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Greek Mythos

Club Greek Mythos
Total Entries 93
Representative Circe
Greek mythology is the body of myths originally told by the ancient Greeks, and a genre of ancient Greek folklore, today absorbed alongside Roman mythology into the broader designation of classical mythology. These stories concern the origin and nature of the world, the lives of deities, and heroes and the significance of the ancient Greeks’ cult and ritual practices. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on the religious and political institutions of ancient Greece, and to better understand the nature of mythmaking itself. The Greek myths were initially propagated in an oral-poetic tradition most likely by Minoan and Mycenaean singers starting in the 18th century BC; eventually the myths of the heroes of the Trojan War and its aftermath became part of the oral tradition of Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Two poems by Homer’s near contemporary Hesiod, the Theogony and the Works and Days, contain accounts of the genesis of the world, the succession of divine rulers, the succession of human ages, the origin of human woes, and the origin of sacrificial practices. Myths are also preserved in the Homeric Hymns, in fragments of epic poems of the Epic Cycle, in lyric poems, in the works of the tragedians and comedians of the fifth century BC, in writings of scholars and poets of the Hellenistic Age, and in texts from the time of the Roman Empire by writers such as Plutarch and Pausanias. ~ Greek mythology – Wikipedia
Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses (1891) | John William Waterhouse
Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses (1891) | John William Waterhouse

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Achilles

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In Greek mythology, Achilles or Achilleus was a hero of the Trojan War who was known as being the greatest of all the Greek warriors. The central character in Homer’s Iliad, he was the son […]

Entry Achilles
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In Greek mythology, Achilles or Achilleus was a hero of the Trojan War who was known as being the greatest of all the Greek warriors. The central character in Homer’s Iliad, he was the son […]

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Admetus (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Admetus was a king of Pherae in Thessaly. He was one of the Argonauts and took part in the Calydonian Boar hunt. Admetus’ wife Alcestis offered to substitute her own death for […]

Entry Admetus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Admetus was a king of Pherae in Thessaly. He was one of the Argonauts and took part in the Calydonian Boar hunt. Admetus’ wife Alcestis offered to substitute her own death for […]

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Aegeus (Folklore)

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Aegeus was one of the kings of Athens in Greek mythology, who gave his name to the Aegean Sea, was the father of Theseus, and founded Athenian institutions. While visiting in Athens, King Minos’ son, […]

Entry Aegeus (Folklore)
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Aegeus was one of the kings of Athens in Greek mythology, who gave his name to the Aegean Sea, was the father of Theseus, and founded Athenian institutions. While visiting in Athens, King Minos’ son, […]

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Aeneas

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In Greco-Roman mythology, Aeneas was a Trojan hero, the son of the Trojan prince Anchises and the Greek goddess Aphrodite (equivalent to the Roman Venus). His father was a first cousin of King Priam of […]

Entry Aeneas
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In Greco-Roman mythology, Aeneas was a Trojan hero, the son of the Trojan prince Anchises and the Greek goddess Aphrodite (equivalent to the Roman Venus). His father was a first cousin of King Priam of […]

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Aeolus

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In Greek mythology, Aeolus, the son of Hippotes, was the ruler of the winds encountered by Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Aeolus was the king of the island of Aeolia, where he lived with his wife […]

Entry Aeolus
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In Greek mythology, Aeolus, the son of Hippotes, was the ruler of the winds encountered by Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Aeolus was the king of the island of Aeolia, where he lived with his wife […]

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Agamemnon

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In Greek mythology, Agamemnon was a king of Mycenae who commanded the Achaeans during the Trojan War. Legends make him the king of Mycenae or Argos, thought to be different names for the same area. […]

Entry Agamemnon
Description 

In Greek mythology, Agamemnon was a king of Mycenae who commanded the Achaeans during the Trojan War. Legends make him the king of Mycenae or Argos, thought to be different names for the same area. […]

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Ajax

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Ajax is a Greek mythological hero, the son of King Telamon and Periboea, and the half-brother of Teucer. He plays an important role in the Trojan War, and is portrayed as a towering figure and […]

Entry Ajax
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Ajax is a Greek mythological hero, the son of King Telamon and Periboea, and the half-brother of Teucer. He plays an important role in the Trojan War, and is portrayed as a towering figure and […]

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Andromache

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In Greek mythology, Andromache was the wife of Hector, daughter of Eetion, and sister to Podes. She was born and raised in the city of Cilician Thebe, over which her father ruled. Following the Trojan […]

Entry Andromache
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In Greek mythology, Andromache was the wife of Hector, daughter of Eetion, and sister to Podes. She was born and raised in the city of Cilician Thebe, over which her father ruled. Following the Trojan […]

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Apollo

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Apollo was known as the Greek/Roman deity of light and the sun; truth and prophecy; archery; medicine and healing; music, poetry, and the arts. He was the child of Zeus and Leto making him one […]

Entry Apollo
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Apollo was known as the Greek/Roman deity of light and the sun; truth and prophecy; archery; medicine and healing; music, poetry, and the arts. He was the child of Zeus and Leto making him one […]

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Ares

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Ares is the Greek god of war and courage. Ares was one of the Twelve Olympians in the archaic tradition represented by the Iliad and Odyssey. In Greek literature, Ares often represents the physical or […]

Entry Ares
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Ares is the Greek god of war and courage. Ares was one of the Twelve Olympians in the archaic tradition represented by the Iliad and Odyssey. In Greek literature, Ares often represents the physical or […]

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Argonauts (Folklore)

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The Argonauts were a band of heroes in Greek mythology, who in the years before the Trojan War, accompanied Jason to Colchis in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. Their name comes from their […]

Entry Argonauts (Folklore)
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The Argonauts were a band of heroes in Greek mythology, who in the years before the Trojan War, accompanied Jason to Colchis in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. Their name comes from their […]

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Argos

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In Homer’s Odyssey, Argos, sometimes referred to as Argus, is the legendary faithful dog of Odysseus. Bred to be a hunting dog before Odysseus leaves for the Trojan War, Argos is neglected after Odysseus is […]

Entry Argos
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In Homer’s Odyssey, Argos, sometimes referred to as Argus, is the legendary faithful dog of Odysseus. Bred to be a hunting dog before Odysseus leaves for the Trojan War, Argos is neglected after Odysseus is […]

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Argus (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Argus was the builder and eponym of the ship Argo, and consequently one of the Argonauts; he was said to have constructed the ship under Athena’s guidance. Argus was commissioned to build […]

Entry Argus (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Argus was the builder and eponym of the ship Argo, and consequently one of the Argonauts; he was said to have constructed the ship under Athena’s guidance. Argus was commissioned to build […]

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Ariadne

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Ariadne was a Cretan princess in Greek mythology. Often called the “Mistress of the Labyrinth”, she was mostly associated with mazes and labyrinths because of her involvement in the myths of the Minotaur and Theseus. […]

Entry Ariadne
Description 

Ariadne was a Cretan princess in Greek mythology. Often called the “Mistress of the Labyrinth”, she was mostly associated with mazes and labyrinths because of her involvement in the myths of the Minotaur and Theseus. […]

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Atalanta (Folklore)

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The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar is an ancient Greek myth that unites some of the most renowned heroes from pre-Trojan mythology to defeat a boar sent by a vengeful goddess threatening to destroy the […]

Entry Atalanta (Folklore)
Description 

The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar is an ancient Greek myth that unites some of the most renowned heroes from pre-Trojan mythology to defeat a boar sent by a vengeful goddess threatening to destroy the […]

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Athena (Folklore)

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Athena (or Minerva in Roman myth) was the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She was also a member of the Twelve […]

Entry Athena (Folklore)
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Athena (or Minerva in Roman myth) was the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She was also a member of the Twelve […]

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Atlas (Folklore)

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Atlas was one of the Titans, a race of primordial gods who ruled the cosmos before being overthrown by the Olympian gods led by Zeus. The Titans waged war against the Olympians for ten years […]

Entry Atlas (Folklore)
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Atlas was one of the Titans, a race of primordial gods who ruled the cosmos before being overthrown by the Olympian gods led by Zeus. The Titans waged war against the Olympians for ten years […]

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Augeas (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Augeas was king of Elis and father of Epicaste. Some ancient authors say that Augeas was one of the Argonauts.[ He is known for his stables, which housed the single greatest number […]

Entry Augeas (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Augeas was king of Elis and father of Epicaste. Some ancient authors say that Augeas was one of the Argonauts.[ He is known for his stables, which housed the single greatest number […]

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Bellerophon

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Bellerophon or Bellerophontes or Hipponous, was a divine Corinthian hero of Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Eurynome, and the foster son of Glaukos. He was “the greatest hero and slayer of monsters, alongside […]

Entry Bellerophon
Description 

Bellerophon or Bellerophontes or Hipponous, was a divine Corinthian hero of Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Eurynome, and the foster son of Glaukos. He was “the greatest hero and slayer of monsters, alongside […]

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Calypso

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In Greek mythology, Calypso was a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia, where, according to Homer’s Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years against his will. She promised Odysseus immortality if he would […]

Entry Calypso
Description 

In Greek mythology, Calypso was a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia, where, according to Homer’s Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years against his will. She promised Odysseus immortality if he would […]

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Castor and Pollux (Folklore)

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Castor and Pollux (or Polydeuces) are twin half-brothers in Greek and Roman mythology, known together as the Dioscuri or Dioskouroi. Their mother was Leda, but they had different fathers; Castor was the mortal son of […]

Entry Castor and Pollux (Folklore)
Description 

Castor and Pollux (or Polydeuces) are twin half-brothers in Greek and Roman mythology, known together as the Dioscuri or Dioskouroi. Their mother was Leda, but they had different fathers; Castor was the mortal son of […]

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Chiron

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In Greek mythology, Chiron was held to be the superlative centaur amongst his brethren since he was called the “wisest and justest of all the centaurs”. Chiron was notable throughout Greek mythology for his youth-nurturing […]

Entry Chiron
Description 

In Greek mythology, Chiron was held to be the superlative centaur amongst his brethren since he was called the “wisest and justest of all the centaurs”. Chiron was notable throughout Greek mythology for his youth-nurturing […]

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Circe

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Circe is an enchantress and a minor goddess in Greek mythology. She is either a daughter of the god Helios and the Oceanid nymph Perse or the goddess Hecate and Aeetes. Circe was renowned for […]

Entry Circe
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Circe is an enchantress and a minor goddess in Greek mythology. She is either a daughter of the god Helios and the Oceanid nymph Perse or the goddess Hecate and Aeetes. Circe was renowned for […]

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Clytemnestra

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Clytemnestra, in Greek mythology, was the wife of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, and the half-sister of Helen of Sparta. In Aeschylus’ Oresteia, she murders Agamemnon – said by Euripides to be her second husband – […]

Entry Clytemnestra
Description 

Clytemnestra, in Greek mythology, was the wife of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, and the half-sister of Helen of Sparta. In Aeschylus’ Oresteia, she murders Agamemnon – said by Euripides to be her second husband – […]

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Cyclops

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Polyphemus is the one-eyed giant son of Poseidon and Thoosa in Greek mythology, one of the Cyclopes described in Homer’s Odyssey. His name means “abounding in songs and legends”, “many-voiced” or “very famous”. Polyphemus first […]

Entry Cyclops
Description 

Polyphemus is the one-eyed giant son of Poseidon and Thoosa in Greek mythology, one of the Cyclopes described in Homer’s Odyssey. His name means “abounding in songs and legends”, “many-voiced” or “very famous”. Polyphemus first […]

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Daimon

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Plato’s daimons were something akin to guardian angels, spirits that watched over the living, whom they guided on the path to Hades after their death. Well before Plato’s time, Homer had referred in the Iliad […]

Entry Daimon
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Plato’s daimons were something akin to guardian angels, spirits that watched over the living, whom they guided on the path to Hades after their death. Well before Plato’s time, Homer had referred in the Iliad […]

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Demodocus

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In the Odyssey by Homer, Demodocus is a poet who often visits the court of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians on the island of Scherie. During Odysseus’ stay on Scherie, Demodocus performs three narrative songs. […]

Entry Demodocus
Description 

In the Odyssey by Homer, Demodocus is a poet who often visits the court of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians on the island of Scherie. During Odysseus’ stay on Scherie, Demodocus performs three narrative songs. […]

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Diana (Folklore)

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Diana is a goddess in Roman religion, primarily considered a patroness of the countryside and nature, hunters, wildlife, childbirth, crossroads, the night, and the Moon. She is equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, and absorbed […]

Entry Diana (Folklore)
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Diana is a goddess in Roman religion, primarily considered a patroness of the countryside and nature, hunters, wildlife, childbirth, crossroads, the night, and the Moon. She is equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, and absorbed […]

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Diomedes

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Diomedes is a hero in Greek mythology, known for his participation in the Trojan War. He was born to Tydeus and Deipyle and later became King of Argos, succeeding his maternal grandfather, Adrastus. In Homer’s […]

Entry Diomedes
Description 

Diomedes is a hero in Greek mythology, known for his participation in the Trojan War. He was born to Tydeus and Deipyle and later became King of Argos, succeeding his maternal grandfather, Adrastus. In Homer’s […]

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Dragon (Folklore)

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A dragon is a large magical legendary creature that appears in the folklore of multiple cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have […]

Entry Dragon (Folklore)
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A dragon is a large magical legendary creature that appears in the folklore of multiple cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have […]

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Echo (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Echo was an Oread who resided on Mount Cithaeron. Zeus loved consorting with beautiful nymphs and often visited them on Earth. Eventually, Zeus’s wife, Hera, became suspicious, and came from Mount Olympus […]

Entry Echo (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Echo was an Oread who resided on Mount Cithaeron. Zeus loved consorting with beautiful nymphs and often visited them on Earth. Eventually, Zeus’s wife, Hera, became suspicious, and came from Mount Olympus […]

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Euphemus (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Euphemus was counted among the Calydonian hunters and the Argonauts, and was connected with the legend of the foundation of Cyrene. Euphemus was a son of Poseidon, granted by his father the […]

Entry Euphemus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Euphemus was counted among the Calydonian hunters and the Argonauts, and was connected with the legend of the foundation of Cyrene. Euphemus was a son of Poseidon, granted by his father the […]

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Halcyone and Ceyx (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Alcyone (or dubiously Halcyone) and Ceyx were a wife and husband who incurred the wrath of the god Zeus for their romantic hubris. Alcyone became the queen of Trachis after marrying King […]

Entry Halcyone and Ceyx (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Alcyone (or dubiously Halcyone) and Ceyx were a wife and husband who incurred the wrath of the god Zeus for their romantic hubris. Alcyone became the queen of Trachis after marrying King […]

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Hector

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In Greek mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince, a hero and the greatest warrior for Troy during the Trojan War. He is a major character in Homer’s Iliad, where he leads the Trojans and their […]

Entry Hector
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In Greek mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince, a hero and the greatest warrior for Troy during the Trojan War. He is a major character in Homer’s Iliad, where he leads the Trojans and their […]

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Helen of Troy

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Helen, also known as Helen of Troy, or Helen of Sparta, and in Latin as Helena, was a figure in Greek mythology said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world. She was […]

Entry Helen of Troy
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Helen, also known as Helen of Troy, or Helen of Sparta, and in Latin as Helena, was a figure in Greek mythology said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world. She was […]

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Hellhound

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A hellhound is a mythological hound that embodies a guardian or a servant of hell, the devil, or the underworld. Hellhounds occur in mythologies around the world, with the best known examples being Cerberus from […]

Entry Hellhound
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A hellhound is a mythological hound that embodies a guardian or a servant of hell, the devil, or the underworld. Hellhounds occur in mythologies around the world, with the best known examples being Cerberus from […]

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Hephaestus

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Hephaestus (or Vulcan in Roman myth) was the god of technology, blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire and volcanoes in Greco-Roman mythology. He was the son of Hera and Zeus, and the only member […]

Entry Hephaestus
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Hephaestus (or Vulcan in Roman myth) was the god of technology, blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire and volcanoes in Greco-Roman mythology. He was the son of Hera and Zeus, and the only member […]

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Hera

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In ancient Greek religion, Hera is the goddess of marriage, women, and family, and the protector of women during childbirth. In Greek mythology, she is queen of the twelve Olympians and Mount Olympus, sister and […]

Entry Hera
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In ancient Greek religion, Hera is the goddess of marriage, women, and family, and the protector of women during childbirth. In Greek mythology, she is queen of the twelve Olympians and Mount Olympus, sister and […]

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Hercules (Folklore)

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Hercules is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmene. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures. The Romans […]

Entry Hercules (Folklore)
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Hercules is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmene. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures. The Romans […]

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Hermes

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Hermes is an Olympian deity in ancient Greek religion and mythology considered the herald of the gods. He is also widely considered the protector of human heralds, travelers, thieves, merchants, and orators. He is able […]

Entry Hermes
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Hermes is an Olympian deity in ancient Greek religion and mythology considered the herald of the gods. He is also widely considered the protector of human heralds, travelers, thieves, merchants, and orators. He is able […]

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Hippolyta

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In Classical Greek mythology, Hippolyta, or Hippolyte, was a daughter of Ares and Otrera, queen of the Amazons, and a sister of Antiope and Melanippe. She wore her father Ares’ zoster, the Greek word found […]

Entry Hippolyta
Description 

In Classical Greek mythology, Hippolyta, or Hippolyte, was a daughter of Ares and Otrera, queen of the Amazons, and a sister of Antiope and Melanippe. She wore her father Ares’ zoster, the Greek word found […]

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Icarus

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Icarus was a boy who’s father, a master craftsman named Daedalus, created a pair of artificial wings that allowed him to fly. The wings were made of feathers held together by wax, and Daedalus warned […]

Entry Icarus
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Icarus was a boy who’s father, a master craftsman named Daedalus, created a pair of artificial wings that allowed him to fly. The wings were made of feathers held together by wax, and Daedalus warned […]

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Idas (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Idas was a Messenian prince. He was one of the Argonauts, a participant in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar and contender with the gods. The two beautiful daughters of Leucippus, Phoebe […]

Entry Idas (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Idas was a Messenian prince. He was one of the Argonauts, a participant in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar and contender with the gods. The two beautiful daughters of Leucippus, Phoebe […]

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Idmon (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Idmon was an Argonaut seer. Idmon foresaw his own death in the Argonaut expedition, but joined anyway. During the outbound voyage of Argo, a boar killed him in the land of the […]

Entry Idmon (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Idmon was an Argonaut seer. Idmon foresaw his own death in the Argonaut expedition, but joined anyway. During the outbound voyage of Argo, a boar killed him in the land of the […]

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Jason (Folklore)

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Jason was an ancient Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden Fleece is featured in Greek literature. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He […]

Entry Jason (Folklore)
Description 

Jason was an ancient Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden Fleece is featured in Greek literature. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He […]

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Laestrygonians

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In Greek mythology, the Laestrygonians were a tribe of man-eating giants. They were said to have sprung from Laestrygon, son of Poseidon. Odysseus, the main character of Homer’s Odyssey, visited them during his journey back […]

Entry Laestrygonians
Description 

In Greek mythology, the Laestrygonians were a tribe of man-eating giants. They were said to have sprung from Laestrygon, son of Poseidon. Odysseus, the main character of Homer’s Odyssey, visited them during his journey back […]

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Lotus-eaters

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In Greek mythology, lotophages or the lotus-eaters were a race of people living on an island dominated by the lotus tree off coastal Tunisia (Island of Djerba), a plant whose botanical identity is uncertain. The […]

Entry Lotus-eaters
Description 

In Greek mythology, lotophages or the lotus-eaters were a race of people living on an island dominated by the lotus tree off coastal Tunisia (Island of Djerba), a plant whose botanical identity is uncertain. The […]

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Lynceus (Folklore)

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In Greek mythology, Lynceus is a Messenian prince and one of the Argonauts who served as a lookout on the Argo. He also participated in the hunt for the Calydonian boar. Lynceus was the murderer […]

Entry Lynceus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Lynceus is a Messenian prince and one of the Argonauts who served as a lookout on the Argo. He also participated in the hunt for the Calydonian boar. Lynceus was the murderer […]

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Marpessa (Folklore)

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When Idas came from Messenia to ask for the hand of Marpessa, daughter of Evenus, the maiden’s father refused his request because he wanted his daughter to remain a virgin. Idas went to his father […]

Entry Marpessa (Folklore)
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When Idas came from Messenia to ask for the hand of Marpessa, daughter of Evenus, the maiden’s father refused his request because he wanted his daughter to remain a virgin. Idas went to his father […]

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Mars (Folklore)

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Category Mars (Folklore)
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In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno, and was pre-eminent among […]

Entry Mars (Folklore)
Description 

In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno, and was pre-eminent among […]

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Medea

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Category Medea
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In Greek mythology, Medea (perhaps implying “planner / schemer”) is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of […]

Entry Medea
Description 

In Greek mythology, Medea (perhaps implying “planner / schemer”) is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of […]

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Medusa

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Category Medusa
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In Greek mythology, Medusa, also called Gorgo, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons — Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale — generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those […]

Entry Medusa
Description 

In Greek mythology, Medusa, also called Gorgo, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons — Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale — generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those […]

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Meleager (Folklore)

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Category Meleager (Folklore)
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The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar is an ancient Greek myth that unites some of the most renowned heroes from pre-Trojan mythology to defeat a boar sent by a vengeful goddess threatening to destroy the […]

Entry Meleager (Folklore)
Description 

The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar is an ancient Greek myth that unites some of the most renowned heroes from pre-Trojan mythology to defeat a boar sent by a vengeful goddess threatening to destroy the […]

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Mercury (Folklore)

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Category Mercury (Folklore)
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Mercury is a major god in Roman religion and mythology, being one of the 12 Dii Consentes within the ancient Roman pantheon. He is the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication (including divination), […]

Entry Mercury (Folklore)
Description 

Mercury is a major god in Roman religion and mythology, being one of the 12 Dii Consentes within the ancient Roman pantheon. He is the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication (including divination), […]

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Minerva (Folklore)

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Category Minerva (Folklore)
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Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. She is also a goddess of warfare, though with a focus on strategic warfare, rather than the […]

Entry Minerva (Folklore)
Description 

Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. She is also a goddess of warfare, though with a focus on strategic warfare, rather than the […]

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Minotaur

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Category Minotaur
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In Greek mythology, the Minotaur is a mythical creature portrayed during classical antiquity with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man or, as described by Roman poet Ovid, a […]

Entry Minotaur
Description 

In Greek mythology, the Minotaur is a mythical creature portrayed during classical antiquity with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man or, as described by Roman poet Ovid, a […]

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Morpheus (Folklore)

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Category Morpheus (Folklore)
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Morpheus, or “Fashioner”, derived from the Ancient Greek meaning “form, shape”, is a god associated with sleep and dreams. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses he is the son of Somnus and appears in dreams in human form. […]

Entry Morpheus (Folklore)
Description 

Morpheus, or “Fashioner”, derived from the Ancient Greek meaning “form, shape”, is a god associated with sleep and dreams. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses he is the son of Somnus and appears in dreams in human form. […]

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Mother Nature

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Category Mother Nature
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Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth Mother) is a personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother. […]

Entry Mother Nature
Description 

Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth Mother) is a personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother. […]

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Nausicaa

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Category Nausicaa
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Nausicaa, also spelled Nausicaä or Nausikaa, is a character in Homer’s Odyssey. She is the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of Phaeacia. Her name means “burner of ships”. In Book Six of the […]

Entry Nausicaa
Description 

Nausicaa, also spelled Nausicaä or Nausikaa, is a character in Homer’s Odyssey. She is the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of Phaeacia. Her name means “burner of ships”. In Book Six of the […]

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Neptune

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Category Neptune
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Neptune is the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman religion. He is the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. In the Greek tradition, he is a brother of Jupiter and Pluto; the brothers […]

Entry Neptune
Description 

Neptune is the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman religion. He is the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. In the Greek tradition, he is a brother of Jupiter and Pluto; the brothers […]

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Nestor

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Category Nestor
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In Greek mythology, Nestor of Gerenia was a legendary king of Pylos. He is a prominent secondary character in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where he appears as an elderly warrior who frequently offers advice to […]

Entry Nestor
Description 

In Greek mythology, Nestor of Gerenia was a legendary king of Pylos. He is a prominent secondary character in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where he appears as an elderly warrior who frequently offers advice to […]

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Nyx

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Category Nyx
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Nyx (“Night”) is the Greek goddess and personification of night. A shadowy figure, Nyx stood at or near the beginning of creation and mothered other personified deities, such as Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), with […]

Entry Nyx
Description 

Nyx (“Night”) is the Greek goddess and personification of night. A shadowy figure, Nyx stood at or near the beginning of creation and mothered other personified deities, such as Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), with […]

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Odysseus

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Category Odysseus
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In Greek and Roman mythology, Odysseus, also known by the Latin variant Ulysses, is a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. Odysseus also plays a key role […]

Entry Odysseus
Description 

In Greek and Roman mythology, Odysseus, also known by the Latin variant Ulysses, is a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. Odysseus also plays a key role […]

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Orpheus (Folklore)

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Category Orpheus (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a Thracian bard, legendary musician and prophet. He was also a renowned poet and, according to legend, travelled with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece, and […]

Entry Orpheus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a Thracian bard, legendary musician and prophet. He was also a renowned poet and, according to legend, travelled with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece, and […]

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Pan (Folklore)

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Category Pan (Folklore)
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In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Pan is the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs. He has the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, […]

Entry Pan (Folklore)
Description 

In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Pan is the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs. He has the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, […]

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Pandora (Folklore)

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Category Pandora (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by Hephaestus on the instructions of Zeus. As Hesiod related it, each god cooperated by giving her unique gifts. Her other name—inscribed against her figure […]

Entry Pandora (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by Hephaestus on the instructions of Zeus. As Hesiod related it, each god cooperated by giving her unique gifts. Her other name—inscribed against her figure […]

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Paris of Troy

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Category Paris of Troy
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Paris of Troy is a mythological figure in the story of the Trojan War. He appears in numerous Greek legends and works of Ancient Greek literature such as the Iliad. In myth, he is prince […]

Entry Paris of Troy
Description 

Paris of Troy is a mythological figure in the story of the Trojan War. He appears in numerous Greek legends and works of Ancient Greek literature such as the Iliad. In myth, he is prince […]

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Peleus (Folklore)

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Category Peleus (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Peleus was a hero, king of Phthia, husband of Thetis and the father of their son Achilles. This myth was already known to the hearers of Homer in the late 8th century […]

Entry Peleus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Peleus was a hero, king of Phthia, husband of Thetis and the father of their son Achilles. This myth was already known to the hearers of Homer in the late 8th century […]

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Penelope

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Category Penelope
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Penelope is a character in Homer’s Odyssey. She was the queen of Ithaca and was the daughter of Spartan king Icarius and Asterodia. Penelope is known for her fidelity to her husband Odysseus, despite the […]

Entry Penelope
Description 

Penelope is a character in Homer’s Odyssey. She was the queen of Ithaca and was the daughter of Spartan king Icarius and Asterodia. Penelope is known for her fidelity to her husband Odysseus, despite the […]

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Persephone (Folklore)

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Category Persephone (Folklore)
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In ancient Greek mythology and religion, Persephone, also called Kore or Cora, is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She became the queen of the underworld after her abduction by her uncle Hades, the king […]

Entry Persephone (Folklore)
Description 

In ancient Greek mythology and religion, Persephone, also called Kore or Cora, is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She became the queen of the underworld after her abduction by her uncle Hades, the king […]

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Perseus (Folklore)

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Category Perseus (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Perseus is the legendary founder of the Perseid dynasty. He was, alongside Cadmus and Bellerophon, the greatest Greek hero and slayer of monsters before the days of Heracles. He beheaded the Gorgon […]

Entry Perseus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Perseus is the legendary founder of the Perseid dynasty. He was, alongside Cadmus and Bellerophon, the greatest Greek hero and slayer of monsters before the days of Heracles. He beheaded the Gorgon […]

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Philoctetes (Folklore)

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Category Philoctetes (Folklore)
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Philoctetes, or Philocthetes, according to Greek mythology, was the son of Poeas, king of Meliboea in Thessaly, and Demonassa or Methone. He was a Greek hero, famed as an archer, and a participant in the […]

Entry Philoctetes (Folklore)
Description 

Philoctetes, or Philocthetes, according to Greek mythology, was the son of Poeas, king of Meliboea in Thessaly, and Demonassa or Methone. He was a Greek hero, famed as an archer, and a participant in the […]

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Pluto (Folklore)

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Category Pluto (Folklore)
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In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Pluto was the ruler of the Greek underworld. The earlier name for the god was Hades, which became more common as the name of the underworld itself. Pluto represents […]

Entry Pluto (Folklore)
Description 

In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Pluto was the ruler of the Greek underworld. The earlier name for the god was Hades, which became more common as the name of the underworld itself. Pluto represents […]

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Poseidon

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Category Poseidon
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Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology, presiding over the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses. He was the protector of seafarers and the guardian of many Hellenic cities and […]

Entry Poseidon
Description 

Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology, presiding over the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses. He was the protector of seafarers and the guardian of many Hellenic cities and […]

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Prometheus (Folklore)

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Category Prometheus (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan. He is best known for defying the Olympian gods by taking fire from them and giving it to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge and, more generally, […]

Entry Prometheus (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan. He is best known for defying the Olympian gods by taking fire from them and giving it to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge and, more generally, […]

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Proteus

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Category Proteus
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In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early prophetic sea god or god of rivers and oceanic bodies of water, one of several deities whom Homer calls the “Old Man of the Sea” (hálios gérôn). Some […]

Entry Proteus
Description 

In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early prophetic sea god or god of rivers and oceanic bodies of water, one of several deities whom Homer calls the “Old Man of the Sea” (hálios gérôn). Some […]

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Psyche (Folklore)

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Category Psyche (Folklore)
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Psyche is the Greek goddess of the soul and often represented as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings. The name Psyche means “soul” in Greek and was commonly referred to as such in Roman mythology […]

Entry Psyche (Folklore)
Description 

Psyche is the Greek goddess of the soul and often represented as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings. The name Psyche means “soul” in Greek and was commonly referred to as such in Roman mythology […]

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Pygmalion (Folklore)

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Category Pygmalion (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Pygmalion was a legendary figure of Cyprus. In book 10 of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Pygmalion was a Cypriot sculptor who carved a woman out of ivory alabaster. Post-classical sources name her Galatea. According […]

Entry Pygmalion (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Pygmalion was a legendary figure of Cyprus. In book 10 of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Pygmalion was a Cypriot sculptor who carved a woman out of ivory alabaster. Post-classical sources name her Galatea. According […]

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Pythia

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Category Pythia
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Pythia was the name of the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. She specifically served as its oracle and was known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her title was also historically glossed […]

Entry Pythia
Description 

Pythia was the name of the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. She specifically served as its oracle and was known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her title was also historically glossed […]

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Sarpedon

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Category Sarpedon
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In Greek mythology, Sarpedon was a son of Zeus, who fought on the side of Troy in the Trojan War. Although in the Iliad, he was the son of Zeus and Laodamia, the daughter of […]

Entry Sarpedon
Description 

In Greek mythology, Sarpedon was a son of Zeus, who fought on the side of Troy in the Trojan War. Although in the Iliad, he was the son of Zeus and Laodamia, the daughter of […]

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Scrying

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Category Scrying
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Scrying, also known by various names such as “seeing” or “peeping”, is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, […]

Entry Scrying
Description 

Scrying, also known by various names such as “seeing” or “peeping”, is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, […]

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Siren

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Category Siren
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In Greek mythology, the sirens were human-like beings with alluring voices; they appear in a scene in the Odyssey in which Odysseus saves his crew’s lives. Roman poets placed them on some small islands called […]

Entry Siren
Description 

In Greek mythology, the sirens were human-like beings with alluring voices; they appear in a scene in the Odyssey in which Odysseus saves his crew’s lives. Roman poets placed them on some small islands called […]

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Talos

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Category Talos
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As Adrienne Mayor, a classicist at Stanford University, argues in her 2018 book Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines and Ancient Dreams of Technology, “Long before the clockwork contraptions of the Middle Ages and the [automatons] […]

Entry Talos
Description 

As Adrienne Mayor, a classicist at Stanford University, argues in her 2018 book Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines and Ancient Dreams of Technology, “Long before the clockwork contraptions of the Middle Ages and the [automatons] […]

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Telemachus

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Category Telemachus
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In Greek mythology, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope, who are central characters in Homer’s Odyssey. When Telemachus reached manhood, he visited Pylos and Sparta in search of his wandering father. On his […]

Entry Telemachus
Description 

In Greek mythology, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope, who are central characters in Homer’s Odyssey. When Telemachus reached manhood, he visited Pylos and Sparta in search of his wandering father. On his […]

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Theseus

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Category Theseus
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Theseus was the mythical king and founder-hero of Athens. The myths surrounding Theseus, his journeys, exploits, and friends, have provided material for fiction throughout the ages. Theseus is sometimes described as the son of Aegeus, […]

Entry Theseus
Description 

Theseus was the mythical king and founder-hero of Athens. The myths surrounding Theseus, his journeys, exploits, and friends, have provided material for fiction throughout the ages. Theseus is sometimes described as the son of Aegeus, […]

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Thetis

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Category Thetis
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Thetis is a figure from Greek mythology with varying mythological roles. She mainly appears as a sea nymph, a goddess of water, and one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the ancient sea god Nereus. […]

Entry Thetis
Description 

Thetis is a figure from Greek mythology with varying mythological roles. She mainly appears as a sea nymph, a goddess of water, and one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the ancient sea god Nereus. […]

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Tiphys (Folklore)

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Category Tiphys (Folklore)
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In Greek mythology, Tiphys was the helmsman of the Argonauts, chosen to steer the long ship Argo: “The watchful Tiphys, Hagnius’ son, hung his gaze upon the Arcadian constellation, favoured mortal, that found use for […]

Entry Tiphys (Folklore)
Description 

In Greek mythology, Tiphys was the helmsman of the Argonauts, chosen to steer the long ship Argo: “The watchful Tiphys, Hagnius’ son, hung his gaze upon the Arcadian constellation, favoured mortal, that found use for […]

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Trojan Horse

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Category Trojan Horse
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In Greek mythology, the Trojan Horse was a wooden horse said to have been used by the Greeks during the Trojan War to enter the city of Troy and win the war. The Trojan Horse […]

Entry Trojan Horse
Description 

In Greek mythology, the Trojan Horse was a wooden horse said to have been used by the Greeks during the Trojan War to enter the city of Troy and win the war. The Trojan Horse […]

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Twelve Olympians

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Category Twelve Olympians
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In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the twelve Olympians are the major deities of the Greek pantheon, commonly considered to be Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hephaestus, Hermes, and either Hestia […]

Entry Twelve Olympians
Description 

In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the twelve Olympians are the major deities of the Greek pantheon, commonly considered to be Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hephaestus, Hermes, and either Hestia […]

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Venus (Folklore)

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Category Venus (Folklore)
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Venus is a Roman goddess, whose functions encompass love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory. In Roman mythology, she was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, who survived the fall […]

Entry Venus (Folklore)
Description 

Venus is a Roman goddess, whose functions encompass love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory. In Roman mythology, she was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, who survived the fall […]

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Xanthos

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Category Xanthos
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Balius and Xanthus were, according to Greek mythology, two immortal horses, the offspring of the harpy Podarge and the West wind, Zephyrus. Book 16 of the Iliad tells us that Achilles had a third horse, […]

Entry Xanthos
Description 

Balius and Xanthus were, according to Greek mythology, two immortal horses, the offspring of the harpy Podarge and the West wind, Zephyrus. Book 16 of the Iliad tells us that Achilles had a third horse, […]

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Zetes and Calais (Folklore)

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Category Zetes and Calais (Folklore)
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The Boreads are the two “wind brothers” in Greek mythology. They consist of Zetes (also Zethes) and Calaïs. Their place of origin was Thrace, home of their father Boreas (the North wind). Zetes and Calais […]

Entry Zetes and Calais (Folklore)
Description 

The Boreads are the two “wind brothers” in Greek mythology. They consist of Zetes (also Zethes) and Calaïs. Their place of origin was Thrace, home of their father Boreas (the North wind). Zetes and Calais […]

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Zeus

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Category Zeus
Includes 

Zeus is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who rules as king of the gods on Mount Olympus. His name is cognate with the first element of his Roman equivalent Jupiter. His […]

Entry Zeus
Description 

Zeus is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who rules as king of the gods on Mount Olympus. His name is cognate with the first element of his Roman equivalent Jupiter. His […]