Children Of The Dawn: Old Tales Of Greece

In the heart of ancient Greece, where myths and legends interweave with reality, lies a collection of stories that have captivated the imagination of generations. These stories, known as "Children Of The Dawn," are a testament to the power of storytelling and the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

The Birth of "Children Of The Dawn"

The origins of "Children Of The Dawn" can be traced back to the ancient Greek civilization, where oral storytelling was a cherished tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, these tales served as a way for families to connect with their ancestors and learn important life lessons.

Children of the Dawn: Old Tales of Greece

by Elsie Finnimore Buckley (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	532 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	251 pages
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The stories often revolve around gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, depicting their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. They shed light on various aspects of Greek life and explore themes such as love, jealousy, bravery, and honor.

The Characters That Come Alive

One of the captivating aspects of "Children Of The Dawn" is the array of memorable characters that populate these tales.

1. Zeus - The All-Powerful Ruler of the Gods

Zeus, the king of the gods, plays a central role in many of these tales. He is known for his lightning bolt and his wisdom. Zeus embodies the power and authority of the ancient gods, making him a figure of both admiration and fear.

2. Aphrodite - The Goddess of Love and Beauty

Aphrodite, with her enchanting beauty, is another prominent character in "Children Of The Dawn." She is often associated with love, desire, and fertility. Aphrodite's various exploits and love affairs bring forth the complexities of human emotions.

3. Heracles - The Hero of Many Feats

Heracles, also known as Hercules in Roman mythology, is a famous hero whose extraordinary strength and bravery are consistently put to the test. His Twelve Labors and encounters with various monsters showcase his indomitable spirit and determination.

4. Medusa - The Gorgon With Petrifying Gaze

Medusa, one of the most iconic figures in Greek mythology, strikes both awe and terror. Her snake-like hair and petrifying gaze turn anyone who looks directly at her into stone. The legend of Medusa serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance and vanity.

The Timeless Lessons Within

While "Children Of The Dawn" is filled with captivating adventures and mythical elements, it also imparts timeless lessons that remain relevant to this day.

1. The Power of Perseverance

Through the trials and tribulations faced by the heroes and heroines of these tales, we learn that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. Whether it's Heracles completing his Twelve Labors or Odysseus' long journey home, these stories emphasize the importance of never giving up.

2. The Consequences of Hubris

Hubris, or excessive pride, is a recurring theme in "Children Of The Dawn." Characters like Icarus, who flew too close to the sun despite his father's warning, face dire consequences for their arrogance. These cautionary tales remind us to be aware of our limitations and not let hubris cloud our judgment.

3. The Complexities of Love

Love, in all its forms, is a central theme explored throughout the tales of "Children Of The Dawn." From the passionate love between Aphrodite and Ares to the unbreakable bond between Odysseus and Penelope, these stories delve into the complexities of human emotions, reminding us of the power and pitfalls of love.

The Enduring Legacy

Even today, "Children Of The Dawn" continues to inspire countless works of art, literature, and film. From the paintings of renowned artists to modern retellings of these tales in books and movies, the influence of Greek mythology is undeniable.

Rediscovering the Magic

As we delve into the world of "Children Of The Dawn," we embark on a journey of discovery and imagination. These tales allow us to reconnect with ancient Greek culture, seek meaning in timeless stories, and experience the wonder that comes with embracing the unknown. So, immerse yourself in the enchanting tales of "Children Of The Dawn" and let your imagination soar.

Children of the Dawn: Old Tales of Greece

by Elsie Finnimore Buckley (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	532 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Children of the Dawn: Old Tales of Greece by Elsie Finnimore Buckley

by Arthur Sidgwick

Illustrations by Frank C Papé

1. The Riddle of the Sphinx
2. Eros and Psyche
3. Hero and Leander
4. The Sacrifice of Alcestis
5. The Hunting of the Calydonian Boar
6. The Curse of Echo
7. The Sculptor and the Image
8. The Divine Musician
9. The Flight of Arethusa
10. The Winning of Atalanta
11. Paris and OEnone

The aim of this volume is to present, in a form suitable for young readers, a small selection from the almost inexhaustible treasure-house of the ancient Greek tales, which abound (it is needless to say) in all Greek poetry, and are constantly referred to by the prose-writers. These stories are found, whether narrated at length, or sometimes only mentioned in a cursory and tantalising reference, from the earliest poets, Homer and Hesiod, through the lyric age, and the Attic renaissance of the fifth century, when they form the material of the tragic drama, down to the second century B.C., when Apollodorus, the Athenian grammarian, made a prose collection of them, which is invaluable. They reappear at Rome in the Augustan age (and later), in the poems of Vergil, Ovid, and Statius--particularly in Ovid’s “Metamorphoses.” Many more are supplied by Greek or Roman travellers, scholars, geographers, or historians, of the first three centuries of our era, such as Strabo, Pausanias, Athenæus, Apuleius and Ælian. The tales are various--stories of love, adventure, heroism, skill, endurance, achievement or defeat. The gods take active part, often in conflict with each other. The heroes or victims are men and women; and behind all, inscrutable and inexorable, sits the dark figure of Fate. The Greeks had a rare genius for storytelling of all sorts. Whether the tales were of native growth, or imported from the East or elsewhere--and both sources are doubtless represented--once they had passed through the Greek hands, the Greek spirit, “finely touched to fine issues,” marked them for its own with the beauty, vivacity, dramatic interest, and imaginative outline and detail, which were never absent from the best Greek work, least of all during the centuries that lie between Homer and Plato.

The eleven tales here presented from this vast store are (as will be seen) very various both in date, character, and detail; and they seem well chosen for their purpose. The writer of these English versions of ancient stories has clearly aimed at a terse simplicity of style, while giving full details, with occasional descriptive passages where required to make the scene more vivid; and, for the same end, she has rightly made free use of dialogue or soliloquy wherever the story could thus be more pointedly or dramatically told.