a .S ee Si oe < ‘2. wigeeegt etter A a a a ace, -* Mi CA Aas is : $c st we Sitaee ha tone st ie od cit pare ies Est “seh Vertes te CAL ee Oras a's: Sie f ees Ele ra hiateaae aeghtte: 2 rer - w 2, s eto on wasn LENS sae bh $F arf) Fe THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY coon Ww 5% PT i ITSO Oe Return this boox on or before the Latest Date stamped below. University of Illinois Library L161—H 41 THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY cron) Ww5% PREFATORY NOTE. eee ee Tur Student’s Mythology has been in use h manuscript for nearly three years in one f our largest academies, where it has been eceived with much favor by both teachers nd pupils. Hven in that form, which sub- xcted them to the inconvenience of long ictations, it was preferred to any of the rdinary text-books on the subject. Copies rere sought for the use of other institutions, nd the principals of the academy referred to, onsented that the work Spoud be prepared or the press. In carrying out theplan, the subject mat- oe carefully classified, and such additions @€ aS were deemed necessary for com- leteness. As a farther precaution, the ‘hole was submitted to the revision of an — minent @lassical scholar, y) MytTHoLoay. Mythology is a subject which needs to be treated with peculiar care ; and text-books are often objected to by parents and teachers as still retaining the taint of pagan corrup- tion, and presenting dangerous images to the youthful mind. It was this difficulty which first led to the preparation of the present work. The Student’s Mythology lays no claim to any superiority in point of erudi- tion ; the text-books already before the pub- lic leave nothing to be desired in this particu- lar. It is a practical work, prepared by an experienced teacher, and already submitted to the decisive test of the schoolroom. It is not designed for young persons who are already advanced in classical studies, but rather for pupils who have not yet entered, or who, like the greater number of those attending our female academies, are not likely ever to enter upon any regular class- Ical course. For the former, it may prove a useful introduction to these studies, while the — latter will find in the work the most import- ant and pleasing features of mythology. With such views, it has been considered most judicious to present the classic fables in their simplest, which is also their most poctic PreFATORY NOTE. 3 form, giving the allegorical meaning attached to the ancient. myths, only where their appli- cation is clear and simple. For the same reason, the writer has avoided questions of comparative mythology, except in cases where the analogies are too obvious to be passed unnoticed. The work has been com- piled with care frem reliable sources, and will, perhaps, be found to contain much that is new and interesting ; many articles, such as those on the public games, the theatrical entertainments of the Greeks, the Assyrian, Chinese and American mythologies, will be found a pleasing addition, as these subjects have not been treated in the ordinary text- books. The chapter on the ‘ Poets of Clas- sic Fable,” and the ‘‘ Supplement” contain- ing a notice of the ancient writers whose names occur in the body of the work, will, it is hoped, be found generally useful. Among the modern authors to whom the writer has been particularly indebted, we may mention Calmet, Anthon, Tooke, Bulfinch, Hue and Schlegel. In preparing the article on Druidism, Martin’s ‘* Histoire de France,” and the ‘‘Monuments Celtiques” of Rey- naud, have been consulted, together with the 4. MytrHoLoay. Irish Chroniclers and other standard authori- ties. The matter of the Mexican and Peru- vian mythologies, has been chiefly taken from Clavigero and Prescott. Reference has been made throughout to the New American Cy- clopeedia. The work now completed is offered to the public in the hope that it may render the subject of mythology more generally popular in our schools, and obviate the dangers attending this otherwise attractive study. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Origin of Mythology—Divinities called Celestial. A Sot CHAPTER II. Greek and Roman Divinities—Jupiter—Juno—How represented—Par- entage and Actions—Probable Origin of these Fables—Adventures of Jupiter—Story of Europa—Search of Cadmus—Punishment of Ly- ' caon . ° . ° « ® ° . . CHAPTER III. Apollo—His Parentage and Exploits—How represented—Story of Ais- culapius—Banishment of Apollo from Heaven—Transformation of Hya- cinthus and Cyparissus—Story of Admetus and Alecstis—Attributes of Apollo—Punishment inflicted on Marsyas and on King Midas—Story of Midas—Death of Pheton—Transformation of Daphne—Things Sa- cred to Apollo P A . : ; ° F . . CHAPTER IV. Mars (Ares)—His Parentage—How represented—Animals , Sacred to Mars—Names given to Mars—His Temple—Priests called Salii. CHAPTER V. Mercury (Hermes)—His Parentage—How represented—Offices of Mer- cury—Benefits conferred by Mercury on Man—Why considered the Patron of Thieves—Story of Io and Argus. . ° ° CHAPTER VI. Bacchus (Dionysus)—Parentage of the God—How represented—Story of Semele—Infancy of Bacchus—Transformation of Nymphs into 29 36 6 MyTHooay. Stars—Silenus—How represented—Exploits of Bacchus—How wor- shipped—Plants Sacred to the God—Bacchanalia or Orgia—Story of Pentheus—Punishment inflicted on Alcithoe and her Sisters—Trans- formation of Mariners into Dolphins. ° ° ° 2 ° . CHAPTER VII. Celestial Goddesses—Juno—Hera—Parentage of Juno—How represented —Iris, Messenger of Juno—Children of Juno—Jealousy of the Ged- dess—Transformation of Callista and Arcés into Bears—Sacrifices offered to the Goddess—Plants held Sacred to her. . . ° : CHAPTER VIII. Minerva—Pallas Athena—How represented—Origin of the Olive—The Palladium—Minerva, as the Patroness of Female Industry—Story of Arachne—The Bird of Minerva—Story of Medusa’s Head. . CHAPTER IX. Venus—Aphrodite—Birth and Education of Venus—Marriage with Vul- can—How represented—Temples of Venus—The Graces—Cupid— Festivals of the Goddess—Birds and Plants Sacred to her— Sacrifices—Temple of Venus Calva—The Apple of Discord—De- cision of Paris—Story of Hippomenes and Atalanta—Death of Adonis—Origin of the Red Rose—Names of the Graces . ° ° CHAPTER X. Latona—Leto—Her Parentage—Persecution of Juno—Birth of Apollo and Diana—Transformation of Lycian Peasants into Frogs—Pun- ishment of Tityus—Latona a Personification of Night—How repre- sented by Painters and Sculptors. 5 = ° . . ° CHAPTER XI. Aurora—Eos—Attributes of the Goddess—How represented—Story of Cephalus and Procris—-Marriage of Aurora with Tithonus—Traus- formation of Tithonus—Memnon—His Death and Obsequies—Vocal Statue. . e e . e e e e e e ° e CHAPTER XII. Terrestrial Gods—Saturn—His Parentage—How represented—His His- tory—The Golden Age—Sacrifices offered to Saturn—The Saturnalia —Modern Carnival—Janus—Contradictory Accounts of his Origin— Temple of Janus—Quirinus at Rome. ° e ° ° . ° 39 43 45 49 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII. Vulcan—Hephestus—Parentage of this God—Why banished from Hea- ven—Occupation of Vulcan—His Most Celebrated Works—Marriage with Venus—The Cyclops—Vulcania—Temple on Mount Etna— Cacus—Cceculus—Other Works of Vulcan. 4 : ‘ . . CHAPTER XIY. Zolus—Supposed origin of the Fable—Momus—His Parentage—Criti- cisms passed on other Divinities—His Banishment from Olympus CHAPTER XV. Terrestrial Goddesses—Vesta—Hestia—Her Parentage and Attributes— How represented—Worship of Vesta at Rome—Vestal Virgins— Their Obligations and Privileges—Anecdote. : . A ° CHAPTER XVI. Cybele—How called by the Greeks—Parentage and Attributes—How represented—Temple of Cybele on Mount Dindymus—Sacred Im- age—Festival of Megalecia—Galle and Corybantes—Bona Dea— Story of the Vestal Claudia. : ° : : ‘ “ ae CHAPTER XVII. Ceres—Demeter—Parentage and Attributes—How represented—Story of Proserpine—Eleusinian Mysteries—Rites practiced—Story of Trip- tolemus—Sacrifices offered to Ceres—Feasts called Ambarvalia—De- scribed by Virgil. - - 2 : c > > e ° CHAPTER XVIII. Themis—Origin and Attributes—Astrea changed into the Constellation Virgo—Erigone—Nemesis—Her Office—Temple of Nemesis at Rhamuus. . ° ° . . c . CHAPTER XIX. The Muses—Their Number, Names and Attributes—Why there are Nine Muses—Punishment of the Daughters of Pierus. . CHAPTER XX. Gods of the Woods, and Rural Deities—Pan—Names given to this Deity—His Origin—How represented—Famous Action related of Pan—Origin of Pan’s Reeds—Satyrs_and.Patins—Terminus—Ver- tumnus—Pales ° o e e ° e o ° ° e e 64 67 69 72 15 80 82 84 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER ‘XXI. Goddesses of the Woods—Diana—Parentage and Attributes of this Goddess—How represented—Habits of Diana—Her Attendants— Punishment of Chione—story of Niobe—Temple of Diana at Ephe- sus—Burned by Erostratus—Despoiled by Nero—Plundered by the Goths—Nymphs—Naiades—Oreades—Oceanides—Dryades and Ha- madryades—Arethusa—Story of Echo—Transformation of Narcissus. 87 CHAPTER XXII. Gods of the Sea—Neptune—Poseidon—Parentage of the God—How represented—Ofiices of Neptune—Feasts held at Rome in his Honor—Children of Neptune—Triton—Phorcus or Proteus—Sirens —Ulysses—Orpheus—Scylla and Charybdis—Melicertes—Thetis— Glaucus . : A 7 ‘ : : ° ° ° ° ; « 93 CHAPTER XXIII. Infernal Deities—Pluto—Hades—Parentage of the God—His Kingdom —Representations and Emblems—Dis—Plutus—Hell—Cerberus— Fates—Furies—Judges of the Dead—Punishment inflicted on the ~ Condemned—Giants—Ixion—Sisyphus—Tantalus—The Belides— Salmoneus—Ely,sium . ; 3 : : * A . . eo. CHAPTER XXIV. Fabulous Monsters—Centaurs—Geryon—Harpies—Briareus—The Chi- mera—Explanation of this Fable—The Sphinx—Fabulous History —Statue of the Sphinx in Egypt. ° . : : 3 - 105 CHAPTER XXV. Household Divinities—Penates—Offices and Attributes—Lares—Their Offices—Sacrifices offered to the Goddess Mania—Honors paid to the Lares—Virtues worshipped as Divibnities’. ae 5 . 108 CHAPTER XXVI. Demigods and Heroes—Their Origin—Hercules—His Parentage— Twelve Labors of the Hero—Field of Narbonne—Death of Her- cules. f ; 5 : : 5 : “ A ; r o De CHAPTER XXVII. Jason—Expedition in search of the Golden Fleece—Medea—Her Re- venge—Theseus—Tribute imposed on the Athenians—Departure of Theseus—Destruction of the Minotaur—Ariadne—Death of Aigeus. 119 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVIII Castor aud Pollux—Their Parentage—Death of Castor—Constellation Gemini—Prometheus—His Parentage—His Impiety—Pandora’s Box—Punishment of Prometheus . . . CHAPTER XXIX. Orpheus—Story of Euryaice—Death of Orpheus—Transformation of Thracian Women into Trees—Arion—Amphion. 7 ‘ : CHAPTER XXX. Atlas—His Parentage—Transformed by Perseus into a Mountain—Ex- planation of the Fable—Pleiades—Hyades—Hesperides—Orion— His Parentag2, Exploits and Death—Transformation into a Con- stellation—Perseus—His Parentage—Rescue of Andromeda—Death emer RS 6 8 or a aS te a CSD Myr 0 ga og CHAPTER XXXI. Bellerophon—Victory over the Chimzra—His Presumption and its Punishment—Deucalion—Legend of the re-peopling of the Earth . after the Deluge—Probable Explanation—Dedalus—Labyrinth— Death. of Icarus—Ceyx—Alcyone—Haleyon. Birds. . . . . CHAPTER XXXII. Meleager—The Calydonian Hunt—Erisichthon, Nisus and Scylla. - CHAPTER XXXIII. Poets of Classic Fable—Homer—Hesiod—Virgil—Ovid . San . CHAPTER XXXIV. Heroes Celebrated by the Poets—Agamemnon—Saecrifice of Iphigenia —Quarrel with Achilles—Murder of Agamemnon by Aigisthus and Clytemnestra—Achilles—His Parentage—Discovered by Ulysses at the Court of Lycomedes—His Quarrel with Agamemnon—Death of Patroclus—Exploits during the Siege—Death of Achilles—Sacrifice of Polyxena—Transtformation of Hecuba. . CHAPTER XXXYV. Ulysses—His Marriage with Penelope—Feigned Insanity—Exploits dur- ing the Siege of Troy—Lotus Eaters—Slaying of the Sacred Cattle by the Sailors—Their destruction—Ulysses in the Island of Calypso —Cast on the Shores of Phweacia—His Arrival in Ithaca—Suitors of Penelope—Her Deliverance by Ulysses. Z . : A ‘ - 123 - 125 129 134 140 145 . 152 156 1) CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Orestes—Education at the Court of Strophius—Pylades—Murder of Clytemnestra—Orestes pursued by the Furies—Discovery of Iphi- genia at Tauris—Circumstances added by the Tragic Poets—Hector —Character and Exploits of the Hero ; his Death—Fate of Astyan- ax—(Edipus—Eteocles and Polynices—Theban War—Heroism of Antigone. : - 3 “ £ 7 és : : . 164 CHAPTER XXXVII. #neas—His Parentage—His Flight from Troy—Interview with An- dromache at Epirus—Prophecy of Helenus—Aineas driven by a Storm on the Coast of Africa—Receivyed by Dido at Carthage—De- parture of 7Zneas—Death of Dido—Funeral Games—Descent into the Infernal Regions—Landing of Hneas in Italy—War—Death of Turnus and Marriage of Mineas with Lavinia—His Death. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Sibyls—Story of the Cumzan Sibyl—Legend of the Sibylline Books— Their destruction—Opinions entertained regarding these Verses— Divination by Omens—The Augurs—Different Classes of Omens— Anecdote. . . : ‘ ° ° : : : . . . CHAPTER XXXIX. Oracles—Oracle of Jupiter at Dodona—Manner of giving Responses— Oracle of Delphi—Account given by Diodorus—The Pythia—Re- markable Responses—Unsuccessful attempts made to plunder this Temple—Despoiled by Nero and others—Oracle of Trophonius— Story of the Hero and his Brother—Agamedes—Discovery of the Oracle—Peculiar Rites observed by the Votaries—Oracle of Jupiter Ammon—lIts Situasion—Temple founded by Bacchus—Expedition sent by Cambyses—Ruins still existing—Fons Solis—Account giv- en by Belzoni—Oracle of Esculapius at Epidaurus—Remarkable Embassy sent to Epidaurus by the Roman Senate—Treatment of Votaries in the different Oracles of Esculapius—Oracle of the Cas- talian Fount—Anecdote of the Emperor Hadrian—Opinions enter- tained with regard to these Oracles—Quotation from Milton. : CHAPTER XL. Classic Games—Why connected with Mythology—Olympic Games—By Whom instituted—Time and Manner of their celebration—Olym- es ral! 176 CONTENTS. Il piads—Nature of the Contests—Qualifications required of the Com- petitors—Prize awarded to the Victors—Honors bestowed—Horse and Chariot Races—Philip of Macedon—Alcibiades—Cynisca—In- tellectual Contests—Herodotus—Dionysius—Pythian Games—By whom instituted—Time of their Celebration—Prize—Nemean Games—Crowns bestowed—Isthmian Games—Why so called—Insti- tuted in Honor of Melicertes—Garland bestowed on the Victor. « 191 CHAPTER XLI. ‘ The Greek Drama—Peculiarities of the Greek Theatre—Description of the Theatre of Bacchus at Athens—Stage Machinery—Dress of the Actors—Masks—The Chorus—Measures of the Choral Dance—Cho- rus of the Furies—Story of Ibycus—Attempt made to revive the Ancient Chorus—Time occupied by Theatrical Entertainments— Their cost—Comparison with the Roman Amphitheatre . * . 197 CHAPTER XLII. Vv Celebrated Statues—The Olympian Jupiter—Minerva of the Parthenon —Subsequent Fate of this Temple—Apollo Belvidere—Diana a la Biche . > . ° ° ° - = . ‘ ° . 206 da dee Deel It; CHAPTER I. Egyptian Divinities—Osiris—Apis and Serapis—Parentage of Osiris— His Death and Sepulture—Isis—Attributes—Emblematic represent- ation—Rites of Isis forbidden at Rome—Condemned by Juvenal— Apis—Manner of transmigration—Festivals in Honor of Apis— Discovery of a Successor—Oracles obtained from this Divinity— Germanicus—Harpocrates—Quotation - C A : ° . 209 CHAPTER I. Eastern Mythology—Divinities of the Assyrians—Baal or Bel—Tower of Babel—Proper Names of the Phosnicians and Carthaginians— Worship of Baal introduced among the Israelites by Achab—Re- proaches of Jeremias—Moloch—Nations devoted to his Worship— Human Sacrifices—Representation of this God—His Worship for- bidden by Moses—Valley of Hinnom—Quotation from Milton— Ashtaroth or Astarte—Sacrifices in Honor of this Goddess—Abuses attending her Festivals—-Thammuz identical with Adonis—Mourned by the Assyrian Women—Lines from Milton—Vision of Ezekiel— Oannes—Dagon . is ° ° ° ° ° ° “ : . 218 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. Persia—The Zend-avesta—Doctrines of Zoroaster—Ormuzd or Ormas- des—Ahriman—Worship of Fire—The Guebers—Perpetual Fires— Bakoo—Magic and Astrology—Parsees of Hindostan . 3 ° . 218 CHAPTER IV. Hindoo Mythology—Brahma—The Vedas—Doctrine of the Yedas—Brah- ma, Vishnu and Siva—Ofifices of these Deities—Avatars of Vishhnu— Krishna—Siva—Doctrines regarding the Soul—Metempsychosis— Castes—Buddha—His Doctrines—Buddhism suppressed in India 222 4 CHAPTER Y. China—Absence of any State Religion in China—Doctrine of the Lettered —Confucius—His Writings—Honors paid him in China—Difiiculties occasioned among Christian Missionaries—Lao-tze, founder of the Religion of Tao or Reason—His Writings—Chinese Buddhists— Temple of Buddha at Pou-tou—General Feeling of the Chinese with regard to Religion. 5 ‘ . . . . . . ‘ . CHAPTER VI. Thibet—The Grand Lama—Prevailing Religion of 'Thibet and Tartary —Lamaseries—The Grand Lama, a Perpetual Incarnation of Bud- dha—His transmigrations—Mode of discovering his Successor CHAPTER VII. Mythology of Scandinavyia—Compared with that of Greece and Rome— The Eddas—Account of the Creation—Form of the Earth—Asgard, Odin—Names of this Deity—Valhalla—Thor—Recovery of Thor’s Hammer—F rey and Freya—Bragi—Heimdail—Vidar—Hodur—The Valkyrior—Loki and his Progeny—Death of Baldur—His Funeral —Loki’s Punishment—The Elyes—Runic maces the Twilight of the Gods. A : . ° . . . . CHAPTER VIII. Celtic Mythology—Druidism—Derivation of the Word Druid—Origin of Druidical Worship—Account given by Czsar—Characteristics— Divinities worshipped by the Druids—Esus—His Attributes—Bel— Teutates—Camul—Tarann—Priests—Their Duties—Bards—Their Influences—Druids, properly so called—Sacred Plants—Mystic Writing of the Druids—Their Political Authority—Druidesses—Of the Loire—Of the Island of Sena—Human Sacrifices offered by Druidesses—Virgins of Tara—Sacrifices offered by the Druids— Victims chosen—Belief of the Druids in.a Future State—Festivals 229 236 . 238 CoNTENTS. 13 of the Druids—Festival—Solstices—Beltane or Bealtime—Ceremo- nies observed in Ireland—St. Patrick at Tara—First of Rau Breton Legend—Superstitious Practices belonging to the — Suppression of Druidism in Gaul—In England—Mona#— Iona —Druidical Monuments—Menhirs—Dolmens—Cromlechs—Stone- henge—Carnac—Popular Superstitions F E ° * s - 257 CHAPTER IX. Mexico—Mythology of the Aztecs—Its Peculiar Characteristics—Belief of the Aztecs with regard to the Supreme Being—Subordinate Dei- ties—Huitzilopotchli—Legend of Quetzalcoatl—Household Divini- sies—Belief of the Aztecs with regard to a Future State—Singular Ceremony—Rites of Burial—Aztec Priests—Priestesses—Mexican Temples—Pyramid of Cholula—Sacritices—Their Number—Victims offered annually to LIetzcatlipoca—Cannibal Repasts—Montezuma 274 CHAPTER X. Mythology of the Ancient Peruvians—Belief in One God—Worship of the Sun—Moon, and Stars—Legend of Manco-Capac—Pretended Origin of the Inca Race—Legend of the Deluge—Tradition of White Men from the East—Temple of the Sun in the Island of Titi- . eaca—Temple of Cuzco—Peruvian Priesthood—Sacrifices offered to the Sun—Festivals of the Sun—Feast of Raymi—Resemblance of certain Peruvian Rites to those observed by the Ancient Ro- mans—Virgins of the Sun—Burial Rites of.the Peruvians—Cupay 284 SUPPLEMENT. Notice of Authors, etc., mentioned in this Volume—Aschylus—Cesar —Cicero—Demosthenes—Diodorus—Huripides—Herodotus—Justin —Juvenal— Mecenas— Pelasgi— Plinius—Procopius— Simonides— ‘Sophocles—Strabo—Titicaca—Varro . . .« « © 6 -« 292 (ae ath ced ty ry CHAPTER I. Ques. What is Mythology ? | Ans. It is an account of the fabulous divinities worshipped by the heathens in ancient times. Ques. Did all the heathen nations worship the same deities ? Ans. No, every nation had its own gods, and its own superstitions. For example, the Mytho- logy of the Hindoos differs completely from that of the Greeks and Romans, which we are avout to study. ; Ques. Why is it necessary to become acquaint- ed with the fables of mythology ? Ans. Because if we were not acquainted with the names, and supposed histories of the heathen divinities, we could not fully understand the an- cient writers of Greece and Rome. These fables are also constantly alluded to by modern authors, so that it is necessary for every one to know something about them. 16 MytTHoLoay. Ques. Were the mythological fables invented by the poets? Ans. No; they were already current among’ the people before they wrote. These fables would, however, have been less completely known to us, had not the poets told them so beautifully in verse ; adding so many interesting details, that even now, every one reads them with pleasure, as pretty and fanciful stories. Ques. How did the belief in these false gods originate ? Ans. When mankind became generally corrupt, they lost the knowledge of the true God, and easily fell into idolatry. Some worshipped the sun and moon, and made divinities of other ob- jects. Others constructed a mythology as a me- dium for conveying religious or moral lessons, or. to illustrate the phenomena of nature. Besides this, men celebrated the actions of great kings and heroes, holding festivals in their honor, until at length they came to consider them as divini- ties. ; Ques. Were the Greek and Roman mythologies the same ? Ans. 'They were, to a great extent. The ancient Latins had undoubtedly. their own gods, and their peculiar superstitions, but they cannot be said to have had any regular mythology. When the Ro- mans received the arts and sciences from the Greeks, they adopted also their divinities, and’ their entire system of religion. MyrHoLoey. 17 Ques. Did the Romans preserve the names of the Greek deities ? . Ans. No; these were generally changed. For example, the god known to the Greeks as Zeus, was worshipped by the Romans under the name of Jupiter. Deme’ter became Ceres; Poseidon, Neptune, etc. They also blended Greek and Latin fables. (Jues. Where do we find an instance of this ? Ans. In the story of Saturn, who is represented, in one portion of his history, as a monster devour- ing his own children, and again, as a beneficent king dispensing happiness to his people. We must account for this contradiction by supposing that the Romans blended the allegory of the Greek Chronos, (Time,) with traditions of their own divinity. Janus, Terminus, Bellona and Flora, were among the principal Italian deities. (ues. What idea had the ancient Greeks of the form of the earth ? Ans. They believed it to be flat and circular ; their own country occupying the central portion. They supposed that this circle was divided into two equal parts by the Mediterranean and Eux- ine seas. Hncompassing the earth was the River Ocean. It flowed in a steady, equal current; on the western side from north to south; on the eastern in a contrary direction. From this source, the seas and rivers of the earth received their waters. 18 MyrsoLoey. To the North, arose lofty mountains, from whose deep caverns issued the cold winds which chilled the earth. Beyond, lay a blissful region where tempests were unknown, the earth brought forth her fruits without labor, and all was clothed in the beauty of eternal Spring. Here dwelt the Hyperboreans, a happy and innocent race, who were exempted from infirmity and disease, and knew nothing of the evils which aftilict the lives of ordinary men. To the extreme South were the Authiopians, a people equally happy and virtuous. The gods themselves often left their celestial abodes to share the sacrifices and the banquets of this favored people. The Greeks had also a tradition of happy isles beyond the western seas. This last idea may have had its origin in some imperfect account of the Canary Islands, which were certainly visited in very ancient times. We can see from this aceount that the Greeks knew little of any nations excepting those to the east and south of their own country, and near the coasts of the Mediterranean. Even the western portion of this sea was comparatively unknown. Hence they peopled it with giants, monsters and enchantresses ; and these imaginary beings fre- quently appear in mythological fable. AGES OF THE WORLD. Ques. What ideas did the ancient’ entertain with regard to the first inhabitants of the earth ? MyrHoLoay. 19 Ans. They shared a tradition, which seems to have been universal, of a time of primeval inno- cence, when man dwelt in a peaceiul world, igno- rant alike of sorrow and of sin. ‘This was the Golden Age. Avarice and discord were un- . known ; men had not learned to slay animals for food, nor had the earth been disturbed by the plough. Neither the labors of the husbandman, nor the merchant’s traffic disturbed the joyous leisure of that happy time; no ships ploughed the seas, and the glittering steel rested harmless in the mine. Ovid thus describes the days of innocence : «The Golden Age was first, when man, yet new,/ No rule but uncorrupted reason knew, And, with a native bent did good pursue. Unforced by punishment, unawed by fear, His words were simple, and his soul sincere ; Needless was written law where none oppressed ; The law of man was written in his breast : No suppliant crowds before the judge appeared, No court erected yet, nor cause was heard, But all was safe ; for conscience was their guard. Ea * * * * * * No walls were yet, nor fence, nor moat, nor mound, Nor drum was heard, nor trumpet’s angry sound, ’ Nor swords were forged ; but, void of care and crime, The soft creation slept away their time.” The Silver Age was far inferior to that of gold; but virtue still dwelt on earth, and the Im- mortals had not altogether departed from the abodes of men. Jupiter then divided the year into seasons, shortened the winter days, and let loose the northern’ blasts, so that men were 20 MytTHonoay. obliged to build dwellings, and cultivate the un- grateful soil. Their first habitations were caves and grottoes, leafy coverts of the forest, or huts rudely con- structed of the trunks of trees and interwoven boughs. The Brazen Age came next ; men grew fierce and warlike, but were not as yet altogether impious. The Iron Age gave birth to all the calamities that afflict mankind. Avarice and violence reigned supreme ; men were not satisfied to till the earth, but dug into its hidden mines, and drew thence gold and iron, potent instruments of ill to man. The same poet says: ‘«'Then land-marks limited to each his right ; For all before was common as the light. Nor was the ground alone required to bear Her annual income to the crooked share, But greedy mortals, rummaging her store, Digged from her entrails first the precious ore (Which next to hell the prudent gods had laid,) And that alluring ill to sight displayed. Thus cursed steel, and more accursed gold, Gave mischief birth, and made that mischief bold. And double death did wretched man invade, By steel assaulted, and by gold betrayed.” Dryden's Ovid. MOUNT OLYMPUS. Ques. Where were the gods supposed to dwell ? Ans. On the summit of Mount Olympus, in Thessaly. This mountain hides its head, covered with perpetual snows, in a belt of clouds. The MYTHOLOGY. 21 Greeks imagined above these, a sublime abode reposing in eternal sunshine, and free from the storms which vexed the lower world. A gate of clouds, guarded by the goddesses of the seasons, opened to permit the passage of the Celestials when they descended to earth. Each god had his own dwelling, but all were obliged to repair, when summoned, to the palace of Jupiter. Even those deities whose usual abode was on the earth, in the waters, or in the lower shades, were com- pelled to assemble in Olympus at his command. Here they feasted on ambrosia and nectar, dis- coursed upon the affairs of heaven and earth, and were delighted at intervals by the music of Apol- lo’s lyre, and the songs of the Muses. Vulcan was smith, architect and chariot builder to the gods. He built their dwellings on Olym- pus, and constructed the furniture in so wonder- ful a manner, that the tripods and tables were endowed with motion, and ranged themselves in order without the aid of hands. The robes of the different divinities were wrought by Minerva and the Graces. Everything of a solid nature was con- structed of metal. THE GODS—DIFFERENT CLASSES OF DHITIES. Ques. Did the Greeks believe that the gods re- seinbled men ? Ans. Yes; in many Merce They sup- posed them to have the same passions, both gootl aT tt 22, ee » MytioLoay. 7 and evil. hey “were: a creMen yet conta suffer pain and receive wounds. Instead -of blood a fluid called ichor filled their veins.“ The deities resembled men also -in form,-but-they were, with some exceptions, of majestic stature and shone with celestial beauty. They could render them- selves invisible at will, and were otherwise en- dowed with supernatural powers. There was this restraint upon their wonder-working gifts: no divinity was permitted to reverse the act of an- other. For example, when an offended god sub- jected a mortal to some cruel transformation, no other deity, not even Jupiter himself, could undo the spell. (Ques. Into what classes were the gods divided ? Ans. Ancient writers differ in the classification of the Greek and Roman divinities. According to one division, which we will follow, the Celes- tial gods were: Jupiter, Apollo, Mars, Mercury and Bacchus. The goddesses were: Juno, Mi- nerva or Pallas, Venus, Aurora and Latona. To these higher divinities, Saturn, Janus, Vesta and others were sometimes added. There were also Terrestrial divinities, Gods of the Sea, Infernal deities, etc. ete. LIBRARY Ns = (LEINois CHAPTER I. GREEK AND ROMAN DIVINITIES, Celestial Gods. JUPITER, (Genk, Zeus.) Ques. Who was Jupiter ? Ans. He was the king and father of gods and men. He is generally represented as a majestic man with a beard, sitting on a throne of gold and ivory. He brandishes the thunder in his right hand; giants lie prostrate under his feet, and an eagle stands at his side. Jupiter is some- times called Jove, and as the eagle was sacred to him, it is often called the bird of Jove. Ques. Relate the story of Diony’sius and Jupi- ter’s cloak. Ans. The statues of this god were sometimes decorated with much magnificence. It is related that Diony’sius, the tyrant of Syracuse, visited a temple in Sicily, where he saw a statue of Jupi- ter arrayed in a mantle of wrought gold. This he took possession of, and ordered in its place a woolen cloak. Diony’sius justified the act on the 24 MyrHoLoey. plea that the latter garment would be more com- fortable for the god at all seasons, as it was nel- ther so heavy in summer, nor so cold in winter. Ques. Of whom was Jupiter the son? Ans. He was the son of Saturn and Ops. Ac- cording to the fable;Saturn promised his brother Titan, that after his death, the latter should suc- ceed him in his kingdom. To ensure this, Titan made Saturn promise farther to destroy all his male children. In fulfillment of this engagement, Saturn devoured them as soon as they were born. Ops, or Rhea, his wife, succeeded in concealing Jupiter from him. She sent him secretly to Crete, where he was educated on Mount Ida, by the nymphs, or, according to some, by the priestesses of Cyb’ele. The goat which suckled him was placed afterwards amongst the constellations. Ops saved Neptune and Pluto in the same man- ner. Ques. What were Jupiter’s first exploits ? Ans. Titan was so much enraged against Saturn for failing to destroy all his male children, that he assembled the giants, generally called Titans, to avenge the injury. They overcame Saturn, and bound him with Ops, or Rhea, in hell.. Jupi- © ter conquered the Titans, and delivered his father and mother. He afterwards took up arms against Saturn himself, whom he overcame and banished. He then shared his power with his two brothers, Neptune and Pluto; to Neptune he gave the com- mand of his ships, and Pluto had charge of the ~ JUPITER. 25 mines. Jupiter lived in a strong castle or fortress on Olympus, a mountain in Greece. When in after times men worshipped Jupiter as a divinity, ‘they naturally added Neptune as god of the sea, and Pluto as god of hell. Ques. Is it supposed then that Jupiter was a real personage ? Ans. Yes, it is probable that there was a wise and good king of this name, who really reigned in Greece, and did much good to his subjects by teaching them the arts of civilized life. After his death, as happened in other cases, they were not content with celebrating his memory as a man, but worshipped him as a divinity. In ancient times, there was a tomb shown in Crete, with this inscription : «« Here lies Jan, who was called Jupiter.” Ques. What do you say of the other fables in regard to Jupiter? Ans. They were invented at different times. Some are very absurd, and almost all attribute to Jupiter actions in the last degree base and crim- inal. Ques. Relate some of these fables. Ans. Jupiter was married to Juno, to whom he first appeared in the form of a crow. He con- stantly excited her jealousy by his admiration of mortal women, and this gave rise to many adven- tures, celebrated by the poets. Ques. What was the story of Euro’pa? 26 MytTHoLoay. Ans. Jupiter was struck by the beauty of Eu- ro’pa, daughter of Age’nor, king of Phoenicia. He took the form of a snow-white bull, and min- gled with the herd that grazed in the meadow where the young princess was gathering flowers. Kuro’pa, attracted by the beauty and gentleness of the animal, caressed him, crowned him with flowers, and at length fearlessly mounted on his back. He immediately plunged into the sea, and carried her to the unknown shores of Europe, which was named from, her. Ques. On what was the story of Euro’pa prob- ably founded? Ans. It is probable that some sea captain, or pirate, was attracted by the beauty of the young princess, and carried her off. When her father grieved at her loss, the courtiers, and perhaps the oracles, pretended that it was a god who had taken her away. As this report was flattering to his pride, he would of course be pleased to hear it everywhere repeated. This, however, did not prevent Age’nor from making every effort to re- cover his lost child. (ues. Relate the story of Cadmus. Ans. Cadmus, the son of Age’nor, was ordered by his father to go in search of his sister Euro’pa, with the further injunction, that he should never return to his native land without her. The search proved fruitless, and Cadmus, not daring to ap- pear before his father, went to consult the oracle of Apollo as to what he should do. He was di- JUPITER. 27 rected by the god to follow a young heifer, which he would meet in the fields, and to mark the place where she should lie down to rest. He was to build a city on that spot, and call the surrounding country Boeotia. Cadmus obeyed these instruc- tions; while preparing to offer sacrifice to Jupiter on the site of his intended town, the solemnity was interrupted by a terrible event. The attend- ants of Cadmus, in searching for water, had en- tered a grove sacred to Mars, which was guarded by a mighty dragon. On perceiving him, they turned to fly, but were either crushed in the ser- pent’s folds, or suffocated by blasts of the mon- ster’s fiery breath. Cadmus, awaiting their re- turn, and becoming impatient at the delay, pro- ceeded to the spot, and found his servants lifeless, while the dragon was basking at his ease upon the grass. The hero, aroused to vengeance, at- tacked the monster.