Mythology & Folklore (Engl-206) Sir Jaime M.

Forbes

Agbay, Noralyn G. II-ELLA 02.01.2017

Reader’s Response 3: (4) The Earliest Hero—Prometheus and Io

Love, so common yet rare; so brutal yet satiating; not only in Greek Mythology but here,
these days as well. Out of love, people endure pain, beguilement and sacrifices. Nevertheless,
delighted and contented.

If there is one character in the story who would best resembles me and whom I admired
the most, that is Zeus. But leaving behind his being womanizer, because even I do not agree to
that. So, to Hera, I understand her. What she did was valid, reasonable. And to Io, Zeus showed
his love. He fell in love. He did everything that an in-love being would do. He even swore at the
river Styx where a vow made there is not meant to be broken. And so, Io, because of Zeus’s love
she suffered. And yes, that is Love!

Though Io suffered, I may say that it was a sweet misery—fruit of love. In reality, that
happens. Just like what I am into right now. I could just simply continue with my job. I had a
good stand, superb for a novice. Or, I could just venture into business instead. With that, my
family could have me. Just like before, apart from eight-hour work, all of my time was for them
alone. But now, it is not. And because they love me, they are suffered. Their love for me caused
them difficulties. They continuously support me even if it means tremendous sacrifices on their
part. Like Zeus to Io.

Sometimes, even if the intentions are good. Even if it is out of love, opposite happens.
Zeus did not mean to turn Io into heifer. He did not even mean to cause her so much misery.
Actually, the intentions were good, but what happen was the other way around. That is what made
love unique and mysterious. A cycle of contradiction, but still we indulge and endure. Who knows,
great things await at the end. Just like what awaits in the Nile river for Io—back to being human.

Zeus kept his promise. Though he is a god, circumstances not always be in his control.
Humanly things in deed. Miserable situation to his loved one which he, himself had caused. For
me that was twice the pain, the guilt and conscience. Well what can we do? That is love. So, to
them, my deepest admiration. For they had endured the pain, beguilement and sacrifices. They
were nevertheless delighted and contented— Ephapus and Heracles—Fruit of so common yet rare;
so brutal yet satiating—Love.

Page 1 of 1