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Beware of Greeks
Bearing Gifts
Printable Flyer
At one time or another we have all used the expression “Beware
of the Greeks Bearing Gifts.” But where does this phrase come from
and why do we use it? Why are the Greeks mentioned here, and what
is the story behind them? What are these gifts all about, and why
should we be on our guard about them?
In this seminar we will explore the origin of this common expression.
Together, we will go several centuries back— more than two millennia
to be exact—and we will look at Virgil’s The Aeneid where our phrase
is coming from. For a few moments, we will assume that we are sitting
next to Aeneas, and we are experiencing ourselves his heroic account
of the incredible events, which led to his country’s destruction.
We will also witness the power this story has had throughout the
centuries influencing people and providing inspiration for art,
and we will draw conclusions for our world of today.
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