ÿþ<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?> <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> <head> <meta name="author" content="Frederick John Kluth" /> <meta name="description" content="A discussion of Itone, the daughter of Lyctius and wife of Minos son of Europa, and her effects on ancient Greece?"/> <meta name="keywords" content="Itone, Lyctius, Minos, willow, tree, worship, woman, crete, minoan, fjkluth"/> <style type="text/css" media="screen"> h2 {color: red; text-align: center} img.photo { float: left; margin-right: 20px;} </style> <title>Itone, daughter of Lyctius by Frederick John Kluth of Kent, Ohio</title> </head> <body> <p><img class="photo" src="logo.gif" width="200" height="150" alt="The Role of Women in the Art of Ancient Greece"/></p> <p><a href="index.html">RWAAG</a>, Itone --></p> <h2>Itone, Priestess of Willow Trees</h2> <p>Advertisement:</p> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-0012620521126070"; /* Goddesses */ google_ad_slot = "1441480835"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> <p><a href="sguide.html">Shop in a catalog of almost everything</a></p> <p><a href="grepw30.html">Buy Greek items on Amazon.com</a></p> <p><a href="grepq36.html">Discounts, Sales, Specials, and Savings available from offers on the Internet</a></p> <p>If you click above and follow the links to a purchase then this site receives a commission for its support.</p> <h2 align="center">Itone, Priestess of Willow Trees</h2> <h3 align="center">In the Form of an Ancient Drama</h3> <h4>Artemis</h4> <pre> Through the woods I roam. It is not just the chase I favor, But the life that is there. On my head I wear the sign of the crescent Moon, And so I look to the moon for inspiration. It is a poet's gaze, not one of need. It is Helios, the bright sun Whose rays fertility gives. Yet this is not all there is. Helios is just a part of the whole. From the oceans warmed by the sunshine The vapors rise up to form the clouds, the realm of Great Zeus, the thunderer. Zeus, in his wisdom brings soft rains to the parched land. This water is not yet in the realm of Poseidon But belongs to the water nymphs, Those gorgeous creatures that play In the sparkle of dewdrops and water falls. This play of water and rock is not without its drama. As hard as they are in Pluto's realm The rocks give way to the water. In that water the rocks' residue becomes the stuff of life. The living plants send their roots down deep To gather these substances within themselves for growth And they leave the water pure and tasty. One such plant is the willow tree. This plant grows where water is plentiful and stays there in quiet beauty. Lyctius had finished harvesting for the day And found this tree in a quiet glade. When his daughter was born he provided it with surrounding land as a dowry. Now she visits it regularly To gather the sweet water that flows from the spring beneath the tree. Here she comes now. </pre> <p><i>Artemis exits. Itone enters and sits under her willow with her jug by her side.</i></p> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> Blessed are the gods for providing this place. The water is the best, cool and sweet on a summer's day. Oh what is to become of me? I am a maiden in the bloom of youth but no one has chosen me. I think my father has too high a standard. He expects a girl of my quality to have a high-born beau. But how can I tell who might be good enough? I know young men but some seem so silly. How can I know how they will be years from now? Listen! Someone is coming. Who could be in this lonesome spot? </pre> <p><img src="a.d/itone.jpg" alt="Itone, goddess of the willow"/></p> <p>Itone under the willow tree.</p> <p><i>Minos enters</i></p> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> Hello! What? How is a Maiden in this lonesome spot? I have ranged far and wide in wilderness With a hunting party and now I am quite alone. What are you doing here? </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> I belong in this wonderful spot. I belong to it just as it belongs to me. My father, Lyctius, gave this Willow tree And the land that surrounds it to me. And my name, Itone, means "willow tree". So it is you who are out of place. And if you threaten his men are just a call away. But if you are a traveler I can offer you Sweet water from the spring. How is it with you? </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> I mean you no harm but I am thirsty From a day in the sun and hunting, So I gladly take your offer of sweet refreshment. But I am no traveler. I am near to home If only I knew the way. You could tell me you were a water nymph and I would believe it. You have a lovely and gracious manner. I am Minos, son of Asterius and Europa, But my mother insists that I am a son of Zeus. She says he brought her to Crete from across the sea On the back of a bull and left her to care for three sons. And Asterius took her in out of sympathy. Because of this she says great things will come of me, But right now I am only thinking of getting home. </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> I can tell you the direction to your home, But should we do with your hunting party? Were they after some wild beast menacing crops, Or providing food for the table? </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> Neither, but the wild bull we sought. This bull has long curving horns and a strong back. We brought no fierce weapons of destruction. With us was a gentle cow we used as bait and many strong nets and ropes. We hoped to catch him alive and add him to our herd. We might use him in a religious festival. The priestess made the request and we honored her. I like to help the priestess with her work. We heard a noise in the brush and I investigated. But it came to naught and I returned to find them gone. I think they saw the bull in another direction and moved after it leaving me alone. They are many and so not worry. It is a lost feeling when you are alone. But I do not feel lost now. Do you live far? </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> No! We are only a short while from my father's house At the edge of his barley fields. I venture here To gather the sweet water for our drinks. My father's other servants go to another spring For the water for cooking and bathing. But tell me about your priestess. I like the way the priestess leads the ceremonies At the splendid holy festivals. This is when I get to dance and sing and converse. With many other wonderful people. I like when the people get together and celebrate. How does your priestess do this? </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> Here is what she wants to do. It all sounds very exciting. We start at the temple at the edge of the fields. She is going to take the goddess out of the temple and bathe it. Then she will lead a procession to the court of our house. She will be at the beginning with the goddess In a cart drawn by a donkey Next come the dancers, men and women. Then come the food bearers with grain and vegetables. Then come the sacrificial animals. Then comes the strong bull led by his nose. Then come the people from the surrounding countryside. When she gets to the court we circle around While she prays and leads dances. Finally the bull is lead in and she dances with the bull. She says she can do it and we will see how. After a while when the bull tires he will be sacrificed. The priestess will take his blood to the fields as a sacred libation. She says the crops will grow better. Then we will cut up the bull and roast the meat. Finally we feast on the meat, the bread, the fruits and vegetables. It sounds pretty exciting to me. What do you think? </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> It sounds exciting. Come tell my father. We should all go to this festival. </pre> <p><i>Itone and Minos exit. Artemis enters.</i></p> <h4>Artemis</h4> <pre> Mistress of all the animals am I, and them I nurture Each one is born and dies yet in that life there is a sharing. Some share their life with others of their kind. Yet many provide sustenance for others. Some do not take this sustenance But look to the trees and other plants. It is all a great chain of being wondrous to behold. So it is appropriate to celebrate the many blessings. </pre> <p><i>Artemis exits. Itone and Minos enter.</i></p> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> What a wonderful festival. But I have a request. This celebrates the animals and is in the center of society We should have a quiet festival as well that celebrates The quiet places and the things that hold us up by their roots. My willow tree should be a sanctuary for all time to come. Could you arrange such a thing, Minos? </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> Festivals rejuvenate. They invigorate. Work has its place. But so does celebration and festivals. What a good idea to have a quiet festival. This brings out a whole new aspect of worship. I like the idea for a new celebration. Let me organize and consult and perhaps it will happen. Return to your home and let me visit in a while With the answer to your kind request. </pre> <p><i>Itone and Minos exit. Artemis returns.</i></p> <h4>Artemis</h4> <pre> All my realm is carefully planned and obeys the rule of law. I set these laws down ages ago and now they are obeyed. But buried in this law is the opportunity of choice. Not everything is determined. Choices are made and consequences met. It is all part of the divine plan. Now we have a young man and woman together. What are their choices? What conclusions will they draw? I like the direction because it is respectful. On the festivals they spend their time. Many will benefit from this. Not them alone. For this they receive my blessing. </pre> <p><i>Artemis exits. Enter Itone and Lyctius</i></p> <h4>Lyctius</h4> <pre> Daughter! Who is this young man I have seen you with? And what are his intentions? You know a young girl must be careful. Is he good enough for you? I want you to be happy later. </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> He is Minos, son of Asterius and Europa. His mother came from abroad, on the back of a bull they say. She was a princess in Tyre. This is good. But they also say That it was Zeus that raped her and took her away. Perhaps she behaved poorly to cause all this but There is no sign of this in Minos. I also hear that it is a blessing to be an offspring of Zeus. Minos seems blessed and wonderful. He does so much to help with worship and festivals. He is even planning to make my Willow tree a sanctuary. He should be her soon. </pre> <h4>Lyctius</h4> <pre> We shall see what some of this. From evil evil follows but things from Zeus Must be considered carefully. If a bad seed grows in hin it will spring out. But if he springs from Zeus we had best Let him have his way For in him lays great power and promise. </pre> <p><i>Lyctius exits and Minos enters</i></p> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> I give greetings to you. What a pleasant place! To get to your house I had to pass through a gate And there was revealed a large garden with a wall all around it. It is full of beautiful trees--pears, pomegranates, And the most delicious looking apples. There are luscious figs also, and olives in full growth. Pear grows on pear tree, apple on apple tree, and fig on fig tree. Beyond there is an excellent vineyard with grapes hanging. On the level ground of a part of this, The grapes are being made into raisins. In another part they are being gathered. Some are being trodden in the wine tubs. In the furthest part of the ground Beautifully arranged flowers bloom. Two streams go through it, the one turned in ducts throughout the whole garden, While the other is carried under the ground of the outer court To the house itself, and the local people draw water from it. What beauty of produce and growth! </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> Yes! And the source of those streams is the spring under the willow tree. The willow is a symbol both of water and of garden produce. Beyond the garden walls are the fields of grain. And further still are the pastures where the goats are grazed. The grain and the fruits provide us food But the goats provide the wool we spin and weave. It is the wool and the wine that allows us to trade Beyond the sea in the ships with great sails. Often we place the goods in two-wheeled carts And take them down to the ships pulled up on the beach. I love the tales I hear when we travel to the ships. </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre>And look at what this produce has provided. This house is wonderfully appointed. I came through the strong wooden doors into a beautiful court. On each side is a flowing fountain In the center is a fire pit for cooking banquets. Look at the pillars that hold up the porch around the court, And the roof of round red tiles. Opposite the doors is a wonderful room for banquets, And above this are apartments for the security of women. You must be very happy. And I want to keep you that way. We have planned a fine ceremony. The worshippers will meet at the market place of the next town. They will form a procession and walk to the willow tree. There we will have a ceremony and a blessing of the tree Then we will return to the market place. There we will have dancing and a feast. Will you lead the dancing Itone? </pre> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> This is just as I wished it. I will prepare a special dress just for this. It will have tassels and will move as I dance. When will this festival be? </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> Next month will be appropriate. Now I must leave to spread the word. </pre> <i>Exit Minos and Itone. Enter Artemis</i> <h4>Artemis</h4> <pre> A festival has its leaders and its followers. It is when everybody works together that there is the most benefit. Work only is too much. Reclining only is too much. A stimulating variety makes all else good. It motivates to find the way that is worship. It is not about what each can get but how to give that worship makes in a good society. It is not about pleasing others to receive their wage. Worship is a way of organizing a community That each to each can give an receive And when it is done satisfaction reigns. Let us see how the quiet festival went. </pre> <p><i>Exit Artemis. Enter Minos and Itone.</i></p> <h4>Itone</h4> <pre> How well you organized the festival. Everyone found a place And the spirits of the hard pressed where raised. The dancers you found followed me well And found a sympathetic rhythm The blessing you gave to the tree, "May this tree grow to lift the nourishment And the spirits of all, weak and strong." Inspired my thoughts to good work. When we go to the market the food waited. All were satisfied and many mouths were fed. The people will go and work well On their appointed tasks. To you I give thanks. </pre> <h4>Minos</h4> <pre> You danced as only a goddess could To sanctify the cherished wood Your arms like the leaves of the willow played Your body like the fine stalks of the willow swayed. Your feet danced on the smooth pavement and twinkled like the stars in the firmament. I see the fruits growing on your vine Will you walk with me and be mine. I plainly see the life that is to be. Will you marry me Willow Tree? </pre> <hr/> <p>Itone Resources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pantheon.org/articles/i/itone.html">Itone</a></li> </ul> <p>Art which includes aspects of the myth of Itone:</p> <ul> <li>None found</li> </ul> <hr/> <p>To ask a question about this topic note the topic (Itone) and <a href="comm.html">Click here</a></p> <hr/> <h2 align="center">Itone, Priestess of Willow Trees</h2> <h3>Questions and Answers</h3> <p>Question:</p> <p>Answer:</p> <p><a href="sguide.html">Shopping guide and Index to Greek stuff on the Internet</a></p> <p><a href="index.html">Click Here for Menu Directory</a></p> <p>Advertisement:</p> <p>Buying links: <a href="grepar.html">Art Supplies and Original Art</a> -- <a href="grepe.html">Audio Books</a> -- <a href="grepp.html">Auto Parts and Accessories</a> -- <a href="grepeb.html">eBooks(books in digital form)</a> -- <a href="grepq.html">Traditional Books</a> -- <a href="grepb.html">Business to Business</a> -- <a href="grepcoe.html">Collectibles</a> -- <a href="grepcol.html">College and Education</a> -- <a href="grepcomh.html">Computer HW(Hardware)</a> -- <a href="grepcoms.html">Computer SW(Software)</a> -- <a href="grepcon.html">Construction and Built-in Decoration of Homes</a> -- <a href="grepce.html">Consumer Electronics</a> -- <a href="grepcos.html">Cosmetics and Fragrances</a> -- <a href="greppa.html">Costumes and Party Goods</a> -- <a href="grepev.html">Events</a> -- <a href="grepk.html">Furniture and Removable Decoration of Homes</a> -- <a href="grepg.html">Games</a> -- <a href="grepga.html">Garden and Flowers</a> -- <a href="grepj.html">Gifts</a> -- <a href="grepgr.html">Groceries, Gourmet Food, and Wine</a> -- <a href="grepha.html">Hair Care</a> -- <a href="grepl.html">Handbags and Luggage</a> -- <a href="greph.html">Health Food</a> -- <a href="grepho.html">Hotels</a> -- <a href="grepo.html">Jewelry</a> -- <a href="grepki.html">Kitchen and Dining</a> -- <a href="grepmal.html">Malls and Virtual Malls</a> -- <a href="grepme.html">Men&#39;s</a> -- <a href="grepu.html">Movies/DVD&#39;s</a> -- <a href="grepmu.html">Music</a> -- <a href="grepou.html">Outdoors</a> -- <a href="grepph.html">Photo</a> -- <a href="greppo.html">Posters, Prints and Painting Reproductions</a> -- <a href="greps.html">Shoes</a> -- <a href="grepte.html">Teens</a> -- <a href="grepto.html">Toys</a> -- <a href="grepa.html">Travel</a> -- <a href="grepw.html">Women&#39;s</a> -- <a href="grepeur.html">Geschäft in Europa</a> -- <a href="grepuk.html">United Kingdom Vendors</a> --</p> <p>If you click above and follow the links to a purchase then this site receives a commission for its support.</p> <p><img class="photo" src="logo.gif" width="200" height="150" alt="The Role of Women in the Art of Ancient Greece"/></p> <p><a href="index.html">RWAAG</a>, Itone --></p> <p>--origin 20080311, modified 20081127 --</p> </body></html>