#ares and Hephaestus modern story

[tracykestler]

Ares and Hephaestus Dinnertime

After a day of tinkering for Hephaestus, he realizes the sun is setting when his automatons start buzzing, flying around to close curtains and turn on lights. It's then he realizes he hasn't eaten since morning.

His Repair shop never gets too busy in these country crossroads, but he gets lost in his ideas and projects. And after sitting for so long, his legs ache. One golden automaton chirps and brings his cane. It's still a good day for his limbs. After stretching and encouraging blood flow to return, Hephaestus can tolerate using just the cane for balance.

The moment he opens his workshop door, he's blasted with aromas of earthy flavors. His stomach delights in reminding him that it is empty. Being deities meant they did not need food in the same way, but their mortal forms craved it just the same.

Still Hephaestus frowned.

It meant Ares was in the kitchen.

Hephastus lumbered through the hall to the kitchen, wrinkling his nose as he entered. Ares hadn't burnt anything in centuries, but he had a heavy hand with spices. Hephastus resigned himself to a large meal. Ares hadn't done more than reheat leftovers or takeout in months. They were either finally finished with those, or Ares was in a mood.

A shrill whistle announced an incoming call to Ares's phone. Seemlessly he answered it and just said, "No," before hanging up. The whistle started again. Ares scowled and hung up without answering.

Definitely in a mood.

Hephaestus took the opportunity to dip a spoon into the tomato sauce for a taste. It wasn't bad, just not what he was in the mood for. "Too much garlic." He turned away to see what alternatives hid in the refridgerator.

Ares grumbled over the pot. The only clear words were "No such thing." Ares did open the oven to reveal roasted squash. This caught Hephaestus's "This is for tonight. The sauce is not for you. Now, steak or pork?"

Hephaestus had to laugh. "You made both, didn't you."

"Couldn't decide. Didn't see you down here making dinner either." Ares eyed the multi-armed flying automatons. "Set the table. It's almost done." Millennia had a way of changing the world. Ares fell in line and changed right along with it. Unlike most of their family.

[huntressofladyartemis]

Seriously??

Stop saying that the gods and goddesses are mysoginists or feminists… They aren't, they weren't! I'm sick of reading or listen how some gods are insulted or acused of mysoginists or some others are acused of feminists… No! They not!

They were religious deities! They still are, because there's an Hellenistic community of worshipers! But i'll talk of the Ancient Greece… I'm not Greek, but i don't like how some gods and goddesses are treated just for their myths and the same people say that were the Greeks whose actually treated the gods like that! What's i'm saying?

"Zeus is a dick, a mysoginist, a r*pist even worse that his son Apollo, he can't kept his pants on and that's how the greeks portrayed him, so… the greeks says that Zeus is a dick"

…

What? Seriously??? The Greek whose worshiped him? Zeus the most important god in the Greek Pantheon? Zeus the king of the Olympians and the father of the gods?

I know many of the male gods assaulted women in the myths… But please I'll say it again… Don't took the myths as literal! Neither the ancient greeks do it that because they worshiped those male gods… They took the myths as metaphores, lessons and stories…

But i advice you if you're not sure: talk with a greek person! Ask the greeks theirself because they know much better of their own culture and history!

Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, Athena, Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, and a can continue with all of them…. I will defend all of them because i love them and i know the context and history behind the myth! I know the myths were written by persons (HUMAN PERSONS) whose "humanized" the gods to be more close with them, so that is why in the myths the gods aren't perfect! I know there's people who worship them (i'm not hellenic polytheist yet, but i would like to worship Artemis one day of these) and i respect the deities! I know the symbolism and metaphores of the myths and stories!

Zeus is NOT a dick! Hera is NOT a bitch! Aphrodite is NOT a whore! Apollo is NOT a asshole! Ares is NOT a idiot! Dionysus is NOT dumb drunk! Artemis is NOT a cruel and bad friend! Poseidon is NOT a piece of shit! Demeter is NOT a bad helicopter mother! Hades is NOT the villain… But neither was Zeus, Demeter, Apollo or Aphrodite! No!

[vegalocity]

sometimes i wonder why 'modern greek mythology interpretations' tend to look at the Aphrodite's Affair situation and settle on 'it was so girlboss of Aphrodite to cheat on her husband with his literal brother' and make jokes about Hephaestus being 'cucked' or 'an incel' when memes about publicly humiliating cheaters are absolutely widespread on the internet, and in the myth itself Hephaestus basically just does the equivalent of the 'welcome home cheater' on the bedsheets meme, it's VERY weaksauce in comparison to what his mother usually does

then i remember Hephaestus is a disabled man and i realize exactly why.

[sarafangirlart]

Debunking some misinformation about Hephaestus and Aphrodite’s Marriage

I’m so sick and tired so I’m making a thread, enjoy. I’ll break it down into several points.

1. Hephaestus demanded Aphrodite’s hand in marriage in exchange for Hera’s freedom and Aphrodite was forced into the marriage

You’d be surprised by how this isn’t even attested in ancient sources, rather it’s just a theory made by modern scholars bc of how spotty and limited our knowledge about this marriage is, let’s look at the actual sources:

Notice how Aphrodite isn’t even mentioned mentioned as the “prize”? Hephaestus does ask for a goddess in exchange for freeing Hera, but it’s not Aphrodite, it’s Athena. The usual course of events is this:

Hephaestus is angry at Hera for her mistreatment and sends a golden throne that traps her

The other gods try to persuade him to free her but he refuses

Dionysus convinces him by getting him drunk

Again the theory that Aphrodite was the prize for whoever gets Hephaestus to Olympus is just that, a theory. Not a really good one either bc wouldn’t Aphrodite be married to Dionysus instead? It’s a really shallow portrayal of all figures involved tbh, why would Ares only be interested in freeing his mother if it meant he gets to marry Aphrodite? Why would anyone on Olympus not be worried about their queen being chained up? Believe it or not but Hera isn’t as disliked as one would think lol

Now even if Aphrodite wasn’t a prize how did she end up marrying Hephaestus? And was she forced into doing it? No actually (Lucian’s Dialogue of the gods):

That’s not to say this wasn’t an arranged marriage (it most likely was) but arranged marriage and forced marriage are not the same thing. If you think this is a forced marriage then what about Cadmus and Harmonia? Heracles and Hebe? Both these marriages were arranged by Zeus but no one would claim they’re forced marriages.

2. Aphrodite hated Hephaestus

Now this is more open to interpretation, after all love is subjective, but to say they outright hated each other would be incorrect, there is this myth that Aphrodite cursed Lemnos to have the men abandon their wives and female family members, usually bc they neglected on worshipping her (tho a late Latin source says it’s revenge for exposing her affair).

Apollonius of Rhodes' Argonautica:

However this bit seems to be rather… genuine? Almost as if she might have truly felt bad for what she did and wanted to reconcile, sounds like someone with a deeply messy and complicated relationship with their partner, but not outright hate.

Also there is this moment in Lucian’s Dialogue of the Gods which is pretty funny:

3. Hephaestus only saw Aphrodite as property

Ok I don’t like using the “it was a different time” card but like… it really does apply here lol

Now we’ve already established that Aphrodite was never a prize for Hephaestus to begin with so what about the betrothal gifts he gave to Zeus? Obviously that means he was buying Aphrodite right?

Well, no actually this is a normal part of Ancient Greek marriage (obviously it varied between cities and time periods but it usually goes something like this), the father of the bride and the groom exchange gifts with each other to establish a bond between the two, the bride herself wasn’t the “gift” Zeus’s gift to Hephaestus was most likely his place on Olympus.

To say that Hephaestus bought Aphrodite would mean that Odysseus bought Penelope, or Hector bought Andromache, both are ludicrous claims.

4. Hephaestus is an incel and Ares is this big feminist icon

No, just… no.

Ares was never considered “the protector of women” in Ancient Greece that’s tumblr fanfiction and plenty of other ppl have made posts debunking this (including me) so I won’t repeat that here. Now about Hephaestus being an “incel” all the male Olympians have at least one story where they harm an innocent/defenseless woman, all of them, yes including Ares who persecuted Leto while she was heavily pregnant by Hera’s orders.

5. Aphrodite cheated to “regain her sexuality”

No Patrick, cheating on your disabled spouse with his brother in the bed and palace he made for you is not a girlboss move it’s being an asshole (all the gods are flawed, how thought provoking). Hell, even Zeus wouldn’t pull shit like this with Hera.

Aphrodite and Ares most likely did this hoping it would be the last place anyone would suspect an affair, since Aphrodite could’ve had sex with Ares in his own place or some meadow somewhere but that might cause ppl to be too suspicious.

6. Ares is a big dumb brute who can’t take a hint and only saw Aphrodite for her beauty

Believe it or not, just bc I criticize Aphrodite and Ares doesn’t mean I hate them lol. Now look, all the gods care deeply about looks but that’s not the only thing that Ares and Aphrodite love about each other. Here is Ares being a total simp and actually listening to her:

Iliad book 5

Thebaid book 3

7. Aphrodite felt neglected by Hephaestus bc he’s too busy at the forge

No lol, she straight up works with him at the forge, why wouldn’t she? If anything this claim makes Aphrodite even more shallow than she actually is.

8. Aphrodite and Ares didn’t care about being humiliated in the golden net and Ares straight up brags about cucking his brother

Yes I’ve heard such claims and no Ares and Aphrodite are actually capable of feeling shame lol, almost as if they were in the wrong. Also why would Ares actively antagonize the guy who makes all his stuff? Maybe that’s why Athena keeps beating his ass, bc Hephaestus purposely gives Ares shitty weapons and armor lol

Anyways umm… I think that’s it? Maybe I missed a few things bc I’m frustrated af rn

Just so y’all know, I’m not a scholar I’m just autistic and read a lot lol. I hope I didn’t miss something or get anything wrong.

Have a good day (or night).

[theoi-crow]

The humans in Greek Mythology are the mega rich and powerful:

In my college classes people are often shocked when I tell them my favorite part of Greek mythology is the gods themselves and I'm not a big fan of the humans.

99% of my classmates prefer the humans in mythos, especially the ones that stick it to the gods like Sisyphus and feel bad for humans like Kassandra and Helen who have been wronged by the gods because "they're just like us." My classmates and teachers hate the gods and don't understand why anyone in modern times would want to worship such violent and selfish beings whenever I point out there are still people who worship them. They hold onto the idea that people in mythology embody the human experience of being oppressed by terrible gods and fate and we should feel bad for them because "they're human just like us" but they forget that the people in Greek Mythology are NOT just like us. They are more relatable to medieval royalty, colonizers and ultra rich politicians who make laws and decisions on wars and the fates of others, especially the poor and the very vulnerable.

Every hero or important human in Greek Mythology is either some form of royalty or mega rich politician/priest-priestess (of course this is with the exception of people who are explicitly stated to be poor like the old married couple in the myth where Zeus and Hermes pretend to be panhandlers). All of them have an ancient Greek lifestyle more relatable to Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and especially to British royalty during the British empire, than the average person.

All of them.

Odysseus, Patroclus, Theseus, Helen of Troy, Kassandra, Diomedes, Agamemnon, Perseus, Hercules, Aeneas, Paris, Any human who has a divine parent or is related to one, etc. Although sometimes the story omits it, it is heavily implied that these are people who own hundreds or even thousands of slaves, very poor farmers and the tiny barely there working class as royal subjects.

They are the ones who make laws and whose decisions massively affect the fates of so many people. So no, they can't just be forgiven for some little whim, because that little whim affects the literal lives of everyone under their rule. By being spoiled they've just risked the lives of thousands of people and possibly even gotten them killed like when Odysseus' audacity got every single slave and soldier in his ships killed or when Patroclus as a kid got upset and killed another kid for beating him at a game. (A normal person wouldn't kill another person just for winning a game but royalty and those who think they're above the law do it all the time, plus the class status of the child wasn't mentioned but the way he didn't think he'd get in trouble implies the kid was of lower class, possibly the child of a slave or a foreign merchant.)

The gods get a bad reputation for punishing the humans in mythology but, if not them, who else is going to keep them accountable when they are the law?

And whose to say the humans beneath them weren't praying to the gods in order to keep their masters in check?

Apollo is the god in charge of freeing slaves, Zeus is the god of refugees, immigrants and homeless people, Ares is the protector of women, Artemis protects children, Aphrodite is the goddess of the LGBT community, Hephaestus takes care of the disabled, etc. It wouldn't be surprising if the gods are punishing the ultra rich and powerful in these myths because the humans under their rulership prayed and sent them as they did historically.

Every time someone asks me if I feel bad for a human character in a myth, I think about the many lives affected by the decision that one human character made and if I'm being completely honest, I too would pray to the gods and ask them to please punish them so they can make more careful decisions in the future because:

They are not just like us.

We are the farmers, a lot of our ancestors were slaves, we are the vulnerable being eaten by capitalism and destroyed by the violence colonialism created. We are the poor subjects that can only pray and hope the gods will come and correct whatever selfish behavior the royal house and mega rich politicians are doing above us.

And that's why I pray to the gods, because in modern times I'm dealing with modern Agamemnons who would kill whatever family members they have to in order to reach their end goal, I'm dealing with everyday modern Achilles who would rather see their own side die because they couldn't keep their favorite toy and would gladly watch their subjects die if it means they eventually get their way. The ones that let capitalism eat their country and it's citizens alive so long as it makes them more money. These are our modern "demigods," politicians who swear they are so close to God that they know what he wants and so they pass laws that benefit only them and claim these laws are ordained by God due to their close connection just like how Achilles can speak to the gods because of his demigod status via his mother.

Look at the news, these are humans that would be mythical characters getting punished by Greek gods which is why anything Greco-Roman is jealousy guarded by the rich and powerful and is inaccessible to modern worshippers because Ivy League schools like Harvard and Cambridge make sure to keep it that way. That's what we're dealing with. These are the humans these mythical beings would be because:

In our modern times the humans in mythos would be the politicians and mega rich that are currently ruining our society and trying to turn it into a world where only the rich can manipulate wars and laws, just like they do in mythology.

Fuck them.

I literally have so much more to add about my disdain for them and I didn't even touch on the obvious ancient Greek propaganda.

[creatingblackcharacters]

Is it insensitive to depict Ares or Hephaestus as Black? I'm working on a project and would like to make them (plus at least Hera and Apollo as well) Black, but uh. remembered how aspects of their myths could be dicey.

For context: Ares at one point is captured by two giants, chained up, and tossed in a jar for nearly a year. There would almost certainly be at least allusions to this during the story due to the fact that he was attempting to protect Hera and Artemis, and this is supposed to be about his relationships with his parents and siblings.

As for Hephaestus, the inciting incident of the whole plot is Ares finding out that Hephaestus was tossed from Olympus as an infant by Zeus (who will not be Black unless advised otherwise; he's the antagonist as further context). The most likely reason will be disability-related.

The main driving force behind making them Black was simply that I wanted them to be, in large part due to this blog, and then only today realized there could be potential issues with my plans 😅

I'd definitely like some guidance on this before I get too much farther, and thank you for any you can give me.

I actually think that would be really interesting, if explored well 🤔

Hephaestus, a genius in STEM and creation, underestimated and mistreated because he's Black and disabled? A double whammy? Exposing the issues coming from within the household sheerly by existing?

And then Ares, understood to be wrathful and frightening but might actually have a softer veneer underneath? Dealing with going to prison for trying to protect his family, and the way he's treated differently when he gets out despite that? And then his nonblack father Zeus NOT saving him?

The complexity that is those two in love with the same woman (please don't make Aphrodite white if you go that storyline. Seeing two Black brothers beef over a white woman, I just- 😭) omg it's like a Black high drama. Sorry I made it modern in my brain just because I'm making the mental comparisons.

But yeah I think as long as you were thoughtful, it would be interesting!

[celaenaeiln]

it is in my humble opinion that in a demigod child situation, Dick Grayson would be either a child of Ares, Athena, or Aphrodite. Athena and Aphrodite are pretty obvious, he's smart and he's charming and he's bloody terrifying. but Ares. Oh Boy Do I Love That Guy and here is why.

modern media portrays Ares as a misogynistic asshole. this is just untrue. Ares is the only male Olympian without a history of SA and in fact adores & respects women. he is the father of the Amazons and has the title "the god feasted by women" Dick Grayson (apparently) is perceived as a womanizer and cheater. That Is Not True At All. he loves and respects women.

Ares is often portrayed as being a force of nature, uncaring of the law. that is also false. he's also the god of rebellion and civil order, an ally of Themis, the goddess of justice Dick Grayson, yes he can be a feral little shite (and i say this with full adoration), he's still a police and stands for the people, he brings justice in both his day and night job

there's a common conception that Ares is a meatheaded guy who only likes war and violence. once again, untrue. you need strategy for war, Ares simply represents the brutal aspects of war but he's still a smart guy as seen with the Romans adopting Ares into Mars. not to mention, Ares understands that in war there are winners and losers Dick Grayson is often seen as ditzy or less smart than his siblings (especially Tim) when in reality he's a very capable and smart guy who understands that loss happens at times

Ares cares about his family, especially his mother. when two giants threatened his mother, Hera, he was the first to fight for her. i don't need to talk about how much Dick cares for his family right? i'll admit though, this point is less polished than the rest

as much as i love the PJO series, i HATE their characterization of Ares being a crappy dad. the reality is that he disobeyed Zeus to avenge his children in the Trojan War. he committed murder and was sentenced to trial for his daughter. The Amazonian Warriors. he may not be the best at affection but he's a caring dad Dick Grayson is not the perfect brother/mentor/father figure but he's trying and doing his best goddamnit. i'm sick of people saying he's not

anger is an essential part to Ares. anger is an essential part to Dick Grayson

there's a common portrayal of Ares and Aphrodite where Ares treats Aphrodite like shite. let's be honest, the goddess of love (a war goddess, by the way if you look up Aphrodite Areia) would not let herself be treated poorly. my personal belief on why this portrayal exists lies with the whole Hephaestus debacle in which i believe Hephaestus was the crap guy here but that's another topic i'd discuss with another shot I Do Not Care What You Say, Starfire and Nightwing Are Not The Shitty Relationship You Think They Are

in (i think) two different stories, it's shown that Ares can dance. it makes sense. footwork is important in battle. footwork is important in acrobatics. Dick Grayson knows what he's doing

in many myths, Ares is treated like crap by his siblings and although this is another half baked point, i feel like it's a bit common for Dick Grayson to be treated like crap by his loved ones

i love Ares and i love Dick Grayson and sadly they both have poor representation in mass media. thank you for listening, i am so fucking tipsy (maybe drunk actually) right now.

damn.

[perish-the-creator]

Does anyone else find it weird that in modern culture that Zeus' direct line (Hera, Ares, and Hephaestus) are often characterized way worse than he is in any given media?

Hera is seen as some scorned old bitch who ruined the relationship by being overbearing to Zeus. And who is needlessly cruel to all the children he had out of wedlock that she doesn't instantly embrace with open arms.

Ares is written as this manchild braindead jock who doesn't respect any woman and gets a thrill out of explicitly cucking Hephaestus. Not to mention always the first to turn against Zeus in any given story with little to no regard for anyone who isn't built like a body builder on steroids.

And Hephaestus as either a completely spineless pushover who was too dense to notice how unhappy Aphrodite was OR he's some scumbag womanizing incel who forced Aphrodite to seek Ares.

They all have horrible moments (I'm not calling them innocent) but like Hades pop culture has this weird obsession with making these guys either the direct antagonist of stories or brush them off as unimportant players that you're meant to be disgusted by or laugh at.

[resident-idiot-simp]

OG Modern Warfare and their godly parents

Remakes

Melinoe - OG Price

Melpomene - OG Gaz

Hephaestus - Roach

Ares - MacTavish

(chosen by) Persephone (specifically Persephone from the old stories) - Riley

(lore)

Brought to you by me and @azilver

If you are confused by any of the choices feel free to ask and I can explain

[thedansemacabres]

Ares as... rooster?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

[ID: An image of a brown-gold rooster cawing. The rooster has a large, six-pointed comb and orange-red round eyes. The background is blurry, highlighting the rooster's neck and face.]

ARES IS A WONDERFUL GOD, and there is little academia about him in particular. There is much about the analysis of him in the Iliad and function in myth, but less about his cultus and more obscure traits. While researching, I stumbled upon a very different Ares….as a rooster. So, as a quick post, here is a small bit on Ares and roosters. 

ROOSTERS IN ANCIENT GREECE 

Roosters are funny creatures. They’re very feisty, but also sometimes cowardly—affectionate, but terribly bloodthirsty. I have worked with several roosters in my time, and they’ve either been useless or fiends. Hens are often much better at their jobs. A good rooster though is priceless, and I’ll never forget the white tufted rooster at my job we used to have that would cuddle but also attack dogs if they dared step near his flock. Perhaps due to this, Ares also gained an association with roosters—he’s certainly the good kind, if he is to be compared to a rooster. 

Chickens were originally thought to have arrived in the Archaic era, aided by chickens being termed the “Persian bird.” Sacred roosters may have even appeared in temples, perhaps suggesting to us as modern polytheists to raise birds in devotion to the gods. They were not a common bird, coming in slowly from West Asia—with divine association, appearing on temples and later into Egypt in which they were connected to the pharaoh. Their ability to produce meat and eggs also made them far more convenient than pigs or cattle, along with consuming less resources. When the bird then reached the Minoans, it possibly gained martial connotations and appeared on Minoan seals. 

Chickens in ancient Greece gained many associations—naturally with Helios, but also with childbirth, Selene and her lunar cycles, Apollon and Asklepios, as a chthonian being with Hermes and Persephone, and as a symbol of rebirth and transition. 

THE MYTH OF ARES AND THE ROOSTER

There is also the story of Ares’ soldier and lover Alcetyron, who failed to guard the door to Ares and Aphrodite’s affair, allowing Helios to witness the couple: 

“Mi. Why, to be sure, I have heard something like this before about a cock. It was the story of a young man called Alectryon; he was a lover of Ares,—used to join in his revels and junketings, and give him a hand in his love affairs. Whenever Ares went to pay a sly visit to Aphrodite, he used to take Alectryon with him, and as he was particularly afraid that Helios would see him, and tell Hephaestus, he would always leave Alectryon at the door, so that he might give him warning when the Helios was up. But one day Alectryon fell asleep, and unwittingly betrayed his trust; the consequence was that the Sun got a peep at the lovers, while Ares was having a comfortable nap, relying on Alectryon to tell him if any one came. Hephaestus heard of it, and caught them in that cage of his, which he had long had waiting for them. When Ares was released, he was so angry with Alectryon that he turned him into a cock, armour and all, as is shown by his crest; and that is what makes you cocks in such a hurry to crow at dawn, to let us know that the Sun is coming up presently; it is your way of apologizing to Ares, though crowing will not mend matters now.”

This story is then better explained by An Argument for a Bronze Age Introduction of the Cock in Ancient Greece by Jorrit M. Kelder: 

Perhaps the bird served a double purpose, both as a symbol of ‘transition’ (including the various stages in the cycle of life) and virility. This double connotation may be reflected in the story of Alectryon, a companion of Ares, whose failure to warn his master (who was having an illicit affair with Aphrodite) of the arrival of Helios resulted in his transformation into a cock. The story, first attested in Lucian (Gallus 3), may well be a late one, designed to explain the name and manifold associations of the cock. None of these associations can with certainty be identified in Bronze Age Aegean iconography, though the presence of an altar on the Zakros sealing indicates that the bird could (also) serve some purpose in the religious sphere.

This dialogue continues on and the rooster reveals himself to be Pythagoras after thoroughly roasting the man he was speaking to. 

ARES AS ROOSTER 

Continuing on, paper I was reading explored slightly on the topic of gods as birds or bird-hybrids, such as Athene the owl, Hermes the chicken, and Ares the rooster:

This likely represents Ares the fighting rooster—a symbol of virtuality, and extended to his son Eros with eroticism and ancient Greek homosexuality.  Cockfighting was a common sport in ancient Greece, likened with ‘masculine’ prowess in sports and even appearing on Panathenaic amphorae. 

Admittedly, I found this most comedic and wonderful. I’m not completely sure what to do with this information beyond associating Ares with roosters, but it is a fun tidbit on him indeed. Roosters and chickens overall have a vast lore behind them, whether that is with the sun or as a symbol of death. Today, chickens are such a common aspect of life—we can simply go out and buy some eggs and chicken meat. However, two thousand years ago, I could imagine someone being beyond excited to finally be able to have a chicken in their life. From this small research spree for Ares, I have gained a new appreciation for chickens. Perhaps that is the blessing that he has given us in being a divine cock. 

wordpress link

References 

Allinson, F. G., Fowler, H. W., & Fowler, F. G. (1906). The Works of Lucian of Samosata: Complete with Exceptions Specified in the Preface. American Journal of Philology, 27(4), 455. https://doi.org/10.2307/288891

Eckerman, C. (2012). Cockfighting and the Iconography of Panathenaic Amphorae. Illinois Classical Studies, 37, 39–50. https://doi.org/10.5406/illiclasstud.37.0039

Kelder, J. M. (2021). AN ARGUMENT FOR A BRONZE AGE INTRODUCTION OF THE CHICKEN IN GREECE. Mediterranean Archaeology, 34/35, 1–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48691680 Spier, J. (2010). Most fowl: athena, ares, and hermes depicted as birds on engraved gems. Pallas. https://doi.org/10.4000/pallas.11101

[tracykestler]

"I'm not stupid, Uncle. Just impulsive."

-- Ares

[mystieris]

Urban Gods Worship System

(I'm terrible at posting information about this project xD; )

So in the world of Urban Gods, it's basically the world of the myths, they just have cars and Instagram (btw, I'm open to suggestions on how to make "Instagram" a Greek mythology pun xD), and I wanted to come up with a replacement for animal sacrifices since that's no longer really a thing in our modern day society. While it is common to use altar worship, item and food offerings and prayers of a lot of modern worshippers in our world, since this is a world where gods are also active members of society, there's another, far more popular method - patronizing establishments owned by the gods themselves.

Several major gods own restaurants, hotels, chain stores and other establishments, while more minor gods, as well as nymphs, satyrs, and other benign creatures, will often be employed there. The following is a master list of establishments I have plotted out so far, and who owns and works for them...

Hades - Inferis - A subterranian casino resort in Athens; Charon, the Furies and the Keres will cycle working the different security posts, Thanatos works as waitstaff in the bar/restaurant areas, Hypnos works the front desk on the hotel side, Hecate appears to work some sort of upper management position, and Minthe works as the casino host at the beginning of the story, eventually being replaced by Persephone. Hermes frequently works as a bartender, and all other positions are often filled by unnamed nymphs, gorgons, and other Underworld creatures.

Zeus - Vronti - A luxury hotel chain, with the flagship location in Athens, overlooking the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Thetis works as the concierge, Hermes will work odd jobs throughout the whole building, Hephaestus leads the maintenance crew, and Hera appears to have some sort of job there, but it's somewhat unclear exactly what as through most of the story she and Zeus are hovering between their good terms and their bad terms xD

Poseidon - Atlantis - A small chain of beach tiki bars with "hidden" drug den areas. I haven't quite worked out where the flagship location is, but most of the time the location seen is the one in Athens. And yes... Athena hates that he has a location in Athens, which Poseidon denies being because of his grudge. Claims, "Well, my brothers have their flagship locations here, mortals would ask questions if I didn't, too...!" Pretty much all positions are filled by different sea nymphs and creatures and aren't individually identified yet.

Demeter and Dionysus - A farm/vineyard in Sicily with a shop attached. Basically it's an enormous farm property that different parts are run by Demeter or Dionysus, Persephone basically runs the shop, Plutus offers financial consulting, Triptolemus cares for the animals on site, and various nymphs and satyrs assist in other areas. Additionally, Dionysus also works as the drink master for all three of the kings' establishments.

Athena - A university in Athens. Not much else is developed about it so far as the only scene written involving it is a brief shot of a classroom and just exposits how the gods are "technically not related" according to my world, but Athena is the dean as well as teaching classes.

Hephaestus - Has no direct stores or anything, but is basically the diving force behind mortals developing computers and robotics.

Ares - Basically runs the this world's equivalent to the UFC, which, because it's run by Ares is a mite more violent than in our world. He also has a gym he operates in Sparta that Phobos and Deimos can often be seen working as personal trainers ar.

Aphrodite - A chain of adult toy stores that are franchised to Eros and the rest of her and Ares' kids, while she'll also offer love advice for a fee at the flagship location in Sparta (somewhere within walking distance to Ares' gym).

Apollo - Works as a pop idol, beyond that I don't really have much developed.

Artemis - Like Apollo, not very developed yet, but the idea that she runs a popular hunting blog.

Hestia - Owns a spa resort known for its luxurious food and services.

More will be edited in as I develop more/remember things as I was sick from stress at the original time of posting this. Follow me for more updates on this project and incorrect quotes! :)

[talonabraxas]

Aphrodite Talon Abraxas

Aphrodite's Allure: The Profound Meanings Behind the Greek Goddess of Love

In the vast realm of Greek mythology, few figures evoke as much fascination and allure as Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Revered for her unparalleled charm, beauty, and influence over matters of the heart, Aphrodite's captivating persona has left an indelible mark on literature, art, and culture. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating world of Aphrodite, exploring her origin, powers, symbolism, and enduring legacy.

1. Origin and Birth:

Aphrodite's birth story is as captivating as the goddess herself. According to Greek mythology, she emerged from the sea foam near the island of Cyprus. Born from the remnants of Uranus' severed genitals, Aphrodite embodies the irresistible allure and beauty that captivates both mortals and gods alike. Her entrance into the world is shrouded in mystery and grandeur, emphasizing her divine nature and otherworldly charm.

2. Goddess of Love and Beauty: Aphrodite's domain encompasses love, desire, beauty, and fertility. She represents the epitome of feminine grace and allure, enchanting all who encounter her. Artists throughout history have sought to capture her radiant beauty, portraying her in paintings, sculptures, and poetry. With her power to ignite passion and stir desire, Aphrodite exemplifies the essence of romantic love and physical attraction.

3. Love Stories and Relationships: Aphrodite's influence extends beyond her own existence, as she plays a pivotal role in various love stories in Greek mythology. Her most famous union is with the handsome god of war, Ares, with whom she bore several children. However, her dalliances with other gods and mortals, such as Adonis and Anchises, contribute to her complex persona, revealing both her passionate nature and her ability to manipulate the hearts of others.

4. Symbolism and Attributes: In art and literature, Aphrodite is often depicted with symbolic objects that represent her powers and characteristics. The most renowned symbol associated with her is the shell, which emphasizes her birth from the sea. Doves, roses, and myrtle are also commonly associated with Aphrodite, representing aspects of love, fertility, and beauty. These symbols further highlight her connection to the natural world and her ability to inspire adoration and desire.

5. Legacy and Cultural Influence: Even though ancient Greece is long gone, Aphrodite's legacy lives on. Her representation continues to inspire contemporary culture, particularly in the realms of art, literature, and music. Artists continue to draw upon her timeless beauty as a muse, while authors weave her essence into tales of passion and romance. Aphrodite's influence can be seen in modern-day concepts of love, beauty, and desire, making her an enduring figure in the collective imagination of humanity.

Aphrodite Pronunciation The pronunciation of "Aphrodite" is typically given as uh-FROH-dy-tee. Please note that pronunciation can vary slightly based on regional accents.

Aphrodite’s Husband Aphrodite's husband in Greek mythology was Hephaestus, the god of fire, blacksmiths, and craftsmanship. Hephaestus was known for his skill in forging and creating magnificent works of art, including weapons and jewelry. He was often depicted as a bearded, muscular figure.

However, despite being married to Hephaestus, Aphrodite had numerous love affairs with both gods and mortals. She was famously associated with Ares, the god of war, with whom she had a passionate and tumultuous relationship. Aphrodite's infidelity and dalliances with other gods and mortals were a common theme in her mythology.

Aphrodite’s Children

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite had several children, and the parentage of her children varies in different versions of the myths. Here are some of Aphrodite's most well-known children:

1. Eros (Cupid): Eros is the god of love and desire. He is often depicted as Aphrodite's son, either with her husband Hephaestus or her lover Ares. Eros is known for shooting arrows that inspire love and passion.

2. Harmonia: Harmonia was the daughter of Aphrodite and Ares. She was married to Cadmus, the founder of Thebes, and together they had several children.

3. Phobos and Deimos: Phobos and Deimos, also known as "Fear" and "Terror," were the twin sons of Aphrodite and Ares. They were associated with war and often accompanied their father into battle.

4. Priapus: Priapus was a minor god associated with fertility and agriculture. He was considered the son of Aphrodite and either Dionysus or Hermes in various accounts.

5. Hermaphroditus: In some versions of the myth, Hermaphroditus, a deity with both male and female characteristics, is described as the child of Aphrodite and Hermes. Hermaphroditus is associated with the blending of genders and represents the union of male and female qualities.

It's important to note that the parentage of Aphrodite's children can vary in different myths and sources, and not all accounts mention or agree on the same offspring.

Aphrodite Lore in Greek Mythology

While Aphrodite is primarily associated with Greek mythology, there are several folktales and stories passed down through folklore that feature her. These stories often highlight her role as a goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Here are a few examples:

1. Pygmalion and Galatea: This famous story tells the tale of Pygmalion, a skilled sculptor who created a statue of a woman named Galatea. Pygmalion was so captivated by the beauty of his creation that he fell deeply in love with her. In response to his heartfelt desire, Aphrodite brought the statue to life, allowing Pygmalion and Galatea to be together.

2. Cupid and Psyche: Although primarily associated with the Roman tradition, the tale of Cupid (Eros) and Psyche is also connected to Aphrodite. In the story, Psyche, a mortal princess, incurs the wrath of Aphrodite due to her beauty. Aphrodite instructs her son, Cupid, to make Psyche fall in love with a monstrous creature. However, Cupid himself falls in love with Psyche, leading to a series of trials and tribulations before their eventual union.

3. The Golden Apple: This tale is well-known for its involvement in the events leading up to the Trojan War. At a wedding attended by several Olympian gods and goddesses, Eris, the goddess of discord, throws a golden apple inscribed with "To the fairest" into the gathering. Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena all claim the apple, leading to a competition where Paris of Troy ultimately chooses Aphrodite as the fairest. This choice sets in motion the events that culminate in the Trojan War.

4. Adonis and Aphrodite: The story of Aphrodite and Adonis is a poignant tale of love and loss. Adonis, a beautiful mortal youth, becomes Aphrodite's lover. However, he meets a tragic end when he is killed by a wild boar while hunting. Aphrodite mourns his death, and in some versions of the story, she transforms his blood into the anemone flower, a symbol of his beauty and the fleeting nature of life.

These are just a few examples of the folklore stories and myths featuring Aphrodite. Each tale emphasizes different aspects of love, beauty, and desire, showcasing her influence over these realms and the impact she has on the lives of mortals and gods.

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, desire, and fertility. Her origins are varied depending on different versions of the myth. One popular myth recounts that Aphrodite was born from the sea foam when the Titan Cronus castrated his father Uranus, and his genitals were thrown into the sea. As Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam, she was carried to the shore of Cyprus by the winds.

Aphrodite is often depicted as a stunningly beautiful goddess, captivating both gods and mortals with her charm. She possessed an irresistible allure and had the power to inspire love and desire in others. Aphrodite's influence extended beyond romantic love to encompass beauty, sensuality, and the creation of life itself.

Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmen, but she engaged in numerous love affairs with both gods and mortals. Her most famous mortal lover was Adonis, a handsome youth with whom she had a passionate romance. Adonis's tragic death further deepened Aphrodite's association with love and loss.

The goddess was not only the subject of desire but also the patroness of it. She had the ability to bestow or withhold love and favour upon mortals, often intervening in their affairs to ensure love's triumph or punishment for those who spurned it.

Aphrodite's mythology is replete with tales of love, jealousy, and rivalry. She is frequently involved in the affairs of other gods and goddesses, such as the judgement of Paris, where she bribed him with the promise of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen of Troy, leading to the Trojan War.

Aphrodite had numerous epithets and aspects that highlighted different facets of her domain. For example, she was worshipped as Aphrodite Urania, representing spiritual love and the ideal form of beauty, and as Aphrodite Pandemos, symbolizing the love that is common to all people.

Aphrodite Symbols

The symbol of Aphrodite varies depending on the context and representation. Here are some common symbols associated with Aphrodite:

1. Scallop Shell: The scallop shell is one of the most recognizable symbols of Aphrodite. It represents her birth from the sea foam in Greek mythology. The shell is often depicted as a motif in artwork, jewelry, and sculptures associated with the goddess.

2. Dove: The dove is a symbol of love, peace, and innocence and is strongly associated with Aphrodite. Doves are often depicted alongside her or as messengers of her divine love. They represent the gentle and nurturing aspects of love.

3. Mirror: The mirror symbolizes self-reflection, beauty, and vanity, all of which are connected to Aphrodite. Mirrors were believed to be a tool through which she could enhance her own beauty or bestow it upon mortals. Mirrors can also represent the importance of self-love and acceptance.

4. Rose: The rose is a powerful symbol of love and beauty, and it is closely linked to Aphrodite. The red rose, in particular, is strongly associated with romantic love. Roses are often used as offerings, decorations, or representations of the goddess in rituals and altars dedicated to her.

5. Swan: The swan is a symbol of grace, beauty, and elegance, and it is often associated with Aphrodite. In mythology, swans were sometimes linked to her, particularly in tales of love and transformation. The swan represents the ethereal and enchanting aspects of Aphrodite's domain.

These symbols can be used to represent Aphrodite in artwork, jewelry, or as visual representations on altars or in rituals dedicated to her. They embody different aspects of her mythology and energy, reflecting her associations with love, beauty, and desire.

Aphrodite's mythology reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of love and desire, encompassing both its divine and mortal aspects. Her stories explore the transformative power of love, its capacity to inspire both joy and sorrow, and its significance in shaping the lives of gods and mortals alike.

Aphrodite as a Deity

While Aphrodite is not explicitly associated with witchcraft and Wicca, her qualities and attributes can be incorporated into these practices. In witchcraft and Wicca, various deities from different pantheons are honoured and called upon for specific purposes. Aphrodite, as the goddess of love, beauty, and desire, can be invoked for matters related to relationships, self-love, sexuality, and enchantment.

1. Love Spells and Relationship Magick: Aphrodite's domain over love makes her a natural choice for practitioners seeking assistance with matters of the heart. Devotees of Aphrodite might call upon her energy and guidance when performing love spells or rituals aimed at attracting a romantic partner, enhancing an existing relationship, or fostering self-love. This can involve creating altars dedicated to Aphrodite, using symbols associated with her, or reciting invocations to invoke her presence.

2. Beauty and Glamour Magick: Aphrodite's association with beauty lends itself well to rituals involving personal transformation, enhancing physical appearance, or boosting self-confidence. Practitioners may incorporate Aphrodite's energy into rituals involving beauty spells, glamour magick, or rituals aimed at cultivating inner radiance and self-acceptance. This could involve using beauty products, performing mirror work, or engaging in self-care practices as acts of devotion to Aphrodite.

3. Sexuality and Sensuality: As the goddess of desire, Aphrodite can be invoked in rituals or practices related to sexuality and sensuality. This may involve exploring and honouring one's own sexual identity, embracing pleasure, or seeking guidance in matters of sexual health and relationships. Aphrodite's energy can be called upon to invoke a sense of passion, liberation, and connection within oneself or with a partner.

4. Emotional Healing and Self-Love: Aphrodite's influence extends beyond romantic love and physical beauty. She can also be invoked for emotional healing and self-love practices. Devotees may seek Aphrodite's guidance to cultivate self-compassion, heal from past heartbreaks, or foster a deeper connection with their own emotions. Practices may include journaling, affirmations, or rituals that encourage self-care, forgiveness, and acceptance.

It is important to note that witchcraft and Wicca are highly individualistic practices, and the way Aphrodite is incorporated can vary among practitioners. Some may work exclusively with her, while others may call upon her alongside other deities or incorporate her attributes into broader rituals and spellwork. Ultimately, the choice to include Aphrodite or any other deity in witchcraft or Wicca depends on personal preference, spiritual connection, and the intentions of the practitioner.

Crystals For Aphrodite

Crystals and herbs can be used to enhance your connection with Aphrodite and to amplify the energy of love, beauty, and desire. Here are some crystals and herbs traditionally associated with Aphrodite:

Crystals:

1. Rose Quartz: Known as the "stone of love," rose quartz is strongly linked to Aphrodite. It promotes self-love, deepens connections in relationships, and attracts love and compassion.

2. Rhodochrosite: This crystal is often associated with romantic love and passion. It can help heal emotional wounds, enhance self-confidence, and ignite the flames of desire.

3. Emerald: Symbolizing love and fertility, emerald is a crystal of abundance and attraction. It can open the heart chakra, promote harmony in relationships, and enhance one's ability to give and receive love.

4. Clear Quartz: Clear quartz is a versatile crystal that can amplify intentions and energy. It can enhance the power of love spells and rituals and facilitate communication with divine energies.

5. Moonstone: Moonstone is connected to feminine energy and intuition. It can enhance emotional healing, balance emotions, and promote receptivity to love and sensuality.

Herbs for Aphrodite

1. Rose: Rose is a classic symbol of love and is strongly associated with Aphrodite. Its petals can be used in love spells, baths, or as offerings. Rose promotes self-love, harmony in relationships, and attraction.

2. Jasmine: Jasmine is a fragrant herb that represents sensuality, romance, and beauty. Its aroma can create an enchanting atmosphere and heighten feelings of love and desire.

3. Damiana: Damiana is an herb traditionally associated with passion, lust, and sexuality. It can be used to increase libido, enhance romantic encounters, and ignite passion.

4. Lavender: Lavender promotes relaxation and peace, creating an atmosphere conducive to love and connection. It can be used in love spells, bath rituals, or as an offering to promote emotional well-being and harmony.

5. Yarrow: Yarrow is often associated with love divination and protection. It can be used in love spells, sachets, or charms to enhance attraction, strengthen relationships, and protect against heartache.

Remember to research and familiarize yourself with the properties and uses of crystals and herbs before incorporating them into your practices. Connect with their energy and set your intentions when using them in rituals, spells, or altar decorations dedicated to Aphrodite.

Aphrodite Animal Correspondences

Several animals are associated with Aphrodite due to their symbolism and connections to love, beauty, and sensuality. While not exhaustive, here are a few animals commonly associated with Aphrodite:

1. Doves: Doves are perhaps the most prominent animal associated with Aphrodite. These birds symbolize love, peace, and harmony. In Greek mythology, doves were sacred to Aphrodite and were often depicted as her companions. They represent the gentle and nurturing aspects of love and are seen as messengers of the goddess.

2. Swans: Swans are often linked to Aphrodite due to their elegance, grace, and beauty. They symbolize purity, loyalty, and transformation. In various myths, swans are associated with love and desire, representing the ethereal and enchanting aspects of Aphrodite's domain.

3. Sparrows: Sparrows are connected to Aphrodite as symbols of passion, fertility, and companionship. They were believed to be birds of Aphrodite and were associated with love and lust. Sparrows are often seen as joyful and social creatures, reflecting the joys and connections found in relationships.

4. Dolphins: Dolphins hold a significant place in Aphrodite's mythology, as she emerged from the sea. Dolphins represent playfulness, joy, and the transformative power of love. They are associated with sensuality and pleasure, reflecting the fluid and graceful nature of Aphrodite's energy.

5. Butterflies: Butterflies are often linked to Aphrodite due to their symbolism of transformation, beauty, and freedom. They represent the growth and change that can occur through the power of love. Butterflies also symbolize the ephemeral and delicate nature of romance and desire.

These animals can be incorporated into rituals, artwork, or visual representations of Aphrodite. They serve as reminders of the goddess's qualities and can deepen the connection with her energy when working with her in spiritual practices.

Honouring Aphrodite on your Altar

Decorating an altar dedicated to honouring Aphrodite allows you to create a sacred space infused with her energy and symbolism. Here are some ideas for altar decorations inspired by Aphrodite:

1. Images or Statues: Place a statue or image of Aphrodite as the centrepiece of your altar. Look for representations that resonate with you, such as those depicting her emerging from the sea foam or holding symbols of love and beauty. Alternatively, you can use a mirror to symbolize Aphrodite's association with self-love and reflection.

2. Flowers and Plants: Adorn your altar with fresh flowers and plants, particularly those associated with Aphrodite. Roses, particularly red or pink ones, are strongly linked to her. You can also include other blossoms such as peonies, daisies, or myrtle branches, which are traditionally associated with love, beauty, and fertility.

3. Shells and Sea-related Items: As Aphrodite's birth is linked to the sea foam, incorporating seashells, seashell-shaped dishes, or bowls of sea salt can symbolize her connection to the ocean. These items can represent her birth and her power over love, allure, and fertility.

4. Symbols of Love and Beauty: Include symbols related to love and beauty on your altar. These can be heart-shaped crystals, small pieces of rose quartz (the stone of love), or small sculptures or images representing the concept of beauty, like Venus de Milo. A small dish or vial of rose or jasmine essential oil can also add a fragrant touch.

5. Candles: Light candles on your altar to create an ambiance of warmth and devotion. Choose candles in colours associated with Aphrodite, such as soft pink, red, or white. Use candle holders in shapes or materials that evoke a sense of femininity and elegance.

6. Offerings: Offerings are a way to honour and connect with Aphrodite. Consider placing items associated with beauty and love as offerings on your altar, such as a piece of jewelry, a love letter, or a small treat like chocolates or honey. Remember to remove perishable offerings regularly to avoid spoilage.

7. Written Invocations or Prayers: Write invocations or prayers specifically crafted for Aphrodite and place them on your altar. These can be expressions of gratitude, requests for guidance in matters of the heart, or affirmations of self-love and beauty.

Remember, the most important aspect of altar decoration is personal connection and intention. Let your intuition guide you as you create a sacred space dedicated to Aphrodite, infusing it with your own unique energy and devotion.

Sabbats to Honour Aphrodite

In Wicca, the Wheel of the Year consists of eight Sabbats that mark the changing seasons and celebrate different aspects of the natural and spiritual cycles. While Aphrodite is not specifically associated with the traditional Wiccan Sabbats, you can still incorporate her energy and themes of love and beauty into these celebrations. Here are a few Sabbats that can be appropriate for honouring Aphrodite:

1. Beltane (May 1st): Beltane is a joyous Sabbat that celebrates fertility, passion, and the awakening of nature. It is an ideal time to honour Aphrodite's connection to love and desire. You can create a ritual that focuses on invoking her energy to embrace and celebrate the sensual and passionate aspects of life. Dance, sing, or perform rituals that symbolize the blossoming of love and beauty.

2. Litha (Summer Solstice - around June 21st): Litha marks the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. It is a time of abundance, light, and vitality. You can honour Aphrodite by creating a ritual that celebrates the beauty of nature and the fullness of life. Offerings of flowers, performing acts of self-love and self-care, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of love and beauty are appropriate during this Sabbat.

3. Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st or 2nd): Lammas/Lughnasadh is a harvest festival that focuses on the first harvest of the year. It is a time of gratitude for abundance and the fulfilment of desires. You can honour Aphrodite by acknowledging the fruits of your emotional and creative endeavours. Offerings of fruits, grains, or flowers can be made to express appreciation for the blessings of love, beauty, and abundance in your life.

4. Mabon (Autumn Equinox - around September 21st): Mabon is the time of the second harvest and a time to give thanks for the abundance in our lives. You can honour Aphrodite by expressing gratitude for love, relationships, and the beauty that surrounds you. Consider creating a ritual that emphasizes balance, gratitude, and reflecting on the cycles of love and personal growth.

Remember, while these Sabbats have specific themes, Wicca is a flexible and personal practice. Feel free to adapt and create your own rituals and practices that align with Aphrodite's energy and your own spiritual connection with her. The intention and devotion you bring to these celebrations are what truly matters.

Other Ways to Honour and Invoke Aphrodite

Incorporating Aphrodite into your spiritual workings and rituals can deepen your connection with the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Here are some ways to include Aphrodite in your practices:

1. Altar Dedication: Set up a dedicated altar space for Aphrodite. Decorate it with symbols and items associated with love and beauty, such as roses, seashells, doves, and mirrors. Place images or statues of Aphrodite on the altar as focal points. Light candles and offer offerings of flowers, chocolates, or other items associated with love and sensuality.

2. Devotional Offerings: Offerings are a way to show reverence and establish a connection with Aphrodite. Consider offering items that are sacred to her, such as rose petals, rose water, incense, or sweet scents. You can also offer acts of devotion, such as writing love poems or creating art that honors her beauty and qualities.

3. Love Spells and Rituals: Invoke Aphrodite's energy in love spells and rituals. Call upon her assistance to attract love, strengthen relationships, or enhance self-love and confidence. Use candles, crystals (such as rose quartz), and herbs associated with Aphrodite in your spells. Focus on setting intentions aligned with her energy and visualize love and beauty flowing into your life.

4. Self-Love and Beauty Practices: Aphrodite's domain includes self-love and embracing one's beauty. Incorporate practices that promote self-care, self-acceptance, and self-love into your daily routine. This can include taking luxurious baths, practising positive affirmations, wearing or using scents that make you feel beautiful, and engaging in activities that make you feel confident and empowered.

5. Honouring Relationships: Acknowledge and honour the relationships in your life, both romantic and platonic. Set aside time to appreciate and express love to your partner, friends, and family. Practice acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding. You can also create rituals or celebrations to commemorate special moments in your relationships, inviting Aphrodite's blessings and guidance.

6. Gratitude and Appreciation: Express gratitude for the blessings of love, beauty, and desire in your life. Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature, art, and the small moments that bring you joy. Keep a gratitude journal or perform a gratitude ritual where you express your thanks to Aphrodite for the abundance of love and beauty in your life.

Remember to approach your practices with sincerity, respect, and a genuine desire to connect with Aphrodite's energy. Adapt these suggestions to fit your personal beliefs and practices, and always follow your intuition when working with any deity or spiritual energy.

Aphrodite, the beguiling goddess of love and beauty, transcends the boundaries of ancient mythology, captivating us with her allure and influence over matters of the heart. Through her timeless symbolism and enduring legacy, she serves as a reminder of the power and complexity of love. As we navigate our own journeys of romance and self-discovery, Aphrodite's essence continues to inspire and remind us of the transformative nature of love and the enduring beauty that lies within us all.

[sarafangirlart]

Hephaesthus and Aphrodite: *Being in a misorable marrige*

Hephaesthus and Aglaia: *Has a happy marrige*

Aphrodite and Ares: *Happily together*

Modern writers/retellings: Hephaesthus and Aphrodite have to be together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exactly bc the most well known story about Hephaestus and Aphrodite’s relationship is the net myth where they are both shown at their worst.

[delphiniumarchangelmoon]

Aphrodite and Hephaestus Hades *holds them gently*

But seriously this is by far my favorite take on them. Like I could write essays about how much I love supergiant’s take on Aphrodite but it really just boils down to the fact that the goddess of love IS sexy but she’s most importantly open and vulnerable and free and will not fucking apologize for it.

And I love that he is completely supportive of that. Their relationship can get so… weird in older versions and supergiant has always been good about both being blunt about the odd nature of the original texts they reference and also modernizing the tales to both tell a more enjoyable story AND give the characters a respectful, dignified interpretation

Cause it DOES feel weird to reduce the story of the goddess of love and the god of the forge to a an unwanted “ugly” son and a cheating scandal. So many adaptations take the gritty, realistic side of these myths and turn it into to some kind of bullying comedy which just doesn’t feel good.

But what draws so many people to Greek myths is that the gods are people. They’re able to make mistakes and act stupid sometimes yes, but they’re also capable of falling in love, learning from their mistakes, and growing over time.

And I love that the Hades titles really lean into that last bit. The change over time. We’re not in the dead center of these problems, we’re removed from them. They’ve all grown up since the stories we’ve heard, and we’re now hearing a new story. A story where everybody has to come together and work together, put aside old grievances, for the good of everyone.

Some of them have apologized, have worked to mend broken relations ships. Some have gotten worse, some better. But what matters now is their home and family is in danger.

And we get to see an Aphrodite who is vulnerable both emotionally and physically, loves herself and is unapologetic about it, smiling down upon her little cousins and encouraging them even if she can’t be there to help in person, wearing Ares’ war paint into battle, and likely carrying a weapon made by her husband (tbh it would be weird if her staff was made by someone else)

And we get a Hephaestus who yes, struggles with his disability, but is the best at his craft, completely at ease and self assured, all insecurities put to rest, and hot as hell on confidence alone let alone his muscles! He meets a stranger and immediately talks shit about the quality of her weapon I mean the man has an EGO! He’s the best there ever was and he knows it!

[just-antithings]

I love when antis go after Greek Mythology, specifically Hades and Persephone, by saying "STOP STANNING A CREEP WHO PREYED ON HIS NIECE!" as if Aphrodite didn't constantly fuck her great-nephew while married to his brother.

For context: Aphrodite was born from the severed testicles of Ouranos, the embodiment of the sky; Ouranos was also Zeus and Hera's grandfather; Zeus and Hera would later sire Ares and Hephaestus; Zeus married Aphrodite off to Hephaestus because he felt threatened by her power, and Aphrodite doesn't like Hephaestus because he's not conventionally attractive, so she cheats on him with Ares.

So yeah, Ares is being fucked by his great-aunt who's also married to his brother.

Also: Gaia married her own son; countless Greek Deities married or slept with their siblings or cousins; Zeus has slept with/raped his own descendants before; Heracles was in a sexual relationship with his nephew Iolaus... the list goes on. Hell, in one myth, Persephone herself expresses an attraction to Adonis, whom she raised as a son since he was a baby and even fights with Aphrodite (who also knew him since he was a baby btw) over who gets to keep him! Funny how I never see antis whining about that guess it's okay when women do it!

I'm not saying it's "wrong" to be squicked by Hades and Persephone or that there aren't issues with the way modern writers treat their story (Demeter I'm so sorry, sweetie, you deserve so much better), but acting like they're uniquely bad for the incest/generational gap/power imbalance thing is just utterly laughable for me.

Especially seeing as power imbalances especially were sadly all over the place with the Greek Gods, because they were... well, y'know, gods.

Yeah antis in greek mythology based fandoms are wild