XpatAthens

Wednesday, 05 February 2025 11:24

Things You Didn’t Know About Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is full of fascinating stories about gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. While many people are familiar with the likes of Zeus, Hercules, and Medusa, there are plenty of lesser-known facts that make Greek mythology even more intriguing.

Here are some surprising things you might not know about Greek mythology!

1. Zeus Wasn’t Always the Supreme God

While Zeus is often considered the king of the gods, he had to fight for his throne. He overthrew his father, Cronus, who had swallowed his siblings out of fear of being overthrown himself. After rescuing his brothers and sisters, Zeus waged a decade-long war against the Titans before claiming his rule over Mount Olympus.

2. The Trojan War Started Over an Apple

Most people know that the Trojan War was sparked by the abduction of Helen, but fewer know that it all started with an apple. Eris, the goddess of discord, threw a golden apple labeled “For the Fairest” among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Their dispute over who deserved it led to the Judgment of Paris, where Paris of Troy chose Aphrodite in exchange for Helen’s love—ultimately triggering the legendary war.

3. Hades Wasn’t the God of Death

Many assume that Hades, ruler of the underworld, was also the god of death, but that role actually belonged to Thanatos, a lesser god. Hades oversaw the afterlife and ensured the dead remained in his realm, but he wasn’t responsible for taking lives. Unlike other gods, he also wasn’t considered evil—just misunderstood.

4. Athena and Poseidon Had a Major Rivalry

Athens is named after the goddess Athena, but it could have been called Poseidonia. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron deity of the city. Poseidon offered a saltwater spring, while Athena gifted the olive tree, which was more valuable to the people. The citizens chose Athena, and the city was named in her honor.

5. The Underworld Had Different Sections

The Greek underworld wasn’t just a gloomy pit of despair. It had multiple areas:

Elysium – A paradise for heroes and the virtuous.
Asphodel Meadows – A place for ordinary souls who weren’t exceptionally good or bad.
Tartarus – A deep abyss where the wicked were punished, including the Titans. This complex afterlife system showcased how Greek mythology viewed justice beyond the mortal world.

6. Medusa Wasn’t Always a Monster

Medusa, famous for turning people to stone, was originally a beautiful mortal. According to one version of the myth, she was transformed into a Gorgon by Athena as punishment after being assaulted by Poseidon in Athena’s temple. This tragic origin story makes Medusa a more sympathetic figure than just a terrifying villain.

7. Hercules’ 12 Labors Were a Punishment

Hercules, or Heracles in Greek, wasn’t just a hero by choice—he was atoning for a terrible crime. Driven mad by Hera, he killed his own wife and children. Seeking redemption, he was given twelve nearly impossible labors, such as slaying the Nemean lion and capturing the Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the underworld.

8. The Gods Had Their Own Love Dramas

Greek gods were notorious for their love affairs, and these relationships often caused chaos. Zeus had countless affairs, often resulting in the birth of demigods like Perseus and Hercules. Aphrodite, despite being married to Hephaestus, had a well-known romance with Ares, the god of war. These divine dramas shaped many myths and legends.

9. There Were Female Warriors Like the Amazons

The Amazons were a fierce tribe of warrior women, believed to have lived on the edges of the known world. They frequently appeared in Greek myths, battling heroes like Hercules and Theseus. In some versions, they were said to cut off one breast to better wield a bow, though this detail is debated.

10. Prometheus Gave Humans More Than Fire

Prometheus is famous for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity, but he also played a major role in shaping civilization. According to myth, he taught humans architecture, medicine, astronomy, and even writing. His punishment—being chained to a rock where an eagle ate his liver daily—shows the gods’ fear of human advancement.

Published in Greek Philosophy & History

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Wednesday, 13 November 2024 12:41

Local Facebook Groups

This article has been created for your ease of reference in finding Facebook groups that are for English-speakers living in Greece. Please keep in mind that these are groups created and managed by others on Facebook. XpatAthens is not responsible for the content nor if they are no longer valid.

If you would you like to see your group on this page, let us know here.

Athens : Girl Gone International

This group is a place for you to communicate with other girls in that are in the same boat as you. You can ask questions, share ideas, post fun events, anything really! The idea is to have a sense of community while living away from 'home'. Oh, and meet up for drinks ;)

Australians in Athens!

This is a group with the purpose of getting people of similar cultural backgrounds all together, on and off Facebook. It does not serve as an advertising group. Prime interest is to bring people together and to have fun.

Expats in Greece

Expats from any countries living (and working) in Greece. Tips about the day-day life, jobs, events.

Find a Job in Athens

This group was created to help people find a job in Athens, Greece. If you are looking for some work, if you are aware of some open vacancy or maybe you are in a position to offer a job - please share this information here and hopefully, it will change your or someone else's life :-)

Foreign girls living in Athens

A networking group for all us foreign girls/women who for one reason ( a man? ) or another (job, adventure?) have ended up living in Greece.
We will arrange Girls' Nights where life in Greece can be discussed, wine enjoyed, etc etc. Most important for this group and any events arranged is: the more the merrier! So please invite any of your foreign girlfriends to join the group!!!

Foreigners living in Greece

The group is created for foreigners living in Greece and Greeks to get in touch, exchange ideas, impressions about their startups, the challenges, achievements, and any useful information to get around.

Foreign mothers and mothers-to-be living in Athens

Being a "new mother-to-be" I found myself with soooo many questions and very few clear cut answers as to how to approach this new chapter of my life here in Athens. So thought I would start this offshoot to "foreign girls living in Athens" and create a group where mothers and pregnant women can exchange advice and experiences.

GREEK/AUSTRALIANS LIVING IN GREECE

This is a group that welcomes Blokes and Sheilas from Down Under who have made the big move and now LIVE OUT IN THE STICKS (greece). So if your FAIR DINKUM and are willing to 'HAVE A GO YOU MUG' come join the rest of the FLAMING GALAHS and be a SPORT MATE.

INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF ATHENS

The International Club was formed to give a regular meeting point for foreigners, Greeks born abroad and Greeks living in Athens. The idea of this group is that is that members can meet the other foreigners living in this city, make friends and create a network together. Most of all though, it's to have fun!

The gadget shack!

This group is for you to sell & buy anything that's electronic from laptops to mobile phones. ATHENS, GREECE!!

Published in Social & Meet Up Groups

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:35

Symi – A Boutique Island

“I don’t need much. Just give me a glass of Ouzo, an octopus to grill, a small boat to take me to a remote beach and nothing else. No trendy beach clubs, no seen and be seen. Just a simple life.” My travel companions interrupt me immediately. “And what about your parties in Amsterdam, your lounge bars, city breaks, Nikki Beach and Body Combat training?” After five days I managed to prove myself and I invite everyone to take part in my undemanding, low-key and yet unforgettable experience on Symi, possibly my favourite small island in Europe. No trendsetters allowed.

It had been fifteen years since I last visited Symi, a Mediterranean destination that leaves a lasting impression. As you arrive in Symi’s harbour you’ll feel like you’re melting into a picture-perfect postcard; it’s truly breathtaking. The harbour welcomes you like a mother welcomes her long lost children.

My “Back to Basics” holiday happened to be far from basic. Many expats have further enhanced this little paradise with bars, boutique hotels, shops and restaurants but Symi’s unique character has remained intact.

The island has 7 taxis and 1 bus that leaves on the hour and will take you uphill to Panormitis, a beautiful monastery. Pastel, neo-classical houses are scattered around the hills and overlook the harbour. This setting oozes Mediterranean allure, as if a stylist has designed it that way and the harbour extends towards crystal clear water where blue chairs and tables are covered with white linen, set symmetrically giving the illusion that you can fall in. Taxi boats depart each morning to a beach of your choice. For just nine euros per person you can get a return ticket, which allows you to truly get away from it all.

We met the charming Italian Christina who runs the beach of Agia Marina with her French Husband. Their daily offerings of fresh food are fantastic; a winning combination of Italian, French and Greek that will truly tickle your taste buds. For three euros you can hire a sun bed and it is the only beach on the island where you enter the sea by walking over imported sand as opposed to pebbles and stones.

To read more, please visit fredtraveltips.blogspot.gr

By Fred van Eijk

Published in Travel Greece

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Friday, 20 February 2015 15:45

The Street Food Of Athens

I adore street food. Simply love it….. and in Athens, some of the best street food is available during the fall and winter months. Just steps away from the ancient agora and under the looming gaze of the Parthenon, lies the Monastiraki section of the city.

Take a stroll through this bustling neighborhood where vendors sell fish, meat and vegetables alongside more touristy fare of T-shirts, worry beads and replicas of ancient vases, and you’ll come across one of my all-time favorite treats : roast chestnuts. You have to work a little at peeling back the crispy outer layer, but it’s worth it! Chestnut vendors sell roast corn as well — tastes great with a sprinkle of Greek sea salt on top.

If you get thirsty from the chestnuts and corn, just a few steps away is the Salep vendor. What is Salep, you might ask? I passed by this huge bronze urn for four days before I got up the nerve to try, and found out……. it’s orchid tea!

The vendor handed over a tiny cup with a foamy finish, a dash of cinnamon and the most exotic fragrance…….I took a taste and it had the strangest mix of sweet, citrus and nuttiness.

Apparently there’s enough demand for orchid tea in Athens to support more than one vendor. In the middle of Ermou, a busy downtown shopping street, this man has also set up shop. And instead of one gleaming bronze dispenser on his mobile cart……

To read the rest of this blogpost, please visit www.travelbelles.com

By Amanda Summer

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Monday, 29 May 2017 07:00

Top 10 Things I Love About Living In Greece

A good friend of ours has put together her top ten reasons of why she loves living in Greece. We loved them for all the same reasons and wanted to share them with you.

1. Koukaki has been named one of the 10 trendiest neighborhoods in the world!

2. It is totally normal to book a doctor or manicure appointment at 9:00 pm.

3. In less than 2 hours and with under 100 euros, I can easily change cultures, languages, currencies, and cuisines.

4.   It’s easy to be emotional in Greece. I’m very uncomfortable crying in public but the few times I’ve done it here, everyone leans in–way in–to see what’s wrong, how can they help, etc. There is no possible way to get away with “I’m fine.” They don’t accept that at all…And it feels so nice.

5.   I am 4,000 miles away from the US President.

6.   Greek merchants are very flexible. In instances when I haven’t had enough cash with me, they’ve let me buy groceries, pet food, get my nails done and have medical appointments with a casual wave of the hand—“you can pay next time!“ Once they even let me rent a car without my driver’s license…impressive. dear greece, you remind me that all things are possible…

7.   Even though I have visited maybe a dozen Greek islands, I still feel like I’ve just scratched the surface. There are so many islands you can stay interested for years and years…

8.   I can go to the laiki (outdoor market) and buy all the fresh fruit and vegetables I need for a week for less than 25 euros. And it’s fun.

9. I now know enough people that I randomly bump into friends when I’m out on the street. That might not seem like a big deal, but when you start from zero, it’s huge.

10. The pace of life I have here has allowed me time to write a book. I’m very grateful for that and I’m not sure I would have been able to do it in my more fast-paced San Francisco life.

To read more, please visit: LynnRoulo.com

Lynn is an American Kundalini yoga and Enneagram instructor teaching a unique combination of the two systems, combining the physical benefits of Kundalini yoga with the psychological growth tools of the Enneagram.

Most of her adult life has been as a Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) working in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco technology start up and venture capital industries. In 2012, she decided to move to Athens, Greece for purely intuitive reasons. She's not Greek by heritage, she did not have a job here, she didn’t speak any Greek (at the time), and there wasn't a Greek man in the picture either! She simply had a really clear feeling that she should go to Greece. And so she did.

“I remember getting on the plane to leave San Francisco. My dog and two cats were in cargo below and I had packed a suitcase full of clothes. Almost everything else I had sold or given away. There wasn’t anyone to meet me in Athens because I didn’t know anyone. But it was one of the calmest moments of my life. I was totally sure I was making the right choice. And I haven’t regretted it at all. I love Greece.”

To learn more about Lynn and all the great things she does in Athens please visit her webiste:
http://www.lynnroulo.com/

Published in My Week In Athens

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Tuesday, 19 November 2019 07:00

Greek Fried Eggs

An easy and delicious breakfast treat; the Greek fried egg! Greek Boston shares their recipe on how to get a perfect Greek fried egg every time.

The secret is to use plenty of olive oil and then constantly baste the eggs with the hot oil until the egg was cooked perfectly.

Serves: 2-4
Difficulty: Easy
Cooks in: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
4 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread, for dipping

Cooking Instructions

Add olive oil to a large skillet. Set the heat to medium, and let the oil heat-up for a few minutes. When oil is hot, add the whole, cracked eggs one at a time.

Raise the heat to medium high and cook the eggs for a minute or two until the egg whites actually turn white. Turn the heat down to medium and using a spoon or small ladle, baste the eggs with the hot oil until the tops are cooked with the consistency you desire. If you like the yolk to remain a little runny, you’ll only need to baste the tops for a minute or two, for thoroughly cooked yolks, you’ll need to keep them in the pan a little longer.

Spoon the fried eggs onto each plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste, and make sure you serve it with plenty of fresh bread.

To read this recipe in full, please visit: Greek Boston

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Monday, 05 June 2017 07:00

Quality And Simplicity In Sifnos

Sifnos is located in the middle of the western Cyclades islands, with only 2,600 inhabitants. It is surrounded by other islands, which enhance the views and has a mild Mediterranean climate with lots of sun and minimal rain. The island is quiet most of the year, except for August, and is known for its ceramics, pastries, and cooking.

Some say that Siphnos, leader of the Ionian colonists, a hero of Attica and the son of Sounios, gave the island its name, but it may derive from the Greek word ’sifnfis’ meaning ‘hollow.’ Herodotus wrote that the inhabitants were wealthy because of the gold and silver mines in the Agios Sostis region, where their buildings were attractive features of the town.

Apollonia

The capital and Sifnos’ largest village, extends over three hills, virtually joined to Exambella, Ano Petali and Artemonas. The island’s main life is concentrated along the narrow pedestrian street, Stylianou Prokou, which begins near the square and ends at the Agios Spyridon church.

To read more about Sifnos, where to go, what to eat, and what to buy, please visit: Hip Greece

Photo Credit: Hip Greece

Published in Travel Greece

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Sunday, 25 February 2018 22:37

February 20 - A Land Of Culture

Learn all about the traditions of Clean Monday, discover the best reasons to live in Greece and check out an interesting e-learning platform aiming to promote Greek Culture and heritage!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

Published in Newsletters

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Tuesday, 22 May 2018 10:34

"Navarino Challenge" With Over 20 Activities

This year's 6th Navarino Challenge, which will take place between 12-14 October 2018 in Messinia and Costa Navarino, announces its accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

The participants of Navarino Challenge who will book their accommodation package in The Westin Resort and choose to take part in the main activities (running, swimming,SUP) will also have the opportunity to enjoy free of charge the full activities program ofthe event. The program for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino includes: tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, babyswimming, aqua aerobics, kids' athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training,crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, survivor games for kids and demonstration race withoptimist boats.

More information about the privileged accommodation packages can be found here!

Navarino Challenge, which has as its main goal the promotion of sports and fair play,will be full of activities covering the requirements of all ages. At the same time, thesecondary objective is to extend the tourist season. The sports tourism event with themost Olympic ambassadors returns once again in Messinia with 12 Olympic sports! Alongwith running, swimming, tae kwon do, this year we will live the experience of anothermajor Olympic sport such as beach volley, with the presence of one of the biggest andmost historic athletes of Greek as well as international volleyball, Michalis Triantafyllidis.This is the addition of a tournament called the King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena and the beach volley courses by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.

The former Greek national volleyball player holds the record of participations in the Greek National Team (ranked 3 rd in the European Cup at 1987) and holds the most titles of anathlete in volleyball and beach volley in Greece. Michalis Triantafyllidis said: “I find it veryimportant that beach volley is included this year in the program of an already verysuccessful event, such as the Navarino Challenge. For my part, I think we will have the best possible organization at both the beach volleyball tournament “King & Queen Beach Volley”and the beach volleyball training courses. I hope it will become a part of the successful organization”.

Registrations opened for the multi-awarded sports tourism organization!

The three(3) main activities are running, swimming and the Stand Up Paddling by BIC® Sport.

Participants can complete the special form, which is available here!

At the same time, the pre-sale can also be made via viva.gr, by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-salepoints of the Viva network. Registrations will be completed on August 31, 2018.

This year's event is expected to host for one more year hundreds of professional andamateur athletes who will take part in numerous activities.

In the 2018 teaser you can geta taste of the event. Sponsors are, once again, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford MotorHellas.

Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport and Avance.“Navarino Challenge” will be held with the co-organization of Costa Navarino, TheWestin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor HellasOfficial Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A CarPartners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena,FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport clubAssisted by: Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for TourismDevelopment, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino GolfAcademy, Target Security, The DinerStrategic Partner: National Geographic

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Photo Credit: Elias Lefas - Navarino Challenge runners crossing Voidokilia beach

Published in Local News

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Monday, 31 December 2018 17:25

December 31st - New Year's Eve In Athens

Greece is a wonderful place to spend Christmas with your friends and family. But how much do you know about festive Greek traditions? From New Year's Day to New Year's Cake - or Vasilopita - we have all you need to know to enjoy the holidays as much as possible!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Published in Newsletters

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