dyssey, by definition, is a prolonged, eventful journey, not reserved to the physical, but also to the intellectual or spiritual. The epic poem, the Odyssey, commonly ascribed to Homer, explores elements of human nature. At centre stage, the pitfalls of temptation and the power of cunning over strength. Consisting of 24 books, the poem is crafted in a metric rhythm called dactylic hexameter where each line of the poem comprises six feet, and each foot a 'dactyl'.dac·tyl (n)
A metrical foot consisting of one accented syllable followed by two unaccented or of one long syllable followed by two short, as in flattery.
A finger, toe, or similar part or structure; a digit.
Ornithology. The arrangement of digits on bird feet. See zygodactyl.
Poseidon, as I explained earlier in this exposé,was married to sea nymph Amphitrite. A Nereid, she was the personification of the sea, respected and honoured by sea-farers. Constant and faithful to Poseidon, she respected and loved him and even the progeny of his frequent dalliances. She comforted him when friends, goddesses and nymphs rejected him. Amphitrite, the mother of fish, seals and dolphins, is often spoken of as moaning, especially in storms.
From his domain at the depths of the sea, Poseidon controlled the devastating force of earthquakes and gained the epithet of "Earth Shaker". An enigmatic god he was also the god of fertility. His association with violent storms and the power and changing nature of the sea earned him the reputation of a turbulent and powerful deity, with a violent, vengeful and uncaring disposition. Yes, fellow deities and mortals, alike, feared the wrath of Poseidon. Nonetheless, Poseidon was also a legendary lover and rivaled Zeus, his notoriously promiscuous brother. Despite his name in Greek meaning "Husband of the earth" Poseidon had numerous love affairs, one of his love interests was Aphrodite. When Poseidon saw Aphrodite's naked beauty, he was filled with lust for the love goddess.
He uttered to her, "I claim you for the sea," he said, "You are sea-born, foam-born, and belong to me. I offer you grottoes, riddles, gems, fair surfaces, dark surroundings. I offer you drowned sailors, typhoons and sunsets. I offer you secrets. I offer you riches that the earth does not know-power more subtle, more fluid than the dull fixed land. Come with me, be queen of the sea." Poseidon was the personification of earthquakes, horses, fertility and the rapidly changing nature of the seas and water.
Aphrodite, as legend goes, emerged from the sea foam that symbolised semen and ejaculate. The mythological interpretation of Aphrodite, born from male genitals, is that of sexual power and energy. She was a tall and gorgeous maiden, depicted naked and dripping wet with only the bright tunic of her flaxen gold hair that cascaded her toned and exotic frame. Aphrodite surpassed all the other goddesses in beauty and as a deity of fertility, wherever she stepped, earth burst forth grass, flowers blossomed and the air filled with birds. The goddess of desire, all who uttered her name were enraptured and enchanted with her. Pleasure is Aphrodite’s profession. Her primary focus being ove and sensuality, she was free in her sexual life. Aphrodite would often help others in love. She’s most frequently seen in the company of Eros and the three Graces personifying charm, grace and beauty.
While the myths of Aphrodite feature love and desire, hers is also a tale of how passion is at times a double-edged sword. While several legends of Aphrodite emphasize themes of love and desire, some deal with the consequences that the she suffers as a result of being the victim of love and passion. Yes, Aphrodite was as well known for the pain she brought as she was for the pleasures of sexual passion that she personified. Nonetheless, this goddess of beauty was gentle to those who respected her sensual and complex nature. Aphrodite intoxicated gods and mortals alike, and had a magnetic charm over all birds of the air and creatures that move on the earth or in the waters.
Aphrodite, associated with the sparrow, dove, swan, and swallow, personified love, enchantment, seduction, persuasion, passion, sensuality, light, herbs and flowers and fertility.
Aphrodite sows and gives that love from which all we upon this earth are born. ~ Euripides
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