Homework HelpGreek Mythology TodayOlympian GodsGreek HeroesLove StoriesBeasts and CreaturesMyth of the MonthZodiac, Stars and Constellations




Greek Mythology Today
CLASSICAL SAYINGS AND CLICHES FROM MYTHOLOGY PAGE THREE
I am adding a new section consisting of common sayings and clichés from mythology

Here are some classical sayings and clichés involving the Olympian gods

Apollonian control - from the Olympian god Apollo, god of light, the arts, prophecy and more; Apollo had the gift of predicting the future, hence it was said that he knew everything before it occurred, giving him ultimate control over events.Tthe phrase relates to Apollo and his cult and means, "Characterized by clarity, harmony, and restraint."

Bacchanalian orgies - Bacchus was the Latin version of the Olympian Dionysus, Greek god of wine; the expression signifies "riotously drunken merrymaking; "a night of bacchanalian revelry"; "carousing bands of drunken soldiers"; "orgiastic festivity". Needless to say, Bacchanalian orgies were followed by severe hangovers, and probably more than a few regrets!

Dionysian license - derives from Dionysus, revered god of wine; it has come to mean, "Of an ecstatic, orgiastic, or irrational nature; frenzied or undisciplined." Very similar to the Bacchanalian orgies mentioned above.

Hermetic seal - The word hermetic comes from the name of the Olympian god Hermes, via the vocabulary of alchemy. The alchemists invented a process for making a glass tube airtight, which was used in distillation. The process used a secret seal whose invention was attributed to the legendary patron of alchemy, surnamed Hermes Trismegistos. The term today means "airtight", or "impervious to gas or air."

Jovial countenance - of or pertaining to Jove, or Jupiter, the Latin version of Zeus, king of the Olympians. The term has come to mean "endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good fellowship, such as a hospitable host."

Junoesque proportions - from Juno, the Latin version of Hera, wife to Zeus and Queen of the Olympians. It has come to represent "having stately bearing and regal beauty like Juno". It also has a secondary usage, meaning "large or huge woman."

Martial music - derives from Mars, the Latin version of the Olympian god of war, Ares. Martial music or military music is a specific genre of music intended for use in military settings. Martial music has been employed in battle for centuries, sometimes to intimidate the enemy and other times to encourage combatants, or to assist in organization and timing of actions in warfare.

CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR!
CLICK HERE!

[HOME] [PAGE ONE] [PAGE TWO] PAGE THREE] [PAGE FOUR]

Homework HelpGreek Mythology TodayOlympian GodsGreek HeroesLove StoriesBeasts and CreaturesMyth of the MonthZodiac, Stars and Constellations

Visit Thanasi's Olympus!

Web, myth narration and graphics created and maintained by Nick Pontikis
Copyright © 1995 Nick Pontikis Thanasi's Olympus Greek Restaurant
Copyright 1999 mythman.com greekmythologytoday.com mythmaniacs.com
The Myth Man persona copyright 1988 Nick Pontikis