Showing results by author "Lucian of Samosata" in All Categories

In a moment of profound gloom, Zeus finds himself enveloped in tragic distress, prompting Hermes and Athena to urge him to reveal the source of his sorrow. Meanwhile, Hera, embodying her fierce Homeric spirit, confidently suggests that his melancholy stems from yet another earthly affair. As the king of gods and men is pressed to speak, he unveils the true reason for his anxiety relentless attacks on his character and that of the Olympian deities, alongside a troubling denial of their very existence by skeptics. What path should he take in the face of such criticism? Summary by Foon

In this intriguing exploration, we delve into the world of small Greek historians who sought to enhance their narratives by embellishing the feats of their compatriots. Lucian first critiqued this tendency in his Instructions for Writing History and later satirized it in his True History, where he whimsically recounts a journey to the moon. This delightful tale likely inspired Rabelais and influenced Cyrano de Bergeracs Voyages to the Moon and to the Sun, ultimately contributing to the creation of Gulliver’s Travels. Additionally, the Icaro-Menippus Dialogue presents another lunar adventure,...

Dive into the whimsical world of The Dialogues of the Sea-Gods, where 15 witty and satirical conversations take aim at the Homeric portrayal of Greek deities. Written in Attic Greek nearly 1900 years ago by the talented Syrian author Lucian of Samosata, these dialogues continue to resonate with humor and cleverness today. Join our talented cast as they bring to life the playful banter of the sea gods. - Summary by Foon Cast Alpheius/Menelaus ZoinkMeister Patrick Amphitrite/Panope alanmapstone Cyclops Nemo Delphines/Amymone Leanne Yau Doris Foon Enipeus Rob Marland Galateia Anita Sloma-Martinez...

Step into the whimsical world of the gods with The Dialogues of the Gods, a collection of 26 delightful miniature dialogues that take a humorous jab at the traditional Homeric portrayal of Greek deities. Written in Attic Greek by the witty Syrian author Lucian of Samosata nearly 1900 years ago, these dialogues remain as fresh and entertaining as ever. Join an engaging cast that brings these timeless tales to life, featuring characters like Zeus, Poseidon, and Hermes, portrayed by an enthusiastic ensemble. Editor Campbell Schelp adds his touch to this captivating experience, summarized by Foon.

A True Story (Ancient Greek: Ἀληθῆ διηγήματα, Alēthē diēgēmata; Latin: Vera Historia or Latin: Verae Historiae), also translated as True History, is a long novella or short novel written in the second century AD by the Syrian author Lucian of Samosata. The novel is a satire of outlandish tales that had been reported in ancient sources, particularly those that presented fantastic or mythical events as if they were true. It is Lucian's best-known work.