30 August 2005

Greek mythology lesson

So, I've been called lots of things, most recently Debbie Downer and now Canadian Cassandra. I've been hearing (among the Peak Oil writers anyways) the name Cassandra quite a bit so I decided to find out more about this mythological character.

"According to one [version of the] story, Cassandra received the power to foretell the future from the god Apollo. Apparently, Apollo instructed the mortal woman and taught her about the art of prophecy because he had an ulterior motive - the god wished to win her affections. Cassandra accepted Apollo as a teacher, but not as a lover. Naturally, the god was insulted by this refusal. So he punished Cassandra. Apollo caused the gift that he gave Cassandra to be twisted, making everyone who heard her true and accurate foretellings of future events believe that they were instead hearing lies. In other words, the wondrous blessing bestowed upon a mortal became instead a terrible curse.

And indeed, the burden of Cassandra's "gift" is evident in mythology. She predicted the outcome of many disastrous events. In one memorable example, Cassandra announced the dire consequences of the Trojans accepting the infamous Wooden Horse from their Greek opponents. But as Apollo made certain, no one believed Cassandra when she warned her companions about the future. And this, in the end, was to be Cassandra's tragic fate." (from www.loggia.com)

Very interesting....I love ancient mythology. So many lessons to be learned...

4 comments:

mrs the experience said...

Sassy Cassie!

The Experience said...

When have you predicted the future? Are you leaving me in the cold for a reason? I'm sorry Reid! Share your gift.

Kirsti said...

Cassandra... intriguing

mrs the experience said...

Would you prefer Oracle of Delphi? We can even perform a one-act play of The Life of Pythia when I come out in November. We can wear togas and form a Greek chorus and decorate the basement and everything! All the fertilizer you can eat!