Originally posted to Shrubbery, 15 Nov 2003
This constellation's a bit of a puzzle if you're doing mythology. It only has about ten stories that could go with it. To top it off, it's called Auriga the Charioteer but most books show it as a shepherd holding a lamb or a kid. Soooo... since I'm not in the mood for shepherds I've decided to go with the charioteer, or at least a charioteer.
One of the charioteers from ancient Greek myth was Erichthonius, mythological king of Athens.
It seems that at one time the lame god Hephaestus (Vulcan, to the Romans) had asked for Athene as his wife. Athene was disgusted by his appearance and escaped his advances, causing him to "spill his seed" on the ground. This impregnated Gaia (Mother Earth) and Erichthonius was born. Gaia was somewhat put off by this accidental child, so Athene agreed to foster him. She took him to her sanctuary on the Athenian acropolis and had King Cecrops' daughters look after him. There are many stories of his upbringing, but I don't think I'll go into them.
Erichthonius, with Athene's help, later became king of Athens himself. Because of his connections with the goddess of the earth, the god of the smithy, and the goddess of wisdom, he was able to teach the people many things that improved their lives. Erichthonius was said to have been the creator of the horse-drawn chariot. He also showed the people of Athens how to improve their crop yields by tilling the soil, and how to work in silver. Silver was considered to be more important than gold.
Erichthonius was also said to have instituted the Panathenaea (Athens' major festival) in honour of his foster mother.
Because of his vast contributions to humanity, Erichthonius was made a god after his death and the constellation Auriga (according to this story, anyway) celebrates his achievements. The Erechtheion on the Athenian acropolis possibly started out as a temple to him, although he was later conflated with Erechtheus. Things get kind of confusing, there. It's probably the same person.
Showing posts with label European mythology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European mythology. Show all posts
Friday, 23 February 2007
Delphinus (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 1 Nov 2003
Arion was a poet and musician (in those days they went hand in hand) born in Lesbos. His great skill had won him the favour of King Periander of Corinth, and he spent a great deal of time as a teacher and court musician in that city.
One day the poet came to the king to ask his permission to leave Corinth for a time. There was to be a great contest in Sicily, and Arion wanted to try his skill against the Mediterranean's best poets. King Periander reluctantly gave his assent in return for a promised return, and soon the poet was headed across the sea to the competition.
Arion's poems far surpassed anything else offered at the contest, and the poet was pleased and amazed to find himself showered with not only the stated prize but many other gifts besides. The Sicilians begged Arion to stay with them, but he remembered King Periander's kindness and the promise he'd made to return to Corinth. Loaded with riches, he set sail on a ship bound back to his adopted home town and dreamed of the proud return he would make.
The sailors on board the ship, however, had other plans. They couldn't help but notice Arion's rich cargo and were soon scheming to have it for themselves.
One day, as the poet sat gazing over the waves, they approached him from behind, bound him, and told him they were going to kill him for his money. Arion offered them everything he had except for his cythara (musical instrument) in exchange for his life, but the sailors didn't want a witness to their crimes and refused.
Arion pleaded with his captors to be allowed one more song before his death, and the men agreed. The poet took up his harp and sang his sweetest song in hopes of melting the sailors' hard hearts, but he could see it was in vain. Choosing his own end, he finished his song and leaped out of the boat into the sea.
The sailors were surprised by the poet's sudden disappearance, but rather than look for him they decided to let him drown. Either way, they would keep the money.
Unbeknownst to the wicked sailors, Arion's last song had attracted attention from Poseidon, god of the sea. As the poet thrashed in the water, he felt himself lifted mysteriously back up to the surface. Poseidon had sent a dolphin to take him to safety, and before Arion would have thought it possible he found himself returned to the harbour of Corinth.
King Periander was naturally very glad to see Arion back in his city, and when he heard the story of the evil sailors and the poet's magical rescue he was astounded. He vowed to get revenge on the sailors when their ship eventually returned to Corinth.
Sure enough, a day later the ship pulled into harbour. The king went down to the docks pretending to greet the poet, and when the poet wasn't to be found he demanded that the crew tell him any news they had of Arion. The sailors were ready for this, however, and told the king that Arion had been so well received in Sicily that he'd decided to settle there, a rich and honoured man.
Periander listened to this story carefully, then asked the sailors if they'd mind repeating it to a friend of his. With that, the "drowned" poet appeared before his captors. The men were so startled by this that they confessed to their crimes at once.
The king saw to the punishment of the sailors (read that as: he had them executed), Arion was restored to his riches, and Corinth was enriched by his songs for a very long time.
Poseidon's faithful dolphin was rewarded by being placed in the heavens. Delphinus is often spoken of as a lucky constellation in honour of the lucky poet.
Arion was a poet and musician (in those days they went hand in hand) born in Lesbos. His great skill had won him the favour of King Periander of Corinth, and he spent a great deal of time as a teacher and court musician in that city.
One day the poet came to the king to ask his permission to leave Corinth for a time. There was to be a great contest in Sicily, and Arion wanted to try his skill against the Mediterranean's best poets. King Periander reluctantly gave his assent in return for a promised return, and soon the poet was headed across the sea to the competition.
Arion's poems far surpassed anything else offered at the contest, and the poet was pleased and amazed to find himself showered with not only the stated prize but many other gifts besides. The Sicilians begged Arion to stay with them, but he remembered King Periander's kindness and the promise he'd made to return to Corinth. Loaded with riches, he set sail on a ship bound back to his adopted home town and dreamed of the proud return he would make.
The sailors on board the ship, however, had other plans. They couldn't help but notice Arion's rich cargo and were soon scheming to have it for themselves.
One day, as the poet sat gazing over the waves, they approached him from behind, bound him, and told him they were going to kill him for his money. Arion offered them everything he had except for his cythara (musical instrument) in exchange for his life, but the sailors didn't want a witness to their crimes and refused.
Arion pleaded with his captors to be allowed one more song before his death, and the men agreed. The poet took up his harp and sang his sweetest song in hopes of melting the sailors' hard hearts, but he could see it was in vain. Choosing his own end, he finished his song and leaped out of the boat into the sea.
The sailors were surprised by the poet's sudden disappearance, but rather than look for him they decided to let him drown. Either way, they would keep the money.
Unbeknownst to the wicked sailors, Arion's last song had attracted attention from Poseidon, god of the sea. As the poet thrashed in the water, he felt himself lifted mysteriously back up to the surface. Poseidon had sent a dolphin to take him to safety, and before Arion would have thought it possible he found himself returned to the harbour of Corinth.
King Periander was naturally very glad to see Arion back in his city, and when he heard the story of the evil sailors and the poet's magical rescue he was astounded. He vowed to get revenge on the sailors when their ship eventually returned to Corinth.
Sure enough, a day later the ship pulled into harbour. The king went down to the docks pretending to greet the poet, and when the poet wasn't to be found he demanded that the crew tell him any news they had of Arion. The sailors were ready for this, however, and told the king that Arion had been so well received in Sicily that he'd decided to settle there, a rich and honoured man.
Periander listened to this story carefully, then asked the sailors if they'd mind repeating it to a friend of his. With that, the "drowned" poet appeared before his captors. The men were so startled by this that they confessed to their crimes at once.
The king saw to the punishment of the sailors (read that as: he had them executed), Arion was restored to his riches, and Corinth was enriched by his songs for a very long time.
Poseidon's faithful dolphin was rewarded by being placed in the heavens. Delphinus is often spoken of as a lucky constellation in honour of the lucky poet.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Pisces (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery,18 Oct 2003
Pisces, the twelfth zodiacal constellation, is said to represent two fish tied together at the tails.
At one point in the fight between the Olympians and the Titans, Aphrodite (goddess of love) and her son (or, some say, attendant) Eros were threatened by the hundred-headed giant Typhon (father of such delights as the Hydra, the Nemean Lion, the Chimera, the Sphinx, Cerberus, and Ladon). In order to prevent the Titan from separating them, the two gods tied themselves together by the ankles using Aphrodite's golden girdle (girdle in this case being basically a belt, as opposed to a Playtex prison) and then jumped into the Nile river to escape. They changed into fish and were able to swim away to safety.
Incidentally, Zeus later buried the monster Typhon under Mount Etna. It's said that his stirrings and rumblings are responsible for its volcanic activity even now.
Pisces, the twelfth zodiacal constellation, is said to represent two fish tied together at the tails.
At one point in the fight between the Olympians and the Titans, Aphrodite (goddess of love) and her son (or, some say, attendant) Eros were threatened by the hundred-headed giant Typhon (father of such delights as the Hydra, the Nemean Lion, the Chimera, the Sphinx, Cerberus, and Ladon). In order to prevent the Titan from separating them, the two gods tied themselves together by the ankles using Aphrodite's golden girdle (girdle in this case being basically a belt, as opposed to a Playtex prison) and then jumped into the Nile river to escape. They changed into fish and were able to swim away to safety.
Incidentally, Zeus later buried the monster Typhon under Mount Etna. It's said that his stirrings and rumblings are responsible for its volcanic activity even now.
Aquarius (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 8 Oct 2003
Aquarius is the 11th zodiacal constellation and is said by some to represent Ganymede, cupbearer to the Olympians.
Ganymede was originally a young prince of Troy who had been sent to live as a shepherd for a while (as was the custom, apparently). One day he was spied by Zeus, who immediately fell in love with him (originally this was understood as a sexual love, but the Romans and later the Victorians were careful to avoid that part of the story). Zeus made up his mind to bring the youth to Olympus, so one day when Ganymede was out watching his flock Zeus sent a magnificent rooster to crow away and distract the boy. Ganymede was filled with amazement at the sight of the bird and began chasing it to bring it back to the farmyard.
As the chase lead the boy away from his companions, Zeus' eagle Aquila suddenly swooped out of the sky and grabbed Ganymede. By the time the other shepherds heard the youth's cries it was too late -- Ganymede was lost to them.
Zeus had intended to make Ganymede immortal and have him serve at his table, but there was one major problem. His jealous wife Hera had a daughter named Hebe who was already serving as cupbearer. Some of the stories say that Hebe retired gracefully to marry the hero/demigod Heracles, but some say she was maliciously tripped up one day as she was serving the Olympians and was forced to turn her cup over to Ganymede in shame. Either way, you can imagine that Hera was not impressed.
Despite her best plans, however, Ganymede was soon Zeus' constant companion. He was known to the people of earth as a symbol of compassion. Once when the earth was suffering a terrible drought Ganymede pleaded with his master Zeus to be allowed to pour just one cupful from his magic chalice to relieve the world a tiny bit. Zeus, touched by this kindness, gave Ganymede leave to pour the rains over the earth and end the drought. This is why Aquarius is usually represented as a man pouring a large container of water down from the sky.
The constellation Aquarius used to mark the start of the rainy season for many different ancient cultures.
Aquarius is the 11th zodiacal constellation and is said by some to represent Ganymede, cupbearer to the Olympians.
Ganymede was originally a young prince of Troy who had been sent to live as a shepherd for a while (as was the custom, apparently). One day he was spied by Zeus, who immediately fell in love with him (originally this was understood as a sexual love, but the Romans and later the Victorians were careful to avoid that part of the story). Zeus made up his mind to bring the youth to Olympus, so one day when Ganymede was out watching his flock Zeus sent a magnificent rooster to crow away and distract the boy. Ganymede was filled with amazement at the sight of the bird and began chasing it to bring it back to the farmyard.
As the chase lead the boy away from his companions, Zeus' eagle Aquila suddenly swooped out of the sky and grabbed Ganymede. By the time the other shepherds heard the youth's cries it was too late -- Ganymede was lost to them.
Zeus had intended to make Ganymede immortal and have him serve at his table, but there was one major problem. His jealous wife Hera had a daughter named Hebe who was already serving as cupbearer. Some of the stories say that Hebe retired gracefully to marry the hero/demigod Heracles, but some say she was maliciously tripped up one day as she was serving the Olympians and was forced to turn her cup over to Ganymede in shame. Either way, you can imagine that Hera was not impressed.
Despite her best plans, however, Ganymede was soon Zeus' constant companion. He was known to the people of earth as a symbol of compassion. Once when the earth was suffering a terrible drought Ganymede pleaded with his master Zeus to be allowed to pour just one cupful from his magic chalice to relieve the world a tiny bit. Zeus, touched by this kindness, gave Ganymede leave to pour the rains over the earth and end the drought. This is why Aquarius is usually represented as a man pouring a large container of water down from the sky.
The constellation Aquarius used to mark the start of the rainy season for many different ancient cultures.
Capricorn (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 11 Oct 2003
There are a few different stories here. One of them states that Capricorn, the tenth zodiacal constellation, represents Amaltheia the sea-goat (half goat, half fish).
Chronus was, at one time, the chief of the Greek Titans. He had been warned that he would be overthrown by a child of his, so each time his wife Rhea gave birth he forced her to give him the child which he would then swallow.
This went on for some time until Rhea gave birth to Zeus. Not wanting to lose another child, she and her mother Gaia spirited the baby boy off to Crete where he was suckled and protected by Amaltheia. To appease Chronus, Rhea and Gaia disguised a rock in swaddling clothes and gave it to the god. Mistaking the rock for his child he swallowed it whole.
When Zeus had grown up he was able to defeat his father (loooooong story). He forced Chronus to regurgitate his brothers and sisters, who then became the senior Olympian gods.
In some versions of the story the goat's skin is later made into the aegis, Zeus' shield (some reward, that). In others, Zeus as a child accidentally breaks off one of Amaltheia's horns in play. Feeling badly about hurting his benefactor, Zeus gives the horn the ability to grant its owner unlimited food and drink. It becomes known as the Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty.
There are a few different stories here. One of them states that Capricorn, the tenth zodiacal constellation, represents Amaltheia the sea-goat (half goat, half fish).
Chronus was, at one time, the chief of the Greek Titans. He had been warned that he would be overthrown by a child of his, so each time his wife Rhea gave birth he forced her to give him the child which he would then swallow.
This went on for some time until Rhea gave birth to Zeus. Not wanting to lose another child, she and her mother Gaia spirited the baby boy off to Crete where he was suckled and protected by Amaltheia. To appease Chronus, Rhea and Gaia disguised a rock in swaddling clothes and gave it to the god. Mistaking the rock for his child he swallowed it whole.
When Zeus had grown up he was able to defeat his father (loooooong story). He forced Chronus to regurgitate his brothers and sisters, who then became the senior Olympian gods.
In some versions of the story the goat's skin is later made into the aegis, Zeus' shield (some reward, that). In others, Zeus as a child accidentally breaks off one of Amaltheia's horns in play. Feeling badly about hurting his benefactor, Zeus gives the horn the ability to grant its owner unlimited food and drink. It becomes known as the Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty.
Sagittarius (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 19 Oct 2003
Sagittarius, the ninth zodiacal constellation, represents a centaur, the half-man half-horse beast of Greek mythology. The centaurs arose when Ixion, king of Thessaly, lusted after the goddess Hera. Zeus caught wind of this and sent a cloud representing her in her place. The result of this tryst was Kentauros, who in turn mated with the mares of Thessaly and created the race of centaurs.
Exactly which centaur is represented by Sagittarius is debatable. Some say it is the wise Chiron, teacher of Achilles and Jason (he might be the constellation Centaurus, though). Others say it is a drunk, violent centaur battling with the Lapiths.
Another centaur story involves the hero Heracles. His second wife Deianira had been abducted by the centaur Nessus after he had offered to carry her across the river Euenus on his back. Heracles shot the centaur with a poisoned arrow, and in revenge the dying Nessus told Deianira to save some of his blood to use as a love potion if she ever suspected Heracles of being unfaithful. Later, when Deianira suspected another woman of coming between her and her husband, she washed a piece of Heracles' clothing in the blood to win him back. When he put it on, however, the blood poisoned him. In his agonies Heracles built a large funeral pyre and threw himself on the flames. Since he was part immortal he couldn't die, but Zeus rescued him from his pain and took him up to Olympus as a god.
Sagittarius, the ninth zodiacal constellation, represents a centaur, the half-man half-horse beast of Greek mythology. The centaurs arose when Ixion, king of Thessaly, lusted after the goddess Hera. Zeus caught wind of this and sent a cloud representing her in her place. The result of this tryst was Kentauros, who in turn mated with the mares of Thessaly and created the race of centaurs.
Exactly which centaur is represented by Sagittarius is debatable. Some say it is the wise Chiron, teacher of Achilles and Jason (he might be the constellation Centaurus, though). Others say it is a drunk, violent centaur battling with the Lapiths.
Another centaur story involves the hero Heracles. His second wife Deianira had been abducted by the centaur Nessus after he had offered to carry her across the river Euenus on his back. Heracles shot the centaur with a poisoned arrow, and in revenge the dying Nessus told Deianira to save some of his blood to use as a love potion if she ever suspected Heracles of being unfaithful. Later, when Deianira suspected another woman of coming between her and her husband, she washed a piece of Heracles' clothing in the blood to win him back. When he put it on, however, the blood poisoned him. In his agonies Heracles built a large funeral pyre and threw himself on the flames. Since he was part immortal he couldn't die, but Zeus rescued him from his pain and took him up to Olympus as a god.
Scorpius (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 19 Oct 2003
Scorpius, the eighth zodiacal constellation, represents a giant scorpion.
You'll find one version of the story of Orion here, but the story has a couple of different endings. In one, the brash hunter claimed he would show his prowess by destroying all of the animals on earth. In another, Orion grew bored with waiting for the virgin goddess Artemis to marry him so he raped one of her attendants. Either way, the goddess decided he had to be destroyed. Since he would have been able to fight off any of the bigger animals, she sent a scorpion to sneak up and sting him fatally on the foot.
The scorpion was placed in the sky for his service, but he and his enemy Orion are never found in the sky at the same time (Scorpius is in the opposite quadrant).
Scorpius, the eighth zodiacal constellation, represents a giant scorpion.
You'll find one version of the story of Orion here, but the story has a couple of different endings. In one, the brash hunter claimed he would show his prowess by destroying all of the animals on earth. In another, Orion grew bored with waiting for the virgin goddess Artemis to marry him so he raped one of her attendants. Either way, the goddess decided he had to be destroyed. Since he would have been able to fight off any of the bigger animals, she sent a scorpion to sneak up and sting him fatally on the foot.
The scorpion was placed in the sky for his service, but he and his enemy Orion are never found in the sky at the same time (Scorpius is in the opposite quadrant).
Libra (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 18 Oct 2003
Poor Libra... no exciting, romantic story. Fact of the matter is, the seventh zodiacal constellation was probably thought to resemble scales because the sun used to be in Libra (this would be thousands of years ago -- things have changed since) at around the time of the Autumnal Equinox. In other words, at a time when day and night were equal or balanced.
There is, I suppose, some connection with the traditional Scales of Justice... but that's not exactly exciting or romantic either.
Poor Libra... no exciting, romantic story. Fact of the matter is, the seventh zodiacal constellation was probably thought to resemble scales because the sun used to be in Libra (this would be thousands of years ago -- things have changed since) at around the time of the Autumnal Equinox. In other words, at a time when day and night were equal or balanced.
There is, I suppose, some connection with the traditional Scales of Justice... but that's not exactly exciting or romantic either.
Virgo (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 26 oct 2003
If I'm sticking with the whole Greek theme here, the sixth zodiacal constellation represents Persephone, goddess of the Underworld.
Persephone was the daughter of Demeter, goddess of fruitfulness and the harvest. Demeter absolutely doted on her beautiful daughter.
One day, when Persephone and the Ocean nymphs (the Oceanids) were out collecting flowers, Persephone's beauty caught the eye of Hades, god of the Underworld. He had been wishing for a wife, so he caused a great hole to open up in the earth's crust, drove his chariot up through it, snatched the girl, and closed up the hole before anyone realised what had happened. All the nymphs knew was that their companion had vanished.
When Demeter heard that her daughter was missing, she started wandering the earth looking for her. She refused to have anything to do with her usual province of the fields until her daughter was back in her arms.
Soon all of the crops were withering and the people on earth were likely to starve. Zeus sent the messenger god Hermes to the Underworld to demand Persephone's return, and Hades agreed under one condition. They would have to prove that Persephone hadn't had anything to eat or drink during her stay in his kingdom, because anything which passed her lips would connect her to Hades forever.
Now, Persephone had been so full of grief at her abduction that she had been unable to eat a thing, but when the news of her pending release reached her she was so relieved that she began to feel hungry. Picking up a lowly pomegranate, she unfortunately had swallowed six (or some say, three) seeds before her attendants could stop her.
Because of this, Persephone can only return to her mother for half (or three quarters) of the year and must spend the other half (or a quarter, in warmer climates) as Queen of the Underworld. While she is gone, her mother Demeter mourns her loss and refuses to allow the plants to grow, thus causing winter.
Virgo is often represented as holding a stalk of wheat (the star Spica) in her hand, symbolising her connection with her mother's crops.
If I'm sticking with the whole Greek theme here, the sixth zodiacal constellation represents Persephone, goddess of the Underworld.
Persephone was the daughter of Demeter, goddess of fruitfulness and the harvest. Demeter absolutely doted on her beautiful daughter.
One day, when Persephone and the Ocean nymphs (the Oceanids) were out collecting flowers, Persephone's beauty caught the eye of Hades, god of the Underworld. He had been wishing for a wife, so he caused a great hole to open up in the earth's crust, drove his chariot up through it, snatched the girl, and closed up the hole before anyone realised what had happened. All the nymphs knew was that their companion had vanished.
When Demeter heard that her daughter was missing, she started wandering the earth looking for her. She refused to have anything to do with her usual province of the fields until her daughter was back in her arms.
Soon all of the crops were withering and the people on earth were likely to starve. Zeus sent the messenger god Hermes to the Underworld to demand Persephone's return, and Hades agreed under one condition. They would have to prove that Persephone hadn't had anything to eat or drink during her stay in his kingdom, because anything which passed her lips would connect her to Hades forever.
Now, Persephone had been so full of grief at her abduction that she had been unable to eat a thing, but when the news of her pending release reached her she was so relieved that she began to feel hungry. Picking up a lowly pomegranate, she unfortunately had swallowed six (or some say, three) seeds before her attendants could stop her.
Because of this, Persephone can only return to her mother for half (or three quarters) of the year and must spend the other half (or a quarter, in warmer climates) as Queen of the Underworld. While she is gone, her mother Demeter mourns her loss and refuses to allow the plants to grow, thus causing winter.
Virgo is often represented as holding a stalk of wheat (the star Spica) in her hand, symbolising her connection with her mother's crops.
Leo (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 13 Oct 2003
There are several stories about Leo, the fifth zodiacal constellation. Most of them agree that Leo represents a lion; the sticking point is which lion. I'll go with the Nemean Lion.
This particular story involves another of the Twelve Labours of Heracles. The first task Heracles had to accomplish was that of killing the lion which had been terrorising the plain of Nemea.
Heracles went forth with his usual weapons to track down the lion, but as the lion charged at him he discovered that its skin was impervious to sharp objects. Heracles' arrows and sword were easily deflected. Finally the hero had to discard all of his weapons and strangle the enormous cat with his bare hands.
Once the lion was dead Heracles decided to skin it and keep the hide. Again he found that no knife could cut the skin. After many attempts Heracles ended up using the lion's own claws to cut and prepare the hide.
Heracles wore the hide (using the lion's head as a hood) on the rest of his adventures, as the indestructible skin was able to protect him better than any armour would have. In ancient Greek art Heracles is generally represented as wearing the lion's skin.
There are several stories about Leo, the fifth zodiacal constellation. Most of them agree that Leo represents a lion; the sticking point is which lion. I'll go with the Nemean Lion.
This particular story involves another of the Twelve Labours of Heracles. The first task Heracles had to accomplish was that of killing the lion which had been terrorising the plain of Nemea.
Heracles went forth with his usual weapons to track down the lion, but as the lion charged at him he discovered that its skin was impervious to sharp objects. Heracles' arrows and sword were easily deflected. Finally the hero had to discard all of his weapons and strangle the enormous cat with his bare hands.
Once the lion was dead Heracles decided to skin it and keep the hide. Again he found that no knife could cut the skin. After many attempts Heracles ended up using the lion's own claws to cut and prepare the hide.
Heracles wore the hide (using the lion's head as a hood) on the rest of his adventures, as the indestructible skin was able to protect him better than any armour would have. In ancient Greek art Heracles is generally represented as wearing the lion's skin.
Cancer (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 10 Oct 2003
Cancer, the fourth zodiacal constellation, was said by the Greeks to represent a crab sent by Hera to pester Heracles by nipping at his feet while he was trying to kill the many-headed Hydra.
Killing the Hydra had been one of the twelve tasks (known as the Twelve Labours of Heracles) that Heracles had to complete for King Eurystheus of Mycenae as a penance for having killed his own wife (Megara) and children. It was hardly his fault -- jealous Hera had driven him mad.
Killing the Hydra was the second of the twelve labours. At first he'd tried severing the heads with his sword, but each time a head was cut off two more grew back. It looked like an endless battle until Heracles hit upon the idea of having his nephew Iolaus stand ready with a torch to burn each stump as soon as a head was cut off. The cauterised stumps couldn't grow back. The final head was an immortal one, so Heracles trapped it under a rock when he couldn't sever it.
When Hera had noticed that Heracles was winning, she sent the crab Cancer to stop him. The crab, however, was no match for the hero and was crushed to death. Hera had him placed in the sky as a reward for his service.
Cancer, the fourth zodiacal constellation, was said by the Greeks to represent a crab sent by Hera to pester Heracles by nipping at his feet while he was trying to kill the many-headed Hydra.
Killing the Hydra had been one of the twelve tasks (known as the Twelve Labours of Heracles) that Heracles had to complete for King Eurystheus of Mycenae as a penance for having killed his own wife (Megara) and children. It was hardly his fault -- jealous Hera had driven him mad.
Killing the Hydra was the second of the twelve labours. At first he'd tried severing the heads with his sword, but each time a head was cut off two more grew back. It looked like an endless battle until Heracles hit upon the idea of having his nephew Iolaus stand ready with a torch to burn each stump as soon as a head was cut off. The cauterised stumps couldn't grow back. The final head was an immortal one, so Heracles trapped it under a rock when he couldn't sever it.
When Hera had noticed that Heracles was winning, she sent the crab Cancer to stop him. The crab, however, was no match for the hero and was crushed to death. Hera had him placed in the sky as a reward for his service.
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Gemini (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 12 Oct 2003
Gemini, the third zodiacal constellation, represents the twins Castor and Poydeuces (Pollux), known as the Dioscuri. Their mother Leda had been seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan and later gave birth to two eggs: one containing Helen (of Troy) and Clytemnestra, and one containing Castor and Polydeuces. One of each pair was fathered by Zeus (Helen and Polydeuces) and one of each was fathered by Leda's husband King Tyndareus (Clytemnestra and Castor).
The two boys were very close to one another and inseparable companions later in life. They were both famous as heroes. Polydeuces was known as a skilled boxer, and Castor as a horseman.
The two had many adventures including rescuing their sister Helen after she was abducted by Theseus (this was way before the Trojan War abduction...) and joining Jason's Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
The Dioscuri fell in love with and abducted the daughters of Leucippus, which caused his nephews Idas and Lynceus to come after them in battle. Castor, being mortal, was killed and his immortal brother grieved incessantly. When Zeus offered Polydeuces the opportunity to live with the gods on Olympus Polydeuces replied that he could have no joy of it while his beloved brother was dead. Zeus agreed to allow him partial life in return for a partial sacrifice of immortality from Polydeuces, so for a time the brothers each alternately spent a day in Hades and a day on Olympus.
The brothers were later placed together in the sky as an example of filial devotion.
Gemini, the third zodiacal constellation, represents the twins Castor and Poydeuces (Pollux), known as the Dioscuri. Their mother Leda had been seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan and later gave birth to two eggs: one containing Helen (of Troy) and Clytemnestra, and one containing Castor and Polydeuces. One of each pair was fathered by Zeus (Helen and Polydeuces) and one of each was fathered by Leda's husband King Tyndareus (Clytemnestra and Castor).
The two boys were very close to one another and inseparable companions later in life. They were both famous as heroes. Polydeuces was known as a skilled boxer, and Castor as a horseman.
The two had many adventures including rescuing their sister Helen after she was abducted by Theseus (this was way before the Trojan War abduction...) and joining Jason's Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
The Dioscuri fell in love with and abducted the daughters of Leucippus, which caused his nephews Idas and Lynceus to come after them in battle. Castor, being mortal, was killed and his immortal brother grieved incessantly. When Zeus offered Polydeuces the opportunity to live with the gods on Olympus Polydeuces replied that he could have no joy of it while his beloved brother was dead. Zeus agreed to allow him partial life in return for a partial sacrifice of immortality from Polydeuces, so for a time the brothers each alternately spent a day in Hades and a day on Olympus.
The brothers were later placed together in the sky as an example of filial devotion.
Taurus (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 25 Oct 2003
Taurus, the second zodiacal constellation, has been seen as a bull by many ancient civilisations. The Greeks were no exception, and since I've been using mostly Greek stories for the zodiac so far I'll stick with them.
One story tells that the bull was put in the sky to act as a challenger for the bored Orion. Another mention of Taurus concerns Europa.
Europa was the beautiful (aren't they all in these stories?) daughter of King Agenor of Tyros. The god Zeus caught a glimpse of her and (as usual) fell in love.
One day when Europa was walking along the shore with a group of her friends and attendants, Zeus appeared amongst them in the guise of a magnificent white bull. The others ran away, but the bull appeared so tame to Europa that she went up to pet it. Suddenly she found her hands stuck to the bull's horns. Zeus ran straight into the sea and swam at high speed with the terrified girl unable to get off of his back.
When they reached the island of Crete Zeus transformed back into his normal shape and confessed his love for Europa. Together they had three children (Minos, Sarpedon, and Rhadamanthys) who each had significant stories of their own. I might tell them one of these days...
Before Zeus left her, he gave Europa three gifts: the bronze man, Talos, to act as a guardian; a dog, Laelaps, which could bring down any quarry; and a javelin which never missed any target. Europa later married Asterion, King of Crete, who accepted her children as his own.
By the way, when Europa disappeared her father sent his sons to find her, telling them not to return without their sister. As it was an impossible task, the three brothers became exiles. Cadmus founded Thebes, Phoenix founded Phoenicia, and Cilix founded Cilicia.
According to some stories, Zeus ran all over the continent of Europe (as the bull) with Europa on his back. The continent was later named for her.
Taurus, the second zodiacal constellation, has been seen as a bull by many ancient civilisations. The Greeks were no exception, and since I've been using mostly Greek stories for the zodiac so far I'll stick with them.
One story tells that the bull was put in the sky to act as a challenger for the bored Orion. Another mention of Taurus concerns Europa.
Europa was the beautiful (aren't they all in these stories?) daughter of King Agenor of Tyros. The god Zeus caught a glimpse of her and (as usual) fell in love.
One day when Europa was walking along the shore with a group of her friends and attendants, Zeus appeared amongst them in the guise of a magnificent white bull. The others ran away, but the bull appeared so tame to Europa that she went up to pet it. Suddenly she found her hands stuck to the bull's horns. Zeus ran straight into the sea and swam at high speed with the terrified girl unable to get off of his back.
When they reached the island of Crete Zeus transformed back into his normal shape and confessed his love for Europa. Together they had three children (Minos, Sarpedon, and Rhadamanthys) who each had significant stories of their own. I might tell them one of these days...
Before Zeus left her, he gave Europa three gifts: the bronze man, Talos, to act as a guardian; a dog, Laelaps, which could bring down any quarry; and a javelin which never missed any target. Europa later married Asterion, King of Crete, who accepted her children as his own.
By the way, when Europa disappeared her father sent his sons to find her, telling them not to return without their sister. As it was an impossible task, the three brothers became exiles. Cadmus founded Thebes, Phoenix founded Phoenicia, and Cilix founded Cilicia.
According to some stories, Zeus ran all over the continent of Europe (as the bull) with Europa on his back. The continent was later named for her.
Aries (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 9 Oct 2003
Aries is the first zodiacal constellation and is said to represent the golden ram.
King Athamas of Orchomenus (or all of Boetia, depending on who you read) had sent away his former wife (the nymph Nephele) to marry Ino. Ino was extremely jealous of her stepchildren Phrixus and Helle and was soon plotting to have them destroyed.
It happened that the land was suffering through a famine, and Ino managed to bribe the oracle to twist her words in such a way that Athamas would believe he had to sacrifice his children to bring rain. The preparations for the sacrifice were already in full swing when Nephele begged Zeus to somehow rescue her children from this fate.
Just as the children were about to die, a magic golden ram came running through the procession and boosted the two children onto its back, taking off at a gallop and flying through the air to take them away from the danger.
The ram flew quickly toward safety in the land of Colchis, but as they passed over the narrow strip of water between the two countries young Helle lost her grip and fell to her death. To this day the strait is called the Hellespont.
Phrixus soon landed in Colchis and was adopted as a son by King Aeetes there. In thankfulness Phrixus sacrificed the golden ram (I guess that's one way to thank your rescuer...) and gave its fleece to the king. He in turn hung it in a sacred grove and set an unsleeping dragon over it to guard it.
Many years later the golden fleece became the quest of Jason and the Argonauts. And no, I'm not going to type that whole story -- you can look it up on your own if you like.
Aries is the first zodiacal constellation and is said to represent the golden ram.
King Athamas of Orchomenus (or all of Boetia, depending on who you read) had sent away his former wife (the nymph Nephele) to marry Ino. Ino was extremely jealous of her stepchildren Phrixus and Helle and was soon plotting to have them destroyed.
It happened that the land was suffering through a famine, and Ino managed to bribe the oracle to twist her words in such a way that Athamas would believe he had to sacrifice his children to bring rain. The preparations for the sacrifice were already in full swing when Nephele begged Zeus to somehow rescue her children from this fate.
Just as the children were about to die, a magic golden ram came running through the procession and boosted the two children onto its back, taking off at a gallop and flying through the air to take them away from the danger.
The ram flew quickly toward safety in the land of Colchis, but as they passed over the narrow strip of water between the two countries young Helle lost her grip and fell to her death. To this day the strait is called the Hellespont.
Phrixus soon landed in Colchis and was adopted as a son by King Aeetes there. In thankfulness Phrixus sacrificed the golden ram (I guess that's one way to thank your rescuer...) and gave its fleece to the king. He in turn hung it in a sacred grove and set an unsleeping dragon over it to guard it.
Many years later the golden fleece became the quest of Jason and the Argonauts. And no, I'm not going to type that whole story -- you can look it up on your own if you like.
Aquila (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 8 Oct 2003
Not a story as such, but I wanted to tell a bit about Aquila because I'll need him for one of the other stories.
In Greek mythology Aquila the eagle was the symbol and messenger of the god Zeus. Sometimes Zeus was said to appear as an eagle, and sometimes he merely sent the eagle.
Two of the main places to find Aquila are in the stories of Ganymede and Prometheus. In Ganymede's tale the eagle was sent by Zeus to bring the youth to Olympus to serve as cupbearer for the gods.
Prometheus brings out the more vicious side of the god, however. As punishment for having stolen fire and given it to humanity, Prometheus was chained to a mountain and Aquila was sent to rip him open and eat his liver. Since the titan Prometheus was immortal, the wounds healed every night but the eagle reopened them each day.
Prometheus was said to have suffered this torture until Heracles (Hercules) killed the bird in order to learn from Prometheus how to obtain the golden apples of the Hesperides.
Ever notice how one story always seems to lead to another? Makes a person wonder how the ancient Greeks ever really got anything done.
Not a story as such, but I wanted to tell a bit about Aquila because I'll need him for one of the other stories.
In Greek mythology Aquila the eagle was the symbol and messenger of the god Zeus. Sometimes Zeus was said to appear as an eagle, and sometimes he merely sent the eagle.
Two of the main places to find Aquila are in the stories of Ganymede and Prometheus. In Ganymede's tale the eagle was sent by Zeus to bring the youth to Olympus to serve as cupbearer for the gods.
Prometheus brings out the more vicious side of the god, however. As punishment for having stolen fire and given it to humanity, Prometheus was chained to a mountain and Aquila was sent to rip him open and eat his liver. Since the titan Prometheus was immortal, the wounds healed every night but the eagle reopened them each day.
Prometheus was said to have suffered this torture until Heracles (Hercules) killed the bird in order to learn from Prometheus how to obtain the golden apples of the Hesperides.
Ever notice how one story always seems to lead to another? Makes a person wonder how the ancient Greeks ever really got anything done.
Cygnus (constellation)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 4 Oct 2003
Phaeton was a youth who had grown up without a father, and because of this he took a great deal of ribbing from the other young men of the town. His best friend Cygnus always stepped up to defend him, saying, "perhaps we shall all be surprised by his lineage when it is known."
On his sixteenth birthday Phaeton's mother told him that as he was now no longer a boy she would grant him anything it was in her power to give. Phaeton thought for barely a moment before replying, "Mother, of all things on earth I would most like to know of my father. Why have you never spoken of him? Was he some thief or evil man of whom I should be ashamed?" "My boy," Clymene answered, "I'm far from being ashamed of your father and you shouldn't be either. I've only kept his name from you out of fear that you'd seek him out before the proper time. In truth, your father is none other than Phoebus, the god who drives the sun across the sky each day. It is now more than time that you should travel to his land and learn of your heritage, although I feel deep sadness at the thought of letting you go."
With that, Clymene outfitted her son for his journey to India, land of the sun. With barely a stop to say goodbye to Cygnus, Phaeton hurried on his way to finally meet his father.
The journey went quickly with such high spirits as his, and soon he found himself at the front door of the Palace of the Sun. The attendants there seemed to be expecting him, and he didn't even have to introduce himself before he was led in through the brightly polished golden doors. Once in the audience chamber he found the light to be so bright he could barely look around him.
Suddenly he heard a voice say, "you are welcome here, my son." The overwhelming light shifted somewhat as Phoebus removed the crown of sun rays from his head, set them aside, and came to embrace Phaeton. The father and son were soon getting to know each other over a tour of the fabulous palace followed by a feast literally fit for the gods.
"And now, son," said Phoebus after the meal had been cleared, "I see you have assumed the mantle of manhood. You need a gift worthy of the occasion, so I will offer anything you desire at this moment. I only ask that you choose wisely, for some gifts bring more trouble than pleasure."
Phaeton looked around him at the golden marvels of the palace, then said, "Father, I wish only one thing. All my life I have been made fun of for lacking a father. Prove me your true son and let me drive the Sun Chariot for one day. That will show all those people once and for all that I need not be ashamed of who I am."
Phoebus frowned deeply and begged his son to choose another gift. "Since I promised you anything you desire I must allow this, but be warned. The Sun Chariot is extremely hard to control and is pulled by divine horses who are barely tamed. The road across the sky is not clearly marked and is surrounded by all of the monsters that populate the stars. It isn't easy for me to drive the route, and I'm a god. It would be next to impossible for you, and I can't guarantee what might happen."
Phaeton wouldn't be dissuaded, though. His mind was full of the glory of driving the Sun across the sky. How everyone would stare and wonder! He insisted that the only thing he desired was to drive the chariot, and his father could do nothing but relent.
The next day the god struggled to hitch the nearly-wild horses to the gleaming chariot, all the while giving his son strict instructions on how to follow the path in the sky. Phaeton barely heard him, his head was so full of the thought of adventure. Finally it was time to begin. Phoebus showed Phaeton how to properly hold the reins, and the chariot was soon headed up into the sky.
At first Phaeton enjoyed the ride and the incredible view. The chariot bumped along its usual course, bringing sunrise to the world. Soon, though, the mischievous horses noticed that their normal load seemed much lighter. They decided to take a new course and started for the heavens.
As the horses ran toward the horrifying monsters of the sky Phaeton tried desperately to call them back to the path. The horses wouldn't obey their new master, however, and had soon dragged the Sun Chariot up so high that the plants and animals of the earth were beginning to freeze. Ice even formed upon the Mediterranean, freezing the fishes.
Now the horses took a new turn and barrelled toward the earth. Phaeton was terrified as he watched the ground come closer and closer but was powerless to do a thing about it. The Sun Chariot came so close to the earth that it scorched the Sahara into a desert and set entire mountains and forests afire. All living things were in danger of incineration, and even Poseidon in his ocean was beginning to boil. "Brother," he called out to Zeus, "if you are angry with me at least tell me why you have sent the Sun Chariot to destroy my kingdom!"
Zeus heard the cries of the Sea God and the people on earth and knew there was only one way to prevent a fiery death for all. He called for one of his thunderbolts and sent it flying straight toward the Sun Chariot, knocking it back to the path and sending Phaeton tumbling to the earth, his hair streaming with fire.
Faithful Cygnus had been watching his friend's sorry adventure, and when he saw Phaeton fall into the sea he swam out as fast as he could to try to save him. He dived down into the water again and again, hoping to find the spot where the youth had landed. Seeing that he was in danger of drowning himself and that he wasn't about to give up, Zeus took pity on him and changed him into the beautiful white bird that today we call the swan.
You can find him up in the summer sky to this day as a tribute to his faithfulness.
Phaeton was a youth who had grown up without a father, and because of this he took a great deal of ribbing from the other young men of the town. His best friend Cygnus always stepped up to defend him, saying, "perhaps we shall all be surprised by his lineage when it is known."
On his sixteenth birthday Phaeton's mother told him that as he was now no longer a boy she would grant him anything it was in her power to give. Phaeton thought for barely a moment before replying, "Mother, of all things on earth I would most like to know of my father. Why have you never spoken of him? Was he some thief or evil man of whom I should be ashamed?" "My boy," Clymene answered, "I'm far from being ashamed of your father and you shouldn't be either. I've only kept his name from you out of fear that you'd seek him out before the proper time. In truth, your father is none other than Phoebus, the god who drives the sun across the sky each day. It is now more than time that you should travel to his land and learn of your heritage, although I feel deep sadness at the thought of letting you go."
With that, Clymene outfitted her son for his journey to India, land of the sun. With barely a stop to say goodbye to Cygnus, Phaeton hurried on his way to finally meet his father.
The journey went quickly with such high spirits as his, and soon he found himself at the front door of the Palace of the Sun. The attendants there seemed to be expecting him, and he didn't even have to introduce himself before he was led in through the brightly polished golden doors. Once in the audience chamber he found the light to be so bright he could barely look around him.
Suddenly he heard a voice say, "you are welcome here, my son." The overwhelming light shifted somewhat as Phoebus removed the crown of sun rays from his head, set them aside, and came to embrace Phaeton. The father and son were soon getting to know each other over a tour of the fabulous palace followed by a feast literally fit for the gods.
"And now, son," said Phoebus after the meal had been cleared, "I see you have assumed the mantle of manhood. You need a gift worthy of the occasion, so I will offer anything you desire at this moment. I only ask that you choose wisely, for some gifts bring more trouble than pleasure."
Phaeton looked around him at the golden marvels of the palace, then said, "Father, I wish only one thing. All my life I have been made fun of for lacking a father. Prove me your true son and let me drive the Sun Chariot for one day. That will show all those people once and for all that I need not be ashamed of who I am."
Phoebus frowned deeply and begged his son to choose another gift. "Since I promised you anything you desire I must allow this, but be warned. The Sun Chariot is extremely hard to control and is pulled by divine horses who are barely tamed. The road across the sky is not clearly marked and is surrounded by all of the monsters that populate the stars. It isn't easy for me to drive the route, and I'm a god. It would be next to impossible for you, and I can't guarantee what might happen."
Phaeton wouldn't be dissuaded, though. His mind was full of the glory of driving the Sun across the sky. How everyone would stare and wonder! He insisted that the only thing he desired was to drive the chariot, and his father could do nothing but relent.
The next day the god struggled to hitch the nearly-wild horses to the gleaming chariot, all the while giving his son strict instructions on how to follow the path in the sky. Phaeton barely heard him, his head was so full of the thought of adventure. Finally it was time to begin. Phoebus showed Phaeton how to properly hold the reins, and the chariot was soon headed up into the sky.
At first Phaeton enjoyed the ride and the incredible view. The chariot bumped along its usual course, bringing sunrise to the world. Soon, though, the mischievous horses noticed that their normal load seemed much lighter. They decided to take a new course and started for the heavens.
As the horses ran toward the horrifying monsters of the sky Phaeton tried desperately to call them back to the path. The horses wouldn't obey their new master, however, and had soon dragged the Sun Chariot up so high that the plants and animals of the earth were beginning to freeze. Ice even formed upon the Mediterranean, freezing the fishes.
Now the horses took a new turn and barrelled toward the earth. Phaeton was terrified as he watched the ground come closer and closer but was powerless to do a thing about it. The Sun Chariot came so close to the earth that it scorched the Sahara into a desert and set entire mountains and forests afire. All living things were in danger of incineration, and even Poseidon in his ocean was beginning to boil. "Brother," he called out to Zeus, "if you are angry with me at least tell me why you have sent the Sun Chariot to destroy my kingdom!"
Zeus heard the cries of the Sea God and the people on earth and knew there was only one way to prevent a fiery death for all. He called for one of his thunderbolts and sent it flying straight toward the Sun Chariot, knocking it back to the path and sending Phaeton tumbling to the earth, his hair streaming with fire.
Faithful Cygnus had been watching his friend's sorry adventure, and when he saw Phaeton fall into the sea he swam out as fast as he could to try to save him. He dived down into the water again and again, hoping to find the spot where the youth had landed. Seeing that he was in danger of drowning himself and that he wasn't about to give up, Zeus took pity on him and changed him into the beautiful white bird that today we call the swan.
You can find him up in the summer sky to this day as a tribute to his faithfulness.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Bootes, and Canes Venatici (constellations)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 26 Sept 2003
Callisto was a beautiful woman (aren't they all in these stories) who unfortunately caught the eye of Zeus, king of all the gods. Zeus had a habit of falling for mortal women, and let's just say his wife Hera wasn't thrilled with the whole process.
When Callisto's son Arcas was born, Hera decided she was going to punish the woman for, er, hanging around her husband. One day when Callisto was out walking in the forest she suddenly felt odd. When she put her hand to her face to see if she was getting a fever her hand seemed very wrong. Pulling it back to have a look, she was astonished to find that it was huge and hairy with frighteningly long claws. She rushed to a still pond to have a look at herself and found that instead of a lovely face she had a horrid, long, slobbery jaw. The woman screamed, but all that came out was a terrifying roar. Hera had turned her into a huge bear! Callisto was so afraid of her new self that she ran off into the forest before anyone could see her.
Years passed and Arcas grew into a fine young man. Callisto hadn't had the courage to try to tell her son what had happened but she still longed to see him and spent most of her time at the edge of the village waiting for a glimpse of her boy. The other animals in the forest were naturally afraid of the huge bear, and bit by bit moved farther away from the village for their own safety.
The problem was that the people of the village depended on hunting to feed themselves, and the hunters were finding it harder and harder to find game near the village. No one could figure out why the animals had left (Callisto always ran and hid whenever she spied villagers nearing her) until one day a returning hunter got a look at the bear pacing at the edge of the forest. The bear must have scared away all the game!
A village meeting was called, and the most skilled hunters were sent out to kill the bear that was frightening their food. Among them was Arcas, who had become one of the better hunters even though he was still fairly young.
The men headed out in search of the bear, but when Callisto saw her son coming toward her she forgot for a moment what she looked like and ran to him crying, "son! Son! Do you know me?" To the hunters, though, this sounded like vicious growling and roaring, and even the bravest among them was soon running for his life as the bear came closer.
All but Arcas.
Arcas was terrified, but as he knew how important it was to his village he stood his ground, nocked an arrow, took aim...
Well, just about this time Zeus finally remembered his old flame Callisto and saw what trouble she was in. Before Arcas could kill his own mother Zeus changed him into a bear as well (it made sense to Zeus...). Callisto was happily reunited with her boy and could finally tell him why she had disappeared. For his part, Arcas was bewildered at first but soon accepted his new form.
The two bears lived happily together in the forest for a while, but Hera soon realised that her plan to have Arcas kill Callisto had been foiled. Hera was extremely good at holding a grudge, so she soon made new plans to kill the bears. She sent the hunter Bootes and his hunting dogs to track the two bears down. The dogs hassled the bears through the forest to point of exhaustion until Zeus noticed what was going on (he'd been... erm... somewhat distracted). He reached down, grabbed the bears by their tails, and hauled them up into the sky where they'd be safe. The weight was a bit much for those stubby tails, though, and the bears in the sky have stretched-out tails to this day because of the trip up there.
Now, Callisto and Arcas were actually quite happy up in the sky but Hera was furious! Not only had her plans been spoiled, but now the beautiful Callisto and her son were being admired every night by the people on earth. Hera went to her brother Poseidon (the sea god) and asked him to send his waters up to the sky to drown the two bears. Poseidon knew better than to go against the will of Zeus but he offered his sister a compromise. He pulled the seas down and away from the part of the sky where the bears were living, so that to this day they can never get a drink (that is, they never set in the northern hemisphere) even though most other sky pictures enter the water each and every night.
Callisto was a beautiful woman (aren't they all in these stories) who unfortunately caught the eye of Zeus, king of all the gods. Zeus had a habit of falling for mortal women, and let's just say his wife Hera wasn't thrilled with the whole process.
When Callisto's son Arcas was born, Hera decided she was going to punish the woman for, er, hanging around her husband. One day when Callisto was out walking in the forest she suddenly felt odd. When she put her hand to her face to see if she was getting a fever her hand seemed very wrong. Pulling it back to have a look, she was astonished to find that it was huge and hairy with frighteningly long claws. She rushed to a still pond to have a look at herself and found that instead of a lovely face she had a horrid, long, slobbery jaw. The woman screamed, but all that came out was a terrifying roar. Hera had turned her into a huge bear! Callisto was so afraid of her new self that she ran off into the forest before anyone could see her.
Years passed and Arcas grew into a fine young man. Callisto hadn't had the courage to try to tell her son what had happened but she still longed to see him and spent most of her time at the edge of the village waiting for a glimpse of her boy. The other animals in the forest were naturally afraid of the huge bear, and bit by bit moved farther away from the village for their own safety.
The problem was that the people of the village depended on hunting to feed themselves, and the hunters were finding it harder and harder to find game near the village. No one could figure out why the animals had left (Callisto always ran and hid whenever she spied villagers nearing her) until one day a returning hunter got a look at the bear pacing at the edge of the forest. The bear must have scared away all the game!
A village meeting was called, and the most skilled hunters were sent out to kill the bear that was frightening their food. Among them was Arcas, who had become one of the better hunters even though he was still fairly young.
The men headed out in search of the bear, but when Callisto saw her son coming toward her she forgot for a moment what she looked like and ran to him crying, "son! Son! Do you know me?" To the hunters, though, this sounded like vicious growling and roaring, and even the bravest among them was soon running for his life as the bear came closer.
All but Arcas.
Arcas was terrified, but as he knew how important it was to his village he stood his ground, nocked an arrow, took aim...
Well, just about this time Zeus finally remembered his old flame Callisto and saw what trouble she was in. Before Arcas could kill his own mother Zeus changed him into a bear as well (it made sense to Zeus...). Callisto was happily reunited with her boy and could finally tell him why she had disappeared. For his part, Arcas was bewildered at first but soon accepted his new form.
The two bears lived happily together in the forest for a while, but Hera soon realised that her plan to have Arcas kill Callisto had been foiled. Hera was extremely good at holding a grudge, so she soon made new plans to kill the bears. She sent the hunter Bootes and his hunting dogs to track the two bears down. The dogs hassled the bears through the forest to point of exhaustion until Zeus noticed what was going on (he'd been... erm... somewhat distracted). He reached down, grabbed the bears by their tails, and hauled them up into the sky where they'd be safe. The weight was a bit much for those stubby tails, though, and the bears in the sky have stretched-out tails to this day because of the trip up there.
Now, Callisto and Arcas were actually quite happy up in the sky but Hera was furious! Not only had her plans been spoiled, but now the beautiful Callisto and her son were being admired every night by the people on earth. Hera went to her brother Poseidon (the sea god) and asked him to send his waters up to the sky to drown the two bears. Poseidon knew better than to go against the will of Zeus but he offered his sister a compromise. He pulled the seas down and away from the part of the sky where the bears were living, so that to this day they can never get a drink (that is, they never set in the northern hemisphere) even though most other sky pictures enter the water each and every night.
Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Andromeda, Perseus, Pegasus, and Cetus (constellations)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 21 Sept 2003
Cassiopeia was the queen of ancient Aethiopia. Her husband Cepheus, while having a somewhat heroic past, had become a bit of a weak-willed dimwit in his later life and let Cassiopeia get away with whatever she wanted. You know the type.
Cassiopeia was an extremely beautiful woman, but unfortunately she knew it and obsessed over it. She sought out all the best cosmetics and applications to ensure that she'd always be beautiful, and she continually boasted about just how beautiful she was. One day she proclaimed that she was the most beautiful woman in the city, and since she was the queen everyone was quick to agree with her. Soon this wasn't good enough, so she proclaimed herself the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. Again, since she was the queen everyone found it easiest just to agree.
This was fine for a while, but Cassiopeia's vanity needed something more. She had her messengers sent far and wide to tell everyone in the kingdom that she had been proclaimed more beautiful than the daughters of Nereus. Now, Nereus was a sea god and his daughters (the Nereids) were immortal sea nymphs. They didn't take too kindly to Cassiopeia's boasting and went to their father to demand something be done about this horrible, vain woman.
Nereus had also heard the boasting and told his daughters that he already had a punishment in mind. He sent Cetus the sea serpent (say that five times fast) to the coast of Aethiopia, and Cetus caused a panic. Anytime someone went to the shore, Cetus roared out of the water and ate him. If someone went out in a fishing boat, Cetus ate him boat and all. Soon everyone in the land was afraid to go near the water (insert Jaws music here). This was more of a problem than you might think, because the people depended largely on fishing to feed themselves. It didn't take long before people were going hungry, and no one could figure out why the sea gods had turned against them.
The people sent a delegation to Cepheus to see if he could appease the sea gods, but when he heard of the monster he became his usual indecisive self and mumbled that he'd have to go ask his wife. He went to Cassiopeia and started to tell her of the sea serpent but she interrupted him saying, "Don't come to me with your problems. Can't you see I'm getting my nails done? If you want to know why the gods are angry, go ask them yourself."
Well, with an apologetic "yes dear" the king went back to the people and said he didn't know what to do but maybe they should ask the gods. When someone asked him if he meant go talk to oracle who spoke for the gods, Cepheus sheepishly agreed. He hadn't thought of that.
The oracle was prepared to answer the king's question (she couldn't quite figure out why he hadn't come by sooner) and told him that the god Nereus was angry with Cassiopeia for her vanity. When Cepheus asked what he could do about it, the oracle replied that the only way to banish the monster was to take his daughter Andromeda, chain her to a rock by the shore, and let Cetus eat her. Once he'd eaten Andromeda he would return to his home in the depths.
Cepheus may not have been too bright but he didn't like the sound of sacrificing his own daughter. He went to ask Cassiopeia what she thought, but she replied, "Don't come to me with your problems -- Can't you see I'm getting a facial? I swear, you'll give me a wrinkle. Do whatever you're told. I don't care."
"Yes dear."
It was a solemn procession that led Andromeda to the sea shore. The poor girl didn't know why they were chaining her to a rock and she begged to be allowed to go back to the palace. Her father kissed her on the forehead without a word, then everyone left her to her fate. The water started churning and roiling at the approach of Cetus, and the girl's eyes opened wider as she saw the monster coming closer and closer. In terror Andromeda screamed for anyone to help her...
Ah, but before I go any further I need to back up a bit and introduce you to Perseus. He had been sent by his stepfather to kill a terrible monster called Medusa (yep, the woman with snakes on her head). Because she could turn anyone who looked at her to stone, he'd done some fancy work with a polished shield (courtesy of the goddess Athene) to get close enough to strike her head off. From the bloody stump sprung the magical winged horse Pegasus. Perseus put the severed head in his bag (hey, everyone needs a souvenir), climbed onto the horse's back, and started winging his way home.
As he travelled he heard the faint sounds of a woman screaming. Steering Pegasus closer, he saw Andromeda chained to the rock and Cetus coming ever closer. Being the stereotypical hero, without another thought he flew up and started stabbing the beast. Cetus turned away from his meal-to-be and went to take care of this new distraction.
Perseus stabbed and stabbed, but there was no effect on the magical serpent. Pegasus was beginning to tire from the violent fight and it was looking like they'd have to flee, when Perseus suddenly remembered his gory memento. He grabbed the bag with Medusa's head in it and without looking pulled it out and waved it toward the sea creature. Sure enough, Cetus glanced at it long enough to turn to stone. He promptly sank to bottom of the sea with an appropriately monstrous splash and groan.
Perseus cut Andromeda loose, and together they flew back to the palace with Andromeda filling him in on the way there. By the time they arrived Perseus was so angered by the way his new love (well, of course they fell in love immediately) had been treated by her parents that he asked Athene whether they shouldn't be punished for what they'd done.
Athene naturally agreed, and soon her father Zeus reached down from Olympus and grabbed vain Cassiopeia by her (carefully coiffed) hair. He yanked her right up to a new throne in the sky, where for half the night and half the year she gets to sit and look down at just how far she'd fall if she ever slipped off. The other half of the year? Well, she hangs on for dear life as her throne is tipped upside down in the sky. Dimwit Cepheus is there next to her, but as befits a weak ruler his stars are much, much dimmer.
And the rest? You can find them there in the sky, Andromeda riding on Pegasus and her husband Perseus nearby. Cetus is there too... and we remember him today in the name we give the whales (cetaceans).
Cassiopeia was the queen of ancient Aethiopia. Her husband Cepheus, while having a somewhat heroic past, had become a bit of a weak-willed dimwit in his later life and let Cassiopeia get away with whatever she wanted. You know the type.
Cassiopeia was an extremely beautiful woman, but unfortunately she knew it and obsessed over it. She sought out all the best cosmetics and applications to ensure that she'd always be beautiful, and she continually boasted about just how beautiful she was. One day she proclaimed that she was the most beautiful woman in the city, and since she was the queen everyone was quick to agree with her. Soon this wasn't good enough, so she proclaimed herself the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. Again, since she was the queen everyone found it easiest just to agree.
This was fine for a while, but Cassiopeia's vanity needed something more. She had her messengers sent far and wide to tell everyone in the kingdom that she had been proclaimed more beautiful than the daughters of Nereus. Now, Nereus was a sea god and his daughters (the Nereids) were immortal sea nymphs. They didn't take too kindly to Cassiopeia's boasting and went to their father to demand something be done about this horrible, vain woman.
Nereus had also heard the boasting and told his daughters that he already had a punishment in mind. He sent Cetus the sea serpent (say that five times fast) to the coast of Aethiopia, and Cetus caused a panic. Anytime someone went to the shore, Cetus roared out of the water and ate him. If someone went out in a fishing boat, Cetus ate him boat and all. Soon everyone in the land was afraid to go near the water (insert Jaws music here). This was more of a problem than you might think, because the people depended largely on fishing to feed themselves. It didn't take long before people were going hungry, and no one could figure out why the sea gods had turned against them.
The people sent a delegation to Cepheus to see if he could appease the sea gods, but when he heard of the monster he became his usual indecisive self and mumbled that he'd have to go ask his wife. He went to Cassiopeia and started to tell her of the sea serpent but she interrupted him saying, "Don't come to me with your problems. Can't you see I'm getting my nails done? If you want to know why the gods are angry, go ask them yourself."
Well, with an apologetic "yes dear" the king went back to the people and said he didn't know what to do but maybe they should ask the gods. When someone asked him if he meant go talk to oracle who spoke for the gods, Cepheus sheepishly agreed. He hadn't thought of that.
The oracle was prepared to answer the king's question (she couldn't quite figure out why he hadn't come by sooner) and told him that the god Nereus was angry with Cassiopeia for her vanity. When Cepheus asked what he could do about it, the oracle replied that the only way to banish the monster was to take his daughter Andromeda, chain her to a rock by the shore, and let Cetus eat her. Once he'd eaten Andromeda he would return to his home in the depths.
Cepheus may not have been too bright but he didn't like the sound of sacrificing his own daughter. He went to ask Cassiopeia what she thought, but she replied, "Don't come to me with your problems -- Can't you see I'm getting a facial? I swear, you'll give me a wrinkle. Do whatever you're told. I don't care."
"Yes dear."
It was a solemn procession that led Andromeda to the sea shore. The poor girl didn't know why they were chaining her to a rock and she begged to be allowed to go back to the palace. Her father kissed her on the forehead without a word, then everyone left her to her fate. The water started churning and roiling at the approach of Cetus, and the girl's eyes opened wider as she saw the monster coming closer and closer. In terror Andromeda screamed for anyone to help her...
Ah, but before I go any further I need to back up a bit and introduce you to Perseus. He had been sent by his stepfather to kill a terrible monster called Medusa (yep, the woman with snakes on her head). Because she could turn anyone who looked at her to stone, he'd done some fancy work with a polished shield (courtesy of the goddess Athene) to get close enough to strike her head off. From the bloody stump sprung the magical winged horse Pegasus. Perseus put the severed head in his bag (hey, everyone needs a souvenir), climbed onto the horse's back, and started winging his way home.
As he travelled he heard the faint sounds of a woman screaming. Steering Pegasus closer, he saw Andromeda chained to the rock and Cetus coming ever closer. Being the stereotypical hero, without another thought he flew up and started stabbing the beast. Cetus turned away from his meal-to-be and went to take care of this new distraction.
Perseus stabbed and stabbed, but there was no effect on the magical serpent. Pegasus was beginning to tire from the violent fight and it was looking like they'd have to flee, when Perseus suddenly remembered his gory memento. He grabbed the bag with Medusa's head in it and without looking pulled it out and waved it toward the sea creature. Sure enough, Cetus glanced at it long enough to turn to stone. He promptly sank to bottom of the sea with an appropriately monstrous splash and groan.
Perseus cut Andromeda loose, and together they flew back to the palace with Andromeda filling him in on the way there. By the time they arrived Perseus was so angered by the way his new love (well, of course they fell in love immediately) had been treated by her parents that he asked Athene whether they shouldn't be punished for what they'd done.
Athene naturally agreed, and soon her father Zeus reached down from Olympus and grabbed vain Cassiopeia by her (carefully coiffed) hair. He yanked her right up to a new throne in the sky, where for half the night and half the year she gets to sit and look down at just how far she'd fall if she ever slipped off. The other half of the year? Well, she hangs on for dear life as her throne is tipped upside down in the sky. Dimwit Cepheus is there next to her, but as befits a weak ruler his stars are much, much dimmer.
And the rest? You can find them there in the sky, Andromeda riding on Pegasus and her husband Perseus nearby. Cetus is there too... and we remember him today in the name we give the whales (cetaceans).
Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Taurus, and Lepus (constellations)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 18 Sept 2003
Artemis (Diana) was the goddess of the moon as well as being the virgin goddess of the hunt. One night as she was driving the moon chariot across the sky she spied the great hunter Orion striding through the forest and she fell for him hard. The next morning she caught up with him and the two of them proceeded to have a lovely little romance... if you consider shooting innocent animals for fun as a lovely romance, that is.
Anyway, Artemis was soon spending all of her time with Orion and neglecting her duties in the sky. After all, who wants to spend a cold night up in a chariot when they can hang out by the campfire? Her brother Apollo (the sun god) soon noticed that her chariot wasn't following his any more and came down to earth to see what she was up to.
Well, when he found out she was hanging around Orion he was doubly worried. Orion didn't have the best reputation around the ladies, you see. Apollo waited until Artemis was alone and tried to convince her to go back to the sky, but she'd have none of it and told her brother to stop interfering. With that, he headed back to drive the sun across the sky, but you can imagine he wasn't going to give up that easily.
A few days later Orion decided to go for a swim in the ocean. He was a big man and a good swimmer, and pretty soon he was so far out that he could hardly be seen. Apollo saw that as his chance and went down once more to visit his sister.
"Artemis," he said, "I can understand not wanting to drive the moon chariot, but I can't understand how you'd let a man keep you from practicing your hunting skills." "What do you mean," she replied, "I'm still the best shot in existence. Orion hasn't changed that." "Oh yeah," her brother said with a smile, "suppose you prove it."
He pointed out to sea at the little speck that was Orion (who was even harder to see since Apollo had shone the sun down on him juuuuust right) and dared his sister to hit it with an arrow. By now she had her back up and took the dare without a second thought. She grabbed an arrow, nocked it, aimed... and hit Orion straight on. Apollo agreed she was still an excellent shot and headed back up to the sky, leaving poor Artemis to discover Orion's body when it floated back to land. Even she couldn't bring him back to life, so she put him in the sky where he could live forever.
Now, most people end the story here but that's only half of it. Orion was a real sports nut (today he'd have all the premium cable channels) and up in the sky he had nothing to do. Every time Artemis drove the moon chariot past him, he'd whine out his sarcastic thanks to the goddess for putting him up in the sky where he could be bored for eternity. She felt rather bad about the whole thing, so she brought up his hunting dogs to keep him company.
This kept him satisfied for a while, but soon he AND the dogs were bored with running around the sky. Orion started complaining to the moon goddess again, and she (although thoroughly bored of him by now) relented and sent Taurus the bull to the hunter. Neither can kill the other, but they spend eternity hunting and chasing.
You'd think this would be the happy ending, but you'd be wrong. It wasn't terribly happy for someone who had been in the sky long before Orion got there. Little Lepus the hare was dismayed to see the giant hunter appear above him, and when the dogs and bull were added he grew so scared of being attacked that he dimmed his stars down as much as he could to hide himself from the violent group. He's still there at the feet of Orion to this day, but unless you know where to look for him he's pretty hard to spot.
Artemis (Diana) was the goddess of the moon as well as being the virgin goddess of the hunt. One night as she was driving the moon chariot across the sky she spied the great hunter Orion striding through the forest and she fell for him hard. The next morning she caught up with him and the two of them proceeded to have a lovely little romance... if you consider shooting innocent animals for fun as a lovely romance, that is.
Anyway, Artemis was soon spending all of her time with Orion and neglecting her duties in the sky. After all, who wants to spend a cold night up in a chariot when they can hang out by the campfire? Her brother Apollo (the sun god) soon noticed that her chariot wasn't following his any more and came down to earth to see what she was up to.
Well, when he found out she was hanging around Orion he was doubly worried. Orion didn't have the best reputation around the ladies, you see. Apollo waited until Artemis was alone and tried to convince her to go back to the sky, but she'd have none of it and told her brother to stop interfering. With that, he headed back to drive the sun across the sky, but you can imagine he wasn't going to give up that easily.
A few days later Orion decided to go for a swim in the ocean. He was a big man and a good swimmer, and pretty soon he was so far out that he could hardly be seen. Apollo saw that as his chance and went down once more to visit his sister.
"Artemis," he said, "I can understand not wanting to drive the moon chariot, but I can't understand how you'd let a man keep you from practicing your hunting skills." "What do you mean," she replied, "I'm still the best shot in existence. Orion hasn't changed that." "Oh yeah," her brother said with a smile, "suppose you prove it."
He pointed out to sea at the little speck that was Orion (who was even harder to see since Apollo had shone the sun down on him juuuuust right) and dared his sister to hit it with an arrow. By now she had her back up and took the dare without a second thought. She grabbed an arrow, nocked it, aimed... and hit Orion straight on. Apollo agreed she was still an excellent shot and headed back up to the sky, leaving poor Artemis to discover Orion's body when it floated back to land. Even she couldn't bring him back to life, so she put him in the sky where he could live forever.
Now, most people end the story here but that's only half of it. Orion was a real sports nut (today he'd have all the premium cable channels) and up in the sky he had nothing to do. Every time Artemis drove the moon chariot past him, he'd whine out his sarcastic thanks to the goddess for putting him up in the sky where he could be bored for eternity. She felt rather bad about the whole thing, so she brought up his hunting dogs to keep him company.
This kept him satisfied for a while, but soon he AND the dogs were bored with running around the sky. Orion started complaining to the moon goddess again, and she (although thoroughly bored of him by now) relented and sent Taurus the bull to the hunter. Neither can kill the other, but they spend eternity hunting and chasing.
You'd think this would be the happy ending, but you'd be wrong. It wasn't terribly happy for someone who had been in the sky long before Orion got there. Little Lepus the hare was dismayed to see the giant hunter appear above him, and when the dogs and bull were added he grew so scared of being attacked that he dimmed his stars down as much as he could to hide himself from the violent group. He's still there at the feet of Orion to this day, but unless you know where to look for him he's pretty hard to spot.
Ophiuchus and Serpens (constellations)
Originally posted to Shrubbery, 15 Sept 2003
A long time ago there was a doctor by the name of Aesculapius. There are a few different versions of his story, but this is the one I like...
One day Aesculapius was out working in his garden, as most doctors did in those days of herbal medicine. While he was weeding and mucking about he noticed a snake slithering down one of the rows. Not being especially fond of snakes, he killed it with his staff. Then he took his knife, sliced the snake's head off, and threw the body off in a corner of the garden.
As he went back to work he noticed another snake working its way through the garden, but this time he decided to stop and watch what it was doing. The snake soon came upon the body of the first snake... and then it did something very curious. It went to a corner of the garden which was a bit weedy, pulled some leaves off of one of the weeds, and headed back to the other snake's body with the leaves in its mouth. The snake put some of the leaves in the dead snake's mouth, some of them on the severed neck, and then nudged the head back to the body. As the doctor watched, the head and body grew back together! The two snakes wound their way out of the garden, leaving the doctor to look for the plant the snake had used. He picked a few leaves and put them in his bag, thinking he'd have a closer look at them later.
Just then, a woman from down the street came running and calling for Aesculapius. Her son had suffered a terrible accident, and she begged the doctor to come and help him. The two went back to the woman's house but by the time they got there the son had already died of his injuries. The poor woman was inconsolable and pleaded with the doctor to do something to save her boy. Aesculapius knew there was nothing his medicine could do, but then he remembered the snake's plant. Making no promises, he carefully placed leaves on the boy's wounds. Nothing happened. Then the doctor remembered that the snake had also placed leaves in the other snake's mouth. He opened the boy's mouth, placed a leaf on his tongue... and the boy's wounds quickly healed over. When he opened his eyes to find his mother in tears, he innocently asked what was wrong!
After that the doctor's reptutation grew. He had always been well repected for his healing powers, but now that he could raise the dead -- well, you can imagine that everyone from far and near sought him out. He was always fair and kind, using his own methods whenever possible but always keeping a small amount of the snake's plant on hand for the cases that would have been hopeless otherwise.
This went on for some time until the gods started to take notice. One god in particular was quite put out by the lack of deaths. His name was Hades, king of the Underworld, and he was annoyed to no end that a mere mortal had assumed command over life or death. Finally he went to his brother Zeus, king of all the gods, and demanded that something be done.
"See that doctor down there? He and his plant are taking away all my customers. Since when does a mortal hold sway over the kingdom you gave me, brother?"
Zeus had also been watching the doctor but had been reluctant to do anything since he knew Aesculapius acted only out of kindness. He had to admit, though, that the lack of death was starting to affect the balance of the earth. If it went on there would soon be too little room for all of the people. He told Hades that the problem would be taken care of and sadly called for one of his thunderbolts. Zeus aimed his throw carefully, and in a flash (literally) the good doctor was gone.
Zeus didn't want all of Aesculapius's good deeds to be forgotten, however, so he took care to place him up in the sky where he can be seen holding the snake that gave him his powers even now. You might also notice that to this day doctors use the symbol of the staff and the snakes (the caduceus) for their craft.
A long time ago there was a doctor by the name of Aesculapius. There are a few different versions of his story, but this is the one I like...
One day Aesculapius was out working in his garden, as most doctors did in those days of herbal medicine. While he was weeding and mucking about he noticed a snake slithering down one of the rows. Not being especially fond of snakes, he killed it with his staff. Then he took his knife, sliced the snake's head off, and threw the body off in a corner of the garden.
As he went back to work he noticed another snake working its way through the garden, but this time he decided to stop and watch what it was doing. The snake soon came upon the body of the first snake... and then it did something very curious. It went to a corner of the garden which was a bit weedy, pulled some leaves off of one of the weeds, and headed back to the other snake's body with the leaves in its mouth. The snake put some of the leaves in the dead snake's mouth, some of them on the severed neck, and then nudged the head back to the body. As the doctor watched, the head and body grew back together! The two snakes wound their way out of the garden, leaving the doctor to look for the plant the snake had used. He picked a few leaves and put them in his bag, thinking he'd have a closer look at them later.
Just then, a woman from down the street came running and calling for Aesculapius. Her son had suffered a terrible accident, and she begged the doctor to come and help him. The two went back to the woman's house but by the time they got there the son had already died of his injuries. The poor woman was inconsolable and pleaded with the doctor to do something to save her boy. Aesculapius knew there was nothing his medicine could do, but then he remembered the snake's plant. Making no promises, he carefully placed leaves on the boy's wounds. Nothing happened. Then the doctor remembered that the snake had also placed leaves in the other snake's mouth. He opened the boy's mouth, placed a leaf on his tongue... and the boy's wounds quickly healed over. When he opened his eyes to find his mother in tears, he innocently asked what was wrong!
After that the doctor's reptutation grew. He had always been well repected for his healing powers, but now that he could raise the dead -- well, you can imagine that everyone from far and near sought him out. He was always fair and kind, using his own methods whenever possible but always keeping a small amount of the snake's plant on hand for the cases that would have been hopeless otherwise.
This went on for some time until the gods started to take notice. One god in particular was quite put out by the lack of deaths. His name was Hades, king of the Underworld, and he was annoyed to no end that a mere mortal had assumed command over life or death. Finally he went to his brother Zeus, king of all the gods, and demanded that something be done.
"See that doctor down there? He and his plant are taking away all my customers. Since when does a mortal hold sway over the kingdom you gave me, brother?"
Zeus had also been watching the doctor but had been reluctant to do anything since he knew Aesculapius acted only out of kindness. He had to admit, though, that the lack of death was starting to affect the balance of the earth. If it went on there would soon be too little room for all of the people. He told Hades that the problem would be taken care of and sadly called for one of his thunderbolts. Zeus aimed his throw carefully, and in a flash (literally) the good doctor was gone.
Zeus didn't want all of Aesculapius's good deeds to be forgotten, however, so he took care to place him up in the sky where he can be seen holding the snake that gave him his powers even now. You might also notice that to this day doctors use the symbol of the staff and the snakes (the caduceus) for their craft.
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