Week 3: Essay--Vengeance and Fidelity: The Persona of Juno

[This week’s essay topic is going to be less serious than last week’s—a vengeful wife rather than incest.  And not just a vengeful wife, but a vengeful goddess.  Let’s get to it!]

I have often found it interesting that the Greek Hera and the Roman Juno can be different versions of the same entity and yet at the same time have completely different reputations.  Whereas Hera is seen as the goddess of the hearth, the mother of all, and a kindly matron, Juno comes across as more vengeful and vindictive.  While she has many of the same characteristics of Hera, she transforms into a crueler mistress because of the different emphases found in Roman culture.  The stories in Ovid’s Metamorphoses,books 1-4, show this change in personality in many stories.

Take, for instance, the story of Io; here Jupiter rapes Io, but in trying to conceal his actions from Juno he actually attracts her attention.  Juno, being rightfully suspicious, comes down and asks Jupiter for a gift—Io—who Jupiter had turned into a white heifer.  Knowing the identity of the cow, Juno keeps Io imprisoned for a long period of time, treating her cruelly because of Jupiter’s dalliance.  It is only upon Jupiter’s urging and begging that Io be set free that Juno finally relents and ends her vengeful tirade.

Not too much later, Ovid tells the story of Semele, another girl who ends up in a relationship with Jupiter.  Here Juno turns Semele’s curiosity against her, urging Semele to ask Jupiter for one gift—to see his true form.  Juno does this while in the guise of an elderly woman, seemingly advising Semele to be wary of her lover’s deception.  But, in fact, Juno knows that if Semele is to see Jupiter’s true form, the mortal Semele will be destroyed.  Thus her play is simply another vindictive act to get back at Jupiter for his various affairs.

No longer is Juno a warm, comforting, matron of the house.  No longer is she simply someone to ask for advice in times of domestic troubles.  Instead, she is this figure with an additional side, a vengeful, harsh, and cruel side; and above all she is a faithful wife who works tirelessly to ensure her husband’s fidelity, punishing him and others whenever Jupiter may stray.

Image Info.  Jupiter and Juno, painting by Annibale Carracci.  Wikipedia.

Week 3: Storytelling--Shrouded Reflection

It often amazes me how quickly one's life may change course, and how dramatically.  In one instant, I was simply a young girl fetching water from my father's stream, then in the next I was a snowy heifer imprisoned under Argus's watchful eyes.  I am Io, and this is my story.

It all began when my father sent me to the stream along the back of our land for fresh water.  Suddenly a man's booming voice echoed over the fields around me, claiming to be mighty Jupiter.  Already promised to another, regardless of whether my pursuer truly was a god, I sprinted away through the woods, leaving the pail of water spilled across the grass behind me.

Fog began to roll out over the earth around me, obscuring my vision and hampering my flight.  Branches appeared seemingly out of nowhere, ripping my garments and skin.  My foot caught on an unseen root, and I was sent sprawling onto the unyielding forest floor.  It was then that Jupiter caught up with me and defiled me, claiming all the while that he cared deeply for me, his most beautiful lover.

At this point, a numbness began to consume me, a numbness as chilled and enshrouding as Jupiter's rolling fog.  I had shamed myself, my father, my family.  I was no longer pure, could no longer belong to another.  But how could I have prevented the actions of a god?

Wracked with guilt and shame, I did not realize the approach of vengeful Juno until she was nearly upon us.  But Jupiter had noted her coming and with a look of panic gestured at me wildly.  Where before there was numbness, there was now an unnatural tingling sensation, and I looked down at my hands and legs to see them elongating, changing shape.  A light coat of snowy fur coated my body, and my feet and hands quickly shifted into cloven hooves of midnight black.  I fell to all fours, and my back began to bow under the weight of my shifting form.  My nose began to stretch away from my face, ears grew taller, and horns sprouted from my head.

I started to cry out for aid, for mercy, but all that emerged was the desperate lowing of a cow.  Shocked, I tried again, only to hear another mournful low.  Unable to accept what was happening, I stood silent as Juno and Jupiter dueled with words above me.

Before I could fully realize my new plight, Juno was tying a rope around me.  With each pull of her hand, the noose tightened around my neck and another low escaped me.  She dragged me onward mercilessly, giving me no time to catch my bearings.  Then, suddenly, a giant of a man with a hundred eyes loomed over me, his figure shrouding me in shadow.  Juno thrust my lead into his hands and disappeared in a burst of fury.

For weeks and months I would graze on bitter herbs under the light of Apollo, drinking muddied waters to slake my thirst.  Under the blackness of night, I would lie on the cold, punishing dirt, gazing at the stars praying for release.  No sound escaped my throat, for the lowing that would have emerged frightened me almost as much as my imprisonment.  And I could not look into any clear waters for fear of facing the reflection of my new and terrible reality.

Eventually, after encountering and subsequently being driven away from my dear father, Jupiter took mercy on me and sent Mercury to kill my jailer.  Juno found Argus slain, and enraged she drove me through the world more harshly than ever before.  When finally I could travel no further, I stumbled to my knees on the banks of the Nile.  I know not what happened then in the heavens, but suddenly all of my supplications were acknowledged and my body began to take on its original form.  Rough hair left my body, the horns disappeared, my mouth and nose shrank back.  My obsidian hooves vanished, replaced by delicate hands and slender feet.

Slowly I drew myself up onto two feet, looking at the reflection of my pale human figure in the Nile with wonder.  Turning my face skyward and raising my arms to the heaven, I spoke aloud in my own tongue for the first time in months, whispering tentatively to whatever god was listening. . .  Words are powerless to express my gratitude--yet I humbly thank you!





Author's Note.  I decided to retell the story of Io from Io's perspective.  I love looking at stories in the first person perspective, and I thought that in this myth Ovid focuses more on Jupiter and Juno than on the helpless victim of Io.  I wanted to express her plight, her vulnerability, her guilt and imprisonment, and her gratefulness regarding the end of her trials.  So hopefully that all shows through.  In this story, Jupiter sees Io out and about and becomes infatuated with her to the point that he rapes her.  Juno sees all of the mysterious fog Jupiter summons and becomes suspicious.  When Jupiter is about to be caught, he transforms Io into a shining white cow, who Juno asks for as a gift to throw Jupiter off guard.  Jupiter stupidly gives in, and poor Io lives under Juno and Argus's rule for a long while before she gets a semi-happy ever after.  I didn't make any big changes other than the perspective, which of course influences the amount of info available to the character and thus the reader (since Io is not at all omniscient).  Hope you enjoyed the story; ciao!

Image Information.  Photo of girl reflected.  Found on Ria-perspective.blogspot.it.

Bibliography.  "Io" from Ovid's Metamorphoses.  Translated by Tony Kline (2000).  Web Source:  Poetry in Translation.

Week 3: Reading Diary--Ovid's Metamorphoses, Installment 4!

From Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 1-4, we reach the conclusion of this segment of enthralling Greco-Roman mythology in this week's second installment!  Let's get to it!!

7.  Semele-  Oh, jealous, vindictive, and violent Juno!  Tricking poor Semele into asking to see Jupiter's true form and thus leading Semele to be consumed by Jupiter's fire.  I also kind of feel bad for Jupiter, as he strikes down his lover unwillingly--until I remember that he had an affair with Semele, and really I should feel bad for Jupiter rather than the adulterous couple. . .

(Echo and Narcissus, painting by John William Waterhouse, 1903.  Wikipedia.)

8-9.  Echo and Narcissus-  Poor Echo.  Lost her voice 'cause she helped her friends have affairs with Jupiter behind Juno's back.  (I mean, really, can you blame Juno for her wrath here?)  And the worst part is that Echo is clever, and Narcissus is just an arrogant, selfish jerk.  He deserves what's coming to him.  Though wasting away as you stare at yourself can't be the worst end, if Narcissus really is as beautiful/handsome as they come.  And this is definitely a twist on the whole unrequited love story, when the person who cannot return the love is yourself.  Plus, there are many worse fates than being turned into a pretty yellow flower.

(Pyramus and Thisbe, painting by Pierre Gautherot, 1799.  Wikimedia.)

10.  Pyramus and Thisbe-  Thisbe, Thisbe, wherefore art thou Thisbe!  Oh, the tales of star-crossed lovers committing suicide in the night!  Here we have another tale of forbidden love, this time aided by a crack in the wall and ended by a playful but bloody lion.  And of course in Romeo and Juliet you don't have a fountain of blood turning the fruit of a mulberry tree red, but Shakespeare can't have all the romance, now can he?

11.  Mars and Venus-  I guess there is definitely humor in finding two gods bound together shamefully in bed, but then you think of poor Vulcan who must have been heartbroken and this is a much less amusing tale. . .

12 -13.  Perseus (Andromeda and Medusa)-  I never really understood everybody's fascination with Perseus.  He's kind of an a** if you know what I mean.  He just assumes things are his, kills any "monster" or enemy in his way, and leaves a trail of "allies" and lovers behind him.  Sometimes I feel like cheering against Perseus, even though I know how the stories end.

I'm running a little short on time, so ciao!!

Week 3: Reading Diary--Ovid's Metamorphoses I

Since I enjoy reading Ovid's mythology so much, I decided to go back to the beginning of the Metamorphoses and read some of the earlier tales (from Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 1-4).  Let's review some more Greco-Roman stories!!

 (Deucalion and Pyrrha Praying, oil painting by Tintoretto, c. 1542.  Wikimedia.)

1.  Deucalion and Pyrrha-  Here we have the quintessential flood story that can be found throughout various mythologies and religious histories.  (Which in itself raises all sorts of questions, but there is not enough room in this post to expand on my fascination.)  I translated this story from the Latin last semester, and there is simply so much meaning and depth and various double meanings enclosed in the text, as well as this overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and desperation.  And here you have a great example of the uncertainty and vague meanings of prophecies/directions given by gods.  A great story, indeed.

2.  Io-  Here we see one of many stories revolving around Jupiter's dalliances and Juno's revenge, leading to the unfortunate demise of an unlucky, beautiful, young girl.  You almost feel bad for Jupiter's dilemma, but not really.  He's basically a lustful idiot who gets caught red-handed.  (There is also an interesting etiological anecdote here about the creation of the peacock's tail which I really love.)

(The Fall of Phaeton, painting by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1604.  Wikipedia.)

3-5.  Phaethon- This is basically the tale of a reckless and bold young boy who decides he is indestructible and wants to drive Phoebus' chariot of the sun--which of course results in Phaethon's death and nearly results in the destruction of the earth and the heavens.  Boys and their toys. . .

6.  Callisto-  Here we have another story of Jupiter's transgressions.  This time the girl he rapes is one who was a companion of Diana--possibly my favorite Roman goddess.  Meanwhile, I often wonder how the Romans could have any respect for a god who employs various trickeries to cheat on his wife and rape innocent women.  And then of course you have Juno, who is rightfully outraged but always takes it out on the women instead of Jupiter.  Oh, antiquity!


I leave you here, and will continue on later tonight/tomorrow with more depressing tales missing the happily-ever-after element we are so fond of!

Buongiorno!

Week 2: Famous Last Words--Maximus

"There was once a dream that was Rome; it shall be realized."

Oh, Gladiator.  I finally watched this movie for the first time last Thursday, in preparation for my weekend trip to Rome.  (The same trip that can be blamed for the lateness of this and other posts this weekend.)  Three full days in Rome, with an average of 15 miles walked each day--no joke.  My feet still ache.  But it was worth it.  Totally and completely worth it.


The first day consisted mostly of the entire OUA group wandering around together, being informed of history by Kirk.  We even got to wear radios with one ear-piece, making us look very tourist/secret service, haha.  The first place we visited was the Colosseum.  THE COLOSSEUM.  Gahhh!  Are you entertained?  'Cause I was!  And it was just as cool by night as it originally was by day.  I still find it hard to believe I was actually there. . .

Later we headed over to the Roman forum, walking through while completely in shock, attempting to visualize what it must have looked like centuries ago.  Oh, the history!  I can't even describe the feeling. . .  On our way to the Pantheon (possibly my favorite place in Rome!), we visited the site of Julius Caesar's assassination.  The Julius Caesar.  Et tu, Brute?  Then fall, Caesar!

The Pantheon was incredible, beyond description.  The oculus provides such a sense of space and openness, while the various sculptures and paintings heighten the impressive aura of history and- and everything.  I can't express how amazing it was.

We walked home that night, passing monuments such as Castel San Angelo and the Vatican.  That's right, the Vatican.   It was literally a 5 minute walk from our hostel to the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica.  Incredible. . .

The second day was spent wandering the Vatican, while the night was spent wandering the streets and historical monuments of Rome.  The second night even ended with a gelato at 11:30 pm.  No joke.  (It was from Giulitti's and had 3 flavors--champagne, Italian opera, and mint.  Best.  Gelato.  Everrrr.)  But back to the Vatican.

Not only is it the Vatican, but the sheer amount of art and history enclosed in those walls is truly remarkable.  Even spending hours and hours walking those halls, we didn't even see a fraction of the art held there.  But we saw works by Raphael, da Vinci, Matisse, Van Gogh, Dali, and so many more!  We viewed the Belvedere torso, Laocoon, Augustus d' Prima Porta, La Pieta.  The Sistine Chapel.  And The School of Athens.  So much wonderful art in one day, I was seriously overwhelmed.

That day we weren't able to enter St. Peter's Basilica because of the length of the line outside, but the following day we got up early and entered quickly.  And, goodness, once again I was overwhelmed.  Masses were going on, echoing through the gilded halls.  Mosaics decorated the walls, and statues lined the nave and aisles.  In the grotto we were able to see the supposed resting place of St. Peter, and it was simply awesome.

After venturing around the interior of the basilica itself, we walked up the 551 stairs to reach the top of the dome and the remarkable vista of Rome from above.  Though my legs felt like jelly by the time I reached the dome, again, it was definitely worth it.  Though the thin, steep staircases with sloping walls near the top were no joke.  By the time we were at the top the line to enter the basilica seen below reached all the way around the courtyard in a complete circle, and there was some kind of event occurring in the middle of the piazza.

All in all, I had an unforgettable weekend in one of the cities I was looking forward to the most.  Even if I got little sleep and walked an innumerable number of miles, I wouldn't have traded this trip for anything.  Great company, great city, ancient history. . . What more could you ask for?!



Buonanotte!


Image Information.  These are all personal photos, taken from Jan. 23-25, 2015.  In order, they are images of the interior of the Colosseum, the exterior of the Colosseum by night, Castel San Angelo, Raphael's School of Athens, the main dome of St. Peter's Basilica, and the view from partway up inside St. Peter's Basilica.

Week 2: Storybook Topics--Ummmmm. . .

Since last semester in Epics of India I wrote a storybook on epic romances, I have decided to try something different--possibly very different.  We shall just have to wait and see. . .

Topic 1:  Stories from Greco-Roman Mythology
Comments:  Just in case no one has noticed yet, I am a huge fan of Greco-Roman mythology.  My fascination with ancient history and culture is why I decided to become a letters major, and I would love to be able to spread my enjoyment to others through retelling some of my favorite stories.
Possible Stories: I could go in so many different directions with this topic, but I would probably focus on some notable women.  Possible stories would be:  Atalanta, Arachne, Medea, Medusa, Pandora, Europa or maybe Andromeda.
Sample Story Comments:   I love the story of Arachne because of how varied the tellings and endings are of the various versions of this tale that we have.  In some versions she wins her weaving competition against Athena, and in some she loses.  Of course, in all versions she is turned into a spider, and I do love a good etiology.
Bibliography Information:
Sample Story:  Arachne
Website: Wikipedia.

Topic 2:  Italian Folklore

Comments:  Of course since I am studying abroad in Italy there is much about the cultural heritage that fascinates me greatly at the moment, including the Italian folklore from various regions.

Possible Stories: Stories that interest me include The Language of Animals, Zelinda and the Monster, Sir Fiorante Magician, and maybe Water and Salt.

Sample Story Comments: I really enjoyed reading the story of Sir Fiorante and his wives, as it had a lot of twists and an ending that I still don't know how I feel about.  It's definitely different from the traditional fairy tales I grew up on, and that makes it very intriguing to me.

Bibliography Information:  

Sample Story: Sir Fiorante, Magician

Website: UnTextbook.

Topic 3:  Supernatural Creatures

Comments:  I've always loved a good fantasy or fairytale, filled with monsters and wondrous creatures.  This topic would allow me to take some of these stories and either retell them with my own flair or turn them on their heads in new and surprising ways.

Possible Stories: Honestly, I have creatures in mind more than specific stories.  I'd probably throw in a dragon, a phoenix, maybe a unicorn or pegasus, a griffin, and maybe a hippocampus or a siren.  Not quite sure, since there are so many creatures and stories to choose from!

Sample Story Comments: I really love the idea of writing a story about a griffin.  There are similar versions of this kind of creature throughout so many cultures and ideologies, and the griffin stood for a variety of different things depending on who it was used by.  It's also simply a magnificent creature, and I would love the chance to portray that.

Bibliography Information:  

Sample Story: Griffin

Website: Wikipedia.

Topic 4:  Urban Legends

Comments:  Everybody loves a good urban legend--admit it!  Horror stories in particular are fun to write and even more fun to read (especially in the dark, around a campfire, in the middle of the woods, on a chilly, moonless night, haha).  So, yeah, this could be an extremely fun and engaging storybook topic.

Possible Stories: Stories such as that of Black Agnes, black-eyed children, the vanishing hitchhiker, the limousine of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and more would be awesome to write!

Sample Story Comments: Black-eyed children are really interesting to me, especially because in the past couple of years there have been a surge of stories concerning their appearance.  Besides, there is so much I could do with the topic of mysteriously present, transient, creepy children appearing from the depths of darkness. . .

Bibliography Information:  

Sample Story:  Black-eyed Children

Website:  Snopes.

Week 2: Essay--Roman Stigmas Against Incestual Love in Ovid's Metamorphoses

[Soooo. . . I'm going to get nice and heavy with the topic of incestuous relationships.  Perhaps I can find a way to throw in a few underhanded comments and such, but if unnatural and stigmatized relations make you uncomfortable, consider this your warning.]

In traditional Roman society, incest was not only stigmatized by the greater population, but was also deemed an illegal act, with incestuous relationships seen as perverted and criminal desires.  This theme of incest being looked down upon and harshly criticized can be found in numerous stories of Ovid's Metamorphoses, including the tales of Byblis and of Iphis. But more particularly, throughout the language of the story of Myrrha and Cinyras, this sentiment of perversion and crime that defines incestuous relationships is clearly evident.  For example, it is stated that romantic love for your father is a crime greater than paternal hatred, and that Cupid adamantly denied having created such love so as not to be blamed for such a distasteful passion.

Indeed, even Myrrha recognizes the perversion in her feelings, constantly berating herself and attempting to deny her love.  But in addition to this denial, Myrrha also attempts to justify her desires, claiming that such love cannot in fact be sinful since it is so common among animals; in fact, if nature allows incestual acts then, she states, it most simply be the spiteful rule of humans which prevent expression of her passion.

But, even so, Ovid floods this story with a pervasive sentiment and vocabulary of crime, of sin, and of guilt.  In fact, in the description of her pregnancy terms such as "disgusting womb," "sinful burden," and "criminally conceived" mark Myrrha's actions with the greatest of stigmas and criticisms.  The profanity of her aberrant dalliance is clearly evident in Ovid's depiction of events, only further solidified by the satisfying end in which Myrrha receives her just punishment--a transformation into a tree which denies her both the joys of living and the relative peace of death.  Thus this myth serves to portray one of the traditional moral sentiments of ancient Roman society, that acts (or even feelings) of romantic passion between individuals sharing a familial relationship are among the most shameful of transgressions.



Image Information.  The Spirit of the Virgin Forest.  Mixed media photo manipulation by MaLize, 2012.  DeviantArt.

Sources.  Myrrha and Cinyras from Ovid's Metamorphoses, as translated by Tony Kline, 2000.  UnTextbook, Ovid's Metamorphoses Books 8-10.

Also, I utilized snippets and factoids from an essay of mine entitled "Stigma Against Incestual and Unnatural Romantic Attachment in Ovid's Metamorphoses," 2014.

Week 2: Storytelling--Feathers on the Waves

I tire of these shores. Of the pounding surf on the harsh jagged rocks, the relentless crashing of the surf.  I built the king a wondrous labyrinth, and in return he trapped me here, far away from my native lands.  But I will not let him take from me my future, my home!

If there is no way to escape by land or by sea, than our last recourse must be the sky.  For King Minos does not rule the heavens, even though in his arrogance he believes that he owns everything.  My son and I must escape through the skies, flying as the birds over land and sea, soaring through ivory clouds.

I will make us wings!  Wings comprised of feathers fallen from birds on this wretched island, of the long reeds that are used to play such sweet music, and of beeswax and thread which fasten together my invention along a gentle curve.  With them, we will defy the natural order and fly from foreign shores.

But, alas! I worry for Icarus, my dear son.  He is impulsive, reckless, and knows not danger.  I do not wish for him a life of imprisonment, and I wish that he may live once again on the beautiful shores of our homeland.  Yet I am afraid he will not heed my warnings, that he will dip low over the waters and be weighted down by the moisture of the damp sea air.  Or that he may soar too high, and that the wax binding together his wings may melt in the heat of the sun.

But I will not allow us to live here, imprisoned unjustly on this gods-forsaken isle!

And so, as we prepare to leap off into the sky, I issue to my darling son a final warning.  He nods at me eagerly, green eyes sparking with mischief.  I wish to smile back at him, but my heart is sinking, and I cannot stop the tears that streak silently down my face.  My hands tremble and shudders wrack my body as I affix his wings, and I cannot help but place a gentle kiss upon his forehead as a silent prayer to the gods.

I am prolonging our departure; it is time for us to take to the skies!  I beat my wings strongly, feeling the resistance of the air as I lift off from the accursed isle.  Anxiously I look down upon Icarus, who in his rush fails once before rising from the ground.  He looks at me with wonder, mouth dropping open, amazed at this skill, this new game.  More shudders travel down my spine, increasing my unease.  But we are flying, airborne, between the sun and the sea and on the pathway home!

No!  By Hercules, no!  Icarus, I turn away for a moment to find our path and already you have abandoned your father, your guide!  Come back to me!  Do not let your desire for the heavens overcome your sense, your reason!  Return, before devouring Helios destroys your wings, our only hope for escape and survival!  Icarus!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He is gone.  My son, my darling, beautiful, lively son is simply gone.  Swallowed by the seas after having been ravished by the sun.  His last word was my name, cried out in a moment of true terror, and I could only look on in dreadful realization--I was going to lose him.

Agony rips through me, tearing my very soul in two.  I did this.  I did this.  My quest for escape, my desire for home, the inventions of my mind led to this inevitable end.  I killed him.  I killed my son.

Icarus!  Your feathers survived the fall, now decorating the waves below like streamers left dejected on a street after the festival has passed through.  A last testament to your downfall, a decoration on what may well be your unforgiving tomb.

Icarus!  Where are you?  Which way should I turn, to find you?!  Your scorched body lies below, tormented and tossed by unrelenting waves.  But even as I swoop down to retrieve you, I know it is too late.

So rest, my darling son, on this peaceful isle, far from the land of our imprisonment.  Rest, and remember only the glory of flight, and not the terror of the fall.  Rest, and remember our wondrous homeland, its fertile soils and gentle slopes.

Rest, Icarus, and forgive me, a father who only wished the best for his child.

Author's Note.  Hey, all!  So I decided to tell the story of Daedalus and Icarus, one of my favorites from Greco-Roman mythology.  I told it from the perspective of Daedalus, simply because whenever you read other versions of this tale, you just know what is going to happen, and you know he knows it, too.  Yet he still attempts escape, even realizing he may well lose his impulsive son.  Imagine the heartbreak of knowing you invention may--and then does--kill your son.  That you have to watch on in agony and horror as he falls from the skies, first burned by the skies and then tormented by the seas.  How heartbreaking must that moment have been? . . . Anyways, I hope that you enjoyed my retelling!  Ciao!

Image Information.  The Glory of Icarus, photo manipulation; ReyeD33.  DeviantArt.
The Fall of Icarus, photo manipulation; ramastom.  DeviantArt.

Bibliography.  "Daedalus and Icarus" from Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Tony Kline (2000).  Web Source: Poetry in Translation.

Week 2: Reading Diary B--Ovid's Metamorphoses

Now let's continue reading Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 8-10, to see if anyone besides Baucis and Philemon will receive a fairytale ending:

(The Rape of Ganymede, engraving by F. Kirchbach 1892.  Wikimedia.)

11.  Ganymede and Hyacinthus-  Anybody else find it intriguing and yet pedophilic how much famous Greco-Roman deities and heroes loved young boys?  Passions and ideals of a bygone era that continue today but with a very different perspective. . . Fascinating and curious in the possible reasons for and causes of changes in ethics/morality.  Also, you can't help but feel bad for Hyacinthus, who was only trying to please and play with the handsome and shining Phoebus Apollo.  And for Apollo to accidentally kill Hyacinthus like that and have all efforts to save him fail?--how traumatizing that must have been.  All-around, this was quite a depressing tale.

12.  Pygmalion-  You've gotta love the absurdity of this tale, and how many iterations have been made of it in modern times--just look at the newest TV adaptation, Selfie.  (*shudder* Then again, that show isn't a sterling example of a well-executed retelling.)  But to be able to create the perfect man/woman simply by carving it out of stone and praying to the gods--how much easier (if less eventful/exciting) would our love-lives be?!  Granted, this whole tale is another brand of creepy, and yet it is about as fairy-tale as these myths can be. , ,

13-15.  Myrrha and Cinyras, Myrrha and the Nurse, Myrrha's Punishment-  Earlier this year I wrote a paper about Myrrha and some other characters from the Metamorphoses who entertain innappropriate and/or unnatural romantic desires, and let me just say that stuff can get weird reallllly quickly, haha.  But seriously, fathers and daughters, KEEP AWAY!!!

16.  Venus and the Adonis-  At least this tale is back to a more traditional love, I guess?  The most beautiful boy and the passionate goddess of love wounded by Cupid's arrow--an odd but apt pairing.

(Atalanta and the Boar, image by BeatrizMarinVidal.  DeviantArt.)

17.  Atalanta and Hippomenes-  A beautiful, talented, athletic girl, a hapless boy, and innumerable deaths when the race cannot be won.  What more do you need to craft a wondrous tale?  Also, the fact that a boy's mind can be so easily swayed by outward beauty is kind of disappointing, if somewhat realistic.  What happened to inner beauty, to personality and mind over appearance?  *sigh*

18.  The Foot-Race-  To think girls can be so easily swayed by shiny things--there is nothing at all sexist about that.  Ughhhh.  Not to mention the whole forbidden intercourse encounter which just twists this whole tale into something. . . unseemly.  Though to be transformed into a lion isn't that bad; I mean, goddesses can be pretty ruthless, so that was a relatively tame punishment.

19.  The Death of Adonis-  Oh, Adonis, how painful and gory your end!  But you get a pretty flower created in your name, so it's not all bad.  (Goodness, that sounds totally apathetic.)

And there you go!  Story selections from books 8-10 of the Metamorphoses, along with some brief thoughts and comments!  Now to decide which story to retell. . .

Buonanotte!!!

Week 2: Reading Diary--Ovid's Metamorphoses

Soooo. . .  Last semester I had lots of issues in keeping reading diaries short.  Let's see if I can remedy that issue this semester!

(Image of Icarus flying too close to the sun; unknown origin, found on rscheuring.wordpress.com)

Jumping right in to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 8-10:

1.  Daedalus and Icarus-  I, for one, have always been intrigued by the Minotaur; he's just such an impressive and yet unsettling character, and it seems unfair that he suffers so much for his mother's transgressions.  As far as Daedalus goes, you cannot help but sympathize with a guy who builds a labyrinth because of his skill and renown, only to be imprisoned by the king because of the shameful thing his maze hides.  Then to be so ingenious as to create working wings, only to have an impulsive and bold son die by your invention as you look on helplessly so close to home--goodness, I can't even imagine.  Poor, poor Daedalus.  :(

2.  Philemon and Baucis-  Another of my favorite tales, this is one of only a few stories in the Metamorphoses with a truly happy ending.  Also, it's just plain adorable.  I can easily picture an old, bent couple with kindly smiles and crinkles around their eyes opening their door to a couple of travel-weary strangers and providing a feast out of what little they have while doting merrily on the pair. . .

3.  Transformation of Philemon and Baucis-  Granted, the ending is only so happy when everyone around the couple dies, but still.  The adorable old people got to live together, die together, and remain together until the end of time.  I'd say that's the happiest ending to be expected in a Greco-Roman myth.

4.  Ceres and Erysichthon-  A bleeding tree is one of those things that freaks me out considerably.  If trees bleed, and animals bleed, and all suffer pain, what are we supposed to eat?

5.  The Famine-  "baleful Hunger". . . Anybody else find that appositive/address somewhat oxymoronic?  No?  Just me?  'K then.  (Also, I never want to come across Famine, like ever.  Talk about creeptastic. . . )

6.  Achelous-  "I was like a massive pile that the roaring flood assaults with all its might: it remains, secure in its own bulk."  <--This perfectly describes how I feel after a four-course Italian meal, haha.

7.  The Shirt of Nessus-  Always the jilted lovers kill off everyone else--why can't they just admit defeat and let somebody live on happily?  Why?!

8.  The Death of Hercules-  Most gruesome and detailed death scene ever.  You kinda feel bad for Hercules but, I don't know, he's just not all that he's cracked up to be.  So die, Hercules, die!  (I am not a violent person, really.  Believe me or don't, that's your prerogative, haha.)

9.  The Birth of Hercules-  A story about the pain of childbirth--this is why I don't really want to have children; perhaps I will just adopt.  It's less torturous that way, lol.

10.  Orpheus and Eurydice-  Oh, a romantic tale of love that will transcend Death to last a little bit longer!  Except, you know, then Orpheus fails and his love is abruptly cut short and he turns to little boys for pleasure. . . So, yeah, not really a romantic tale of transcendent love after all. . .


To be continued!!!  Arrivederci!

Week 1: Famous Last Words--Romeo & Juliet

"Eyes, look your last!  Arms, take your last embrace!  and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death!"

And with those passionate but somber words, I will embark on a tale of Verona, a tale of travel and adventure--and countless maps, haha.  This past weekend, I went with a group of people here at OUA and traveled to Verona, which does not center solely around Romeo and Juliet, shocking as that may be.  While I did leave a letter at the Juliet wall and rub the Juliet statue for luck (feeling like a pervert the entire time, lol), it turned out that Verona is, all in all, a marvelous city with plenty of places to visit and much to see.

(Archway in Verona; personal photograph, Jan. 19 2015)

My favorite part of Verona was either the castles--both the intact and gorgeous Castelvecchio situated along the river and the ruins of multiple castles on a hilltop overlooking the city with the small but intact Castel San Pietro as the crowning jewel--or the huge Roman amphitheatre, the vast majority of which still stands.

(Crypts of the Lords of Verona; personal photograph, Jan. 19 2015.  Roman amphitheatre in Verona; personal photograph, Jan. 18 2015.)

Wandering through city streets we came across multiple ancient Roman arches, various sarchophagi/crypts of the Lords of Verona and other significant persons, and scattered Roman ruins running underneath the streets.  Churches abound, many striped red and white with warm colors and bright frescoes decorating the ornate interiors, with vaulting and stained glass windows opening up the space in a magnificent and glorious display.  All in all, a fantastic trip!!  (Especially seeing as I managed to navigate various train stations and stops along the way without any untoward happenings, haha.)

(Church San Zeno; personal photograph, Jan. 19 2015.)

Now to bow down to the reality that is coursework!  Ciao!

"Go, get thee hence, for I will not away.  What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand? . . . I will kiss thy lips;  Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, To make die with a restorative."

Week 1: Exploring the Untextbook--Too Much to Choose From!

Alrighty, so it's getting pretty late here in Italy and all these hills and all of the walking and orientations are kicking my behind.  That, mixed with the overwhelming amount of options (all of which I wish I can/could explore!), is bound to lead to a blog post which is both brief and bumbling.  Here goes!!

The four reading units that--at this moment, at least--I am interested in are. . . Drum roll, please!

1.  Italian Tales:  Being in Italy and all, and knowing only the ancient Roman and Greek mythology as I do, it would be utterly fascinating to read some of the popular folktales and fairytales of this wondrous country!  Add in the fact that these include stories much like the ones I was raised on, and I'm hooked!  And can we please have a rooster as a Pope?  That sounds pretty awesome, haha.  As long as it's an educated, confirmed, virtuous rooster, of course.

2.  Europe (I or II):  European history, culture, languages, folklore, food, etc. all excite me, even more so now that I have the opportunity to travel to some of the places and experience some of the things we have always heard and learned about.  I am always looking for more information on cultures I know relatively little about, and I feel these fairy tales could help me at least feel like I relate to these foreign countries on some level while learning a bit about them.  So yeah, let's go!

3.  Celtic Fairy Tales:  I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but EUROPE!!  Plus, I have always had a soft spot for tales of selkies, and Nessie, and leprechauns and . . . well, Irish/Scottish/Welsh stories.  They're just so rich and often different than a lot of other tales.  So even if I wasn't planning on going to Ireland and possibly Scotland, I would still be really intrigued by this unit.

4.  Arabian Nights:  For once my explanation of my interest has only to do with my interest.  (See if you can puzzle out that late-night, slap-happy, circular logic, haha.)  The Arabian Nights are stories that I have always wanted to read but have always been kind of wary of jumping into on my own.  1001 tales is just daunting.  But the whole premise of these tales and the romanticism and nesting of it just enthralls me.  I am sure I will be as enchanted by Scheherazade as all of her listeners!!


G'night all!  (I'm too tired to think of/look up another Italian phrase for goodbye. . . So, yup.  G'night!




Image Information.  Scheherazade.  Illustration by H.J. Ford in The Arabian Nights' Entertainments, 1898.  (Found in the Untextbook.)

Week 1: Storybook Favorites--Let the Inspiration Abound!

In my quest for inspiration for my upcoming Myth & Folklore Storybook, I came across three storybooks that I actually read in total because I was so intrigued and drawn in.  Also, probably because I'm still jet-lagged and writing this at like 1 am, this post may get a little rambling--just bear with me!


The first Storybook that really caught my eye was up near the top of the list:  The Kalevala As Interpreted by Dr. Seuss.  At first it caught my eye because who doesn't like Dr. Seuss?  Then, when I clicked the link to go to the homepage, the juxtaposed images of Dr. Seuss characters and some creepy creatures increased my interest.  And while the sight design is somewhat sparse and plain, the stories were just plain awesome!

Whoever wrote this storybook has a great grasp of rhyme and meter, and the way they were able to shorten the tales they told while keeping the essence of the characters and the stories is impressive.  The verse format worked perfectly, and the images aligned with the stories in such a way that they added to the experience of this storybook.  Now if only I could write short stories in rhyme, I would be set!

(screenshot of the Kalevala/Dr. Seuss Storybook)

The second Storybook to draw me in was Flipped Scripts: History, Written by the Vanquished.  Anyone who was in Epics of India with me last semester will have realized by now that I love taking the perspectives of minor characters or "villains," and using their voice to turn stories on their head or at least to raise some doubts and questions not before thought of.  But the way that this storybook does so in such a serious and yet lighthearted way is truly fantastic.  With the two narrators, Puff and The Dude, they are able to mediate the stories and bring in some humor and relief when topics get deep.  Yet there is still a lot of truth to the variations/backstories presented here, and so I really enjoyed seeing someone else's method of twisting tales.

(screenshot of Flipped Scripts)

The third Storybook to grab my attention (though certainly not the last!) was Nursery Rhymes Gone Wrong.  These types of continuations of classic tales are fascinating, giving insight both on the rhymes and most definitely on the people who write them.  Enter the world of Little Betty Blue, who is friends with some nursery rhyme stars you know, and a couple you may not.  Quickly, you will lose your bearings as these characters turn dark or daring, as they lose their minds and their control.  A fascinating storybook, the author utilizes images and narration to further the detail of the stories and the characterizations of the protagonists.  Loved this book, the writing style, the stories, and definitely the fonts!  Maybe it's time I write a collection of horror stories. . .

(screenshot of Nursery Rhymes Gone Wrong)

Buonanotte!

Week 1: Introduction to Mythology & Folklore!

Now that this NEW blog has been established, I believe it is time to formally introduce myself.  Or at least it's time to informally introduce myself, if I am being completely accurate.

(A personal photograph of my front porch from my favorite

tree to sit and read in; July 2014)

I am a Pennsylvanian; originally from (and raised in) Macungie, PA, though I now live in Mount Bethel, PA--where formerly I spent every summer since I was a baby.  So I guess you could say I have two hometowns, haha.  I came to OU due to the National Merit Scholarship and fantastic Honors College programs.  And, upon attending school here, I have realized that there is no other university where I would rather be!

I am double-majoring in Biology & Letters, a very eclectic (but fitting) duo.  I have always wanted to go into some kind of animal behavioral research, but also find the classics, literature, philosophy, history and language fascinating--making my choice in majors perfect but widely encompassing as far as subject matter goes.  This semester I am studying abroad in Arezzo, Italy through the OUA study abroad program, so I am busy learning Italian (all I know are a few words and phrases, so I'm kinda lost right now, haha) and traveling across Europe while trying to keep up with 15 hours of coursework--it should be an adventure and a half!!!  I am taking Renaissance Art in Italy, Machiavelli's Modern Princes, The Republican Tradition, Italian Cultural Literacy, and of course Myth & Folklore.  So, yeah, a busy semester all in all.

As far as hobbies go, I love to read, watch a variety of movies and TV shows, like to write stories (though I have issues with completing what I start. . . whoops!), enjoy playing sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, and ping pong, like to sketch (even if I'm not an utterly fantastic artist), love to hike and kayak, and all-around enjoy any time spent outdoors.  I have also recently resumed running, an exercise that seems to get the better of me more often than not.  Since I'm in Europe, I'm sure my main hobbies and sideline activities here will be traveling (wherever and whenever possible!), enjoying ALL of the Italian food, and wandering the rustic countryside and historical city while being blissfully inept at speaking the local language.  All good things, haha.

(One of my favorite silly photos of my sisters and I a couple of years ago

when we were moving out of our old house; November 2012)

I have two sisters, one older and one younger, and I am two years apart from each of them.  If this had been written before this past summer, I would have stated that I have two pets--a Brittany spaniel named Buddy and a gray calico cat named Princess.  But then my sister decided to adopt an eight-week-old German shepherd/Anatolian shepherd mix puppy, so now I have yet another pet to list.  And while she is absolutely adorable, Calypso has proven to be a very mischievous puppy.  Unfortunately she has only grown more curious and energetic over the past few months, but she is a lovable sweetheart and luckily isn't--at least yet--as large as previously predicted, which makes her easier to manage, haha.

(Personal photographs of our new puppy, Calypso, on the left and my Brittany,

Buddy (under my favorite reading tree!) on the right; August 2014)

Well, now that you know the basics about me, it is time for the fun to truly begin.  Onward and upward we go!!

Arrivederci!

Week 1: Storytelling--The Echo of Tommy Lin

There once was a little boy named Tommy Lin who lived on a farm.  Now this little boy was not your typical, somewhat-meddlesome but rather well-behaved child.  No, Tommy Lin was the kind of boy who would sneer at you and cause shivers to roll down your spine and goosebumps to pebble on your skin.  He was the boy who you would turn around and watch as you walked away from him so as to never turn your back to him.  He was the boy whose laughs seemed to echo on forever as he mocked you.  He was the kind of boy who brought you nightmares.

And yet, somehow, Tommy Lin always seemed to maneuver so that adults never saw him act out.  While even they refused to turn their backs on him, nothing could ever be proven against him--and you can't do anything about a child who simply gives you the creeps.  But that all changed the day Echo, Mr. Lin's barn mouser, was found drowned in a well.

You see, Tommy Lin never did like that cat.  He was always locking it out of the house, giving it spoiled milk, or kicking it if it got too close.  Then one day poor old Echo raced right into a baited trap Tommy Lin had left for him; I mean, have you ever known a mouser not to chase after a live mouse?  Echo was only doing what he was supposed to, and he wound up dead.

In fact, it was not until later that evening that Echo was discovered.  Mr. Lin ran outside to find his dog Pioneer whining at something in the farm's well, and upon investigation found a strangled, waterlogged cat floating on the top of the water.  Yet Echo had done one final valiant deed before his drowning--he had scratched Tommy Lin across the face, marking the boy for his murder.  When confronted by his father, Tommy Lin only laughed; he laughed all the way to the correctional center and behind padded doors.  And, to this day, his laughs still echo through the fields of his father's farms, along the roads of the town, and in the cell where he stands grinning through the bars. . .





Author's Note.  This story is based on the nursery rhyme "Ding, dong, bell," which can be found in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang and illustrated by L. Leslie Brooke (1897).  The original rhyme is written as follows:

Ding, dong, bell,

Pussy's in the well!

Who put her in?--

Little Tommy Lin.

Who pulled her out?--

Dog with long snout.

What a naughty boy was that

To drown poor pussy-cat,

Who never did any harm,

But kill'd the mice in his father's barn.

I decided to take a risk (and a new storytelling route for me) and create a mini horror story out of it.  Now to find a dying campfire on a farm and wait for a dark, cloudy night. . .

Additional Author's Note.  This was originally written by me last semester, so hopefully I caught any errors I missed then and it is still enjoyable to read!!!

Image Information.  A photograph of a farmhouse ruin in the winter.  Photographer Peter Dargatz. Source: Pixabay.

Week 1: Grand Cayman and Arezzo. . . Two NEW Favorite Places!!!

So this year is going to be kind of insane for me--but in a good way!!  Thanks to my older sister's college graduation gift and my own opportunity to study abroad, I recently found two new favorite places to blog about.  Granted, this post talks about my favorite places back home, but I thought I'd put up something new!




My final week of winter break, thanks to my sister and the generosity of my grandparents, I got to take a trip with my sisters and my younger sister's boyfriend to the Cayman Islands and spend a week relaxing in the sun.  The beach was literally at our back doorstep, and the sound of the sea could be heard throughout our timeshare.  (The fact that I was able to get a tan while back home the temps only got up to a high of like 20 degrees was an added bonus, haha.)

(Personal photo of timeshare in Grand Cayman.  January 2015)

We went to a Pedro Castle, the oldest building on the island, went to the same restaurant as Taylor Swift a mere 2 hours before she ate there (so close!), went hiking, saw an amazing botanical garden, and marveled at the loquacious local parrots and massive blue iguanas--as well as the hundreds (thousands?) of free-roaming chickens/roosters and domestic cats.  All in all, a fun and fantastic vacation!!!

(Personal photo of Cayman parrot in Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens, Grand Cayman.  January 2015)

Roughly 12 or so hours after returning home from that trip, I got to get back on a plane to fly over to Arezzo, Italy for my semester abroad!  And while I have only been here a couple of days, already I know that this is a place that I will love and remember for life!!!

(Photo of myself and friends with gelato in Arezzo Italy.  Taken by Wade Hensley.  January 13, 2015.  Facebook.)

The surrounding vineyards and olive trees, the walled city with its history and rich culture, the people, my apartment, and the food--aahhh, the food--are so amazing and perfect that I still can barely believe that I am not dreaming.

 (Personal photo of the country outside the walls of Arezzo, Italy.  January 13, 2015.)

There you go.  Two more favorite places to add to my list.  And be assured, as I travel throughout this semester, I will most definitely have more places to add, haha.

Ciao!!!

Testing, Testing: 4, 5, 6. . .

Since I loved Epics of India so darn much, here I am, once again crafting a blog for my thoughts and takes on more mythology and folklore!  Who's ready for more storytelling?!