Greek Love in Myth
by Wendy
Darling
 |
Lovers'
Legends:
The Gay Greek Myths
(2002)
by Andrew Calimach |
| BOOK
LINKS
|
Lovers' Legends: The Gay Greek Myths is a neat, indispensable
little book that presents a selection of the Greek myths, many
of them familiar, only this time with formerly expurgated "gay" material
put back in.
The
stories have been put together by a man named Andrew Calimach,
who apparently dug through tons of original Greek tales to
find the material which has so often been "neutered" or
rewritten so it's de-emphasized.
The
varying stories were then pieced together in what are some
really wonderful myths — wonderful in and of themselves
and wonderfully written. The book is also illustrated throughout
with original ancient artwork, so you can see the various gods,
nymphs, goddesses and mortals the stories revolve around. In
the stories you'll see Zeus & Ganymede, Hercules & Hylas,
Apollo & Hyancinthus,
Narcissus, and (for you fans of Troy) Achilles & Patroclus, among others.
Here's a little excerpt from the Achilles & Patroclus story, which takes
place during the Trojan War:
Noble Achilles, the fiercest of the Greek fighters, led the troops headlong
into battle, like some savage beast unleashed, and his dear friend, Patroclus,
fought always by his side, tempering Achilles' wildness and pride with loving
sound advice...
[Then
later after Patroclus has been killed on a mission]
...the Greeks brought away the broken corpse to Achilles'
lodge. Black grief crushed Achilles, his eyes brimmed with
endless tears. He threw himself upon Patroclus' body, full
of reproaches for throwing his life away. "Why so ungrateful,
after all our kisses? Why so uncaring for the holy union of
our thighs?" He mourned
without let, forgetting sleep, forgetting food and drink, and day after day
put off the funeral, unable to part with his friend.
It's
direct references like this one that cause the reader to reconsider
familiar Greek myths in a new way. This
story collection offers a unique glimpse into the culture of
Ancient Greece, one often missing or de-emphasized of mainstream
history and mythology books. A must-read for those with a passion
for ancient culture, mythology, or, hey, slash fiction.
About
the Author:
Wendy Darling (nickname Wiebke Fesch) is a web designer, fanfic author,
and editor of Inception. She lives in Atlanta, GA, where she is self-employed,
operating her own web design business, Metro Girl. Wendy is co-author of a Wraeththu
Mythos novel called Breeding
Discontent, and is an editor with Immanion Press. You can reach Wendy
at wdarling@abraxis.com. |
