by some one at a banquet with being a

oracle. The god directed him to shun his native country, or he should be the slayer of his father and the sharer of his mo

last three-footed ?” The oracle told the Thebans that they would not be delivered from her until they had solved her ridd

and pestilence ; and the oracle being consulted, desired the land to be purified of the blood which defiled it. Inquiry w

hat his sons might never divide their inheritance peaceably, but ever be at strife. Elsewhere the Thebaïs1693 said that hi

e fountain of Tilphussa. Teiresias, whose period of life was fated to be coextensive with that of the city of the Cadmeian

wall of this last they placed a stone in such a manner that it could be taken out, and by this means from time to time pu

honios, unable to extricate him, and fearing that when found he would be compelled by torture to discover his accomplice,

of bees, they followed them to a chasm in the earth, which proved to be the place sought1716. Trophonios was named1717 Ze

iryns, and serve Eurystheus twelve years, and perform twelve tasks to be imposed by him. She added that when these tasks w

him. She added that when these tasks were all accomplished, he would be made immortal. The hero obeyed, went to Tiryns, a

obtaining this power was as follows : The day on which Alcmena was to be delivered in Thebes, Zeus, in exultation, announc

ng incredulity, exacted from him an oath that what he had said should be accomplished. Zeus, unsuspicious of guile, swore,

of Alcmena, and kept back the Eileithyiæ. The oath of Zeus was not to be recalled, and his son was fated to serve Eurysthe

ed his arrows in her gall. Eurystheus however denied that this was to be reckoned among the twelve tasks, since he had not

n by Cheirôn himself ; but in vain, the venom of the hydra was not to be overcome. Cheirôn retired into his cave, longing

here four sons of Minôs dwelt. Two of the ship's company happening to be slain by them, Heracles killed several of the Par

a flood bearing a huge sea-monster, who carried off all the people to be found in the plain. The oracle being consulted de

nd in the plain. The oracle being consulted declared that there would be no end of the evil till Laomedôn had given his da

s arms till he died. Antæos, on account of this property, was said to be the son of Earth1760. From Libya he went to Egypt

or this expedition, Heracles went to Eumolpos at Eleusis, desirous to be initiated ; but he could not be admitted, as he h

t to Eumolpos at Eleusis, desirous to be initiated ; but he could not be admitted, as he had not been purified of the bloo

s. When they saw Heracles they stretched forth their hands, hoping to be relieved by his might. He took Theseus by the han

adness, he precipitated Iphitos from the walls of Tiryns. In order to be purified of this murder he went to Neleus, who be

heir contest. Heracles now received a response, that his malady would be removed if he let himself be sold for three years

ceived a response, that his malady would be removed if he let himself be sold for three years as a slave, and gave the pur

rd of his valour, and allowed her to choose one among the captives to be set at liberty. When she had fixed on her brother

ad fixed on her brother Podarkes, Heracles replied that he must first be made a slave, and then she might give something f

mself carried to the summit of Mount Œta, and there causing a pyre to be constructed, ascended it, and directed his follow

these noble qualities in him are of divine origin ; and he is made to be the son of the king of the gods, by a mortal moth

s him a twin-brother, the child of a mortal sire. As virtue is not to be learned, Heracles exhibits his strength and coura

to which it suits so accurately. For if the virtue of Heracles was to be of any value, it must be the result of choice, an

rately. For if the virtue of Heracles was to be of any value, it must be the result of choice, and he must be tempted and

was to be of any value, it must be the result of choice, and he must be tempted and resist the temptation. It was also ne

n of Zeus. But if the object of the persecution of one power, he must be  — in conformity to all analogy — under the protec

ic anarchy, with its numerous heads, against which though one may not be able to effect anything, yet the union of even tw

stis of Euripides exhibits him in conflict with Death. But virtue, to be a useful example, must occasionally succumb to hu

the Peloponnese ; and as the Dorians, whose princes were supposed to be descended from Heracles, had relations with all t

el. Returning to the Peloponnese ; the adventures there, he says, may be divided into two classes, the combats with men an

s of a symbolical nature. Many of the adventures out of Greece are to be referred to the Greek colonists of the places whi

to a hero of the Dorians anterior to the Migration. This however may be obviated by supposing the name of the Dorian hero

stead. But again, it does not seem likely that an Argive hero should be the object of persecution to the Argive goddess ;

rth), cleared it of the noxious animals that infested it, and, it may be , went on toilsome journeys to distant regions to

ollodorus, seem ignorant of his Egyptian birth ; that the same should be the case with the dramatists ; and that Herodotus

s, the Cecropides were only two originally1798. There only remains to be explained the name Cecrops or Cercops ; and when

by Ἐριχθόνιος. Erichthonius. Erichthonios was by some said to be the son of Hephæstos by Atthis the daughter of Cr

Thrace. On the way he violated her ; and fearing that the truth might be discovered, he cut out her tongue and confined he

hawk1809, and that Itys became a wood-pigeon1810. This fable seems to be one of considerable antiquity. We have already se

lance to Teres, a name of the kings of Thrace, may have caused him to be regarded as a Thracian. If it be true that the sw

gs of Thrace, may have caused him to be regarded as a Thracian. If it be true that the swallows did not build in Daulis181

laid an ambush for him as he was going to Thebes, where games were to be celebrated by Laïos. Minôs made war on Athens to

oracle declared, that the naming of the satisfaction he required must be left to Minôs himself. He demanded seven youths a

be left to Minôs himself. He demanded seven youths and seven maids to be sent every ninth year to be devoured by the Minot

demanded seven youths and seven maids to be sent every ninth year to be devoured by the Minotaur. This hard condition was

the tortoise1838. Theseus came now to Eleusis, where Cercyôn, said to be a son of Hephæstos, reigned. Like many of those w

o make him fit it, till the life left him. But if the stranger should be tall, he assigned him the short bedstead, and the

g it from his feeble grasp. Thinking however that his death could not be very remote, they resolved to wait for that event

disconcert their plan. They feared that if this young stranger should be received as a son by the old king, he might find

, and the youths and maidens were according to custom drawn by lot to be sent, in spite of the entreaties of his father to

ers Dew and Field-dwelling. The other circumstances of the legend may be referred to the imagination of those who took on

chariot, is a confirmation of his identity with Poseidôn ; and it may be observed, that his Trojan namesake was renowned f

erved, that his Trojan namesake was renowned for his stud1852. It may be that Pandiôn is indebted for his Attic royalty to

and possibly that of Cephalos and Procris, though this last seems to be a genuine Attic mythe. As for Cecrops II. and Pan

apparently nothing more than an epithet of that god1854), they are to be regarded as the introducers of the worship of Apo

proof of Theseus being of this race, we may observe that he seems to be rather in opposition with the ancient deities of

llo. Theseus, whose name signifies the Orderer or Regulator, can only be regarded as an imaginary person. Being the patron

re were various wooden statues preserved till late times, and said to be the work of his hands. Icaros (from εἴκω, like εἰ

voyage round cape Malea being considered so very dangerous. As might be expected, the principal object of worship at Cori

on. Σίσυϕος. Sisyphus. Sisyphos, the son of Æolos, was said to be the founder of Ephyra. He married Merope the daug

one in Erebos1872. Of the antiquity of his legend there can therefore be little doubt. Sisyphos, that is the Very-wise, or

5 (in conformity with a very usual practice in antiquity) ; or it may be that the crafty trader is the son of the Windman

ome, for Bellerophontes slew them all. The king now perceiving him to be of the race of the gods, kept him in Lycia, givin

im achieved his adventures. We do not well see how this narrative can be made to accord with the Homeric tale, which was h

ntures of the hero may have signified the real or imaginary perils to be encountered in voyages to distant countries ; and

. It is probably derived from some word of which no traces are now to be found1889. Chapter VII. MYTHES OF ARGOLIS.

ry was named from the former, the people from the latter. Nothing can be more simple than this genealogy. The principal ri

r alludes to it, unless his employment of the term Argeiphontes is to be regarded as intimating a knowledge of Io. It is a

story in his ‘Suppliants.’ The general opinion respecting Io seems to be that she is the moon, and Argos the starry heaven

gnified moon 1904 ; and in proof of the Egyptian theory, presently to be noticed, it is added, that Io has the same signif

he same signification in Coptic1905. This hypothesis appears to us to be more ingenious than true. Analogy would lead us t

he is so closely connected ; and as Hera is the earth, Io cannot well be the moon1906. Io and Hera in this legend seem to

tand in the same relation as Callisto and Artemis in one hereafter to be related : in both the nymph is an epithet of the

Io were gradually extended. The name of the Ionian sea caused her to be made to ramble along its shore ; when Byzantion w

orship of the holy calf Apis, and naturally supposing the calf-god to be the son of the cowgoddess, they formed from him a

s been said above respecting Cadmos, the reader, we should hope, will be prepared to regard the tale of an Egyptian colony

itutions with Egypt. Moreover the origin of Danaos and his family may be easily traced to the physical character of the la

annot discern in it a relation to the weeks of the year1923. It is to be observed that the founts of the Inachos were in M

s of their future discord — in their mother's womb. When they grew to be youths, they contended for the kingdom ; and on t

istic trait of their fancying themselves changed into cows is only to be found in the Latin poet Virgil. Nothing can be mo

d into cows is only to be found in the Latin poet Virgil. Nothing can be more certain than that he did not invent it, and

he isle, where Hermes came to him, promising that he and Athena would be his guides. Hermes brought him first to the fairc

Andromeda, the daughter of Cassiopeia, to the monster, could the evil be averted. The reluctance of Cepheus was forced to

ted at length in the Eoiæ. A mythe so very ancient as this appears to be was probably a physical one in its origin, and th

, Polydectes is an epithet of Hades1956, of which Dictys (Netter) may be a kindred term. At Athens there was an altar of D

nation is ingenious but deficient in simplicity. There seems to us to be an error in supposing Athena to be always the ‘At

n simplicity. There seems to us to be an error in supposing Athena to be always the ‘Athenian Maid’, and therefore the moo

g Cadmeia from the fox which ravaged it, and which was fated never to be caught. To this animal the Thebans were obliged t

him the healing art1969, in which he arrived at such perfection as to be able to restore life to the dead. He is said to h

movements of the rest of the peninsula. Its population may therefore be regarded as unmixed Pelasgian ; and its principal

olves, of which there were many in Arcadia. In this case Lycaôn would be only another name for Zeus, to whom he raised an

and that of Nyctimos strongly confirms this hypothesis. It may indeed be said that Zeus derived his appellation from the m

us derived his appellation from the mountain ; but against this is to be observed, that there was an eminence in the terri

uitors should run a race with her in the following manner. She was to be armed, and the suitor to have the odds ; if she o

ons of Tyndareos. This however does not prove that Helena was held to be his daughter ; and we shall see reason for suppos

r its opposite. Thus Leda differs little from Leto, and may therefore be regarded as darkness ; she is married to Tyndareo

rded as darkness ; she is married to Tyndareos, a name which seems to be of a family of words relating to light, flame or

ate term for the day, whose light adorns all nature ; and nothing can be more apparent than the suitableness of Dewful to

birth with Polydeukes rather than with Castôr. The brothers may also be regarded as sun and moon, to which their names an

and the St. Elmo's fire was ascribed to them. They were also said to be the constellation of the Twins. Chapter X.

e he built a city. He was a bold impious man, who asserted himself to be Zeus, and claimed all the honours due to that god

wer of changing his form, remind us also of the sea-deities. Pero may be connected with the fount Peirene2027 ; Tyro may b

-deities. Pero may be connected with the fount Peirene2027 ; Tyro may be Tryo (Penetrator), like Tritôn and Amphitrite2028

the adventure. Melampûs, previously declaring that he knew he should be caught and confined for a year but then get the c

lied that there was little remaining. Melampûs immediately desired to be removed to some other place ; the man took up the

ch Euadne had borne ; for Phœbos, he said, had told him that he would be a renowned prophet, and that his race would never

era, was deceived by a cloud, and was hurled to Erebos2037. There can be very little doubt that this mysterious being was

the Olympic cycle of four years. In such case Endymiôn would probably be the sun, who with the moon is the author of the m

nd to sleep in a cavern during the day ; and hence he was supposed to be always asleep2040. Κτέατος καὶ Εὕρυτος. Cteat

ϵνος). Perhaps this last theory, though carried somewhat too far, may be the truth. Tάνταλος. Tantalus. Odysseus,

probably his divulging the secrets of the gods. Tantalos was said to be the son of Zeus by the nymph Pluto (Wealth), and

erhaps represents the cares and fears attendant on riches ; or it may be , as has been ingeniously conjectured, an image of

dea of the great wealth of Lydia that caused the mythe of Tantalos to be localised at Sipylos. Πέλοψ. Pelops. At a

that of calling a country or even a town after a person ; Pelops must be therefore either the personification of a people

and the connexion between him and Poseidôn ; and possibly Pelops may be only another name of the water-god whom we find w

ought up as his own, to murder his father. Atreus taking the youth to be the son of Thyestes put him to death, and the cur

n of Thyestes put him to death, and the curse of Pelops thus began to be accomplished2079. Another legend thus accounts fo

Thyestes was eating he caused the heads and hands of his children to be brought in and shown to him. The Sun, it is said,

n she had taken it off, Thyestes, covering his head that he might not be known, sprang from his lurkingplace, and forcibly

ere he beheld Pelopia the daughter of Thyestes ; and supposing her to be the daughter of the king, demanded her in marriag

shortly after her marriage brought forth a son, whom Atreus caused to be exposed ; but the herdsman, taking pity on him, r

ther had given him ; and the moment Thyestes beheld it, he knew it to be that which he had lost, and asked the youth how h

the god fixed the guilt on Comætho and Melanippos, whom he ordered to be sacrificed to Artemis, and a youth and maiden of

e sacrificed to Artemis, and a youth and maiden of superior beauty to be offered annually as victims to the goddess. For m

aw a procession moving along the shore, leading a youth and maiden to be sacrificed on the altar of the Triclarian Artemis

appropriately made Agenôr the sire of Cadmos, Europa was also said to be his daughter, while her mother Telephassa became

f a brilliant white hue, appeared to Minôs too beautiful an animal to be slain, and he put him in his herd, and substitute

ping, Aphrodite came and consoled her by an assurance that she should be the bride of Dionysos. The god appeared, enjoyed

at she became the daughter of Minôs. The passage in the Odyssey would be decisive on this point, were it not that the Athe

mouse, fell into a jar of honey, and was smothered. When he could not be found, his father sent to inquire of the oracle a

of her offspring by him, the Moon-bull, as Minotaur may best perhaps be rendered. The circumstances of the legends are mo

g been made to the oracle, the response given was, that it would only be removed on the prayer of Æacos. The righteous son

named from it2117. As in the cycle of the Tyndarids there appeared to be a reference to light and fire, so perhaps in that

e had slain, Bearing his brazen aye-enduring club. Oriôn was said to be the son of Poseidôn by Euryale the daughter of Mi

taking pity on him, gave him Kedaliôn (Guardian), one of his men, to be his guide to the abode of the Sun. Placing Kedali

λϵιάδϵς καὶ ϓάδϵς . Pleiades et Hyades. The Pleiades were said to be seven in number, the daughters of Atlas and the O

The broad brilliant constellation Oriôn with Sirius behind him would be a hunter and his dog, before whom the Pigeons wer

Bear, the object of his pursuit, kept watching him. Thus there would be a chase in the sky similar to those on earth, and

ilar to those on earth, and legends would naturally arise which would be localised and expanded in the usual manner. For a

Artemis. The beauty and size of the constellation caused the hero to be represented as the largest and handsomest of mort

as in the night that they returned, and the Dolionians taking them to be their enemies, the Pelasgians, attacked them ; an

ar to marry her, and take her with him to Greece. Such aid was not to be rejected : the hero swore : Medeia, who was an en

This however is no essential part of the mythe, as it is also said to be white or purple 2166. There can be little doubt t

f the mythe, as it is also said to be white or purple 2166. There can be little doubt that the direction of this mythic vo

ce occur in all accounts of it. Where it originally terminated cannot be said with certainty ; for its limit advanced with

went ; but the poet of the Odyssey (if our hypothesis respecting him be correct), in order to augment the marvels of the

s that the Phasis had its source in the mountains, this course had to be given up ; a geographer named Timagetas then fixe

sander2169. The geographer Scymnus however showed that this could not be , as the Ister flowed directly from the Alps, and

g posterior to the commencement of the Christian æra. To these are to be added the detached notices in other writers and i

henever he and Adrastos should differ in opinion, the decision should be left to Eriphyle. Polyneices therefore gave her t

2183. Creôn, now king of Thebes, forbade the bodies of the Argives to be buried. Regardless of the menaced penalties, Anti

f the parents are visited on the children, which we must recognise to be a law of nature. As usual, the names of the chief

Contrary-birth 2189, and so forth. There is also a moral intended to be conveyed in the failure of the first expedition,

. This last was for his beauty carried off to Olympos by the gods, to be the cup-bearer of Zeus, who gave Trôs in compensa

rpret dreams by his grandfather. Æsacos declared that the child would be the destruction of his country, and recommended t

ded to expose it. As soon as born, the babe was given to a servant to be left on Ida to perish. The servant obeyed, but on

sulted with Themis how to remedy the evil. The best course seeming to be a war between Hellas and Troy, Discord, by his di

ite claiming it, Zeus directed Hermes to conduct them to Mount Ida to be judged by Alexandros the son of Priamos. The priz

e then directs him to build a ship, and she desires her son Æneias to be the companion of his adventure. The soothsaying H

detain the fleet. Calchos having announced that her wrath could only be appeased by the sacrifice of Iphigeneia, the daug

ressed his willingness to give her up, but said that some maiden must be given to him in her place. A violent dispute betw

akes Helenos by stratagem, and having learned from him how Troy might be captured, Diomedes is sent to Lemnos to fetch Phi

two notorious forgeries. Much matter relating to the war of Troy will be found in Eudocia and the scholiasts, and in the L

mportance which it displays in the Ilias. A cause for this war was to be assigned, and the manners of the age may have sug

ar-car ever was used in Greece, as no vestige of such a custom was to be found in the historic times. It is not unlikely t

No one can believe the mythes in their present form ; and nothing can be more dry and insipid than the manner in which the

Italy and Rome. No fact of the times anterior to history seems to be more satisfactorily ascertained, than that of Ita

all records of those times, if such did ever exist, are lost never to be recovered ; and it is only from the remains of th

t is with difficulty any vestiges of the original domestic system can be traced2259. The Romans, previous to their acquain

le on which the great similarity of the Latin and Greek languages can be accounted for ; and it will also in a great measu

the religion and mythology of Greece were adopted at Rome. It cannot be determined which of the Roman gods are to be rega

opted at Rome. It cannot be determined which of the Roman gods are to be regarded as those of their Latin forefathers ; bu

ear. The Sabellian Religion. Under the name of Sabellians may be comprised all the tribes of the Apennines east of

reece, because they shut up within walls the gods, to whom all should be free and open, and whose house and temple this wh

be free and open, and whose house and temple this whole world should be .” In the ‘Council of the Gods’ of the old satiris

t “every god who is worshiped by man must in solemn rites and prayers be called Father, not only for the sake of honour bu

we also meet with a Plebs among the divinities2270. It cannot perhaps be asserted that these divisions were made seriously

ed him to do, entreated that they would inform him how Jupiter was to be appeased. They yielded to his prayer, and on his

— “of a fish.” The deity smiled, and said that his weapons might thus be averted, and promised a sign at sun-rise the foll

r Indiges was worshiped on the banks of the Numicius, and was said to be the deified Æneas. Jupiter was named Feretrius or

statue, it gave an audible reply to their demand if it was willing to be removed to Rome2284. As the patroness of married

297, Minerva was the protecting goddess of olive-grounds ; but it may be doubted whether this was not a transference to he

introduced from that country. No derivation of her name can therefore be given, for it does not seem to be a translation.

erivation of her name can therefore be given, for it does not seem to be a translation. Vesta. The same obscurity

, flamed in her temple at Rome. As the safety of the city was held to be connected with its conservation, the neglect of t

June was called Vestalia : plates of meat were sent to the Vestals to be offered up ; the millstones were wreathed with ga

might protect the pavement from the effect of the fires which used to be made on it in the night time. The people followed

s Venus Hortensis she was the goddess of gardens2315. She was held to be the same as Libitina the goddess of funerals, bec

s was long after the introduction of the Grecian deities, nothing can be collected from it respecting the original office

a. There was at Rome a temple of Venus Fruti2320, which last seems to be merely a corruption of Aphrodite. It may however

ich last seems to be merely a corruption of Aphrodite. It may however be connected with fructus, and refer to her rural ch

origin is very doubtful. 1. This explanation of Millin’s cannot be correct. Welcker (Nach. zur Tril. 299.) says that

k. 46. In the author's ‘Tales and Popular Fictions,’ chap. iv., will be found some account of the Shâh-nâmeh, and one of

that there is no mythe without a meaning. Myth. der Jap. 50. This may be true, but the meaning is often a very trifling on

ann, Mythol. i. 45. Müller, Proleg. 171. In Lucian (De Luctu, 2.) may be seen a convincing proof of how firmly the vulgar,

atæus began his work in these words : «I write as it appears to me to be true ; for the narratives of the Hellenes are ver

on. 69. Herod. ii. 54-57. 70. The chief remains of this work are to be found in the fifth book of Diodorus (12. seq.), a

as interpolated, we hold with Wolf the last six books of the Ilias to be the work of a different poet from the author of t

ar the best account of the Epic Cycle, its authors and contents, will be found in Welcker's excellent work ‘Der epische Cy

n, 1835.) 84. Plato, Protagoras, p. 320. 85. As we proceed we shall be careful to do so whenever they can be discovered.

20. 85. As we proceed we shall be careful to do so whenever they can be discovered. 86. Ἰωνία, or Violarium. It forms th

αλοѕ τῆѕ γῆѕ, Pind. Pyth. iv. 131. ; vi. 3. Paus. x. 16. 3. There may be some connexion between Delphi and δϵλϕύѕ, womb, w

. Heyne doubts of the genuineness of this passage. Payne Knight would be content with rejecting vv. 6 and 7. It is to be o

e. Payne Knight would be content with rejecting vv. 6 and 7. It is to be observed that it is not Homer's custom to use two

Macedonia, Thessaly, Mysia, Cilicia, Elis, Arcadia ; to which are to be added those of Cyprus, Lesbos, Acarnania and Laco

at part of the poem. 135. In reading the Paradise Lost one is apt to be struck with the definite material nature of heave

, so different from the Paradise of Dante. This last, however, cannot be fairly placed in comparison with it, being, as Ro

gave utterance to his genuine conception of what heaven might really be . The fact is, that our great poet was, as any one

odorus (iii. 57.) from τιταία, same as γῆ : and supposing the root to be αΐα, ταȋα (by reduplication τιταία) would come as

lowed him in his theogony. 158. The Titanesses are evidently also to be excepted. 159. See Il. xv. 187. seq. 160. Sch.

Sch. Apoll. Rh. iv. 983. Tzetz. Lyc. 761. 869. This however seems to be a very late fiction. 161. Theog. 886. seq. 162

α ἀνέτϵλλϵ καρήνον Ἄντνγοѕ ἡμιτόμον κϵραῆѕ űτϵ κύκλα σϵλήνηѕ. It may be that a similar view was also the origin of the ep

eliotes an annual tribute of 10,000 urns of dew. The same notion will be found in modern poets. Thus Tasso, — E già sparg

73. The title Pallantias given here to Aurora is, we believe, only to be found in this poet, but we may be certain that he

e to Aurora is, we believe, only to be found in this poet, but we may be certain that he had Greek authority for it. In an

ti, iv. 943.) he calls her Titania, unless the reading Tithonia is to be preferred. 264. Agam. 275. 265. Æschylus, Pers.

bidem. It seems hardly credible that so remarkable a festival should be unnoticed by all the extant Greek writers ; and w

les having a magic power, and that the gods were transported by them, be correct (See Heyne on Il. v. 768.) ; another noti

rstood the mode of shoeing in a hoop. 366. The carliest instances to be found of any other species of animal drawing the

rn in the Island of the Blest at the Fount of Ocean, appears to us to be quite unsupported by evidence. He founds it on Il

Corybantes and others, and made the subjects of much mystery, seem to be nothing but the Cretan young men (κοûροι), who us

osis Prophetæ V Libri, &c.’ In the Fairy Mythology (ii. 97.) will be found a Swiss version of this legend. 402. Φηγò

his subject. 441. In the ‘Tales and Popular Fictions’, 79. seq. will be found some instances. See also Fairy Mythology, p

Celtic and Germanic tribes the contrary. 473. The river which was to be passed is mentioned in the Ilias (xxiii. 73.), bu

ream. 474. The earliest mention of Charôn in Grecian poetry seems to be in the ancient poem of the Minyas, quoted by Paus

ος τῆς θεοῦ, apparently from λῶ. 609. Thus in the Hymn presently to be quoted, the new-born deity says, ver. 131. — Εἲη

that it was out of love he served Admetos. 636. That is if critics be right in referring the following line of Sophocle

ch (De Def. Or. 21.) if the reading given by Wyttembach from Eusebius be the true one, as it most probably is. 641. Prole

od Glaucos was the instructor of Apollo. 647. This legend is only to be found in Ovid (Met. xi. 153. seq.). 648. Herodot

casion griffons. 660. See above, p. 34. 661. There seems however to be some foundation for it. A naturalist of the prese

Welcker (Schwenk. 263.) regards this name as being ἂρι-θοῶσα. It may be only a corruption of Alpheiusa. 691. Paus. v. 7,

cation (see above, p. 60.). By some (among whom Euripides may perhaps be classed) it is held to relate to the worship of t

οσκόπος : 6. κελαδεινὴ : 7. άγνὴ : 8.ἱπποσόα. A number of others will be found in Aristophanes. 712. In Schwenk, 263. 71

4. 779. And from her fair unspotted side Two blissful twins are to be born, Youth and Joy ; so Jove hath sworn. — Comus

s and Perseus. 827. Wherever the form Ἐρμῆς occurs, the passage may be regarded as an interpolation. 828. Il. xxiv. 333

Welcker, Tril. 217. 855. Buttmann (Lexil. s. v.) makes διάκτορος to be from the same root with διάκονος, and identical i

) calls Dionysos θαλασσοϕόνος. Græfe however queries if it should not be θαλασσονόμος. Could that strange poet have allude

, 3. 910. Plut. De Is. et Os. 69. Hesych. and Et. Mag. s. v. said to be derived from the grief (ἄχος) of the goddess. Wel

h-bearer, from ϕέρω ϕόνον. The Persephatta of the dramatists seems to be only a corruption of Persephone. 914. Κόρη, the

was Εἰρɑϕιώτης, which Schwenk (p. 150.) very ingeniously supposes to be equivalent to ϵἰɑροϕυώυτης, Spring-born. Compare

. zur Tril. 187, 188. 1127. See above, p. 214. Icarios would seem to be connected with ἰκμὰς, ἰχὼρ, and therefore to deno

186-211.), where much valuable matter on the subject of Dionysos will be found. 1131. Strabo, ix. 1. See Müller, Orchom. 

xiii. 160. seq. Diodor. iii. 72. The blood-drops of Uranos would then be the rains. 1202. In Latin silanus is a tube or p

1274. Euanthes ap. eund. Several other opinions about Glaucos will be found in this place of Athenæus. 1275. Od. v. 33

. Il. viii. 348. 1297. Il. v. 741. 1298. Od. xi. 633. 1299. It may be doubted if Homer was acquainted with the story of

ephredo and Enyo, Auferona and Inundona. 1306. There seems to us to be much probability in Völcker's (Myth. Geog. 227. s

seq. 1311. Il. xvi. 149. From this and from Od. xx. 65. 77. it may be perhaps inferred that the shore of Ocean was the

place and people, and he is resolute in maintaining the two poems to be the produce of one mind, and denies all interpola

is circumstance so entirely out of view, and have determined Æolia to be one of the Ægatian islands. Hom. Geog. 114. 1356

of the names placed in the West by the poet of the Odyssey appear to be of Phœnician origin. Thus, besides the one in the

cian origin. Thus, besides the one in the text, the Elysian Plain may be fairly derived from alatz (צלע) to rejoice ; Ereb

. vii. 321. seq. Payne Knight pronounces the whole passage 311-333 to be spurious, and we think his reasons satisfactory.

. 71. note) seems to have reason for thinking that this legend should be assigned to that poetess. It is remarkable that t

on of man. 1475. Hygin. 220. The etymology at the end proves this to be a Latin fiction. Parnell’s beautiful imitation of

aphet brought by Hermes, she ensnared Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged On him who had stole Jove's authentic fir

Sch. Pind. Pyth. iv. 133. 1540. The particulars of this voyage will be related below. 1541. Apollod. i. 9. 1542. Ibid

below. 1541. Apollod. i. 9. 1542. Ibid. 1543. Medeia is said to be immortal by Pindar (Pyth. iv. 18.) and Musæus (ap

, which he regards as a corruption of λάστωρ (from λᾰν to desire), to be perfectly parallel to κένταυροϛ. Welcker (Kret. K

od. ut sup. Paus. ii. 25, 2. 1617. Il. ix. 527. We know not what may be the feeling of others, but for our part we rememb

of Æetes’ mother was Antiope (above, p. 312.). The root of Zethos may be ζάω or ζέω. We have elsewhere (above, p. 61.) the

he Moon, and on the hypothesis of night preceding day, the Moon might be the mother of the Sun. Zeus-Epopeus is like Zeus-

Teiresias among those “equall’d with him in fate,” whom he would fain be “equall’d with in renown.” And Tiresias and Phin

tion that Milton, like Ben Jonson, read Greek by accent ? Nothing can be more inharmonious than it is if Teiresias be pron

by accent ? Nothing can be more inharmonious than it is if Teiresias be pronounced in the Latin manner, with the accent o

epenultimate : few lines are more harmonious, if, as in the Greek, it be laid on the penultimate. If he did not read by ac

no practice is more common, and that abundant instances of it are to be found in all times and countries. (See ‘Tales and

of her in the coffin. When the Heracleids went to carry her forth to be buried, they were surprised at the weight, and op

book ii. chap. 11. 12. 1789. All the compounds of this form seem to be in a good sense. Such are Sophocles, Agathocles,

p. 1802. Hygin. 166. 1803. Apollod. ut sup. 1804. He was said to be the prince of the Thracians, who were supposed to

o it — long continued. While it was absent no sentence of death could be executed in Athens ; because, as it was said, it

maidens. The ship sent, called the Paralian Galley, was maintained to be the very same one in which Theseus had sailed ; t

y, i. p. 54.) and of Tristan and Belinda (Tristan de Leonnois) are to be found in the romance of the middle ages. The case

id, Τῳ μὲν ἐπώνυμον ἦν ὅτ᾿ ἄῤ Ὠкϵανοȗ πϵρὶ πηγὰς Γϵνθ᾿. It may also be derived from ΠΗΓΩ, πηγνȗμι, to construct or build

ahrmund) Fieramonte. 1912. The legend of Danaos and his family will be found in Apollod. ii. 1, 4. Hygin, 168-170. Sch.

lato's Laws (iv. 704.) it is said, respecting the name of the city to be founded, τοȗτο μὲν τάχ͐ ἄν ἴσως кαὶ ὁ кατοιкιο μὸ

αινῆ γϵνομένῃ τῆ πόλϵι. It is, we may see, not supposed that it would be named from the кατοιкιστὴς or founder. 1920. He

e scene was localised at Joppa, where the marks of the chains were to be seen on a rock, as also the bones of the monster

, 2. Tzetz. Lyc. 511. Ovid, Fasti, v. 699. seq. 2010. Tyndareos may be merely a reduplication of Dareos (from δααίω), v

was a poetic adjunct. 2077. The Pelopians, i. e. Illustrious, would be then like the Phlegyans (see p. 347.), the Achæan

were the Good, i. e. Brave, the Franks the Free, &c. It must not be concealed that there is no traditiov whatever of

08. seq. If Nitzsch's suspicion of iv. 514-520 being an interpolation be correct, Homer may not have made Ægisthos the son

232. seq.) joins the German Mannus, Man ; and supposing this last to be the true meaning of all these names, infers, in h

ρ). 2167. There is nowhere so much information on the Argonautics to be found as in Müller's Orchomenos, to which we refe

aps the original signification of the name Adrastos ; but it may also be rendered Do-nought (a and δράω) adapted to this m

ys were scourged. It was probably this rite that caused Iphigeneia to be identified with the ‘Virgin,’ to whom human victi

94. Welcker, Tril. 288. 2245. Most of the objections here urged will be found in Bryant’s ‘Dissertation on the War of Tro

tors of the mythic legends however could hardly have believed them to be true. Anaxagoras and other early philosophers reg

123. 2253. Suetonius, Octav. 97. Dion. Cass. lvi. 29. 2254. Said to be a corruption of Ζῆνα 2255. Serv. Æn. i. 422. 2

ctfully inscribed. Preface. If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that which helps to enlarge our

ppellation. But if that which tends to make us happier and better can be called useful, then we claim that epithet for our

f mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated. When Byron calls Rome

poetry of Milton which has appeared to them “harsh and crabbed” would be found “musical as is Apollo’s lute.” Our citation

ay's article on Milton there are twenty such. But how is mythology to be taught to one who does not learn it through the m

g which relates wholly to false marvels and obsolete faiths is not to be expected of the general reader in a practical age

ng is claimed by so many sciences of facts and things that little can be spared for set treatises on a science of mere fan

nce of mere fancy. But may not the requisite knowledge of the subject be acquired by reading the ancient poets in translat

aris,” and the “honors of Ganymede,” without this knowledge. Shall we be told that answers to such queries may be found in

out this knowledge. Shall we be told that answers to such queries may be found in notes, or by a reference to the Classica

uthorities, so that when the reader finds them referred to he may not be at a loss to recognize the reference. Thus we hop

ch stories are not often referred to, and if they occasionally should be , the English reader need feel no mortification in

poets, essayists, and orators. Our readers may thus at the same time be entertained by the most charming fictions which f

erature of his own day. In order to understand these stories, it will be necessary to acquaint ourselves with the ideas of

received their science and religion. The Greeks believed the earth to be flat and circular, their own country occupying th

eir waters from it. The northern portion of the earth was supposed to be inhabited by a happy race named the Hyperboreans,

o the birth of Minerva thus: — “Can tyrants but by tyrants conquered be , And Freedom find no champion and no child, Such

en she Sprang forth a Pallas, armed and undefiled? Or must such minds be nourished in the wild, Deep in the unpruned fores

e Satyrs were deities of the woods and fields. They were conceived to be covered with bristly hair, their heads decorated

ities, like the Satyrs of the Greeks. Quirinus was a war god, said to be no other than Romulus, the founder of Rome, exalt

Vestals, flamed in her temple. As the safety of the city was held to be connected with its conservation, the neglect of t

arded as the deified spirits of mortals. The family Lars were held to be the souls of the ancestors, who watched over and

chestnut shade.” Macaulay , Prophecy of Capys .” N. B. — It is to be observed that in proper names the final e and es

— It is to be observed that in proper names the final e and es are to be sounded. Thus Cybele and Penates are words of thr

of three syllables. But Proserpine and Thebes are exceptions, and to be pronounced as English words. In the Index at the

s to another, a shelly covering to a third, etc. But when man came to be provided for, who was to be superior to all other

ing to a third, etc. But when man came to be provided for, who was to be superior to all other animals, Epimetheus had bee

ols with which to cultivate the earth; to warm his dwelling, so as to be comparatively independent of climate; and finally

an. The earth, which till now had been cultivated in common, began to be divided off into possessions. Men were not satisf

its inhabitants, and provide a new race, unlike the first, who would be more worthy of life, and much better worshippers

t was a hard race, and well adapted to labor, as we find ourselves to be at this day, giving plain indications of our orig

aphet brought by Hermes, she insnared Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged On him who had stole Jove’s authentic fir

do not show; The suffocating sense of woe. “Thy godlike crime was to be kind;     To render with thy precepts less     Th

r her shoulders, and said, “If so charming in disorder, what would it be if arranged?” He saw her eyes bright as stars; he

fear you should fall and hurt yourself on these stones, and I should be the cause. Pray run slower, and I will follow slo

she spoken, when a stiffness seized all her limbs; her bosom began to be enclosed in a tender bark; her hair became leaves

ses on the wood. The branches shrank from his lips. “Since you cannot be my wife,” said he, “you shall assuredly be my tre

is lips. “Since you cannot be my wife,” said he, “you shall assuredly be my tree. I will wear you for my crown; I will dec

Roman conquerors lead up the triumphal pomp to the Capitol, you shall be woven into wreaths for their brows. And, as etern

reaths for their brows. And, as eternal youth is mine, you also shall be always green, and your leaf know no decay.” The n

tree, bowed its head in grateful acknowledgment.   That Apollo should be the god both of music and poetry will not appear

sic and poetry will not appear strange, but that medicine should also be assigned to his province, may. The poet Armstrong

wall,” they said, “why do you keep two lovers apart? But we will not be ungrateful. We owe you, we confess, the privilege

“Thy own hand has slain thee, and for my sake,” she said. “I too can be brave for once, and my love is as strong as thine

erries o’erload the bending boughs.” If any of our young readers can be so hard-hearted as to enjoy a laugh at the expens

al, keep your wife, whom, if I am not much mistaken, you will one day be very sorry you ever saw again.” Cephalus returned

udden shock, fainted away. Presently recovering, she said, “It cannot be true; I will not believe it unless I myself am a

relieved of her suspicions; so she delivered the heifer to Argus, to be strictly watched. Now Argus had a hundred eyes in

ey heard and consented. Pan threw his arms around what he supposed to be the form of the nymph, and found he embraced only

th the sweetness of the music, said, ‘Thus, then, at least, you shall be mine.’ and he took some of the reeds, and placing

stretch out her arms in supplication — they were already beginning to be covered with black hair. Her hands grew rounded,

sit us With thy long levelled rule of streaming light, And thou shalt be our star of Arcady, Or Tyrian Cynosure.” Dian

of his name he turned his head, and heard them regret that he should be away. He earnestly wished he was. He would have b

ce and almost buried among the reeds. I inquired whose altar it might be , whether of Faunus or the Naiads, or some god of

vor. I have no intention of washing my limbs in it, weary though they be , but only to quench my thirst. My mouth is so dry

My mouth is so dry that I can hardly speak. A draught of water would be nectar to me; it would revive me, and I would own

ned it with adamantine chains to the bottom of the sea, that it might be a secure resting-place for his beloved. Byron all

upon us, that I have told you the truth. If I speak falsely, let this be the last time I behold his light. But it needs no

s were not all alike, nor yet unlike, — but such as sisters’ ought to be . 5 The earth had its towns and forests and rivers

to use that name, — give me some proof, I beseech you, by which I may be known as yours.” He ceased; and his father, layin

de him approach, and embracing him, said, “My son, you deserve not to be disowned, and I confirm what your mother has told

you. To put an end to your doubts, ask what you will, the gift shall be yours. I call to witness that dreadful lake, whic

wear by in our most solemn engagements.” Phaëton immediately asked to be permitted for one day to drive the chariot of the

all the time turning round and carrying the stars with it. I have to be perpetually on my guard lest that movement, which

lf, when they are unruly and resist the reins. Beware, my son, lest I be the donor of a fatal gift; recall your request wh

at me? You shall have it if you persist, — the oath is sworn and must be kept, — but I beg you to choose more wisely.” He

poles are smoking which sustain your palace, which must fall if they be destroyed. Atlas faints, and scarce holds up his

and hurls the forked lightnings. But at that time not a cloud was to be found to interpose for a screen to earth, nor was

whatever he might wish. He asked that whatever he might touch should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented, though sorr

sed his arms, all shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, begging to be delivered from his glittering destruction. Bacchu

isfaction to himself and his faithful follower Midas, who happened to be present. Then Tmolus turned his head toward the S

w hairy, within and without, and movable on their roots; in short, to be on the perfect pattern of those of an ass. Mortif

at last took shelter between the gods themselves. They forbade it to be slain; and spoke in these words: “We are gods. Th

few moments; then declared to the gods their united wish. “We ask to be priests and guardians of this your temple; and si

may take us both from life, that I may not live to see her grave, nor be laid in my own by her.” Their prayer was granted.

each other’s side: The chimney to a steeple grown, The jack would not be left alone; But up against the steeple reared, Be

e earth, so that Pluto was alarmed, and feared that his kingdom would be laid open to the light of day. Under this apprehe

was. She declined, and he urged her. “Go in peace,” she replied, “and be happy in your daughter; I have lost mine.” As she

“Come with us, and despise not our humble roof; so may your daughter be restored to you in safety.” “Lead on,” said she,

immortal, but you have frustrated my attempt. Nevertheless, he shall be great and useful. He shall teach men the use of t

mother, and the rest with her husband Pluto. Ceres allowed herself to be pacified with this arrangement, and restored the

passed all other religious celebrations among the Greeks.   There can be little doubt of this story of Ceres and Proserpin

practice of throwing garlands or other light objects on his stream to be carried downward by it, and afterwards reproduced

ys, the sovereigns of the sea, that all that was mortal in him should be washed away. A hundred rivers poured their waters

een deity, “You had better pursue a willing object; you are worthy to be sought, instead of having to seek in vain. Be not

, know your own worth. I protest to you that even I, goddess though I be , and learned in the virtues of plants and spells,

ll at last she was turned into a rock, and as such still continues to be a terror to mariners.   Keats, in his Endymion,

ar it. It was indeed the perfect semblance of a maiden that seemed to be alive, and only prevented from moving by modesty.

e, and leaning over the couch, gave a kiss to the mouth. It seemed to be warm. He pressed its lips again, he laid his hand

hile he stands astonished and glad, though doubting, and fears he may be mistaken, again and again with a lover’s ardor he

. If I speak falsely, may my foliage perish with drought and my trunk be cut down and burned. Take this infant and give it

own and burned. Take this infant and give it to a nurse. Let it often be brought and nursed under my branches, and play in

hes, and play in my shade; and when he is old enough to talk, let him be taught to call me mother, and to say with sadness

o say with sadness, ‘My mother lies hid under this bark.’ But bid him be careful of river banks, and beware how he plucks

beware how he plucks flowers, remembering that every bush he sees may be a goddess in disguise. Farewell, dear husband, an

and tore her hair. Reproaching the Fates, she said, “Yet theirs shall be but a partial triumph; memorials of my grief shal

the spectacle of your death, my Adonis, and of my lamentations shall be annually renewed. Your blood shall be changed int

s, and of my lamentations shall be annually renewed. Your blood shall be changed into a flower; that consolation none can

ne the crime. Would that I could die for thee! But since that may not be , thou shalt live with me in memory and in song. M

lood which had flowed on the ground and stained the herbage ceased to be blood; but a flower of hue more beautiful than th

e flower amid the sobbing rain.” An allusion to Hyacinthus will also be recognized in Milton’s Lycidas: — “Like to that

turned your affection from me? Where is that love of me that used to be uppermost in your thoughts? Have you learned to f

e rounded her orb.” When he had thus spoken, he ordered the vessel to be drawn out of the shiphouse, and the oars and sail

he vessel to be drawn out of the shiphouse, and the oars and sails to be put aboard. When Halcyone saw these preparations

tinguish his form from the rest. When the vessel itself could no more be seen, she strained her eyes to catch the last gli

r her husband, who was no more, she prayed incessantly: that he might be safe; that he might come home; that he might not,

her. But of all these prayers, the last was the only one destined to be granted. The goddess, at length, could not bear a

d to be granted. The goddess, at length, could not bear any longer to be pleaded with for one already dead, and to have ha

ady dead, and to have hands raised to her altars that ought rather to be offering funeral rites. So, calling Iris, she sai

rus unwept.” To these words Morpheus added the voice, which seemed to be that of her husband; he seemed to pour forth genu

eath to die. If I could bear to live and struggle to endure, I should be more cruel to myself than the sea has been to me.

self than the sea has been to me. But I will not struggle, I will not be separated from thee, unhappy husband. This time,

l; if I may not lay my ashes with thine, my name, at least, shall not be separated.” Her grief forbade more words, and the

it her tears, saying, “Alas! unhappy one, and unhappy, if such there be , thy wife!” Borne by the waves, it came nearer. A

prove this, let me tell you a story, which is well known in Cyprus to be a fact; and I hope it will have the effect to mak

who look down on mortal woes, observe my fate! I ask but this: let me be remembered in coming ages, and add those years to

ng her ambrosial locks with indignation, she exclaimed, “Am I then to be eclipsed in my honors by a mortal girl? In vain t

nd at last drew from him an unwilling consent that her sisters should be brought to see her. So, calling Zephyr, she acqua

ored and disagreeable that the only way you can merit your lover must be by dint of industry and diligence. I will make tr

e. I will make trial of your housewifery.” Then she ordered Psyche to be led to the storehouse of her temple, where was la

ad for her supper and went away. Next morning Venus ordered Psyche to be called and said to her, “Behold yonder grove whic

rectly down to Erebus. Wherefore, to make no delay of what was not to be avoided, she goes to the top of a high tower to p

you the box filled with her beauty, of all things this is chiefly to be observed by you, that you never once open or look

ugh the smallest crack of the window of his chamber which happened to be left open, flew to the spot where Psyche lay, and

ved, handing her a cup of ambrosia, he said, “Drink this, Psyche, and be immortal; nor shall Cupid ever break away from th

reak away from the knot in which he is tied, but these nuptials shall be perpetual.” Thus Psyche became at last united to

nal bride; And from her fair unspotted side Two blissful twins are to be born, Youth and Joy; so Jove hath sworn.” The al

ll this, or what ought I to have had, except to hate life and wish to be with my dead subjects? On all sides lay my people

a clap of thunder was heard. ‘I accept the omen,’ I cried; ‘O may it be a sign of a favorable disposition towards me!’ By

he city still held out, for it was decreed by fate that it should not be taken so long as a certain purple lock, which gli

I rejoice at any cause that brings him to my sight. Perhaps he would be willing to grant us peace, and receive me as a ho

again. And yet no doubt it is sometimes the best thing for a city to be conquered, when the conqueror is clement and gene

and generous. Minos certainly has right on his side. I think we shall be conquered; and if that must be the end of it, why

as right on his side. I think we shall be conquered; and if that must be the end of it, why should not love unbar the gate

why should not love unbar the gates to him, instead of leaving it to be done by war? Better spare delay and slaughter if

passed out of the city and entered the enemy’s camp. She demanded to be led to the king, and thus addressed him: “I am Sc

ng-place! Surely, my Crete, where Jove himself was cradled, shall not be polluted with such a monster!” Thus he said, and

a monster!” Thus he said, and gave orders that equitable terms should be allowed to the conquered city, and that the fleet

a funeral pile and would have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found; but in its place a flower, purple within,

    Sweet queen of parly, daughter of the sphere,     So may’st thou be translated to the skies, And give resounding grac

Providence designed,     Rather in pity than in hate, That he should be like Cupid blind,     To save him from Narcissus’

us hook,     Thy nose, thou chance to see; Narcissus’ fate would then be thine, And self-detested thou would’st pine,     

ended for the possession of the city. The gods decreed that it should be awarded to that one who produced the gift most us

va herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not bear to be thought a pupil even of a goddess. “Let Minerva t

f humility. It was Niobe, the queen of Thebes. She had indeed much to be proud of; but it was not her husband’s fame, nor

piest of mothers would Niobe have been if only she had not claimed to be so. It was on occasion of the annual celebration

and gems, and her aspect beautiful as the face of an angry woman can be . She stood and surveyed the people with haughty l

you never saw to those who stand before your eyes! Why should Latona be honored with worship, and none be paid to me? My

before your eyes! Why should Latona be honored with worship, and none be paid to me? My father was Tantalus, who was recei

l have much left. Were I to lose some of my children, I should hardly be left as poor as Latona with her two only. Away wi

Juno alone, begin now to doubt whether I am indeed a goddess. I shall be deprived of my worship altogether unless you prot

armed by an oracle which had told him that his daughter’s child would be the instrument of his death, caused the mother an

would be the instrument of his death, caused the mother and child to be shut up in a chest and set adrift on the sea. The

being turned into stone. All around the cavern where she dwelt might be seen the stony figures of men and animals which h

epheus was directed by the oracle to expose his daughter Andromeda to be devoured by the monster. As Perseus looked down f

ith her hands; but when he repeated his questions, for fear she might be thought guilty of some fault which she dared not

mentations and to embrace the victim. Then spoke Perseus: “There will be time enough for tears; this hour is all we have f

but I will try to win her by services rendered, if the gods will only be propitious. If she be rescued by my valor, I dema

her by services rendered, if the gods will only be propitious. If she be rescued by my valor, I demand that she be my rewa

only be propitious. If she be rescued by my valor, I demand that she be my reward.” The parents consent (how could they h

the Sea-Nymphs, her old enemies, prevailed so far as to cause her to be placed in that part of the heaven near the pole,

much I will grant you; no weapon shall touch you; moreover, you shall be preserved in my house as a memorial of these even

gnize a wide distinction among them. The human giants, if so they may be called, such as the Cyclopes, Antæus, Orion, and

may be called, such as the Cyclopes, Antæus, Orion, and others, must be supposed not to be altogether disproportioned to

h as the Cyclopes, Antæus, Orion, and others, must be supposed not to be altogether disproportioned to human beings, for t

covered nine acres, and Enceladus required the whole of Mount Ætna to be laid upon him to keep him down. We have already s

at there was danger to his throne and life if his new-born son should be suffered to grow up. He therefore committed the c

hose who could solve it should pass safe, but those who failed should be killed. Not one had yet succeeded in solving it,

of the bridle the winged steed came willingly and suffered himself to be taken. Bellerophon mounted him, rose with him int

eans the cubit or measure of about thirteen inches, which was said to be the height of these people. They lived near the s

n up and came to demand the crown from his uncle, Pelias pretended to be willing to yield it, but at the same time suggest

y came together, crushing and grinding to atoms any object that might be caught between them. They were called the Sympleg

add them to my father’s.” Medea replied, “Not at such a cost shall it be done, but if my art avails me, his life shall be

such a cost shall it be done, but if my art avails me, his life shall be lengthened without abridging yours.” The next ful

hasten to take the old man’s life. Then she directed that Æson should be led forth, and having thrown him into a deep slee

ng vessels of Æetes gaining upon the Argonauts, she caused the lad to be killed and his limbs to be strewn over the sea. Æ

upon the Argonauts, she caused the lad to be killed and his limbs to be strewn over the sea. Æetes on reaching the place

ble interment, the Argonauts escaped.   In the poems of Campbell will be found a translation of one of the choruses of the

linked with Meleager’s life, she brings forth, and commands a fire to be prepared. Then four times she essays to place the

ld, and it was to this effect: “Atalanta, do not marry; marriage will be your ruin.” Terrified by this oracle, she fled th

generally effectual in relieving her of their persecutions, — “I will be the prize of him who shall conquer me in the race

be the prize of him who shall conquer me in the race; but death must be the penalty of all who try and fail.” In spite of

l.” In spite of this hard condition some would try. Hippomenes was to be judge of the race. “Can it be possible that any w

ition some would try. Hippomenes was to be judge of the race. “Can it be possible that any will be so rash as to risk so m

omenes was to be judge of the race. “Can it be possible that any will be so rash as to risk so much for a wife?” said he.

ze you were competing for.” As he surveyed them he wished them all to be beaten, and swelled with envy of any one that see

,) but for his youth. I wish he would give up the race, or if he will be so mad, I hope he may outrun me.” While she hesit

used them to give offence to Cybele. That powerful goddess was not to be insulted with impunity. She took from them their

and master a lion, and yoked them to her car, where they are still to be seen in all representations, in statuary or paint

d, and the Isle of the Hesperides. The apples are supposed by some to be the oranges of Spain, of which the Greeks had hea

th him, on condition that if conquered (as they all were) they should be put to death. Hercules encountered him, and findi

ee. Hercules himself forded the river, but gave Dejanira to Nessus to be carried across. Nessus attempted to run away with

told Dejanira to take a portion of his blood and keep it, as it might be used as a charm to preserve the love of her husba

. But now I say to you, Fear not. He who conquered all else is not to be conquered by those flames which you see blazing o

no only heard the closing words with some displeasure that she should be so particularly pointed at, yet not enough to mak

the imaginative in some beautiful stanzas, of which the last two may be thus translated: — “Deep degraded to a coward’s

cups like fire.” The beautiful legend of the Choice of Hercules may be found in the Tatler, No. 97. Chapter XX. Thes

fearing the loss of her influence with her husband if Theseus should be acknowledged as his son, she filled the mind of Æ

sisted of seven youths and seven maidens, who were sent every year to be devoured by the Minotaur, a monster with a bull’s

and the youths and maidens were, according to custom, drawn by lot to be sent, he offered himself as one of the victims, i

e. She used her influence over her infatuated husband to cause him to be jealous of his son, and he imprecated the vengean

discovered the place where his remains were laid, and caused them to be removed to Athens, where they were deposited in a

s, and if too high the heat will melt them. Keep near me and you will be safe.” While he gave him these instructions and f

of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix under his charge to be taught the mechanical arts. He was an apt scholar

he brothers. From this incident, Castor and Pollux came afterwards to be considered the patron deities of seamen and voyag

Pollux, inconsolable for the loss of his brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give his own life as a ransom for hi

the other, in hard-fought fields, and were said on such occasions to be mounted on magnificent white steeds. Thus in the

I can’t help being afraid. People are not always what they pretend to be . If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof o

he king, who had no respect for the new worship, forbade its rites to be performed. But when it was known that Bacchus was

ding him with wrathful countenance, said, “Fellow! you shall speedily be put to death, that your fate may be a warning to

said, “Fellow! you shall speedily be put to death, that your fate may be a warning to others; but though I grudge the dela

y proceeded to put him on board I resisted them. ‘This ship shall not be profaned by such impiety,’ said I. ‘I have a grea

here.’ ‘Naxos is my home,’ said Bacchus; ‘take me there and you shall be well rewarded.’ They promised so to do, and told

ndeavoring to pull the oar, felt his hands shrink up and presently to be no longer hands but fins; another, trying to rais

s fell from his limbs, and when they looked for him he was nowhere to be found. Pentheus would take no warning, but instea

e hugest monster that prowls in these woods! Come on, sisters! I will be the first to strike the wild boar.” The whole ban

d the mariners in Milton’s Comus, at line 46, The story of Circe will be found in Chapter XXIX. 3Bacchus that first from

led a Panic terror. As the name of the god signifies all, Pan came to be considered a symbol of the universe and personifi

bol of the universe and personification of Nature; and later still to be regarded as a representative of all the gods and

is sentiment: —                               “Great God, I’d rather be A Pagan, suckled in a creed outworn, So might I,

an axe from one, and thus impiously exclaimed: “I care not whether it be a tree beloved of the goddess or not; were it the

shment so dire that one would pity him, if such a culprit as he could be pitied, — to deliver him over to Famine. As Ceres

a daughter worthy of a better parent. Her too he sold. She scorned to be the slave of a purchaser and as she stood by the

garb, standing about where you stand? Tell me truly; so may your luck be good and not a fish nibble at your hook and get a

the nymph yielded to his desire. She at the same time charged him to be constant and told him that a bee should be her me

e same time charged him to be constant and told him that a bee should be her messenger and let him know when she would adm

ed from Prometheus the Titan that Thetis should bear a son who should be greater than his father, Jupiter desisted from hi

father, Jupiter desisted from his suit and decreed that Thetis should be the wife of a mortal. By the aid of Chiron the Ce

. When so many less active agencies were personified, it is not to be supposed that the winds failed to be so. They wer

s were personified, it is not to be supposed that the winds failed to be so. They were Boreas or Aquilo, the north wind; Z

              * * * * and silky soft Favonius breathe still softer or be chid!” Chapter XXIII. Acheloüs and Hercules

either a false pretence, or disgraceful to him if true, for it cannot be true except by his mother’s shame.’ As I said thi

d often heard from his courtiers and dependents fancied that it would be easy to find a substitute. But it was not so. Bra

henever he and Adrastus should differ in opinion, the decision should be left to Eriphyle. Polynices, knowing this, gave E

d he, his chariot, and his charioteer were swallowed up. It would not be in place here to detail all the acts of heroism o

the uncle of the fallen princes, now become king, caused Eteocles to be buried with distinguished honor, but suffered the

s. She was detected in the act, and Creon gave orders that she should be buried alive, as having deliberately set at naugh

id, Worn as thou wert with age, to me thou still Wast dear, and shalt be ever.” Francklin’s Sophocles. Penelope. P

perpetually doing but never done. The rest of Penelope’s history will be told when we give an account of her husband’s adv

n. She too, when she shall have filled her term of life, will rightly be yours. But till then grant her to me, I beseech y

chance offered. Thus occasionally the carcass of a dead animal would be occupied by the bees for that purpose. It was no

and Virgil, in the following story, shows how this supposed fact may be turned to account for renewing the swarm when it

turned and gave information to his mother, who ordered that he should be brought into her presence. The river at her comma

ction to your bees. You have to appease their anger, and thus it must be done: Select four bulls, of perfect form and size

and the roof would soon fall in. He told his captors and demanded to be let out, warning them also. They took his warning

A semi-mythological personage who was represented by one tradition to be the son of Orpheus. He is said to have written sa

der, king of Corinth, with whom he was a great favorite. There was to be a musical contest in Sicily, and Arion longed to

a brother to give up the thought. “Pray stay with me,” he said, “and be contented. He who strives to win may lose.” Arion

asure to others. And if I win the prize, how will the enjoyment of it be increased by the consciousness of my wide-spread

ings will we display our gratitude to the gods, and how merry will we be at the festal board!” The wind and sea continued

my life at that price.” “No, no; we cannot spare you. Your life would be too dangerous to us. Where could we go to escape

er, if he should know that you had been robbed by us? Your gold would be of little use to us, if on returning home, we cou

uld be of little use to us, if on returning home, we could never more be free from fear.” “Grant me, then,” said he, “a la

e,” he added, “to arrange my dress. Apollo will not favor me unless I be clad in my minstrel garb.” He clothed his well-pr

es expand;     Now lads on shore may sigh and maids believe;     Such be our fate when we return to land!     Meantime som

measured step, and moves around the circuit of the theatre. Can they be mortal women who compose that awful group, and ca

compose that awful group, and can that vast concourse of silent forms be living beings? The Choristers, clad in black, bor

ng across the sky a dark object which a moment’s inspection showed to be a flock of cranes flying directly over the theatr

very heart, “Observe the power of the Eumenides! The pious poet shall be avenged! the murderer has informed against himsel

ince desired him to prepare a poem in celebration of his exploits, to be recited at a banquet. In order to diversify his t

at those who should take that “Lover’s-leap” would, if not destroyed, be cured of their love.   Byron alludes to the stor

seth not One obscure hiding-place, one little spot Where pleasure may be sent; the nested wren Has thy fair face within it

ulcan, who, taking pity on him, gave him Kedalion, one of his men, to be his guide to the abode of the sun. Placing Kedali

he shut him up in his chamber, whence his feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she turned him into a grasshopper.

phs, and Jupiter caused the sparks and cinders of his funeral pile to be turned into birds, which, dividing into two flock

s inconsolable for the loss of her son. Her tears still flow, and may be seen at early morning in the form of dew-drops on

ver Nile, in Egypt, are two colossal statues, one of which is said to be the statue of Memnon. Ancient writers record that

stone, which on being struck emits a metallic sound, that might still be made use of to deceive a visitor who was predispo

nt to urge him. When Palamedes arrived at Ithaca Ulysses pretended to be mad. He yoked an ass and an ox together to the pl

ominous forebodings connected with him from his infancy that he would be the ruin of the state. These forebodings seemed a

e the ruin of the state. These forebodings seemed at length likely to be realized, for the Grecian armament now in prepara

r thereupon announced that the wrath of the virgin goddess could only be appeased by the sacrifice of a virgin on her alta

her altar, and that none other but the daughter of the offender would be acceptable. Agamemnon, however reluctant, yielded

the maiden Iphigenia was sent for under the pretence that she was to be married to Achilles. When she was about to be sac

retence that she was to be married to Achilles. When she was about to be sacrificed the goddess relented and snatched her

him. When the news of his death reached her she implored the gods to be allowed to converse with him only three hours. Th

bject of a poem. It seems the oracle had declared that victory should be the lot of that party from which should fall the

hier led the way, resolved     That of a thousand vessels mine should be The foremost prow impressing to the strand, — Min

results for nine years. Then an event occurred which seemed likely to be fatal to the cause of the Greeks, and that was a

reupon Chryses implored Apollo to afflict the Greeks till they should be forced to yield their prey. Apollo granted the pr

his wisest and bravest chiefs. Nestor advised that an embassy should be sent to Achilles to persuade him to return to the

tle. But before he went, Achilles strictly charged him that he should be content with repelling the foe “Seek not,” said h

edon of his armor; but Jove would not allow the remains of his son to be dishonored, and by his command Apollo snatched fr

joining to his chariot his swift steeds, he fastened Hector’s body to be dragged behind. Twice he dragged him round the to

length stretched in the dust. But Apollo would not permit the body to be torn or disfigured with all this abuse, but prese

upiter, beholding with compassion the venerable king, sent Mercury to be his guide and protector. Mercury, assuming the fo

ly or yield, the god approached, and grasping Priam’s hand offered to be their guide to Achilles’ tent. Priam gladly accep

litter, and spread the garments over it, that not unveiled it should be borne back to Troy. Then Achilles dismissed the o

to bestow her son’s armor on the hero who of all the survivors should be judged most deserving of it. Ajax and Ulysses wer

Ajacis —  Ajax’s Larkspur. It was now discovered that Troy could not be taken but by the aid of the arrows of Hercules. T

o have fallen from heaven, and the belief was that the city could not be taken so long as this statue remained within it.

advice of Ulysses resolved to resort to stratagem. They pretended to be making preparations to abandon the siege, and a p

t horse was the chief object of curiosity. All wondered what it could be for. Some recommended to take it into the city as

s, citizens, is this? Have you not learned enough of Grecian fraud to be on your guard against it? For my part, I fear the

before the chiefs, who reassured him, promising that his life should be spared on condition of his returning true answers

Troy chairmen bore the wooden steed Pregnant with Greeks impatient to be freed, (Those bully Greeks, who, as the moderns d

ed the gift unavailing by ordaining that her predictions should never be believed. Polyxena, another daughter, who had bee

the Greeks upon his tomb. Menelaus and Helen. Our readers will be anxious to know the fate of Helen, the fair but g

onspirators to slay his son Orestes also, a lad not yet old enough to be an object of apprehension, but from whom, if he s

d enough to be an object of apprehension, but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, there might be danger. Elect

sion, but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, there might be danger. Electra, the sister of Orestes, saved her

his design. He therefore repaired in disguise to Argos, pretending to be a messenger from Strophius, who had come to annou

hands. The two friends were seized and carried bound to the temple to be made victims. But the priestess of Diana was no o

ember, was snatched away by Diana at the moment when she was about to be sacrificed. Ascertaining from the prisoners who t

rn in which his ashes are supposed to rest. Electra, believing him to be really dead, takes the urn and, embracing it, pou

o much about the city of Troy and its heroes, the reader will perhaps be surprised to learn that the exact site of that fa

he cavern’s mouth. He then drove into the cave the sheep and goats to be milked, and, entering, rolled to the cave’s mouth

e door was far beyond their power to remove, and they would therefore be in hopeless imprisonment. Next morning the giant

ased the giant so much that he promised him as a favor that he should be the last of the party devoured. He asked his name

tied up in a leathern bag, with a silver string, such winds as might be hurtful and dangerous, commanding fair winds to b

ward alone, he met a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearing to be acquainted with his adventures. He announced hims

of Circe, and of the danger of approaching her. As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded from his attempt, Mercury provided him

wax, so that they should not hear the strain; and to cause himself to be bound to the mast, and his people to be strictly

rain; and to cause himself to be bound to the mast, and his people to be strictly enjoined, whatever he might say or do, b

truggled to get loose, and by cries and signs to his people begged to be released; but they, obedient to his previous orde

ey held on their course, and the music grew fainter till it ceased to be heard, when with joy Ulysses gave his companions

avenward; so too — too high; Only I pray, as fairest boon, to die; To be delivered from this cumbrous flesh, From this gro

oming near the whirlpool when the tide was rushing in must inevitably be ingulphed; not Neptune himself could save it. On

ingulphed them, gave warning at a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and his men watched with

tended by his daughters Lampetia and Phæthusa. These flocks must not be violated, whatever the wants of the voyagers migh

flocks must not be violated, whatever the wants of the voyagers might be . If this injunction were transgressed destruction

ompanions so urgently pleaded for the rest and refreshment that would be derived from anchoring and passing the night on s

girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his breast, and if he should be compelled to trust himself to the waves, it would

de him repel her allurements, and when no other means of escape could be found, the two friends leaped from a cliff into t

nding her that her wedding-day was not far distant, and that it would be but a prudent preparation for that event to have

ffair, for the fountains were at some distance, and the garments must be carried thither. On awaking, the princess hastene

young maidens whom, by their deportment and attire, he discovered to be not mere peasant girls, but of a higher class. Sa

hen they should approach the city she desired that he would no longer be seen in her company, for she feared the remarks w

s to reach the city, he was then to pursue his way thither, and would be easily guided by any he might meet to the royal a

nerva, who had assumed that form. Ulysses accosted her and desired to be directed to the palace of Alcinoüs the king. The

ce of Alcinoüs the king. The maiden replied respectfully, offering to be his guide; for the palace, she informed him, stoo

said, “It is not fit that a stranger who asks our hospitality should be kept waiting in suppliant guise, none welcoming h

ept waiting in suppliant guise, none welcoming him. Let him therefore be led to a seat among us and supplied with food and

the next day he would call them to council to consider what had best be done for the stranger. When the guests had depart

Turkish and Greek Waters, thus speaks of Corfu, which he considers to be the ancient Phæacian island: — “The sites explai

his palace and people, as if they were owners of both. That he might be able to take vengeance upon them, it was importan

able to take vengeance upon them, it was important that he should not be recognized. Minerva accordingly metamorphosed him

Telemachus viewed him with astonishment, and at first thought he must be more than mortal. But Ulysses announced himself a

etray, by any display of unusual interest in him, that he knew him to be other than he seemed, and even if he saw him insu

cision in favor of either of her suitors so long that there seemed to be no further pretence for delay. The continued abse

sence of her husband seemed to prove that his return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile, her son had grown up, and wa

in the hall. Telemachus had taken care that all other weapons should be removed, under pretence that in the heat of compe

oper use. All things being prepared for the trial, the first thing to be done was to bend the bow in order to attach the s

would not bend. Then spoke Ulysses, humbly suggesting that he should be permitted to try; for, said he, “beggar as I am,

hero, after his dangers past and nothing left but to stay at home and be happy, growing tired of inaction and resolving to

e sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we sh

tars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great

r had sent with ample treasures to the neighboring land of Thrace, to be there brought up, at a distance from the horrors

bject, whom by his garments, tattered as they were, they perceived to be a Greek. He told them he was one of Ulysses’s com

een, were laying the foundations of a state destined in later ages to be the rival of Rome itself. Dido was the daughter o

mense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted his treasures, caused him to be put to death. Dido, with a numerous body of frien

a bull’s hide. When this was readily granted, she caused the hide to be cut into strips, and with them enclosed a spot on

ant intercourse, and it seemed as if Italy and the empire destined to be founded on its shores were alike forgotten. Seein

that he was gone, she mounted a funeral pile which she had caused to be erected, and having stabbed herself was consumed

n the forest a tree on which grew a golden branch. This branch was to be plucked off and borne as a gift to Proserpine, an

eople of the shore where his body had been wafted by the waves should be stirred up by prodigies to give it due burial, an

n and Trojan warriors. The Trojans thronged around him, and could not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the cause of

Sibyl addressed a group of these, and inquired where Anchises was to be found. They were directed where to seek him, and

ating the ranks of his posterity, their destinies and worthy deeds to be achieved in coming times. When he recognized Ænea

were these. Anchises answered, “They are souls to which bodies are to be given in due time. Meanwhile they dwell on Lethe’

r former lives.” “O father!” said Æneas, “is it possible that any can be so in love with life as to wish to leave these tr

is the impurity contracted by the spiritual part. This impurity must be purged away after death, which is done by ventila

r, there still are, so thoroughly corrupted, that they are not fit to be intrusted with human bodies, and these are made i

he life even of the most insignificant animal, not knowing but it may be one of their relations in an altered form. Anchis

to point out to Æneas individuals of his race, who were hereafter to be born, and to relate to him the exploits they shou

o the present, and told his son of the events that remained to him to be accomplished before the complete establishment of

ete establishment of himself and his followers in Italy. Wars were to be waged, battles fought, a bride to be won, and in

followers in Italy. Wars were to be waged, battles fought, a bride to be won, and in the result a Trojan state founded, fr

lt a Trojan state founded, from which should rise the Roman power, to be in time the sovereign of the world. Æneas and the

Sibyl pursued their way back to earth, he said to her, “Whether thou be a goddess or a mortal beloved of the gods, by me

be a goddess or a mortal beloved of the gods, by me thou shalt always be held in reverence. When I reach the upper air I w

eld in reverence. When I reach the upper air I will cause a temple to be built to thy honor, and will myself bring offerin

rtal. He promised me the fulfilment of my wish, if I would consent to be his. I took a handful of sand, and holding it for

harvests. My body shrinks up as years increase, and in time, I shall be lost to sight, but my voice will remain, and futu

aves thus inscribed were arranged in order within the cave, and might be consulted by her votaries. But if perchance at th

le of Jupiter Capitolinus, preserved in a stone chest, and allowed to be inspected only by especial officers appointed for

f them. Ovid’s story of her life protracted to one thousand years may be intended to represent the various Sibyls as being

ticular she predicted that before their wanderings ceased they should be pressed by hunger to devour their tables. This po

Gates of Janus. It was the custom of the country, when war was to be undertaken, for the chief magistrate, clad in his

possessor of the Latin realms, this is the promised land, here is to be your home, here shall terminate the hostility of

ight, and rose from the tables. But Pallas forbade the solemnities to be interrupted, and seizing a weapon, stepped forwar

urnus, who protects him with arms. The Etruscans demand that he shall be given up to deserved punishment, and would ere no

ife, and fame in arms, pointed out by the gods, have but to appear to be hailed at once as their leader. With you I will j

rive to emulate your great exploits.” Then the king ordered horses to be furnished for the Trojan chiefs, and Æneas, with

o go in search of our chief. If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward enough for me, and if they judge the servi

of such an undertaking, and whatever may happen to me, I wish you to be safe. You are younger than I and have more of lif

. You are younger than I and have more of life in prospect. Nor can I be the cause of such grief to your mother, who has c

or can I be the cause of such grief to your mother, who has chosen to be here in the camp with you rather than stay and li

oved to tears, and promised to do all his request. “Your mother shall be mine,” said Iulus, “and all that I have promised

hall be mine,” said Iulus, “and all that I have promised to you shall be made good to her, if you do not return to receive

sy questions. What should he do? how extricate the youth, or would it be better to die with him. Raising his eyes to the m

those arms in which you glory, and fear not but that your body shall be restored to your friends, and have due funeral ho

ent the skies. Mezentius asked no mercy, but only that his body might be spared the insults of his revolted subjects, and

at his body might be spared the insults of his revolted subjects, and be buried in the same grave with his son. He receive

Pallas. The contest between champions so unequally matched could not be doubtful. Pallas bore himself bravely, but fell b

aidens. But Diana, who beheld her fate, suffered not her slaughter to be unavenged. Aruns, as he stole away, glad, but fri

urs of his followers, he braced himself to the conflict. It could not be doubtful. On the side of Æneas were the expressed

lines of Pope, in which, illustrating the rule that “the sound should be an echo to the sense,” he says: — “When Ajax str

rst lesson they learned was silence; for a time they were required to be only hearers. “He [Pythagoras] said so,” (Ipse di

d to be only hearers. “He [Pythagoras] said so,” (Ipse dixit,) was to be held by them as sufficient, without any proof. It

s, forbear, I entreat you, to violate the life of those who may haply be your own relatives.”   Shakspere, in the Mercha

cannot hear it.” Merchant of Venice. The spheres were conceived to be crystalline or glassy fabrics arranged over one a

nce of each sphere one or more of the heavenly bodies was supposed to be fixed, so as to move with it. As the spheres are

rated in honor of the king’s return. He then caused a box or chest to be brought in, which had been made to fit exactly th

est reverence by the Egyptians. The individual animal who was held to be Apis was recognized by certain signs. It was requ

Apis was recognized by certain signs. It was requisite that he should be quite black, have a white square mark on the fore

rampling the30 unshowered grass with lowings loud;         Nor can he be at rest         Within his sacred chest; Nought b

rest         Within his sacred chest; Nought but profoundest hell can be his shroud.         In vain with timbrel’d anthem

was the name used to denote the place where answers were supposed to be given by any of the divinities to those who consu

l of the treasury they placed a stone, in such a manner that it could be taken out; and by this means, from time to time,

phonius unable to extricate him, and fearing that when found he would be compelled by torture to discover his accomplice,

swarm of bees, followed them to a chasm in the earth, which proved to be the place sought. Peculiar ceremonies were to be

rth, which proved to be the place sought. Peculiar ceremonies were to be performed by the person who came to consult the o

ies, he descended into the cave by a narrow passage. This place could be entered only in the night. The person returned fr

ceived it. It has been a question whether oracular responses ought to be ascribed to mere human contrivance or to the agen

s coincidences like these, but the theory cannot without extravagance be pushed so far as to account for any great proport

l fact, under the form of an allegory, but came in process of time to be understood literally. Thus Saturn, who devours hi

the same power whom the Greeks called Cronos, (Time,) which may truly be said to destroy whatever it has brought into exis

apace with shadows in their train, Might with small help from fancy, be transformed Into fleet Oreads sporting visibly. T

have been mentioned are true to a certain extent. It would therefore be more correct to say that the mythology of a natio

the Gods. To adequately represent to the eye the ideas intended to be conveyed to the mind under the several names of d

about two hundred years ago. An inscription on the base records it to be the work of Cleomenes, an Athenian sculptor of 20

Rome in which it was placed. The artist is unknown. It is supposed to be a work of Roman art, of about the first century o

la Biche. The Diana of the Hind, in the palace of the Louvre, may be considered the counterpart to the Apollo Belveder

egends. The prevailing opinion of the learned, at this time, seems to be that the framework and much of the structure of t

itics of English lineage Milton alone of modern poets seems worthy to be classed with these illustrious ancients. His poem

ht. The poet ventured to predict that his poem would survive him, and be read wherever the Roman name was known.” The pre

he Roman arms and arts shall spread There by the people shall my book be read; And, if aught true in poet’s visions be, My

he people shall my book be read; And, if aught true in poet’s visions be , My name and fame have immortality.” Chapte

ther and flies with it to the altar of the Sun, where he leaves it to be consumed in flames of fragrance.” Other writers a

out of the way of the tyrant of the creation, man, for if he were to be got at, some wealthy glutton would surely devour

king of the serpents. In confirmation of his royalty, he was said to be endowed with a crest, or comb upon the head, cons

rest, or comb upon the head, constituting a crown. He was supposed to be produced from the egg of a cock hatched under toa

ts and snakes, behaving like good subjects, and wisely not wishing to be burned up or struck dead, fled the moment they he

moment they heard the distant hiss of their king, although they might be in full feed upon the most delicious prey, leavin

d imbibes it, and the victor dies.” Such a prodigy was not likely to be passed over in the legends of the saints. Accordi

is entitled “The Basilisk which lives in the African desert.” I will be seen that                               “What se

standing out in the middle of its forehead.” He adds that “it cannot be taken alive;” and some such excuse may have been

tured the simple beast. Modern zoologists, disgusted as they well may be with such fables as these, disbelieve generally t

d horn, standing in front of the two others. In fine, though it would be presumptuous to deny the existence of a one-horne

existence of a one-horned quadruped other than the rhinoceros, it may be safely stated that the insertion of a long and so

like or deer-like animal is as near an impossibility as any thing can be . The Salamander. The following is from the

himself: “When I was about five years of age, my father, happening to be in a little room in which they had been washing,

at the skin of an animal which could resist the action of fire should be considered proof against that element is not to b

ion of fire should be considered proof against that element is not to be wondered at. We accordingly find that a cloth mad

d very valuable for wrapping up such articles as were too precious to be intrusted to any other envelopes. These fire-proo

er envelopes. These fire-proof cloths were actually produced, said to be made of salamander’s wool, though the knowing one

o a flexible cloth. The foundation of the above fables is supposed to be the fact that the salamander really does secrete

tate till the spring again calls it forth. It may therefore sometimes be carried with the fuel to the fire, and wake up on

er. The time will come when the adherents of Ormuzd shall every where be victorious, and Ahriman and his followers be cons

Ormuzd shall every where be victorious, and Ahriman and his followers be consigned to darkness forever. The religious rite

he individual deities have sprung, and into which all will ultimately be absorbed. “As milk changes to curd, and water to

he original power of this god as a destroyer; that power not being to be called into exercise till after the expiration of

he other, and Brahma, the creator, having finished his work, seems to be regarded as no longer active, and has now only on

Siva. Juggernaut. Whether the worshippers of Juggernaut are to be reckoned among the followers of Vishnu or Siva, o

of the devout worshippers throw themselves on the ground, in order to be crushed by the wheels, and the multitude shout in

the creation Brahma resolved to give the earth inhabitants who should be direct emanations from his own body. Accordingly

lable; and though they committed the greatest crimes, they could only be banished from the kingdom. They were to be treate

st crimes, they could only be banished from the kingdom. They were to be treated by sovereigns with the greatest respect,

rrives at years of maturity it becomes his duty to marry. He ought to be supported by the contributions of the rich, and n

He ought to be supported by the contributions of the rich, and not to be obliged to gain his subsistence by any laborious

laborious or productive occupation. But as all the Brahmans could not be maintained by the working classes of the communit

little of the two intermediate classes, whose rank and privileges may be readily inferred from their occupations. The Sudr

castes; if it is done incautiously or from necessity, the place must be purified by religious ceremonies. They must not a

ines, (Abyssinia,) not far from the Red Sea, concluded that this must be the true Prester John. He accordingly went thithe

t there is another branch of ancient superstitions which ought not to be entirely overlooked, especially as it belongs to

. Odin, who is desirous to collect a great many heroes in Valhalla to be able to meet the giants in a day when the final c

e, sends down to every battle-field to make choice of those who shall be slain. The Valkyrior are his messengers, and thei

Burning-anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. She may easily be recognized, for her body is half flesh color and

silken string. But when the gods asked the wolf to suffer himself to be bound with this apparently slight ribbon, he susp

aring that it was made by enchantment. He therefore only consented to be bound with it upon condition that one of the gods

put his hand in his (Fenris’s) mouth as a pledge that the band was to be removed again. Tyr (the god of battles) alone had

offered to build them a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly safe from the incursions of the Frost g

on. On being told these terms the artificer stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse Svadilfari, and this

en it wanted but three days to summer, the only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the gods on th

any evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some

t the giant’s promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to be his bride. Loki returned and reported the result

the same excuse and the giant was satisfied. He ordered the hammer to be brought in and laid on the maiden’s lap. Thereupo

kirnir For, and the one immediately preceding it, Thrym’s Quida, will be found poetically told in Longfellow’s Poets and P

nful smile, said, “If I do not mistake me, that stripling yonder must be the god Thor.” Then addressing himself to Thor, h

Thor.” Then addressing himself to Thor, he said, “Perhaps thou mayst be more than thou appearest to be. What are the feat

to Thor, he said, “Perhaps thou mayst be more than thou appearest to be . What are the feats that thou and thy fellows dee

st any one here who may choose to compete with me.” “That will indeed be a feat,” said Utgard-Loki, “if thou performest wh

id Utgard-Loki, “if thou performest what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.” He then ordered one of his men

orm. Thialfi answered that he would run a race with any one who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill

g breath, pulled as long and as deeply as he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it; but when

hat he had drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried without spilling. “How now, Thor?” said U

raught thou must pull deeply; and I must needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou art at home i

if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats than methinks will be shown in this.” Thor, full of wrath, again set th

lves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no lack of victu

a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a man, nor ever will be , whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will no

low. But now, as we are going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us if thou never come near me

ide home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela answered that it shoul

ons were to be heard among the gods. Hela answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as he was sai

t should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as he was said to be . “If, therefore,” she added, “all things in the w

e; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in Hel.” Hermod then rode back to Asgard and

ghout the world to beg every thing to weep in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel. All things very willingly com

he gods took his net and dragged the brook, and Loki, finding he must be caught, tried to leap over the net; but Thor caug

, but so skillfully was it wrought that when folded together it could be put into a side pocket. Ragnarok, the Twilight

tunheim, Alfheim, and Midgard, together with their habitations, would be destroyed. The fearful day of destruction will no

would be destroyed. The fearful day of destruction will not, however, be without its forerunners. First will come a triple

which snow will fall from the four corners of the heavens, the frost be very severe, the wind piercing, the weather tempe

war and discord will spread over the universe. The earth itself will be frightened and begin to tremble, the sea leave it

its fruits without labor or care. Wickedness and misery will no more be known, but the gods and men will live happily tog

called Norse, still in use in Iceland. The inscriptions may therefore be read with certainty, but hitherto very few have b

eep thoughts in them and uttered musically their thoughts. Much would be lost had Iceland not been burst up from the sea,

the sun. That the Druids offered sacrifices to their deity there can be no doubt. But there is some uncertainty as to wha

district, which had been beforehand scrupulously extinguished, might be relighted. This usage of kindling fires on Hallow

ng. Their teaching was oral, and their literature (if such a word may be used in such a case) was preserved solely by trad

n we have, if not the actual productions of Druidical times, what may be considered faithful representations of the songs

cal hierarchy. One author, Pennant, says, “The Bards were supposed to be endowed with powers equal to inspiration. They we

isle, Unholy bark, ere morning smile; For on thy deck, though dark it be ,           A female form I see; And I have sworn

I see; And I have sworn this sainted sod Shall ne’er by woman’s foot be trod.” In these respects and in others the Culde

ins of ancient religion that Johnson exclaims, “That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon

not all alike, nor yet unlike, but such as those of sisters ought to be . No. 3. Page 63. Medio tutissimus ibis. —

ch, as it brings an end to all things which have had a beginning, may be said to devour its own offspring. 2. From this

ch is thought to imitate in its sound the galloping of horses. It may be thus translated —  “Then struck the hoofs of the

his superstition. 33. In Longfellow’s Poems, vol. ii, page 379, will be found a poem entitled Tegner’s Drapa, upon the su

E FRIENDS, JANE SEDGWICK AND FRANCES BRYANT. In the hope that it may be useful, this book of Mythology is affectionately

t only to employ the faculties of the young upon what is necessary to be known, but to elevate them to the love and enjoym

y their association with our own literature, have become necessary to be somewhat known by all readers; nor can we underst

eful education. Not to make a compend of this character too minute to be interesting, and too meager to entertain, is the

rison between true and false religions, and to make children feel and be grateful that “the glorious gospel of the blessed

t believe that the holiness and happiness of the Christian world will be rendered more evident by comparison with the time

ten very amusing. Mythology, or the history of fable, is necessary to be known, because it explains many books, statues, a

m the knowledge of himself and of the uses to which his gifts were to be applied. The first and second chapters of Genesis

are styled the chosen people, that means, they were chosen by God to be instructed in a true religion, and to teach it to

generally taught to read, and therefore a known fact is not likely to be lost or altered. When Noah and Abraham lived ther

he commandments were engraved on tables of stone, and God’s law could be read to the people. Long before this time, all th

rly described God, or the gods, as they called the Supreme Being,) to be as wicked as men had become themselves. They inve

ology of the Greeks and Romans is that which is now most important to be known. This mythology is introduced into all clas

, it is the absence of fear, and a virtue. A picture of courage would be a figure of a bold man; this picture would make a

of a bold man; this picture would make a person of a virtue; it would be a personification. The Greeks and Romans worshipp

rshipped these personifications. What mythology is most important to be known? What is classical poetry? Who besides poet

his male children; as the Hours and Days, portions of time, cease to be as soon as they exist. But according to the ficti

was expelled from heaven by Jupiter. The true history of Saturn must be , that he was a wise man, who was driven from some

anus, from his wisdom, was regarded as a prophet, and was supposed to be as well acquainted with the future as the past. T

is the meaning of the fable of Saturn? Why did Janus admit Saturn to be the partner of his throne? How was Janus regarded

iar habitation, and that of the other celestial gods, was supposed to be Olympus, a mountain of Greece; though Dr. Clarke,

of Greece; though Dr. Clarke, a very learned man, supposes Olympus to be a name common to high mountains in the ancient wo

ose of the gods, — a determination of the divine mind which could not be altered. When Jove nodded, or inclined his head,

ain of Thrace, Athos of Upper Greece, and the Acroceraunian ridge may be seen in modern Turkey, north of Macedonia. Just,

terrors of Jupiter? Where was Jove’s peculiar habitation supposed to be ? How does Virgil describe Jove? Was the character

health. He is often called Phœbus the god of day; and was supposed to be the patron of poetry, music, and the fine arts. A

ed Apollo so kindly that the god promised, whenever the former should be summoned from the world by death, that his life s

rmer should be summoned from the world by death, that his life should be spared, provided he could find another person who

e would bestow upon him any gift he should ask. Phaeton petitioned to be allowed to drive the chariot of the sun for one d

llo which adorns the Vatican palace at Rome. Casts of this statue may be seen in almost every considerable town in the Uni

ome, in order to secure the shield from being lost, caused several to be made, so exactly like it, that it was almost impo

r carry on any manufacture. For want of such accommodations we should be in the lowest state of savage life. The ancient G

o him, which was guarded by dogs, whose sense of smelling was said to be so exquisite, as to enable them to discern whethe

ks into a thousand fragments whatever it strikes. Thunder is known to be the explosion of the electric fluid, and its disp

it was produced by the bolts of Jupiter. These bolts were supposed to be sharp and barbed points, driven with a terrible f

he latter had bestowed upon mankind, because Jupiter himself chose to be regarded as the supreme benefactor of the human r

ox, but Hope remained behind. The meaning of this allegory appears to be , that the most beautiful and estimable things in

elief and of better days. Prometheus. Thy godlike crime was to be kind, To render with thy precepts less The sum of

mine the laws of nature, that the treasures hidden in the earth might be brought forth and made serviceable. Because Prome

sun; he probably obtained it by concentrating the sun’s rays, as may be done by a burning-glass; and this, ignorant perso

ursuing, or he is in a journey, or per adventure he sleepeth and must be awaked.” 1 Kings, ch. xviii. Homer, in the first

s of Jove. Iliad, Book II. The food of the gods was not supposed to be formed of the gross aliments of earth. For not t

nectar for Jupiter. Who was Hebe? Were the heathen gods supposed to be spirits? How did the prophet Elijah deride this f

om is the knowledge of what is right and true, and of what is best to be done, when intelligent beings are called upon to

acle had declared, that, as long as it remained there, the city would be invincible against all the attacks of its enemies

gil mentions this rural observance: To Ceres bland, her annual rites be paid, On the green turf, beneath the fragrant sha

ecy at least. Initiated persons — that is, those who were admitted to be present at the ceremonies at Eleusis, were strict

es supplicated Jupiter that Proserpine by his supreme authority might be restored to earth. Jupiter, to comfort and appeas

epared to return to earth with her mother. Pluto, however, was not to be deceived; he had employed a spy called Ascalaphus

rds the mind. The most beautiful object in nature without life cannot be loved. The gift of life to an intelligent being i

erstanding, sensibility, and goodness which he possesses. We can only be beloved by the intelligent and good, according to

s of Venus, and often attendant upon her. The Graces were supposed to be beautiful and amiable, and to represent the sweet

is Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying, that they be no gods which are made with hands: so that not on

are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught, but also that the temple of the gr

at naught, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroye

e great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippet

e image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do n

piter? Seeing that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.” — Acts, ch. xix

ive him some portion of celestial intelligence, that his poetry might be worthy of the favour of the goddess, and of the e

wer of stilling the waves. The Halcyon of the ancients is supposed to be the king-fisher, an aquatic bird, which makes its

y upon the abatement of storms; thus they were ignorantly presumed to be the cause of allaying tempests. ——— Proteus was

anions covered themselves with seal skins, and appeared to Proteus to be of his flock. In that way they succeeded in secur

over hillocks. These were all invented by the Romans, and are not to be met with among the Grecian deities. The Satyrs, a

, by frequently foretelling the approach of storms, seemed to them to be something more than mortal. By attentively observ

ies into Asia Minor, and afterwards passed over into Italy. Æolia may be seen in Asia Minor. Who was Flora? Who was Pomon

place among the most ancient divinities. By the poets, he is said to be the son of Jupiter and Calista. He was represente

alled Lupercalia, from the place consecrated to him being supposed to be the same where Romulus and Remus were suckled by

n accompanying Bacchus, riding upon an ass, but so intoxicated, as to be almost incapable of keeping his seat. Historians

ibunal in a place called the Field of Truth, where no falsehood could be heard, and no misrepresentations deceive. The jud

ble history of Minos? The Furies. The Furies were supposed to be ministers of the vengeance of the gods, especiall

ere called Eumenides, or the Mild. In this case they were supposed to be appeased by Minerva, as it would be the part of w

n this case they were supposed to be appeased by Minerva, as it would be the part of wisdom to say, The guilty who are pun

The pain which their guilt has caused is sufficient to induce them to be virtuous hereafter. Besides the Furies, Nemesis m

induce them to be virtuous hereafter. Besides the Furies, Nemesis may be reckoned among the avenging deities. She presided

enever he inclined his head to the stream, some deity commanded it to be dry and the dark earth appeared at his feet. Arou

l hope that those they love still exist after death; and they hope to be reunited to their departed friends in another sta

nts of God. The heathens hoped that the doctrine of immortality might be true — Christians know it is true. We trust in it

nds of the world, and fathers of mankind. Elysium was represented to be a beautiful country, in which perfect peace preva

ormation. Men are indeed no better than brutes, if to eat, drink, and be merry, is all that they live for. To be cheerful,

brutes, if to eat, drink, and be merry, is all that they live for. To be cheerful, modest, and moderate in our recreations

and in them to regard the improvement and happiness of others, is to be at once rational, sympathetic, and benevolent, an

nature of men to that of brute animals? Who was Esculapius reputed to be ? What is the probable account of Esculapius? E

s, of a black colour. Who was Morpheus? What were dreams supposed to be ? Themis and Nemesis. Themis, or Astrea, i

see the bribes or the supplications of those who might dispose her to be partial. Astrea descended from heaven in the Gol

n salutary sleep. Ovid represents the cave or dwelling of Somnus, to be in the country of Cimmeria. Into this cave the su

rom the cradle by the rapacious wolf, their terror and despair cannot be expressed. If, in this state of peril, some man o

god who accomplished these services to mankind. And so heroes come to be “as gods revered.” Hercules, one of the most r

, one of the most renowned of the heroes of antiquity, was reputed to be the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. From his birth He

urage, and accomplishments, he was destined by the will of Jupiter to be subject to Eurystheus. King of Argos and Mycenæ.

howing some disrespect to the Pythia, at Delphi, Apollo caused him to be sold as a slave to Omphale, Queen of Lydia. In th

Hercules soon preferred Iole to Dejanira, and the latter, grieved to be deprived of her husband’s affections, bethought h

nded him to severe toils in the service of society — and Omphale, may be the love of pleasure, which sometimes made him re

irdle of Hyppolite, queen of the Amazons. The Amazons were reputed to be a nation of masculine females, who lived near the

when they first behold a man and horse thus coupled, imagine them to be one being. From a misconception of this sort, aro

es, King of Colchis The poets relate, that just as they were about to be offered, a winged ram, with a golden fleece, took

e teeth, and Jason was to kill them all. These conditions appeared to be so many impossibilities; but Medea, the daughter

Theseus that his father was King of Athens, but when he was grown to be a man, she thought proper to send him to Ægeus. Æ

the perils of a land journey; robbers will surprise you, and you will be cut off by their cruel hands; a sea voyage is saf

adopt him for his son, and will leave him the kingdom. We then shall be no more than the subjects of this upstart: let us

nd the Athenians were rejoiced to find that the brave stranger was to be their future monarch. The Pallantidæ, however, we

faction, a certain number of Athenian youths and maidens, who were to be sent periodically to Minos, at Crete. Some writer

persons were destined to become slaves; and others, that they were to be eaten up by a frightful monster called the Minota

civilized people, and all savages, require the life of one person to be given for that of another, which has been treache

e eye or tooth of his adversary. The Athenians admitted such a law to be just, and Minos demanded many lives, as a compens

ns. We know better at the present time. The young persons who were to be sent to Crete were chosen by lot out of a large n

ose their children, and the children were afflicted beyond measure to be torn from their affectionate parents. Theseus wit

Athenian youths to Crete, and when he got there, learned they were to be devoured by a monster which was half a man and ha

King of Attica, he perceived that his subjects could not improve nor be happy, because they were always injuring each oth

go into the next field, and take from it the corn, and not expect to be punished. In peaceable and prosperous society, ev

d by the magistrate, who learns from books of written laws what is to be done to the criminal or the breakers of laws. The

nts, worship the gods, and leave off injuring one another, they would be happy and grow rich. Then they were poor and in w

each other’s territory. He told them he was King of Athens, and would be general of an army, and command the soldiers: and

nd when the army of any other state should come into Attica, he would be ready to punish such an enemy. Theseus also said

hat was best for the people to do; and if any man did wrong, he might be complained of; and there should be courts, and th

and if any man did wrong, he might be complained of; and there should be courts, and the judges should be taught the laws,

t be complained of; and there should be courts, and the judges should be taught the laws, and they should prevent bad men

hers, by punishing the persons who were guilty; and the courts should be held in Athens; and the people all over the provi

thens, to settle their disputes. The subjects of Theseus consented to be governed in this manner, and they soon became so

seus caused new houses and temples, much better than the old ones, to be erected: and he showed much respect to religion:

, On this side is Ionia. Ionia was a name of upper Greece. It is to be lamented that a legislator so wise and so success

was Attica when he began to reign? Why could not the people of Attica be happy? What is a state of civil order? What admon

ied to Jocasta, and an oracle foretold to them that the former should be killed by his son. As soon as Jocasta had a son,

casta had a son, Laius commanded her to kill him; but no mother could be so cruel, so she gave the infant to her servant,

d not to go back to Corinth, lest the prediction of the oracle should be accomplished. Œdipus, uncertain whither he should

proposed a riddle, and it was said, whoever should expound it, would be able to kill him. The riddle was, “What animal wa

prevailed at Thebes, and the Thebans inquired of an oracle what could be done to put a stop to the fatal plague. The oracl

nswered that the plague would cease when the murderer of Laius should be discovered and punished. Œdipus loved his people,

erning Polynices; it is, that his uncle Creon refused to allow him to be buried, and threatened to punish with death any p

Creon being informed that Antigone had disobeyed him, ordered her to be buried alive. Hæmon, the son of Creon, loved the

s, Ismene urged that she was equally guilty, and urged that she might be equally punished, which the generous Antigone as

rth, if her husband would refrain from looking at her till she should be come to upper air. Orpheus thus satisfied, procee

The philosophers of antiquity pronounced the existence of Orpheus to be an entire fable. ——— Amphion was another musical

rers, had two daughters, Phœbe and Talaria; these young women were to be married to two friends, Lynceus and Has, and Cast

at his brother might share his undying existence, and that they might be alive and dead alternately, whether for a day eac

Perithous, and others, descended from Lapithus. When Perithous was to be married to Hippodamia, the Centaurs were invited

oy, and promised that the most beautiful bull in his dominions should be given as a price to the victorious combatant. Thi

admirers, the princes of Greece, made a vow, if she should ever again be forced away, that they would unite to punish the

at induced Paris to visit the court of Priam? Who discovered Paris to be the son of Priam? In what enterprise did Paris en

ds that Troy should not fall till large numbers of the Trojans should be slain by the arrows of Hercules. These arrows had

ere Hercules commanded him to inter his remains, when his body should be consumed on the pile. After the death of his frie

rows. A soothsayer at that time told the Greeks that Troy never could be taken without the arrows of Hercules, and Ulysses

taking offence at her, he ordained that though her predictions should be true, she should never be believed. Thus it was i

ordained that though her predictions should be true, she should never be believed. Thus it was in vain that Cassandra fore

r accomplice; and, to aid her brother’s purpose, Electra caused it to be reported that he had died in Phocis. Clytemnestra

l the provocation, Orestes was tormented by the Furies, and could not be happy anywhere. To be tormented by the Furies, me

stes was tormented by the Furies, and could not be happy anywhere. To be tormented by the Furies, means that he was sorry

os, they were carried before Thoas the king, and he commanded them to be sacrificed to Diana. Iphigenia was the priestess,

that she had friends in Greece, and that one or other of them should be permitted to return to their country, if he would

friends. Iphigenia did not determine which of the two friends should be spared. Orestes declaring that he was willing to

d. Orestes declaring that he was willing to die, entreated Pylades to be the bearer of the letters, and to preserve his ow

e letters, and to preserve his own life. Pylades, in his turn, not to be outdone in generosity, begged that Orestes might

, Prince of Mycenæ. Orestes, upon this discovery, declared himself to be the same individual. Iphigenia confessed that she

went mad. In his phrensy, he slew a flock of sheep, supposing them to be sons of Atreus, who had bestowed the armour upon

rva. Cassandra had fled thither as an asylum, a place where she might be secure from the ill treatment which soldiers in a

Troy, he was unwilling to leave his wife and child, and pretended to be insane. To make his insanity probable, he yoked a

, the heel only, the part by which his mother held him, was liable to be wounded. Achilles was instructed by Chiron, the C

m the Greeks placed implicit confidence, declared that Troy could not be taken without the assistance of Achilles. Thetis,

fended by a suit of impenetrable armour, which Thetis had procured to be made for him by Vulcan. Among the captives taken

chief of the expedition, and the laws of war required that he should be obeyed. Even the fierce Achilles could not refuse

, that he went into a temple with Polyxena, the daughter of Priam, to be married to her, and that her brother, Paris, ther

y and peace, which the sovereign of a small and unwarlike state might be likely to enjoy without disturbance. Who was Nes

perpetual advantages, and Patroclus entreated Achilles that he might be clothed in his armour and combat Hector. Achilles

his misery, Iliad , Book XI V. Hector feared that Andromache would be cruelly treated by whomsoever among the Greeks sh

hat became of Priam and his family? Is the history of Priam likely to be true? Eneas. Eneas was a prince of Troy,

xisted at the end of the war of Troy, 1184 B. C. This anachronism may be pardoned in a poet, for poets are not required to

anachronism may be pardoned in a poet, for poets are not required to be accurate. Eneas, according to the fable, was driv

e contest, agreed upon a single combat. Turnus was killed, and it may be that Eneas reigned peaceably in Latium. Fabulous

ed Eneas as a god, and offered sacrifices to him. To imagine a man to be a god, and to worship him as one, is the apotheos

Eneas immediately after his escape from Troy proceed to Italy? Can it be a fact that Eneas was ever at Carthage? Who is co

e a fact that Eneas was ever at Carthage? Who is commonly supposed to be the foundress of Carthage? What is Virgil’s histo

eached Italy? What king gave Eneas a hospitable reception? What is to be understood by the word “king”? What was the end o

thily — to bear injuries with patience.” It is said that he caused to be engraved in letters of gold in the temple of Apol

od to their friends that they might preserve their friendship; and to be kind to their enemies, that they might make frien

to keep his subjects in order, and his enemies in fear. He caused to be built and equipped, a great number of ships, whic

owledge that he is uncreated and eternal, and infinitely too great to be comprehended by mortals; as the Hebrew scriptures

ce, and the lotos. Yama or Yamen, the god of death. He is esteemed to be a child of the sun: he is called also, King of Ju

             And change is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be ,              The immutable is He. Parvati is th

of Vishnu. When a god appears on earth in a human form, he is said to be incarnate, or clothed in flesh. The Rama of the H

emselves in the Ganges, or exposing themselves in its holy waters, to be devoured by tigers or alligators. Of these wretch

ng are the Fakirs, who sometimes hang themselves upon spikes, and may be seen in this state till they expire, being a long

ing an assemblage of all the deified heroes and princes of India, may be called the Hindu Pantheon: is about half way up t

miserable condition; cuts him off from all society, and causes him to be regarded as an impure and detestable animal. Ther

st poverty, the lowest indignities, and the meanest services that can be imposed. It is easy to see why the Christian reli

why the Christian religion, which declares all men equal, should not be introduced among such a people. The Brahmin caste

age, in which their books of religion are written, has long ceased to be a spoken tongue; and is understood only by the pr

d consists of between two and three hundred lines. It was supposed to be the prophecy of Vola or Volo, a Scandinavian godd

navian mythology giants existed before the gods; who were supposed to be born, to reign, and to die, like earthly monarchs

with long flowing hair, and a bandeau of gold. Thor was esteemed to be the eldest and bravest of the sons of Odin and Fr

e sheep. Heimdal held in his hand a trumpet, the sound of which might be heard throughout all worlds. He was esteemed to b

und of which might be heard throughout all worlds. He was esteemed to be the standard bearer of the gods; the judge and pa

ed with a cock’s crest upon his head. To the gods just described, may be added several children of Odin: Hoder the blind;

roamed the wolf Fenris, a monster dreaded by the gods, as destined to be one instrument of their destruction; and the equa

vil and malignant beings is a doctrine of the Scripture — Earth shall be destroyed and its beauty renewed. The Scriptures

res say, these elements “shall wax old as a garment,” but there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth.” The Christian doc

wade the chilling flood. These are a few of the parallels which may be traced between the Bible and Scandinavian mytholo

hell, a “fire that is not quenched,” but the Druids represented it to be a region of thick-ribbed ice, and called it the i

Syrian Mythology. Canaanites, Phœnicians, and Philistines may be comprehended with the inhabitants of their adjace

e substances, which were first used as hieroglyphics, finally came to be objects of adoration. It is universally agreed th

versally agreed that the ancient Egyptians believed the human soul to be immortal. While the bodies of their deified morta

tals were preserved in their sepulchres, their souls were imagined to be transferred to, and to shine forth in, different

was esteemed as the cause of abundance, and regarded, like Osiris, to be one of the sources of the inundation of the Nile.

in Egyptian temples? Is the mythology of Egypt of much importance to be known? Did any of the people of Egypt acknowledge

epresented him by certain fires esteemed holy, and kept in temples to be worshipped. The sacred fire was kindled by concen

g to make men wicked and miserable, and that Orosmades willed them to be virtuous and happy. Zoroaster described Orosmades

joy. But yet at last, shall Arimanius fall Before his might, and evil be no more. Glover’sLeonidas. What is the charact

ion. Men must think much before they can do any thing. A house cannot be built, or a garment made without much thought con

r Iphigenia to Diana. These are only a few of the analogies which may be found between true and false religions. The Ro

, because he loved peace and detested war, and taught his subjects to be industrious, and to love one another. The ancient

invisible. He was infinitely deserving of love and praise, and could be represented by no image. The god held nexi in rev

enly declared, that he who should throw himself into the flames would be transformed to light itself. Two men, upon this,

he charge of that useful element, without which animal life could not be for a moment sustained. Centeot, or she who supp

hysic, had a temple, to which sick children were carried, in order to be cured of their diseases. The fathers accompanied

consecrated water, which had been blessed by the priest, was given to be drunk as a medicine. Coat-li-cue, the goddess of

ifices, and the introduction of Christianity into their country, must be accounted a change for the better. How did the M

on of society, it was enacted at Athens, that no foreign deity should be worshipped in that city, without a decree of the

f Minerva, and played with it. The Persians, not thinking the gods to be of human shape, as did the Greeks, made no images

own heaven, and who has fixed the everlasting hills that they cannot be removed. The temples of the Greeks were placed in

usually surrounded by trees, or sacred groves, which were supposed to be honoured by the immediate presence of the tutelar

emple services. The objects which are adored by heathens, appeared to be beautiful or unadorned, according to the knowledg

as the Apollo, Venus, and Jupiter Capitolinus, which still remain to be admired in museums and collections. The Greeks w

us; whether we ask it, or whether we ask it not! Refuse us what would be hurtful to us, even if we should ask it.” Priest

oration of his daughter Chryseis. The Hebrew priests were required to be without any personal blemish; and the high-priest

e required to be without any personal blemish; and the high-priest to be richly attired. (Ex. ch. xxix.) The chief priests

processions, and announced to the people the ceremonies that were to be observed. Who are priests? What were the prayers

assisted them in the discharge of their functions? What analogies may be perceived between the Greek and Hebrew priesthood

with the first emigration of the Phœnicians into Greece; and if that be true, the same religion would naturally be cheris

s into Greece; and if that be true, the same religion would naturally be cherished in both countries. Eneas, eleven centur

t of July, being a clear day, the ground upon which the temple was to be raised, was bound by garlands of flowers and fill

till kept up this ancient custom; and in many parts of the city might be seen Luci, or groups of trees, consecrated to som

rees, consecrated to some god. How happened the religion of Italy to be the same as that of the Greeks? In what respects

made of the Sibylline oracles. These were books kept, or pretended to be kept, in the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, which

the care of certain persons, who, when a difficult enterprise was to be undertaken, affected to consult them, and to find

d to consult them, and to find in them directions of what was best to be done The fabulous origin of the Sibylline books i

rs were held in reverence by the nations of antiquity. A pillar would be erected where some extraordinary mercy or deliver

Afterwards, he says, “This stone which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house.” Doubtless, all who came that way kn

e places of refuge for the guilty, and for the unfortunate, who might be innocently persecuted. The altar was often adorne

ould not tear him from those places. Sometimes the criminal would not be suffered to escape from his asylum, and was thus

han it had already experienced from the Venetian artillery.” It is to be regretted that a great portion of these specimens

city, animated by the bustle and business of the Panathenæ, seems to be exhibited by this admirable work; persons of eith

rticularly excelled in his statues of horses. Perhaps some notion may be conceived of the magic of his art, when it is rel

the Greeks in the time of Pericles. Among the articles of dress, may be seen the leathern boot called the cothornus, and

ia, were worshipped, in all those countries, the ruins of temples may be found, and all serve to show that the sentiment o

they ought to do. When Herod inquired of the Jews were Christ should be born, they answered, in Bethlehem of Judea, for t

o pay for the information they sought; so that rich people only could be benefited by them. One of the most celebrated ora

he sacrifices. Lustration or purification was a ceremony necessary to be observed by devout persons attending a sacrifice.

attending a sacrifice. When a very wicked person came, he was said to be polluted, unfit for a religious service, till he

as said to be polluted, unfit for a religious service, till he should be put into a proper state by a suitable ceremony. A

name of God, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all you

King of Salem, and priest of the Most High God. How were animals to be sacrificed prepared, and what was required of dev

ion? What is expressed by the washing of hands, and what exemples may be given of that meaning? Did the worshippers among

good for them: and they added one petition more, viz. that they might be enabled to suffer injuries with patience. Petitio

sing was supposed sometimes to express the will of God, and could not be recalled. When Isaac had blessed Jacob, and given

the name of some god, and what is an example of it? What is meant to be understood when a person swears by the sun or moo

should also descend, one in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed, namely, our Lord Jesus Christ. Four hund

undred thousand persons, and then God appointed one of this nation to be instructer of his people, Israel. This person was

e most remarkable differences between Judaism, and Polytheism, it may be well to learn a few particulars of the worship of

and to attend in public services of religion. What resemblances may be found between Paganism and Judaism? Who were the

ains, kept together by fastenings of gold and silver, and which could be taken to pieces, and removed from one place to an

show-bread. This consecrated bread, according to the law, could only be eaten by the priests. The Candlestick was a pilla

fices, and in those of all the nations of antiquity, were required to be of the best quality that could be procured. Thing

ions of antiquity, were required to be of the best quality that could be procured. Things of the greatest value being the

en inches. 11. As this book is written for young persons, it may not be amiss to inform them that the term chef d’oeuvre

ader. It demands no committing to memory, and there is very little to be carried on from story to story. Unessential names

endering we have invented a significance whose existence it would not be easy to warrant as classic, it is hoped that the

in the field, it was a goddess that made the green stalks come up and be fruitful. The trees of the forest also had each a

not quail, —    Earth was glorious then; Thine were souls that dared be free; Power, and fame, and liberty. Land where e

in,    Light on all thy plains. Never shall thy glory set; Thou shalt be our beacon yet. James Gates Percival. Gone are

Pluto tried to comfort the goddess-child. He told her that she should be his bride and queen; that she should have all the

oserpina was afraid of his dark face. She kept weeping, and would not be comforted. All this time they were rushing over h

eyes were used only to this. Soon the poor little goddess, who was to be queen of this awful kingdom, began to see better.

Pluto looked sullen, and said that most persons were not unwilling to be queens and wear crowns of diamonds. He thought sh

rivers. Somehow it made her shudder and shrink back, for it seemed to be all of sighs and groans. “That is the river Styx,

whole underworld. It was such a noise that Proserpina thought it must be a pack of monsters, all howling; but soon she saw

but Pluto stopped to pat the great beast on its three heads. “Do not be afraid of him,” said Pluto, smiling. “He will har

the land was full of gloom, and was as quiet as a land of ghosts must be . Even Elysium, the place where men lived who had

am    From many a morn till eventide.    “My life, immortal though it be ,    Is naught,” she cries, “for want of thee,    

From the time when Proserpina was carried off, the world began to be less happy than it had been. In the winter men sh

suffer in the winter months, he at once began to consider what could be done for them. First he taught them to build hous

ht them to watch the stars, for by the stars the coming of winter can be foretold and men can be ready for it. After that

rs, for by the stars the coming of winter can be foretold and men can be ready for it. After that men were more comfortabl

ew also that the fire was sacred, and that Jupiter did not wish it to be touched, but Prometheus was a Titan and feared no

has done wrong to steal the sacred fire,” said Jupiter, “and he must be punished.” Then Jupiter sent two monstrous servan

to my ears. Men are strong and brave and proud, but how can they ever be happy?” Then Epimetheus said, “I will help them.

y?” Then Epimetheus said, “I will help them. I will go to Jupiter and be friends with him. Not by force, but by gentleness

he feet of Jupiter. “O King of Gods and. of Men,” he said, “let there be peace between the Titans and you. Help us, and he

at last he spoke. “It is an unwise wish, O Epimetheus! And yet it may be done. Go back to earth. Tomorrow the gift shall b

us! And yet it may be done. Go back to earth. Tomorrow the gift shall be yours.” So Epimetheus left Olympus, glad and than

fts of the gods to Epimetheus, and to mankind; but the box must never be opened. Let them take heed, for the joys of heave

Epimetheus not to open the sacred box. “The gifts of heaven must not be set free on earth,” he said, “for men are not str

rs and savage beasts. All mankind seemed then, for the first time, to be free and happy. Even Jupiter and the gods of heav

it to give it such power.” One day she said to Epimetheus, “Would it be wrong, do you think, to raise the lid, just for a

en if it is opened?” she thought to herself. “Maybe the blessing will be doubled. Who knows?” Day by day she grew to love

ybe there is some god imprisoned there, waiting for some one who will be brave enough to raise the lid,” she would think.

brave enough to raise the lid,” she would think. “What evil can there be in so blessed a box? It has made the whole world

re be in so blessed a box? It has made the whole world happy. It must be good.” Then she would think that even though she

ld raise the lid just a little — just enough to look in — there could be no great harm done. She wanted only a glimpse. Sh

up the cover, with eyes eager to look in as soon as the crack should be wide enough. Suddenly it opened and something str

I have done it, for I let out the spirits from the box.” “Can nothing be done?” they would ask. “It would be better not to

irits from the box.” “Can nothing be done?” they would ask. “It would be better not to live, than to live in this misery.”

that life was good after all, for with all their troubles they could be brave and strong while hope remained. After that

h seemed even then to draw back from his touch. “Though you would not be my bride, Daphne,” he said, “you shall be my tree

ouch. “Though you would not be my bride, Daphne,” he said, “you shall be my tree, and the tree of all poets among men fore

Thou feel the little wild-bee’s touch, How must the heart, ah, Cupid! be , The hapless heart that’s stung by thee!” Thoma

ames began to sputter and go out, nor could the torches by any effort be made to burn well. “Bring other torches,” cried O

ic Ceres, your mother — such is my woe, and greater, for I had rather be here with her than there alone, and if Eurydice m

ydice, O King,” said Proserpina; and Pluto, nodding, said: — “Let her be called.” In a few moments Eurydice came in, tall

Have they really let her come? Are we really to begin life again and be happy once more?” He walked softly, so as to hear

er all. Yet Eurydice was always following, though her voice could not be heard and her footstep was as yet only the noisel

ay began to show faintly in the cave. A few steps more and they would be out. Again Orpheus walked softly and asked himsel

” said the seer, “your son has power that is more than human. He will be a great sufferer and a great hero, for he will pa

hole life ridding the world of plagues and monsters. Yes, and he will be more than a hero, for I foresee that when he come

fear. So he grew strong and wise and brave. Now when Hercules came to be a young man, he had to meet a great temptation an

himself up to the service of King Eurystheus. Eurystheus was said to be the most ignoble ruler in all the world. From thi

t him to go to consult the river-nymphs of Eridanus, who were said to be very wise in such matters. That was a good though

as he could and clasped him tightly about the waist, for Nereus must be conquered before he will talk. The aged god awoke

etheus free, and Prometheus, in gratitude, told him where Atlas could be found. Far to the west, over land and sea, Hercul

as he had expected. He wondered how so airy a thing as the sky could be so heavy. He wished he had gone after the apples

ed he had gone after the apples himself. As for Atlas, he was glad to be rid of his burden, even for a little while. He st

journey home. He thanked Atlas very heartily, and thought that would be the end of it. But Atlas took a different view of

las took a different view of the matter. He found it very pleasant to be able to move about and swing his arms and bend ov

ed and hated him more than ever after this, but Hercules continued to be patient and brave, doing great deeds for others t

 Still sought I around That gem with whose splendor    Thou yet shalt be crown’d. “And see, while I’m speaking,    Yon so

 I see the gem shine, And quick as light’s motion    Its wealth shall be thine.” Then eastward, like lightning,    The he

One day there came to the palace of Admetus a stranger. He seemed to be a beggar; but though his clothes were worn and ta

e chariot before the palace gate,” said the stranger, “for it may yet be done.” Then the shepherd went out into the depth

hat they thought not even the longed-for Islands of the Blessed could be better than their own native land. But happiness

ely give up life for you,” said the god of light and song, “you shall be spared.” With that Apollo left, but the word was

ad among the people. “Surely,” thought Admetus, “surely some one will be found among my friends to die for me — some old m

one will be found among my friends to die for me — some old man, may be , who has not long to live in any case.” Yet, swee

ffered her own life for his. She vowed that she would rather die than be spared, if he were taken from her. She thought of

om her. She thought of his people, too, and prayed that Admetus might be saved to bless them with his gentle rule. From th

brave Alcestis died. Then the fair, queenly body was carried forth to be laid in a tomb, and all the people followed it wi

nstant. One moment he stayed to ask the servant where Alcestis was to be buried, then he was gone. He came just in time, f

, decked with gold; And there thy servants shall resort,    Thy doves be bought and sold!” * * * * * * “O maiden, in min

o drive the chariot round from the west to the palace in the east, to be ready for sunrise. Phaëton was very proud of his

ve that he was really too weak to control the horses and he burned to be able to say that he had made the dizzy ride. At l

. The seat was all of blazing jewels. Another such chariot was not to be found in all the universe, and as he gazed at the

ost time for the sun-chariot to set out. Helios ordered the horses to be harnessed. The splendid creatures were brought ou

ally held them in check. They increased their speed. Phaëton began to be alarmed. He pulled at the reins and called the ho

o suffered most, and in her suffering she called to Jupiter: — “If it be your will that I should die, destroy me with your

hould die, destroy me with your thunderbolts, O Jupiter! Why should I be thus tormented? If this be not your will, rouse y

your thunderbolts, O Jupiter! Why should I be thus tormented? If this be not your will, rouse yourself before all is lost.

he other gods of Olympus. “I must act,” he said, “even though Phaëton be the son of one of us.” Now, Jupiter hurls his thu

s from the clouds, but in the hot air at this time not a cloud was to be seen. Therefore, the god launched the bolt out of

ere with the sunlight on her golden hair that Dictys thought she must be some goddess of the sea, although there was near

easy if she were without her son Perseus, so the king made a plan to be rid of him. On a certain feast-day all the great

rous king. “Bring me, then, the head of the Gorgon Medusa. That would be a great gift, for whoever looks on the Gorgon is

the aged priest, though very wise, could not tell him where she could be found. So Perseus went out and walked along the s

gray eyes, he saw that she was smiling, and he felt no fear. “I will be with you, Perseus,” she said; “therefore, be of g

he felt no fear. “I will be with you, Perseus,” she said; “therefore, be of good courage. Moreover I have brought you the

ææ, the sisters of the Gorgons. They will tell you where Medusa is to be found.” With these words the goddess disappeared,

erseus was flying north upon the winged sandals of Mercury. Sometimes be sailed above the clouds, sometimes he sped along

erva and was not afraid, and when the crones found that he was not to be moved, they told him. “Go on,” they said, “three

such a great stone?” “He must,” answered the king, “else he will not be safe at Athens. Let him bring the sword and the s

t Æthra brought up the hoy with all a mother’s love. He was taught to be brave and generous, he learned to wrestle and box

do?” he asked. “Let him dine with us, O King,” said Medea. “If there be two drops of poison in his wine, who can know it?

he smiled upon him, and said: — “Drink, Theseus. Refresh yourself and be of good cheer, for the king loves you well.” Then

half a bull. Twice we have sent the awful tribute, and now lots must be drawn again for the third time.” Didst thou hear

or I will sail in the black ship with the men and the maidens. It may be that with the help of the gods I shall slay this

m to remain and not risk a life so precious, but he saw that it would be in vain. The heart of the young hero was set upon

also princely and strong, yet the men of Athens slew him. None shall be spared.” Theseus said not a word. His eyes were a

word. His eyes were always on beautiful Ariadne, and well they might be . She was as lovely as the myrtle that blooms alon

obweb. “As you go in, unwind this,” she said. “The way back will then be easy. Come now, for you must act quickly.” So The

arth. Sometimes he had steep flights of stairs to climb. He seemed to be passing over the same path again and again, and t

b. He seemed to be passing over the same path again and again, and to be arriving nowhere. Suddenly he heard a great bello

that the Minotaur was slain, he was filled with rage. “They shall all be put to death,” he said furiously, “and Ariadne wi

led ship to Delos, to repeat these sacrifices, so that it might never be forgotten how Theseus and Ariadne saved Athens fr

ned that when the strife between Juno and Minerva and Venus could not be decided, some one said, “Paris, the shepherd, is

I shall make you ruler of many men and many nations. Wide acres shall be yours, and abundant wealth, and men shall obey yo

are mightier than power and more precious than wealth; and they shall be yours, if you give me the prize. In time of troub

shall be yours, if you give me the prize. In time of trouble, I shall be by your side and guide you with wise counsel, and

oman in the world. She lives now far across the waters, but she shall be yours.” Then Paris, hearing her voice and her

Chryseis. Agamemnon, like a good king, at once ordered the maiden to be sent back to her home, with sacrifices and gifts,

nt back to her home, with sacrifices and gifts, that the plague might be stayed. But his heart was hot with rage at the lo

f his share of the spoil of battle, and, as king, he demanded that it be made good; and when Achilles, with violent words,

er for aid, and Jupiter took a great oath that she and her son should be avenged; and when he nodded his head, the heavens

the chiefs were sitting, he went to Agamemnon and said: — “Let there be peace between us, O Agamemnon. Let us forget our

s of strife clouded my eyes, that I should not see; but now let there be peace between us forever.” Then Agamemnon command

ere be peace between us forever.” Then Agamemnon commanded Briseis to be brought and to be given back to Achilles. Many ri

en us forever.” Then Agamemnon commanded Briseis to be brought and to be given back to Achilles. Many rich .gifts also he

her place. “I had great beauty: ask thou not my name:    No one can be more wise than destiny. Many drew swords and died

sed that as long as it remained within the walls, the city should not be taken. But one dark night in the tenth year of th

d with the luggage of the camp. The Trojans gazed in wonder. Could it be that the Greeks were going, and that the war was

a great shout arose from the walls of Troy. There was not a Greek to be seen, nor a Grecian ship. The host had gone. The

do with it?” the Trojans asked one another. Some thought it ought to be burned; others would have pushed it into the sea;

thers would have pushed it into the sea; still others advised that it be pulled to pieces to see what was inside. But one

hated him. King Priam was touched with his story and ordered that he be set free. “Forget the Greeks,” said the king. “Fr

t he be set free. “Forget the Greeks,” said the king. “From this time be a Trojan.” Sinon, for that was his name, seemed t

efore setting out. It was built large and heavy so that you might not be able to take it into the city, for if you should

ld drag it within your walls, Troy would never fall. This horse would be a new Palladium for you.” Just then a wondrous th

ing the horse, or of casting it into the sea. All agreed that it must be taken into the city and treated with high reveren

e answered, but the wise warrior Ulysses saw the danger and bade them be silent, and when Anticlus, despite all, opened hi

e last of his sons died with him. His daughters were taken captive to be made slaves. When morning came, the beautiful cit

“Go; plead with chiefs in the council hall! This do I swear: it shall be vain.    Troy-town shall fall.” “Then let me per

Telemachus, and the great warrior was eager to see them again, and to be at home as a king once more in his rugged island

ked men Ulysses went in. His men carried a goat-skin of rich wine, to be used as a gift if there should be need. There was

arried a goat-skin of rich wine, to be used as a gift if there should be need. There was no one in the cave when they ente

nd then another. “Cyclops, “he said, “my name is Noman.” “Noman shall be eaten last. That shall be his gift,” said Polyphe

“he said, “my name is Noman.” “Noman shall be eaten last. That shall be his gift,” said Polyphemus savagely; but be bad h

be eaten last. That shall be his gift,” said Polyphemus savagely; but be bad hardly finished eating and drinking when he g

ng me,” roared the Cyclops. “Well, if no man is killing you, you must be sick. Diseases are sent by the gods; remember tha

, you must be sick. Diseases are sent by the gods; remember that, and be patient.” Thus they spoke, and went away, but Pol

white blossom, and is very hard to find, but he who has it can never be bewitched. Ulysses soon came to the palace, where

get his home. She even promised to make him immortal, if he would but be content with her. But every day he went down to t

And sweet is the color of cove and cave, And sweet shall your welcome be : O listen, listen, your eyes shall glisten With p

id not return, nor were there any tidings of him. At last it began to be thought that he was dead. Then Penelope had new s

treated her palace as though it were their own. Every day there could be heard from her halls a great tumult of revelry an

ped, for Ulysses might return before the work was done, and all would be well. But though she worked slowly, and with many

6. Æt΄na. Volcano at which Ceres lit her torch, 24. It was thought to be the smithy of Vulcan. Agamem΄non. King of Mycenæ

΄eda. Daughter of Cepheus, King of Ethiopia. Was chained to a rock to be devoured by a sea-monster, 138-139; rescued by Pe

rophetic power, but refusing his love, he decreed that she should not be believed, 208,213. Cas΄tor. Son of Leda; twin br

ful to Ulysses, who was absent from home twenty years and supposed to be dead, 28, 236. She put off the suitors by the str

lower world, 20. It flowed seven times round Hades. All spirits must be carried across it by the ferryman Charon, 21) Tæn

ished, lasting impressions, and strong incentives to good, cannot but be the happy results. But that retiring modesty whic

public avowal of that esteem and affection for you which will always be cherished by Your much obliged and devoted humble

ing youth in this important department of classical literature cannot be too strongly inculcated. The object of the author

ut as models of fine writing. To improve the taste, the mind ought to be prepared by a perusal of the fictions of Greece a

ir fabulous history? Can the whole of the Grecian and Roman mythology be thus accounted for?     What were the natural con

ifferent parts of the universe; so that man was to believe himself to be every where observed by some of those deities, fo

nd the like. Human victims were occasionally sacrificed. The gods may be divided into Celestial, Marine, Terrestrial, and

n what manner was the worship of the gods conducted? How may the gods be divided? Part I. Of the Celestial Deities.

rior to all others. His name was Fatum or Destiny. He was supposed to be a blind god, governing all things by absolute nec

ject to his decrees. He had his kind of worship; but, as he could not be comprehended by the human understanding, the anci

o that circumstance the obscurity of the oracles, whose replies could be interpreted in a thousand different ways, is to b

hose replies could be interpreted in a thousand different ways, is to be referred. — See figure 1. Fig. 1. Fatum or Dest

a goddess by a mortal. Before we give the history of Jupiter, it may be proper to speak of Saturn and Cybele, his parents

e, wishing to conceal Jupiter from the sight of Saturn, caused him to be secretly carried to Crete, and brought up by the

close of each: and as he pursues his rapid flight without deigning to be stayed by the entreaties of mortals, but continua

two faces stamped, to announce that the totality of his states would be governed by the counsels of Saturn and himself. —

ars. Then dire debate and impious war shall cease, Then the stern age be soften’d into peace: Then banish’d faith shall on

ians honored her as the moon, under the name of Isis. Such appears to be the origin of the worship of the Earth, which pas

of Saturn, she had seen Atys, a Phrygian youth, to whom she wished to be wedded; but he prefered to her the nymph Sangaris

lent as to the cause of such exposure, or how it was that she came to be acknowledged by her father. Cybele was so called

on which she had been exposed. Some etymologists suppose this name to be derived from a Hebrew word, signifying to bring f

aneous vault with a lamp and some provisions. If the fire happened to be extinguished, it was accounted a direful omen, an

. — Jupiter’s throwing his father down into the infernal regions, may be thus accounted for: — Among the Greeks, countries

of the ships in which they made away. A further account of them will be given under the head of the Sufferers in Hell. Qu

ded. They then inquired of the oracle of Themis, how the earth was to be repeopled, and were commanded to throw behind the

a more compendious way to man.” Horace. “Thy godlike crime was to be kind, To render with thy precepts less The sum of

metheus hid himself in the forests on mount Caucasus, which seemed to be inhabited by eagles and vultures. The sorrow whic

o invite all the gods, men, and animals. The nymph Chelone refused to be present. Mercury threw her down into, a river, an

ith fury, so inveterate, that, as a punishment, Jupiter caused her to be suspended between heaven and earth. Vulcan having

ot deceive the goddess. She imperiously demanded that this cow should be entrusted to her, and Jupiter did not dare to ref

of Argus, who had one hundred eyes. This spy of the goddess could not be surprised, because fifty of his eyes remained ope

aca, the goddess of family peace, was worshipped, that husbands might be reconciled to their wives. When a married couple

real excellence. Quies was the goddess of rest, and was supposed to be the donor of peace and quietness. She had a templ

ty and religion. Angerona was worshipped, that anguish of mind might be removed. The Romans offered up prayers to Stata,

itina at Rome was the gate through which the corpses were conveyed to be burnt. By Rationes Libitinæ we usually understand

uth dances and with country lays.” “To Ceres bland, her annual rites be paid, On the green turf, beneath the fragrant sha

bs. 2. — The division of the year alluded to by the second fable, may be explained in two different ways. Proserpine was o

explanations of the fables. A few examples of the kind, however, may be useful to call forth the sagacity and critical ac

se they were swift. Apollo, Phœbus, and Sol, are generally thought to be one and the same deity. Apollo is always represen

balance.) It represents Justice, the balance of which always ought to be perfectly equal. It also signifies that in this m

hen it is seen to approach the earth. Horæ or Seasons are supposed to be the daughters of the sun. Early in the morning, t

he four horses that drew the chariot of the sun? Who were supposed to be the daughter of Sol? Chapter XII. Aurora, Tith

r misfortunes and regrets. Obs. 3. — The fable of Phaeton appears to be an allegory, representing an ambitious youth, inv

account of his victory over the serpent Python, a victory which must be attributed to the sun, which, while enlightening

y fly, Nor basely born, nor shepherd’s swain am I. ——————— What shall be Or is, or ever was, in fate I see. Mine is the in

ed her in some measure immovable, and did not allow her complaints to be heard. The arrows of Apollo represent the rays of

rendered that honour to the nymph Daphne. Apollo wished the laurel to be consecrated to her; and its leaves, used in the c

od beat the satyr, and flayed him alive. The origin of this fable may be accounted for thus: before the invention of the l

nal regions. Obs. 7. — A fable imagined about the raven, deserves to be related. Its plumage was at first white; but Apol

into a crow, and wished its doleful plumage and that of the raven to be at once the proof of his regrets and vengeance. Q

trumpet in her right hand, and a book in her left. She was thought to be the inventress of the guitar. For this reason she

pires light poetry, amorous songs; and her varying physiognomy cannot be painted, because it changes every time that a new

in the year; and, though they are usually nine in number, there must be added three months in the year during which peopl

t from the toils of agriculture. However learned this explanation may be , it is novel, and not generally adopted. Question

from heaven by dint of their incantations; eclipses were supposed to be produced by them; and on such occasions, drums an

ow he came there. One of the crew replied: “Tell us where you wish to be , and thither we will conduct you.” —  “Naxos,” re

ed in honour of Bacchus by the Athenians, showing how greatly men may be deceived by wine. The Ambrosia were feasts instit

the abolition of the Bacchanalia. Alcithœ, a Theban lady, refusing to be present at his festivals, because they were licen

g vintage flow.” Virgil. “But put on horns, and Bacchus thou shalt be .” Ovid. “When gay Bacchus fills my breast, All

Bacchus. They find so striking resemblances between both, that it may be useful to notice some of them, but without preten

of the art of cultivating the vine. In conclusion, therefore, it may be remarked, that, although the great Hebrew lawgive

. The art of spinning indicates that patience and perseverance should be evinced in his works; and the ornaments of tapest

y flee. Obs. 3. — The fable of Minerva’s disputing with Neptune, may be thus explained: Cecrops, having introduced an Egy

ge this difference. It decreed that agriculture and rural life should be preferred to the trade of pirates; it made wise a

rm of an eagle, a bird always victorious. Now and then she is seen to be carried by a globe, to denote that she rules the

s progeny; the chief of whom were Cupid, (while others account him to be the son of Vulcan,) and Harmonia, by Venus, and T

ey expressed. When clad in sensibility’s fairest robe, they could not be examined without emotion. No haughtiness, no forb

at length declared that whoever would surpass her in running, should be her husband; but that whoever would be beaten by

surpass her in running, should be her husband; but that whoever would be beaten by her, should be put to death. Accordingl

hould be her husband; but that whoever would be beaten by her, should be put to death. Accordingly they made their best ef

engthen those bands which attach us to each other, and that we should be grateful for benefits and affectionate. The Grace

e ugly Satyrs, undoubtedly to teach us that the defects of figure may be compensated by the charms of mind and that we sho

we should judge no one by his external appearance. They were said to be sprightly and light, because one should promptly

eward. They were virgins, because inclination to render service is to be accompanied with prudence and discretion. Obs. 2

n the aboriginals of Sicily. Ignorance of their origin caused them to be looked upon as the sons of Heaven and Earth. Thei

oot of Mount Etna; and the flames which it vomits forth, caused it to be regarded as the forge of Vulcan. In like manner t

e souls of men from their bodies, conducted them to Charon’s boat, to be ferried across the Styx. After they had spent som

s. The delicate negociations, in which he was employed, caused him to be deemed the interpreter and messenger of the gods.

ousand; and if the Naiades, the Napæx, the Limniades, &c. &c. be added, we shall find that the deities of the wate

f flowers. Thetis was the most illustrious of the Nereides, and is to be distinguished from the wife of Oceanus. Jupiter l

s wife; and his progeny by his various mistresses are too numerous to be mentioned here. Neptune was a powerful deity. He

rightened away the giants in their wars with the gods. This fable may be considered as a corrupted tradition of the fall o

ody, stopped the ears of his comrades with wax, and caused himself to be bound fast to the mast, by which means he safely

s the power of Proteus to metamorphose himself. Eurydice was about to be married to Orpheus. The hymeneal altar was alread

er tongue no other use was found, Than now she has; which never could be more, Than to repeat what she had heard before.

Tartarus, and so forth. The Arcadians originally considered earth to be animated by a genius, who received from them the

him. His image was a head without a body, to show that he was not to be moved. He was often represented by a pyramidial S

ecure the repose and existence of society. Without it, weakness would be stripped by strength, and lands would remain uncu

ds. A grove near Mount Soracte was sacred to her. It was once said to be on fire; but no sooner had her image been removed

wn of flowers. He appears mounted on an ass, but so intoxicated as to be almost incapable of keeping his seat. The cup, ou

ld befall man,” he deliberately replied, “It is best for all never to be born, but being born, to die very quickly.” His d