*a knock on the door startles Rhea and she drops her powder compact*
Dahling! What a fright you gave me! But don’t fret, my makeup always looks perfect no matter what happens. Please have a seat, and let me take a look at you. Hmmm….yes, you will do just fine, though I might do a touch-over or two here and there.
Now–I see you have a curious glint in your once-jaded eyes. Who wouldn’t be a bit jaded after visiting with Brother Oceanus? *chuckles* Let me explain a few things to you to satisfy that curiosity.
I happen to be the goddess Rhea, the “mother of the gods”. Not all of them, to be sure. But quite a few, which would rank me up there maternal-wise with that vixen Nyx and that Pollyana-ish Tethys. The Greeks finally decided I was the mother of the Olympians. I didn’t live with them, however, given that I’ve got this plush condo up here. Shhh, don’t ask where “here” is, sweetling. A diva must keep some secrets! I’m also considered to be a goddess of ease and comfort. Isn’t that just adorable?
My spouse is Cronus, whom you’ll be visiting next. My brood of children include Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia (Zeus had a tendency to want to swallow them knowing that it would be “off with his head!” by one of his offspring, so I sneakily hooked up with Mummy and Daddy to save at least our cute baby by hiding him in a cave). Cronus and I ruled as King and Queen during the Golden Age. I wear this lovely gold bracelet for sentimental reasons to remember that era.
Most depictions of me show me on my throne, with my pet lions nearby or even riding around on my decked-out starry chariot drawn by my handsome kitties. As usual, they tried to pin what’s-her-name?, oh yes, Cybele, on me. *delicate snort* Those demmed Romans! See that picture? That’s not Cybele no matter what they say! *humph*
I was first worshipped in Crete–my temple priests and priestesses were such wonderful devotees! I can still hear their supplications ringing in my ears! Just listen to this Orphic hymn:
“To Rhea, Fumigation from Aromatics. Illustrious Rhea, to my prayer incline, daughter of various-formed Protogonos divine, who drivest thy sacred car with speed along, drawn by fierce lions, terrible and strong. Mother of Zeus, whose mighty arm can wield the avenging bolt and shake the dreaded shield. Brass-sounding, honoured, Kronos’ blessed queen, drum-beating, fury-loving, of a splendid mien. Thou joyest in mountains and tumultuous fight, and mankind’s horrid howlings thee delight. War’s parent, mighty, of majestic frame, deceitful saviour, liberating dame. Mother of Gods and Men, who from Gaia (Earth) and spacious Ouranos (Heaven) derives her glorious birth. The ethereal gales, the deeply spreading sea, Goddess, aerial-formed, proceed from thee. Come, pleased with wanderings, blessed and divine, with peace attended on our labours shine; bring rich abundance; and, wherever found, drive dire disease to earth’s remotest bound.” *happy sigh*
*Rhea glances in her gilded mirror* Well, my dahling, I must get back to finishing my face and then I must get a manicure. Cronus and I have a date this evening over at the Titanium Club, the most posh club in the heavens. And I still have to figure out what to wear. This ole thing will never do (I wore it last year to the Annual Titans Fund Ball). I’ve also got to remember to feed my lions soon; they get cranky and refuse to purr when they don’t get their Lion Chow.
Be well, and enjoy your visit with Cronus. Please tell him not to be late!
Start the full tour – HERE!
{for AncientWorlds’ annual GoldFest 2008}
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