I am semi-not really-not at all actually-new to Tumblr ☆⭒⭒ Hyper-fixations ⭒⭒☆ S I L K S O N G & COTL greek mythology/iron lung/rain world… ⭒⭒☆⭒⭒ Folk of the air soon… (hihi if you read this early lol)
Well, he fights bandits/robbers quite often, scaring off Pelasgian pirates. He's also chased down pirates that carried off women.
In (Servius, Commentary on Virgil's Aeneid), Hymenaios kills a whole band of robbers by himself.
There's also this:
“Hymenaeus at Athens freed virgins during the most savage wars, for which reason those who are getting married invoke his name, as if he were the liberator of virginity” (Servius, Commentary on Virgil's Aeneid; 1.651) translated with translator
So he's been to [several] wars before (though I'm pretty sure this is when he's a God already? I don't remember)
There's also the fact he was mentored by Chiron in (Apollodorus, Library), if that counts for anything.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to powerscale anything lol, so do what you will
PLEASE WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO LET PTHONOS BE HAPPY?!
WHAT DO YOU WANT?!
MONEY?
MY FIRSTBORN CHILD?
The only way he can be happy is with character growth or else I’d be feeding into his urges like Ate did. Come onnnn I’m trying to be the responsible one here! /silly
(He’d take what you offer and do nothing in return lmaoo)
But to spare you of more angst, I’ll see what I can do.
His hands are stained with bl—ichor. He feels bone and flesh. He feels their hands on him. Grabbing him. Pulling him. Pushing him. He won't let go.
Crunch. The sound of bones.
His face feels wet and it's not from sweat. He can feel his own jaw hurting. He hears it creaking from how hard his teeth are clenched.
It's all a blur. Moving shapes and colors—people all around him. And the other. The other smells of the sea. He's never been to the sea before. Unfair. The other opens his mouth. A scream.
He doesn't hear it.
The other has something he wants. He wants it. No—he deserves to have it. At least share. Share so he can rip it all from the other's hands. He wants it.
He deserves it.
Crack. His fist connects with the other's face. Well, he thinks it's a face. It's hard to tell with all that ichor. It takes him a moment to realize he was still punching.
Yet he felt nothing.
Not the ichor on his skin. Not the hands on his body and wings. Not the tears in his eyes.
He heard nothing.
Not his fist hitting the other's face. Not the other's screams. Not every everyone else's cries.
He is nothing.
"Give it to me!" He wails as his vision gets more cloudy. "I should have it!"
The black hole yells at his opposite, wanting to take all of what the other is and become them. Be them. Be 'other.'
He thinks that if he absorbs enough of it, then he'll get what he wants.
"It is what I deserve! Give it to me!"
His shouting meaningless. Useless.
His punching ineffective. His tearing and peeling; his bashing and yanking; and his wailing and screaming all lead to nothing.
I FOUND THE ANTHEIA VASE PAINTING!!! @moonstruckdraws
Sourced from here
"In the ground squat-lekythos by the Eretria Painter… To the left of the central image are Peitho and Antheia ("blossoming")…"
The Personification of Paidia in Attic Pottery. The Playful Experience in the World of Dionysus and Aphrodite
CAVI Subject: Shoulder: a woman (Aphrodite?) and Eros{1}. Body: a young mother, with a baby facing her; at left, Antheia and Peitho; at right, Eunomia (or Harmonia) and Paidia.
CLASSICAL ART RESEARCH CENTRE
jokes on you wikipedia Antheia was a real goddess (or atleast personfication) and not just an epithet of Hera and Aphrodite
Me: aw man how am I supposed to get my blorbos to meet?
Also me: Okay so Hymenaios can show up during doomed marriages acting all sad and waving torches that create a lot of smoke. So if he can do that then that means I can have Hymenaios at Hippodamia and Pelops wedding, but the two are so in love right now and suppressing trauma to even notice it. Also Pothos is here. Who else would be Hippodamia’s maid of honor? YOU HEARD ME. QUOTE ME. Oh and Hymenaios doesn’t have the heart to tell Pothos the truth because he love Hippodamia and wants the best for them. So when the wedding does go sour Pothos will feel betrayed as his heart shatters into a million pieces because he’s basically the audience’s pov at this point. And also Hippodamia would—
Next time I see someone ask how are writers supposed to write about a figure that supposedly is a footnote and doesn’t have a voice and is barely mentioned in ancient sources
I’m gonna show my post of Hymenaios’ wife (because yes I’m going to make one) and show them up from how much I can make just from a character who has no lines and literally has no name.
Then I can just stare at them when they at least have material to go off of (Andromeda)
anyway, favorite Erote is here! I am hoping I don't run out of steam while writing this and go out with a hit instead of a fumble and exploding.
So finally it is here, after time and research
Well... why delay any longer?:
Origin
This guy is so fun! His myths are so cool! RAHHH I LOVE HIM!
Anyway, before I get too distracted, I always preferred and loved mortal Hymenaios. So that's the version I'm going with.
(side tangent, I always liked the spelling of Hymenaeus more, this line up of vowels just satisfied my brain more and gives me the color orange/citrus for some reason lol... but it's too late since I've been using it... i do tend to like the variation of Greek names with 'e's and 'u's instead of 'i's and 'o's but that's fully personal preference and whatnot; ANYWAY)
Who. Cares. Which Muse is his mom? I sure don't /silly
I always saw him as son of the Muses, so they're all his mom, but he'll refer to them differently
Ourania & Terpsikhore are given the most attention in being Hymenaios' mother (not a lot; Ourania is the one to mourn Hymenaios' death; "disappeared from Terpsikhore's chamber" (Tzetzes, Chilliades; 13.600)
☆ Refers to them both as "Mama"
Kleio and Kalliope are the only other Muses to be specifically named as his mother
☆ Refers to them both as "Mother"
The other Muses: Euterpe, Thaleia, Melpomene, Erato, Polyhymnia
☆ Refers to them as "Mother [name]" for example: Mother Erato
Regardless, they're all his mom lolol and Apollo is his father, of course
Naturally, as a baby, he'd be raised on Olympus by the Muses and Apollo, though mortal. I'd say, around the age of seven or eight, Apollo would put Hymenaios in Chiron's care to learn his wits on Mount Pelion (Apollodorus, Library; 3.10.3)
He'd spend his eight more years with Chiron, I think, being taught the arts that Apollo and Artemis taught the centaur: hunting, medicine, music, gymnastics, and prophecy. Clearly, he'd easily excel in music and prophecy (could argue medicine and hunting, but for who he works, I think it fits better)
Of course, Hymenaios would be talented in his skills in archery, but he was moved by his mothers' expertise and one of Apollo's many skills: singing. He practiced it the most along with his instruments outside of his lessons. It occurring so often it became background noise to Chiron whenever he was doing things outside of teaching, like cooking. However, the time to be under the Great Chiron's care would be soon coming to an end now that he was sixteen [16].
Being out into the world, the mortal didn't know what he wanted to do. Though he loved his singing songs, he was relatively shy, mainly in Chiron's company (and Chariclo and the other centaurs) for half of his life. Too shy to be a poet or bard that'd perform for a crowd. And so, for the first few weeks, he stayed alone, caring for himself from the skills he learned to hunt. He'd bathe in springs with permission of the nymphs there.
The Muses hear how their son in fairing these past few weeks, sad to see him be so uninspired and alone. That is when on the them, Kalliope, gets and idea and she leaps down from Olympus to comfort the wandering boy. Not even Hymenaios' greeting was all that enthused, despite feeling joy to see one of his mothers. Kalliope takes her son by the hand and starts to guide him to the place where he can adjust into society down south.
Magnesia in Thessaly. That's right, he's put into the care of Magnes, son of Agros. That's right, Hymenaios' father with Kalliope according to (Suda Encyclopedia; th.41). Except here, he's Hymenaios' foster father (this counts as fostering right?- ah well, he's fostering in my eyes). And instead of how that version goes down, Apollo is there constantly to see his son, having worried from how the Muses described his first weeks on his own.
(Insufferable but lovable dad behavior ensues from the God. I think it'd be cute if Apollo took on a disguise and walked around with Hymenaios in town sometimes)
Though the whole "giving Hymenaios a social life" was mainly on Magnes to accomplish as he helps Hymenaios settle in and show him around. Months go by, and Hymenaios is able to adjust to this new part of life thanks to Magnes' help. He takes joy in his singing while Magnes is idly listening, being reminded of his apprenticeship.
Unfortunately, this shy boy is still shy, unable to summon the courage to play and sing in front of others, keeping it secret.
One day though, while out hunting, he hears a melody. Hands on strings as they're strummed. Fingers on a lyre accompanied by murmuring. No, by humming. At first, Hymenaios thinks it to be his father from how lovely the sounds are and carry through the air; but as he sneaks over to the clearing in these woods, he sees a stranger instead.
Hymenaios feels himself staring for far too long. Okay, this is weird to do. People don't do this. He should just go about his business. He tries to tell himself, but he's too enthralled by the music being played, not to mention it's a song that he knows. The son of the Muses approaches out from his hiding, fully unnoticed from how deep the musician is in his playing. Hymenaios wondering if Mama Terpsikhore is behind it. That's what he believes is happening from how he opens his mouth, not in greeting, but in song. It clearly startles the stranger from how he jumps, but he seems to become enthralled by Hymenaios' singing as he is with the stranger's playing.
The two speaking in music before they even exchange names as the Sun moves to golden hour. Finally then did the two cease their strumming and singing. Hymenaios introducing himself first, since he snuck up on the poor guy, and the stranger reciprocates by introducing himself as Thamyris.
THAAAAATS RIGHT FIRST LOVE OVER HERE
(Though, only Thamyris and Hymenaios' wife (if you thought I came up with a name for her yet, then you clearly haven't been around long enough) will be mentioned in this post. Well- in detail anyway, as Origins goes up to the point the Erote joins the group. Sorry Argynnus, deepest apologies Hesperos (well at least he gets mentioned in the next section). You'll get your time. Well. Argynnus, not so much, but yknow.)
Thamyris is said to be the first to be passionate about Hymenaios (Suda Encyclopedia; th.41) Aka, Hymenaios' awakening lmao. These two continue to meet in secret in the woods, singing and playing songs together (they're disgusting; i hate them) Hymenaios eventually introduces Thamyris to Magnes as he stays over for a meal. And Magnes is 100% supportive of them (seeing how he was fine with Apollo not leaving his house in the source Hymenaios is Magnes' son).
The two are teenagers in love. Musicians. People of hearts. Thamyris helps Hymenaios get over his shyness and performance anxiety by being a duo with him. The two experiencing the other and it's new, fuzzy, and warm.
Genuinely, idk how they fallen apart. One part of me wants them to be post-Hyacinthus, making this Thamyris second love endeavor, and that love fizzled out as the two go their separate ways (physically) with Thamyris becoming a king and Hymenaios going to Argos. However, the drama, angsty, evil me wants them to fall apart because Thamyris falls in love with Hyacinthus and the two break up. Guh, not meant to be, teenagers be teenagers.
Regardless, Hymenaios is quite heartbroken, now being almost nineteen [19]. Instead of sulking (he did, indeed, sulk for a few weeks) for days on end, he sets out on a journey, wanting to travel to Argos. After some convincing to Magnes that he was alright, he was given horses to take him Argos. He arrives here to stay in the company of Terpsikhore (she doesn't actually have a home in Argos in the myths, but she does here for plot, okay? okay.)
Okay. This guy is just DRAWN to pirates and robbers and beating them up man, I swear
Ironically enough, only source to not have Hymenaios aggressive to villains (at least in intimidation or harm; but he could for all I know and will interpret) is in Tzetzes, Chiliades; 13.600 (just look on theoi, topostext doesn't have it in English for some reason). In it Hymenaios convinces the villains to have legitimate marriages with the [Athenian or Attic] maidens instead of carrying them off, apparently to convey the importance/value of legitimate marriages.
The reason I have Hymenaios move in with Terpsikhore, is because in this passage, it says Hymenaios "disappeared from her chamber"
However, this Hymenaios is born of Athens or Attica, but I originally wanted him to be from Argos (until I had Magnes foster him because yes), so instead, the first place he travels to on his own is Argos. Okay? Alright. Anyway:
I think this being his first interaction with villains is quite cool, instead of it be the second or third time. Because he wouldn't know what to do, probably thinking the odds are against him with their sheer numbers. All he wants are the maidens to be safe, and the best he can do is try and convince them not to steal them away from their homes, but to marry them. It's not... the best outcome, and of course the myth has two meanings:
The version of Hymenaios being of Athens (so Athens myth), it's to prevent disappearances (hence Hymenaios disappearing from his mother's chambers)
The version of Hymenaios of Attica (Attica myth), it's to recognize legitimacy in weddings and wish for a lawful marriage
This, for lore sake, is what Hymenaios wanted to prioritize for these women, after their safety of course. He's still new to the world and figuring out his place in it.
(There's a whole tangent I could go on about with his Roman counter part and what yelling his name means, and I might in the next section. But, that's not relevant to me. AKA I don't wanna. Dw we're almost to the next section)
After this experience, and some scolding from his mother for just disappearing (making her worried sick), Hymenaios gets the urge to go out exploring again a few months later. Terpsikhore is apprehensive about it, especially since he's only been in Argos for a few months. However, she becomes convinced after the two have a duet (full on musical lolol). Hymenaios would be twenty [20] by the time he's in Athens.
He sets his eyes on sailing (joins a crew, look I can only research so much; I don't have time to hyperfixate on boats, let alone crewmates; that's for another day) and they make their way to Athens. Well, just as they docked, Hymenaios witnesses Attic maidens being threatened by Pelasgian pirates (D Scholia to the Iliad; 18.493). The memory of the women being carried off by villains crosses his mind. He felt like he couldn't do anything, not with them in the men's arms already, but these women aren't. Summoning his courage, using his threatening words and weapons, he scares off the pirates. The women's gratitude fills his heart, accepting their warm welcomes before he departs from them.
Athens is an entirely new experience. He's by himself, fully, for the first time. (I'm just unfortunately not well knowledgeable about the cities or Athens, or much of how foreigners were treated, depended on where they came from so once again, I am useless.) The only thing I can assume is that he feels homesick, out of place, but also excited and full of life. As a bard/poet, he's displaying his gift in music, naturally attracting attention of people. He's twenty-two [22] at this point.
I think one of these performances would catch the attention of a wealthy Athenian woman, but it was only a passing glace, though Hymenaios kept staring at her.
Unfortunately, my guy gets another side quest (lmao idk what else to call these lol) as he takes back Athenian women who were being taken by pirates (Photius Bibliotheca Excerpts; 239.321a). I wonder if these are the same pirates or different ones (could be different for all I know, for sure).
The timeline is definitely coming together for me lolol:
So, Hymenaios' first interaction with kidnappers is to convince them to marry the women instead. He doesn't know what else to do, is scared, and thought it was all he could do. Then, arriving at Athens, having realized what his fear and appealing to the bandits still put those women in an undesirable position, he doesn't hesitate to try a more threatening tactic to ensure the women were safe. Hymenaios struck success, driving the pirates off before they could pick up a single woman and put her on their boats. Then the third time, he's in pursuit of different pirates (not disclosed what happened, and I'll have to figure it out); however, I don't think he killed them. At least not all of them. Now there's a few more events left...
(Except, oh! Pretty lady! lol. Hymenaios' wife, as well as the other Athenian women that were kidnapped that I'm about to talk about, were all very noble Athenian women according to translator)
But his mind is interrupted when he catches sight of that beautiful woman from a few weeks ago. According to Theoi, Hymenaios fell in love with the woman, but she wouldn't listen to him; Wikipedia says that he couldn't speak or court her due to her social standing. This left him only able to follow her around.
Though to make him a bit less weird, I think it'd be cute if he just goes around Athens, practicing in the most niche places. Places he shouldn't be at, even, like someone's balcony (look, he's an eventual Erote; mischief is a requirement). I think in these places, Hymenaios and [unnamed rich Athenian woman that I will name at one point] would catch glances at one another, but never interact. The Athenian noblewoman will not speak nor listen to him, and Hymenaios knows he cannot pursue her, so he doesn't try.
But he does learn little things about her from these short encounters. Little things that just make him fall more in love. It makes him more daring to linger around her from afar. (I think cute bits can happen from this, like she finally says something to him to shoo him away) This little game goes on for a long while and Hymenaios is four months over twenty-three [23].
On this day, the Athenian maiden goes to Eleusis for the festival of Demeter. Hymenaios follows her in the guise of a woman; but personally I find it funnier if he just tagged along and managed to get by because everyone thought he was a woman lolol. Wikipedia says he dresses up as a women to join the rites, which makes sense since women get kidnapped. Specifically the noblest ones, so either the noble women are the ones doing the procession and Hymenaios just got to join lolol, or the kidnapping was well planned out to know which women to grab. Seeing as they grabbed Hymenaios too, it was likely due to looks rather than status.
Okay. This is bad. The is really, really bad. Not only the fact he got grabbed, but the fact he and all the other women were on a boat. He can't tell where they're going. Fear is coursing through Hymenaios' veins. Pure panic fuels him that he has failed, again. Just like the first time this happened, except so much worse, as he couldn't try to convince the robbers with a less violent outcome. He didn't stop them before everything became chaotic. He didn't fight them off when women were being taken. Now he's in fully new territory.
Hymenaios never. Fully cut off from help. Brought to a deserted island. He was frozen with fear of what'd happen to the women. Heck, he was terrified for his own life. He's terrified of what the robbers would do to him if they realized he was a man. Hymenaios remained frozen until it had become night, with the robbers drunk and asleep. Some of the maidens were asleep too.
Once the initial panic has flowed out of Hymenaios system, he reveals himself to the Athenian maiden he loves (probably just her, to save any more suspicion or stress). Wikipedia says Hymenaios encouraged the women and plotted against the robbers, killing them together. Meanwhile Hymenaios is said to kill all the robbers himself in myth.
In truth, I like both of these because they're both intense, but the one with Hymenaios killing the robbers by himself is metal and insane as heck. It also has thematic sense when accounting Apollo as God of plagues and sickness. It'd also go full circle on Hymenaios' mental state and resolve to these situations. He went from appealing to threatening to pursuing to killing when encountered with the same situation. And I find that interesting.
I wonder if he feels relieved. Acting out the anger and fury he couldn't in the past, since the very beginning. I wonder if his beloved is terrified or grateful, finding it justified. I'm sure all the maidens feel different things, but unified in their wish for freedom. But what does his beloved think? Seeing him so violent, or maybe he was stealthy. How much is he covered in blood and gore?
With wikipedia's words, I find it interesting cool the women help kill the robbers (however, the citation they put didn't have what was written. It aligned with the story of Hymenaios killing them himself. But I'm entertaining the thought because it's cool lol) just be aware wikipedia is incorrect (at the very least with its source if this version does exist)
Anyhoodle, afterwards, Hymenaios would set sail to return to Athens. At first I was confused why he'd leave them behind, but remembered they literally don't know where they are, and the ocean is dangerous (I wonder what the women went through on the island).
I'm pretty sure the implication is that the island is only, at most, a day away, considering they reach the island around nightfall. However, I think it could be fun if it spanned out several days (for drama and bonding ofc). Regardless, Hymenaios makes it back to a port (idk which city he'd end up in, maybe he sailed all the way to Athens, but I like thinking he didn't as the boat just gave out lolol).
He gets to Athens, seeing the worrying and distressed loved ones of the women and Hymenaios assures them that they are fine. Hymenaios says he can show the way to free the maidens if his beloved's hand in marriage is granted. Considering the times, and how low an offer like that is as it'd be seen as an appropriate reward, it was an easy yes for his beloved's guardians to agree.
Hymenaios manages to return to the deserted island with more ships in tow to rescue the stranded women. And Hymenaios and his beloved get engaged.
Then Hymenaios dies :D lolol; it's not even a joke. Hymenaios seems to die in three ways, crushed by his house on his wedding day, wedding night, or some point in his marriage. I remember one of the sources doesn't mention his death and just say his marriage was so happy that wedding songs were named after him.
Interestingly though, (Photius, Bibliotheca Excerpts) say that Hymenaios turns invisible after he was married, which is so interesting to me. It doesn't describe a death, just him ceasing to be seen. If I had to guess, it's meant to mean he turns into a God, and God's don't often appear. I assume it's meant to mean he transitioned into Godhood, and so, he is no longer seen by mortals unless needed. (Once again, his wife IS NOT MENTIONED OF WHAT HAPPENS TO HER LIKE WHY WHEN SHE'S SO IMPORTANT) but whatever.
I imagine that the Muses would show up for his weddings, which contributed to the beautiful event, or at the very least Ourania because she is the one to mourn him.
Out of his deaths, I don't have a favorite. Two of them are ironic and the last one is more gracious. Ironic songs are named after him when he doesn't get to experience it for 24 hours since he dies on his wedding day or night. When he dies later in his marriage, I think it'd still be in the honey mood phase, so no more than six months.
Apollo is described as brooding over the death of Hymenaios, playing music, but his delight lost (Ovid, Metamorphoses; 2.679). He's literally playing music to distract himself. In fact, he's so deep in grief that he forgets about his cattle, and they get out to Pylos (this is a version of how Hermes gets Apollo's cattle).
According to Orphic legends, Hymenaios gets revived by Asclepius. I'll say it's due to Apollo, and the Muses', mourning which causes inspiration and creativity to be lost in the world. So Asclepius, hoping to cease their grief, brings back Hymenaios.
Reborn into Godhood, he is known as the God of Weddings and Bridal-Hymns. Due to his craft, Apollo brings him to Aphrodite, but not just her, but Hera as well. Aphrodite called dibs (sorry Hera, should've moved faster) and adds him to her retinue; meanwhile, Hera takes him in as his mentor
Job
Just gonna... put these here...
This post credit to @sapocipo & @/fostydosty
This post credit to @/coloricioso & @/brimo5
These have been really helpful to defining certain sections of this part of the post
Yep. Sections. THis guy neEDs fricking sections. Let's get this started so I can do easier things-
Hymenaios is the best archer, without a doubt. Learned from Chiron, after all, and is son of Apollo. He's gonna be jussst fine. His moves are masterful.
However, he doesn't use his bow often. He's more in the realms of marriage, so he's more torches than arrows lolol. Because of that alone, this dude got flaming arrows lmaooo.
Honestly stumped on where he'd naturally aim. I'm not sure. Fully at a loss lmao. I'll come back to it. Or I won't. Ah well.
☆ GOD OF MARRIAGE
Let's start with some names he's called: King of marriage (Euripides, Trojan Women); Commander of wedding joys, the true uniter-in-love (Catullus, Poems)
He is even called the inventor of weddings (Serv.adVerg.Aen.) this was translated with a translator
So yeah, this guy. Marriage.
To be less simple, I yoinked Sapo's HC that he was mentored by Hera. The two are often mentioned together when marriage is involved. The two clearly have a close relationship (I wonder who her favorite Erote is. Based of you Hera).
I'm sure it intimidated Hymenaios to be under the teachings of the Queen of Gods (and work with Zeus too). It certainly must have, considering he was born mortal, of course, and now associated with the most important Gods. His only saving grace is that he can keep it together and look mature.
His shyness does come back, it's only natural. But the kind words of Hera and encouragement of Aphrodite, and the support of the Muses and Apollo helps him settle in. Hymenaios really looks up to Hera (literally, she's just tall) and wants to do right by her.
(He'd definitely have a "calling teacher mom" moment lolol; maybe calls her Mother Hera with her permission lol)
According to wikipedia, Hymenaios is supposed to attend every wedding, and if not, it would be proved disastrous, so people would run around shouting his name.
It really shows just how hard he works, trying to make it in time for every wedding. I think if he's running late, it would cause drawbacks in the wedding (such as the bride getting anxiety and not leaving her room; the groom being late/missing; the chariot would break down; maybe change in weather; etc) and the wedding wouldn't be able to continue until Hymenaios shows up.
(this guy has it rough during wedding season lol)
He was a part of women's lives as he marked the end of their girlhood, at least that's what the Hymn of Hymenaios seems to mean. (In that sense, he's also in contact with Artemis (as young women would offer their girdles from their girlhood to her) as well as Demeter (looked up as a Goddess of marriage as well, but moreso married women, rather than the wedding). Apparently, it was common for women to dance at festivals in courts and before the altar.
He is associated as "the liberator of virginity" (Serv.adVerg.Aen.) this was translated with a translator.
Though, Hymenaios is prayed to attend not just the bride, but the bridegroom as well (Greek Anthology Book 9; 9.514), showing that he's also there for men as well. (I'm not well-informed on how grooms are during weddings. I'll have to look into it, but I assume it holds association with Zeus? Maybe Apollo?)
Hymenaios will stand in preparation for the bride and groom to arrive (Statius, Silvae), desiring to greet them with his new song and bewitch minstrels [musicians] hearts. I think it's so cute he just stands in preparation to show off his newest song for the soon-to-be weds. It's so sweet.
I wonder if he gives himself a pep-talk as he waits in anticipation. He's sweating bullets internally lol and the Muses and Apollo have to calm him down from having a meltdown on the inside (Hymenaios, you're so real)
Hymenaios shows support in the weddings of Heroes, most notably Perseus & Andromeda and Heracles & Hebe. It makes sense due to how important Heroes are.
He also shows support for queer people as he, along with Hera and Aphrodite, all attend the wedding of Iphis and Ianthe. Look at him go! That's my boy! Anyway, seeing as Hymenaios has quite a few male lovers himself, I quite like that he supports them as well.
After all, his lover Hesperos, God of the star Venus, is the herald of Hymenaios (Nonnus, Dionysiaca; 23.135) I think it's so cute his boyfriend helps Hymenaios out. I bet Hesperos gives Hymenaios love letters lolol. Smh, they're flirting during work hours.
Shouting Hymenaios name was a nuptial cry and shouted merrily while the bride is escorted to her new home.
This passage is in regards to Hymenaios' Roman counterpart Talasius specifically:
It also (but this is more specific to his Roman counterpart, Talasius in (Pultarch, Romulus; 15.1)) his name was shouted by robbers when carrying off a woman to trick superior ranked men from taking his prize; described that robbers would cry out "they were conducting [escorting] the girl to Talasius"
The result would be that the other men will start clapping their hands and chanting "For Talasius" as well in congratulations and support
So it was common in the act of kidnapping.
However, it also had the affect of crying out his name (Talasius) became a watchword for kidnapping, so it likely became a known tell that the robber was lying and stealing a woman. Smart.
All that to say Hymenaios has always had an association with robbers. Repeatedly, he's shown distaste for them, valuing the safety and care of the stolen women. He's killed robbers before, after all.
Hymenaios also freed women in Athens during savage wars, and they invoke his name because of it (Serv.adVerg.Aen.) this was translated with a translator.
This guy loves women.
He's also named "liberator of virginity" in the same passage. (again, translated)
Anyway, he shows clear dislike for illegitimate weddings/kidnapping of maidens and has shown to go out of his way to save them. He probably doesn't like pirates, having anxiety and paranoia due to his time being kidnapped (yay trauma!), even if they're innocent. He's just uneasy around them.
☆ GOD OF FATE
(not actually a god of fate, he just has fate associations, but yknow)
Now, at first it was a small thing that Hymenaios is associated with fate, but it's a rather big thing. In fact:
"Hymenaeus unconditionally concerned by fate and laws" (Serv.adVerg.Aen.) this was translated with a translator.
This line in specific is in all caps, and topostext states that words in caps are Servius' official words.
Hymenaios is not only associated with fate (& law), it is unconditional. And that is so interesting.
Now, when the wedding Gods do not attend a wedding (Greek Anthonogy Book 7; 7.188), it is to foreshadow one of many things in Fate. The universal thing is that the wedding Gods do not approve of it and the fate is not positive.
It can be due to a faithless spouse or unfortunate circumstances.
Phyllis & Demophoon
Phyllis is lamenting how the "bond of Hymenaeus" she was promised from their marriage was forsaken by Demophoon
"Bond of Hymenaeus" seeming to mean fidelity/wedlock
Hypsipyle & Jason
Hypsipyle lamenting that Jason forsook their marriage. Just like Phyllis, questions where the "bonds of wedlock, and the marriage torch" are
Iole & Heracles
(Why does Theoi make Heracles' page so fricking difficult for no reason like wth); i went to wikipedia because I'm not reading more books
I don't have the energy to summarize how they got married but it was definitely under "unfortunate circumstances"
It can be because the marriage is doomed, so Hera and Hymenaios will shun it
Hypsipyle & Jason
Agamemnon & Cassandra
It can also be due to a terrible fate & including death; also shunned by the Gods
The Danaides
Tereus & Procne
Iole & Heracles
Canace & Macareus (not marriage, but the events of the story)
In the cases Hymenaios doesn't show up to support the marriage, the Erinys (the Fates) will attend instead, holding their torches instead of the torches of Hymenaios
Hypsipyle & Jason
Tereus & Procne
In fact, Hymenaios will be beseeched to go away and instead bring the Fates' torches. This is spoken by Canace in (Ovid, Heroides)
This showing the importance of Hymenaios being there for a wedding and approving it. Of course, the Fates do not show up every time Hymenaios is missing. Maybe when that happens, it's because he couldn't make it. But since the Fates don't attend, maybe it causes infidelity in marriages. Or nothing happens, for all I know. Maybe it means they'll get a divorce in the future, or it'll be a loveless marriage.
This seems to be the case
Phyllis & Demophoon
Anyway, Hymenaios can show up for doomed weddings. But he acts so differently, and I find it so cool and interesting when it comes to his character:
(Ovid, Metamorphoses)
Hymenaios will not give happy omens, hallowed words, or joyful glances to the wedded couple
His torch's flame will sputter and cause heavy smoke
Results in a sad wedding
Orpheus & Eurydice
(Statius, Thebiad)
Hera or Hymenaios will raise an ill-omened torch to foreshadow fate
It's so interesting that Hymenaios will show up to some weddings, knowing them to be doomed.
Orpheus & Eurydice
He even arrived swiftly to the event of their wedding. Seeing how much he cares for weddings, it must hurt to attend those that will not have happy endings. I can only assume he can miss out on a wedding if Hera isn't present. If he's there alone, then he probably calls for the Fates.
Now I wanna talk about a specific marriage.
Paris & Helen
In Lucian's dialogues, Aphrodite promises to Paris that he will have the Love Twins, Pothos, the Charites, and Hymenaios to help him marry Helen.
At the end of the day, Hymenaios is a part of Aphrodite's retinue, not Hera's (well-) and so he is obligated to assist in this marriage. Hymenaios has shown that he does not like attending doomed marriages.
However, he sometimes will, but I think he only shows up to weddings that will face infidelity; because while they are still sad, it's not the worse on this list. (It also justifies why he'd attend the weddings of Phyllius & Demoondon and Hypsipyle & Jason) There seems to be only one exception.
Orpheus and Eurydice. And genuinely, I think it is out of desire to support his brother Orpheus (fellow son of a Muse). And so, he attends the wedding, even though they are a tragedy. It must've hurt Hymenaios, which explains why he was so sad the entire time.
Anyway, back on track, this is the only other tragic wedding he is a part of. Not to mention, an even more devastating one with how the Iliad turns out. He clearly would have shown dislike to attending, but Aphrodite promised Paris, so he is forced to.
There is the question of him likely going.
"Hymenaeus unconditionally concerned by fate and laws" (Serv.adVerg.Aen.) this was translated with a translator.
Maybe he would've gone anyway.
During the wedding, I assume he is extremely upset. Not only that Aphrodite forced him here, but it going against his morals. Maybe he wonders if he's offending Hera, since she was involved in the contest. There must've been a lot of smoke lolol. Hymenaios having the most pissed off look the entire time (Anteros and Hermaphroditus sitting back at home lmaoooo)
☆ GOD OF DEATH
(not actually a god of death, he just has death associations, but yknow)
Alright. Two-thirds done. One to go...
Now, the interesting thing about Ancient Greece is the similarities of weddings and funerals & sacrifices. (Look I did reading on Ancient Greek weddings before even obsessing over the Erotes, okay?-) Especially when it comes to women.
The simplest one, I think, is Cassandra and Agamemnon. Cassandra performs wedding rites as a sign of her fate. She does so while praising Hymenaios and mentioning Persephone to "send the gleam [she loves] to lend to the ritual blessing of the wedded virgin" (Euripides, Trojan Women). Persephone also being here, due to association in death (and maybe due to it being a forced marriage). I'll address Persephone more later on...
Now, before continuing, it is a common thing to refer to maidens who die as "Brides of Hades"
Iphigenia is called "bride of Acheron," known to being sacrificed before the Trojan War. Her day is death is kinda treated like a marriage, if I'm remembering correctly.
Polyxena is also sacrificed, meant to be the "bride of dead Achilles."
Funerals will be called weddings, and I find that so interesting. I'd discuss more of the similarities (I think with mothers?) between the two, but I don't remember lol. But I will mention this last thing:
When the bride dies, her father will lead her to Hades instead of Hymenaios (Greek Anthology Book 7; 7.547); again, the brides of Hades. In the same source (7.712), Baucis is a dead bride and Hades is called "envious." I just find it so interesting. I'll discuss Hymenaios' feelings on it after, but first, we can't leave out the married man.
The grooms:
To start simple, just like with ill-fated weddings, Hymenaios will not show up to a wedding doomed in murder. The Fates will show up, but also Hades. Hades will be described as "bursting in" in the Fates, kind of like when someone bursts in to yell 'objection' during the wedding, except with death. (Tereus & Procne; Ovid, Metamorphoses)
The Fates also chant "the dirge of death" instead of bridal-hymns
The Fates also take funeral pyres to brandish them as torches; ain't that cool?
When Hades and the Fates appear, it's usually because the groom has died. While Hymenaios is rather unactive in doomed weddings. He's also not present for the death of brides. But for the grooms well..
"Cursed be that envious wedding torch, whether unwilling Hymen lit or willing Hades" (Greek Anthology Book 7; 7.367).
This passage is about a groom who dies from sudden cause just as he saw his bride. And what makes it SO COOL is that Hymenaios is responsible! Unwillingly!!
Now I assume this happens because Hymenaios knows the groom will die suddenly (fate be like that; death be like that), and with that knowledge, he knows that Hades will show up (Tereus & Procne). He knows that the torch will be lit, one way or another. So either he lights it... or Hades. The couple never knows which God does it.
I bet Hymenaios wonders if Hades lit the torch at his wedding.
Now, we know maidens and sacrificed women are called "brides of Hades," but what of Persephone? Well, while youthful men and sacrificed men aren't called "grooms of Persephone," (as far as I know lol), there is a common metaphor:
"Loved by Persephone" meaning that someone is dead or will die. This applies to Adonis, but could be applied to the grooms as well, I think. (Look at the death couple go)
Anyway. How does Hymenaios feel about this? Well firstly, he offers torches. When a bride dies, Hymenaios can only offer marriage torches to use for the funeral. And that's so saaaad! It's like his way of apologizing! Ough, he makes me ill.
When it comes to emotions, Hymenaios is absolutely devastated:
"And thou, Hymenaeus, didst change the tuneful song of wedding to the dismal voice of lamentation," (Greek Anthology Book 7; 7.712)
Utterly miserable lol. I'm sure it is due to his own trauma of dying on his wedding day/night. Seeing fellow brides and grooms die on their wedding day must really hurt. (Especially if his wife also got crushed by his house. Then again, how couldn't she? Especially if it was on their wedding night)
There's something so tragic about his job that he loves so much also involving such misfortune.
Motive & Personality
OKAY ITS FLIPPIN OVER THE HARD PART IS OVER
Look, I'm not going to go deep on motives. You want motives? Reread the previous section.
Anyway, this guy loves his work. He tries really hard to make the adults in his life proud, especially since he's working so closely with the King and Queen of Olympus.
I think he also does it because he feels close with his wife this way. (especially since we don't know what the heck happened to her and I also won't define it because the possible routes are fun to do)
When it comes from personality, Hymenaios started out shy and more reserved. That never really changed on the inside, but he's gotten more courageous. He's also hardened himself from all the robbers he's dealt with. I think if he lived through his marriage, he'd be extremely anxious and protective over his wife (because they both got kidnapped). Not to mention he's still suspicious of pirates to this day.
Now, he's more straightforward. He tries to act mature and sensible. He's gotten good at reading people due to his experience in life. But he has a playful side to him (he has dry humor). He can get along with people rather well.
He spends a lot of his time (when not planning and going to weddings) playing music with the Muses, having meals over at the Charites' home with Himeros, possibly doing prophecy stuff with Apollo.
I also think Apollo would spend a lot more time with Hymenaios when he's revived as he wasn't around much as he grew up.
can you tell I'm trying to hurry to the relationships because I care about those lol
Relationships
Well this should be the easiest one since everyone else is done :D if I'm lucky, I'll be done in an hour lolol
Himeros
As mentioned before, the two of them are neighbors with Hymenaios living with the Muses (because frick his wife ig, I guess she's just gone smh) and Himeros with the Charites.
The two share meals together. I'd even say when the Muses and Charites meet up, the two of them are there too. Watching the Muses make music and the Charites dance.
Hymenaios respects Himeros, despite his carelessness. Himeros' carelessness goes against the seriousness Hymenaios has towards their craft, but outside of work they have easy conversation.
He appreciates Himeros' respect for marriage and Hymenaios appreciates Himeros' work in leading to marriage. I don't think Hymenaios has more thoughts on Himeros that I can add lol.
Pothos
Hymenaios respects Pothos. He likes his high energy because it reminds him of newlyweds. It reminds him of the excitement people have when they are united in marriage.
He loves Pothos' commitment to his work, even if Pothos is not as serious as him, he's all the more passionate. He found joy in Pothos' positivity, but as he got more accustomed to Godhood, he started feeling a little uncomfortable.
Again, Pothos didn't exactly baby Hymenaios, but something akin to it. It make him feel lesser than the rest, even if he was the most accepting when he first arrived. I think back then, he'd try to make himself more mature to show Pothos he is settling in just fine and doesn't need to be tended to so much. Try to impress him, because despite feeling lesser, he really did want to show Pothos his pride. Because he looked up to Pothos.
When the two of them are on more even ground, he notices how much Pothos starts looking up to him. It was the first time he felt like he was the "responsible/mature" one of the group. The need to take charge and think things through. He doesn't ever want to let Pothos down.
Hymenaios loves how giddy Pothos gets during marriages. It makes him love his craft even more than he already does.
Anteros
Mutual respect.
Being the only mortal brought into Godhood in the Erotes, Hymenaios had to earn the respect of his peers. To not be stepped over and valued, truly valued, by them took time.
But with Anteros, it was the easiest. Anteros just seemed to get him and understand where he was coming from. Maybe it was the fact he came from the sea instead of on land like the rest of the Erotes. Or maybe Anteros was just tired of being around Eros (lol).
Whatever the reason, Hymenaios appreciated Anteros ever since. He felt uplifted and was the first friend he made in the group. Not to mention how well they go together in terms of their crafts. Anteros is the reason beautiful marriages happen, and that fills Hymenaios with such admiration and care.
Hymenaios will never out Anteros. Just like he won't tease Anteros about trying to seem calm over weddings. He appreciates when Anteros takes his side to lead things, giving him courage to actually speak up instead of becoming a quiet voice.
Phthonos
He's just a pest. That's all. He's just a violent, biting, aggressive pest.
Hymenaios can handle pests. Easily. He's handled worser men. He's killed men. What does this tiny guy know of intimidation? He's scared off bandits, pirates, robbers. He's nothing.
And Hymenaios treats him as such. It doesn't take much to know when someone fears Hymenaios. It not hard for him to realize he's making others uncomfortable (he was a shy guy, therefore he had anxiety, therefore he overthought situations before and how he might mess up whatdoyoumeanimprojectingnoimnot)
When he sees Phthonos hesitates against Hymenaios, he takes note of it. He watches how much smaller the small Erote becomes when Hymenaios glares down at him (second tallest Erote btw). He wonders just how far he can push it.
An important think of Hymenaios character is that he separates people from his work. He doesn't view, for example, Himeros the same as he would judge his work. He tries to differentiate the two, as much as he can anyway.
Hymenaios despises Phthonos work. He hates how his jealousy will ruin a marriage. He hates how the jealousy can turn into obsession. He hates how jealousy can lead into those kidnappings for selfish desire. He hates it. He hates it. He hates it. He hates it. He hates it.
But he tries so... so hard to not blame it all on Phthonos. They're all aware mortals still have some autonomy over their actions. But man, is it hard. Is it really really hard. (I think Aphrodite would go over the same when it comes to Adonis)
Sometimes, the lines will blur together, and Hymenaios will make Phthonos regret his actions.
Eros
Hymenaios is at his most mature and most immature when around Eros.
Hymenaios will take charge because Eros has a power trip problem. And he's put in charge way too often. Why is he in charge at all??
Eros looked down at Hymenaios the most (because of course he did), making it hard to add any input. He used to just be quiet, or go spend time with the Muses. But with Anteros' backing, and Pothos wanting to hear Hymenaios out, Hymenaios managed to talk back to Eros. Even gets his ideas agreed with by the others.
Just like with Phthonos, he'll tolerate Eros. It's also hard to separate Eros from his work (especially when Eros can't think of himself outside of being an Erote yet). Still, the menace is the lesser evil out of the two of them.
Hymenaios can also tell Eros has a deep love of marriage (makes it annoying that Eros ruins them, but whatever). He doesn't say anything, just like he doesn't with Anteros. But the moment Eros gets married? Oh Hymenaios teases the hell out of him. He won't stop the entire time as he leads the Eros and Psykhe to Eros' home.
(I guess you could say Eros was given the most original hymn for his wedding lolol)
Still, he's really proud of Eros. He loves Psykhe because she helped Eros clean up his act a little and become more of his own person. Honestly, the two of them have an older brother-younger brother dynamic (even though Eros is older, but dude should've tried not being short lol. The fact Hymenaios has watched over Eros does NOT help)
Eros 100% goes to Hymenaios for love advice. No doubt. Eros may not like to admit it, but he values Hymenaios' input. It's the greatest boost to Hymenaios' ego lmao (him and Psykhe are good friends I think)
Hedylogos
Toxic. Toxic toxic toxic. I love them soooooo much. I love how bad they are for each other. I love how Hedylogos is the only one to spark fear in Hymenaios.
Hedylogos questioning Hymenaios' authority. Making Hymenaios wonder if he's become like Eros in being a control freak. Ripping into his shyness, making him feel mortal. So be weak. Ruining his self-image and his growth in confidence.
On a good day, the two won't have long conversations. Hymenaios can be snappy and act dry to Hedylogos. But every time, he'll fall for Hedylogos' bait. He just keeps doing it, trying to defend himself. Trying to show how important he is now. How much good he's done. How the way he does things are right.
He's annoyed when Hedylogos does listen. He doesn't go out of his way to ruin things, but he will just not do what Hymenaios asks of him. It drives him up a wall. Hymenaios doesn't like how inappropriately time Hedylogos will make flirty comments. He doesn't like how Hedylogos does seem to care. Not in the way Himeros does. Hedylogos will just be fully apathetic. And it's annoying.
Yet he scares him. Hedylogos scares him.
Hermaphroditus
Cherish. The most important friend he has.
Hymenaios was still shy, just in a different way, when he joined the Erotes. He and Hermaphroditus got along well enough as the quietest people. Anteros being good friends with them both helped them gain proximity of each other.
As said before, Hymenaios is good at reading people. He wants to get to know Hermaphroditus and tries initiating conversation a lot. Learning of his past as Hymenaios shares his own.
Hermaphroditus appreciates Hymenaios for respecting his physical distance, but it's not as simple as Hermaphroditus seems. Hymenaios assumes Hermaphroditus doesn't like to be touched, yes, and he's not the most affectionate Erote himself. But he does it for a third reason.
He also doesn't like being touched. That encounter with the robbers terrified Hymenaios. He was put in the maidens' shoes. He was put in the perspective of women who would be successfully carried off. Hymenaios has nightmares of that day, wondering what would happen to him, his beloved, the other women, if he didn't kill the robbers.
The two of them are more similar than Hermaphroditus realizes.
So Hymenaios tries to help Hermaphroditus. He tries to help him feel more comfortable with his identity. He shares his wardrobe with Hermaphroditus, brings him over to the Muses for meals, convinces Hermaphroditus to partake in wedding planning.
The progress of their relationship feels so natural, that when Hymenaios touches Hermaphroditus' shoulder it feels normal. They both feel comfortable. And that makes Hymenaios so happy.
The two becomes inseparable the moment Hymenaios gets Hermaphroditus to work with him more in the realms of marriage instead of with the other Erotes. It's a lot less chaotic (on most days) when they're with the older Gods.
He's glad the two of them can hold hands.
Primordial Eros
Nah, just full confusion. Doesn't get how Primordial Eros is here, but he likes him more than their Eros. A lot more respectful, calm. Can we replace Eros II with this Eros? That'd be nice.
I think the two of them could bond over prophecy. I think Hymenaios might cry in front of Eros I when faced with having to light a death torch for the groom. I think he'd ask if there was anything he could've done, knowing he couldn't.
He was mortal once, after all. That's the normal thought process with mortals. Wondering if they could've changed fate, done something better, something right.
Primordial Eros would tell him no. There's nothing that could've been done. It'd hurt every time.
Aphrodite
There's natural respect for Aphrodite. In fact, I think the first hurdle Hymenaios will have to overcome admiring Aphrodite. She's the reason he fell for his beloved, after all. The reason he got married. In a way, she's the reason he saved her and the other maidens because if he didn't follow his beloved...
He doesn't like to think about it.
Anyway, as they get closer, Hymenaios would call Aphrodite "Mother Aphrodite" just he does with the Muses (and Hera). It is kind of similar to saying "ma'am" to him (if they aren't the Muses), so it's a sign of high respect to him.
Apollo would embarrass him though and he and Aphrodite gush over their children.
☆⭒☆⭒☆
Yeah no... this is the longest post I've made to date. Uhhhh... I sure hope I didn't miss anything- I'd actually lose it-
I know the Relationships section isn't that long. I am tired lol and it was hard to not repeat myself when all the others are done. All the more reason I think the section peaked on Hermaphroditus' post. However, the Job section? Nah, that goes to Hymenaios. Origin too, probably. ANYWAY!
Thank you Sapo, for inspiring me to love the Erotes. It led to all of this and I'm quite happy with it all. I had a lot of fun! I'll have more fun now that I'm done and can draw but- a lot of fun, for sure
And @faer1etale, @thecordedbed, & @mysticlael for showing interest in these posts, I really appreciate it
"I'll finish the post today. I'll finish the post today." I say to myself while writing
i feel so bad ack- So have this small portion
Ourania & Terpsikhore are given the most attention in being Hymenaios' mother (not a lot; Ourania is the one to mourn Hymenaios' death; "disappeared from Terpsikhore's chamber" (Tzetzes, Chilliades; 13.600)
☆ Refers to them both as "Mama"
Kleio and Kalliope are the only other Muses to be specifically named as his mother
☆ Refers to them both as "Mother"
The other Muses: Euterpe, Thaleia, Melpomene, Erato, Polyhymnia
☆ Refers to them as "Mother [name]" for example: Mother Erato
