Tales of Olympus

Book 3: The Wedding

Disclaimer:

This story is the third in the series:The Time of Zeus. For the most part, you should know the drill. While reading the other stories is not necessary to understand the narrative and character development, it would provide helpful context.

The whole point of these novellas is to make the stories bite size, so that anyone who wanted to read these stories could jump on and off at their own leisure.

There will be depictions of incestuous encounters in this story as well as a 'First Time' chapter. If these themes are not up your alley, the author understands; feel free to read another story. Please look atThese Three Kingsin the series list for a more in depth disclaimer.

This story in particular will talk about multiple pantheons, mythologies, and theology. No offenseisintended. The author's retelling is one from his imagination and not meant to erase the canonical, foundational beliefs of these tales. Rather, the hope is that an interesting narrative can be built that everyone enjoys.

Please feel free to rate, comment, and favorite the story as you see fit. Thank you.

The Cast/Pronunciation:

The Progenitor:

Chaos: The primeval void from which all things originated. The name refers to a realm of near infinite nothingness as well as a being that embodied both sexes and was the Creator of the Grecian Pantheon. They are the parent of the Primordials.

The Primordials:

Erebus/Érebus (AIR-uh-bus):The personification of darkness and shadow. He has become one with his realm. Child of Chaos. He is the father of the Moirai.

Gaia/Gaîa (GUY-uh):The personification of the Earth and mother of all life. She is called Mother Earth for this reason. Wife and mother of Ouranos. She mothered the Titans, the Hecatoncheires, the Cyclopes, Pontus, and more.

Nyx/Nýx (NIKS): Primordial of the Night and daughter of Chaos. In the absence of anyone in the Underworld, she ruled the realm. Mother of various deities including Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death).

Ouranos/Ouranós (OAR-on-nose):Also known as Uranus; Primordial of the Sky. Conceived by Gaia and the magic of Chaos, making him the Last Primordial. Husband to Gaia. Father of the Titans, the Hecatoncheires, the Cyclopes, and Aether.

Pontus/Póntus (PAWN-tus):Supposed Primordial of the Sea. Son of Gaia, potentially born from her tears over Ouranos' death.

Tartarus/Tártarus (TAR-ter-us):Primordial of the abyss that serves as a prison for the Titans. His form was that of an older man with a bald head, long wispy beard and hair from the back of his head.

Titans:

Atlas/Átlas (AT-lass):Lesser Titan who was the General underneath the Mad King Cronos. Son of Iapetus and Clymene. Brother to Prometheus, Epimetheus, and Menoetius.

Cronos/Crónos (KROH-nose):Also known as Kronos or Cronus; the once-Titan ruler of the universe until overthrown by his son Zeus. Son of Gaia and Ouranos. Father of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia.

Epimetheus/Epimētheús (eh-pah-mih-THEE-us):Lesser Titan of afterthought and hindsight. Brother of Prometheus as well as co-creator of many animals within the land of Greece. Son of Iapetus and Clymene. Brother of Atlas, Prometheus, and Menoetius.

Metis/Métis (MET-us):The deceased Lesser Titaness of Wisdom. She served as the War Counselor to Zeus during the Titanomachy/The Great Titan War. Daughter of Oceanus and Tethys; as such, is one of 3000 Oceanids. Consumed by Zeus.

Oceanus/Oceanús (O-she-on-us): Titan of the Ocean and current ruler of the seas. Son of Ouranus and Gaia. Husband of Tethys. Father of the Oceanids and Potamoi (river gods).

Prometheus/Promētheús (Pro-mih-THEE-us):Lesser Titan of intelligence and forethought: Son of Iapetus and Clymene. Brother of Atlas, Epimetheus, and Menoetius. Co-creator of many animals within the land of Greece.

Rhea/Rhéa (RAY-us):Titaness of Marriage and Betrayal. Daughter of Ouranos and Gaia. Wife of Cronos. Mother of Aether, Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia.

Gods:

Bia/Bía (BEE-uh):Winged goddess of force. Daughter of Pallas and Styx. Sister of Nike, Cratus, and Zelus.

Cratus/Crátus (KRAY-tus):Also known as Kratos; god of strength. Son of Pallas and Styx. Brother of Nike, Bia, and Zelus.

Demeter/Dēmḗtēr (dee-MEE-ter):Goddess of agriculture, harvest, and the natural cycles of the mortal world. Middle daughter of Cronos and Rhea. Mother of Persephone. Deeply distrustful of Olympus and its politics. One of the Olympians.

Hades/Hādēs (HAY-deez):Eldest son of Cronos and Rhea. Wielder of a Bident, Hooks of Hades (Ádis Kroustália), and the Helm of Invisibility. Brother of Zeus and Poseidon. Brother and lover to Hera.

Hecate/Hécate (HECK-uh-tay-uh):Young daughter of Perses and Asteria.

Hera/Hēra (HAIR-uh):Youngest daughter of Cronos and Rhea. Mistress of Magic on Olympus. Wielder of a great bow. Lover and sister to Hades. Sister to Demeter and Hestia.

Hermes/Hērmēs (HER-meez):Son of Zeus. Fleet-footed and quick, he is proud to have saved his father from the monster Typhon.

Nike/Níkē (NYE-kee):Winged goddess of victory. Daughter Pallas and Styx. Sister of Bia, Cratus, and Zelus.

Poseidon/Poseidón (POH-sih-den):Middle son of Cronos and Rhea. Wielder of a sea sword and the Trident. Loves the sea. Brother of Zeus and Hades. Creator of the sea monster, Cetus.

Zelus/Zelus (ZEE-luss):Winged god of zeal. Son of Pallas and Styx. Brother of Nike, Bia, and Cratus.

Zeus/Zeús (ZOOSS):Youngest son of Cronos and Rhea. Wielder of the Lightning Bolt and the Golden Fist (Chrysópigi Zefs). Brother of Poseidon and Hades.

Others:

Atropos/Átropos (AH-troh-pos):The Cutter of the Threads of Fate. She appears like a young grandmother with gray hair at the temple of her head. She is not old and wrinkled but reasonably aged. She is always looking at the future and the possibilities. She believes people can change but destiny is set in stone and as such, she is the most firm of the Sisters. Sister of Clothos and Lachesis. She is responsible for cutting the thread of life when a person's time has come to an end.

Cetus/Cétus (SEE-tus):Sea monster created by Poseidon from both his flesh and magic from his Trident during the Great War. Assisted Poseidon in defeating Atlas.

Clothos/Clōthōs (KLAW-thohs):The Spinner of the Threads of Fate. She is the youngest looking of the Sisters and is preoccupied with looking at the past. As such, she can be erratic in nature. As a Moirai, she is the sister of Lachesis and Atropos. They are responsible for weaving the threads of life.

Cyclopes/Cýclopes (SY-cloh-peez):Brontes/Bróntes (BRON-teez), Steropes/Stéropes (STAIR-oh-peez), Arges/Árges (AR-gus). The Cyclopes are one-eyed giants known for their craftsmanship. They are the children of Gaia and Ouranos and embody various aspects of natural forces. They helped craft the Immortal Arms used by the gods during the Great Titan War. As such, they were rewarded with an island to rest on

Hecatoncheires/Hecatoncheíres (HECK-uh-ton-keer-eez):Cottus/Cóttus (COT-us), Briareos/Briareós (BREE-air-ee-us), Gyges/Gýges (GUY-gas). The Hecatoncheires are monstrous giants with a hundred arms and fifty heads. They are the children of Gaia and Ouranos and represent chaotic and destructive forces. They also contributed in creating the Immortal Arms wielded by the gods during the Great Titan War. However, they asked to be left in peace and went to the northern mountains of Greece.

Isis/Ísis (EYE-sis):The newly ascended Queen of Egypt and goddess of magic and healing. As Pharaoh Osiris's wife and consort, Isis plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the Egyptian kingdom.

Lachesis/Láchesis (LATCH-ee-sis):The Measurer of the Threads of Fate. She appears to be a late 20s/early 30-year-old woman. She is in love with the idea of eternity and this 'golden thread' that Chaos saw. However, she is fixated on the Present. She is the most reasonable out of the three. Sister of Clothos and Atropos. She is responsible for determining the length of each person's life.

Odin/Ódin (OH-den):The newly crowned King of Asgard and the Aesir. He and his brothers, Vili and Vé, slew the primordial giant Ymir. He carries the spear Gungnir.

Osiris/Osíris (OH-sye-us):The young and just Pharaoh of Egypt after the downfall of Ra. Newly ascended to his throne, he is focused on uniting Egypt, establishing peace, and guiding his people with fairness and wisdom.

Subhūti/Subhū́ti (SUB-byoo-tee):A Great Sage of Chinese Heaven. Master of 72 transformations, immortal, servant to the Jade Emperor.

Typhon/Týphon (TIE-fon):The secret son of the Primordials Gaia and Tartarus. Born from Gaia's intention to destroy Zeus should he become too willful to her machinations. Husband to Echidna. He is known as the Father of All Monsters.

Týr/Týr (TEER):The young Norse god of war, justice, and law. One of the eldest son's of Odin.

Prologue: Invitation

"You are cordially invited to the wedding of..."

-- Traditional wedding invitation phrase. Common in English-language formal wedding announcements since the 19th century. Author unknown. Public domain.

Mesopotamia was so grand in its landscapes and natural resources that multitudes would dub this part of existence as the 'Cradle of Civilization'. Within this grand area, there was a city unlike any other, which endeavored to be deserving of the moniker.

Babylon was this place's name and where the Hanging Gardens were to be constructed, and the first true laws were made at this place, and someday, a great gate would be made for the great goddess, Ishtar.

Within this wondrous city, there were no mortal men, as they had not been brought into the world just yet. No. In this land, there were only gods. From their victory over Tiamat, these beings had found a peace atop the ashes of the conflict, and this tranquility was so deserved that it would go on for millennia more if those in charge of this region had their way.

In the heart of this amazing Babylon, there was a magnificent palace (which would be the inspiration for that aforementioned Hanging Gardens) dedicated to its victorious king: Marduk. Like a verdant oasis in the desert, the palace was an emblem to this warrior king who had defeated the great dragon. While the barren wastelands that surrounded Babylon were filled with monsters whose veins were filled with molten fire rather than that of blood, even those creatures could not destroy the order formed in this beautiful place.

The palace had towering walls dressed with cascading tiers of lush greenery.

Music was thought of when designing the gates, so as to provide existence with a symphony of colorful fragrance to take in. Towering palm trees climbed the palace walls to demonstrate that built stone edifices were not the enemy of wildlife.

Crystal-clear water ran everywhere, which was wonderful to those in the shade. Many lounged under the tree in the many courtyards and ever-expanding gardens that could grow every spice, flower, and vine imaginable.

A place such as this was the reward for the victor.

At the heart of this palace was Marduk's throne room.

There was no equal in the land of Babylon, and in the Babylonian king's opinion, his home could be the envy of every plane of existence.

As well this place might with its canopy of emerald leaves along trailing vines that decorated the hall. He was not one for gems and overt splendor; after all, there was gold enough on his royal seat. The soft glow of the sunlight was the true treasure in Marduk's mind, for when it struck his hall just right, everything bloomed with a life unlike any other.

Upon this polished throne of marble, ebony, and gold sat Marduk as ruler of Mesopotamia. Sovereign strength were the qualities he embodied at that particular moment. He wore no covering for his chest, but was hairless from the neck down. Wild black hair sat upon his head, bright hazel eyes glowed on his face, and upon his brow was a circle of the purest gold. The crown appeared unique to all of the shining ore that adorned his walls and was almost fluid, like water even though surely it was cold, dead metal.

Beside him, upon a chair of silver and pampered pillows was his wifely queen: Ṣarpānītu. Her body was dressed in fabrics of the finest fire-red and water-blues. The gentle curves from her breasts, stomach, and hips only made the clothes that draped her body appear more noble. Flowing black locks were crowned by a gleaming diadem, which signified herself as the fitting match of Marduk as the fellow ruler of the gods of Babylon.

Amidst their bustling court, a single form of a tall tanned being strode towards the two. Adorned in a helm of a sun-dipped gold, Nabu held out a scroll for his king.

Marduk received the scroll, reading a foreign script. The writing of another god was upon it. When Ṣarpānītu motioned her own curiosity, Marduk flashed the scroll to her.

She simply said, "Oh that will not do."

Tammuz leaned on his shepherd's staff, wondering with curiosity what could have his king's attention. Ishtar was marveling at everything. As the epitome of beauty, her very presence was a gift to the gathering.

The male gods stared at her voluptuous figure, full breasts, and cascading black, straight hair. Without so much as intending to, her form commanded attention wherever she went. By contrast, her sister, Inanna, exuded a darker allure with her curly tresses accompanied by a jealous look in her eyes.

Nergal watched silently in the background. As a god of disease, he was barely tolerated at festivities.

Ṣarpānītu looked upon her husband.

"Do you believe we shall go?"

The king considered his wife's question with due respect, for while he understood he was above others, he wasnotabove his wife. He was glad to make her his queen and wife, but matrimony had made them equal regardless of what feats he had performed before his ascension to the throne.

For that fact and his love of her, he wanted to ensure that she understood that he adored her and celebrated her by giving her inquiry proper deliberation.

"I do not," Marduk remarked. "That this Zeus would send this our way shows a certain arrogance. The invitation feels as though he believes he can order us around."

Marduk shook his head at the pomposity of this ruler of Olympus. He voiced the thought just as the idea crossed his mind.

"I sincerely doubt his time will last."

The knowledgeable god of Nabu cleared his throat, and it was Ṣarpānītu who allowed this being to speak up.

"Apparently, their kind comes and goes," Nabu commented. "When I spoke to Hyperion, it was Cronos who ruled those lands after slaying his own father; now, this Zeus is surely the son of Cronos. If he has some son with his eyes on their lands, he will rule."

Ṣarpānītu rolled her eyes at the comment.

Marduk could practically read her mind. They had been sent an audacious summons, and for what? Zeus was beyond himself, seeing himself as some superior to those outside of his Progenitor's creation.

"Nothing seems to last in Greece by your words and their actions, Nabu," Ṣarpānītu replied.

"So it would seem, my Queen," Nabu said, lowering his head.

He slowly retreated from them both when he understood that they had no more to say on the matter. This allowed the rulers to discuss the scroll that had come, and the whisperings of the court would keep them all busy for days.

---

In the heavenly realm of China, palaces floated on platforms amidst heaving clouds. The architecture was wonderfully made for each stage that drifted in the expanse, but wholly unique.

Many types of beings lived in this place because the title of 'god' was not as it was for other places. Here, one could have a connection with the Enlightened One (for Buddha was part of all things) and not be deserving of the title. One could be mortal and considered a god so long as they were in service to the Emperor of Chinese Heaven. One could be immortal without any connection to the Enlightened One (somehow), but also not in the service to the ruler of Chinese Heaven, and the most amazing of magical abilities from controlling the elements to shapeshifting, but still they were not a god.

They were all gods in that they were immortal and could use magic, but beings on the lower realm could also do those things, but to be a god in this realm meant to be employed in the service of the mightiest being of all: The Jade Emperor.

That was part of the fundamental laws of existence on this plane of creation.

He had once battled the Ox King and the denizens of the lower realm. These demons were cast out. He might have destroyed them with his command of the elements and his ethereal dragons, but for the love of his daughter, who had fallen in love with the Ox King. As such, the Jade Emperor simply banished those beings from Chinese Heaven, swearing that should a demon ever attempt to invade Heaven, he would smite them with his full fury and destroy them all, regardless if his daughter loved a demon or not.

As such, all of Chinese Heaven was for the Jade Emperor. Those floated structures were of his design, to allow any in his service to float from one place to the next, never feeling trapped in stagnation as in the realm below.

Guanyin was one such goddess in this emperor's service. She was compassion and mercy personified. She had been given a great task with a scroll from the far away lands of Taixi, the Great West.

She approached Yuhuang, the esteemed Jade Emperor, in his most grand palace. It bore signs of beautiful splendor unlike any other. At his feet were many women, some of which were maidens he liked and some were not but whom he liked even more.

In her hand, she held the scroll with deliberate care.

Guanyin was draped in flowing robes of pure white when she presented the parchment to Yuhuang.

The Jade Emperor sat upon his throne, curious as to what Guanyin brought to him. He was dressed in resplendent robes befitting his higher status. There was a dragon of emerald weaved onto his right shoulder and a dragon of sapphire on his left. The threads were that of gold, silver, and white.

His interest reached a crescendo when he looked upon the scroll.

He raised an eyebrow and asked Guanyin. "Do you believe this to be a good idea?"

Guanyin was often seen as an emissary of goodwill given her role as the goddess of mercy, but even she shook her head.

"With the demons below biting at the chance to harm the realm, it might not be the wisest course."

The Jade Emperor bristled on his chair before exhaling. "What should we do?"

"Perhaps, we might send Subhūti," Guanyin suggested.

"Will they not suspect him?" the ruler asked.

"They surely do not know of us intimately," countered the goddess.

Yuhuang considered her counsel. He was about to speak when she went on.