The Olympians (+Hades) in the modern world
From the start of Greece, the Olympians (and Hades) represent the world in different aspects and stayed with us for thousands of years. They evolved with our times and stayed relevant. I’m here to show you the beauty they made over the years.
Zeus: You see him in the mornings after storms, the morning dew when you go outside with your coffee. You see him when the wind whips through your hair in the middle of the park on a windy afternoon. You see him when the sky starts to fade and make way for the night, colors blending with bold and soft colors. You see him when your wrapped up in a bundle during the rain, watching as the raindrops pitter-patter your window.
Hera: You see her in the married couples who do nothing, domesticity overcoming them over the years. You see her in the women who are comfortable in their own skin, acting with confidence in public. You see her when a new mother sees her baby is being carted off into the nursery. You see her in the families that are spending time with each other and not hazed by the rapid success of technology. You see her in family gatherings with distant relatives.
Poseidon: You see him when you walk along the shore, taking in the salty air, waking you up. You see him the sea creatures playing with each other. You see him when you go horseback riding in the country. You see him when you splash cold water over your loved ones for fun. You see him when you see horses galloping with the train you’re on, trying to see the people. You see him when you scuba dive and see the beauty of nature under the sea.
Athena: You see her in chess players playing strategic moves to win. You see her in class debates, sizing you up with confidence to defend your side. You see her in court, lawyers stating their client’s cases. You see her in children’s creativity making new things. You see her in the hardworking people making authentic products made by hand. You see her in diplomatic meeting, discussing about different issues around the world.
Hermes: You see him in banks, buzzing phone calls all over the place. You see him in the adventurous people wanting to explore the world. You see him down in the docks, fishermen counting money from their troubles. You see him the less fortunate, finding ways to make a living. You see him in the people gambling and lottery, hoping the stroke of luck they had would last long. You see him in friends deciding for cross-country road trips.
Demeter: You see her in the plant lovers. You see her in the tiny succulents in tiny New York apartments. You see her in farmers in the country, exporting their plants and animals to make money. You see her in large and small gardens, the plants swaying with the wind on quiet days. You see her in the people trying to make a difference on pollution. You see her in the greenery when you travel in the middle of nowhere, seemingly untouched but severely taken care of.
Apollo: You see him in doctors, healers, and nurses, watching over their patients with extreme care. You see him artists and singers, letting their heart roam free with their masterpiece. You see him when you look up from under the tree, the sun raining down on you after you take a break from studying. You see him in kids having fun and being happy. You see him in herdsmen caring for their animals. You see him in friends telling about what happens tomorrow, the faith of the future high.
Artemis: You see her in deer running in forests, away from their predators. You see her in hunters honoring their prey. You see her in women who take care of themselves. You see her in worn out but taken care of gardens growing over the years. You see her in women staring at another, positively in love. You see her in the people laughing at the others who call them out of place. You see her in the happy singles, not caring for the standards society has put on them.
Ares: You saw him back in the 1900′s, the people taking over the world. You see him in the friendly riots you and your friends have. You see him in the arguments over stupid things, laughing about what how stupid that was. You see him in the confident people sticking out for their beliefs. You see him people defending and standing for themselves against bullies, having enough. You see him in the strong people, mentally, physically, and emotionally which is all of us.
Aphrodite: You see her during moments with your friends, the love in the air as you laugh along something stupid another has said. You see her in the mirrors in moments that you appreciate your body. You see her in people who walk with confidence and taking no shit from anyone. You see her in couples having dates. You see her in the crushes dancing around each other, doing sweet things for the other. You see her when your having a good day, happy with yourself.
Hephaestus: You see him in campfires, the blazing heat keeping you warm in the woods. You see him blacksmiths, hands hardened and minds full of ideas. You see him when you’re at home and up against the fireplace. You see him in the sculptors telling a story. You see him in the rusting that shows how long the monument survived and lived in the world. You see him the creators wanting to make a lasting mark on the world.
Dionysus: You see him in the strawberry fields when farmers harvest and grow their plants. You see him in the bad decisions people make while drunk, the chaotic beauty that you couldn’t do when you’re sober. You see him in people who want to change sexuality to feel happy with themselves. You see him after a sexuality change and the overall happiness the person give after. You see him in the obnoxious laughter you and you’re friends have, away from all the worries of life.
Hestia: You see her in the comfort of your friends, spending time with each other. You feel her in the warmth your body has after a cup of coffee made to your standards. You see her in the faces of your loved ones showering you with affection. You feel her when you take a bath after a bad day. You see her in the warm embrace by someone you haven’t seen for years, taking in that familiar sense of home.
Hades: You see him and Thanatos in married couples dying, their heartbeats stopping together. You see him graveyards, surveying over families visiting loved ones. You see him in people reminiscing over memories that lasted lifetimes ago. You see him in lost stories and legacies retold that lost all meaning. You see him in people mourning a dead loved one, tears streaking down their face but memories full of happiness.
Even though some gods are dicks (albeit quite literally), there are still some goodness in unfortunate ideas.
