geinman's definitions

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. After the murder of his father, he was ordered by Apollo to avenge his father's death. He did so, killing his mother and her lover, Aegisthus. For this act, he was pursued by the Erinyes, the goddesses of retribution. He wandered many years so tormented, accompanied by his sister Electra and friend Pylades. Finally, at Athens, the gods interceded and held court. Athena defended him and Apollo gave testimony. Orestes was exonerated and the Erinyes stopped pursuing him.

Orestes killed his own mother on the orders of Apollo.

by geinman June 23, 2013

By Jove

In eighteenth and nineteenth century England, it was considered a great offense to say "By God". Instead, men would say "BY Jove". Jove is an alternative name for the Roman god Jupiter. By saying "By Jove!", they could be saying "By God!", without committing a social offense.

"By Jove, Tom! William has a magnificent carriage!"

by geinman June 15, 2013

Erinyes

The Greek goddesses of retribution. There were three of them, with hideous features, snakes for hair, and eyes which wept blood. They sprang from the blood of Uranus when his son Chronos struck him down. Their purpose was to punish those who broke the laws of nature, such as killing a family member. The Romans called them the Furies.

When Hera endowed a horse with the power of speech, the Erinyes struck it dumb because it was not natural for a horse to talk.

by geinman June 27, 2013

Arachne

A Greek maiden whose weaving ability was the marvel of the ancient world. When Athena heard about it she challenged Arachne to a contest. When the girl's tapestry was the equal to the goddess', she became angry and tore Arachne's weaving to shreds. The girl became terrified of what Athena might do and hanged herself. Athena became regretful of her actions and turned Arachne into a spider, so that she might weave all that she wished.

Arachne was a weaving wonder.l

by geinman June 22, 2013

Iphigenia

Daughter of Agamemnon who was to be sacrificed at Aulis due to her father's angering of the goddess Artemis. At the second the knife fell, Artemis whisked her away and placed a stag in her place. The goddess took her to the land of the Taurans, where she became a priestess. Many years later, she played a major part in the redemption of her brother, Orestes.

Iphigenia was lured to Aulis by the promise of a marriage to Achilles.

by geinman June 14, 2013

Frankenstein

An invention, creation, or idea which quickly spins out of control and becomes a disaster.

That new computer program turned into a real Frankenstein.

by geinman June 13, 2013

Peter Cushing

Damned great actor. Starred in the best of the Hammer movies in the fifties and sixties.

Peter Cushing was a great Baron Frankenstein

by geinman October 25, 2012