In ancient Greek mythology, the human condition was determined to exist in three distinct status: Those who were dead, those who were alive and those who were “at sea”. Such was the significance of the sea in the both the mythical and historical Greece. Today much of the influence of ancient Greece can still be felt in our political doctrine, astronomy, medicine and language. In fact it is all over the place if you know where to look. If however, you think of ‘the classics’ as albums released by eighties bands with dubious, large haircuts and white jackets with shoulder pads, then the names of many of the yachts we see come and go will mean little. it might be of interest to some that to this day, many yachts are named after the Gods, Heroes, Heroines and Deities brought to life and recorded in the tales of Homer more than 800 years before Christmas was even invented.
I have listed a few of the yacht names and mentioned their namesake and their character or qualities as they are portrayed in mythology. They are in no order in particular and I am sure the list is far from complete.
TRITON – The son of Poseidon, Triton was a sea god with fishes tail and must have looked like a cross dressing mermaid. Triton was said to form into smaller sea spirits called Tritones. Triton’s major contribution to ancient mythology was to guide Jason and the Argonauts when they were lost and to use his special trumpet formed from a sea shell, to blow on to the waves in order to calm the sea.
PERSEUS – Was only a demi-god being born of a God, Zeus and a mortal. He grew up on an island, being mentored by a fisherman. Perseus was later despatched to behead the evil Medusa. This he did with the help of some flying shoes from Hermes and a reflective shield from the goddess Athena. On his way back from killing Medusa, Perseus rescued a bird called Andromeda who was about to besacrificed to a sea monster.
ATHENA – The Goddess of Wisdom, Athena was said to be the most fair and benevolent of all the gods. Athena was born to Zeus and was said to have sprung from his head into existence.
PEGASUS – Pegasus was a winged horse sired by Poseidon and Medusa who was a Gorgon. Pegasus was strong and fast but could be captured and ridden by others.
APHRODITE – Was popular at all the God parties. She was the goddess of love, desire and beauty but also the sea which is probably why her name is often lent to the transom of a yacht. Aphrodite got around a bit and had a number of children, enough said.
ARTEMIS – Daughter of Zeus and the goddess of the hunt. She was a strong warrior and helped protect the Olympians from the giants. She was a staunch protector of women and to a lesser degree young men.
GAIA – Mother Earth, Gaia was the Earth and relates to what we today may describe as mother nature. She emerged onto the mythological scene shortly after the ‘Chaos’. Gaia was one of the first Gods and is said to give berth to mankind.
HELIOS – The Greek god of the sun and indeed the sun itself. He moves across the sky daily in a chariot led by four horse that breathe fire from their nostrils. At the end of the night Helios is brought back to the starting point in very large cup. Helios sees all and informs the gods of what he sees.