#heracles tenth labor

[briefbestiary]

An ill-fated guard dog, guardian of Geryon's red cattle. He was ultimately one of Echidna's many children to fall in battle against the immensely powerful Heracles.

[tylermileslockett]

Heracles labor 10: "Retrieve the Cattle of Geryon" Appollodorus writes,  "As a tenth labour he was ordered to fetch the kine of Geryon from Erythia. Now Erythia was an island near the ocean; it is now called Gadira. This island was inhabited by Geryon, son of Chrysaor by Callirrhoe, daughter of Ocean. He had the body of three men grown together and joined in one at the waist, but parted in three from the flanks and thighs. He owned red kine, of which Eurytion was the herdsman and Orthus, the two-headed hound, begotten by Typhon on Echidna, was the watchdog. So journeying through Europe to fetch the kine of Geryon he destroyed many wild beasts and set foot in Libya,  and proceeding to Tartessus he erected as tokens of his journey two pillars over against each other at the boundaries of Europe and Libya. But being heated by the Sun on his journey, he bent his bow at the god, who in admiration of his hardihood, gave him a golden goblet in which he crossed the ocean. And having reached Erythia he lodged on Mount Abas. However the dog, perceiving him, rushed at him; but he smote it with his club, and when the herdsman Eurytion came to the help of the dog, Hercules killed him also."

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[deathmetalunicorn1]

ROR

Reader is Charybdis from Greek Mythology (In the myths Charybdis is referred to as female but you can go whatever way)

So Charybdis is a child of Poseidon and Gaia who apparently had a voracious appetite (sounded more like she didn’t get enough food to eat [the myths do not say if Charybdis had a relationship with either of her parents so… yeah]) who tried to steal some of the cattle that Heracles (Hercules’ Greek name) had just retrieved for his tenth labor. Zeus being the bitch that he is cast her to the bottom of the sea for the apparent transgression (A kid was trying to eat) where she became a whirlpool trying to get any food she could

She also became friends with Scylla since they were both trapped in the same pass

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble I just love mythology (and historical fiction hence my love for Record of Ragnarok)

Anyway, Charybdis at some point learn how to take her once human looking form (you could use the look from Smite [a myth based video game] for her look) but she looks like a child since that’s what she looked like when Zeus did the whole thing (not part of actual mythology just for this request) and so does Scylla and they wonder about and all until they meet the valkyries

My request is what is the valkyries relationship with Charybdis (and Scylla if you want to) and if you want to you can have them fight in Ragnarok for humanity (because those two would never ally with the gods after what was done to them)

-When the valkyries first found you, a small child just asking for some food, they instantly melted and took you in, assuring Scylla, who brought you to them, that they would keep you safe.

-Brunnhilde and Randgriz were furious to find out who you two were. They all knew of your ‘crime’ which they couldn’t even call a crime at this point, as you were just a child, desperate for food, and for your theft, you were cast into the ocean, trapped by Zeus.

-Scylla was the one who helped rescue you, after she took pity on you, seeing you as the thing you were, a child, trapped in the same strait she roamed after the jealous Circe transformed her into the beast she was today.

-You didn’t see her as a beast, you saw her as a friend, and the maiden who saved you, taking you to safety as she couldn’t bear to see a child in such a state.

-You had been adopted by the valkyries, becoming their youngest sister, the one they all doted on, treated you with such love and kindness and you never had to go hungry again, always making sure you had been fed.

-Your voracious appetite, which stemmed from not getting much food growing up, as your parents had both abandoned you in the sea, leaving you to perish or survive on your own, had calmed, once you started to get food on a regular basis.

-You were a shy child, afraid of the gods, as they had done nothing but treat you so cruelly, never going anywhere without one of your big sisters by your side, and even then you hid behind their legs if someone approached, be it human or god.

-Hercules was distraught when he saw you with Thrud, giving you a bright smile and saying hello, as kids normally loved him, and you immediately burst into tears, apologizing loudly as you cried.

-The two tried to calm you down as you cried, Hercules confused as he had never met you before, and he froze, learning your name from Thrud, seeing that the one who had stolen his cattle during his labors, was a child, desperate for food.

-He had not known that you had been a child, the guilt eating away at him as his heart broke, as he knew that Zeus trapped you at the bottom of the sea where you had to create a whirlpool, just to try to get some food.

-He put his large hand on your head, ruffling your hair gently before he smiled softly, “It’s okay, I’m not mad. I forgive you.” You sniffled, shocked that he forgave you, and he quickly became your big brother shortly afterwards, as he wanted to make amends with you.

-The valkyries were not bothered by you bonding with Hercules, happy to see that you two were getting along, the same couldn’t be said for when Poseidon and Zeus came by you and Hercules while he was reading to you.

-You had immediately hidden yourself behind Hercules, clutching his hair, but it didn’t hurt him as Zeus asked who you were, as he didn’t recognize you, neither did Poseidon.

-Hercules gave his father a glare, shocking the two gods, before telling them your name.

-Zeus gawked, seeing that he had punished a child so young, so harshly, and Poseidon was wide-eyed as well, he remembered you crying for him to not leave you when he left, deeming you weak and not worth his time.

-But here you were, out of your prison and healthy looking.

-Hercules was quick to pick you up when you started to cry, not wanting to be near the ‘meanies’ anymore which stabbed both gods through the heart at your harsh, but true, words.

-Hercules became your bodyguard, after Zeus tried to come around more, wanting to apologize to you for his harsh actions, feeling awful that he had treated a hungry child in such a manner, not letting Zeus get close to you unless you said it was okay.

-Zeus behaved, as he had not only his son, but all thirteen valkyries who were ready to throw hands with him to keep you safe and slowly you grew used to him being around.

-The day you forgave him after he apologized to you, it was shocked faces all around, before Zeus cheered which made you grin, as he was kind of funny.

-Poseidon was another story, he wasn’t allowed near you, facing the glares of the valkyries, Hercules, and now Zeus, who was angry at his elder brother for abandoning a child to fend for themselves.

-Poseidon knew that you had no reason to forgive him, but he did try apologizing, which shocked the whole pantheon when he apologized to you.

-He gifted you all sorts of food and treats, which you ate, but you didn’t forgive him for almost a year, after you started to realize that he was trying to come back to you, unlike your mother, who never came back, he was trying.

-Your relationship with your father was strained and probably always would be, but Poseidon was content to be a part of your life now, even if you never trusted him again.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Orthtrus - Day 95

Race: Beast

Arcana: Hanged Man

Alignment: Neutral

August 16th, 2024

Greek mythology is famous for its dogs. Weird introduction, I know, but still- the theme of a guard dog is prevalent throughout several myths, whether it be the most popular example in Cerberus, to the haplessly devoted dog under Odysseus who kept guard over the kingdom of his, Argus, and even a dog that could catch anything and was purported to have guarded baby Zeus, Laelaps. However, today I want to focus on a very specific dog who is quite the underrated pick in terms of this star-studded cast of dogs and wolves, one who is just one head short of Cerberus himself- the guardian of Geryon's cattle, Orthrus.

Granted, Orthrus isn't a very famous dog, given his lack of attestations and simple role in the single story he appears in, but as the brother of Cerberus and one of the spawn of Echidna and Typhon, he's still a very interesting entity to investigate. Having fathered both the Sphinx and the Nemean Lion, Orthrus has a surprisingly important role to play, though this is undermined by how he only really appears in relation to one of Heracles' labors, wherein the hero was tasked with stealing a herd of red cattle from the three-headed giant Geryon's farm. Unsurprisingly, Orthrus was tasked with guarding said cattle, and thus he became the main obstacle in the tenth labor.

Eventually, (and somewhat unfortunately,) Orthrus was slain by Heracles, leading the hero to steal the cattle after killing the giant as well. A rather anticlimactic way to go for a dog who fathered the Sphinx, or all things, but Greek mythology is just like that sometimes. Regardless, there's not much to dig into with Orthrus, as his role is simple and his stories just as. There's even less to talk about with his appearance in SMT, as he's, well... a two-headed dog. So why did I do Orthrus today? Because I wanted to point at the best demon dialogue in the series. Spoilers for SMT V below.

Now THIS is peak fiction.

[foreignfuneral]

And then Hyperion's strong child went down into the cup of solid gold, so that he might cross over Okeanos and reach the depths of holy, dark night and his mother and wedded wife and dear children; while he Zeus' son, who has reached Erytheia in the cup or has traveled back to the mainland in it, now returns it to Helios went on foot into the grove, shady with its laurels. - Stesichorus, Geryoneis Fragment

When Helios made him hot as he proceeded, he aimed his bow at the god and stretched it; Helios was so surprised at his daring that he gave him a golden goblet, in which he crossed Okeanos. . . He then loaded the cattle into the goblet, sailed back to Tartessos, and returned the goblet to Helios. - Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca

This amusing image, as described in the quotes above, depicts Heracles cozy within Helios' golden goblet, the vessel that the sun god uses to cross Oceanos, the waters that surround the world, and reach the east during the night (apparently another tradition has him voyage to the east while sleeping in a golden bed).

Heracles' borrowing of the golden goblet happened on his tenth labor during his journey to the far west to steal the cattle of the ominous three bodied giant Geryones, during which he also erected the famed pillars that are named after him.

Heracles' labor aside, this golden goblet/bed made me wonder if Helios might have had different nightly vehicles in other traditions, and the one thing that sprung to mind first is the dragon chariot which Helios had gifted to his granddaughter Medea:

The dragon and the serpent being commonly associated with Chthonic deities, it made me wonder whether some ancient Hellenes might have had a tradition where Helios, rather than circumnavigating the world through Oceanos, he instead traveled astride the dragon chariot through Hades much like Ra does to reach the east. As interesting as this theory is though, it is far more likely, as @wendelsae pointed out to me, that the dragons which pull the chariot are instead related to the dragon in the far east which guarded the golden fleece and the dragon Ladon to the far west which guarded the golden apples, their connection to Helios being the location of far east and west rather than anything else. And if so, even if they have no chthonic connotations, it is not unlikely for the dragons to be related to Helios' nightly aspect.

[a-d-nox]

charybdis, sea monster of the deep (asteroid 388)

No one knows the origins of this creature of the sea - yet some claim she must be the daughter of Poseidon and Gaea. Charybdis frequently appears in stories where heroes are at seas. After Hercules's tenth labor she tried to steal his cattle, Jason sailed between her and Scylla, etc. Odysseus was told by Circe that he was better off sailing close to Scylla and losing a few men over sailing too close to Charybdis and losing both the ship and his crew. Unfortunately, when Odysseus's men offend Helios by eating his cattle, he forced the crew - on the sail back from whence they came - to sail over Charybdis and the ship was suck down in a whirlpool. Only Odysseus made it out alive. IN MY OPINION Charybdis in your chart can represent a) what is all consuming in your life, b) why people fear you, and/or c) your eating habits.

i encourage you to look into the aspects of charybdis along with the sign, degree, and house placement. for the more advanced astrologers, take a look at the persona chart of charybdis AND/OR add the other characters involved to see how they support or impede charybdis!

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: gaea (1184), poseidon (4341 / h47), jason (6063), heracles (5143), circe (34), odysseus (1143), ulysses (5254), and scylla (155)!

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[ratective]

petition to absolutely shred origin to bits because they managed to fuck up even the login in procedure! like no i didnt misspell my password for the tenth time today and in the past eighteen hours morons! let me play the fucking sims one time without making me go through twelve labors of heracles

[canonicallyanxious]

last year i posted a list of some of my favorite queer lit recommendations in honor of pride (which i still stand by, just ftr) and i thought it might be fun to try to make this into a bit of an annual tradition and keep the list more or less updated as time goes on and i (hopefully) read more queer books. who knows if i’ll be able to keep it up lol but we won’t know unless i try so here we go!

As per last year, recs will include links to the goodreads page (if applicable), any thoughts i have on the books, and any trigger warnings i can remember (please be forewarned that I do not have the best memory so I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to catch everything). Including a mix of YA and adult, and excluding books i consider to be staples of the queer lit community (like Aristotle and Dante by Benjamin Alire Saenz is one of my favorite books of all time but i’m sure it’s the favorite of many of the people who are reading this list lol). Organized roughly by genre, then by author.

Contemporary

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

I’d like to preface this recommendation by saying the premise of this book originally had me quite hesitant. Like full disclosure, I’m not a big fan of the catfishing trope unless it’s done very carefully. That said, without spoiling anything I think it’s actually really well-handled in this story, and in a way I didn’t necessarily expect (in a good way). The main characters are very likeable and overall this is a book with a lot of heart. Highly recommend for those looking for a heartfelt story about a trans teen learning about love!

Features: gay trans protagonist and a variety of other queer characters in the supporting cast

Warnings: transphobia/misgendering as a significant side-plot, outing/deadnaming

Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson

First of all please mind the trigger warnings on this book (of which I’ve probably missed some rip it’s inevitable). I wouldn’t consider this an easy read by any means. That said it is also probably one of my favorite things I’ve read this year so far. It’s a modern retelling of a Greek myth (the tenth labor of Heracles if I’m not mistaken) melded with an original coming-of-age narrative, woven together seamlessly in poignant verse by the brilliant Anne Carson of the Sappho fragments translation fame (as well as infamous tumblr aesthetic quote “not to me, not if it’s you” etc. etc.). The interplay between ancient myth and modern themes/tropes is so fascinating, and the writing is just one punch in the gut after another (imo the verse makes it a bit easier to digest, your mileage may vary tho). i recommend this book for anyone who wants to be emotionally destroyed via quietly devastating poetry.

Features: mlm protagonist

Warnings: pedophilia/sexual assault of a child, incest

The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake

What is this?? Another modern retelling of a famous story??? I have a brand lol. Yes this is a (loose) retelling of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (AKA 17th century She’s the Man) but if you’re hesitant to give it a shot because of that let me tell you i did not even realize this was based on Twelfth Night until after I finished it and I don’t think that detracted from my enjoyment at all. The parallels are there for sure but this book is so much more than a retelling, it’s also a very compelling story about a complicated female protagonist who’s allowed to fuck up and have messy feelings while still being thoroughly sympathetic. i really love the relationship between Violet and her brother Sam, it’s so complex and heartwrenching, but of course the love story kicks ass too and also this book is just really well written!! the writer does a lot of cool things with narration and point of view and stylistic choices, definitely worth checking it out just for the writing imo! happens to be a nice bonus that i think everything else in this book is very good too.

Features: bisexual/pansexual (honestly I can’t remember exactly what label she uses sjknfskjnfs) wlw protagonist with male and female love interests

Warnings: themes of mental illness/depression, various portrayals of self-destructive behavior, hospitalization for suicide attempt as a significant sideplot

Fantasy/Sci-Fi

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Let me preface this recommendation by saying I wouldn’t consider this the most accessible read. I suspect the prose style isn’t one that would work for everyone as it might feel overly wrought/purple to some which is completely understandable. That said, personally I devoured this book in one sitting so I had to give it a shout out. It’s basically this sprawlingly epic story about two mysteriously powerful agents fighting on opposite sides of a millennia-spanning war who eventually fall in love, and I just think the world building and concepts in this book are so enchanting. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not usually one to gravitate toward epistolary narratives but I’ll give anything a shot if it’s well done and I think the letter format of this story is exquisitely well done. like of course the content of the letters and how they develop these characters’ dynamics is very good, but i also really enjoyed reading about how they delivered the letters to each other and in what contexts they received the letters because I feel like those situations in themselves really helped flesh out the settings and characters. anyway i just think this is really beautifully written, would recommend if you’re in the mood for some truly wild storytelling!

Features: wlw protagonists

Warnings: violence/body horror and major character death

The Imperial Radch Trilogy (Ancillary Justice, Ancillary Sword, and Ancillary Mercy) and Provenance (standalone sequel) by Ann Leckie

With these lists I’ve more or less tried to limit myself to one book per writer so I’m definitely cheating with this one but I can’t not recommend this entire series in all its excellence. I truly feel that these books are now the benchmark of sci-fi for me, like never have i encountered an exploration of gender in a sci-fi context that was so richly drawn and satisfying to explore. The different conceptions of gender as explored in these stories are quite different from the typical western conception of the gender binary but Leckie does a really good job of fully immersing you into these new ways of thinking about gender, like it feels so seamless and organic. That aside the world-building in these books is very good - lots of complicated politics and such made more accessible through Leckie’s clear writing. And they’re all just thematically so complex in terms of questions of morality and justice and agency/autonomy/humanity, it’s been a long time since I had a reading experience that was as rewarding as tearing through this series.

Here’s how I would sum them up: if a sprawling series that thoroughly deconstructs questions of humanity/agency and justice from the perspective of a once-powerful military-grade AI intrigues you, I recommend starting with the trilogy! If a standalone story that more resembles heist shenanigans with a plucky heroine, complicated family dynamics, and unlikely friendships at its core is more your speed, I suggest giving Provenance a shot! If those both sound good why not read all of the above!

Features: Trilogy focuses on the Radch, a race of humans who do not have a conception of a gender binary (the author denotes this by referring to all Radchai characters with she/her pronouns); Provenance focuses on a different culture that recognizes a third gender (denoted with e/eir pronouns) with a tradition of not choosing one’s gender until adulthood; in general just some very interesting explorations of gender and sexuality in a sci-fi context

Warnings: genre-typical violence, prominent themes of imperialism/colonialism/genocide/war, consent/autonomy issues

Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

I mostly recommend this one as a very sweet and feel-good queer story about superheroes in a vaguely futuristic society (as I know my taste in stories tend toward the tragically maudlin I’m trying to balance it out at least a little bit skjdnfskjnfs). The main character is very well-drawn and sympathetic, and her character arc in terms of coming to terms with her identity and agency is definitely one of my favorite parts of this book. my other favorite part of this book is the main romance which I think is just so, so sweet. Personally I found this read a bit predictable but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it was also just an absurd amount of fun!

Features: bi wlw protagonist with a female love interest, trans character in the supporting cast

Warnings: genre-typical violence

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Okay so I have absolutely no doubt this book will become a staple of the queer lit community (and if it doesn’t we will be having Words but seeing Red White and Royal Blue’s fanbase and the hype this book is already getting in the days after its release I would genuinely be surprised if it doesn’t) but I read it on the first day of this month and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since so I couldn’t not put this one on the list. i won’t say too much about it because if i let myself go i’ll probably never stop but i just. i’ve been waiting for a story like this. it feels so wonderfully self-indulgent in the best way, so warm and genuine and full of heart. it’s one of those books I feel like I read at the right time in my life - I also happen to be a 24 year old disaster queer with so much uncertainty about the future it hurts! - and it feels like the most sincere love letter to the queer community and reading this book felt like getting the best hug in the world by someone telling me I have a place in this world and I deserve it. It’s that kind of book and I have a feeling I’m going to be thinking about it for a really, really long time.

Features: bi wlw protagonist with a butch lesbian love interest and a supporting cast of trans/queer characters

Comics & Graphic Novels

Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu and Sana Takeda (note: this is an ongoing series; as of my writing this there are currently five volumes out but I believe individual issues/chapters are also available on a more regular basis)

Okay so this one is kind of an intense read and honestly I’m not sure that I would recommend it for everyone but I personally like it so much I wanted to give it a shout out. I really love the world-building in this series, it’s so intricate and well-thought out, and I love that the story is so female-centric. Like the society in this world is matriarchal with strong roots in asian culture and it shows, with such a rich and diverse cast of wonderfully complicated female characters and female relationships. Also the art in this series is just exquisite. i recommend this series for lovers of comics with rich steampunk-esque world-building and deeply flawed characters who also have a high tolerance for blood/gore.

Features: a wlw lead and other queer characters in the supporting/background cast (please note that sexuality/romance is generally not a major part of this story)

Warnings: body horror/gore (like… a lot of it), themes of imperialism/colonialism, cannibalism, child slavery/death

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

Love the breathtakingly beautiful art in this, love the heartfelt coming of age storyline, love the focus on friendships and how to get out of a relationship that might not necessarily be the healthiest for you, love everything about this book. Absolute winner of a graphic novel.

Features: a wlw lead and other queer characters in the supporting cast

On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

I’m telling you this book has everything. Sweet pining across years in a boarding school setting? check. a vibrant supporting cast that basically hits the found family trope on the head? check. a captivating sci-fi setting with carefully detailed worldbuilding? check. themes of loneliness and connection across galaxies? check. Hauntingly gorgeous art that pulls everything together? check! Hands down one of the most beautiful graphic novels i’ve ever read.

Features: a wlw lead with a female love interest, a nonbinary supporting character and wlw in the supporting cast

Warnings: genre-typical violence, bullying, brief instance of misgendering

The Beechwood Helm by Letty Wilson (note: link goes to publisher’s website)

I am aware this is quite a niche pull, also the comic itself is very short (like under 50 pages) but I wanted to give Quindrie Press (a relatively new indie comics publisher) a shout-out because I recently backed a kickstarter they did to print some of their comics and I’m super impressed with their collection already, like i definitely think this is a publisher to keep your eye on. Personally I would recommend all the comics Quindrie Press currently offers (check out their site!) but I’m shouting out this one in particular because I think there’s just something so captivating and haunting about it. It’s an Arthurian-style story about a pair of knights who one day encounter a mysterious knight in a red helmet who challenges them to a duel to the death. I think this comic does an excellent job of quickly and effectively establishing its characters, relationships, and themes in such a small space, and I’m super into what this comic has to say about perpetuating the cycle of trauma/violence and how love/tenderness can help one break out of it. Doesn’t hurt that the art is gorgeous either! Please consider checking out and supporting indie creators/artists if you can!

Features: mlm protagonists

Warnings: violence/blood

Poetry & Non-Fiction

Drowned: A Mermaid’s Manifesto by Theresa Davis (note: link goes to publisher’s website)

Another very niche pull but I wanted to take this opportunity to shout out a poet/writer from my own local community. I found this collection in my favorite local bookstore and was immediately entranced by its simple yet evocative language. Please consider checking out and supporting indie creators/artists if you can!

Personal favorites: After This We Go Dark, Hypocrisy, Suite Movements

Devotions by Mary Oliver

This is basically a collection of Mary Oliver’s poems throughout her career so if you want a comprehensive primer of Mary Oliver’s poetry this is one I’d definitely recommend checking out! I mean what can I even say about Mary Oliver’s writing that hasn’t already been said. It truly is the epitome of tenderness and comfort; every time i read a poem by her I feel my heart grow a little lighter.

Personal favorites: I don’t want to be demure or respectable, Oxygen, You are standing at the edge of the woods, Singapore, One or Two Things, Wild Geese

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeannette Winterson

I’ve always loved Jeannette Winterson’s writing - there’s just something about it that feels so punchy and poignant all at once - but I truly feel that this memoir is her writing at its very best. Heartwrenchingly honest writing, haunting ruminations on how complicated the concepts of family and love and grief can be, beautifully drawn atmosphere that seeps the whole narrative with a heaviness that aches but is also somehow breathtakingly accessible. This too ranks among some of my favorite reads this year.

[tylermileslockett]

Day 10! 12 days of Labors continues! 🤟🏛

Heracles labor #10: "Retrieve the Cattle of Geryon"

Appollodorus writes, "As a tenth labour he was ordered to fetch the kine of Geryon from Erythia. Now Erythia was an island near the ocean; it is now called Gadira. This island was inhabited by Geryon, son of Chrysaor by Callirrhoe, daughter of Ocean. He had the body of three men grown together and joined in one at the waist, but parted in three from the flanks and thighs. He owned red kine, of which Eurytion was the herdsman and Orthus, the two-headed hound, begotten by Typhon on Echidna, was the watchdog. So journeying through Europe to fetch the kine of Geryon he destroyed many wild beasts and set foot in Libya, and proceeding to Tartessus he erected as tokens of his journey two pillars over against each other at the boundaries of Europe and Libya. But being heated by the Sun on his journey, he bent his bow at the god, who in admiration of his hardihood, gave him a golden goblet in which he crossed the ocean. And having reached Erythia he lodged on Mount Abas. However the dog, perceiving him, rushed at him; but he smote it with his club, and when the herdsman Eurytion came to the help of the dog, Hercules killed him also."

Thanks for looking and reading! 

[king-of-zeroes]

Digging into as much info I can on Chrysaor, there’s not much and a lot of inconsistency. The only common thing is that the name means "He who has a golden sword", is the son of Medusa and Poseidon via “higher birth” and therefore the brother of Pegasus:

Chrysaor doesn’t have much at all on them other than saying they existed. In one account they were a pretty boy prince who married a Naiad  and their kid ended up being a three headed giant called Geryon who got killed by Heracles during his tenth labor. However in other accounts Chrysaor isn’t a prince, but a monstrous winged boar.

Rather than just a servant themselves, I think Chrysaor could also potentially be portrayed as a semi-sentient set of (saint seiya styled) golden armour and sword for a Saber class Medusa.

You know, do you have any ideas on how Chrysaor, as a Servant, would work? Definitely Quick NP, possible ST, but I'm curious on your thoughts.

i’m honestly not sure. chrysaor wasn’t the biggest character in greek mythology, and by that mean there’s an article stub declaring that they existed. all we know is they had a big gold aesthetic going on and that they were “stout-hearted” so now i’m just imagining medusa but like a tomboy or jock, definitely saber though

[emmagreen1220-blog]

New Post has been published on Mythology.net

New Post has been published on http://mythology.net/greek/greek-creatures/charybdis/

Charybdis

Fast Facts:

Pronunciation: kuh-rib-dis

Origin: Greek

Parents: Gaea and Poseidon

Who Is Charybdis?

Charybdis is the child of Gaea and Poseidon. She was originally born a nymph who served her father, but because she displeased Zeus, she was cursed and became a much-feared sea monster residing in the Strait of Messina.

Origin

Originally, as a nymph, Charybdis was charged with the task of flooding dry land in the name of her father’s kingdom. As such, she is credited with being responsible for the ebb and flow of the daily tides throughout the world. This all changed, however, when she managed to attract the attention, and the ire, of the mighty Zeus.

History

Changes

There are two different versions of the story that explains how Charybdis came to be cursed by Zeus, though both have the same end result.

In the first, Charybdis became overzealous in her duties to her father Poseidon, and began flooding too much land. As a result, Zeus trapped and transformed her, forcing her to live at the Strait of Messina on the side closest to Italy.

In the second account, she was stealing and eating sheep belonging to Heracles, which he in turn had stolen from Geryon in his tenth labor. The fact that Charybdis had stolen what Heracles had rightfully kidnapped enraged Zeus, and he punished her as a result.

Regardless of which tale you choose to believe the punishment Charybdis received from Zeus was the same. He transformed and imprisoned her at the Strait of Messina. Trapped either in a cave or under the rock on which a huge fig tree grew, she was allowed to continue her duties, but only three times daily for ebb, and three times daily for flow. Because of this action being centrally located, a huge whirlpool was formed in the strait, creating a danger to any who would attempt to pass. This danger is compounded by the fact that on the Sicily side of the strait lived another monster, Scylla, who would snatch sailors from ships that cruised too near her perch.

Odysseus

Other than general legends of the treachery of the pass in which Charybdis resides, there is very little record of her. There is one notable exception, however, and that is in the story of the fantastic journeys of Odysseus.

Odysseus knew of the dangers presented by Charybdis and Scylla, and asked counsel of Circe for a way to safely pass between them. She advised Odysseus that there was no truly safe passage, but told him that if he were to sail closer to Scylla, he would lose only a few men, while sailing close to Charybdis he would lose his men, his ship, and his life. Odysseus begrudgingly did as advised, and lost six men from his crew.

On his journey back, after all of his crew and most of his ship had been exhausted, Odysseus encountered Charybdis yet again. This time, it was just he and small scraps of his ship that he had formed into a raft. When he encountered Charybdis this time, she was sucking the seas downward. Odysseus survived this by clinging to a limb of the fig tree on her rock. The raft, however, was drawn down into her abyss. Odysseus clung to the tree for hours, waiting for Charybdis to relent the water, and hopefully the raft, when she expelled the ocean. This was the case, and much to Odysseus’ relief, the raft was intact. He recovered it, and quickly paddled away using his hands before Charybdis could suck the raft, his body, and his life into the depths of Poseidon’s sea.

Current Influence

The whirlpool that is the physical representation of Charybdis is now known as Galofalo (or Garofalo). She is still credited with being in control of the daily tidal influences. She, along with Scylla, is also used in a colloquial phrase to represent being trapped between two equally unpalatable choices, “Caught between Scylla and Charybdis.”