Aphrodite

[Arion]

I'm a bit disturbed by how Aphrodite is generally perceived, the blonde, pink, ditzy cheerleader type, to be used to spells with pink hearts made out of pink construction paper to help girls find romance. From the good stuff I've read, that is not her at all.

Let me describe what I think of her. She is the Greek adaptation of the Asian goddesses Ishtar and Ashtaroth, who were both basically the most important goddesses in their pantheons, if I am correct. They ruled heaven, Earth, and sea, were represented by the moon, and had power over sexuality as a sacred and solemn manifestation as divine creative power. Aphrodite is a sea goddess, the sea is seen as a womb of life, which just shows her connection to creation. The myth of her birth is similar to that of Eurynome, the primal goddess who rose out of chaos and danced over the sea, giving birth to creation. Most of her myths depict her as being somewhat of a slut, cheating on her husband with Ares and having tons of children by other men as well. This might have something to do with the fact that in pre-Olympian times, there used to be orgies enacted in her honour, which were seen as "adulterous indescretions" by the Hellenes. To her worshippers, they were a way to commune with the Great Goddess of Desire. She has many titles that show she is way more than a love goddess:

Epitymbria (of the tombs)
Scotia (dark one)
Melaenis (black one)
Urania (heavenly)
Hetaira (coutesan)

These are the ones that come to mind right now. To some this up, Aphrodite is the Goddess of sexuality and desire as very solemn and sacred things. She is also goddess of death, fertility, and she has links to the primal mother goddess. Actually, of all the other Greek goddesses, I think she has the most in common with Hecate. She is not some superficial ditz, or a cheap whore. She represents very dignified female sexuality as the ultimate primal creative force of the universe. Okay, rant over.

[Theres]

I'm a bit disturbed by how Aphrodite is generally perceived, the blonde, pink, ditzy cheerleader type, to be used to spells with pink hearts made out of pink construction paper to help girls find romance. From the good stuff I've read, that is not her at all.

who sees Her like that? :confused:

[David19]

I've never seen her as a 'superficial ditz or cheap whore', i've always thought of Aphrodite as being an independent god, someone that will have sex with whoever she wants, when she wants, not for fertility or anything (like on a lot of sites and books, like wiccan and other 'pagans', all goddesses seem to be only for fertility), she seems to have some things in common with Lilith also, especially the having sex for sex's sake, being independent, etc.

As for cheating, it's not that bad of a crime. I've asked her for help before, and she seems to respond.

BTW, is there anything in the myths, or from personal experience that suggests what her attitude to homosexuls are (or any LGBT person), i've heard that some of her priests were transgendered, is it true?, and she always seemed, when i hear about her, to be a god who doesn't care about who you want to have sex with or love (as long as its legal). Anyway, anyone know?.

This thread did provide me with some new information on though :).

[Philosophia]

BTW, is there anything in the myths, or from personal experience that suggests what her attitude to homosexuls are (or any LGBT person), i've heard that some of her priests were transgendered, is it true?, and she always seemed, when i hear about her, to be a god who doesn't care about who you want to have sex with or love (as long as its legal). Anyway, anyone know?.

From http://www.crystalinks.com/aphrodite.html
Plato considered that Aphrodite had two manifestations, reflecting both stories, Aphrodite Ourania ("heavenly" Aphrodite), and Aphrodite Pandemos ("Common" Aphrodite). According to Plato these two manifestations represented her role in homosexuality and heterosexuality, respectively (homosexuality being more divine for Plato).Alternatively, Aphrodite was a daughter of Thalassa (for she was born of the Sea) and Zeus.

From http://www.infopt.demon.co.uk/social14.htm
The substantive source for Ulrichs’s theory was not heterosexualist medicine, but Plato’s Symposium, in which Pausanius says that love for males is the offspring of Heavenly Love (Aphrodite Urania) who is the daughter of Uranus, while love for females is the offspring of Common Love (Aphrodite Pandeumia) who is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. Ulrichs modified the Platonic/Pausanian terms in accordance with German linguistic usage and came up with Urning for homosexual male, Dioning for heterosexual male, Urningin for lesbian and Dioningin for heterosexual female. As Ulrichs became more widely acquainted with other homosexuals, he realized there were many varieties, and he expanded his system of classification:

Check these links:
Uranian Poets (http://www.glbtq.com/literature/uranian_poets.html)
Oxford Uni. Press (http://www.us.oup.com/us/companion.websites/0195153448/studentresources/chapters/ch09/?view=usa)
Oxford Uni. Press (http://www.us.oup.com/us/companion.websites/0195153448/studentresources/chapters/ch09/commentary/?view=usa)
Aphrodite (http://www.pagannews.com/cgi-bin/gods3.pl?Aphrodite/Venus)
Archetype of Gay (http://www.whitecranejournal.com/wc01038.htm)
Hellenistic Women (http://members.tripod.com/~Kekrops/Hellenistic_Files/Hellenistic_Women.html)
Pride symbols (http://web.asua.arizona.edu/~pride/pride.htm)
Plato (http://members.aol.com/matrixwerx/glbthistory/plato.htm)

[Arion]

thanks for the links Minerva Mind:)

BTW, is there anything in the myths, or from personal experience that suggests what her attitude to homosexuls are (or any LGBT person), i've heard that some of her priests were transgendered, is it true?, and she always seemed, when i hear about her, to be a god who doesn't care about who you want to have sex with or love (as long as its legal). Anyway, anyone know?.

I'm a homosexual person and I've been devoted to her for quite a while now, and my experience has been pretty good... lol. The Greek culture was very open-minded towards homosexuality in general, so that would not be a problem. Aphrodite was the mother of Hermaphroditus by Hermes, so she definitely has some queer associations. I can't remember where, but in one of her places of worship she was depicted with a beard, so gender can be blurry with her sometimes, which is good. Hehe. I don't know if she had transexual priests, from what I've read, she mostly seemed to have female priestesses, but anything is possible.The goddess Cybele, who Robert Graves described as being a different form of Aphrodite, had male priests who would castrate themselves. I don't know if that means anything. And apparently, Aphrodite was also the patron goddess of lesbians.

You're definitely right about her independence, she is exremely so. She is owned by no male and she does what she pleases without shame or guilt. That's why I love her so much. :)

Anyway, the main point this thread was mean to express is that Aphrodite is a very important goddess, and her image shouldnt be spoiled by any superficial reputation she may get. Robert Graves described her as being the Great Goddess of the Mediterranean, and I'm just trying to do my bit to restore some respect for her.

[Snapdragon]

My impression is that when oh-so-worldly Wiccans sigh and speak in ironic tones about "fluffy bunny" or "white bread" Wicca, they are usually speaking of Aphrodite. Now, I see their point...and I have to say that, at least in my own experience, the "solemn" aspect of Aphrodite as embodiment of feminine sexual power is overdone. The Greeks themselves were a lot more celebratory than proscriptive, though if you study their society, it was arch-patriarchal, too. Maybe 'solemn' here just means 'to be taken seriously,' in which case I certainly see the point.

When I first entered Wicca, it was Aphrodite who drew me, and who was the moving inspiration behind Beloved Goddess, which I calligraphed and issued as a devotional booklet in the 80s (it's posted here in the Poetry section, obviously not in calligraphed form). I look back on that time and the entire feeling that suffused that work, and celebrate it as one of the most reverential and satisfying parts of my life.

There's nothing wrong with "soft" goddesses--nor with fierce ones. There's a reason for how you're drawn, and to whom; the important thing is to raise Power, and with it, to transform yourself and world.

[Akhkharu Asgard]

She is not some superficial ditz, or a cheap whore. She represents very dignified female sexuality as the ultimate primal creative force of the universe. Okay, rant over.

Not according to The Iliad.

[Arion]

My impression is that when oh-so-worldly Wiccans sigh and speak in ironic tones about "fluffy bunny" or "white bread" Wicca, they are usually speaking of Aphrodite. Now, I see their point...and I have to say that, at least in my own experience, the "solemn" aspect of Aphrodite as embodiment of feminine sexual power is overdone.

*raises eyebrow* Who said anything about Wicca, or fluffy bunnies, for that matter? This is a thread about Aphrodite, pure and simple. Actually, it was her character on 'Xena: Warrior Princess' (my fave show :p) that really got me thinking about thinking about how she is perceived by the general public. It had nothing to do with "fluffy bunnies." I haven't even heard of many Wiccans who work with Aphrodite.

Not according to The Iliad
Not according to many of the patriarchal myths written about her. I'm trying to express how her image changed after the Olympian pantheon was formed.

I like what this website has to say, even if it isn't all that professional.
http://www.paleothea.com/SortaSingles/Aphrodite.html

and this website is good too, especially the article about Aphrodite as Queen Bee. it shows her fiercer nature
http://www.moonspeaker.ca/Aphrodite/aphrodite.html

[Akhkharu Asgard]

Actually, it was her character on 'Xena: Warrior Princess' (my fave show :p) that really got me thinking about thinking about how she is perceived by the general public. It had nothing to do with "fluffy bunnies." I haven't even heard of many Wiccans who work with Aphrodite.


[/URL]

Oh, don't forget Hercules: The Legendary Journeys with Kevin Sorbo.

[_Banbha_]

Originally Posted by Snapdragon: ...and I have to say that, at least in my own experience, the "solemn" aspect of Aphrodite as embodiment of feminine sexual power is overdone. The Greeks themselves were a lot more celebratory than proscriptive, though if you study their society, it was arch-patriarchal, too. Maybe 'solemn' here just means 'to be taken seriously,' in which case I certainly see the point. There were many cultures throughout the layers history of 'Greece.' It seems one was more patriarchal than the next, the apex being the Dorians. Atleast until Orthodox Christianity got a foot hold. The Illiad is a cartoon version of myth. edited to add: I do like a good cartoon.

[_Banbha_]

Leave Crete,
Aphrodite,
and come to this sacred place
encircled by apple trees,
fragrant with offered smoke.

Here cold springs sing softly
amid the branches,
the ground is shady with roses,
from trembling young leaves,
a deep drowsiness pours.

In the meadows,
horses are cropping
the wildflowers of spring,
scented fennel blows on the breeze.

In this place,
beloved Lady of Cyprus,
pour the nectar that honors you
into our cups,
gold
and raised up for drinking.
Sappho of Lesbos

http://www.lunaea.com/goddess/love/aphrodite.html

[jelly.belly]

I've personnally never seen her like that, I always imagined her with goldenish pale brown hair. :P :D Seriously, I've always imagined her like more of an amazingly beautiful seductress with a very free sexuality, to me it doesn't make her a "cheap whore" or, when you think about it, a ditzy cheerleader for that matter :D Though I have to admit I've never seen her as a fertility goddess, love/sex goddess yeah, but fertility no. And I just realized that unconsciously I always associated her with death in a way or another since sex is, in a way, a death of some kind.

[Arion]

I've personnally never seen her like that, I always imagined her with goldenish pale brown hair. :P :D

Haha, but everybody knows shes a RED HEAD!! lol. Red heads are the sexiest, naturally ;) Since she is a Great Mother goddess, it is natural for her to have associations with fertility. She's quite multi-faceted, she can be sexual AND nurturing, go figure.

Another title of hers I forgot to add is "Androphonos" which means "man-slayer," yet more evidence there is a lot more to her nature than the Olympian myths portray. She is not either fierce or soft. She is BOTH.

[seekerofknwoledge]

I don't know, I see Her as a cross between girly and full blown, jaw dropping sexy/powerful. I always joke that She's like my "older sister/aunt" who knows all the best gossip! But really I see Aphrodite as representing both sides of attraction in that way. She has a great deal of sexual prowess and power that She never hesitates to use, but at the same time she is somewhat "girly."

And I definetely picture her as a redhead!

[Vincent Verthaine]

Well,according to mytholgy,Aphrodite is portayed as being vain,shallow,vindictive and petty.

She cheats on her husband Hesphestus with Ares,gets busted by him(Eris tipped him off),and She and Ares gets dragged around Olympus like a pair of cheap ho's caught in a net

And lets be honest,who really is at fault for the Trojan War.

Yes we all know the story,Eris doesn't get invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis,
( and let's set the record straight,it's not because Eris was a troublemaker.By Hades,even Bacchus was present,and everyone knows how he get's when he get.
It's because Eris was that weird goth chick that Suzie Cheerleader and the rest of the Popular Goddesses clique shuns all the time)
how she creates a Golden Apple with the word Kallisti (To the Prettiest One) carved on to it,tosses it into the Banquet Hall,how Hera,Aphrodite,and Athena (you'd think at least Athena would have a little more common sense),
see the Apple and fight amonsgt each other,yadda,yadda,yadda.

Errr,excuse me,but it doesn't take a deity to realize that at a wedding,the Prettiest One is the Bride.The Apple was a Wedding Gift For Thetis.

Aphrodite is one third the reason why the Trojan War happened,but Eris got all the Blame.

The only Mortal she ever loved(Adonis) really didn't want anything to do with her.

And what about Her son,poor Eros/Cupid.Does anyone really know who the baby daddy is?

Some Goddess of Love.

[Baron von Hoopla]

And what about Her son,poor Eros/Cupid.Does anyone really know who the baby daddy is?

Some Goddess of Love.

I heard it was Chuck Barris.

Eris has always told me that Pallas Athene and Aphrodite get way too much credit from we humans. Athene is known as the goddess of 'wisdom' but from what I understand on Limbo Peak she is viewed very much like Rabbit from the Pooh stories . . . Aphrodite gets a bit of a bad rap for sleeping around too much, but that's really not a big problem on Mount Olympus unless you're Zeus and Here is around, or you're Athene, the prude . . . they all do it . . . Aphrodite just louder than others . . .

[ILOVEAUTUMNS]

has anyone ever seen the paintings Peter Paul Reubens did of Aphrodite??

men sure knew what beauty was back then!!! (curvy women!!!!!)
I think of my Goddesses in this light... very curvy and life bearing!!!

I think part of Goddess worship is embracing all the different shapes and sizes of beautiful women that life bear for us all!!!!

[Agaliha]

Um, this way be a stupid question...

In all the historical sources and texts is Aphrodite described as being blonde haired? Or looking how she is percieved nowdays?
Could it be that's the image we associate with her because of Renissance painting and other later works of art?
Maybe she looks totally different that the blonde haired, blue eyed, fair skin "sex goddess" people think she is?
I don't know, just a thought.

[Feroxyhite]

Blonde hair and red hair in the modern mind as well as in ancient minds is often percieved as a sexual trait because it's a recessive trait, unique, and thus adds more status to offspring. These days, with all the hair dying, it seems to be dying out in the sexual meme but in the days of the ancients, it was a helluva lot more present. Apollo was fair-haired to represent his status as a sexually attractive youth (whether he 'appears' this way or not, it's a reinforcer of the fertility aspect of him)

Aphrodite quite probably was blonde for these reasons.

[Theres]

Apollo was fair-haired to represent his status as a sexually attractive youth (whether he 'appears' this way or not, it's a reinforcer of the fertility aspect of him)

His being the Sun God probably had something to do with it too.

[SilentDreams]

I like your thoughts on Aphrodite.

I've never acctually met anyone who thinks of Aphrodite like you mentioned in the beginning of your post. But I'm not surprised to hear that.

Honestly with just a little thought anyone can see that she's a very dignified diety. I mean to be the Goddess of Love makes her very important. Love to me is one of the most powerful things in existence. So I would highly doubt the dieties in charge of it are "ditzy" or "dump blondes". I can see how some people would think that but it just shows lack of focus on what it truly means to rule over something so amazing.

[Arion]

I like your thoughts on Aphrodite.

I've never acctually met anyone who thinks of Aphrodite like you mentioned in the beginning of your post. But I'm not surprised to hear that.

Honestly with just a little thought anyone can see that she's a very dignified diety. I mean to be the Goddess of Love makes her very important. Love to me is one of the most powerful things in existence. So I would highly doubt the dieties in charge of it are "ditzy" or "dump blondes". I can see how some people would think that but it just shows lack of focus on what it truly means to rule over something so amazing.
Thanks for your input, Silent Lover. I suppose my biggest issue with how people see her is that, she's never really mentioned unless someone wants to do a love spell. It's like she's more for love magic than for worship. I think it's more of a current fad, since in early Gardnerian writings, Aphrodite is given a lot of respect as an important aspect of the Wiccan Goddess, she is even one of the names for the Goddess mentioned in the Charge of the Goddess. While I don't personally see her in the Wiccan context, I'm happy that she is respected like that.

I know she is commonly thought of as a goddess of love, but I don't know how accurate that is. I mean, she seems more like a goddess of erotic, carnal lust and desire. Pure, shameless sex. I don't really recognize her as the romantic type. Maybe the ancients saw love differently than we do today.

[MacMorrighan]

I'm a bit disturbed by how Aphrodite is generally perceived, the blonde, pink, ditzy cheerleader type, to be used to spells with pink hearts made out of pink construction paper to help girls find romance. From the good stuff I've read, that is not her at all.

Eeeuuuwww... Lemme' guess: You've been skimming RavenWolf's witchcrap, or her acolytes, right? _tsk_ [:uzi: To Ride A Silver Broomstick] (Okay, I'm saorry, that last bit was pretty uncalled for... :smoke: Although, She is a potent Goddess in all forms of love Magick, sex Magick, and various sensual Rites.

Indeed, like you, I am constantly disturbed by the wannabes that abuse our Gods as nothing more than a "correspondance" for some mamby-pampy "spells"! Thanks, SRW!

But, of course, I'm personally against compartmentalizing the Gods in such a simplistic form-- they're far too complex!

Let me describe what I think of her. She is the Greek adaptation of the Asian goddesses Ishtar and Ashtaroth, who were both basically the most important goddesses in their pantheons, if I am correct.

Yes, they were deeply loved Goddesses, however, if I remember correctly, Istar is a Near Eastern Goddess, rather than Asian. Ultimately, Her origins may be found in Africa [Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol & Spirit].

They ruled heaven, Earth, and sea, were represented by the moon, and had power over sexuality as a sacred and solemn manifestation as divine creative power. Aphrodite is a sea goddess, the sea is seen as a womb of life, which just shows her connection to creation. The myth of her birth is similar to that of Eurynome, the primal goddess who rose out of chaos and danced over the sea, giving birth to creation. Most of her myths depict her as being somewhat of a slut, cheating on her husband with Ares and having tons of children by other men as well. This might have something to do with the fact that in pre-Olympian times, there used to be orgies enacted in her honour, which were seen as "adulterous indescretions" by the Hellenes. To her worshippers, they were a way to commune with the Great Goddess of Desire.

Her cult also had male homosexual hierodules as well ["Sacred Prostitutes"], a thought that often seems to bother modern Pagans, to an extent, which is unfortunate (in fact, it's a key compoenent that usually gets left out!). PRUDES! :devil:

She has many titles that show she is way more than a love goddess:

Epitymbria (of the tombs)
Scotia (dark one)
Melaenis (black one)
Urania (heavenly)
Hetaira (coutesan)

Her epithet as Aphrodite Melaenis make Her a Witch-Goddess, for it was the Greek Poet, Pinder, says that She taught her son, Jason, how to "draw down the dark moon" when he needed Magick powers, for the "Dark Moon" was apparently called "Aphrodite Melaenis".

Furthermore, She is envisaged as a so-called "War-Goddess", being armed in Sparta, I believe. While She is also clearly transgendered in some iconographic depictions, hence the "bearded" Aprhodite statues of the Goddess. By extension, She is also linked with the hermaphroditic Diety, Aphroditos.

These are the ones that come to mind right now. To some this up, Aphrodite is the Goddess of sexuality and desire as very solemn and sacred things. She is also goddess of death, fertility, and she has links to the primal mother goddess. Actually, of all the other Greek goddesses, I think she has the most in common with Hecate. She is not some superficial ditz, or a cheap whore. She represents very dignified female sexuality as the ultimate primal creative force of the universe. Okay, rant over.

Interestingly enough, in the 3rd.-century, CE. Hekate was invoked on defixiones [lead "curse" tablets] in Gay male love-and-binding spells. She was also called "shining of gold" and "Aphrodite's hand maid"!

While Aphrodite, as Aphrodite Anosia, in Thessaley, may have presided over Rites of Lesbian Sadomasochism [Cassell's], and was even referred to as Androphonos, or "Man-Slayer" where She may have also presided over Rites of Castration [op. cit.], which likely has its origins in Her birth as the mutilated genitals of Her Father, Knonos ["Time"] fell into the sea-- both the sea, and genitals, were regarded as masculine, to the Greeks, so Her name, "Foam Born" seems to imply that She was born of a man-- moreso, She was born of the "coupling" or two "men", or masculine "energies," as it were.

She even poured Her favours upon the "unwarlike and effeminite" prince of troy, Paris, by blessing him with a retinue of eunichs. And, as Aphrodite Urania, was apparently the Tutelary-Goddess of men-loving men. Furthermre, Her Divine-Son, Eros, was also the Patron of male homosexual love-- He formeda "homoerotic trinity" at gymnasia with both Hermes and Herakles.

Take care,
Wade

[MacMorrighan]

BTW, is there anything in the myths, or from personal experience that suggests what her attitude to homosexuls are (or any LGBT person), i've heard that some of her priests were transgendered, is it true?, and she always seemed, when i hear about her, to be a god who doesn't care about who you want to have sex with or love (as long as its legal). Anyway, anyone know?.

David, as a Gay man, I always find such information fascinating, so kindly look to some of the information i've supplied re: Her in the most previous post, please. ;)

All my best,
Wade

[MacMorrighan]

My impression is that when oh-so-worldly Wiccans sigh and speak in ironic tones about "fluffy bunny" or "white bread" Wicca, they are usually speaking of Aphrodite.

Hey, that's a new one for me-- gotta' write that down for future references... ;)

[MacMorrighan]

Um, this way be a stupid question...

In all the historical sources and texts is Aphrodite described as being blonde haired? Or looking how she is percieved nowdays?
Could it be that's the image we associate with her because of Renissance painting and other later works of art?
Maybe she looks totally different that the blonde haired, blue eyed, fair skin "sex goddess" people think she is?
I don't know, just a thought.

While it is true that Greek women do have blonde hair (for some reason, I alkways thought they dyed it!) She almost certainly would have had dark hair, as She originated from the Near East.

[Arion]

[FONT="Times New Roman"][SIZE="3"]

Eeeuuuwww... Lemme' guess: You've been skimming RavenWolf's witchcrap, or her acolytes, right? _tsk_ [:uzi: To Ride A Silver Broomstick] (Okay, I'm saorry, that last bit was pretty uncalled for... :smoke: Although, She is a potent Goddess in all forms of love Magick, sex Magick, and various sensual Rites.
Hehe, guilty as charged. SRW's books aren't that bad... but i guess she has her faults.

Thank you so much, MacMorrigan, for expanding on what I started and demonstrating how complex Aphrodite is. There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and hopefully we've cleared some up a bit. I'm so glad people are interested in this thread and that people are still posting in it.
Her cult also had male homosexual hierodules as well ["Sacred Prostitutes"], a thought that often seems to bother modern Pagans, to an extent, which is unfortunate (in fact, it's a key compoenent that usually gets left out!). PRUDES!
It is rather strange that some modern Pagans are so eager to seperate themselves from certain ancient practices. I guess since it's a predominantly Christian society, we've got to be acceptable by their standards if we want to be taken seriously. Who says Pagans don't have orgies? ;)

In all the historical sources and texts is Aphrodite described as being blonde haired? Or looking how she is percieved nowdays?
Could it be that's the image we associate with her because of Renissance painting and other later works of art?
Maybe she looks totally different that the blonde haired, blue eyed, fair skin "sex goddess" people think she is?
I don't know, just a thought.
I don't remember coming across any information that described her having a specific hair colour. Since Aphrodite was worshipped in Crete, I assume that's where she got her fair looks. I personally like to imagine her as a red-head since I am one also, but she probably did have dark hair originally.

[jelly.belly]

While it is true that Greek women do have blonde hair (for some reason, I alkways thought they dyed it!) She almost certainly would have had dark hair, as She originated from the Near East.

Since when do Greek women have blond hair? Not that some don't, but most greek women have hair ranging from light brown to dark brown, sometimes black, but very rarely blond...

[MacMorrighan]

Since when do Greek women have blond hair? Not that some don't, but most greek women have hair ranging from light brown to dark brown, sometimes black, but very rarely blond...

Well, a British Witch-friend of mine, who's been to Grece, first mentioned it to me, and I've seen it for myself in the documentary I Still Worship Zeus-- this was definately blonde; there was no light-brown about it! :)

[CheshireEyes]

The gods appear as how you would perceive them, they have as many faces as there are eyes to see them...

[Little Billy]

These are the ones that come to mind right now. To some this up, Aphrodite is the Goddess of sexuality and desire as very solemn and sacred things.

Um, have you ever read Homer?

[Arion]

Um, have you ever read Homer?
no, i have not

[Little Billy]

no, i have not

Maybe you should. Aphrodite was just as petty as all the other Greek gods.

Basically, she allowed a horrible war, just to feed her ego.

[Arion]

Maybe you should. Aphrodite was just as petty as all the other Greek gods.

Basically, she allowed a horrible war, just to feed her ego.
Well nobody's perfect, not even a goddess :p

But it was a story written by a human, probably for entertainment purposes, not by any divine inspiration of a religious nature.

[jelly.belly]

Well, a British Witch-friend of mine, who's been to Grece, first mentioned it to me, and I've seen it for myself in the documentary I Still Worship Zeus-- this was definately blonde; there was no light-brown about it! :)

ok... thats weird, seriously, we are talking about Greek women right? Not their representation or something right? Coz, I've personally never been to Greece, but being half Greek and having quite a few Greek friends, I can say that none of them (or members of their families), man or woman, is blond... Maybe it's just the people I know lol! Though, I know this might sound cliché, but in My Big Fat Greek Wedding (very acurate portrayal of Greek families btw lol!), she does mention that as a child she envied her classmates (before going to Greek school) because they were blond haired and blue eyed... I dunno, maybe it depends where you are in the country! lol!

[Little Billy]

Well nobody's perfect, not even a goddess :p

But it was a story written by a human, probably for entertainment purposes, not by any divine inspiration of a religious nature.

Problem is, every account agrees.

In addition, what Homer was to his society went far beyond "entertainment".

[semi]

I agree, Homer goes far beyond entertainment. I have based my life on the wisdom and teachings of Mr. Simpson.

[Arion]

Problem is, every account agrees.

In addition, what Homer was to his society went far beyond "entertainment".
Hmm, then I'll definitely have to read some of his work.
I agree, Homer goes far beyond entertainment. I have based my life on the wisdom and teachings of Mr. Simpson.
lmao! nice.