Now for a bit more Greek Mythology:
Contrary to popular belief, the statue in Piccadilly Circus in
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| Eros & Psyche Source: http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Pr-Sa/Psyche.html |
Their mother was Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Beauty, Passion and Procreation.
Eros is depicted in statues and paintings as a full grown, beautiful man. His relationship with Psyche, the Goddess of the Soul was a somewhat troubled one. Eros’s beauty and radiance was said to be almost dangerous, therefore Psyche was never allowed to look at his face, to have visits from him in the dead of the night (this is all for her own safety, you understand).
Eventually Psyche, goaded by her sisters and family that Eros must, in fact, be ugly, gets fed up with this ‘bollocks’ thus one night, strikes a match and lights an oil lamp in order to see her beloved.
What happens? Well, she seems him and trembles so hard at his beauty that the oil lamp is spilt onto Eros, causing him burns. He flies away from her shaking, physical desire and is understandably pretty p*ssed off, 1) that he’s burnt and 2) that his beloved doubted him enough to not follow his rules.
Aphrodite, Eros’s mother is also p*ssed at Psyche and tries all manner of things to get rid of her, mostly by trying to kill her by asking her to collect water from the River of the Dead.
Eros, meanwhile, is recovering from his injuries and eventually does so, defies his mother and marries Psyche.
You see girls? Desire can be a dangerous thing and mothers-in-law can be even worse. Greeks sure know how to explain modern day phenomenon’s well, and trust me, Greek mothers and their sons are the WORST. Not all Greek men are as strong as Eros and stand up to their mothers.
C. S. Lewis used the story of Cupid (i.e., Eros) and Psyche as the basis for his “Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold.” Lewis retells the myth from the viewpoint of Orual, Psyche’s older sister. It is probably his most mature novel. Interesting that you should mention Eros and Psyche, because today I was looking up a few sentences from the close of “Faces” that I intend to cite in something I am writing.
Love it! Really funny but so true!
I have been giving a lot of thought to this Greek parent/child relationship. Always, the mother-in-law steals the spotlight and rightfully so.
Being a mother of three boys and seeing their father hug, rub shoulders or the back of necks of almost full grown sons, well, I just melt.
Greek men do this a lot with their sons (no matter the age), brothers, nephews and yes, buddies! In the beginning, I used to find this very feminine and it made me feel uncomfortable coming from America. Now, I can only feel respect and admiration for this type of affection because only a very CONFIDENT man can express his love in this manner without feeling threatened.
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing my husband approach our boys, place his hand on the back of their neck with such tenderness and say ‘agori mou’, ‘andra mou’!
Desire can be a dangerous thing and mothers-in-law can be even worse.
ROTFL!!
Look forward to your challenge run…
–Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Thanks for the comments and glad I’m inspiring you. Russ: great minds must think alike!
Sonia: I disagree I’m afraid – I don’t think it’s right how much ‘sway’ mother-in-law’s have and have numerous girlfriends who’ve had relationship break ups because of the ‘unhealthy’ relationship between a Greek woman and her son. It’s almost boardering on the obsessive and ‘incestious’, but that’s a whole other story about Oedipus that I’ll write about for ‘O’
I love mythology. This DOES make me wonder if mothers-in-law were put here to cast a shadow–and not a good one.
Since I’m a M-I-L, I need to reflect. 🙂
Love your blog
Teresa
Oh yes – I should be careful not to tie all MIL’s in with the same brush! But to be honest, there’s something rather ‘unique’ about Greek men and their mothers – everyone I know says so. I will look at this under my ‘O’ post.
And I love your short stories Teresa!
Good luck with the Challenge.
Beccy, I must’ve not made myself clear. I do agree about the mother-in-law issues. There’s no arguing there. When I said that she steals the spotlight, I meant from the Greek father. Not much is ever said about the relationship of the father and their children. Rightfully so- meaning that the mother-in-law has earned her reputation.
I, too, have seen how incestuous and destructive these mother-son relationships can be.
I just thought to give the side of the father, which is more endearing than that of the mother-in-law.
Are they twin brothers?
Neer – I’m not sure if they’re twin.
Sonia – Yes, I misunderstood then, my apologies.
Oops ! Missed one ? Sorry Bex , have been too busy trying to book a flight to Athens for October when I`m meeting up with old friends on the island of Paros ! Sorry , will try to keep up for the rest of the month x
Don’t worry Sue – it’s nice to have a loyal follower! I think you missed “D” and I’ve just posted “F” – take you’re time, they’re up here for good!
Enjoy the planning of your trip – that’s all part of the fun.
Well Bex, I get confused easily ? LOL, just love your sunny outlook on life & really love your blogs ! Each one reminds me of happy times in the last 30 years & I can relate to your experiences x
Nice to be able to have followers who can relate – that’s good :0)
Thanks for the compliments and keep looking at the Challenge!
I love Greek mythology!
And a man who can stand up to his family for the person he loves is worth his weight in gold!
Completely agree, Jennifer – it takes a real man to stand up to his mother!
Neer: sorry you’re having trouble getting updates from my blog…I’ve fiddled with the settings, to no avail. I need an expert!
Completely agree, Jennifer – it takes a real man to stand up to his mother!
Neer: sorry you’re having trouble getting updates from my blog…I’ve fiddled with the settings, to no avail. I need an expert!