Introduction to Herodotus

I read excerpts of Herodotus' The Histories back in college. It was mixed together with several other ancient literary works and received minimal attention from me and my professor. At this moment I can barely recall which sections I read. Because f my poor recollection I have decided to "re-read" (a slight exaggeration since I never really read it the first time) The Histories.

I have barely scratched the surface of this great work and I am already amazed. Herodotus was from Helicarnassus, though he spent his later years in Athens. Helicarnassus was located on the border of the Persian empire. His location provided Herodotus with a unique view of the Persian and Greek cultures. I have yet to see how this effected his writing, but it must have provided him with some of respect for the Persian community because he introduces them as the "best informed in history." A mighty fine compliment from a man who would become known as the Father of History. His acknowledgement of the Persians superior historical view is surprising because I was led to believe that the Greeks, especially those of Herodotus' time, shared a general dislike of everything Persian.

Herodotus starts his history with brief recap of kidnappings of famous Greek and "Barbarian" women, which he considers the start of poor Greek and Persian relations. These women played important roles in Greek mythology, but are portrayed by the Persians, and Herodotus in a very different manner. Herodotus lists who was kidnapped by who in a very matter of fact manner, and leaves their entire story within the realm of mankind, leaving the gods in their seats on Mount Olympus. Below I have listed the mythologies surrounding these women as given by Wikepedia.

Io

A priestess of Hera in Argos, Io was a nymph who was seduced by Zeus, who changed her into a heifer to escape detection. Her mistress Hera set ever-watchful Argus Panoptes to guard her, but Hermes was sent to distract the guardian and slay him. Heifer Io was loosed to roam the world, stung by a maddening gadfly sent by Hera, and wandered to Egypt, thus placing her descendant Belus in Egypt; his sons Cadmus and Danaus would thus "return" to mainland Greece.

Europe

A Phoenician woman of high lineage, from whom the name of the continent Europe has ultimately been taken. She was abducted by Zeus in the form of a white bull.

Medea

Medea's role began after Jason arrived from Iolcus to Colchis (The old kingdom of Georgia) to claim his inheritance and throne by retrieving the Golden Fleece. Medea fell in love with him and promised to help him, but only on the condition that if he succeeded, he would take her with him and marry her. Jason agreed.

Helen

Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and Leda. She was abducted by Paris and brought about the Trojan War.