Knights of the Pain Table

The Olympic Games – Veni, Vidi, Vici

In the year of 2010, they came, they saw, and they conquered. Led by a sacred flame the 2010 Winter Olympic Games traversed this vast country of Canada to find the way to our hearts. And what a journey it has been.

Hercules – A Hero’s Journey

In the time of Homer, by 776BC, the ancient Olympic Games had begun in Olympia, a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis.   Legend suggests that the Olympic Games were founded as a religious festival by Heracles to honor both Zeus, King of the Gods, and the goddess, Hera.

Heracles (Latin: Hercules) was the son of Alcmene and Zeus. Of all the children Zeus spawned, Heracles was often described as his favorite.    Zeus’ son was known for his great strength and courage since his birth.

Unfortunately, during his childhood,  Heracles was tormented and persecuted by his stepmother, Hera, due to her jealousy of Zeus’ lovers and children.    A great tragedy occurred when Hera inflicted a sudden fit of madness on Heracles that caused him to murder his own children.

Once the madness had lifted, Heracles was overcome with such sorrow and remorse for his actions that he wanted to commit suicide.   His cousin,  Theseus, persuaded Hercules to consult the oracle of Delphi for help.    To expiate the tragic crime,  Hercules was required to carry out twelve labours set by his archenemy, Eurystheus.     These twelve quests were very difficult, yet Hercules conquered each one.

Hercules’ journey was that of the archetypal hero who is on a spiritual quest, and must use physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual strengths to survive.    Hercules’ inner journey required great courage and a noble character, much like a Knight in Medieval Times.    Greek religion often hid an inner mystical tradition in their mythology.

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver

During the 17 days of the Winter Olympics, in Vancouver and across Canada, we felt the ancient story of the hero.     We watched fellow Canadians throughout the country turn out to welcome the Olympic Torch holding the flame to their towns and cities.   As it approached Vancouver, we felt the heat of this symbolic fire.

By the time the Opening Ceremonies took place, it seemed as if we were all embarking on a journey, not only with the athletes, but also with the world and ourselves.    One evening in downtown Vancouver,   I stood on the corner of Robson and Georgia, surrounded by so many people from all over Canada and the world.   There was a spirit that was weaved into the crowd, of such beauty, that it seemed to come from a greater place.   We did not go looking for this journey, nor did anyone direct or force us to follow this path.     This time, perhaps, the journey found us.

We are so thankful for those 17 days of experiencing a revelation that will remain with each one of us forever.   May we carry this monomyth into the Paralympic Games which commence on March 12, 2010.

Lady Sharon
Scribe of Camelot and my city, Vancouver

Visit the 2010 Paralympic Site

Tags: 2010 Winter Olympics, Heracles, Hercules, Paralympics, Vancouver, Winter Olympics

This entry was posted by Lady Sharon on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 2:49 am and is filed under Stories, Fableors and Mythology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.