We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Beating the Odds…Lucky Folktales Around the World to Brighten Your Day. Each post highlights that the stars aligned and what would have normally been…bad…turned out after all. Considering what we – as humankind – have experienced the past year, how nice is it to remember that all of us can “beat the odds” to some level in our lives.
And we’ll admit now…some are actually myths, legends, or epics rather than only limited to folktales. So is that a type of “loading the dice”? Ah, but the stories were too wonderful to pass by.
To understand the “odds,” we will tell you how or why someone or something is dangerous.
APOLLO-
From Greece-
Apollo, known as the Sun god, can be nice when he wants to be. Though, any of the Greek gods and goddesses are dangerous to some degree including the more even-tempered Athena, the Wisdom goddess. It’s more fun when the gods play tricks on each other to the point of benefiting humankind forever after.
So how dangerous are we talking for Apollo?
Well, he did kill the six sons of Niobe while his twin sister, Artemis, killed the six daughters of Niobe. Never brag about how many kids you have as this was an argument between Niobe and Leto – mother of Apollo and Artemis. Then, in all of Niobe’s grief, she was eventually turned into a stone to over see her homeland and remain in her sorrows. That stone part – that was Zeus. Many times things get dangerous whenever Apollo feels the need to avenge his mother. Yet, Apollo was terrible around women. Plenty ran from him – and not all escaped. You heard of Daphne calling to the gods to save her? She wasn’t worried about her life. So, yeah, dangerous.
50-word-or-less summary:
Baby Hermes created first lyre-tortoise shell/sheep guts. Music! Stole 50 cows from Apollo. Made cows walk backwards (trickery). Apollo found Hermes. Apollo enchanted by lyre. Traded cows for lyre. Hermes made first reed-pipe. Apollo traded with golden staff/ability to see future. Hermes becomes messenger god. Zeus gives helmet, swift shoes.
Hermes got lucky. And…lucky us! Between the lyre and the reed-pipe, music flourished in the world.
Finding the Story:
“The Robber Baby: Stories from the Greek Myths” by by Anne Rockwell
Please share in the comments…or anything on your mind. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings with virtual as well as proper-distanced/masked/outdoors. We are excited for the monthly All Things Story virtual workshop series as well as Story Crossroads Festival on May 10-13, 2021 (then viewing beyond the event to June 15, 2021). Interested in deeper articles and e-workbooks plus stories, activities, and recipes? Then pursue Story Crossroads Memberships.
As we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you can also support by donating today!
Love the 50 word summary of the story, will enjoy those this month 🙂
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/01/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-a/
You know? It never occured to me that Greek gods really are dangerous.
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – The Great War
I still love your theme 🙂 And yes, let’s talk about how Apollo is dangerous. I’ve never really liked any story about him. There was a Greek concept of the “Wolf Apollo”, who is a merciless perfectionist, and destroy everything that has a flaw. I know some people like that.
The Multicolored Diary
I love trickster energy and I love Hermes, so this win against Apollo makes me very happy.