It all started one day when Zeus and the Gods and Goddesses were just hanging around Mount Olympus. There really wasn’t much to do. There were no heartbroken men for Aphrodite to comfort, no peeping toms for Artemis to turn into steers, and Poseidon was feeling too lazy to stir up a storm. Having nothing better to do, Apollo was watching one of his temples. A young priestess was laying down beautiful gifts of gold and jewels, and Apollo’s favorite, chocolate. “Sigh…It’s good to be loved,” said the radiant God of Sun and Music.
“It certainly is.” Aphrodite gave a light and tinkling laugh. “Of course, you probably rarely ever get to feel that way, poor dear! What with me being the Goddess of Love and Beauty and you not!”
Zeus chuckled; it was deep and hearty, but somewhat offended. “Sweet Aphrodite, don’t you think that I’m the most loved of all? After all, I am the King of the Gods. People love me! Why, without me, you’d all be nothing!”
Athena scoffed. “With all your scandalous deeds? I would think that the mortals appreciate me, the voice of reason, the most!”
“Well there really isn’t a way to settle this!” Cried Hermes, who was becoming annoyed. “So I suggest we drop it!”
“There’s ALWAYS a way to settle things!” Roared Ares, God of War. “I suggest that we have a WAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!”
“Well. Maybe not a war. But perhaps a competition!” Reasoned Athena.
“But how do we see who’s most loved? I mean, shouldn’t I automatically win, since I am kind of the authority on love around here?” Asked Aphrodite as she gave her hair a toss.
“We should have a party!” Suggested the ever-merry Dionysus. “Lots of parties! Whoever throws the biggest and best party is obviously most loved by the people!”
“Hmmm.” Said Zeus as he stroked his great white beard. “Very well! My Queen Hera, honest Hestia, wise Athena, cheerful Apollo and I shall act as judges! Athena, Apollo. You two go and mingle disguised as Gaians, and come report to me at the end which party the Gains loved the most. Whoever’s party is most loved by the Gaian People shall win the title of most beloved God! You can team up, if you so choose, or ask a magical creature to assist you in your merry-making. Just make sure these parties are BIG!”
Now things were starting to pique Hermes’ interest. He was a big fan of mischief, and he foresaw lots of mischief about to come. “Hehehe… I think I will keep an eye on this. I’ll report on all the tricky going ons of this little shindig.”
“Agreed.” Said Hephaestus, the god of Metallurgy. He had a headache from a long night of building a new chariot. “I think I’ll just watch and report on things as well.” He placed his hands to his ringing head, in no mood for a party.
“Let the contest begin!” Zeus announced. Excited chatter erupted amongst the gods and goddesses. Zeus stood up from his throne and summoned Hermes over and spoke into his ear. Hermes nodded and walked away.
Meanwhile On Gaia...
The Gaians looked up into the sky in sheer awe.
Hermes descended from the air, holding his staff in one hand, a scroll in the other. He hovered in the sky and unfurled the scroll.
In a booming voice that reached all the ears of Gaia, he read:
And so it begins...