Daughters of Olympus

by Hannah M. Lynn

Rhea, the Goddess of Childbirth, endured a nightmare none could have imagined.

To turn those decades of darkness into light and life, and I embraced it.

Cannot we feel so deeply as they do because of the gift of eternity we have been granted?”

For though the blood of great gods flowed in his veins, Iacchus, for all his abilities, could have been a mere mortal.

“Draw strength from the pain that you feel,” Thelxiepia continued. “Know that it comes from a place of power. You will be better for this loss.”

Even in death, mortals were held by the bounds of others. Was it ever possible, then, for one to be truly free, when even in death they were beholden to another?

To choose a name is a gift few of us are granted, though I wish more were allowed that freedom. A name is not merely a cluster of sounds, it is the identity we offer to others before we even show our face. Names are rich with our history and heritage. They help shape our place in the world.

And the longer something entwines itself around you, the harder it is to break loose.

“Why?” “Because I believe your love for her formed because she was the first person who made you see your true strength, and if I had gotten there sooner, perhaps it would have been me you fell in love with instead.”