I never studied Ancient Greek and was a reluctant, mediocre Latin student in school. Thank goodness for the excellent translations that allow all of us to be inspired by these old epics. I recently read a number of the young adult Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordon. It was a pleasure to find the familiar Greek gods, goddesses, creatures, monsters and places all mixed together in a contemporary context, following the tale of a half-blood son of Poseidon. The stories and characters of yore continue to come to mind throughout my life. When stuck in a repetitive job, I recall Sisyphus, condemned to the eternal task of pushing a heavy rock up a hill, only to have it roll to the bottom once again. In fury and frustration at the start of yet another war, I could remember Lysistrata, Aristophane’s play about the women of Athens withholding sex to bring about the end of the Peloponnesian War. When studying Renaissance paintings of voluptuous nudes, I thought of the many forms Zeus took in order to seduce far too many maidens. Rediscover the classics with the collections below!
[Clockwise from top left: Horse of Troy print by Artcalifornia; Homer pendant by Petsalad; Achilles herbal poultice by Kyrabotanica; Circe exhibition poster from Rogallery; Odyssey poster from Secousse; Odyssey charging dock by Richneelydesigns]
A long journey, full of obstacles and adventures, has given us several thousand years of inspiration.
[Clockwise from top left: Hades and Persephone in the Underworld by Mariaaragon; Pan necklace by Billyblue22; Pan sculpture by Jolucksted; Athena mosaic by Blueterracotta; Pegasus sculpture by Songandbranch; Demeter wall plaque by Heritagebay]
The tale of Demeter’s yearning for her daughter, Persephone, during the time she is held captive by Hades, is a deeply moving story of a mother’s love.
[Clockwise from top left: "Daphne" by Inthecrystalpalace; Pandora necklace by Shannonwestmeyer; Centaur wood figurine by Cardinalcreekstudio; Magnetic art dolls by Thehandmadeclassroom; Faun drawing by Almapottery]
Basic textile skills are so ancient they are the very tools of the Fates.
[Clockwise from top left: "Aesop's Crow" etching by Stephaniemartinart; Fox and grapes pin by Chickenscratchcoop; Tortoise and hare scrimshaw by Scrimworks; Crow matchbox by Jadajazz; Tortoise and the Hare sculpture by Thepleasureseekers; Teacup and saucer set by Zmedceramics]
It is far too easy for those with natural talent to take their abilities for granted. The slow and steady are to be admired.
Some stories retain their excitement no matter how frequently they are repeated: the road trip, the overcoming of a series of trials, the returning stranger who is recognized by the old dog. What a thrill to realize what is happening and what delight in knowing the old, yet ever new, story.
Cate Fitt, a.k.a. knitfitt, has been a member of Etsy since 2007 and is an experienced critic, curator and juror. She earned her MFA in fiber in 1978, later receiving an artist’s fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Through the years, she’s been a maker of one-of-a-kind hand-painted clothing, pottery, jewelry, and linocut and monotype prints. She lives in a little house close to the James River with two whippets named Moose and Peach.
2 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownRobin Ann says: Featured
A thought: Greco-Roman, Norse, Celtic and other mythological traditions present to us a series of archetypes. Are they merely representing something that is already there, in early learning or as Jung thought in the human genome? Or did they create something entirely new, different, and ultimately, to us if not to their authors, timeless? Wonderful artwork, btw.
77 days ago
Danielle Toronyi from biophiliadesigns says: Featured
Fantastic post! Its thrilling to fins inspiration in religious iconography and practice. Learning about various cultures teaches us so much, especially the cornerstone of Western civilization! Something that thrills me are the parallels between all cultures and religions... the sun-god... the earth goddess... we all feel the same truths no matter where we are from or what we believe.
76 days ago
110 comments
Sign in to add your ownEver So Lovely from EverSoLovely says:
Love all of these! The teacup and pegasus especially!
77 days ago
Macramaking from Macramaking says:
Yes! Love this collection! Especially the tea cup!
77 days ago
MegansMenagerie from MegansMenagerie says:
Love love love!!!
77 days ago
Traci McKnight from AzimuthVintage says:
Mythology was always my favorite subject in school. My best teacher used to say, "There is nothing new under the sun." What a lovely reaffirmation- thank you!
77 days ago
Sarah Lindhartsen from ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:
Greek and Roman mythology has always fascinated me - and what beautiful artwork to capture it!
77 days ago
Lacey from FlourishingAgain says:
I willingly learned about the myths, some great fairy tales! They're classic for a reason and have some innovative ideas for origins of everyday occurances.
77 days ago
ACupOfSparkle from ACupOfSparkle says:
I loved all your selections. Very cool!
77 days ago
theresatron from TheMonstersLounge says:
I don't know one person who wasn't seduced by Greek tales when they were a child. Lovely selection.
77 days ago
Anastasija Zolotarjova from MapleApple says:
love fox and grapes pin! So fun!
77 days ago
Tokara from lovesexton says:
beautiful items!
77 days ago
goodbeads from goodbeads says:
Wow!So interesting,great art!
77 days ago
Akiko Chii from catbun says:
Pegasus by SongandBranch is very pretty! A pure feeling of delicate and light.....
77 days ago
Jess from volkerwandering says:
I love the animal themed treasury!
77 days ago
Dotty Walker from SewThoughtfulBlanket says:
Love the tortoise and the hare sculpture. Actually, all of them are fascinating!
77 days ago
Janelle and Jason Ethridge from NomadCraftsEtc says:
My kids and I are going to do a whole mythology unit for one of our homeschooling projects! I am gathering materials for it now-we are all very excited to do it-as I know we willl learn a ton about some fun mythological creatures! This is one of my favorite posts etsy has ever done! And so many great finds! Great work!
77 days ago
Donna from PetiteCuisine says:
I love Greek mythology, always have. Great selection of items as always.
77 days ago
Nicole Nicoletta from MintMarbles says:
great picks!
77 days ago
SSW from WeddingLab says:
Fascinating article! love magnetic art dolls!
77 days ago
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat says:
I've always loved Greek & Roman myth, & still read them today with as much pleasure as when I was first introduced to them as a child. The Norse sagas are fascinating too.
77 days ago
tigersanddragons from TigersandDragons says:
We've always been interested in mythology and symbolism, it's the basis of our jewellery line. Some real treasures in this article, especially in the Aesop fables section. The scrimshaw of the tortoise and hare is fantastic, what skill!
77 days ago
Andie Olson from thegeometricworkshop says:
I am fascinated by mythology. Persephone is my favorite story. Hades the god of the underworld accosted her and brought her down to hell. Her mother loved her so much that she was able to persuade Hades to split the year with him. The half of the year that Hades has Persephone is believed to be the winter. Beautiful items!! I love the pegasus sculpture!
77 days ago
Hillary De Moineaux from VoleedeMoineaux says:
hmmm interesting.
77 days ago
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious says:
I love Greek mythology, equating a repetitive job with Sisyphus cracked me up. Gorgeous selections, too!
77 days ago
Jane from RavensCrafts says:
I love mythology and the classics! Nice post
77 days ago
Rory Mosman from FeatherKeeper says:
I too enjoy mythology and the inspiration that can come from it. Thanks for the post.
77 days ago
snUGGLY from snugglyugly says:
great post.
77 days ago
bedouin from bedouin says:
Basking in my "married into heritage" with all of these fantastic finds ~ love love The Fates (Moirae) - Greek Mythology Magnetic Art Dolls by Thehandmadeclassroom
77 days ago
Ashley from AntiquesAsh says:
Really fabulous work! Great article!
77 days ago
Mr. Sal Phan, Bichon Frise from Mclovebuddy says:
good thing romans shared many of the same greek gods (also love native roman myths like that of remus & romulus), though renamed, so you would have gotten some of greek mythology from reading latin. it's funny to think that was their religion now. mesopotamia, the birthplace of western civilization had similar mythologies as does other major civilizations throughout the world. humans are ever creative in making up stories.
77 days ago
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns says:
I've always loved Greek Mythology. Such an interesting article and I love all of the items shown.
77 days ago
Heidi from AlpineGypsy says:
Fantastic, I love the anthropology of Myth ~ a constant inspiration whether I am aware of it or not! Heidi
77 days ago
pieceofart from pieceofart says:
As I Greek myself I find the work of these artists truly fascinating. I grew up trying to get to know in depth all these myths, the classics, inspiring historic figures and their doings, ancient philosophers and their teachings. Yet these creations have a modern and fresh vibe, may remind that some of those teachings have an international and timeless appeal and may serve as guidance and inspiration in our modern lives.
77 days ago
Jo Lucksted from jolucksted says:
Thanks for showing Pan, Cate! I absolutely love the Greek myths and have done a few pieces on this theme....and yes, I love the common themes across mythology from different cultures such as the antlered man/hunter (Herne, Actaeon)
77 days ago
Dena from RuralRetreatVintage says:
Great blog post. I love Greek mythology. You selected some wonderful items to feature. I enjoyed reading this as I sipped my coffee after supper.
77 days ago
messinabella from OxusEstate says:
Love Greek mythology - great post!
77 days ago
Abby from Armalique says:
Ah Greek mythology, my ultimate obsession! I never seem to get tired of getting lost in the crazy tales. (And Ioved the Percy Jackson series too!)
77 days ago
Patrick from ArtCalifornia says:
When I was little, my favorite adventure book was Iliad and Odyssey. Today when I read it again I find inspiration….Great blog.
77 days ago
Gabe and Athena from blueridgewoodworking says:
Great Post. I have always been fascinated by Greek Mythology. But that is probably due to my name, Athena. But for some reason people always say. "Oh, yes, the goddess of love." Not quite. Great items that you selected.
77 days ago
Sandra from CoutureWeddingHankie says:
Very different! Congratulations!
77 days ago
Sarah Pogue from ArchetypalTheatre says:
What a wonderful selection of artwork! Greek myths are so full of powerful symbolism, very inspiring!
77 days ago
Natalia from KMalinka says:
Awesome article!
77 days ago
Susan Osofsky says:
Great post, as usual! I love the tortoise and the hare.
77 days ago
dieseline from Dieseline says:
I remember being Artemis for a middle school project! Love the Pegasus.
77 days ago
Angela from cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article!
77 days ago
AWishForYou from AWishForYou says:
I just got lost looking at shops from this etsy blog article - I nearly forgot to comment !! Some amazing unique and totally creative items - love this theme !!
77 days ago
Michelle from MishaGirl says:
What a marvelous mix to Greek-out on!
77 days ago
Paulette Brown from escapist6 says:
This is a super post! I love reading about Greek Mythology. I think my favorite was Antigone. I'd like to read more, and sip my tea from that cup.
77 days ago
muddyum from muddyum says:
I always loved Greek and Roman mythology. What a great inspiration your work! Keep it up!
77 days ago
RetroRevivalBoutique from RetroRevivalBoutique says:
Very nice picks! (^__^)
77 days ago
pinksnakejewelry from pinksnakejewelry says:
Love Mythology!!!! Super Post, Wonderful Creations!!!
77 days ago
Iammie from iammie says:
I love mythology!
77 days ago
annie b from StyleDesignbyannieb says:
mythology gods and goddesses, how it has always fascinated me from creating art to clothing it is always in mind. As a child in school a very long time ago I was always correcting maths or something else boring and not allowed to participate in the 'arts'. love your work..
77 days ago
Kara Rane from kararane says:
time~less tales that connect us all.
77 days ago
Sarah O. from sweetsarahshop says:
greay post.
77 days ago
Robin Ann says: Featured
A thought: Greco-Roman, Norse, Celtic and other mythological traditions present to us a series of archetypes. Are they merely representing something that is already there, in early learning or as Jung thought in the human genome? Or did they create something entirely new, different, and ultimately, to us if not to their authors, timeless? Wonderful artwork, btw.
77 days ago
Demi from amoronia says:
What a wonderful theme for a post! Thank you so much for sharing those amazing pieces of art, I think they really belong to a museum for Greek mythology inspired items, hehee! I'm off to retweet :)
77 days ago
Matejka Max from mattyhandmadecrafts says:
Great!
77 days ago
Elena Fom from Attractive1 says:
Times changes, but humam stay the same. Nice post!
77 days ago
christina lilly says:
Thank you for a great post and thank you for the respect to my ancestors!!!!
77 days ago
Hatsuna from Blingup1 says:
Great mythology senses provided! very interesting articles in the pictures shared! Very Nice and Excellent post!!
77 days ago
Melanie Gibson says:
Love the blog! Whilst doing research for my MA in Textile Culture I was introduced to some of the Greek Gods by Mnemosyne, who is the mother of the Muses & the Goddess of Memory, she took me on a wonderful journey threw the underworld to the River Lethe, where the souls of the dead are given a choice before being reincarnated, if the drank from the river their memories would be taken away, thus giving them a fresh start. The other option is wild & I think you should find that out for yourselves....... If any ones interested you can view the work I made that was Jointly inspired by the Goddess of Memory and the human condition of Alzheimers, at my website: www.artistscabin.co.uk , where their are two pieces entitled "The River Lethe" & " Release"
77 days ago
AlisaDesign from AlisaDesign says:
Great pics!!!
77 days ago
Sarah James from BrightonCrock says:
It's quite fascinating really. Lovely collection too.
77 days ago
Victoria Baker from LittleWrenPottery says:
Great finds, I was inspired by Greek history when I was a kid particularly the old films like Clash of the Titans!
77 days ago
Megan Morris from MadebyMegShop says:
Wonderful selections! I've always been fascinated by Greek mythology.
77 days ago
LIAT kires from ATLIART says:
Great finds! excellent post!
77 days ago
Adriana Allen from adrianaallenllc says:
I first read the Greek mythology when was very young; I remember enjoying reading tremendously even then. Although at this time, the stories read more as faily tales and probably most of their moral value must have been lost to me.
77 days ago
kathy johnson from ShoeClipsOnly says:
Beautiful, especialy the teacups!
77 days ago
Angeline222 from Angeline222 says:
As a fan of Greek & Roman Mythology ,I appreciated this article and all the research that went into it! Well done! Angie
77 days ago
Janice Parrott from MountainDolls says:
great article and really nice items listed!
77 days ago
Carol Olson says:
Another beautiful post. I love the theme and art this week. Thanks for sharing, I think I will be doing art of me pushing rocks up hills!
77 days ago
Dawanna Young from peacesofindigo says:
Mythology intrigues me. I loved reading myths from all cultures as a kid. One of my favorite subjects to study up on while I'm in the studio. Fabulous post!
77 days ago
BellaEpoca from BellaEpoca says:
Nice to have a taste of the ancients in our everyday...a good reminder to enjoy the time we have.
76 days ago
Caramelka from Caramelka says:
So ancient but very actual, beautiful art.
76 days ago
greeneyezdesignz from greeneyezdesignz says:
Love the Pegasus! I have been fascinated with Greek mythology since I was a child. My two favorites were Pandora and Medusa! I am always on the look out for any vintage jewelry related to mythology. Check out the Muses brooch and Medusa brooch in my shop.
76 days ago
ResurrectedMe from ResurrectedMe says:
Nice Post! I love the pre Raphaelite artist John William Waterhouse. He often used Mythology as a subject for his art. Check him out! Circe and Hylas and the nymphs are my favorites. : )
76 days ago
Discord Vintage from DiscordVintage says:
Great post! I've always been in love with ancient deity's and their myths
76 days ago
Kirsti Joy from KaiceJoy says:
I think mythology is such fun and entertaining to read. Great post....I really liked the tortoise and hare sculpture. That is such a wonderful tale!
76 days ago
Danielle Toronyi from biophiliadesigns says: Featured
Fantastic post! Its thrilling to fins inspiration in religious iconography and practice. Learning about various cultures teaches us so much, especially the cornerstone of Western civilization! Something that thrills me are the parallels between all cultures and religions... the sun-god... the earth goddess... we all feel the same truths no matter where we are from or what we believe.
76 days ago
Kimberlee from GracefullyGirly says:
In school I was mesmerized by the lessons on ancient Greece! I dreamed of visiting all those incredible ancient ruins someday. Since I can't yet finance a trip I need to check out these fabulous finds here which can hold my dreams until I can one day be in the presence of the ancient ruins, finally showing me their stories of those ancient civilizations.
76 days ago
Sylvie Liv from SylvieLiv says:
The tortoise and hare scrimshaw is cute!
76 days ago
theancientmuse from theancientmuse says:
Ancient Greece is really a magnificent source of inspiration!
76 days ago
ezliving from ezliving says:
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
76 days ago
Chanele Cooper says:
I love it thanks for posting!
76 days ago
Meenakshi C from MystiCraft says:
Nice post! I find great similarities between Greek & Indian Gods & Goddesses. Both have a supreme being for almost everything.. every aspect of our life - emotions, elements, animals .. everything with very similar characteristics. The stories about them though may be different teach us the same moral. Some connections to explore. Arts & Crafts for a start ?
76 days ago
accentonvintage from accentonvintage says:
Great selections and interesting topic!
76 days ago
John Andersen from WarriorPoetWorkshop says:
Ever interesting to think about how these cultures and their respective art forms and traditions evolved. Just looking at all the differences in art form one must wonder whether the same racist is responsible for both. (ex. the romans lived in magnificent cities built of stone; while the native americans lived in tee-pees)
76 days ago
AJ Marsden from OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
I love Greek and Roman Mythology! Thanks for sharing your great finds!
76 days ago
curiousprintery from curiousprintery says:
I was always fascinated by Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Pagan and Christian/Jewish mythology and fairytales but personally ancient Egypt wins it for me. :)
76 days ago
mythunderstood from mythunderstood says:
Nice feature on mythology! Fantastic items!
76 days ago
Tom's Grossmami from tomsgrossmami says:
Great post! Thank you!
76 days ago
Heather Butler from MikiandHeather says:
I love this post!
76 days ago
Enterprise Americana from EnterpriseAmericana says:
Really liking the tea cup and saucer set.
76 days ago
Maria Barscewski from soberwear says:
fascinating info....thanks!
76 days ago
Siany from sianykitty says:
greek mythology always fascinate me, nice pics too!
76 days ago
Monika Chas from ChaChaChickpea says:
Funny how a subject matter can "randomly" be on your mind...and then you notice someone else is thinking about that same subject! Two days ago I opened up an old DK Illustrated Book of Myths and read through it for at least an hour, completely mesmerized by these ancient tales of Gods and Goddesses. I guess the older one gets, the more fascinating these tales become... Also intriguing are the myths from other parts of the world. I am enamored of Norse Mythology, so elaborate and, often, very funny! I just found on Etsy some lovely pieces of art and jewelry related to Norse sagas and myths.
75 days ago
Kathleen from myvintagecrush says:
Awesome!! Love the Pegasus!
75 days ago
TNTees from TNTees says:
wonderful collection, i really loved the comment earlier... theres nothing new under the sun.
75 days ago
Michelle Cornelison from SubaqueousPress says:
What an excellent post! I've been eying the Percy Jackson books during my volunteer hours at the library; I think I will have to give them a read. I recently watched a great movie, "Blame it on Fidel," a French film about a privileged young French girl whose life turns upside down when her parents become political activists. But a great part of the movie is when the young girl gets a new Greek nanny and learns about Greek myths for the first time. She is totally captivated by the stories, and it inspired me to check them out again, as well.
75 days ago
Cate Fitt says:
Thanks for the many thoughtful and detailed comments. It was a pleasure for me to bring this post from nebulous idea to completion. I kept getting lost in my yellowed copy of Edith Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes.
75 days ago
Roxie Zwicker from SpiritedWoodland says:
I look to a lot of the Goddess mythology not only for artistic inspiration but also for living an inspired life inspiration. The strength and purposeful passion are so meanigful I find in these times. A wonderful post accented with wonderful choices.
75 days ago
Melanie Gibson says:
I Love your hat! Great blog right up my street! I recently finshed an MA in Textlie & Culture, whilst reseaching for my finals I stumbled across Mnemosyne, The Mother of the Muses, she is also The Goddess of Memory, she took me on a journey down to Greek mythologies underworld & to the river Lethe. this is where the souls of the departed are invited to take the waters to erase their memories before being reborn. If any one is interested you can view my work that was inspired by Mnemosye at: www.artistscabin.co.uk The works are intitled: The River Lethe & Release.
75 days ago
Melanie Gibson says:
Newbies Mistake!!!!! Ran out of credit just as I was uploading my comment the first time. Sorry for the repeat!!!! Dont things in the Etsy world move quickly! x
75 days ago
vik and ig from Craftelina says:
Very true! We are too lately into Greek Mythology in our crafts (Centaurs, Pan, Mermaids). It is so right that these characters are always there around us this way or another. Thank you very much for this article.
75 days ago
Rose Marion from HeroineDesigns says:
Wonderful! The theme of my shop is Heroines, and I'm really enjoying rediscovering the Greek & Roman mythology I devoured as a kid, to find inspiration for my designs. Although back then it seemed like most of the gals were trying to keep the boys away, and kept getting turned into trees and things :) I always did love the myth of Cupid and Psyche, and having Venus as a mother-in-law. :)
74 days ago
GazitJewelry from GazitJewelry says:
The words of the poet Goethe describe it well: "Of all peoples, the Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best" Whoever is a member of the western and the middle eastern civilizations is a pupil of the ancient greeks, in mathematics, sience, philosophy, art and literature. Our minds and souls and our world is a fabric woven from the fibers of their "dream".
74 days ago
Debbie Campbell from YarnDeBelles says:
I like the Pegasus sculpture. I made a set of Greek gods and goddesses dolls.
74 days ago
IsabelleKnits from IsabelleKnits says:
Proud to be Greek and proud to have been given the name Artemis. :)
73 days ago
Sarah from CopperheadCreations says:
This has always been so interesting to me. Beautiful finds, too!
72 days ago
Erin from TheWatermelonGiraffe says:
I love the tortoise and the hare mug! I am taking a class on Greek Mythology right now and it is very interesting as well as inspiring!
70 days ago