The Statue of Zeus at Olympia Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — “Family resemblance unclear, but strong presence.”

Visited the Statue of Zeus at Olympia after receiving surprising DNA ancestry results suggesting a possible connection to Zeus through a half-mortal lineage about 94 generations ago. Apparently, I am related to Helen of Troy, Zeus' daughter via a swan incident and the woman who accidentally caused a war in her time and most recently - Elon Musk's wrath.

I know. I was skeptical too. But she could very well be black as Zeus could have turned into a black swan to seduce Leda. Or Leda, Helen's mortal mother, could have been black. I am black, too.

Anyway, family is family.

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia does not disappoint. It's massive. He is regal and intimidating. The expression communicates readiness to strike you with a lightning, wisdom of advanced age, divine judgment, and unchecked promiscuity. It's like he is telling you, “I absolutely did sleep with someone I shouldn’t have.”

Frankly, I see similarities in the features, mostly in the forehead and the dramatic eyebrows.

I spent a lot of time studying the facial features for hereditary clues, but the gold-and-ivory complexion makes comparison difficult. Also hard to know what is artistic interpretation vs genuine godly features and expressions.

Emotionally, the visit was surprisingly moving. You spend your whole life thinking your family history is accountants and teachers, and suddenly there is a non-zero chance your ancestor turned into a swan for strikingly inappropriate reasons.

Taking one star off for lack of genealogical records and limited opportunities to ask follow-up questions.

Still, extremely powerful experience, being in the presence of an almighty.

Might add “descendant of Zeus and black Helen” to LinkedIn.

***

Author's note: This was the last installment to promote my unofficial challenge, Ancient Wonder, Modern Review. It's still open till June 1: