The Enchanted Carousel — J.R. Patrick

Athena, yes, that one, the goddess of wisdom, courage, justice, and skill, is spoiled and pampered and has a habit of stomping her foot when not getting her way. But what else is expected in a teenager?

Even at the tender age of thirteen, excuse me, thirteen and four months, Athena sees injustice and cruelty in the human world below as well as her beloved Olympus. Mythological creatures are being treated horribly, and many have already disappeared from existence.

After discussing her plans with her father, Zeus, Athena and Owl, her constant companion, set out the rescue these poor creatures. She hires the greatest architects, builders, artists, and craftsmen in all Olympus and the human world below to build a giant carousel to house her creatures.

Quickly, she realizes that many of those creatures she wishes to save must be somehow transformed for safety and camouflage. Each one will need special attention in order for her to fulfill her dream.

The Minotaur; Ladon, the dragon; the Teumessian fox; Pegasus; Peek-a-Boo; Mr. Tux; and many others joined the carousel. Athena was happy and the creatures were content. End of story?

All was well until Hera joined in. Hera--mad, jealous, always-scheming Hera. Athena's stepmother could not bear to see anyone, other than herself, happy and content.

She placed a simple spell on the carousel.

And now the real story begins...