Greek and Roman folklore is rich with myths and legends that have fascinated people for centuries. Here are some key themes and characters from these traditions:Gods and Goddesses: The Greek and Roman pantheons are populated by powerful deities who embody various aspects of nature, human emotions, and societal values. For example, Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology) is the king of the gods, while Athena (Minerva) represents wisdom and warfare.Heroes and Heroines: Greek and Roman mythology are replete with legendary figures known for their courage, strength, and cunning. These heroes undertake epic quests and face formidable challenges, such as Hercules (Heracles), Perseus, and Odysseus (Ulysses).Mythological Creatures: The ancient Greeks and Romans believed in a plethora of mythical creatures, from the majestic Pegasus to the terrifying Chimera. These creatures often served as symbolic representations of natural forces or human traits.Creation Myths: Like many cultures, the Greeks and Romans had creation myths that explained the origins of the world and humanity. These stories typically involve primordial beings, gods, and divine interventions, such as the Greek myth of Gaia and Uranus or the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus.Tragic Tales: Greek mythology, in particular, is known for its tragic stories of love, betrayal, and hubris. The myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, Pyramus and Thisbe, and the love affair of Apollo and Daphne are just a few examples of these poignant narratives
It needs so that the horse grew thin and died before one feels that this is a story rather than a mere statement. 18 Sometimes, on the other hand, considerable narrative development is possible, as in the story of the frogs who ask for a king. The simple subject only requires the frogs and their two embassies to Zeus, with the consequences of both. But Phaedrus adds inter alia the details that Aesop told the story during the tyranny of Peisistratus to cure unrest that might lead to worse. Still more elaborately, they persuade Mercury to intercede with Jupiter. 19 Sometimes, on the other hand, a tale told in a good deal of detail turns out to be antirhetorical (Babrius 15): the Theban praises Heracles, 96 the Athenian more glibly praises Theseus; the punch line is Let Theseus be angry with us the Boeotians, and let Heracles be angry
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20 Each fabulist we are able to study has his own personality. Both Babrius and more especially Phaedrus will add comments in his own person, the latter in somewhat tendentious prefaces; if Babrius is talking in an epimythion about the evils of anger, we will be told, There is some kind of nemesis for angermay I take care to avoid it! (Babrius 11.11). Or in Phaedrus the fable of the weasel and the mice is appended to illustrate what usefulness you will fi nd among the petty minded (the mind knows what care has hidden deep within. . . .). Indeed, in their interventions the fabulists often reveal a kind of naive moralism that has something in common with that of Aelian. A mention of Socrates in a bon mot at Phaedrus 3.10 triggers off: By the way I am not unwilling to die Socrates death if only I may attain his fame, and like him, I will endure malice provided my ashes are vi
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It is as if the nave writer feels that spontaneous reverence is called for. The fabulist never strays too far from humble origins and a humble outlook. There may also be a certain taste for odd detail. In Babrius we fi nd the foolish farmer who sets fi re to the foxs tail or the man with the ugly slave mistress. 21 But there is also the
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Their greed was equal, but their speed was not. Reynard ran, but the crow fl ew, with the result that the bird was too quick for the quadruped, slid down the wind on extended pinions, outstripped and forestalled him. Then rejoicing at this victory in the race for the booty, the crow fl ew into a neighbouring oak and sat out of reach on the topmost bough. The fox, being unable to hurl a stone, launched a trick at him and reached him. For coming up to the foot of the tree, he stopped there, and seeing the robber high above him exulting in his booty, began to praise him with cunning words. Fool that I was thus vainly to contend with Apollos bird! For his body is exquisitely proportioned, neither exceeding small nor yet too large, but just of the size demanded by use and
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