In the dark and chthonic realms of ancient Greek religion, few deities inspired as much dread as the Erinyes, known to the Romans as the Dirae or Furiae and often translated as "The Furies." These female personifications of vengeance pursued those who committed heinous transgressions against the natural order, hounding them relentlessly until the demands … Continue reading Furies
Writing Challenges
Eros
The Primordial Archer In the most ancient Greek sources, Eros was no mere cherub... he was one of the primordial gods involved in the creation of the cosmos itself. The pre-Socratic philosopher Parmenides depicted Eros as the very first deity to emerge into existence. Hesiod's Theogony listed him as the fourth god after Chaos, Earth, … Continue reading Eros
Dionysus
In the captivating realm of Greek mythology, few deities command as much mystique and intrigue as Dionysus, the god of wine, vegetation, fertility, and ritual ecstasy. His myths weave a tapestry of paradoxes... revered for bestowing the gift of wine and revelry, yet feared for the madness and frenzy he could unleash. Join us as … Continue reading Dionysus
Cerberus
Etymology: A Name Shrouded in Mystery The etymology of Cerberus' name has puzzled scholars for centuries. Some have attempted to link it to the Sanskrit word "sarvarā," meaning "spotted," while others have proposed Greek roots like "creoboros" (flesh-devouring) or "ker berethrou" (evil of the pit). However, as the classical scholar R.D. Ogden notes, a definitive … Continue reading Cerberus
Bellerophon
In the grand tapestry of Greek mythology, few heroes loom as large as Bellerophon, the divine slayer of monsters whose hubris ultimately led to his downfall. A figure shrouded in conflicting narratives, Bellerophon's exploits have captivated storytellers for millennia, embodying the eternal struggle between mortal ambition and the wrath of the gods. Origins and Early … Continue reading Bellerophon
Sunday Scribblings #165
Welcome to Sunday Scribblings on The Confusing Middle! Each Wednesday I've been providing these prompts and inviting my fellow bloggers to write and share something based on these prompts. But it's been a long time since anyone other than myself participated. So I'm pretty sure this will be my last attempt to get folks to play along. … Continue reading Sunday Scribblings #165
Sunday Scribblings #164
Welcome to Sunday Scribblings on The Confusing Middle! Each Wednesday I’ll provide you, my blogging friends, with a new prompt. Once you see what the prompt of the week is, head over to your blog and write something in response. There are no rules for what you write. It can be fiction. It can be non-fiction. It … Continue reading Sunday Scribblings #164
2024 A to Z Challenge – Theme Reveal
I feel like I'm always debating with myself at this time of the year. Do I participate in the April A to Z Challenge or not? The answer, since 2019, has usually been yes. I say usually because, for some reason, I didn't do it last year. Looking back, I'm pretty sure I didn't participate … Continue reading 2024 A to Z Challenge – Theme Reveal
Sunday Scribblings #163
Welcome to Sunday Scribblings on The Confusing Middle! Each Wednesday I’ll provide you, my blogging friends, with a new prompt. Once you see what the prompt of the week is, head over to your blog and write something in response. There are no rules for what you write. It can be fiction. It can be non-fiction. It … Continue reading Sunday Scribblings #163
Sunday Scribblings #162
Welcome to Sunday Scribblings on The Confusing Middle! Each Wednesday I’ll provide you, my blogging friends, with a new prompt. Once you see what the prompt of the week is, head over to your blog and write something in response. There are no rules for what you write. It can be fiction. It can be non-fiction. It … Continue reading Sunday Scribblings #162
The Confusing Middle 