"And then in the end, you're going to find me and say, 'forgive me, my God...'
-Apollo (Olimpos)(3)
Panel of Apollo from Olimpos (3)
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Summary
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The story of 'Olimpos' by Mangaka Aki follows a rather unique spin on the characterization of Apollo, but very notably, Ganymede. The story takes place in what is called 'Apollo's garden' (at least, according to Apollo, it is). It tells the tale of Ganymede's time there, capturing visits from Apollo, and bringing in other gods into the mix as well. Most prevelent being Zeus and Hades, with Poseidon making brief appearances early in the manga(3). ------------------------------------------------------------
"...I'm sorry for ever doubting you..."-Apollo (Olimpos)(3)
Summary
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"...I'm sorry for ever doubting you..."
-Apollo (Olimpos)(3)
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Characterization of Ganymede
In classic Greek stories, Ganymede is not discussed much in terms of personality, but more so the focus is on his appearance. Throughout research, he is described as "'...godlike Ganymedes that was born fairest amongst men.' Homor Illiad 20.199" (1). However, his family remains disputed amongst sources, some stories telling that he is nothing more than a farmer's son, others claiming him of royal blood (1). Within the story of Olimpos, while his backstory is delved into, his personality is what is most attention grabbing. This is not just because he is introduced first, but it is because his story is not yet shown, the reason he is in this beautiful garden is not yet revealed to the reader. This is also where his story seemed to have taken a turn from a version I heard a while ago. For this blog I will be using the version I heard first for the sake of simplicity.
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Characterization of Ganymede
In classic Greek stories, Ganymede is not discussed much in terms of personality, but more so the focus is on his appearance. Throughout research, he is described as "'...godlike Ganymedes that was born fairest amongst men.' Homor Illiad 20.199" (1). However, his family remains disputed amongst sources, some stories telling that he is nothing more than a farmer's son, others claiming him of royal blood (1).
Within the story of Olimpos, while his backstory is delved into, his personality is what is most attention grabbing. This is not just because he is introduced first, but it is because his story is not yet shown, the reason he is in this beautiful garden is not yet revealed to the reader. This is also where his story seemed to have taken a turn from a version I heard a while ago. For this blog I will be using the version I heard first for the sake of simplicity.
Ganymede's Origins (according to some)
Ganymede began as the Prince of Troy, son of Tros. He was beautiful, renown far and wide for his features. Poets and artists alike portrayed him as a practically perfect human, even amongst his two other brothers, he was known for his beauty. In short, even amongst the men and women of the world, Ganymede was seen as the most beautiful. And as known throughout Greek mythology, when Zeusfinds something pretty, he wants it (2).
Ganymede's Origins (according to some)
Ganymede began as the Prince of Troy, son of Tros. He was beautiful, renown far and wide for his features. Poets and artists alike portrayed him as a practically perfect human, even amongst his two other brothers, he was known for his beauty. In short, even amongst the men and women of the world, Ganymede was seen as the most beautiful. And as known throughout Greek mythology, when Zeus
finds something pretty, he wants it (2).
The tales vary as to why he was on those hilltops, some say he was tending sheep, others say that he may have been hunting. In either version, Zeus, in the form of an eagle and scooped Ganymede up, carrying him off to Olympus. On Olympus, Ganymede was made into the cup bearer of the gods and turned immortal by Zeus himself (2).
In some tales of the story, Ganymede was brought up and replaced the goddess Hebe. The story of Ganymede has taken many versions, whether it be presenting the boy of serving wine and nectar to the gods. Or it is showing him as a playmate to younger gods, for example from the website, Eros. But a famous version is how Ganymede ended up in the sky as a constellation, as the synbol for Aquarius as well. The story goes that Hera, as she usually is with Zeus' lovers, was jealous of the prince, and she turned that directly to him. To keep the boy safe and to honor him, Zeus sent him to the stars, turning him into a constellation(2).
Where the Story Splits
The story "Olimpos" proposes is a mildly different one. Instead of the famous disguise of Zeus, it was not Zeus at all that took Ganymede away. Rather it was the god Apollo that decided to come to earth to take the boy away. In the scene, Ganymede was out with a brother who was retrieving Ganymede for his coming of age ceromony. While speaking, the brothers discussed their skills and such, coming to the topic of Ganymede's beautiy. His brother gave him a blade, telling him that he best protect himself from the gods, revealing their parents believe that it would not be long until the gods came to try and take Ganymede away. It is in this moment that Apollo comes down and takes Ganymede away after a brief moment's resistence, resutling in, what was hinted at, his brother's death (3).
I would like to bring attention to the ceromony for a moment. "Coming of age" suggests he is still in his teen years. In the article from the Mythologysource, Ganymede was thought to be very young when he was abducted by Zeus (2). -----------------------------------------------------------
Roles of the Gods
As discussed in length in class, as well as read in many stories, the gods are indifferent to humans. They hold humans in regards to a low standard, recognizing some as great, as heroic. If they give gifts, they are expecting gratitude in turn from mortals, sacrifices and adoration. To be looked up to and worshipped.
In "Olimpos" the gods are shown in a slanted light. Shown to use Ganymede for their entertainment. In a scene between Poseidon and Apollo, the god of the sun is questioned on where he keeps disappearing. He discussed Ganymede as though it was an interactive reality show, a mere piece of enterainment. On top of that, it is stated and shown multiple times that Ganymede is angry about being trapped there, wanting some sort of gratitude for placing Ganymede in a garden filled with "other beautiful things" (3).
It shows the gods in a similar, but more bluntly arrogant light. It shows their disregard for humans, and their amusement towards the efforts and squabbles of humankind. It gives an intersting light to the human side of things as well, especially when considering Ganymede's own feelings were never shown in "original" stories. It only ever focuses on the surrounding cast's emotions, and the gods' own actions and desires. ___________________________________________________________
References
1. Chaliakopoulos, A. (2023, October 6). Ganymede in Greek mythology: Zeus’ young lover & Cupbearer. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/ganymede-myth/
2. Greenberg, M., PhD. (2022, January 4). Zeus and Ganymede: The complete Story (Updated 2023). MythologySource. https://mythologysource.com/zeus-and-ganymede/
3. Olimpos Manga - Read Olimpos manga online for free. (n.d.). https://fanfox.net/manga/olimpos/
The tales vary as to why he was on those hilltops, some say he was tending sheep, others say that he may have been hunting. In either version, Zeus, in the form of an eagle and scooped Ganymede up, carrying him off to Olympus. On Olympus, Ganymede was made into the cup bearer of the gods and turned immortal by Zeus himself (2).
In some tales of the story, Ganymede was brought up and replaced the goddess Hebe. The story of Ganymede has taken many versions, whether it be presenting the boy of serving wine and nectar to the gods. Or it is showing him as a playmate to younger gods, for example from the website, Eros. But a famous version is how Ganymede ended up in the sky as a constellation, as the synbol for Aquarius as well. The story goes that Hera, as she usually is with Zeus' lovers, was jealous of the prince, and she turned that directly to him. To keep the boy safe and to honor him, Zeus sent him to the stars, turning him into a constellation(2).
Where the Story Splits
The story "Olimpos" proposes is a mildly different one. Instead of the famous disguise of Zeus, it was not Zeus at all that took Ganymede away. Rather it was the god Apollo that decided to come to earth to take the boy away. In the scene, Ganymede was out with a brother who was retrieving Ganymede for his coming of age ceromony. While speaking, the brothers discussed their skills and such, coming to the topic of Ganymede's beautiy. His brother gave him a blade, telling him that he best protect himself from the gods, revealing their parents believe that it would not be long until the gods came to try and take Ganymede away. It is in this moment that Apollo comes down and takes Ganymede away after a brief moment's resistence, resutling in, what was hinted at, his brother's death (3).
I would like to bring attention to the ceromony for a moment. "Coming of age" suggests he is still in his teen years. In the article from the Mythologysource, Ganymede was thought to be very young when he was abducted by Zeus (2).
-----------------------------------------------------------
Roles of the Gods
As discussed in length in class, as well as read in many stories, the gods are indifferent to humans. They hold humans in regards to a low standard, recognizing some as great, as heroic. If they give gifts, they are expecting gratitude in turn from mortals, sacrifices and adoration. To be looked up to and worshipped.
In "Olimpos" the gods are shown in a slanted light. Shown to use Ganymede for their entertainment. In a scene between Poseidon and Apollo, the god of the sun is questioned on where he keeps disappearing. He discussed Ganymede as though it was an interactive reality show, a mere piece of enterainment. On top of that, it is stated and shown multiple times that Ganymede is angry about being trapped there, wanting some sort of gratitude for placing Ganymede in a garden filled with "other beautiful things" (3).
It shows the gods in a similar, but more bluntly arrogant light. It shows their disregard for humans, and their amusement towards the efforts and squabbles of humankind. It gives an intersting light to the human side of things as well, especially when considering Ganymede's own feelings were never shown in "original" stories. It only ever focuses on the surrounding cast's emotions, and the gods' own actions and desires.
___________________________________________________________
References
1. Chaliakopoulos, A. (2023, October 6). Ganymede in Greek mythology: Zeus’ young lover & Cupbearer. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/ganymede-myth/
2. Greenberg, M., PhD. (2022, January 4). Zeus and Ganymede: The complete Story (Updated 2023). MythologySource. https://mythologysource.com/zeus-and-ganymede/
3. Olimpos Manga - Read Olimpos manga online for free. (n.d.). https://fanfox.net/manga/olimpos/
Comments by Lauren: This seems like a pretty cool topic to study about, and I enjoyed learning more about this genre of literature. I like how at the beginning you separated your ideas with boxes, it was much easier to follow. I like how you began your post with a quote, that was a great way to get your readers thinking and catching their attention.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fascinating analysis of Olimpos! I love how you explore the contrast between traditional depictions of Ganymede and the unique interpretation in the manga. The way you highlight the gods' indifference and arrogance, especially Apollo’s attitude toward Ganymede, adds so much depth to the discussion. It’s really interesting how Olimpos shifts the focus onto Ganymede’s emotions, which are so often overlooked in mythology. Your breakdown of the different versions of the story and the role of the gods makes me want to check out this manga for myself—great job!
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