Stone Blind

Did Zeus know this, when he summoned Erichthonius to the sacred hill to be his judge? Of course he did: Zeus knows whatever he chooses to know. And he wanted his daughter to be happy, or at least happy enough never to
discuss this again.

Hermes saw that he could make it a draw, if he took Poseidon’s side. So he did, because he is a petty god whom no one likes.

Zeus voted for Athene because he loved her more than Poseidon, because she was his daughter and she complained less. And also because we were clearly better.

Hera went for the sea, out of spite for Athene. Why change now? Hephaestus was suddenly filled with anxiety that he had done the wrong thing. But he couldn’t change his vote.

Hephaestus voted for us, a hopeful expression on his face as he moved towards Athene. She turned away from him, and stepped back.

Apollo voted for us. He’s always had a weak spot for trees. Ask Daphne, she’ll tell you. Well, no, I suppose she won’t tell you, because she turned into a tree rather than be raped by the Archer.

Oh, come on. You must have realized an olive tree was the way Athene won Athens. We’re an integral part of the city’s identity. We’re even on the coins. Well, just behind the owl.

‘I don’t like to be touched,’ she said.

‘I know,’ Hephaestus replied. ‘It’s one of a thousand things I love about you.’

‘But you’re touching me, when you know I don’t like it.’

‘Because I want to be the one whose touch you like.’

‘You aren’t. No one is.’

‘You don’t mind when your owl flutters down and perches on your shoulder,’ he said. ‘You hold out your arm to him, so he can land more easily.’

‘He’s an owl.’

‘I think you could love me like that.’

‘I couldn’t.’

You are not. You’re not still sympathizing with him. Why? No one asked him to touch the eye or the tooth. He asked to have them. He tricked the Graiai into handing them over. You saw that, did you? I suppose you thought it was clever. Clever Perseus using his wits to defeat the disgusting old women? Your own eyes aren’t all that, you know. Oh, but at least they’re safe inside your head. Well, lucky you. Would it kill you to be sympathetic about someone who isn’t as fortunate as you are? Would it? No.

smiled in a way which he intended to be enigmatic, but instead made him look like a small child struggling to keep a secret.