Eros stood tall and proud. It was like he was on a mountain compared to the molehill before him. He answered, ‘I am Eros, head of the tribe. To answer your question.
A Good God moves the universe. All the creatures in the natural world. The fortunes of men, the minds and bodies of men. Not forgetting life and death.’
Eros stood tall and proud. It was like he was on a mountain compared to the molehill before him. He answered, ‘I am Eros, head of the tribe. To answer your question.
A Good God moves the universe. All the creatures in the natural world. The fortunes of men, the minds and bodies of men. Not forgetting life and death.’
Like a white rhino kicking its back feet and sweeping the dusty soil with its giant horn.
Zeus was slightly annoyed at Eros’s statement. Zeus said, ‘I created the universe and can’t die; I’m invincible.’
Amazed at Zeus’ statement but unmoved. Eros replied, ‘How did you create the universe and come to be?’
Confidently, Zeus answered, ‘In the beginning, I pulled myself out of the mud of the Earth. There was no light to see the day, and no day followed the night.
Then, I wiped the soil from my eyes to see the light-filled day. The sun shone bright.
I was feeling lonely. So, I took a rib from my chest, bent down, and then placed it in the soil.
Out of the mud, I then moulded a woman around my rib. I bent down and breathed life into her; I am god.’
The strength of a wise bull elephant shone through Eros’s composure. He stood with dignity like the elegance of a black-necked crane wading on a lake. When Eros retorted, ‘I think differently.’
Zeus is similar to a confident spider about to pounce. He was as hostile as the stormy weather loomed.
Like a creepy bat, Zeus squeaked, ‘Are you challenging my position?’
An oak tree stood before Zeus. Eros was unmoved by the conditions in the atmosphere and bypassed Zeus’ remark.
Positively and politely, Eros proudly. With a soft, tender voice, he replied, ‘No, I’m saying you are my equal until we can establish who the universe’s Creators are.’
When Eros said those words, there was a thunderous clap, and the sky shuddered. Multiple lightning displays flashed in the clouds. But the rain didn’t splash.
Like a bear attacked by a swarm of African killer bees, Zeus angrily responded, ‘That seems like a good idea. Unleash your weapon.’
As Zeus said those words, the whites of his eyes sparked up. Red veins popped out and then shone fiery red.
Like a pumped-up male pigeon flirting, Zeus’ chest increased in size. Surprised at Zeus’ attacking stance and war-like behaviour.
Although Zeus was arrogant, Eros calmly replied, ‘Any God I worship Does Not Kill, which is the first law. Along with the freedom to go forth and multiply. Whoever loves God must love their neighbour.’
Upon hearing Eros’ words. Zeus’ eyes returned to their ice-cold blue, like a frog releasing air from its puffed-up cheeks. Zeus’ chest deflated from its pumped-up size, and he retreated to a composed persona.
Zeus paused and contemplated Eros’s statement before saying, ‘For some reason, those words sound very familiar. But I can’t remember who said them or where I heard them. They are good rules to follow.’
Unruffled by Zeus’ intimidating stance. Eros straightened his kanzu; he felt Zeus had a quick temper, overreacted and was impatient.
Eros inquisitively enquired, ‘Don’t you think we should ask the others for their opinion?’
Zeus, wholly puzzled, replies, ‘Others, what others?’
Eros reinstates his enquiry, ‘You said you are the king of all deities, so there are others?’
Feeling superior when Zeus tried to stand tall. But for his small size.
Zeus then answered, ‘Oh yes, my wife, Hera. Therefore, she is the queen of the gods and my younger brother, Poseidon. There are others, but I’m sure you will meet them soon.’
Eros is slightly puzzled at Zeus’s remark and inquires, ‘I’ve never heard of the word wife. What is that?’
Zeus modelled a blonde beard that resembled a fearsome golden lion. He was surprised by Eros’s question but understood it. Eros was unfamiliar with the local customs.
Zeus approached Eros and strolled around him. He explained, ‘A wife is offered to a king with a dowry in exchange for an agreement between warring tribes, countries, or nations.
This practice allows us to understand. We can appreciate different cultures and beliefs. We can swap materials and share resources.
Let’s say a woman was not in a high position and of age. She would be traded for goods and materials in the Neo-Babylonian market.’
After pondering on what Zeus had explained, Eros responded, ‘In effect, to have an agreement means there is an arrangement. What happens if the woman doesn’t agree to the arrangements?’
Slightly annoyed and irritated by Eros’s comment, Zeus declared, ‘Any woman should see it as an honour. To be offered as a bride, to maintain peace. She is the go-between for both parties’ beliefs, and a fair-trade agreement is arranged. What more could a woman want?’
Eros pauses momentarily, contemplating Zeus’ statement, and then, quite puzzled, Eros retorts, ‘This is a custom that my culture doesn’t practice. Something is disturbing about this role of a wife. Has God ordained this practice?’
The expression of a short-sighted white rhino, unable to cross a rushing river, appeared on Zeus’ face. He felt slightly annoyed but maintained his composure when he answered, ‘I’ve told you I’m god.
Having a wife is a custom that started in the early days of the Sumerian King Alulim in the Neo-Babylonian Garden. People have discussed the tale’s legitimacy. Does it tell the truth?
Some say Adam offered Eve a golden ring in exchange for her virtue, loyalty, and devotion in the Garden of Eden, but it was in the Ubaidian Garden. However, stories and tales are told over time and then retold with different meanings.
Since then, times have changed. Now, a woman’s father must produce a dowry. You’re not local to the region. Where do you come from?’
With memories of his carefree days, hunting and gathering food with Andromeda in the savanna. Eros proudly declared, ‘I’m from central Africa. A land with unique customs and traditions.
We dance in the moonlight and play in the sun. We romance with our neighbours and share our labour.’
Curiously, like a nosy next-door neighbour, with too many questions. Zeus asks, ‘What brings you to Sumer?’
With nothing to hide, Eros replies, ‘We were exploring the area and came across three women.
One was blind, the other could not hear very well, and the third didn’t speak. They asked us if we wanted to go to Egypt.’
Swivelling his head, his eyebrows lifted like a vulture stalking a baby rabbit. Zeus continues, ‘Who are you referring to when you say us?’
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