Description
Framed design
The design is shown on 14 count Aida fabric, but you may also use evenweave or fabric with a different count. Grid Size:15.7″ x 15.7″ (220 x 220 stitches) Design Area: 14.3”x 14.3” (200x200stitches)
Techniques
Stitches required: Backstitch. Single thread for all the design. 2 skeins of black thread are needed to complete the design.
Iconography
Disclaimer: The artistic choice of assigning deities, creatures, and other elements to specific places within the design is based on creative interpretation and imagination, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek mythology and symbolism. The selection and placement of these elements are not historically or mythologically prescribed but rather a result of artistic expression.
The rich tapestry of Greek mythology in our meticulously crafted Greek Mandala design brings together the timeless stories of ancient Greece. From the majestic Mount Olympus at its heart to the interconnected rings of heroes, creatures, and gods, each element holds deep symbolic significance that invites exploration and discovery.
Stitching the Greek Mandala is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the profound tales of gods and heroes. As you delicately bring each intricate detail to life, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories of brave heroes facing mythical creatures, powerful gods shaping destinies, and epic journeys of triumph and tragedy.
The Greek Mandala is not merely an artwork; it’s an educational and meditative project. Delve into the pages of history and unravel the mysteries of the past as you stitch each character and symbol. The process itself becomes a serene escape, where creativity meets mythology, and the result is a stunning piece of art that reflects your passion for ancient cultures.
Circular Design
At the heart of the Greek Mythos Mandala stands majestic Mount Olympus, the dwelling place of the Twelve Olympian Gods, emanating divine power to the surrounding realms. Encircling this sacred core, the mythological creatures on the Day Clock showcase the trials and tribulations of each day, with enigmatic symbols marking the hours and the challenges they bring. Moving outward, the eight cardinal points feature legendary heroes, from mighty Hercules in the North, to the poetic spirit of Orpheus in the Northwest. The outer rim of the Mandala showcases the Twelve Olympian Gods, with Zeus reigning supreme at noon. Geometric patterns, classical Greek floral motifs and grapevines adorn the Mandala, capturing the essence of ancient Greece’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in this enchanting fusion of myth and art, where timeless narratives and mesmerising splendour await your exploration.
Days of Week
Monday – Hydra
As the week begins, you are met with the multi-faceted challenges of Monday, represented by the Hydra. Just as this mythical creature possessed multiple heads, each with its own unique identity, you find yourself juggling various tasks and responsibilities. Embrace the day with resilience and adaptability, slaying each of Monday’s challenges as they arise, and set a powerful tone for the rest of the week.
Tuesday – Scylla and Charybdis
Midweek brings its share of difficulties, but like the brave sailors navigating between Scylla and Charybdis, you gracefully confront the challenges with resilience and adaptability.
Wednesday – Harpies
As the middle of the week approaches, the demands and pressures can feel overwhelming, mirroring the relentless nature of the Harpies. However, like a skilled navigator, you rise above the chaos, finding inner strength and balance to navigate through the busyness.
Thursday – Minotaur
As Thursday arrives, you stand strong and determined, much like Theseus facing the formidable Minotaur. With courage and tenacity, you confront any obstacles that arise, knowing victory is within reach.
Friday – Cyclops
Just like the Cyclops closing his solitary eye, you can shut out the office atmosphere and relish in the approaching weekend. Allow yourself a moment of respite, recharging your energy to make the most of your well-deserved time off.
Saturday – Medusa
Finally, the weekend brings moments of tranquility and relaxation. Just as those who encountered Medusa found peace, you savor the opportunity to unwind and recharge, finding solace in the peaceful moments.
Sunday – Cerberus
Embrace Sunday’s charm, akin to Cerberus’s three heads, indulging in relaxation, connecting with loved ones, and tending to household chores, offering a well-deserved day of leisure and enjoyment. Just as Cerberus safeguards the entrance to the underworld, you stand at the threshold of a well-deserved and rewarding day of leisure and enjoyment.
Cardinal Points
Heracles – North
Positioned at the top of our Greek Mythos Mandala, we find the mighty Hercules, a symbol of unparalleled strength and heroism in Greek mythology. Placing him in the north, we draw attention to his prominence and significance among the heroes. The choice to represent Hercules at the top also embodies his aspiration to reach the heavens, where his remarkable deeds granted him a place among the stars. Adorned with a radiant crown representing his divine lineage, Hercules carries the lion pelt on his arm as a symbol of his strength and heroic feats.
Jason – Northeast
Taking his position in the northeastern quadrant, Jason embarks on a courageous journey to find the fabled Golden Fleece. The northeast, the point where the sun rises, reflects Jason’s adventurous quest as he sets off from Thessaly on the Argo with his fearless crew. Just as the sun rises in the east, Jason begins his heroic odyssey towards the uncharted lands of Colchis. With the Golden Fleece in hand, Jason embodies courage and the pursuit of great achievements aboard the Argo.
Prometheus – East
Placed in the eastern part of our mandala, Prometheus assumes his rightful role as the Bringer of Light. In Greek mythology, Prometheus gifted humankind with the knowledge of fire, a symbol of enlightenment and civilization. As the eastern horizon is illuminated by the rising sun, Prometheus’ act of sharing wisdom aligns with the dawning of knowledge and progress. Holding a torch, Prometheus represents enlightenment and his act of gifting fire to humanity.
Icarus – Southeast
The ill-fated Icarus finds his place in the southeastern sector, symbolizing his ambitious flight towards the sun. Inspired by his father Daedalus’ invention, Icarus took to the skies, soaring towards the heavens. However, his disregard for his father’s warnings led to tragedy as the sun’s heat melted his wax wings. Placing Icarus in the southeast captures the optimism of his flight and the lessons we can learn from his cautionary tale. Holding a pair of wings crafted by his father Daedalus, Icarus embodies ambition and the cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun.
Theseus – South
Placed in the southern part of the mandala, Theseus epitomizes bravery and victory. Best known for his courageous defeat of the Minotaur within the dark confines of the Labyrinth on the island of Crete, Theseus embodies the triumph of light over darkness. The southern direction aligns with his valor, symbolizing the blaze of courage that guided him through the intricate passages to emerge victorious and liberate his people from a terrifying fate. The southern quadrant serves as a reminder of his unwavering determination in the face of adversity and the light he brought to his homeland with his heroic actions. Gripping a ball of string, Theseus signifies resourcefulness and his triumph over the Minotaur in the treacherous labyrinth.
Odysseus – Southwest
At the southwest corner of the mandala, we encounter the wise and resilient Odysseus. His long and arduous journey homeward after the Trojan War, chronicled in Homer’s “Odyssey,” aligns with the southwestern quadrant, signifying a journey towards home and safety. Odysseus’ return from distant shores mirrors the setting sun, a reminder that even after prolonged challenges, hope can guide us back to familiar shores. With a lantern guiding him through his long and challenging journey back home, Odysseus signifies his enduring spirit and cunning intellect.
Perseus – West
Perseus finds his place in the western part of the mandala, where the golden hues of the setting sun paint the horizon with a promise of new beginnings. As the sun dipped below the horizon, its fading light bathed the world in shadows, symbolizing the darkness of despair and the fear that gripped Andromeda’s heart. However, it was at this very moment of sunset that hope began to blossom. The approaching night brought the anticipation of a new dawn, where Perseus, armed with divine gifts and unwavering courage, would face the dreadful Gorgon, Medusa. Armed with the gleaming shield of Athena and winged sandals from Hermes, Perseus showcases divine aid and valor in his quest to save Andromeda from a fearsome sea monster.
Orpheus – Northwest
In the northwestern sector, we find the talented musician and poet, Orpheus. Associated with the tragic tale of his journey to the Underworld in an attempt to bring back his beloved Eurydice, Orpheus symbolizes the power of art and the human spirit. With his lyre and wreath, he weaves melodies that enthrall birds and butterflies, a testament to his mesmerizing artistry. Below, his love, Eurydice, emerges from the darkness of the Underworld, embodying the eternal bond between life and death.
Interwoven Legends
Hercules / Hydra
In the top sectors of the Greek Mythos Mandala, we witness the heroic encounter between the renowned Hercules and the formidable Hydra at the shores of Lake Lerna. Hercules, donning his lion pelt, stands valiantly over the fierce Hydra, its ten venomous heads still intact and ready to strike. The portrayal of Hercules facing the multi-headed Hydra serves as a powerful reminder of the hero’s unmatched bravery and tenacity. This iconic moment in Greek mythology showcases the epic battle that took place at Lake Lerna, where Hercules confronted the monstrous creature, fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead.
Jason / Scylla and Charybdis
Within the connected sectors of the Greek Mythos Mandala, the interwoven tales of Jason and the Argonauts unfold with a resolute sense of adventure. The heroic figure of Jason gazes proudly at the Golden Fleece, held aloft as a testament to his triumphant return from the treacherous quest. His legendary ship, the Argo, rests in the background, a symbol of the audacious journey that brought him glory. Adjacent to Jason’s realm, the chilling presence of Scylla and Charybdis serves as a stark reminder of the harrowing obstacles he confronted during his daring voyage. These mythic creatures, embodiments of perilous waters, evoke the heart-pounding moments when Jason and his companions navigated through their menacing realm. Despite the grave dangers they posed, the valorous hero and his crew emerged victorious.
Prometheus and Icarus / Harpy
The adjoining sectors of Icarus, Prometheus, and the Harpy reveal a nuanced narrative of divine retribution and soaring ambitions. The Harpy, an instrument of Zeus’s justice, sits contemplatively cross-legged, gazing upon the celestial figure of Icarus as he defies mortal boundaries with his outstretched wings. Instead of imposing punishment, the Harpy embodies a sense of understanding, empathizing with Icarus’s desire to soar while harboring sadness for his destined fall. In the next sector, Prometheus stands as a defiant symbol, punished for his audacity to challenge the gods. With the Harpy’s presence, we sense an echo of divine retribution, a reminder of Zeus’s wrath and the consequences of defying the divine order.
Theseus / Minotaur
In the connecting sectors of the Greek Mythos Mandala, we witness the momentous encounter between Theseus and the Minotaur within the intricate labyrinth. With sword in hand and clutching the thread provided by Ariadne, Theseus navigates the labyrinth’s winding paths, determined to confront the vile creature at its heart. Meanwhile, the Minotaur gazes upon him with a solemn and sorrowful countenance, resigned to his tragic fate—a creature bound to his destiny even before his birth.
Odysseus / Cyclop
In the interconnected sectors of the Mandala, we follow the daring journey of Odysseus as he ventures towards the menacing cave of the Cyclops. Odysseus strides with caution, his ship anchored safely, guided by the steadfast light of a star above the vast sea. Holding a lantern, he prepares to face the one-eyed giant who is yet unaware of his imminent encounter.
Perseus / Medusa
In the adjoining sectors of the Mandala, we witness the gripping encounter between Perseus and the formidable Medusa. Perseus, equipped with his winged sandals that elevate him to striking heights, holds his shield before him, avoiding the petrifying stare of the monstrous Gorgon. Medusa, with her haunting beauty and deadly aura, looks away, aware of her own destructive power. In this powerful representation, the clash of divine forces and mortal courage unfolds, drawing the viewer into the mesmerizing tension of the moment.
Orpheus / Cerberus
As the outer ring connects, we see Eurydice moving towards Orpheus, symbolizing their unbreakable connection. In the adjacent sector of the Day Clock ring, we encounter Charon in his boat on the River Styx, followed by the formidable Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the Underworld. Here, Orpheus’ music serves as a potent force, lulling Cerberus into stillness, enabling his journey to reclaim his beloved.
Clock Face
Zeus (12 o’clock) takes the central position as the king of the gods, holding a thunderbolt in his hand, signifying the highest point of the day.
Hera (1 o’clock) follows next, adorned with a peacock feather, symbolizing the nurturing and protective aspects of the morning hours.
Poseidon (2 o’clock) wields his trident, representing the god of the sea and the transition from early morning to mid-morning, reflecting the powerful yet calm energy of the sea.
Demeter (3 o’clock) stands in a wheat field, embodying the mid-morning hours and the abundance and growth associated with agriculture.
Athena (4 o’clock), with an owl at her side, represents late morning, symbolizing clarity and intelligence.
Apollo (5 o’clock), playing his lyre, signifies early afternoon, bringing creativity and illumination to this time of day.
Artemis (6 o’clock), armed with a bow and an arrow, takes the position of mid-afternoon, highlighting the connection to nature and the transition towards evening.
Ares (7 o’clock) represents the time of winding down, as the fiery energy of the afternoon begins to subside, wielding his spear and shield. The god of war is chained to keep chaos at bay.
Aphrodite (8 o’clock), emerging from the sea foam, embodies the early evening hours, symbolizing the allure and beauty of the night.
Hephaestus (9 o’clock), equipped with a hammer and an anvil, aligns with mid-evening, signifying craftsmanship and the creative aspects of the night.
Hermes (10 o’clock), the messenger god, holds his caduceus, representing travel, transitions, and connections, taking the position of late evening.
Dionysus (11 o’clock) invites us to embrace our desires, drink wine, dance to the rhythm of our hearts, and find the magic of joy in the simplicity of celebration.
Digital cross stitch / blackwork pattern
No physical items will be shipped. A PDF pattern will be emailed to you within 1 working day.
No fabric, floss, or other materials are included in the listing. The finished embroidery shown in the photos is for demonstration purposes only.
