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Leda was daughter of the aetolian King Thestius and wife of King Tyndareus of Sparta.
Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda.
In Greek tradition, the Swan is the symbol of the Muses. The swan also has erotic connotations, such as in the love affair between Zeus and Leda. Also, the Greek Goddess of Beauty and Love, Aphrodite, had a swan-drawn chariot. Besides The swan, as a symbol of music, is also dedicated to Apollo, who was said to transform into a swan.
Back to the retelling: Zeus and Leda had sexual relationships the same night she had slept with her husband.
Their consummation, on the same night as Leda lay with her husband Tyndareus, resulted in two eggs from which hatched the four children. (Zeus’ s and Tyndareus’).
According to later Greek mythology, Leda bore Helen (later known as Helen of Troy) and Polydeuces, children of Zeus, while at the same time bearing Castor and Clytemnestra, children of her husband and King of Sparta Tyndareus.
According to other sources, Nemesis, the Goddess of Revenge, produced the egg from which hatched the two sets of twins: Helen of Troy and Clytenmestra and the Discouri Castor and Pollux. Worth noting that these set of twins are supposedly from different fathers….
Clytenmestra and Helen were problematic women. The Trojan War will be provoked by the abduction of Helen.
And Clytemnestra will later on kill his own husband, Agamemnon and this is another incident related to the Trojan War.
Saying it briefly, the Greek Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, was kidnapped by the Trojans, so the Greeks besieged the city of Troy; after the war, Clytemnestra, the wife of the Greek leader Agamemnon, murdered him, with teh help of her lover, Aegistus.
Leda’s twin-sons, Castor and (Polydeuces or) Pollux, were renowned for their tender attachment to each other. They were also famous for their physical accomplishments, Castor being the most expert charioteer of his day, and Pollux the coward brother.
Their names appear both among the hunters of the Calydonian boar-hunt and the heroes of the Argonautic expedition.
Zeus wished to confer the gift of immortality upon Polydeuces as he was his son but he refused to accept it unless allowed to share it with Castor.
Zeus gave the desired permission, and the faithful brothers were both allowed to live, but only on alternate days. Castor and Polydeuces, also known as The Dioscuri received divine honours throughout Greece, and were worshipped with special reverence at Sparta.
Leda also had other daughters by Tyndareus: Timadra, Phoebe and Philonoe.
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►Reading: W. B. Yeats’ Poem “Leda and the Swan”:
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►Analysis of W. B. Yeats’ Poem “Leda and the Swan”:
“Leda and the Swan” (1924) is a Petrarchan Sonnet (*), a traditional fourteen-line poem predominantly written in Iambic Pentameter (**). [See notes below].
The poet retells a story from Greek mythology, the rape of the Princess of Sparta, Leda by the god Zeus, who had assumed the form of a swan.
Yeats combines words indicating powerful actions (sudden blow, beating, staggering, beating, shudder, mastered, burning, mastered) with adjectives and descriptive words that indicate Leda’s weakness (“caressed”, “helpless”, “terrified”, “vague”, “loosening”). By doing this, he increases the sensory impact of the poem.
The first eight lines of “Leda and the Swan” describe the act of rape from Leda’s perspective. The ninth line, appropriately enough, ends the description of the sexual act.
The last six lines of the poem, then, narrate the consequences of the it, for Leda, personally, and those ones related to the Trojan War.
“Leda and the Swan” looks a little different than other sonnets. It has three stanzas and 14 verses.
But, verse 11 appears to be broken off into two lines. Yeats probably divided this verse in order to heighten the drama of Agamemnon being dead and to show how the poem shifts back to Leda’s perspective.
•The first stanza is characterized by violent beats and pauses.
•The second stanza shifts to more flowing lines as Yeats philosophically reflects on the events. The verses here are structured by the question “how,” and there are many adjectives (“terrified,” “vague,” “feathered,” “loosening,” “white,” “strange”).
•In the third stanza, the adjectives pile up as the poem builds to the solemn declaration, “And Agamemnon dead”.
The rhythm comes to a screeching halt as verse 11 is fractured over two lines, in order to reach emotional height. This stanza connects Leda’s hymenal wall with the walls of the city of Troy.
The last verses of the poem become calm again. Yeats returns to his percussive gentle beats, incorporating some alliteration (“brute blood”). Yeats will then wonder whether Leda, through her contact with Zeus, would be able to foresee how the result of their union—Helen—would bring about the fall of a great city. Hence, the poem ends with a rhetorical question, introduced as a sort of irresolvable doubt…
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(*) The Petrarchan Sonnet is named after Petrarch, a 14th century Italian poet who made the form popular throughout Europe. Like all sonnets, the Petrarchan sonnet has 14 lines. Unlike all sonnets, it also has a major thematic shift after the eighth line. At this point, the poem introduces a new subject or shifts its perspective in some way.
(**) Iambic Pentameter is closely associated with Blank Verse, Iambic is an adjective. Iamb is the noun and is short for Iambus. Iambus is from the Greek and refers to two. Therefore, Iamb refers to a foot, or any two syllable“unit”, referred to as a foot by metrists, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (or ictus). An example of Iambic Pentameter in Yeats’ poem “Leda and the Swan” is: “He holds her help-less breast u-pon his breast“.
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►Gallery Of Paintings: “Leda and The Swan” (Leda and Zeus):
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►Links Post:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leda_and_the_Swan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leda_(mythology)
http://www.talesbeyondbelief.com/myth-stories/lovers-of-zeus.ht
http://aliisaacstoryteller.com/2015/06/15/irish-mythology-the-swan/
http://www.druidry.org/library/animals/swan
http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/yeats/section7.rhtml
http://www.shmoop.com/leda-and-swan/poem-text.html
http://www.betterlivingthroughbeowulf.com/leda-and-the-swan-warning-necessary/
https://poemshape.wordpress.com/2008/11/30/what-is-iambic-pentameter-the-basics/
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I would like to thank José Sala for nominating me for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
I also want to thank Optimista Blog for nominating me for a Versatile Blogger Award.
Last but not least thanks to Janet Wertman for nominating me for another Versatile Blogger Award.
Thanks to these three bloggers and please make sure to check out their blogs and to follow them, If you haven’t still done so!.~ 🙄
Note: For the three awards, I will nominate blogs I have recently came across and like, recent followers and/or plussers. Also, I am changing the logos so that way I can include new awards among mine… And, finally, I will follow the nomination process without answering questions or mentioning facts about me….
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►Rules for these Three Awards:
♠ Thank the person who nominated you for the award.
♠ Add the logo to your post.
♠Nominate ten (10) bloggers you admire and inform your nominees by commenting on their blogs.
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►I) Nominees~Very Inspiring Blogger Award (Monkey & Sunflower Version):
1. The Wayward Warrior 2. MidiMike 3. The Spendy Pencil 4. Unbolt 5. Yadadarcyyada 6. José Sala 7. Sunshine and Shadows 8. Optimista Blog 9. Pomad 10. The Daily Rant.
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►II) Nominees~Versatile Blogger Award (Purple Version):
1. Carole Migalka 2. JoHanna Massey 3. Lightwalker’s Blog 4. Bibliobulimica 5. Life, the Universe and Lani 6. A Beautiful Mess 7. The Vanessa Chronicles 8. Allyson Lee Adams 9. Kerry’s loft 10. Mountaintop Talk.
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►III) Nominees~Versatile Blogger Award (Bird Version):
1. Cadence4life 2. The Perceptions Square 3. Arwenaragornstar 4. The Chaos Realm 5. Shehanne Moore 6. Janet Wertman 7. Extravaganza Beading 8. Autumn Melody 9. The More I Learn the More I Wonder 10. Emily Lichtenberg.
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Love the mythology and the paintings.
Thank you very much dear Timothy… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
This was a fascinating post. The artwork alone is enough to make one turn a head. Wow!
Thanks a lot for your words dear Victo. Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Stunning. Not just the post and paintings but the analysis of Yeats’ poem. I do love his poetry xxxxxxxxx Have a great weekend.
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment dear Shehanne ❤ I am pleased to know that you liked the post… All the best to you Aquileana 😀
I love it. I love all your posts. I think what I like best is you find these details, things that aren’t so well known. I You also have great taste in art. May you never stop blogging,
Thanks so much ❤ … Your words mean so much to me, dear She. Love and best wishes … Happy week ahead! Aquileana 😀
I mean them my darling. When I see any of your posts coming in I know I am in for a treat. Happy week to you too x
Many hugs, dear She… Thanks for these beautiful words! Aquileana 😉
Enhorabuena Aquileana 😉
Gracias Chus! Un abrazo . Aquileana 😀
Intriguing! I now know exactly why Yeats is the chosen poet here! “Leda and the Swan” is a great poem, featuring both powerful words (beating, staggering,…) and weaker ones (vague, loosening…) for a great contrast in literary form. Of course, I am saddened at any mention of rape but I know this is mythology not reality. I do think that I would like to see a swan in person one day! Thank you for explaining Zeus and his link to the swan, as well as Yeats’ poem, and congratulations on the award! LOVE seeing a new post here xo ❤ 🙂 Best wishes to you for your evening, from CB!
Hi Chris! ~. I am really pleased to know that you liked the post…
And Yeats’ poem … Have you seen what he did with verse 11?… Genius. Well don’t need to feel sadden … It is a myth and in greek mythology Zeus adopted the shape of many animals in order to seduce and even rape his eventual lovers… Sending big hugs & happy sunday to you! Aquileana 😀
Well it’s a myth but I still didn’t want to read about abuse. I know Zeus was quite the lady’s man as the saying goes here. Big hugs to you, dear AP, and I’m glad you’ve been catching up on your busy LADA blog! Wishing you a lovely Monday 🙂
Big hugs, dear CB !. Aquileana 😉
PS Remember to fix my typos on my comment at WWI … I saw you are there! 😛
Typos? Ok, maybe you sent me an email. I will check. Have been so busy today! Hugs and will do so, promise 🙂
I did 😀 … Understand and … she is apples ⭐ Aquileana. (the words are — they are certainly the… those must be gone… ) TY xo
Aha, they are gone ((alllll bananas now! hehe)) ~Thanks honey! Love your support and wow look at all of the comments here for you ♥ Love you, Aqui-pie!
Bananas and zebras, maybe… Thanks Christy Pie…
I love you!!!… Aquileana 😀
PS: At least you raised on the top commenters scale over here after my mistake incidents 😛 . See: there is always something good in bad things…even if bad grammar is involved!)
Yahoooo! I had to catch up in the top commenter race here!! 😀 Have a great Tuesday, shining star!
Indeed!!!… You are on top right now… Welcome back hehe 😀 Hugs to the Northern Star!. Aquileana 🙂
Woohoo right in top spot, great to know! Hey check out the photo that’s here when I comment – it’s the one you did for me. Thanks again, honey xo 🙂
I ❤ the new avatar ❤ …. LOVELY, you…
Aquileana 😀
Thank you for noticing and for your expert editing skills, Aquileana! ❤ Happy Thursday, shining star!
Now I recognize the mystery I always saw in a swan – it’s the erotic weave 😀 Thank you
It is the erotic twist indeed… The shape of the swan is beautiful, isn’t it!… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
fascinating! I learn so much from you~
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment dear Cindy!…
Much love! Aquileana 😀
Reblogged this on yofumoenpipa.
Muchas gracias por el reblog Lupe… Un abrazo. Aquileana 😀
What a complicated love/lust story Aquileana! Zeus as a swan! I did not know that at all. You continue to teach me! Sending you hugs and all my very best!
Hi dear Sue… Yes it is quite complicated particularly the story of the set of twins… I didn’t know that Clytemnestra and Helen of Troy were twin sisters (even when they were born from different fathers!)… Quite odd ❓
Hugs for your week ahead! Aquileana 😀
Hugs to you Aquileana!
Another marvelous piece of Greek Mythology my dear Aquileana.
Always, ALWAYS a great work 🙂
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for the comment, dear Tin!.
I truly appreciate your words. Have a great week ahead!~ Aquileana 😀
I didn’t know Zeus disguised himself as a swan! I will never see swans in the same way again 🙂 As always, I enjoyed this morning – learning more interesting aspects of Greek mythology. I like the poem very much, and the illustrations are beautiful ❤
Best wishes,
Takami 🙂
Thanks a lot for dropping by dear Takami… I am pleased to know that you liked the mythological delivery, my friend!.. ;star:
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Superb like always. I especially love the Yeats poem. ❤
Thank you very much dear Maverick ~ ⭐
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Fascinating!
Thank you very much dear Marissa! Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
I love all this beautiful art and also the Yeats poem! Wonderful post dear Aquileana! I enjoyed every bit of it! ️Hugs to you! 😄💗
Thanks a lot for your words dear Michelle ⭐
I am happy to know that you enjoyed the post and liked Yeats’ poem with regard to Leda & the Swan… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Belle symbolique, comme toujours et j’adore ce poème.
Bisous Aquileana et douce fin de semaine
~Salut Elisabeth~ merci beaucoup pour ton commentaire!~ Je suis heureuse de savoir que ce billet t’a plu!!. Je t’ embrasse et je te souhaite une très jolie semaine, ⭐ Aquileana 😀
This is a great, informative blog — thank you! 🙂
Thank you very much ❤ All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
A splendid offering, Aquileana, as indeed all your offerings are; happy to see you included the Yeats sonnet..i’m sure he had his own Leda in mind, Maude Gonne.
Big Hugs
john
Thanks a lot for your words dear John! ⭐
Great to know that you enjoyed the feature, my friend!. Happy week ahead,
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
I always thought Helen of Troy was a real woman! Thanks Aquileana for another superb post, combined with Yeats sonnet. The analysis of his poem makes this post all the more special. I enjoyed reading both.
Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you very much dear Balroop!… She was the most beautiful mortal woman… even when she was born from an egg!… I didn’t know that she was Clytemnestra’s twin sister though!… I am happy to know that you enjoyed the post… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
¡Apasionante Aquileana! Gracias.
Y me has inspirado una entrada para mi blog que te -si me permites el atrevimiento- te dedico. Ahora mismo me pongo con ella. 😉
Un abrazo.
Esther! Genial.. Enseguida paso por tu blog… ❤
Un abrazo grande! Aquileana 😀
Wonderful as always!!
Thank you very much dear José ⭐
Happy week ahead! Aquileana 😀
Nice week for you too, Aquileana!!! 😀
Nicely (and beautifully) done as usual! Funny how we both mentioned Zeus and Troy in the same week! Great minds think alike! 🙂
https://toritto.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/marathon-2/
Regards
Great minds think alike… Indeed!~ 😛
I am checking out your posts as soon as possible, dear Toritto!… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
A beautiful and visually stunning post. I particularly liked the gallery of paintings showing the different treatment of the theme. It’s clear that the story of Leda and the Swan has provided the material for some of the most erotically charged images in art history.
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your clever comment!. There are a version of the story which is far more erotic…In that one (dated from the Renaissance, maybe a few centuries later) Leda is raped by swan, through the swan’s beak!… All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
Thank you. That’s marvelous. I love it!
Thank you for the nomination! xxoo
You are most welcome ⭐ All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
hmmm had to become a swan eh… 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81BjS3k_FZ8 .
Nice one… Thanks for the share!… 🙂
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
all the best to you too! 🙂
So much I learn on from your posts. Thank you.
Thank you very much Donna~
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 🙂
“Zeus wished to confer the gift of immortality upon Polydeuces as he was his son but he refused to accept it unless allowed to share it with Castor.”
Interesting how often people refuse something really good because they want something even better. Lucky for this guy he sort of got it, Along with immortality on alternate days — so maybe not so much? But I know of many others who’ve ended up with nothing because it was “something better” or “nothing at all.”
Interesting and accurate insights dear Georgia…
And that excerpt you highlighted is a good one because it shows the importance of brotherly love and loyalty… Zeus seems quite unfair… But, technically speaking Castor wasn’t his son but Tyndareus’ …
Best wishes and thanks for dropping by! Aquileana 😀
good grief, you took me back a few years. Other than the odd movie, I’ve not done mythology since school days
Well … I am glad to know that this post brought back school memories to You!. Thanks Ruth for dropping by! … Happy week ahead! Aquileana 😀
thank you for this post Aquileana..i learnt something new today, as i had no idea about Leda..
Great to know that you learnt something new… This myth was also unknown to me… Best wishes! Aquileana 😀
Love your combination – interesting text and beautiful pictures! Have a nice day. Kamila
Thank you very much dear Kamila! I am glad to know that you enjoyed the post!… Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Thank you for a discerning analysis of this very intense poem by Yeats. A very beautiful post.
Thank you very much dear SKD ⭐
Happy week ahead! All my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Great post, dear Aquileana! The paintings that express so well the legend “Leda and the Swan” are amazingly well done! I enjoyed reading and images. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Have a wonderful day and only good for you, Aquileana! ❤ 🙂
Thank you very much dear Ştefania. I truly appreciate your words ❤
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Yay I got the cutest oneee!!!!! Thank you so much! I love the story of Leda and the Swan by the way. Was totally psyched when they used it in Orphan Black : )
Great to know that you liked the award, Madam_W… And I am pleased to know that you enjoyed this myth!,,, Happy week ahead, Aquileana 😀
Fascinating article and great writing, as usual! Great job, Aquileana! Have a lovely weekend x
Thank you very much dear Lucy… I truly appreciate your words ❤
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
How would someone not love the Greek gods? Maybe some of us are descendants of the gods.
Great post
I bet we are, dear Makagutu!!!~ Thanks a lot for dropping by
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Beautiful images Aquileana! Your articles are always so interesting!!! 🙂 … Un abbraccio. Marco x
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment, Marco!~.
I truly appreciate your words. Un abbraccio, Aquileana 😀
When it comes to complicated family history , it is hard to beat this one. Also interesting to see how such a complicated narrative could produce more beautiful poetry and art. Sylvie
You are right! A very complex story and family tree!… Thanks Sylvie… I will check out your blog soon!… Bisous! Aquileana 😀
Glad you like it Aquileana !
I take my hat off to the Greeks! Even the best writers of today would find it hard to beat these amazing myths. Thank you for sharing: they make very interesting reading and great inspiration for the Arts.
I second your statements dear Fatima… That’s why these myths are considered classics… still nowadays~
Thank you!. Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Hello Aquileana, I also would like to thank you for this very interesting lesson about Greek mythology and the SWAN. Until now have seen this animal as faithful, calm and elegant but now it has also turned into a seducer and the consequences of its deeds are uncertain!:)
I didn’t know that the swan might be related to these powerful and quite aggressive feeling, either, dear Martina!… Until I came across this myth…
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your comment!… All the best to you! ~ Aquileana 😀
Thanks!
You are most welcome ⭐ All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
Que toque más, exquisito lo de Yeats, una delicia como siempre!
Gracias querido Samuel 😛 Un abrazo. Aquileana ⭐
jajaja me sobró una coma. estas en facebook?
… LOL… No, pero estoy en Twitter @aquileana … ⭐
jaajajaj yo no estoy en twiter! incompatibilidad cibernética o como llamaremos a esto?
Definitivamente un atentado de los astros!… ⭐ … Y Google Plus?…
Cuando es invierno en el mar del norte ,es verano en el mar del sur……Si creo que si. Google plus si, mi correo es samuelr77@gmail.com 😉
Voy a buscarte a la brevedad en G Plus y te mando un correo… Pero no ahora, estoy casi por dormirme. Aquileana 😀
Fabulous post 🙂 William Shakleton’s depiction is especially striking: I think I’ve seen it before, but I didn’t know what it was about! I had no idea that the mythical ‘Leda’ was said to have borne Helen of Troy.
Did you know also that the swan is, in contemporary times, taken to symbolise faithfulness between mates? This is apparently because swans mate for life. I imagine this is a modern symbolism though and that it didn’t exist in the time the Greek mythologies were coming into being.
I didn’t know about the most recent symbolism with regard to the swan!… It is interesting how it changed… As to the fact that swans presumably mate for life, I have heard the same thing regarding seahorses… 🙄
Thanks for the information and you taking time here… I much appreciate your comment!… All my best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Always gorgeous old Greek stories Aquileana. A great Greek myth!
Thank you very much! ❤
All the best to you. Aquileana 🙂
You have inspired me with this post and I know of a lake in a park near my home that has some lovely swans. No guesses for what I’m doing on the weekend? Haha 😉
Hi Vef!~ … Hmmm … Well at least this post inspired you! 🙂
All my best wishes to you. Happy week ⭐ Aquileana 😀
I’ll never look at a swan in quite the same way – fascinating read. I’ve learned a lot from this post. Have a lovely weekend.
I know…. A complete different symbolism… particularly if we keed on mind that nowadays, swans symbolise faithfulness between mates, as someone mentioned above!… Thank you, dear Mary. Have a great week ahead! Aquileana 😀
Thank you so much for the nomination, I am honoured and in such wonderful company! 🙂
This is so kind of you, I really appreciate the gesture. 🙂
Hope this day is good to you. 🙂
You are most welcome ⭐
Happy weekend ahead!… All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
oh, magnificent text, Aguileana, I love the link to Yeats recital…amazing! Thank you! ❤
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment!.
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
So good of you to do all that research for us with such apposite illustrations. The Yeat’s poem was an added bonus.
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your nice comment!. I am really pleased to know that you liked the post and Yeats’ poem, dear Susan!… All the best to you Aquileana 😀
Fascinating story and images! You know, this could make a wonderful TV series!
I agree with you dear Indah!… Sending love!… happy week ahead. Aquileana 😀
This chapter of Greek Mythology regardless of the angle you view it, is charged with sexual content and innuendo, bestiality, perhaps rape, promiscuity and uncontrollable lust. It’s typical of Greek Mythology only this time is more accentuated. You did a great job to present it clearly and facilitate an analysis. Thank you dear Aquileana! You’re the best! Hugs! 🙂
Hi dear HJ… You are right…. There are different versions of this myth though… In some of them it is more a consensual relationship as If Leda was hypnotized by Zeus (with the shape of a swan)… In other, and Yeats followed these versions, there was a rape and violence…
Thanks for dropping by and for such a clever comment!… I truly appreciate your word! … Love, hugs & happy week ahead. Aquileana 😀
“Un espasmo en las ingles engendra con el tiempo
la muralla caída, la torre, el techo en llamas
y la muerte de Agamenón.”
Vaya consecuencias que un acto sexual les trajo a la humanidad: la creación de Helena es la causa de la caída de Troya y la muerte de Agamenón -rey de Micenas-, y por ende la casi destrucción de la civilización griega anterior a la clásica (Minoica.) ¿Un efecto mariposa mitológico? ¿Cuánto se habría ahorrado con que Zeus usara preservativos?
Como es tu hermosa costumbre Amalia la de las bellas letras, otro sublime post que me lleva a reflexionar y soñar. Mil gracias
Un abrazo (y si me lo permites, me agradaría que fuese un tierno abrazo.)
Hola Agustín!, Genial comentario… muy cierto lo de las consecuencias funestas que el incidente produjo a largo plazo… De hecho tanto Helena como Clitenmestra cumplieron un rol relacionado con la discordia y la muerte… Helena, raptada por Paris… Clitenmestra, la esposa y futura asesina de Agamenón ….
El efecto mariposa~> exactamente… y ambas hermanas mellizas, aunque si bien hijas de Leda como madre, hijas de distintos padres… (Zeus & Tyndareus)… Muy bueno tu análisis… Muchas gracias. Un abrazo grande! Aquileana 😉
Exquisite post.Jalal
Thank you so much, Jalal!. All the best to you Aquileana 😀
my regards.
I have very little ambition, In old age. I would like to help, I do not know how? Thus, thank, B E A U T I F U L
To help?… how?… Do you mean in any of my posts?…
I am open to suggestions, anytime…
Let me know… Love and happy week to you, dear Anna ⭐ Aquileana 😀
How do ? Can I promote? Aquilena …..In the Czech Republic Objímá Anna
Absolutely… If you have any idea or want to collaborate in a post on my blog email me to apdmont@gmail,com and we’ll see it together! Love, Aquileana 😀
English is a language incomprehensible to me, I write the translation ? not me?Aquilena, you in the Czech Republic, I want to publish?
Wonderful post Aquileana and so beautifully illustrated. Many people think that swans are gentle birds but they can be very dangerous especially when nesting or when they have babies. They can attack people and break their legs and have been known to kill dogs! Beautiful but dangerous birds! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hi dear Clare!~ Thanks for adding these biological facts!… Very interesting to know about the behaviours of swans when nesting or having babies…
Probably the “rape incident” in this myth might be related to those characteristics!… I much appreciate your comment… Happy week ahead. All my best wishes to you! Aquileana 😀
Thank-you Aquileana, and the same to you! I was sure when I read your post that the swan’s behaviour must have been observed when the myths were being created. 🙂
I always thought the study of antiquity was more enjoyable when coupled with art. You make the stories come alive. I hope you make up a book some day!!
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so for the visit!!!
Hi Moondustwriter~ Why thanks a lot for your encouragement.. A bokk would be nice… Who knows?… I truly appreciate your comment and suppor!… All my best wishes. Aquileana 😀
I remember the Yeats poem and wonderful stories again Aquileana along with the images and art. Did you know that the Valkyries in Norse myth were also called swan maidens sometimes!!
I didn’t know about the Valkyries being also called swan maidens … It is amazing to see how different cultures might have shared similar mythologies, despite of the particular features of each one of them!.
Thanks for your input!… All my best wishes to you, dear Cybele. Aquileana 😀
Un grand poète Yeats.
Yeats + Branduardi, 🙂 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YH-1f4rFYA
Merci pour le commentaire et le vidéo, cher Ornithorynque. Bonne semaine pour toi!. Aquileana 🙂
There is a famour poem about Leda by German poet Rainer Maria Rilke:
Text of the poem in German: http://rainer-maria-rilke.de/090003leda.html
Reading with English subtitles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waP2jiTbLPQ
Information on Rilke: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainer_Maria_Rilke
Hi Nannus… It is a greta poem … Well Rilke was a greta poet, so no wonder why!…
I think it is more subtle than Yeats’ and yet the moment when Leda is raped is aldo quite violent (Her in her resistance, baffled, could not withhold)…
I also liked the fact that Zeus seems to really Be(come) a swan after his contact with Leda!….
Thank you very much for adding Rilke’s poem… I much appreciate it… All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
I tuoi post sono Fantastici!! Bravissima!!
Tante grazie Domenico Abbraccio! Aquileana 😀
Probably most of my familiarity with this comes from Yeats’ poem, but I haven’t read it in a long time. Once again, your post has added more depth to my surface knowledge and the artwork you’ve collected is amazing.
Hi dear Jeri!.. Do you teach on this poem at High School?… Interesting… I have included a link above in which a certain blogger (and teacher) considered this issue in particular. http://www.betterlivingthroughbeowulf.com/leda-and-the-swan-warning-necessary/ …
I saw you have a new post and will be checking it out soon ⭐ Yay!
Best wishes and happy week to you. Aquileana 😀
I wonder if hollywood guys are keeping up with lessons on Greek mythology; it sure seems to have the ingredients that many movies have nowadays 🙂 I admire your research into the subject Aquileana. Have a great weekend!
You are right!… This story would be perfect for a drama movie… ⭐
Pure passion and certainly a very intriguing plot!…. Thanks a lot for dropping by. I truly appreciate your words.Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 🙂
Strong stuff, Aquileana! Another story beautifully told 🙂
Thank you very much dear Jo… Have a wonderful week ahead!~ Best wishes. Aquileana ⭐
Awesome! I love all the information you provided here. Thanks for sharing this all! That’s a pretty great poem; I’ve forgotten some of this story of Zeus and Leda, mostly the two sets of twins. Very interesting material.
Thanks for dropping by… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the poetry analysis… Coming from a poet like you, it means a lot!…
Oh and yes the story of the set of twins was something I barely know before doing some research for this post… BTW, what I found odd is that each twin of the set was son or daughter of a different father… 😛 All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
You do such a great job of keeping track of everyone in the story and presenting it so I can understand it!
I thought of you last night. I was at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and saw a painting of the centaurs abducting a bride, by the French artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau.
http://artknowledgenews.com/200812196629/William_Adolphe_Bouguereau.html
The violence in it was a bit scary, although the hero’s ass was quite fantastic. Not that I stared or anything 🙂
Nancy
[…] On the Left: “Leda and the Swan” by Gustave Moreau. (1865-1875). On the Right: “Leda” by Gustave Moreau (1875-1880). […]
[…] you Kate for nominating me for two luscious awards, to Aquilena and Corri – and lastly to Michelle for including me in her […]
Wow this is really in depth. I had no idea how deep the connection of eroticism and the Swan went!
Thanks a lot for your time!… Many aspects of this myth were also completely new to me… All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
A very thorough analysis of Yeats’ poem, Aquileana. Swans are beautiful and yet menacing. A perfect metaphor in this case. My husband was once nearly attacked by a group of swans. =:-O Although not in the same way, of course. 😉
Thank you very much dear Julie… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed Yeats’ poem!..
Someone mentioned that swans might be aggressive when they try to protect their babies… I don’t know if this one was the case… Anyhow I will be aware of them if I eventually came cross them!.
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Delectable concoction of lust and Yeatsian poetry enriched with a gallery of visuals. The swan reminds me of my time at a waterfront location when I was chased by a group of swans.., though beautiful to look at, they greet strangers with painful pecks, and in my case the property owner had to come to my rescue just in time to ward off any harm. great weekend fare, aqui…best wishes…Raj.
Oh Raj! What a story … I don’t think it is funny though… Well at least I wouldn’t have wanted to be on your shoes 😛 Julie (AKA la Vagabonde) mentioned that something similar happened to her husband on her comment above… I can conclude that swans might be aggressive animals, that probably react if they feel threatened…
Thanks for your comment… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed both, the myth and the poem!… Best wishes to you! Aquileana 😀
Bel article toujours bien détaillé et bien intéressant .
Je te souhaite un excellent week-end.
Bisous
Bonjour cher Georges! … Merci beaucoup pour ton commentaire et la photo du cygne… C’est vraiment jolie et très appropriée pour l’occasion ⭐ ~Je te souhaite un bonne semaine! Bisous! Aquileana 🙂
Reblogged this on lampmagician and commented:
Fantastic, Grazie!
Thank you very much for reblogging!~
Have a great week. Aquileana 😀
Einen schönen Samstag wieder ein schöner Beitrag sehr gut beschrieben.Wünsche ein glückliches Wochenende lieber Gruß Gislinde
Hallo Gislinde~ danke für den Kommentar~
Wünsche eine gute Woche… Viele Gruße Küsse. Aquileana 😀
Liebe Aquileana die Geschichte von Lena und dem Schwan einfach super geschrieben da machst du dir auch sehr viel Mühe danke dir dafür und man lernt immer wieder dazu was man auch teilweise vergessen hat ein glückliches Wochenende in Freundschaft wünscht dir Klaus
Ich bin froh, dass Sie es mögen, Klaus…. Haben Sie Fotos von Schwänen in Ihrem Bereich gemacht?… 😛
Wünsche eine gute Woche… Viele Gruße Aquileana 😀
Fascinating post dear. I read the poem of Yeats in my literature classes along with the mythological background but, your post makes all those stories come alive 🙂 I wonder how much effort you put for each post! Kudos to you dear ❤ 🙂
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your comment!.
I truly appreciate your words and I am glad to know that you enjoyed the post. Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
🙂
Impresionante trabajo que he disfrutado en toda su extensión y profundidad. Muchas gracias por tan hermosa exposición. Me encantan los cisnes y el poema de Yeats… Un abrazo.
Agradezco inmensamente tus palabras, querida Julie … Me alegro mucho deque te haya gustado… Un abrazo grande, Aquileana 😀
Thank you, Aquileana ❤
The incredible post, The Petrarchan Sonnet, and the award for me!
WOW! What a great combination! You made my weekend!
With love and admiration,
your Unbolt
Hi Tatiana *Unbolt*,
I am happy to know that you enjoyed the post and liked Yeats’ poem as well… Oh and you are mots welcome for the award… Most deserved, my friend… I’ll be soon at your blog to read your poems… I am just trying to catch up here by the moment … 😛 Best wishes to you ⭐ Aquileana 😀
Take your time, my dear Aquileana!
My blog and I are waiting for you with open arms 24/7 ❤
Thank you again!
With warmest wishes,
your Unbolt
Aww… I will be there soon ❤ Best wishes! ⭐ Aquileana 😀
I never could imagine that Greek Mythology offers so many fascinating stories. Thank You.
Abrazos.
Thank you dear Sartenada for visiting and enjoying this post! … Best wishes & happy week! Aquileana ⭐
A fascinating story, full of intrigues, twists and turns. It seems that everything becomes incredibly complicated when Zeus is around. He was definitely devious, and his numerous offspring are hard to keep tabs on. I love Yeats’ sonnet and the illustrations are wonderful. Thank you for a lovely post.
Hi there Mollie! You are right.. It is a quite complex myth… And Zeus was not the best example of a faithful husband!…. I am glad to read your comment and to know that you enjoyed the mythological delivery!… Thank you! … All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
insightful flows
leaving me floating like a swan
& lightened by Yeats 🙂
What a beautiful comment in the shape of a brief poem!… Thank you very much!!!… All the best to you Aquileana 😀
Thanks for another enlightening post Aquileana. I learn so much from your insights about these stories, the art, and the poetry.
Thank you very much, Dave!!!… I appreciate your words and I am pleased to know that you liked the post.
Happy week to you… Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Bonjour chère Aquileana, comme toujours ton billet est magnifique. Je l’ai lu avec grand plaisir.
Je te souhaite un tout bon week-end et beaucoup de douceur.
Je t’embrasse 🙂
Merci beaucoup pour ton beau commentaire, chère Denise!…C’ est bon de de savoir que ce billet t’a plu!!. Je t’ embrasse et je te souhaite une très jolie semaine, ⭐ Aquileana 😀
There comes Zeus, as Swan. I missed him.
Seduction or rape. Seduction is more flirting and persuasion. Rape is
Violence. The pictures (very erotic!) depict more of seduction than rape as
I see Leda seemingly being enticed. I wonder how W.B.Yeats’ interpretation
fits in here. Or was it that rape and seduction then almost meant the same.
Great to learn how Helen of Troy is connected to Zeus.
Another memorable post! Good job, my friend! 🙂
Hi dear Mahesh, You are right…Good point as the “or” might lead to confusion… As far as I know it was more a sort of hypnotic seduction… I’d say that Leda felt attracted but couldn’t explain why or as to whom… Then: rape… It seems that Swans can be aggressive when they are under pressure or feel threatened … I wonder if Zeus might have felt guilty for cheating his wife (so many times)
Thanks for the clever comment my friend… I will visit you as soon as I am done with the comments here… Hugs. Aquileana 😀
Another wonderful post filled with gorgeous images. And the inclusion of Yeats’ poem made it even better for me. Thanks Aquileana, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hi dear Jeff!~ Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your great comment!. It is a good poem, isn’t it?… I think that Yeats did a pretty amazing job in the retelling, even more considering it is a sonnet … Too much said in 14 verses!…All the best to you, Aquileana 😀
HAPPY WEEKEND hugs! 🙂
Hugs right back at you! Happy week ahead, Simona. Aquileana 😀
Fascinating post! I recent bought Bulfinch’s Mythology and find this very interesting.
Thank you very much!~. I truly appreciate your words and I am pleased to know that you liked the post.
All the best to you. Aquileana ⭐
[…] amazing Aquileana for Versatile Blogger award (bird […]
Nos dejas sin palabras. Maravilloso artículo sobre los amores de Zeus y Leda, muy oportuno el poema de Yeats… Enhorabuena por los premios que son muy merecidos.
Mil gracias por tus palabras querido José… Me alegro de que te gustara el post y el poema de Yeats… Buen comienzo y transcurso de la semana para vos. Abrazo. Aquileana 😀
Duminica binecuvantata alaturi de cei dragi!
Sunday blessed with your loved ones!
Thank you! ⭐ Happy week ahead dear Ileana… All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
Fascinating, Aquileana! Hope you’re having a beautiful weekend.
As always very interesting post. Beautiful artwork also. 🙂
Hi Verna! Thank you very much!!!… I am pleased to know that you liked the post… Happy week!… All the best to you Aquileana ⭐
You’re welcome! Have a wonderful week also. Best wishes to you also. 🙂
hello aquileana its dennis the vizsla dog hay dada is saying sumthing abowt merlin and castor and pollux blowing him to bermuda i hav no ideea wot he is tawking abowt as yoozhual maybe the thinks castor and pollux run a travel aydjencee or sumthing!!! ok bye
Bermuda? … LOL!!!!… Well thse greek myths might accept recreations, I guess … Best wishes to you for an awesome week ahead, Dennis!
Aquileana 😀
Very well done on the awards… well-deserved!
I had forgotten about Helen of Troy being born of an egg… I love all things trojan! But Helen of Troy wins my heart… The face that launched a thousand ships!
Loved Yeat’s poem, especially listening to it. Thanks so much for sharing, Aquileana!
Thank you very much for dropping by, dear Kev! I am happy to read your comment and to know that you liked the feature…
Helen, Clytemnestra, Castor & Pollux being set of twins born of two eggs was something that I didn’t have in mind either!…
It seems Helen might have had hidden feathers!… 😛
ll my best wishes to you! Aquileana ⭐
Good morning !
Thank you so much for the visit to my blog ! 🙂 https://youtu.be/5bc1EUEuquc Regards, Aliosa.
Thank you very much for dropping by! … I hope you have a great week!… All the best to you Aquileana ⭐
Learning more about Castor and Pollux is always fun. They’re part of Gemini – my birth constellation. It’s always fun coming over here and getting a Greek lesson. I’m always entertained. Hope you’ve been well! xo
Hi my friend… How nice to read your comment this evening… I much appreciate your words and I thank you for your lovely comment…. Hugs and happy week ahead. Aquileana 😀
Great post and research Aquileana! Very kinky, that Zeus!
The Yeats sonnet is actually a hybrid form of the Occitan Sonnet and Petrarchan Sonnet, as Petrachan Sonnets’ first 8 lines’ rhymes follow the format of ABBAABBA, where as Yeats’ first 8 lines were the Occitan format, following ABABABAB. The last 6 lines of CDECDE rhymes are indeed one of the accepted sestet schemes for Petrarchan sonnets, though CDCDCD is also an accepted rhyme scheme.
It’s all very complicated, and even though I’ve been writing sonnets for awhile, I still regularly look up the the rhyme schemes. 21 Line Fusion Sonnets are even more complicated! I always disregard the iambic pentameter structure though, as it’s too restricting for me to want to bother with, and as I prefer to make my own rhythm. I suppose that makes me either a rebel or a dilettante sonneteer, but I prefer to think of myself as a rebel, as I willfully ignore the iambic pentameter instead of obliviously! lol 😛
Best wishes to you Aquileana! 🙂
Ry
Hi dear Ry!
What a clever comment my friend … you know a lot about poems shapes …
Interesting that you highlight that Yeats poem is a hybrid form of the Occitan Sonnet and Petrarchan Sonnet, rather than a Petrarchan Sonnet itself…
As to Iambic pentameter, I found curious that lots poems are written following this structure… When we talked with CB about Frost’s poem Out Out is was also the mainly scheme.. However there are also pyrrhic Spondee trochee and anapestic feet (* Check out notes below)
Here you can check out the poem and its scansion.
I am very interested in these subjects, but they are very complex indeed!
Sending al my very wishes and I will be at your blog very soon… Hugs. Aquileana 😀
____
(*)
The pyrrhic (the word is both the noun and the adjective) is a metrical foot of two unaccented syllables.
Spondee is a metrical foot that has two stressed syllables
A trochee /ˈtroʊkiː/ or choree, choreus, is a metrical foot used in formal poetry consisting of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one
anapestic A metrical foot composed of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented one, as in the word seventeen.
Hmm… I could totally be wrong, and it could be considered a full Petrarchan Sonnet. My source on sonnet formats has been the English wikipedia, and we know wikipedia is not always 100% reliable. I should have left my first comment stating that, so I wouldn’t sound as sure I was right. I hope I didn’t come across rude, pointing out what I’ve found in my casual research. In truth, I haven’t looked into it deeply.
I think that if Yeats and others wrote in the format you shared, it is most likely a true sonnet form, and most likely considered a true Petrarchan form, as you likely found in your likely more in depth research.
To tell the truth, I do not feel like I know all that much about poetry forms, as awhile back, when we spoke about the renga cycle of tanka, it was something I was not familiar with. I pretty much do my own thing with poetry, and follow the general guidelines of what feels like just a few poetry forms to me. As to the Fusion Sonnet form, I suppose I do know a little about that, but that is a modern form, and when I write in it, I really only make it a point to follow the rhyme scheme and the repeat of the first and fifth line rules! As you said you are interested in the complexities of forms, here are the rules for the Fusion Sonnet, in a chart I created to help me remember them:
I loved learning about Castor and Pollux, but I’m totally flummoxed as to why the brand of dog food I buy for my hound shares this name. Every idea I come up with seems thin and doesn’t really connect to the mythology. I may just have to pen a query to the makers of the food to ask for an explanation.
Regardless, Auquileana, I always ALWAYS learn new and interesting things with your posts.
And now I shall harness my swans and give everyone a lovely Sunday drive. 😛
Oh I didn´t know about the brand of dog food… But found it online: http://ecosites.org/images/castor-pollux-organix-pet-food.jpg You are right!… That´s very odd… How does the mythological twin brothers match here?… No clue!… Let me know if the makers of the food give you further explanations LOL 😛 Have a wonderful week and thanks a lot for dropping by, dear Shelley. Aquileana 😀
OMG! Thank goodness there was a God inside the swan!
Can you imagine what a field day the Press would have with this story today?
“Princess raped by Swan! God arrested and will be arraigned on charges Tuesday.”
A wonderful and interesting tale. The web being woven is extremely intricate. Much to reflect upon.
Helen of Troy is one of the few Myths I knew before beginning to read your blog, so as you can imagine…. my head is spinning!
Thank you, Aquileana! xo
LOL, Resa!!!… Well I’d be more aware of odd guys out there than of swans for sure…
Helen of Troy, the most beautiful mortal woman and an element of discord… I don’t know if you remember “the Judgement of Paris”… Well, the Trojan War all its ignominies start there… Clytenmestra will (re) appear later on and she will kill her husband Agamemnon.
►Greek Mythology: “Agamemnon’s Family and the War of Troy”:
All my best wishes … Hugs ⭐ Aquileana 😀
Si l’histoire de Zeus et Leda ne m’était pas inconnue je complète mes connaissances en ce qui concerne Castor et Pollux .
Toujours aussi bien illustré ,
Bonne semaine
Bises
Salut Gisèle … Merci beaucoup. Je suis heureuse de savoir que ce mythe t’a plu. Je t’ embrasse et je te souhaite une très jolie semaine. ⭐
Aquileana 😀
Dear Aquileana, thank you for the nomination for the Versatile Blogger Award. Here is my reply: https://michellemaya2005.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/my-totem-necklace/ Best wishes, Mihaela!
Thank you! I am checking out your blog right now!…
Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Mi querida A. ⭐
¿Quién diría el cisne…? Tan elegante, sobrio y ..¿erótico? Cuando mire La muerte del ídem o El lago de los ¿ídemes? (ji) me sonrojaré con la timidez que se espera de una dama.
Ahora bien, que el fruto del amor (¡cuánto eufemismo!) se materialice en huevos me sorprende viniendo de esta gente que no era precisamente recatada.
El poema de Yeats y su (tu) análisis me ha dejado pasmada. Cubres todas las aristas y visiones A. No hay quien pueda con vos. 🙂
Te mando un abrazo extenso, de esos de largo aliento para que alcance para toda la semana. V.
PD: … y casi olvido felicitarte por los premios >>> ¡Enhorabuena!
Que buen comentario (siempre dudo cuando estoy por poner bello, lindo o hermoso, es recato estilístico, digamos)… Me ha gustado lo de sonrojarse como se espera de una dama. Aunque pueda parecer un eufemismo… “Los caballeros no tienen memoria y las damas se sonrojan” 😛
Lo de nacer de un huevo es algo interesante, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que los hijos no eran aves y que en definitiva Zeus adoptaba formas de animales varios, en forma evidentemente circunstancial …
Lo que me pareció genial fue que Leda tuviera cuatro hijos (dos en cada uno de los huevos)… dos mujeres (mellizas, Clitenmestra y Helena de Troya) y Castor y Polux (mellizos)… A su vez, cada uno de los mellizos de cada par corresponde a un padre distinto (uno por el marido de Leda, Rey de Esparta, otro por Zeus).. Es maravillosamente complejo!…
Abrazo y nos hablamos pronto… Que tengas una excelente semana, amiga. Aquileana 😀
Que tengas una super requete buena semana, Aquileana 🙂
Muchas gracias, Graham…
Te deseo lo mismo ⭐ Un abrazo. Aquileana 😀
Me ha costado un poco de trabajo leer algunas partes (mi inglés es bastante rudimentario), pero ha valido la pena totalmente. Desconozco casi por completo la mitología griega pero siempre me ha parecido que encierra una enorme complejidad. Y bueno, aquí queda claro. El poema del cisne, no sé si llamarle hermoso, pero cuando menos es “poderoso” (supongo que en el buen y en el mal sentido, por lo que implican las palabras en el dichas). Un gusto leer semejante entrada.
Hola Daniel… Un gusto enorme conectar con vos y lamento decepcionarte con el idioma… Hubo un momento en que tuve que pensar en escribir en Inglés, principalmente por mi necesidad de incrementar el manejo de mi primer idioma extranjero. Con el tiempo los avances fueron notables… Por otra parte, es una manera de llegar a mayor número de lectores.. Y bueno, es!… Me alegro de que te haya gustado el post y el poema de Yeats… Coincido: poderoso es un buen adjetivo para definirlo… Muchas gracias por pasar. Un abrazo! Aquileana 😀
Es que, digamos que en mi vida sólo tuve 3 años de educación formal en inglés y fue en una epoca en la que no le prestaba demasiada atención. Aún así lo aprendí relativamente bien, pues hoy en día fue todo lo que lo estudié (hace ya 10 años o poco más) y lo entiendo relativamente bien, aunque eso no quita que haya cosas que se me escapen y palabras en especifico que desconozca 😛 Yo he pensado hacer eso también – es curioso que lo digas -, traducir mis textos al inglés para llegar a más personas y de paso me sirve para poner a trabajar a la ardilla en mi cabeza. Quizá un día de estos lo intente, a ver si me funciona. Un abrazo 😀
Es una buena alternativa… Al menos para tenerla en cuenta… Con la lectura y la escritura se aprende mucho… Lo mismo con la tele en inglés !… Un abrazo, Daniel. Aquileana 😀
Enhorabuena por los premios, por cierto 😀 Bien merecido el reconocimiento.
Muchas gracias, Daniel ⭐ Aquileana 🙂
Fascinating how captivated painters have been by this story. What a lot of children she has, including some of the most famous women of history. 🙂 I’ve heard Helen of Troy was a redhead. I wonder if it was true.
Hi Bren!~
Thanks for dropping by… It is always a pleasure to have you over here… As to your question… Well now that you mention it, almost all Helen’s paintings I have came across depict her as readhead… Interesting detail… Thanks for highlighting it!… Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
I thought so. 🙂 I wonder if Leda was a redhead, too. Interesting that the red-haired gene would have had to come from Zeus if he fathered Helen. Religion and science creating interesting collisions of facts. LOL
You are right , mainly if we keep in mind that Leda wasn’t red-haired 🙂
Sending hugs, dear Bren! Aquileana 😀
Red hair comes from both sides always! 🙂
Bella amiga nos sigues ilustrando en mitologìa, te lo agradezco. Mira que transformarse en cisne. Un abrazo y ramos de oliva para ti.
Gracias querido Rub… Me alegro mucho de que te haya gustado la entrega. Un abrazo para vos! Aquileana 🙂
Great work dear Aquileana 🙂 Congratulations on your awards my friend
Thank you very much, dear Leyla.. I appreciate your words, my friend… Have a great week!… Best wishes, Aquileana ⭐
Now how in the world did Leda get away with her behaviour????
Hi Shelley!~ I second your statement 😛
I think she might have seduced that swan as well… Not such an innocent prey…
Best wishes! Aquileana 😀
Buona giornata Aquileana, qui da due giorne che piove…
Un abbraccio, Omar
Grazie Mille, Omar ⭐
Buona giornata per te!
I migliori auguri, Aquileana: D
Leda was a naughty brilliant woman! Her daughter Helen (of Troy) whose beauty drove men mad, was an absolute tragic figure no matter how you feel about her. To witness the Trojan War!! Shivers. Wonderful writing & beautifully researched.!
Such a great comment … you have summed it all up in a very concise way.
Thank you very much!… I appreciate your words here!… Best wishes! Aquileana 😀
A real treat to arrive at your posts and read your meticulous work on Greek mythology and feast my eyes on the wonderful collection of fine related paintings ! Great choice to include Yeat’s sonnet,I particularly like this poem for its powerful and evocative language … All the very best to you my lovely friend Aquileana 🙂 Sending U Love & Peace ❤
Have a brilliant day , Doda ●○●♡۰•●○●
Hi my dear Doda! ⭐
Thanks for such a beautiful comment!… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the mythological delivery!… Zeus was the Ruler of appearances and metamorphosis, don’t you think?…
I am glad to know that you enjoyed Yeats’ poem as well… I think he did a masterful work with that sonnet!…
All my best wishes to you, Aquileana 😉
Only ? He was the Ruler of the Universe,transformed and transforming to satisfy his desires,to destroy or favour humans’ lives ..
Of course,we are metaphorically speaking about the absolute “Deception of Zeus” which reveals the Metaphysics of Existence.To my eyes,Zeus is the best paradigm of the self-made man …
If we analyse his multifaceted personality and his transformation into different animals,wild or meek,we will discern some traits of our own “labyrinthine” personalities.We could go deeper and start talking about philosophy and metaphysics that have to do with Zeus appearances and metamorphosis …
Hugs to you my lovely friend Aquileana ~ my Argentinean ⭐ , Doda:)
Hi dear Doda!
Thank you very much for such a clever response… I found your comment very interesting… And I particularly liked the excerpt in which you state that Zeus’ multifaceted personality might be related to our own “labyrinthine” personalities… I will dig into this more as I plan to keep it up with the saga on Zeus’ lovers, so we’ll probably see him again metamorphosed again!…
Sending big hugs ❤ Love! Aquileana 😀
Absolutely,Aquileana Dear.There is so much behind the myths,and the more you dig into,the more you conceive … and the journey of the soul becomes shorter … I have reached too far,I am afraid,best move on,lots to catch up on.Always nice to hear from you.Take care my wonderful friend.
Hugzzzzzzz & kizzzzzzzezz ❤ ,Doda 🙂
Accurate and clever insights my friend… Big hugs to you! Aquileana 😀
Congratulations on your awards!
This was a very interesting post about Leda, along with all the illustrations you found.
Thank you very much dear Clowie. I truly appreciate your words. All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Wow, Aquileana! I love your posts – so informative- and rich with imagery, fact, fiction, myth…phew! Then you answer and converse with ALL the folks who comment! Where do you find the time…and energy? You are seriously one passionate lady! Everything is sooo interesting.
Thank you for the nomination (apologies for the delay – internet issues!) – I am seriously honoured that you included me! With respect, though, I have decided to keep my blog ‘Award free’. I find great reward in people reading, liking and following the piece of me I ‘put out there’ in my writing. My available energy and time restrict me enormously (MS is not for the weak-hearted!!:). I do hope you understand (I will be adding a text box to the blog to this effect soon as am starting to receive more and more awards – can’t manage it! 😦
I really, really appreciate your nomination and do hope you stay with me as we ride these cyber-winds. With deep respect and humility, Rob
Dear Rob!… I absolutely understand your reasons and would say that I might second your statements at times… however I try to keep it up with the awards because I think it is a good way to interact with new fellow bloggers..
As to blogging itself, well I am posting twice a month since the beginning of this year… I just was finding difficult to catch up when I posted once a week!.
I hope that we keep in touch as I love your writing!…
Al my best wishes and thanks for dropping by! Aquileana 😀
Dear Aquileana,
Thanks so much for understanding and I can relate to your reason for the awards – it has been a dilemma for me to make the decision to become ‘Award free’! I can really relate to your decision to post twice a month, in the end quality takes precedent over quantity! Have you noticed any effects since you made the change? I would love to keep in touch – love your postings and your informed community. Thank you for your kind words and response! 🙂
Hi Rob!~
Thank you very much for the thoughtful response…
I much appreciate it!…
As to your question regarding the effects or differences I have noticed, well I;d say they are positive at the end..
I interact more fluently with bloggers and it seems I have more visits on each post as more peeps get to read each post, I guess!
I am sending you all my best wishes!. Thanks for dropping by! Aquileana 😀
Yep – quality over quantity!! Thanks for your response – and please keep up the great work you do here – see you soon! Best wishes…
Poor Leda! And the poor bewildered midwife who delivered her newborn eggs!
Thanks for including Yeats’ poem here, dear Aquileana, which I hadn’t read for ages and which is so marvellous. The analysis of the poem was very insightful, too.
Have a charming Tuesday 🙂
The story of the set of twins born from two eggs mesmerized me!… and Yeats’ poem is a masterpiece… I admire him for being able to summarize the myth and its eventual aftermaths in just 14 fourteen verses!~
Thanks for dropping by dear Sue… Your words are always appreciated!. All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Aquileana: ¡muchas felicidades por todos los premios que has recibido últimamente! ¡muy merecidos! ¡cada entrada es una preciosidad! ¡y muchas gracias por lo que me toca a mí! ya me daré tiempo para visitar a los premiados. Un beso, Ale.
Es un gusto.. Un abrazo para vos! Aquileana ⭐
I always learn so much about Greek mythology when I visit this blog. I had no idea about Leda and it was just a sad story in a way. I loved this.
Kay of Pure & Complex
http://www.purecomplex.com
Thank you very much for your comment!.
I truly appreciate your words.
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana ⭐
Reblogged this on Sindy's Saturday Satsang.
Hi dear Sindy… Thank you very much for reblogging this post… I much appreciate it ❤ All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
Pleasure~
wow, magnificent info. how much you work hard dear Aquileana to collect such valuable info with pictures. great post. thank you
You have so much culture, history and mythology to draw on, that it’s quite stunning. I really enjoyed this post about Zeus and Leda.
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your comment, dear Otto!. I truly appreciate your words… 🙂 All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
I’ve been reading a history of the Mediterranean Sea recently and I read about the fall of Troy the other day, what an amazing story backed by archaeological evidence. Greek myths are so fascinating which is why I keep gravitating to your wonderfully informative site.
Hi dear Ste… Thanks for such a thoughtful comment… The fall of Troy: well that’s interesting… I bet the story of the wooden horse of Troy appeared as well… Thanks for stopping by.. Your comments are highly appreciated…
All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
The King of Libido strikes again … then again, the light isn’t shining on Tyndareus.
Such a clever comment, dear Frank… You are right I’d say that King Tyndareus was also a victim here!… All the best to you. Thanks for dropping by! Aquileana 😀
Wherever do you get your art work? So beautiful. It was interesting how visceral the feeling is reading the Yeat’s poem. The story and it’s resulting path toward the Trojan War is a curious tell of karmic debt. I was only aware of half of this story, so loved the read. Great work.
Hi dear Noelle… Thanks for the thoughtful and clever comment… I agree with you with regard to Yeats’ poem… I think his sonnet is powerful and I am still blown away by his ability to depict the whole story in just 14 verses!…
I appreciate your insights very much… All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
This was a fascinating story Aq. You mentioned that Helen was kidnapped and taken to Troy. I was under the impression she fled her husband and ran off to Troy to be with Paris? 🙂
Hi D.G… Great to read your comment… Thanks for stopping by ❤
As to your question, Helen was abducted by Paris… Well the whole story started with a golden apple and the conquent "Judgement of Paris":
"The war originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Athena, Hera and Aphrodite after Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, gave them a golden apple, sometimes known as the Apple of Discord, marked “for the fairest”… Zeus sent the goddesses to Paris, who judged that Aphrodite, as the “fairest”, should receive the apple. In exchange, Aphrodite made Helen, the most beautiful of all women and wife of Menelaus, fall in love with Prince Paris, who took her to Troy"
Link: https://aquileana.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/greek-mythology-agamemnons-family-and-the-war-of-troy/
Sending much love… Best wishes!… Aquileana 😀
Thanks for the lowdown. Ok, that’s what I thought. I knew about the apple story, and that’s what I thought, Paris took her to Troy, willingly. Thanks for your wonderful stories my friend. 🙂 xo
And thanks for being YOU… Happy week ahead, D.G! Aquileana 😀
Intriguing! But what an odd coupling.
Thank you very much dear Gallivanta… I am glad to know that you enjoyed the post and found this myth intriguing!… Best wishes! Aquileana 😀
fascinating reading as always. loved the poem. also love learning something new about my beloved mythologies every time I visit your blog!
Hi dear freya! Thank you very much for such a beautiful comment… I really appreciate your words!…. All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
Swan as muse…love this. And what is more seductive than having the muses on our side? Great post!
Whar a beautifully penned response. Thank you very much for dropping by. Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Hi Aquileana! How are you?:-)
Bea
Hi Bea… I am fine, I hope you are doing well too!… Wishing you a great weekend ahead ❤ Aquileana 😀
I did not know about Leda. Zeus was truly a charmer ehh? Good info about Greek Mythology!
Thank you very much… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed it!.
Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Hermanada en premios.
Hermanados, claro! … Aquileana ⭐
Siento como hermano tus logros.
Un beso grande.
Rubs
Ahhh!…. Mil gracias Rub…. Hermano patrio.
Un abrazo y buen fin de semana para vos, Aquileana 😀
Gracias a ti.
Un beso.
Rubs
Buongiorno cara Aquileana
Again, you show your mastery of explaining mythology. This story of Zeus and Leda is perhaps much more profound than most would give it credit. A love affair, the symbol of the swan, the treatment of women during the time and thereafter and of warring nations. Never mind the fact of adultery committed! I watched a newer version of Helen of Troy and never once was Polydeuces mentioned! I find that very interesting.
I know I’ve said this before, but I am enjoying your articles on Greek mythology.
Abraccio and have a wonderful weekend
Luciana 😀
Hi cara Luciana… there is an alternative version according to which Helen of Troy might have been Nemesis’ daughter…
And I will be digging into Helen of Troy very soon.. Probably on my next post … As I read this post I understood the first roots of the Trojan War and its further development as Clytemnestra was Helen’s twin sister!… I am glad that you enjoyed the reading, cara. Knowing that means a lot to me…
Buon fine settimana. Abbraccio! Aquileana 😀
Another fascinating post! I truly love the paintings, too. Thank you for feeding my soul 🙂
Wow… What nice to know that I fed your soul…. 😀 Beautiful expression… No wonder why, you are such a poet ! ⭐ Happy weekend Noora… best wishes Aquileana 😀
One of my favorite stories/myth/realities. I absolutely love your blog, and what you do with words and the pictures. Just (I don’t want to say “awesome”) impressive!
Thanks for this great words Badfish… I truly appreciate them!… All my best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
You have many people who follow and reply to your posts. I didn’t know people were so interested in myths, etc??? Or is it the way you present the stuff? Because that is impressive.
Hi Badfish!… Well that is certainly a good question…. I think that both factors might count…
I am also reciprocal towards readers and do so by visiting their blogs… So I guess it is also due to that dynamic element, present among the comunnity!…
Best wishes Aquileana 😀
Yeah, I think you’re right. I find for me it’s as much about the community as it is about my posting. I spend more time “talking” with people than posting! Do I need to get a life?
Te he nominado para el Black Wolf Blogger Award, o el premio dardos… http://wp.me/p5tp9z-9Y
Excelente ⭐ Muchas gracias y enseguida paso a verlo! Un abrazo. Aquileana 😀
Hi, Aquileana, such a beautiful post and well chosen poem from Yeats. There is so much information for one to learn about specific Greek myths! Thank you for inspiring me, my friend! ❤ Enjoy your weekend 🙂 Much love, Iris.
Thanks for your encouragement and I am really pleased to know that you liked the post, dear Iris ❤ I hope you are having a great weekend so far!… Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Gran entrada, y enhorabuena: https://josesala.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/nominacion-premios-black-wolf-blogger-y-dardos/
Hey! … Mil gracias… Creo que tengo un premio tuyo pendiente… Voy primero con ese en, posiblemente, el nuevo post. Luego, el siguiente 😛
Un abrazo! Aquileana 😀
¡Enhorabuena, Aquileana! Un abrazo.
Aquileana, a wonderful post as always. I especially liked that you included the poem, “Leda and the Swan”, by Yeats, as well as the analysis. So much controversy around the mythology of, “Zeus and Leda”, yet in most all the artwork where the story has been depicted, it seems to contradict some of theories and interpretations of the myth. Of course I always love the artwork you select to display with your post, beautiful. Please take good care, and enjoy your Sunday.
Warm wishes,
Pepperanne
Hi dear Pepper!~ Thanks for this great feedback… And I am glad that you liked Yeats’ poem and that you enjoyed the mythological delivery, my friend.
It’s been a while… I can’t wait to read a bunch of your new poems!… Will do that soon ⭐
Have a great week! Best wishes Aquileana 😀
Hello Aquileana,
This post is a real treasure of information and a feast for the eye and ear. Apart from the story, always complicated in Greek Mythology, you have shared the wonderful Sonnet by Yeats and explained the Petrarchan sonnet, blank verse and iambic pentameter. Such a pleasure to hear the poem!.
The selection of paintings is amazing. I like Leonardo da Vinci’s very much because it’s so tender, the moment before the rape. The paintings depicting the rape couldn’t be more explicit.
I didn’t know the Swan was a symbol of the Muses and had erotic connotations. Well, from now on, when I see a swan, I’ll remember Zeus an Leda.
Thank you again for putting it all together for our enjoyment.
Have a great week! Cheers 🙂 Irina
Dear Irina! Thanks for this amazing feedback… And I am glad that you liked Yeats’ poem … I appreciate that you highlighted the scansion of the verses as I found that aspect truly interesting.
I am with you: the swan is a symbol for erotism and I think that Zeus chose that shape because he is just a charming animal…
In many of his usual metamorphosis he transformed himself into an eagle (which was one of his symbols)… Thus the image here is more aggressive and/or violent…
I much appreciate your words here my friend… Have a great week! Best wishes and hugs. Aquileana 😀
Hugs 🙂
Un billet très riche et très intéressant ! Merci Amalia pour ce partage.
Bon dimanche mon amie et gros bisous. https://youtu.be/6fZRssq7UlM .
Merci beaucoup Louis… Je te souhaite une merveilleuse semaine… Gros bisous! Aquileana ⭐
Wonderful post 😊 I hope I can remember all of this.
Thanks dear Charlotte… Well if you forget anything you can always come back 🙂
Have a great week! Best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Yes I do come back 😊 so much crosses over into Opera it’s fabulous. Thank you for sharing 💖
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congrats on your well earned awards! You write terrific posts. Also love the pics you include to help tell the stories. Greek mythology has some amazing images to go along with them.
Hi dear Phil!…. I am happy to know that you enjoyed it, New Yorker Guy!!!… It is always great to have your encouragement… Have a wonderful week! ⭐ Aquileana 😀
Thank you for this post. I didn’t know the story of Leda and The Swan so I learnt a lot by reading it. 😉
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your comment!.
I truly appreciate your words.
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
wonderful post, packed!! with great information 🙂 loved the paintings …now to try to remember I’ve just read!
Thank you very much for dropping by!…. I usually remember the basic points, it is all abou that, I guess… All my best wishes. Aquileana 😀
Amazing.. I loved your work… thoroughly enjoyed your paintings
Thank you very much Kabir… I am pleased to know that you liked the post… Thanks for dropping by and best wishes to you. Aquileana 😀
You’re most welcome, I’m glad to have come across your blog 🙂
And so I am…. 😀 Nice to meet you! … Cheers. Aquileana ⭐
Really nice to meet you too 😀 Cheers! 🙂
Wow you always surprise me with your informative posts. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and the interesting stories with us.
XOXO Julia ❤
Thanks a lot for your lovely words dear Julia… I am happy to know that you enjoyed this mythological delivery… have a great thursday ahead. All my best wishes Aquileana ⭐
ur a human encyclopedia of all the GENIUS out there ……….
seriously amazing ..
and i need to come and read again ❤ ❤ ❤
brilliant educator YOU XXXX
Cxx
And you are such a brilliant inspiration, CF… ⭐ Thanks for dropping by and leaving your footprints 🙂 It is lovely to read your words… Love & hugs, we’ll talk soon, Aquileana 😀
YES …… mega YES ……………. i love being in your magical world of wonder ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
I love being in your amazing anglo creative world as well… ❤ 😛 TTYS! Hugs! Aquileana 😀
❤
A fascinating post! The story of Leda and the Swan is not one that I’ve ever looked at in any depth so I found this very interesting to read. I love the inclusion of the paintings and Yeat’s poem. 🙂
I love reading your insights… Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the mythological delivery!… All my best wishes! Aquileana ⭐
[…] « ►Greek Mythology: “Zeus and Leda”/ Poetry: “Leda and the Swan” by W. B.&nb… […]
Leda and the Swan, one of the most inspiring tales. Thank you for sharing, dear Aquileana. Love your insights, always.
Hugs!
Thank you very much dear Inese ❤
I truly appreciate your words.
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
Liebe Aquileana eine schöne Geschichte einen super Sonntag mit vielen lieben Grüßen wünsche ich dir in Freundschaft Klaus
Ein schöner Dienstag Klaus, mit Frieden und Liebe
Viele Grüße und Umarmungen! Aquileana ⭐
Si yo tuviera que elegir -lo cual, afortunadamente, no es el caso- preferiría recibir a Zeus como lluvia dorada mejor que como cisne. Aunque como cisne, mejor que como toro. Como nube, me lo pensaría. 😉 ¡Cuánto le gustaba a Zeus un disfraz!
Es un punto ineludiblemente concluyente!… Me encantó tu comenatrio Martín… A la brevedad voy a pasar a leer con detenimiento tu blog!… Prometido. Abrazo Aquileana 😀
Muchas gracias Aquileana. Será un honor.
Añado: el cuadro de William Shackleton, que no lo conocía, me encanta. Y el comentario de don Agustín Ayala: ¡Genial! Como la respuesta al mismo (aunque esto último no es una novedad).
Gracias Martín… Estoy con vos en cuanto a la elección pictórica y el comentario de Agustín!… Un abrazo y muchas gracias por leer y comentar. Aquileana 😀
Gracias a ti por todo lo que aportas, Aquileana. Siempre es un placer estar en tu blog.
¡Un abrazo!
Well researched and written post Aquileana and I love the artwork. Many congratulations on your well deserved awards. ❤ with hugs for you, Xx
Thank you for the beautiful comment dear Jane! I am glad to know that you enjoyed the post… Many thanks for your words and congratulations!…. I am sending you all my best wishes! Aquileana 😀
This was a fascinating post Aquileana. and I loved reading about Zeus and Leda.. the poem here too such a delightful addition..
You spent so much time researching all of this and the paintings are out of this world.. Loved it..
Big Hugs your way.. Love Sue ❤ xxx
Hi dear Sue!… Thanks a lot my friend I am pleased to know that you enjoyed this post on Zeus and Leda…. And Yeats´poem as well…. Sending big virtual hugs! Aquileana 😀
My pleasure 🙂 xxxx Hugs back
Mighty Aphrodite you are…Wow, this was like reading a mystery of romance and power: Zeus and Leda. What you give is a powerful, powerful tale and then you let Yeats’ poem take over. Truly a brilliant post.
It is a bit stunning how little I know of Greek mythology, which is not much of a concern because of how you bring such mythology to life. I’ve also taken a new admiration for swans 🙂 With the plus that they were also symbols for the Muses. So perfect. Wishing you the best weekend, especially after providing me such a treat with this post. 🙂
Hi dear Dalo! … Thanks for such a thorough comment! … I much enjoyed reading your inisghts regarding your particular feeling as you got into this post… I am glad to know that you liked it and that this myth resonated with you!… All my best wishes and I appreciate your comment very much. Aquileana ⭐
And best you you Aquileana ~ such a mystery you are 🙂
Interesting! I never knew about this story… Thanks for sharing it Aquileana! 🙂
And I really like this story now that I’ve read it here, the entire swan-seduction thing… fabulous!
Your research and knowledge always amazes me dear!
Have a great day ❤
Thank you very much, dear Heena… Great to now that you enjoyed the reading and like the symbols on this myth… They might be linked to both seduction and transformation, I’d say … I much appreciate your encouraging words… All my best wishes! Aquileana 😀
J’aime beaucoup votre merveilleuse façon de conter cette histoire qui en devient fascinante et j’ai aussi beaucoup apprécié les peintures…..
Merci beaucoup pour ta visite et ton beau commentaire… Amitiés et bonne journée! Aquileana 😀
Love that one, do you know Hungarian Vizsla breed? lots of amazing stuff here: http://hungarian-vizsla.com/
[…] with his future lovers. For example, Zeus consorted with Mnemosyne in the form of a shepherd. Leda was seduced by Zeus in the form of swan. He even fell for a young man called Ganymede, who was […]
You have a great blog…I love mythology…the stories here are very interesting 🙂
Thanks so much for such encouraging words! 😀 happy weekend ahead. Love & best wishes. Aquileana 💫
[…] seven swans would you indulge me for the week? Swimming in sensual serenity, with you laying as my Leda each night, nesting in passionate weakness. Wings outspread taking flight, in downy pillows and […]
Thank you very much for linking back to my post… a great poem!!!!… best to you… happy new year! ⭐
[…] Achilles being the son of the mortal Peleus by the sea-goddess Thetis, and Helen the daughter of Zeus in the form of a swan and of the Spartan queen […]