Mythopoesis Paperback – August 19, 2022 by Raphaela Pavlakos (Author), Georgia Perdikoulias (Author)

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BB61Z48G
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (August 19, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 158 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8842790258
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.36 x 8 inches

In Mythopoeisis, Raphaela Pavlakos and Georgia Perdikoulias undertake a remarkable literary odyssey, merging myth and memory, past and present, into a narrative that is as much an epic poem as it is a collection of fragmented reflections. This work intricately weaves classical allusions, intertextual references, and evocative imagery, crafting a tapestry where the boundaries between divinity and humanity, the ancient and the contemporary, dissolve into a cohesive and pulsating narrative.

Central to the collection is the interplay of light and dark, creation and destruction. The portrayal of gods, once embodiments of absolute power, as fallible beings grappling with their limitations and the repercussions of their actions, adds a layer of human complexity to the divine. This humanization of mythological figures lends depth to the narrative, rendering these characters profoundly relatable despite their celestial origins.

The authors’ skill in revitalizing these mythic personas is particularly praiseworthy. Far from being mere symbols of antiquity, the gods are rendered as fully realized individuals with their own hopes, fears, and desires. This transformation allows modern readers to see reflections of themselves in these ancient figures, making the work a reinvention rather than a mere retelling of mythological traditions.

In “Iphigenia,” the exploration of fate, familial duty, and the personal toll of glory is both poignant and powerful. The imagery of Iphigenia’s “pale shoulder” and “blood blooms” starkly contrasts her innocence with the harsh reality of her sacrifice, offering a compelling meditation on mythological tragedy and personal loss.

Lines such as:

“She looked down the bridge of her straight nose, demureness / or disdain hidden in the pink lids. / Her eyelids shutter, a pulse flares in her throat, beating a / gentle rhythm.”

capture the tension between her youthful innocence and the grim fate awaiting her at the altar.

“Layers of Memory” delves into the passage of time and the preservation of memories through the metaphor of a golden apple tree. The poem poignantly captures the tree’s role in safeguarding both cherished and mutable memories:

 “Under your canopy of gnarled branches and emerald leaves, / You half-hide memories, made and rewritten in the same sacred space.”

This imagery evokes a profound sense of timelessness and the enduring nature of personal and collective history.

In “Briseis,” the character’s role as a voiceless object amidst power and conflict is contemplatively examined. The introspective tone is underscored by reflections such as:

“I have been behind the curtain of the sun-dimmed room, / Watching, listening, counting dust motes that dance in silver shafts of light.”

This portrayal captures the poignant sense of being a silent observer to both personal and historical upheavals.

“Cassandra” portrays the tragic figure cursed to foresee the future while remaining unheard. Her futile warnings and the disbelief she encounters underscore a profound sense of helplessness and frustration. The poem vividly encapsulates her isolation and despair with lines like:

“From the beginning, I knew how it would end. / In vivid visions I saw the world ending, its people falling to their knees in agony.”

Mythopoeisis, stands as a testament to the enduring power of myth and storytelling. Raphaela and Georgia have created a work that is both timeless and timely—a meditation on the human condition that resonates across epochs. For those who find beauty in the intersection of mythology and modernity, Mythopoeisis is indispensable. It is a reminder that the narratives of the past continue to shape our present, and in the act of storytelling, we each become rhapsodes, singing the songs of our own lives.

                                                                                                                                                                     - Rochak Agarwal

Raphaela Pavlakos is a Canadian-Greek PhD student in English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University. Her love of poetry and passion for her culture’s history inspire her work. Her poetry has previously been published in three Polar Expressions anthologies, and her debut collection of short stories Under the Spotlight, was published with Life Rattle Press in 2020.

Georgia Perdikoulias is a Canadian-Greek soprano, poet, and librettist who fi nds joy in storytelling. She holds an Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Toronto.She is passionate about her culture and the retelling of Greek myths, with a focus on giving voices to characters previously silenced or omitted.