AMBROSIA AND NECTAR

FOOD OF THE GODS

The Greeks believed that their Gods and Goddesses behaved much like mortals. They were guilty of lust, jealousy, greed, and other plagues of mortality. Though they officially resided on top of Mount Olympus they often came down to mingle with the mortals they loved so much. As similar as they were, the Greeks believed they did not eat the food of the mortals, and thus had no blood. Their blood was called Ichor. While dining on Mount Olympus the Gods ate Ambrosia and drank Nectar.

These were the Food of the Gods. Only the Gods and Goddesses could have it. Though we are unsure of exactly what the Ambrosia and Nectar consisted of, it was often assimilated to the mortal treat honey. It was not only used as a food but also used to soothe and refresh the Gods. It was what kept them immortal, without it they would be breathless. When Demeter learned of the loss of her beloved daughter Persephone, she was given Nectar by the Winds to comfort her. Also the sea nymph Thetis used Ambrosia and Nectar to help preserve the body of the fallen warrior Patroclus during the Trojan War.

The Gods made Tantalus immortal by giving him Ambrosia and Nectar. However he betrayed their trust and stole the precious food of the Gods. For this he was eternally punished in the Underworld. Quite appropriately, his punishment fit the crime. He was not allowed to eat or drink even though he stood in a pool of sparkling water and luscious fruits hung from tree branches above his head. Every time he knelt down to drink from the water it would dry up and disappear. When he went to reach for the fruit above his head it would retreat out of his reach. The English word tantalize comes from this popular classical myth.

I gave my jewelry the name Ambrosia and Nectar to emphasis its uniqueness. It’s not for everyone; each piece is special and speaks to the Goddess in you. As Ambrosia and Nectar served the Gods I hope that Ambrosia and Nectar Jewelry can serve you to satisfy, comfort, and maybe even immortalize your hunger for jewelry.