Zeus ordered Ekho to protect him when he was dallying with her fellow nymphs. She did this by engaging his wife Hera in chat when about to discover her husband’s infidelity. As punishment, Hera cursed Ekho by only allowing her to repeat another’s words. Afterwards, Ekho fell in love with the mortal Narcissus, who spurned her. He wasted away pining for his own reflection, and she eventually did the same in mourning for him.
Focus On: (60) Echo Read Post »
Name origin: Roman goddess/personification of peace and social harmony. Often associated with Pax (Peace) in assuring a stable society; probably a close match with the Greek concept of homonoia (likemindedness), which was also anthropomorphised.
Focus On: (58) Concordia Read Post »
Greek nymph and minor goddess. Kalypso is most famed for detaining Odysseus on her island for seven years, before the gods intervened to get him released. She then aids him to leave.
Focus On: (53) Kalypso Read Post »
Name origin: Greek Naiad who was transformed into a laurel tree. Daphne was loved by the god Apollo, who pursued her until she grew exhausted and cried out to Gaia for help. The goddess transformed her into a laurel tree which Apollo then adopted as his sacred plant.
Focus On: (41) Daphne Read Post »
Name origin: Aetolian princess who became a Spartan queen; mother of the Dioscuri, Clytaemnestra and Helen, after Zeus seduced her in the guise of a swan.
Focus On: (38) Leda Read Post »
Circe was a Greek goddess of sorcery, skilled in various magics, potions and herbs. She lived on the island of Aiaia with her nymph companions, and is best known for her appearance in the Odyssey.
Focus On: (34) Circe Read Post »
Name origin: Roman goddess of war; the name was chosen to mark the beginning of the Crimean War. Bellona is known for her temple outside of Rome being the official decision making centre in regards to war.
Focus On: (28) Bellona Read Post »
Name origin: Greek muse of tragedy. Literal translation: ‘to sing’ or ‘the one that is melodious’; initially the muse of chorus.
Focus On: (18) Melpomene Read Post »
Name origin: Greek goddess of health and healing, daughter and assistant of Asklepios.
Focus On: (10) Hygiea Read Post »
Name origin: Greek goddess of wisdom and counsel, mother of Athene by Zeus.
Focus On: (9) Metis Read Post »
