The Greek Way

Edith Hamilton was past her sixtieth year when she wrote articles about Ancient Greece. She was impressed at the lucid minds of Greek philosophers, even admired their way of life. But she haven't set foot in Greece. Those who read her works wouldn't know a difference, as Hamilton was considered the greatest female classicist.

"The Greek Way", the first in the long line of works on Ancient Greece, was an instant success after its initial publication in 1930. "Mythology", which came out twelve years later, would be the book that sealed her legacy. Some will compare Hamilton to Rick Riordan. Both bring renewed interest in Greek mythology. They are also interested in Norse tales. (Fans of Riordan can't wait for Magnus Chase.) They have different approach. (Hamilton, who was born in Dresden, was simple and solemn in her storytelling. Riordan depicted the Olympian deities as imaginary counterparts of reality television stars.) Before "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" and its sequel, "The Heroes of Olympus", saw the light, "Mythology" was the reference of many who studied Greek mythology.

There are three tales that most readers never get tired of. Let's take a look:

Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He wanted to claim what belonged to him, and by doing so, enlisted the help of Medea. The sorceress aided him. They got married and ruled Iolcos. But Jason was tempted. His story was one of the well-known tragedies, but what intrigued readers was Jason being the mythical founder of Ljubljana. They would wonder at first, as Iolcos was located in the northern parts of Greece. Hamilton didn't find enough records that revealed Jason's whereabouts after the tragedy.

Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa. King Cepheus of Aethiopia boasted that Andromeda, her daughter, was more beautiful than the Nereids. This enraged Poseidon, who sent Cephus to ravage the kingdom. The king decided to offer her daughter to the sea monster. Only Medusa's could saved her. She was the one of the three Gorgon sisters, the only mortal among the siblings. They were capable of turning anyone into stone. This tale is a great yarn, with every element that readers can wish for. But they'll muse about Aethiopia. It's located in modern-day Northern Africa. Not a few will think of Ethiopia. Is it possible that the world is so different back then? Ancient Greece might extend beyond the Mediterranean region.

A golden apple for Atalanta. If the tale is to be believed, then Atalanta may be the fastest runner during her time. Some would think of Artemis. (One tale describe how the goddess attempted to harm her, as some people thought the young woman was better than the daughter of Zeus and Leto.) But Atalanta would be remembered for the foot race. She didn't want to marry, unless a man outran her. Hippomenes sought Aphrodite's help. It won't be hard to figure out the outcome.