Gods, Heroes and Men of Ancient Greece by W. H. D. Rouse

Author:W. H. D. Rouse [Rouse, W.H.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101663615
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2001-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

XXI. Cupid and His Mother

While the heroes were hidden among the reeds, their friends in Olympos were not forgetful of them. Hera in particular sought out Athena, and said, “What shall we do about the Golden Fleece? Do you think Jason will be able to persuade King Aiêtês to part with it? He has a wonderful tongue to persuade, and he always loves gentle words. Or will they have to fight for it? And how can so few fight against so many? Give me your advice.”

Athena said, “Really I do not know what to say. I have been considering many plans, but I cannot think of a good one.”

They were silent awhile, with their eyes fixed on the ground. Then Hera said:

“I will tell you what. The king’s daughter, Medeia, is skilled in all sorts of charms and spells. Would she help? What if she were to fall in love with Jason? Suppose we ask the help of Aphroditê.”

“Well,” said Athena, “I do not understand those things, I never cared much myself for gods or men, but by all means let us try.”

So they went to the house which Hephaistos, the smith-god, had built for Aphroditê when he married her. He was away at the forge; but they found the goddess on a seat facing the door. Her golden hair was loose, and covered her shoulders; she was parting it with a golden comb, and just about to bind it up into braids. When she saw them, she rose, and greeted them, and gave them seats, gathering up her long hair in one hand, and said:

“Good friends, what brings you here? I have not seen you this long time; you do not often visit my humble home.”

She said this, because her husband was not quite of the first rank, and Hera disliked him, although he was her own son. Aphroditê thus felt her vanity hurt a little. But Hera said:

“Ah, you are making fun of us! But this is a serious matter which we come about. Jason and his company are now on the river Phasis, in quest of the Golden Fleece, and I do not see how they can get it. Jason at least I am determined to save. I cannot abide that Pelias, who neglects my sacrifices; but I do love the young man. Once I was on earth, trying men, to see how they behaved: I took on me the likeness of an ugly old crone, and sat down by the side of a rushing river, when he came along. Then I begged him to help an old woman, and he took me up on his shoulders, ugly though I was, and carried me across the river. So I will certainly save him, and punish Pelias for his neglect.”

“Well,” said Aphroditê, “what can I do? I will help you if I can.”

Hera said, “You can help us, indeed. Just tell your boy Cupid to shoot one of his arrows at Medeia, and make her fall in love with Jason.

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