Atalanta intrigues me. She is the only female to compete among the heroes on their terms. There are female warriors, of course, the Amazons, and Medea, a constant reminder of the older, earthbound powers women can summon. But Atalanta stands not as an opponent or enchantress, but as a peer. Who is Atalanta? She isContinue reading “Atalanta”
Tag Archives: excellence
Theseus
Theseus enters the world where the gods themselves have failed to agree. Athens belongs to Athena by decree, but not by consent. She gives the city the olive; Poseidon strikes the rock and leaves salt, horses, and tremor behind. The contest is decided, yet unresolved. The city will bear Athena’s name, but Poseidon does notContinue reading “Theseus”
Elitism and Aristocracy
Aristo– is a word-forming element meaning “best,” or “of the aristocracy,” from Greek aristos “best of its kind, noblest, bravest, most virtuous”” (of persons, animals, things). In its Greek form, aristos denoted that which was excellent in kind, noble in bearing, virtuous in conduct. It was not yet the title of a class. The aristoi were thoseContinue reading “Elitism and Aristocracy”