
In this lush, poetic retelling of the ancient myths, the forge‑god Hephaestus narrates a heart‑wrenching surrender of his beloved Aphrodite to his brother Ares. Through soaring verses that echo the rhythm of dawn and twilight, his monologue weaves craft, fire, and the ache of unrequited love into a vivid tableau of Olympus. The language is lyrical yet grounded, inviting listeners to feel the clang of metal and the hush of the seas as the gods grapple with desire and duty.
The story expands beyond the workshop, intertwining the melancholy of Persephone’s underworld wanderings and the fierce lyricism of Sappho, whose verses become a counterpoint to the divine drama. As each voice rises, the narrative explores themes of sacrifice, longing, and the fragile balance between mortality and eternity. Listeners are drawn into a world where gods and mortals echo each other's passions, making the ancient tales feel intimate and resonant for modern ears.
Language
en
Duration
~46 minutes (44K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mardi Desjardins & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net
Release date
2016-07-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1874–1950
A prolific Canadian-born writer who made his career in the United States, he moved easily between poetry, novels, and early screenwriting. His work ranged from mystery and adventure to westerns and science fiction, giving him an unusually wide place in popular fiction of the early 20th century.
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