Greek
Aegis
Aegis (Αἰγίς)
Shaken, it raises storms and sends enemy armies fleeing in terror.
ArmorFirst recorded c. 750 BCE
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Photograph: A Cypriot footed cup (kylix) of about 750–600 BCE, with scrolls and geometric designs in red and black on a pale ground.
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ArchiveGreek · Elixir
Ambrosia and Nectar
Ambrosia & Nectar
Keeps the gods ageless and deathless.
- Owner
- The gods of Olympus
- Maker
- Carried by doves
- First record
- Homer, Iliadc. 750 BCE
- Gallery
- Greek
Notes on the photograph 3
Story
In Homer's epics the gods eat ambrosia and drink nectar rather than human bread and wine. The word ambrosia means "not dying," and ichor flows in the gods' veins instead of blood.
The Odyssey sings that doves bring ambrosia to Zeus from the ends of the earth. The gods also rub it on like perfumed oil; Hera washes and adorns herself with it.
Mortals who tried to steal it suffered greatly. Tantalus, for stealing the food of the gods and sharing it with people, was condemned to eternal hunger and thirst.
The object in the photo
The photograph shows Kylix(Cypriot, ca. 750–600 BCE), a real museum object that evokes the legendary artifact.
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