Myths And Folklore Rediscovered

Norse Mythology: The Epic Journey of Beowulf #vikings #viking #valhalla In the distant realms of ancient Scandinavia, a tale of heroic valor and unyielding courage was etched into the annals of history. This is the saga of Beowulf, a warrior whose deeds echoed through time, embodying the essence of honor and bravery. 00:22 Reign of Terror: Grendel's Curse The saga begins in the Danish kingdom ruled by King Hrothgar. In his grand mead hall, Herot, the sounds of revelry once echoed far and wide, but a shadow fell upon the hall, the shadow of Grendel, a monstrous creature of darkness and rage. Night after night, Grendel descended upon Herot, leaving trails of bloodshed and sorrow. Desperation gripped Hrothgar's heart as the kingdom's joy was replaced by fear. News of Grendel's reign of terror reached the shores of the Geats and of Beowulf, a warrior known for his strength and bravery. 01:02 Beowulf's Arrival and the Battle with Grendel Determined to aid the Danes, Beowulf set sail with a band of loyal companions. Arriving at Herot, Beowulf met with King Hrothgar, and his intent was clear, he would confront Grendel. As night fell, and the warriors sought rest within the hall, Grendel emerged from the misty moors. Beowulf awaited the creature, his heart resolute and his muscles tensed for battle. When Grendel attacked, the hall erupted into chaos. Beowulf grappled with the monster, their clash echoing like thunder. With a mighty display of strength, Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm, sending the creature fleeing into the night. The victory was celebrated with mead and songs, and the mead hall was once again a place of merriment. Yet the tides of fate are never still. 01:56 The Vengeance of Grendel's Mother Grendel's mother, a creature of equal malevolence, sought vengeance. She emerged from her watery lair, her wrath aimed at Heorot. Beowulf unyielding in his purpose, ventured into the murky depths to face her. Armed with a mighty sword, he entered the dark realm beneath the waters. The battle beneath the waves was fierce and unrelenting. Beowulf's sword found its mark, and Grendel's mother fell, her lifeblood mingling with the depths. With the threat quelled, Beowulf emerged victorious once again, his courage leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history. 02:37 Beowulf's Ascension and the Dragon Threat Years passed and Beowulf ascended to the throne of the Geats, a king renowned for his wisdom and valour. But a new peril arose. A fearsome dragon guarded a treasure hoard. Beowulf, now aged and seasoned by battles, rallied his warriors for one last conflict. Armed with sword and shield, he faced the beast with determination burning in his eyes. 03:03 The Final Battle and Beowulf's Legacy In the heat of the battle, Beowulf delivered a mortal blow to the dragon, but not without suffering a grave wound himself. As the dragon's flames flickered out, the reality of his mortality dawned upon him. As the light of his life waned, Beowulf's thoughts turned to his legacy, the tales that would be sung of his valour and the kingdom he had protected. With his last breaths, Beowulf imparted his wisdom to his loyal warrior Wiglaf, passing the Torch of Leadership. As the Geats mourned the passing of their great king, a grand funeral pyre was erected, a monument to the warrior who had faced monsters and darkness with unyielding courage. 03:48 The Enduring Power of Beowulf's Saga Beowulf stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of heroism, the unbreakable bonds of loyalty, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow. It paints a vivid tapestry of an era when valour was etched in blood and honour was the currency of kings. Through the telling of this epic, the legacy of Beowulf lives on, inspiring generations with his courage and the enduring power of his saga. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Norse Mythology: The Epic Saga of Ragnarok #vikings #viking #valhalla In the ancient realm of Asgard, where gods walked among mortals and cosmic forces weaved the tapestry of existence, a foreboding shadow cast itself over the land, whispers of a forthcoming doom spread like wildfire, carried on the winds of fate itself. The prophecy of Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods, loomed large, promising the end of an era and the birth of another. 00:31 The Unleashing of Fenrir: The Harbinger of Destruction A sign of the encroaching calamity came in the form of the monstrous wolf, Fenrir's whose malevolence could no longer be contained. Bound by chains forged from the cunning of dwarves, Fenrir's strength and ferocity grew beyond measure. With a snarl that resonated through the realms, the chains shattered, freeing the beast that had been shackled by the gods. Fenrir's eyes, like twin embers of chaos, blazed with an insatiable hunger. He embarked on a rampage that shook the very foundations of the earth. Villages were obliterated and fortresses crumbled beneath his onslaught. The gods of Asgard watched helplessly as the harbinger of destruction unleashed his fury upon the world. 01:18 Rise of Jormungandr and the Voyage of Naglfar Meanwhile, beneath the depths of the ocean, another harbinger of doom stirred. Jormungandr, the serpent, writhed free from the abyssal depths with a deafening roar, its massive form rearing above the waves. Venom dripped from its fangs, tainting the waters, and heralding the chaos that would follow. Amidst the tumult, the ship Naglfar sailed the seas, a vessel crafted from the nails of the dead. Its crew consisted of giants and the monstrous fire giant, Surtr, who wielded a sword that burned with the fires of Muspelheim. As Naglfar sailed towards the final battlefield, the sky darkened, and the elements themselves seemed to conspire against the world's survival. 02:04 Odin's Quest for Wisdom and The Clash of Titans The gods of Asgard knew that Ragnarok was upon them. Odin, the Allfather, sought guidance from the wise Mimir, who whispered secrets from the depths of the Well of Wisdom. In his quest for understanding, Odin sacrificed an eye to glimpse the secrets of the universe, a symbol of his dedication to knowledge and the sacrifices required for it. The Clash of Titans approached, a confrontation of cosmic proportions. Thor, the thunder god, wielded his mighty hammer Mjolnir with unmatched ferocity, striking blows that sent shockwaves through the realms. But even his strength was tested by the unrelenting onslaught of forces beyond mortal comprehension. 02:51 Loki and the Battle at the Bifrost Bridge Amidst the chaos, Loki, the shapeshifting trickster, emerged to play his fateful role. Loki's treacherous schemes had sown discord among the gods, and now his reckoning had come. He clashed with Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifrost Bridge, in a battle that resonated with the echoes of destiny. 03:12 The Final Battle at Vigrid and the Fall of Odin The forces of chaos and destruction converged on the battlefield known as Vigrid. The ground itself quaked, and flames consumed the landscape. The very bonds of reality strained as the world tree, Yggdrasil quivered, its branches and roots trembling in sync with the cosmic tumult. And then, Surtr's inferno engulfed the world. The heavens themselves seemed to blaze with the intensity of his flames. In the heart of the fiery tempest, gods and giants clashed in a final, cataclysmic conflict. Odin fell to the monstrous wolf Fenrir, his death foreseen yet inevitable. But amidst the chaos and devastation, there remained a glimmer of hope. 03:59 Rebirth of the World and the Dawn of a New Era From the smouldering ruins, a new world began to take shape. The fires of Surtr's inferno gave birth to fertile soil, and from the ashes, a verdant land emerged. The sun, once swallowed by the wolf, Skoll, was reborn, casting its golden light upon the rejuvenated world. A few surviving gods, a pair of humans named Lif and Lifthrasir, emerged from the shadows to witness the dawn of this new era. The cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth was complete once again. As the earth bloomed anew, the echoes of Ragnarok lingered, a reminder that even the gods were not immune to the forces of fate. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Norse Mythology: The Norse Gods and The Days of The Week #vikings #viking #valhalla 00:03 Sunday: The Day of Sunna Sunday Sunsday, Sunna or Sol. Sunday is named after the sun, which is personified in Norse mythology as Sunna or Sol. Sunna was believed to be chased across the sky by the wolf Skoll. She was associated with warmth, light, and life giving energy. The sun was seen as a symbol of vitality and was deeply revered by the Norse people. 00:28 Monday: The Day of Mani Monday, Moonsday, Mani. Monday is named after the moon, which is personified in Norse mythology as Mani. Mani was believed to be chased across the sky by the wolf Hati. He was associated with the phases of the moon and the mysterious aspects of the night. The moon's waxing and waning represented cycles of change and renewal. 00:52 Tuesday: The Day of Tyr Tuesday (Tiw's Day) Tyr. Tuesday is named after the god Tyr, known for his bravery, sense of duty, and justice. Tyr was a warrior god and a member of the Aesir. He was associated with law and order and was known for his selflessness, having sacrificed his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir. Tuesday reflects the qualities of courage and honour. 01:18 Wednesday: The Day of Odin Wednesday (Woden's Day) Odin. Wednesday is named after Odin. The chief god of the Norse pantheon, Odin, was associated with wisdom, knowledge, magic, and poetry. He was known for his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and his quest for runes, which were seen as symbols of hidden truths and power. Wednesday carries the essence of seeking wisdom and exploring mysteries. 01:44 Thursday: The Day of Thor Thursday (Thor's Day) Thor. Thursday is named after Thor, the thunder god and protector of gods and humans. Thor was known for his incredible strength, his mighty hammer Mjolnir, and his battles against giants and other supernatural beings. Thursday embodies qualities of strength, protection, and heroic endeavors. 02:08 Friday: The Day of Frigg Friday (Frigg's Day) Frigg. Friday is named after Frigg, the queen of the Aesir and wife of Odin. Frigg was associated with motherhood, marriage, and domestic affairs. She was known for her wisdom and her ability to see into the future, though she kept her knowledge secret. Friday represents aspects of family, home, and nurturing. 02:31 Saturday: The Day of Saturn Saturday (Saturn's day) Saturn. While not directly named after a Norse god, Saturday is named after the planet Saturn, which was associated with the Roman god Saturn. Saturn, in turn, was identified with the Greek god Cronus, who shared similarities with the Norse god Odin. Saturn was often associated with time, agriculture, and the cycle of life and death. 02:58 The Significance of Norse Mythology in Days of the Week The names of the days of the week offer insights into the beliefs, values, and cosmology of the Norse people. They reflect the interconnectedness between the celestial bodies, the gods, and the rhythms of life that were central to Norse mythology and culture. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Egyptian Mythology: Osiris, Isis, Set, Horus, and the Eternal Battle for Egypt #egyptianmythology #egyptiangods #mythology 00:06 The Legend of Osiris and Isis The myth of Osiris and Isis likely originated during the Old Kingdom, but it remained an enduring and influential tale throughout the history of ancient Egypt, including the New Kingdom and beyond. Long ago, in the golden age of ancient Egypt, the land was ruled by the wise and benevolent king, Osiris. He was beloved by his people for his teachings of civilization, the arts of agriculture, and the just laws that brought prosperity to the land. 00:39 Seth, God of Chaos and Storms However, not all was well in the divine realm. Osiris had a brother named Set, a god of chaos and the desert, who grew envious of his brother's power and popularity. Consumed by jealousy, Set plotted to seize the throne from Osiris and become the ruler of Egypt. With deceit and cunning, Set tricked Osiris into getting into a beautifully crafted coffin, promising it was a gift fit for a king. As soon as Osiris stepped into the coffin, Set slammed the lid shut, sealing his fate. The coffin was then thrown into the mighty Nile River, where it drifted far from Egypt's shores. 01:20 Isis, Goddess of Magic and Healing Meanwhile, Osiris's devoted wife, Isis, began her desperate search for her beloved husband. She scoured the lands and questioned every deity, tirelessly seeking any sign of Osiris's whereabouts. Her journey led her to the distant land of Byblos, where she discovered the coffin trapped in the branches of a great tree. Heartbroken yet determined, she brought the coffin back to Egypt. Alas, Set was not done with his malevolent deeds. In a fit of rage, he discovered the hidden coffin of Osiris, and full of malice, dismembered his brother's body into many pieces. Set scattered the fragments across Egypt, hoping to prevent any chance of resurrection. Undeterred, Isis resumed her quest, traveling far and wide to find and collect each part of Osiris's scattered body. With every piece she recovered, Isis would lovingly reassemble her husband, a testament to her boundless devotion. Using her magical powers and the ancient rituals of the gods, Isis breathed life back into Osiris's body, albeit for a short time. During this sacred moment of reunion, Osiris and Isis conceived a child who would become the falcon headed god Horus. 02:43 Osiris, God of the Afterlife and Underworld Though Osiris could not remain among the living for long, he found peace in the afterlife, becoming the benevolent ruler of the underworld. There, he presided over the judgment of the deceased and became a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. 2:59 Horus, God of Kingship, the Sun and Sky As for Horus, he grew under the protective wing of his mother, Isis. He was determined to avenge his father's death and claim his rightful place as the ruler of Egypt. In time, Horus challenged his uncle, Set, in a fierce battle, representing the struggle between order and chaos for the dominion of the land. 03:22 Battle of Horus and Seth The conflict between Horus and Set lasted for what felt like eternity, but eventually, the just and rightful Horus emerged victorious. With his triumph, he restored order and balance to Egypt, becoming the new king and protector of the land. 03:39 The Myth of Isis and Osiris The myth of Osiris and Isis echoed throughout the ages, becoming a cornerstone of Egyptian belief and religion. It taught the people to cherish life, accept death as part of the natural cycle, and have hope in the promise of resurrection and eternal life in the afterlife. The tale also reinforced the sacred connection between the pharaoh and the divine, as the ruler was seen as a living embodiment of Horus, responsible for upholding cosmic harmony and the prosperity of the kingdom. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Egyptian Mythology: The Ten Most Famous Gods of Egypt #egyptianmythology #egyptiangods #mythology If you like Egyptian mythology, we recommend the book "Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt" Get it here: https://rb.gy/elvy6 00:05 Ra (Re): Ra, also known as Re, was the supreme sun god in Egyptian mythology. He was often depicted with a falcon head and a sun disk on top, which represented the sun itself. As the sun god, Ra was believed to be the creator of the world and all living beings. He sailed across the sky during the day in his solar barque, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. At night, Ra would travel through the treacherous underworld, facing various challenges and threats, symbolizing the darkness and dangers of the afterlife. By successfully completing this journey, he would rise again at dawn, representing the promise of renewal and resurrection. 00:51 Isis: Isis, the goddess of motherhood, magic, and fertility, was one of the most revered and beloved deities in ancient Egypt. She was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. Isis played a significant role in both the mythological and religious aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. She was often depicted wearing a throne or a headdress shaped like a throne, symbolizing her role as the divine queen and protector of the pharaoh. 01:29 Osiris: Osiris was the god of the afterlife, death, and resurrection. He was one of the central figures in Egyptian mythology, as his story represents the cycle of life and death. Osiris was the husband of Isis and the father of Horus. According to the myth, he was betrayed and murdered by his brother Set (or Seth), which led to his association with the underworld. Osiris became the ruler of the afterlife and the judge of souls. He symbolized rebirth and eternal life, making him a crucial deity in funerary rituals and beliefs about the afterlife. 02:10 Anubis: Anubis, often depicted with the head of a jackal, was the god of mummification and the protector of the dead. He played a crucial role in the process of embalming and preserving the bodies of the deceased for the journey to the afterlife. Anubis was believed to oversee the weighing of the heart ceremony, where the hearts of the deceased were weighed against the feather of Ma'at (the goddess of truth and justice) to determine the worthiness of the individual's soul. He guided the souls through the perilous paths of the underworld and provided protection from malevolent forces. 2:48 Horus: Horus was a key god associated with the sky and kingship. He was often depicted with the head of a falcon, representing his connection to the sky and his keen vision. Horus was considered the son of Isis and Osiris, and he was believed to be the rightful heir to the throne of Egypt. As such, he was the embodiment of divine kingship, and the reigning pharaoh was seen as the earthly representation of Horus. 3:28 Bastet: Bastet, often depicted with the head of a lioness or a domestic cat, was the goddess of home, fertility, and protection. She was known for her nurturing and gentle aspects, as well as her fierce and protective nature. Bastet was associated with domesticity, music, dance, and joy. As a protective goddess, she was invoked to ward off evil spirits and disease. 3:59 Thoth: Thoth, depicted with the head of an ibis or sometimes as a baboon, was the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. He played a central role in Egyptian mythology as the mediator between good and evil, order and chaos. Thoth was considered the scribe of the gods, responsible for maintaining divine knowledge and recording the events of the universe. He was associated with magic, mathematics, and science. 4:36 Sekhmet: Sekhmet, the lioness goddess of war and healing, was a formidable and powerful deity. She was believed to be the daughter of Ra and served as a warrior goddess, protecting the pharaoh and the Egyptian people from enemies. Sekhmet was associated with the scorching heat of the sun, and she was often invoked for her protective qualities. However, she was also associated with disease and plagues, and her wrath could bring destruction. To appease her anger, festivals and rituals were held in her honor. 5:12 Sobek: Sobek, often depicted as a crocodile or as a man with the head of a crocodile, was the god associated with the Nile River, fertility, and military prowess. He was considered a protective deity, safeguarding against the dangers of the Nile, including floods and the deadly creatures within its waters. Sobek was also associated with the military strength of the pharaoh and was invoked for his ferocity and power. 5:40 Hathor: Hathor, depicted as a woman with cow horns, was the goddess of love, beauty, and joy. She was a benevolent and nurturing deity, often associated with motherhood and fertility. Hathor was believed to welcome the deceased into the afterlife and provided comfort and happiness.

Circe's Realm of Love, Magic, and Adventure | Greek Mythology #greekmythology #greekgods #greekmythologystories 00:03 Circe Sorceress, Enchantress, Magic In the ancient world of Greek gods and heroes, there was an enchantress named Circe. With her flowing robes and an air of mystery, she resided on the mystical island of Aeaea, where the lush landscape was tinted with an otherworldly aura. Circe was no ordinary woman. She was the daughter of the mighty sun god, Helios, whose golden chariot brought light to the world every day. Her mother, Persethe, was a beautiful nymph of the seas, and it seemed that Circe had inherited the best of both her divine parents. The island was her sanctuary and her realm. It was a place where the boundaries between the mortal world and the divine were blurred, where time seemed to pass differently, and where magic flowed like the waters of a magical spring. 00:55 Odysseus Arrives in Aeaea One day... As fate would have it, a ship carrying the valiant hero Odysseus and his brave crew sailed near the shores of the island. Their long and treacherous journey home from the Trojan War had taken its toll, and they were in need of rest and replenishment. Unaware of the Enchantress who dwelled on the island, they decided to explore its bountiful shores. Led by their fearless leader, Odysseus, they ventured inland, seeking food and shelter. Soon they stumbled upon a magnificent palace, hidden among the trees, adorned with exotic flowers and strange creatures. Curiosity getting the better of them, Odysseus and his men cautiously entered the palace. 01:42 Odysseus and Circe To their surprise, they were met by Circe, who greeted them with a smile that seemed to hold both warmth and danger. The enchantress, with her mesmerizing voice and graceful gestures, invited the weary travellers to feast at her table. Little did the men know that the food and wine she served were laced with potent magical concoctions. As the night grew darker, the atmosphere within the palace began to shift. The crew's laughter turned into bewildered cries as they felt their bodies contorting and changing. Cersei had cast a spell upon them, transforming them into helpless swine. The once proud warriors were now trapped in the bodies of lowly animals. When news of the transformation reached the ears of Odysseus, he was determined to confront the Enchantress and rescue his companions. But he knew that approaching her recklessly would be his undoing. Seeking the counsel of the messenger god Hermes, Odysseus obtained a magical herb called moly. It granted him resistance to Circe's spells and allowed him to confront the Enchantress without fear. Armed with this newfound protection, he boldly entered Cersei's palace once again. To her surprise, her powers had no hold over this audacious mortal. Odysseus demanded that she restore his men to their human forms, and Cersei, intrigued by his bravery, reluctantly complied. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator As the days turned into weeks, Odysseus and Circe grew close. She shared her wisdom and insights with him, guiding him on his perilous journey home to Ithaca. Their time together forged a bond between them and the enchantress saw a glimpse of the humanity she had lost in her immortal existence. 03:36 Odysseus Leaves Aeaea Eventually, the time came for Odysseus to bid farewell to the captivating Circe and continue his journey. With a heavy heart, he left the mystical island behind, knowing that he had encountered a being both beautiful and dangerous, magical and human. Circe remained on her island, forever enshrouded in an aura of mystery, her life intertwined with the myths and legends of ancient Greece. To this day, her story endures as a reminder of the power and complexity of the divine and mortal worlds, where magic and light, and where heroes can find unexpected allies in the most unexpected places. Greek Mythology: Circe's Realm of Love, Magic, and Adventure

Ceyx and Alcyone | Greek Mythology and the Greek Gods | #greekmythology #greekgods #greekmythologystories From Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods & Heroes by Edith Hamilton 00:10 Lovers of Great Descent Ceyx, a king in Thessaly was the son of Lucifer, the light bearer, the star that brings in the day, and all his father's bright gladness was in his face. His wife Alcyone was also of highs descent. She was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds. The two loved each other devotedly and were never willingly apart. 00:33 Ceyx Leaves Alcyone Nevertheless, a time came when he decided he must leave her and make a long journey across the sea. Various matters had happened to disturb him, and he wished to consult the Oracle, men's refuge in trouble. When Alcyone learned what he was planning, she was overwhelmed with grief and terror. She told him with streaming tears and in a voice broken with sobs that she knew as few others could the power of the winds upon the sea. “Oh, do not go, but if I cannot persuade you, at least take me with you. I can endure whatever comes to us together." Ceyx was deeply moved, for she loved him no better than he loved her, but his purpose held fast. He felt that he must get counsel from the oracle and he would not hear of her sharing the perils of the voyage. She had to yield and let him go alone. Her heart was so heavy when she bade him farewell it was as if she foresaw what was to come. She waited on the shore watching the ship until it sailed out of sight. 01:56 Fierce Storm Takes Ceyx That very night, a fierce storm broke over the sea. The winds all met in a mad hurricane, and the waves rose up mountain-high. Rain fell in such sheets that the whole heaven seemed falling into the sea, and the sea seemed leaping up into the sky. The men on the quivering, battered boat were mad with terror, all except one who thought only of Alcyone and rejoiced that she was in safety. Her name was on his lips when the ship sank and the waters closed over him. 02:40 Prayers to Juno And many times each day she prayed to the gods for him, to Juno most of all. The goddess was touched by those prayers for one who had long been dead. She summoned her messenger Iris and ordered her to go to the house of Somnus, god of sleep, and bid him send a dream to Alcyone to tell her the truth about Ceyx. 03:02 Iris Visits Somnus The abode of Sleep is near the black country of the Cimmerians. There came Iris in her cloak of many colors, trailing across the sky in a rainbow curve, and the dark house was lit up with the shining of her garments. Even so, it was hard for her to make the god open his heavy eyes and understand what he was required to do. As soon as she was sure he was really awake and her errand done, Iris sped away. The old god of sleep aroused his son, Morpheus, skilled in assuming the form of any and every human being, and he gave him Juno's orders. On noiseless wings Morpheus flew through the darkness and stood by Alcyone's bed. 04:29 Morpheus Visits Alcyone He had taken on the face and form of Ceyx drowned. Naked and dripping wet he bent over her couch. "Poor wife," he said, "look, your husband is here. Do you know me or is my face changed in death? I am dead, Alcyone. Your name was on my lips when the waters overwhelmed me. There is no hope for me anymore. But give me your tears. Let me not go down to the shadowy land unwept." She cried aloud, "Wait for me. I will go with you," and her cry awakened her. She woke to the conviction that her husband was dead, that what she had seen was no dream, but himself. "I saw him on that very spot," she told herself. "So piteous he looked. He is dead and soon I shall die. Could I stay here when his dear body is tossed about in the waves? I will not leave you, my husband. I will not try to live." 05:36 Alcyone Searches for Ceyx With the first daylight she went to the shore, to the headland where she had stood to watch him sail away. As she gazed seawood, far off on the water she saw something floating. The tide was setting in and the thing came nearer and nearer until she knew it was a dead body. She watched it with pity and horror in her heart as it drifted slowly toward her. And now it was close to the headland, almost beside her. It was he, Ceyx, her husband. 06:07 Couple Changed To Birds She ran and leaped into the water, crying, "Huband, dearest!" --and then oh, wonder, instead of sinking into the waves she was flying over them. She had wings; her body was covered with feathers. She had been changed into a bird. The gods were kind. They did the same to Ceyx. As she flew to the body it was gone, and he, changed into a bird like herself joined her. But their love was unchanged. Every year there are seven days on end when the sea lies still and calm; no breath of wind stirs the waters. These are the days when Alcyone broods over her nest floating on the sea.

Baucis and Philemon | Greek Mythology and the Greek Gods | #greekmythology #greekgods #greekmythologystories From Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods & Heroes by Edith Hamilton 00:10 Jupiter and Mercury in Disguise In the Phrygian hill-country there were once two trees which all the peasants near and far pointed out as a great marvel, and no wonder, for one was an oak and the other a linden, yet they grew from a single trunk. The story of how this came about is a proof of the immeasurable power of the gods, and also of the way they reward the humble and the pious. Sometimes when Jupiter was tired of eating ambrosia and drinking nectar up in Olympus and even a little weary of listening to Apollo's lyre and watching the Graces dance, he would come down to the earth, disguise himself as a mortal, and go looking for adventures. His favorite companion on these tours was Mercury, the most entertaining of all the gods, the shrewdest and the most resourceful. 01:00 Jupiter and Mercury in Phrygia On this particular trip, Jupiter had determined to find out how hospitable the people of Phrygia were. Hospitality was, of course, very important to him, since all guests, all who seek shelter in a strange land, were under his special protection. The two gods, accordingly, took on the appearance of poor wayfarers and wandered through the land, knocking at each lowly hut or great house they came to and asking for food and a place to rest in. Not one would admit them; every time they were dismissed instantly and the door barred against them. They made trial of hundreds; all treated them in the same way. 01:43 Philemon and Baucis At last, they came upon a little hovel of the humblest sort, poorer than any they had yet found with a roof made only of reeds. But here, when they knocked, the door was opened wide and a cheerful voice bade them enter. They had to stoop to pass through the low entrance, but once inside they found themselves in a snug and very clean room, where a kindly faced old man and woman welcomed them in the friendliest fashion and bustled about to make them comfortable. The old man set a bench near the fire and told them to stretch out on it and rest their tired limbs, and the old woman threw a soft covering over it. Her name was Baucis, she told the strangers, and her husband was called Philemon. "We are poor folks," she said, "but poverty isn't so bad when you are willing to own up to it. And a contented spirit is a great help too." 03:39 Warm Hospitality Philemon, however, was clearly proud and happy at being able to add such cheer to the supper and he kept on the watch to refill each cup as soon as it was emptied. The two old folks were so pleased and excited by the success of their hospitality that only very slowly a strange thing dawned upon them. The mixing bowl kept full. No matter how many cups were poured out from it, the level of the wine stayed the same, up to the brim. As they saw this wonder, each looked in terror at the other and dropping their eyes, they prayed silently. Then in quavering voices and trembling all over they begged their guests to pardon the poor refreshments they had offered. 04:56 Jupiter and Mercury Revealed But when both Philemon and Baucis had had to give up the chase panting and exhausted, the gods felt that the time had come for them to take action. They were really very kind. "You have been hosts to Gods," they said, "and you shall have your reward. This wicked country, which despises the poor stranger will be bitterly punished, but not you." They then escorted the two out of the hut and told them to look around them. To their amazement, all they saw was water. The whole countryside had disappeared. 05:30 Rewarding Kindness Before their eyes the tiny, lowly hut which had been their home for so long was turned into a stately pillared temple of whitest marble with a golden roof. "Good people," Jupiter said, "ask whatever you want and you shall have your wish." The old people exchanged a hurried whisper, then Philemon spoke, "Let us be your priests, guarding this temple for you--and oh, since we have lived so long together, let neither of us ever have to live alone. Grant that we may die together." The gods assented, well pleased with the two. 06:20 Growing Old Together A long time they served in that grand building, and the story does not say whether they ever missed their little cozy room with its cheerful hearth. By now both were in extreme old age. Suddenly as they exchanged memories each saw the other putting forth leaves. Then bark was growing around them. They had time only to cry, "Farewell, dear companion." As the words passed their lips they became trees, but still they were together. The linden and the oak grew from one trunk. From far and wide people came to admire the wonder, and always wreaths of flowers hung on the branches in honor of the pious and faithful pair. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Pygmalion And Galatea | Greek Mythology and the Greek Gods | #greekmythology #greekgods #greekmythologystories From Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods & Heroes by Edith Hamilton 00:10 Pygmalion Artist Obsession A gifted young sculptor of Cyprus named Pygmalion was a woman hater. Detesting the faults beyond measure, which nature has given to women, he resolved never to marry. His art, he told himself, was enough for him. Nevertheless, the statue he made and devoted all his genius to was that of a woman. Either he could not dismiss what he so disapproved of from his mind as easily as from his life, or else he was bent on forming a perfect woman and showing men the deficiencies of the kind they had to put up with. However that was, he labored long and devotedly on the statue and produced the most exquisite work of art. But lovely as it was, he could not rest content. He kept on working at it and daily under his skillful fingers it grew more beautiful. No woman ever born, no statue ever made, could approach it when nothing could be added to its perfections, a strange fate had befallen its creator: he had fallen in love deeply, passionately in love with the thing he had made. It must be said in explanation that the statue did not look like a statue. No one would have thought it was ivory or stone, but warm human flesh motionless for a moment only. Such was the wondrous power of this disdainful young man. The supreme achievement of art was his, the art of concealing art. 01:43 Pygmalion Falls In Love But from that time on, the gender he scorned had their revenge. No hopeless lover of a living maiden was ever so desperately unhappy as Pygmalion. He kissed those enticing lips--they could not kiss him back; he caressed her hands, her face--they were unresponsive; he took her in his arms--she remained a cold and passive form. For a time he tried to pretend, as children do with their toys. He would dress her in rich robes, trying the effect of one delicate or glowing color after another, and imagine she was pleased. He would bring her the gifts real maiden's love, little birds and gay flowers and the shining tears of amber Phaëthon’s sisters weep, and then dream that she thanked him with eager affection. He put her to bed at night, and tucked her in all soft and warm, as little girls do their dolls. But he was not a child; he could not keep on pretending. In the end, he gave up. He loved a lifeless thing and he was utterly and hopelessly wretched. 02:54 Praying to Venus This singular passion did not long remain concealed from the goddess of passionate love. Venus was interested in something that seldom came her way, a new kind of lover, and she determined to help a young man who could be enamored and yet original. The feast day of Venus was, of course, especially honored in Cyprus, the island which first received the goddess after she rose from the foam. Snow-white heifers whose horns had been gilded were offered in numbers to her. The heavenly odor of incense was spread through the island from her many altars; crowds thronged her temples; not an unhappy lover but was there with his gift, praying that his love might turn kind. There too, of course, was Pygmalion. He dared to ask the goddess only that he might find a maiden like his statue, but Venus knew what he really wanted and as a sign that she favored his prayer, the flame on the altar he stood before leaped up three times, blazing into the air. 04:00 Venus Answers Pygmalion’s Prayer Very thoughtful at this good omen, Pygmalion sought his house and his love, the thing he had created and given his heart to. There she stood on her pedestal, entrancingly beautiful. He caressed her and then he started back. Was it self-deception or did she really feel warm to his touch? He kissed her lips, a long lingering kiss, and felt them grow soft beneath his. He touched her arms, her shoulders; their hardness vanished. It was like watching wax soften in the sun. He clasped her wrist; blood was pulsing there. Venus, he thought. This is the goddess's doing. 04:44 Pygmalion and Galatea And with unutterable gratitude and joy, he put his arms around his love and saw her smile into his eyes and blush. Venus herself graced their marriage with her presence, but what happened after that, we do not know, except that Pygmalion named the maiden Galatea, and that their son, Paphos, gave his name to Venus' favorite city. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Orpheus and Eurydice | Greek Mythology and the Greek Gods | #greekmythology #greekgods #greekmythologystories From Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods & Heroes by Edith Hamilton 00:10 Orpheus Before Eurydice The very earliest musicians were the gods. Athena was not distinguished in that line, but she invented the flute. Hermes made the lyre and gave it to Apollo. Hermes also made the shepherd pipe for. Pan made the pipe of reeds which can sing as sweetly as the nightingale in spring. The Muses had no instrument peculiar to them, but their voices were lovely beyond compare. Next in order came a few mortals so excellent in their art that they almost equaled the divine performers. Of these, by far the greatest was Orpheus. On his mother's side, he was more than mortal. He was the son of one of the Muses and a Thracian prince. His mother gave him the gift of music and Thrace where he grew up fostered it. The Thracians were the most musical of the peoples of Greece. But Orpheus had no rival there or anywhere except the gods alone. There was no limit to his power when he played and sang. 01:46 Orpheus with Jason and The Argonauts Little is told about his life before his ill-fated marriage, for which he is even better known than for his music. But he went on one famous expedition and proved himself a most useful member of it. He sailed with Jason on the Argo, and when the heroes were weary, or the rowing was especially difficult, he would strike his lyre and they would be aroused a fresh zeal and their oars would smite the sea together in time to the melody. Or if a quarrel threatened, he would play so tenderly and soothingly that the fiercest spirits would grow calm and forget their anger. He saved the heroes too from the sirens. When they heard far over the sea singing so enchantingly sweet that it drove out all other thoughts except a desperate longing to hear more, and they turned the ship to the shore where the sirens sat. Orpheus snatched up his lyre and played a tune so clear and ringing that it drowned the sound of those lovely fatal voices. The ship was put back on her course and the winds sped her away from the dangerous place. If Orpheus had not been there, the Argonauts too, would've left their bones on the sirens island. 03:05 Orpheus and Eurydice Where he first met and how he wooed the maiden he loved, Eurydice, we are not told, but it is clear that no maiden he wanted could have resisted the power of his song. They were married, but their joy was brief. Directly after the wedding, as the bride walked in a meadow with her bridesmaids, a viper stung her and she died. Orpheus' grief was overwhelming. He could not endure it. 03:32 Orpheus Goes to The Underworld He determined to go down to the world of death and try to bring Eurydice back. He dared more than any other man ever dared for his love. He took the fearsome journey to the underworld. There he struck his lyre, and at the sound, all that vast multitude were charmed to stillness. The dog Cerberus relaxed his guard; the wheel of Ixion stood motionless; Sisiphus sat at rest upon his stone; Tatalus forgot his thirst; for the first time the faces of the dread goddesses, The Furies, were wet with tears. No one under the spell of his voice could refuse him anything. He drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek and made hell grant what love did seek. They summoned Eurydice and gave her to him, but upon one condition: that he would not look back at her as she followed him until they had reached the upper world. 05:45 Escape from The Underworld So the two passed through the great doors of Hades to the path which would take them out of the darkness, climbing up and up. He knew that she must be just behind him, but he longed unutterably to give one glance to make sure. But now they were almost there, the blackness was turning gray; now he had stepped out joyfully into the daylight. Then he turned to her. It was too soon. She was still in the cavern. He saw her in the dim light and he held out his arms to clasp her; but on the instant she was gone. She had slipped back into the darkness. All he heard was one faint word, "Farewell." Desperately, he tried to rush after her and follow her down, but he was not allowed. The gods would not consent to his entering the world of the dead a second time while he was still alive. 06:39 A Tragic Tale of Love He was forced to return to the earth alone in utter desolation, comfortless except for his lyre, playing, always playing, and the rocks and the rivers and the trees heard him gladly, his only companions. But at last a band of Maenads came upon him… Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator

Greek Mythology: The Twelve Olympians Made Up a Divine Family #greekmythology #greekgods #mythology From Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods & Heroes by Edith Hamilton 00:08 Zeus Zeus and his brothers drew lots for their share of the universe. The sea fell to Poseidon and the underworld to Hades. Zeus became the supreme ruler. He was lord of the sky, the rain god, and the cloud gatherer who wielded the awful thunderbolt. His power was greater than that of all the other divinities together. 02:52 Hera She was Zeus's wife and sister. The Titans Ocean and Tethys brought her up. She was the protector of marriage, and married women were her peculiar care. She was venerated in every home. She was the goddess married women turned to for help. 04:41 Poseidon He was the ruler of the sea, Zeus's brother, and second only to him in eminence. The Greeks on both sides of the Aegean were seamen and the god of the sea was all important to them. Poseidon had a splendid palace beneath the sea, but he was oftener to be found in Olympus. 06:00 Hades He was the third brother among the Olympians who drew for his share the underworld and the rule over the dead. He was also called Pluto, the god of wealth, of the precious metals hidden in the earth. He had a far-famed cap or helmet which made whoever wore it invisible. It was rare that he left his dark realm to visit Olympus or the Earth, nor was he urged to do so. His wife was Persephone (Proserpine) whom he carried away from the earth and made queen of the lower world. 06:57 Pallas Athena She was the daughter of Zeus alone. No mother bore her. Full-grown and in full armor, she sprang from his head. In the earliest account of her, the Iliad, she's a fierce and ruthless battle goddess. But elsewhere she is warlike only to defend the state and the home from outside enemies. She was Zeus's favorite child. He trusted her to carry the awful aegis, his buckler, and his devastating weapon, the thunderbolt. 08:09 Phoebus Apollo The son of Zeus and Leto (Latona), born in the little island of Delos. He has been called “the most Greek of all the gods.” He is a beautiful figure in Greek poetry, the master musician who delights Olympus as he plays on his golden lyre; the lord, too, of the silver bow, the archer-god, far-shooting; the Healer, as well, who first taught men the healing art. He is the god of light, in whom is no darkness at all, and so he is the god of truth. 11:28 Artemis Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was one of the three maiden goddesses of Olympus. She was the Lady of Wild Things, huntsman-in-chief to the gods, an odd office for a woman. Like a good huntsman, she was careful to preserve the young; she was “the protectress of dewy youth” everywhere. 14:16 Aphrodite The goddess of love and beauty who beguiled all gods and men alike; the laughter-loving goddess who laughed sweetly or mockingly at those her wiles had conquered; the irresistible goddess who stole away even the wits of the wise. She is the daughter of Zeus and Dione in the Iliad, but in the later poems she has said to have sprung from the foam of the sea, and her name was explained as meaning “the foam-risen.” Aphros is foam in Greek. 16:33 Hermes Zeus was his father and Maia, daughter of Atlas, his mother. Because of a very popular statue, his appearance is more familiar to us than that of any other god. He was graceful and swift of motion. On his feet were winged sandals; wings were on his low-crowned hat, too, and on his magic wand, the Caduceus. He was Zeus's messenger who “flies as fleet as thought to do his bidding.” 17:55 Ares The god of war, son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom Homer says, detested him. Indeed, he is hateful throughout the Iliad, poem of war though it is. Occasionally the heroes “rejoice in the delight of Ares’ battle,” but far oftener in having escaped “the fury of the ruthless god.” Homer calls him murderous, blood stained, the incarnate curse of mortals; and strangely, a coward. Yet he has a train of attendance on the battlefield which should inspire anyone with confidence. 20:05 Hephaestus The god of fire, sometimes said to be the son of Zeus and Hera, sometimes of Hera alone, who bore him in retaliation for Zeus’s having brought forth Athena. He was a kindly, peace-loving god, popular on earth as in heaven. With Athena, he was important in the life of the city. The two were the patrons of handicrafts, the arts which along with agriculture are the support of civilization; he the protector of the smiths as she of the weavers. 22:13 Hestia She was Zeus’s sister, and like Athena and Artemis a virgin goddess. She has no distinct personality and she plays no part in the myths. She was the Goddess of the Hearth, the symbol of the home, around which the newborn child must be carried before it could be received into the family. Every meal began and ended with an offering to her. Human written copy, AI generated voice and images, Introvert creator