Fish Tales
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Mercury
(Hermès, Hermès Trismegistus, Quicksilver)
Mercury
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The planet closest to the sun
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Mercury's orbit around the sun is 88 days
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No Moons
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First seen with a telescope by Galileo in the 17th century
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The first recorded sighting of Mercury as early as the 5th century BC
Mercury Element
Hg
Liquid metal
Dense Silvery White
Toxic
Aristotle mentioned mercury in his writings as hydro-argyos
Mercury Myth
The Roman name Mercury
The Greek name Hermès
Known as the Messenger of the gods
Mercury was one of the most popular gods and was widely known for intelligence, speed, trickery, and his staff (caduceus), golden sandals and winged helmet
Short story
Mercury was the son of Jupiter and Maia
On his first day of infancy, it is said that Mercury used a tortoise shell to make the first lyre. On the second day he robbed Apollo of his cattle and upon returning them to Apollo, Mercury was given his wand known as the caduceus. The caduceus was said to put people to sleep, wake people, bring them to a peaceful death or bring the dead to life.
One of the most well known stories is in Ovid’s Metamorphoses
In this story the god Zeus falls in love with lo, a priestess of his wife Hera. When Hera discovers the affair Zeus transforms lo into a white cow to protect her from the wrath of his wife. When Hera learns of this she demands the cow as a present and puts it under the protection of Argus, the giant with 100 eyes. Zeus sends his clever messenger Mercury to kill Argus and return the cow. Mercury finds Argus guarding the cow and begins to play his flute and tell stories of the gods. Argus closes each eye and eventually falls to sleep. Mercury then beheads Argus and frees the cow. After Hera found her loyal guard she removed his eyes and placed them on the tail of a peacock.
Venus
(Aphrodite, Inanna, Isis, Frigg, Sita)
Venus
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The 2nd planet of the solar system
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Discovered as early as 2500 BC
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First planet visited by spacecraft in 1962
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Approximately same size as earth
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Hottest surface of any planet 850 degrees
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No moons
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The Venus day lasts 117 earth days
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67.5 million miles from the sun
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225 days to orbit the sun
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96% carbon dioxide, small traces of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide
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Atmosphere clouds of sulfuric acid
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Color white and yellow
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Rises in the evening and morning
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Known for its bright reflection
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Rules pleasures and beauty
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Rules Taurus and Libra
Venus Myth
Known as the goddess of love and desire. Born as an adult from the foam of Uranus upon the Azore sea, she floated to shore upon a shell.
Short Story
Venus was betrothed to the god Vulcan who was the god of fire and metalworking. She was known for her beauty and poise and found delight in celebrations she threw and the friendships and happiness they allowed. Vulcan was aged and unsightly and could not appease the boredom of the fair Venus. As she caught a glimpse of the handsome Mars descending to Mount Olympus his fiery eyes consumed her thoughts. She was filled with a desire for Mars and soon captured his attention. It was then that they started a love affair. When Vulcan discovered the betrayal he forged a bronze net so intricately designed that it became invisible. Venus and Mars met for a passionate encounter and they laid upon the net. They were captured by the vengeful Vulcan who had invited all the other gods to witness this act of deceit. Shame befell on the unfaithful Venus and the great warrior Mars as they were ridiculed by the other gods, but to this day the love and desire of Venus and Mars is unmatched.
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Mars
(Ares, Mavors, Mavorte)
Mars
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The fourth planet from the sun
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Mars orbit around the sun takes 687 days
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Two moons Phobos and Deimos
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One of the brightest stars in the night sky, Mars has a reddish hue. Since the 20th century, Mars
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Has been explored by unmanned spacecraft and rovers with at least 11 active probes currently orbiting or on Mars surface.
Myth
Roman Name Mars
Greek Name Ares
Known as the god of war
Mars elements
Fe
Iron
Steel
Brimstone
Arsenic
Hot/Burning
Sharp
Violent
Short Story
The Fiery Birth of Mars
In the heavens of ancient Greece, Hera was enraged. Zeus had fathered Athena without her, and she was determined to birth a child of her own—without his involvement. She sought Gaia, the Earth Mother, who gifted her a mysterious flower. After touching it, Hera conceived and bore a child: Ares, god of war.
From the moment of his birth, Ares radiated a fiery temperament. His cries echoed like thunder, and his first steps left trails of ash. Zeus, although distant, recognized the potential in his son and gave him a seat on Mount Olympus.
But Ares was no diplomat like his father. He thrived in chaos, finding joy in battle and conflict. As he grew, he became both feared and revered—a god who embodied the bloodlust of war. Yet, even the other Olympians kept their distance, wary of his untamed spirit.
In his heart, Ares felt isolated, his fiery nature misunderstood. He sought solace on the battlefield, where he felt alive, even as others cursed his name. Ares wasn’t just a god of destruction—he was the fire that revealed humanity’s true nature, for better or worse.
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Astraea
Star number 5
​Astraea (Greek: Ἀστραá¿–α) means "Star-Maiden" or "Starry One."
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She is usually considered the daughter of Zeus (or Astraeus) and Themis, the goddess of divine law and order. Astraea is strongly associated with justice, innocence, and purity, often depicted carrying scales (a symbol of justice) and sometimes a sword. Virgo Constellation: After leaving Earth, Astraea is believed to have been placed among the stars as the constellation Virgo.
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Myth
Astraea was said to have lived among humans during the Golden Age, a time of peace and prosperity when humans did not commit injustices. As humanity became increasingly corrupt in the later ages (Silver, Bronze, and Iron Ages), Astraea, saddened by their wickedness, ascended to the heavens, symbolizing the loss of innocence and justice on Earth. She is described as the last of the immortals to leave the Earth, unwilling to abandon humanity until it became unbearable.
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Short Story
One fateful day, Astraea stood before a crowd in a village square. Two farmers were accusing each other of stealing livestock. The truth was clear to her divine senses, but the crowd's jeers grew louder. They mocked her judgment, demanding punishment for both. Astraea's heart broke. If even justice could be twisted by mortals, what hope was left? With tears streaming down her face, she ascended to the heavens. From above, she gazed down, her constellation shining as a reminder of what humanity had lost.
Centuries after Astraea left Earth, the world was plunged into darkness—wars raged, and justice seemed like a forgotten dream. In a quiet mountain village, a young girl named Lyra found an ancient book that spoke of Astraea’s return when humanity proved worthy. Lyra took it upon herself to spread the goddess’s teachings, traveling from town to town. Her kindness and fairness inspired others. Slowly, acts of compassion began to multiply. One night, while Lyra gazed at the constellation Virgo, a bright star flared in the sky. Astraea’s voice whispered, “You have rekindled my hope.” The goddess descended as a beam of light, walking among humans once more. Justice flourished again, thanks to Lyra’s unyielding faith.
“The Gemini Twins” Pollux and Castor
(Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin)
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Myth
Pollux and Castor, also known as the Gemini twins, are two bright stars in the Gemini constellation. They are named after the mythological twins from Greek mythology, Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin).
Castor was mortal, the son of Tyndareus, king of Sparta, while Pollux was immortal, fathered by Zeus, who seduced their mother, Leda. Despite their different parentage, the twins were inseparable and known for their bravery, loyalty, and brotherly bond. When Castor was fatally wounded in battle, Pollux, unable to bear life without his brother, begged Zeus to let them stay together. Zeus granted Pollux's wish by placing them among the stars as the Gemini constellation.
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Short Stories about Pollux and Castor
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1. The Rescue of Helen
Before Helen became the cause of the Trojan War, she was abducted by Theseus and Pirithous. Castor and Pollux, her brothers, launched a daring rescue mission to save her. The twins infiltrated Athens, overpowered the guards, and rescued Helen, showcasing their bravery and tactical prowess. This mission also cemented their reputation as protectors of family honor.
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2. The Cattle Raid
Castor and Pollux were known for their skills in battle and horsemanship. One day, they encountered Idas and Lynceus, who had stolen a prized herd of cattle. The twins pursued the thieves, leading to a fierce confrontation. Castor was killed in the skirmish, leaving Pollux grief-stricken. Pollux's plea to Zeus during this moment ultimately led to their eternal bond as stars.
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3. Saviors of Sailors
The twins were regarded as patrons of sailors and seafarers. One legend tells of a ship caught in a violent storm. The sailors, fearing for their lives, prayed to the twins for help. Suddenly, two glowing orbs of light appeared on the ship's mast—interpreted as the presence of Castor and Pollux. The storm subsided, and the sailors safely reached the shore, attributing their salvation to the divine intervention of the twins.