Description
Scholars have for centuries set aside one perplexing poem inexplicably written in Spartan dialect from the Ennead, the nine books authored by Sappho. Why Sappho kept this poem in her collection has never been explained. Sappho had among her students a girl named Mnasidika, a Spartan name that means, ‘In Remembrance of Justice’. Another translated restoration of a little-known poem of Sappho’s, shredded by the early Church and left in fragments because of its “offensive” subject matter revealed a haunting tale of “immortal lovers”. The details of this novel are derived primarily from the works of Alkaios, not Sappho, in his recounting of their early youth during the Civil War in Mytilene, the War with Athens, and the activities of the House of Penthilos. Many are unaware–or their understanding uncertain–about the part the Poetess of Mytilene played in the court intrigues, political upheavals and assassination plots of the time.
“This sword, it is said, is older than my father’s great-grandfather. My brother claimed it was seized from the tomb of Menelaus the day our ancient fathers enslaved the Mycenean peoples of Sparta in the name of Herakles. It is indeed a handsome sword, inlaid with bronze and gold, precious stones, but it has flaws.
“There are bloodstains upon it that will not go away. I have scrubbed this sword every night since it came into my hands, but the stains remain. My brother says they have always been there. It is our family’s own Curse of Atreus, a symbol of the doom we know will inevitably come, though we try to avert it. “It belonged to my brother. The last man to wield it was my father. They both died in battle with it, cut down by their enemies before they could even begin to fight.
“Now…this sword has fallen to Mnasidika of Sparta, and I fear it. Whatever in the name of the gods am I supposed to do with it? I have put my own share of blood upon this blade. And the stains will not go away.”
A bold new version of the story of Sappho of Lesbos from the acclaimed creator of House of the Muses, A Deviant Mind, The Voices Against Bullying Anthology, contributor to Dark Mischief Horror Anthology, Prism Comics’ ALPHABET LGBTQAI Anthology and Chief Editor of ICC Magazine.
“House of the Muses is a series NOT to be missed!” –CURVE Magazine, June, 2008
“Fans of history, lesbian romance, or Sappho herself are sure to enjoy it–it’s DEFINITELY worth the read.” –Pink Kryptonite
“A tale from ancient history, compiled from the writings of a Greek poet and her friend. And the poet is Sappho, so it’s no surprise that passion is as omnipresent as the power politics of slave ownership and family intrigues.” –T.E. Lyons, LEO Weekly Magazine
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