February 23: Pinocchio Day

The Thessalian prince Salmoneus ruled over a city he gave his own name: Salmonia. He was a spiteful and vicious king, and hated by his subjects. That didn’t bother him, as long as they feared him, and preferably, worshipped him. He had convinced himself he deserved as much credit for creation and development of humanity as supreme god Zeus himself. So, he should be adressed as “the great Salmoneus”. It had a nice ring to it, but it didn’t completely satisfy him. Why not step it up a notch? Why not go for the title of “the great Zeus”? What did Zeus bring to the table that he couldn’t? Thunder? Let’s build a bronze bridge, and cross it at full speed, with cauldrons and leather strips trailing behind, that would be thundering, no? And for the lightning, let’s throw flaming torches up in the air! He didn’t, did he? Oh yes, he did. Not fooling anyone though, least of all Zeus. He looked at the charade with raised eyebrows, and slung just one – real – thunderbolt to unalive Salmoneus on the spot. It wasn’t even his biggest.

Salmoneus, Column Krater, Chicago Art Institute, USA

Jupiter with Thunderbolt, Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe, Germany