Myths and Legends: The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth. To find out more about Daedalus and the Labyrinth, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

This marvelous image shows the labyrinth that Daedalus built for King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur, the monstrous half-man half-bull. The sun shining above is ominous, too, since when Daedalus and his son Icarus finally escape from Crete using wings of wax and feathers, the sun will melt poor Icarus' wings. You can see the death of poor Icarus if you look at the full-sized image here.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 29 - August 4 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Myths and Legends: Achilles and Chiron

Achilles and Chiron. To find out more about the youthful Achilles, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

Chiron the Centaur was the tutor of the young Achilles. The shape of this vase makes it hard to see, but that is Chiron there on the right, while on the left is King Peleus, entrusting his son Achilles into Chiron's care (if you look, you can see how Chiron's horse-body extends behind him and wraps around the vase). Here is a Latin poem Alciato wrote to accompany his emblem, with an English translation - you can see the emblem itself at the Memorial web edition of Alciato.

Heroum genitos, et magnum fertur Achillem
In stabulis Chiron erudiisse suis.
Semiferum doctorem, et semivirum Centaurum,
Assideat quisquis Regibus, esse decet.
Est fera, dum violat socios, dum proterit hostes:
Estque homo, dum simulat se populo esse pium.

Chiron is said to have instructed in his stables great Achilles and the sons of heroes. Whoever cares for kings should be a teacher who is half a beast, a Centaur who is half a human. He is a beast when he injures his comrades, when he tramples his enemies, and he is a man when he feigns devotion to his people.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 29 - August 4 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Myths & Legends: July 28 - Aug. 4

July 22-28 - July 29 - Aug. 4 - Aug. 5-11

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For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Reference Page.

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Achilles and Chiron. To find out more about the youthful Achilles, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Actaeon the Stag. To find out more about the life and death of Actaeon, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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The Labyrinth. To find out more about Daedalus and the Labyrinth, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Mausolus. To find out more about Mausolus and his famous "mausoleum," see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Psyche Awakens Cupid. To find out more about the story of Cupid and Psyche, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Heracles and the Birds. To find out more about the labors of Heracles, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Solon and Croesus. To find out more about the Athenian wise man and his meeting with King Croesus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Myths and Legends: Triptolemus

Triptolemus. To find out more about Triptolemus, the master of the arts of agriculture, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

You probably know the famous story of how Hades abducted Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, goddess of agriculture. As she was looking everywhere for Persephone, Demeter came to the court of King Celeus. Triptolemus was the young son of Celeus, and Demeter taught him the arts of agriculture, and he then traveled all over the lands of Greece, teaching the people how to farm.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 22-28 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths and Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 26

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

My apologies for doing so sporadic posting here: this book has ended up being so much more time-consuming than expected, but I think the final result will be worth it. I should have the PDF version to give away here at the blog one month from now if all goes well! :-)

HODIE: ante diem septimum Kalendas Augustas (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Goldfinch and the Boy = Carduelis et Puer.
• The Boy and the Teacher = Puer et Praeceptor.
• The Pig Denounced by the Sheep = Porcus ab Ovibus Criminatus.
• The Mice who Watched the Cat = Mures Felem Contemplantes.
• The Hoopoe Honored by the Eagle = Upupa ab Aquila Honorata.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, the wonderful one about the insightful pig, The Pig Denounced by the Sheep = Porcus ab Ovibus Criminatus:

A pig had been denounced by the sheep because he never showed any thanks to their master, who fed the pig so generously, while the sheep offered him milk, wool and their lambs. "When I am dead," said the pig, "I'll show my thanks; he has his own reasons for feeding me."

Porcus, criminatus ab Ovibus, quod domino, a quo tanta pascebatur diligentia, nullam referret gratiam, cum ipsae lac, lanam, agnosque illi praeberent. "Mortuus," inquit, "referam; non ab re me nutrit."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Ostendo, non ostento (English: I show; I do not boast).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Furem praeda vocat (English: The loot summons the thief - much like the English proverb, "Opportunity makes the thief").

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Amore, more, ore, re iunguntur amicitiae (English: With love, character, speech and deed, friendships are cemented - although, of course, it's impossible to capture the amazing word play of the Latin version!).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Plantate hortos et comedite fructum eorum (Jer. 29:5). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Conybeare: Caelum digito attingere: To touche heaven with his finger. A proverbe applyed to them which suppose themselves able to doe thinges impossible or to be of great power..

Today's Poem: Today's poem is one of those elegant little epigrams by Owen (10.88) with a word list at NoDictionaries.com:

Magna quidem virtus nummis est posse potiri.
Scire uti maior, maxima velle frui.

English: "It is a great virtue indeed to be able to be the master of money, it is a greater virtue to know how to use that money, and it is the greatest virtue of all to be willing to enjoy it."

For an image today, here is an illustration for a different Aesop's fable about pigs and sheep - but I think it goes nicely with Abstemius's story about the pig as cited above (image source):

Myths and Legends: Lykaon

Lykaon. To find out more about Lykaon, the original "wolfman," see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

Lykaon's name is from the Greek word for wolf, lykos. Lykaon was originally the king of Arcadia, and he was an altogether evil fellow. When he was entertaining Zeus as his guest, he decided to test Zeus by serving him a dish of human flesh to see whether Zeus would eat what was served - and the flesh was that of Lykaon's own son. Zeus was outraged, and turned Lykaon into a wolf, as you can see in the illustration below.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 22-28 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Myths & Legends: July 22-28

July 15-21 - July 22-28 - July 29 - Aug. 4

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For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Reference Page.

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Birth of Apollo and Artemis. To find out more about Leto's travail, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Tereus, Philomela and Procne. To find out more about the tragic sisters and the wicked King Tereus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Lykaon. To find out more about Lykaon, the original "wolfman," see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Cornelia's Jewels. To find out more about Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Triptolemus. To find out more about Triptolemus, the master of the arts of agriculture, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Gigantomachy. To find out more about the battle between the gods and the giants, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Apollo and the Python. To find out more about the battle between Apollo and the Python, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Myths and Legends: Birth of Apollo and Artemis

Birth of Apollo and Artemis. To find out more about Leto's travail, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

This image shows the famous story of the goddess Leto (Latona) giving birth to Zeus's twin children, Apollo and Artemis. Leto was unable to give birth on terra firma because all the lands had been commanded by Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, to reject her. Leto therefore had recourse to the floating island of Delos. She gave birth to Artemis first, and then Artemis acted as midwife for the birth of her brother Apollo.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 22-28 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths and Legends Widget Reference Page.

Birth of Apollo and Artemis

Birth of Apollo and Artemis. To find out more about Leto's travail, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

One of Zeus' many lovers was the goddess Leto. When Leto was pregnant with his twin children, Apollo and Artemis, Hera, as you would expect, was madly jealous. She compelled all the lands of the earth to refuse to allow Leto a place where she could give birth. Finally, Leto found refuge on the floating island of Delos which was not attached in any way to the earth, and this was where she gave birth to her twins.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 22-28 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 22

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

HODIE: ante diem undecimum Kalendas Augustas (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Dog and the Fox Who Played Dead = Canis et Vulpes Mortem Simulans.
• The Devil and the Old Woman = Daemon et Anus.
• The Fish and the Frying Pan = Pisces e Sartagine Exsilientes.
• The Fly and the Chariot = Musca et Quadrigae.
• The Stunted Tree = Arbor Pusilla.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, it's a bit on the long side, but it really is hilarious - The Devil and the Old Woman = Daemon et Anus:

In general when people through their own fault suffer some kind of setback, they say that it is the fault of bad luck or of the Devil, in order to escape being blamed themselves; that's how people take the easy way out. The Devil does not like this at all, so when he saw an old woman who wanted to climb a tree with her shoes on, he realized that she was going to fall out of the tree and put the blame on him, so he summoned some witnesses and said to them, "Observe that old woman who, without any advice from me, is climbing that tree from which I can see that she is going to fall. You are my witnesses that I did not urge her to climb that tree with her shoes on." The old woman soon fell down from the tree and when she was asked why she had climbed a tree with her shoes on, she said, "The Devil made me do it." Then the Devil summoned his witnesses and proved that the old woman had acted on her own, without his advice.

Volunt homines ut plurimum, quando sua culpa aliquid sibi acciderit adversi, in Fortunam vel in Daemonem culpam conferre, ut se crimine exuant; adeo omnes sibi indulgent. Hoc Daemon aegre ferens, cum videret anum quandam arborem ascendentem soleatam, ex qua illam ruituram et in se culpam collaturam praeviderat, accitis testibus, dixit, "Videte anum illam absque meo consilio arborem ascendentem, unde eam casuram esse prospicio. Estote mihi testes, me ei non suasisse, ut soleata illuc ascenderet." Mox anus cecidit et, cum interrogaretur cur soleata arborem ascendisset, "Daemon," inquit, "me impulit." Tunc Daemon, adductis testibus, probavit id ab anu absque suo factum esse consilio.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Dei sumus adiutores (English: We are God's helpers).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Dies diem docet (English: One day teaches another - this is one of those "lifelong-learning" proverbs, and one of my personal favorites, as you can probably guess from all my "___ of the day" widgets!).

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Sarcina magna nimis asinum prosternit in imis (English: A load that is far too large lays the donkey low - and the fact that this rhymes is probably of little comfort to the poor donkey!).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Nemo potest duobus dominis servire (Matt. 6:24). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Taverner: Quod in animo sobrii est, id est in lingua ebrii: The thinge that lieth in a sobre mans harte, is in the tonge of the dronckarde. Dronkenfolke can kepe no counsaile. Wherfore it is wisedome both to kepe thy selt from that vice, lest thou utterest in they dronkenes the thinge, that afterwarde shall repent the, and also not to kepe companie with suchenot to disclose thy hart to them, that be subiecte to this foule vice, leste they happen to tourne the to displeasure.

Today's Poem: Today's poem is from one of the rhymes collected by Wegeler, with a word list at NoDictionaries.com:

Si quis ab alterius visu vult tollere labem,
A propriis primum detrahat ille trabem.

English: "If someone wants to remove the blemish in someone else's vision, he must first pull out the beam from his own eyes." The rhyming couplet here is an expansion on the famous saying of Jesus in Matthew: Aut quomodo dicis fratri tuo: Sine eiiciam festucam de oculo tuo, et ecce trabs est in oculo tuo? Hypocrita, eiice primum trabem de oculo tuo, et tunc videbis eiicere festucam de oculo fratris tui.

For an image today, here is a picture of a fox playing dead to go with the fable The Dog and the Fox Who Played Dead = Canis et Vulpes Mortem Simulans (image source). Of course, in this image things turn out as the fox wants, making it possible for her to catch a bird to eat. That is not at all what happens in the fable! :-)

Round-Up: July 21

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: ante diem duodecimum Kalendas Augustas (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Tree Trunk and the Oxen = Trabs et Boves.
• The Capons and the Cook = Capones et Coquus.
• The Fox and the Women = Vulpes et Mulieres.
• The Donkey and the Calf = Asinus et Vitulus.
• The Hawk who Chased a Dove = Accipiter Columbam Insequens.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, the one about the cynical donkey, The Donkey and the Calf = Asinus et Vitulus:

There was a donkey and a calf who were feeding together in the same meadow. From the sound of the bells ringing, they became aware that an enemy army was approaching. The calf said, "Let's get out of here, my companion." The donkey replied, "You better run, since the enemy are in the habit of killing and eating creatures like you. For donkeys like me, it doesn't make any difference since we are always carrying loads, whoever is in charge."

Asinus et Vitulus, in eodem pascentes prato, sonitu campanae hostilem exercitum adventare praesenserant. Tum Vitulus "Fugiamus hinc, O sodalis," inquit, "ne hostes nos captivos abducant." Cui Asinus "Fuge tu," inquit, "quem hostes occidere et esse consueverunt. Asini nihil interest, cui ubique eadem ferendi oneris est proposita conditio."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Crasso nummatior (English: With more money than Crassus - he's even on Wikipedia's list of top ten historical rich men, along with the Romanovs and the Rothschilds!).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Dux mihi veritas (English: Truth is my guide).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Ex ovis pravis non bona venit avis (English: From bad eggs no good bird comes - not only is it an animal proverb, but it rhymes, too!).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Fundum alienum arat, incultum familiarem deserit (English: He ploughs another's farmland, and leaves his family farm untended - although not as many people are farmers nowadays, there are still plenty of busybodies who could take a good lesson from this fable!).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Ne e quovis ligno Mercurius fiat (English: You can't make a statue of Mercury out of just any block of wood; from Adagia 2.5.47).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἡ κύων ἐν φάτνῃ (English: This is the proverbial dog in the manger who, even though he cannot eat the straw himself, keeps the oxen away from their food).

For an image today, here is a bust of Crassus, in honor of the proverb cited above (image source):

Myths and Legends: Deianira and the Cloak

Deianira and the Cloak. To find out more about Deianira, the wife of Heracles, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

The centaur Nessus kidnapped Deianeira, the wife of Heracles, whereupon Heracles killed the centaur with an arrow dipped in the poisonous blood of the hydra. Before he died, though, Nessus conceived a way to get his revenge: he told Deianeira that if she took his blood and semen, she could later use it as a love potion if Heracles ever strayed. Later on, when Heracles did fall in love with someone else, Deianeira got out the vial in which she kept the blood of Nessus and smeared it on Heracles's' cloak, thinking it would make him fall in love with her again. Instead, it brought about his death. In despair, Deianeira killed herself.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 15-21 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 20

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: ante diem tertium decimum Kalendas Augustas (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is MATER - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Nemo non formosus filius matri. , "There is no child who is not beautiful to its mother."

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Dove and the Magpie = Columba et Pica.
• The Farmer and the Rushing River = Rusticus et Torrens.
• The Spider and the Swallow = Aranea et Hirundo.
• Ceres and the Farmer = Ceres and the Farmer.
• A Mouse Born in a Box = Mus in Cista Natus.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, the story of the mouse who "thinks outside the box," as it were, A Mouse Born in a Box = Mus in Cista Natus:

There was a mouse who was born in a box and who had led practically his whole life there, nourished on the nuts which were usually kept in that box. One day, however, when he was playing around the edge of the box he fell down and as he was looking for a way back up into the box, he discovered a feast of sumptuously prepared food which he began to eat with much enjoyment. "What a fool I was," he said, "thinking until now that there was nothing better in the whole world than my little box. But here I have found foods to eat which are much tastier by far!"

Mus, in cista natus, omnem fere ibi duxerat aetatem, nucibus pastus quae in ea servari solebant. Dum autem circa oras cistae ludens decidisset quaereretque ascensum, reperit epulas lautissime paratas, quas cum gustare coepisset, "Quam stultus," inquit, "hactenus fui, qui toto in terrarum orbe nihil melius cistula mea esse credebam. Ecce quam suavioribus hic vescor cibis."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Iuncti valemus (English: Joined together, we are strong).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Auriga virtutum prudentia (English: Wisdom holds the reins of excellence)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Nihil annis velocius (English: Nothing is faster than the years). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Semper quiescens des iniuriae locum (English: By always taking it easy, you invite your own injury).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Lepus dormiens (English: a sleeping rabbit; from Adagia 1.10.57 - this saying depends on a bit of ancient lore about rabbits, who supposedly sleep with their eyes open, so the phrase a "sleeping rabbit" means someone who appears to be doing one thing but who is actually doing something else).

For an image today, here is a depiction of Ceres (Greek Demeter) in honor of the fable about Ceres and the farmer cited above - plus the image even shows the prickly wheat which is the subject of the fable (image source)

Myths and Legends: Odysseus and Circe

Odysseus and Circe. To find out more about Circe, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

This vase painting depicts the famous moment in Homer's Odyssey when Odysseus, thanks to the help of the "moly" provided by Hermes, is able to thwart Circe's magic. She had turned Odysseus's companions into swine, but Odysseus is too much for her. The story is told in Book X of the Odyssey.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 15-21 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Myths and Legends: Perseus on Pegasus

Perseus on Pegasus. To find out more about Pegasus and Perseus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

You can see the hero Perseus here riding on the winged horse Pegasus, carrying the head of Medusa tucked away safely under Pegasus' wings so that he will not be struck by the fearsome power of her gaze; anyone who encountered her gaze was turned to stone. Here is a close-up that shows Medusa's head as well as Perseus' winged feet:


You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 15-21 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 16

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: ante diem septimum decimum Kalendas Augustas (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is FLEO - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Non flere, non indignari, sed intellegere, "Don't weep, don't get angry, but understand."

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Kite and the Eagle = Milvus et Aquila.
• The Horse, the Donkey and the Barley = Equus, Asinus, et Hordeum.
• The Dogs and the Hide = Canes et Corium.
• The Snail and the Monkey = Coclea et Simia.
• The Donkey and the Drums = Asinus et Tympana.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, The Snail and the Monkey = Coclea et Simia - this fable always makes me laugh!

A snail found a brightly shining mirror and fell in love with it; she immediately climbed up on its surface and began to lick it. She did not appear to do the mirror any good, except to cover up its splendor with slime and filth. A monkey then found the filthy mirror and said, "Those who let others walk all over them like this deservedly suffer the consequences."

Coclea repperit speculum, quod, dum nimium fulgere vidisset, adamavit et, statim ascendens super eius orbem, coepit eum delingere. Nil vero ei visa est contulisse, nisi ut splendorem salivis vel sordibus pollueret. Simia invenit id taliter inquinatum et ait, "Qui talibus se calcari permittunt, talia sustinere merentur."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Audentior ibo (English: I will go more boldly - a motto that has a bit of a Star Trek echo!).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Silentium stultorum virtus (English: Silence is the virtue of fools)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Ex bellis bella seruntur (English: From wars wars are sown). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Furor fit laesa saepius patientia (English: Patience wounded once too often becomes rage).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Semper graculus adsidet graculo (English: One jackdaw always sits next to another; from Adagia 1.2.23 - a "birds of a feather" type of saying!).

Today's image is a medieval illustration for the story of the donkey who was made into a drum (source) - you can see the sad donkey, before, on the left and after, on the right, in drum-form:

Myths & Legends: July 15-21

July 8-14 - July 15-21 - July 22-28

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For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Reference Page.

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The Head of Medusa. To find out more about Medusa, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Perseus on Pegasus. To find out more about Pegasus and Perseus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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The Deluge. To find out more about the great Flood, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Odysseus and Circe. To find out more about Circe, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Sappho's Leap. To find out more about the legendary fate of the poet Sappho, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Deianira and the Cloak. To find out more about Deianira, the wife of Heracles, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Xanthippe Douses Socrates. To find out more about the stories told about Xanthippe, the wife of Socrates, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Myths and Legends: Oedipus at Colonus

Oedipus at Colonus. To find out more about the wanderings of Oedipus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

Sophocles wrote a play on the subject of Oedipus at Colonus; Colonus is a village near Athens and it also happens to be the village where Sophocles himself was born. In the play, Oedipus, now blind, has come to Colonus seeking refuge, accompanied by his daughters Antigone and Ismene, whom you can see in the painting below, along with Oedipus's son Polyneices (also shown below), who is fighting against his brother Eteocles for the throne of Thebes. Oedipus is furious at both his sons and prophesies that they will kill one another in battle. That, of course, is exactly what will happen, as famously told in Sophocles' play Antigone.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 8-14 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 14

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: pridie Idus Iulias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is SIMUL - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Amare simul et sapere vix deo conceditur., "It's scarcely granted even to a god to love and be wise at the same time."

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Oxen and the Butchers = The Oxen and the Butchers.
• The Horse Chained to the Millstone = Equus Molae Iugatus.
• The Mouse in the Pot = Mus in Olla.
• The Rabbit, the Dog and the Goatherd = Lepus, Canis et Caprarius.
• The Fox, the Wolf and Three True Things = Vulpes, Lupus et Tria Vera.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, the story of The Rabbit, the Dog and the Goatherd = Lepus, Canis et Caprarius:

A dog was chasing a furry-footed rabbit that he had roused from inside a thicket, being an expert hunter as he was. In running, however, he was no match for the rabbit. A goatherd happened to see all this and said jokingly, "Has such a teeny-tiny creature turned out to be faster than you?" To which the dog replied, "It's one thing to run after something you want to catch; it's something else again to run for your life."

Ex fruticeto Leporem villosipedem quem excitaverat, insequebatur Canis, venandi non imperitus. Cursu tamen fuit impar. Et caprarius quidam dixit per iocum, "Quantula bestia reperta fuit te velocior?" Cui Canis, "Currit aliquis aliter alium rapere qui cupit, et aliter alium qui ex malo servat."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Tertius Cato (English: A third Cato - which is to say a serious-minded censorius person, worthy to join the ranks of Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Virtus prae nummis (English: Worth rather than wealth).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Ex auribus cognoscitur asinus (English: You recognize a donkey by the ears - a proverb brought to life in the Aesop's fable about the donkey in the lion's skin).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Navigat usque ad Phasim (English: He's sailing all the way to the Phasis - the Phasis river being the proverbial end of the world; you can read about the Phasis River, modern Rioni, at Wikipedia).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Delphicus gladius (English: The Delphic sword; from Adagia 2.3.69; in Delphi, this sword could be used both for the slaying of sacrificial victims and for the punishment of wrongdoers, and by extension it came to mean any tool with many uses).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Μικροῦ δὲ ἀγῶνος οὐ μέγ' ἔρχεται κλέος (English: From a trivial competition there comes no great glory).

For an image today, here's a picture of the donkey with his tell-tale ears (source):

Myths and Legends: Hector's Body Returned to Troy

Hector's Body Returned to Troy. To find out more about Hector, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

Today's image shows the body of the Trojan hero Hector being taken back to Troy after King Priam went into the Greek camp and petitioned Achilles to let him have the body. The sculpture is from a sarcophagus of the late second century C.E. found in the Louvre.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 8-14 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 12

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: ante diem quartum Idus Iulias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is TALIS - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay, a great little agriculatural metaphor - Qualis radix, tales et rami.

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Wolf and the Tragic Actor's Mask = The Wolf and the Tragic Actor's Mask.
• The Wethers and the Butcher = The Wethers and the Butcher.
• The Donkey and the Lion = The Donkey and the Lion.
• The Sword in the Road = The Sword in the Road.
• The Eagle, the Turtle and the Crow = The Eagle, the Turtle and the Crow.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, The Donkey and the Lion = The Donkey and the Lion:

The donkey happened to cross paths with the lion and said to him, "Let's go up to the top of that mountain and I will show you that many animals are afraid of me, too!" The lion, laughing at the donkey's words, said, "Okay, let's go." When they got to the place, the donkey stood beside the mighty beast on a high peak and in low tones he began bellowing. When the foxes and the rabbits heard him, they started to run away. The donkey then said to the lion, "See who makes them afraid!" The lion is then said to have replied, "Perhaps your voice would have scared me, too, if I didn't know that you were a donkey."

Asinus ediverso occurrit Leoni, cui sic dicere coepit, "Ascendamus in cacumen montis et ostendam tibi quia et multa animalia me timent." Leo, ridens Aselli verba, "Eamus" inquit. Cumque venissent ad locum, stans cum fera Asellus in edito loco voce summissa clamare coepit. Quem audientes, vulpes et lepores fugere coeperunt. At Asellus, "Vide quem timeant." Cui Leo contra sic dixisse fertur, "Poterat et me terrere vox tua, si non scirem Asinum te esse."

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Vincit veritas (English: Truth triumphs).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Virtus prae nummis (English: Worth rather than wealth).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Sero paras stabulum, taurum iam fure trahente (English: It's too late to ready the stable when the thief is already leading the bull away).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Sapientia vino obumbratur (English: Wisdom is overshadowed by wine).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Codro pauperior (English: More poor than Codrus; from Adagia 1.6.76 - a proverb based on a wretched and miserable poet Codrus mentioned by Juvenal).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Δηρὸν βουλεύειν, ἵν' ἔχῃ καὶ πολλὸν ἄμεινον (English: Deliberate for a long time so that you will fare far better).

Today's image is for that story of the donkey and the lion - you can see how the loud braying of the donkey is making the rabbits and foxes run away (image source):

Myths and Legends: Phaethon

Phaethon. To find out more about Phaethon, the son of the sun-god Helios, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

This famous legend from Ovid tells how Phaethon, the bastard son of the sun god Helios, begged his father to let him drive the sun chariot. He was unable to control the horses, however, and when the chariot raced out of control across the sky, Zeus had to blast Phaethon with a thunderbolt in order to bring the chariot's wild ride to a halt, while Phaethon plunged to his death. This fascinating image of Phaethon comes from a Renaissance tarot deck known as the Mantegna Tarocchi.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 8-14 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Round-Up: July 9

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm posting at Twitter again now, too! :-)

HODIE: ante diem septimum Idus Iulias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is VIRTUS - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Pretium sibi virtus, "Virtue is its own reward."

LATIN AND ENGLISH FABLES: Here are today's fables in Latin AND English from the English Aesop project.

• The Wolf and the Goat = Lupus et Capra.
• The Peacock and the Crane = Pavo et Grus.
• The Captive Trumpeter = Tubicen Captus.
• The Mouse and the Farmer = The Mouse and the Farmer.
• The Fox and the Crow = Vulpes et Corvus.

I've picked out my favorite one to share with you here in the blog, the story of the high-flying crane, The Peacock and the Crane = Pavo et Grus:

The peacock unfolded his feathers in the presence of the crane and said, "How great is my beauty, and how great is your ugliness!" Then the crane took flight and said, "And how lofty is my flight, and how awkward is yours."

Pavo, coram Grue pennas suas explicans, "Quanta est" inquit "formositas mea et tua deformitas!" At Grus evolans "Et quanta est" inquit "levitas mea et tua tarditas!"

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Cedamus amori (English: Let us yield to love).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Sapientia auro melior (English: Wisdom is better than gold)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Qui non laborat, non manducat (English: He who does not work, does not eat). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Quam malus est, culpam qui suam alterius facit (English: How wicked is the man who blames someone else for his own fault).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Equum habet Seianum (English: He's got the horse of Sejanus; from Adagia 1.10.97 - This was a very unlucky horse, whose owners died: first he belonged to Sejanus, who was beheaded; then Dolabella bought him and he was killed by rebels in Epirus; the horse was then the property of Gaius cassius, who also died, after which the horse went to Mark Anthony, who also died, and Sejanus's next owner, his last, drowned).

Today's image is in honor of the high-flying cranes from the fable cited above; this photo shows whooping cranes in flight - and if you have not seen the amazing documentary film Winged Migration (these are birds from that movie), I highly highly recommend it!

Myths and Legends: Achilles and Patroclus

Achilles and Patroclus. To find out more about Achilles and Patroclus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

Here you see the Greek hero Achilles (unbearded) bandaging a wound on the arm of his beloved Patroclus (older than Achilles, bearded). For an analysis of the visual details in this famous vase painting which is signed by the painter Sosias (circa 500 B.C.E.), see the Perseus website.

You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 8-14 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.

Myths & Legends: July 8-14

July 1-7 - July 8-14 - July 15-21

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For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Reference Page.

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Achilles and Patroclus. To find out more about Achilles and Patroclus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Actaeon Attacked by His Dogs. To find out more about the life and death of Actaeon, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Phaethon. To find out more about Phaethon, the son of the sun-god Helios, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Golden Age. To find out more about the legend of the Golden Age, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Hector's Body Returned to Troy. To find out more about Hector, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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Phrixus and Helle. To find out more about Phrixus and his twin sister Helle, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source.

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Oedipus at Colonus. To find out more about the wanderings of Oedipus, see this Wikipedia article: link; for information about the image: image source. There's also a post here.

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