A hike in the Samaria Gorge in Crete, Greece

This monologue was inspired by a hike in the Samaria Gorge on the Island of Crete in Greece (and there really was someone wearing platform shoes hiking in the gorge!). Learn more about image

Eurynome
By Marilyn Malone

(Eurynome is walking and talking. You can only see the top half of her. She is wearing an over one shoulder toga. She’s walking behind a wall with forest scenery painted on it)
You can imagine my father and mother trying to feed the whole Greek water nymph family. What with 2999 sisters, and 3000 brothers. Maybe you’ve heard of my sisters? Metia was the first wife of Zeus, and Amphitrite married Poseidon. Yes, they’re the pretty ones.
We’re not gods, exactly, although a couple of my brothers think they are. And basically, we like humans, except that war thing of yours is getting a little old. I’m Eurynome, the patron nymph of wandering around. And I’m not aimless, no matter what you heard. Sure, I had a little fling with Zeus that led to my beautiful three Graces--- Splendor, Festivity and Rejoicing. But Metia was well over Zeus by the time we hooked up! The Graces are grown now, and thank Gods, all employed, bringing peace and happiness to Aphrodite on Cyprus. Zeus pulled a few strings to get them the job, but it was the least he could do! They do some weaving of her robes, and bathe her while she waits for her husband. He’s always at war too.
It’s too nice a day on Crete to rehash all that again. Let’s just enjoy the walk down to the Iron Gates, where the rocks almost completely close off the Samaria Gorge. Of course, if we get that far, we might as well squeeze through and walk the rest of the way to the water. Yes, I know it’s really rocky, and takes most of the day to get from the mountains to the sea, but the sky is so blue and the sun so bright. (Looks to her side.)
Watch out! Let those skinny Italian tourists run past on their platform espadrilles. They’ll end up being carried out of here on the back of a donkey.
(jerks slightly, reaches forward and turns off treadmill. Comes around the wall in workout attire, her toga top is her towel which she swings off of her shoulder.)

Whew, seems like half an hour on the treadmill takes all day!