Let me tell you, I’ve read a few stories about Dionysus in my time. And I’ve noticed that this important Greek god has inspired ancient writers in a myriad of ways, from poetry to plays. Dionysus appears, for example, in a comic guise in The Frogs of Aristophanes, which contrasts with the more dramatic depiction [...]
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gods
Today, I thought I would explore another work of art here at Mythography. Called Jupiter and Semele, the painting was created in the Nineteenth century by French artist Gustave Moreau. Let’s take a look.
As the title of this painting indicates, two figures are represented : Jupiter and Semele. But who are these figures? Well Jupiter [...]
One of the exhibitions currently on display in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum celebrates a favorite combination of topics. Called “Art and Wine”, the exhibit focuses on the ways this fruit of the vine has influenced art and artists over the centuries. Indeed, this event has many associations with the Greek god Dionysos (who, incidentally, is also [...]
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Anyone who appreciates art and art history has their favorite works, and I am certainly no exception. The paintings I selected today represent different eras in the history of art, including the Renaissance, the Neoclassical period, and the eclectic Nineteenth century.
As for the characters who populate the paintings themselves, they are mainly drawn from Classical [...]
Ah, the love triangle. Three definitely is not good company when it comes to romantic relationships. It seems this story is as old as, well, storytelling itself. Long before Bella (and Edward and Jacob), the tangled trio was already a time-honored feature in literature, poetry, and drama.
The ancient Greeks had their fair share of [...]
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Today, I’d like to share an Ode from the ancient Roman poet Horace. As the opening lines indicate, this Ode is dedicated to the god Bacchus.
“I saw Bacchus today:
In a wild gorge he lay,
Teaching his sacred melodies. O years
To come, credit my glimpse
Of the attentive nymphs
And goat-foot satyrs cocking pointed ears.
Ai, ai, my mind still [...]
The symbols of Hermes are perhaps the most distinctive of all the Olympians. Indeed, the messenger god has a complete set of attributes that identify him in both mythology and art. He is often depicted wearing a hat and boots, and carrying a staff.
Incidentally, my usual caveat applies - this list of the symbols of [...]
Some time ago, I wrote an introduction to river gods in Greek mythology. Today, I want to continue the theme with an exploration of wind gods in Classical myth.
Both the ancient Greeks and Romans recognized and worshiped beings that were essentially personifications of the wind. These wind gods played intriguing roles in many mythological stories.
According [...]
Ah, Poseidon. According to mythology, he was the Greek god of the sea who also happened to be associated with earthquakes.
Here are some of the main symbols of the god Poseidon:
Bull - In ancient Greece, bulls were sacrificed to Poseidon (as well as the other gods). One legendary example is the the bull of Minos. [...]
Cities and Shrines in Greece:
Argos - This city was sacred to the goddess Hera.
Athens - The goddess Athena presided over the city of Athens.
Corinth - A city sacred to both the god Poseidon and the goddess Aphrodite.
Cythera - The goddess Aphrodite was associated with this island.
Delos - The island of Delos was sacred to the [...]