The Story Behind
Mortals have been bothering the gods by visiting too often. Zeus shut himself off from people and forbade them from coming to the sacred mountain to poke their noses. But, since when have mortals ever cared about following the rules?
How Annoying These Humans Are…
The ancient Greek gods lived on the summit of Mount Olympus, which offered a magnificent view of all Hellas. The rulers of the cloud-capped peak were not eager to invite mortals into their abode, but the Greeks hardly asked for permission. People rushed to Olympus with requests for wealth, healing from illness, marriage, conception, and other problems.
Soon the gods grew tired of all this! Zeus officially forbade mortals to climb Olympus without a special invitation. Nevertheless, the thunderer’s order did not stop the utterly brazen humans, who stormed the gods’ abode almost in crowds.
Ugly Walls
Then Zeus created a wall and gates of Olympus, which were closed to mortals. Of course, the view, to put it mildly, worsened. The gods were used to admiring the beauty of the surrounding world, not stone walls. The inhabitants of Olympus began to grumble, demanding that Zeus come up with something more beautiful than fortress walls. Besides, mortals would sooner or later sneak to the other side, and if not, they would still invent some trick like the Trojan horse.
Zeus heeded the complaints of his sons, brothers, sisters, and wives. He removed the fortress walls and created a magical barrier that was completely transparent. The supreme god of Olympus left only the gates, which looked majestic and splendid.
Gates of Olympus with a Surprise
The persistent Greeks, trying to reach the summit, did not know what to do with the unknown force that prevented them from going further. They shrugged and went home.
Of course, there were clever ones ready to climb over the gates, but it was not easy. And those who almost managed to “take the fortress” were thrown back by the gates. Usually, the humans fell down the mountain and perished. When the Greeks realized that the gods were very serious, they finally stopped bothering the Olympians.
The Brazen Spearman
Zeus and company finally relaxed, forgetting about the annoying mortals who were always asking for something. But in vain! Because a spearman named Protikos was unaware of the latest news.
He had recently returned from a conquest campaign, expecting to receive a new military rank, but the commander denied him that honor. Protikos went to Olympus, hoping to get what he thought he rightfully deserved.
One Warrior Against Vile Monsters
Zeus, of course, saw the mortal climbing to the cloud-capped peaks. The thunderer was stunned by such audacity and foolishness – was there really still a person in Hellas who had heard nothing about the magical gates of Olympus?!
Protikos climbed higher and higher, pondering what he would say to Zeus. Meanwhile, the ruler of Olympus sent monsters to meet the mortal: a huge serpent and a basilisk, who could send anyone to Hades. However, Zeus miscalculated: Protikos was an excellent warrior and defeated the thunderer’s minions with a sharp spear.
Struck in the Forehead by Hooves
Contrary to the gods’ expectations, who watched the grand battle of the brave warrior against two monsters from all over Olympus, the spearman reached the “cunning” gates that threw down the most desperate people. Zeus sent Pegasus to kick the brazen mortal hard.
The winged horse fulfilled his master’s will – Protikos did not even realize what happened! He flew down, while the satisfied Pegasus returned to his lord, flapping his wings.
No Happy Endings
Of course, the spearman broke his neck. And the wisest people, who learned the true legend, took a good lesson – do not defy the will of the gods! It is better to forget about the summit of Olympus and quietly play slots…
