THE MUSES They were the Greek Goddesses of the Arts. They were the personification of knowledge and the arts especially literature, dance and music. Writers, poets or composers, even painters and philosophers, called out to The Muses when they’re in need of inspiration or help. Hence, where the word “music” comes from, referred to as one of the arts of The Muses. 
THE SIRENS They were black-winged bird-women singers. They were placed by Romans in islands surrounded with cliffs and rocks such as Paestum, Sorrento, and Capri. They were femme fatale. Beautiful but dangerous, they used their enchanting music and voices to lure sailors to their deaths.
THE SINGING CONTEST Hera, Queen of the Gods, persuaded The Three Sirens to compete with The Nine Muses into a singing competition. The Muses won the competition. The Sirens were in such a distressed state that their black feathers fell out into the sea, which transformed into “white islands” in Souda Bay.
It is from this legend that the city takes its name, Aptera, meaning without wings.
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THE SOPHOMORE SLUMP RECOMMENDS:
MUSIC: The Man Who by Travis – Pop version of Radiohead? The soft-side of Oasis? The unknown Coldplay? Label as much as they want, Travis pulled a solid album with The Man Who.
Recommendation Flashback: Clocking in at #2 of My Top Albums of Decade 2000’s is O by Damien Rice. Here he is with Blower’s Daughter…
Movie: Death at a Funeral – Perhaps the funeral that you’d ever have the most laughs.
Recommendation Flashback: Here is Amelie … helping a blind man …
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Short post so I’ll add this one … Speaking of music and dance …
I had the chance to have fun joining in to some Greek cultural dances during a part of the event that our work assembled for us …
Next post: Downtown Chania, Irakleio, or a something-else post. 🙂
Categories: Greece
The Sophomore Slump 
Loved the D. Rice clip, thank you….
He’s definitely one of the best singer-songwriter to ever come out in 2000’s. Thanks for listening
Beautiful pictures and story!
Aptera is a place that seem nothing but is definitely something more at closer look.
Always nice to read your post, Rommel. I like the story! Maybe I’ll find a book to read all about these stories. But I think I like the dancing part even better 😉 Take care.
It was fun … improvised line dance. 😀
Thanks for sharing the mythology dear Rommel.
I think I’ll be doing a lot of mythology posts of my Greece travels.
such peaceful and green pics Rommel 🙂
I’m looking forward to Spring, and see the greens pop some more. 😉
Beautiful Greek mythology, Rommel! Love D! Love Amelie! 🙂
Thanks for paying attentions to my recommendations, Amy. Now I’m glad I started doing flashback recommendations. Damien Rice and Amelie deserve second mentions.
I like all your recommandations , so far : D
Greek mythology and their meanings are so special. It’s so interesting to read about them and to imagine this when you are on their beautiful land. Im sure the dancing was fun too. 🙂
I know. It makes my exploring here much more exciting and meaningful.
wow, great photography! since you are in Greece I will be learning some of their lesser known mythology such as this one. Apt era is my new word for the day.
I’m definitely dig some more of Greek mythologies, familiar or not. 🙂
I’ve a feeling we’ll all be well placed for a specialist quiz on Greek Mythology sometime soon Rommel 🙂 Love hearing these stories .
Looks like you’ve been climbing heights again … super pictures ! oh and the dancing … great fun … they REALLY pick up speed at the end too don’t they 😀
Ahihihi … Nah, I might fail it myself. 😀 Thing is too that there’s so many versions of one story.
Rommel, you so really enjoying your time there:) Thanks for sharing and giving us this neat background. Love mythology!
Glad to be here, Pam. I’m glad I could share this.
you get into greek culture. have a fun!
Yup! I got hooked big time!
Greek dancing looks like really good exercise, and fun too. Beautiful photos and fascinating mythology Rommel. I agree with Poppy about the test. 🙂
I don’t know about that. When your immersed in culture and being a part of it, it’s hard to be exhausted. 😉
😀
Hey where is the picture of you moving to the groove of Greek music??!! 😉
I’m soon going to start a campaign to have you participate more in the photos you share if you don’t start doing it yourself ! 😀
OH my Greek! I rarely ask to be photographed. LEt alone while dancing. Ahihihi 🙂
Why not? It’s not fair to photograph others while dancing and not share your photograph doing the same 😉 We demand Rommel on the nig screen 😀
Ooops *big screen 😛
The name Aptera is so romantic, when you hear the story behind the name. Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
I know right. It felt nothing at first. But a little research of background stories makes it sounds better.
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely story about Aptera. I hope to visit Creta this summer – when I pass by, I’ll recall it.
Well then I hope you have a great time if you do get here in Creta.
It’s all Greek to me! (groan 😦 ) Smash a few plates for me, Rommel 🙂
I’d smash any plates for you, traditions or not. Ahihihi 😀
so nice- and the song from rice was cool – and you know – you also reminded me again of the slice of time when sessions like this were so new and cool – and they are still great – but it was special when studios and stations used to host these musicians – these wonderful talented musicians and songs take on new life unplugged and raw like this ❤
Very well said, Y. Some obscure artists in some obscure places and mediums that are still out there. It pays to explore. 🙂
it does pay to explore and adventure – 🙂 – and looks like your time in Greece is going well – like the dance event – oh – and never heard of amelie before – that was sweet –
I am a sucker for mythology, so thanks for the backstory. We bought a CD of Greek dance music – the Syrtaki I think it was – in Athens and it never fails to transport me back there 🙂
Thanks for giving me that idea, Madhu. 🙂
Greek mythology with a beautiful view! Very nice, Rommel! 🙂 And I love Death at a Funeral, as well!
Great shot for the Aptera bro.
Is that a prison or a citadel?
Great post ~ one of my favorite myths I could read about forever are The Sirens. Perhaps it is because, as you say, they were “femme fatale, beautiful but dangerous” and I think that was/is the attraction. I always thought how sad it was for the sailors who lost their lives by becoming enchanted with the Sirens and their songs…but then figure if the time comes when I must leave the Earth, there may not be a better way to go 🙂
I am guessing I missed this post during the time I took my hiatus from blogging. Beautiful photography Rommel. Loved the legend of the Sirens.