Istar of Babylon: A Phantasy

by Margaret Horton Potter

"Istar of Babylon: A Phantasy" by Margaret Horton Potter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Charmides, a young Greek rhapsode from Selinous in Sicily, who becomes captivated by the idea of worshiping the goddess Istar of Babylon after hearing tales about her. Motivated by an overwhelming desire for artistic inspiration and a sense of purpose, Charmides vows to journey to Babylon to seek the goddess whom he perceives as the embodiment of all beauty and creativity. The opening of the novel introduces us to the serene life of Charmides, who is a shepherd by day and a poet by night. It vividly describes his idyllic surroundings on the Sicilian coast and the deep emotional connections he has with music and nature. A significant event occurs when Charmides witnesses a storm threatening a Phoenician galley and, along with his brother Phalaris, rushes to aid the crew. This harrowing experience leads to a pivotal moment where Charmides learns about Istar, igniting an insatiable yearning within him. The stage is set for his ensuing quest, where he must confront his artistic aspirations and personal desires against the backdrop of ancient mythology and the cultural richness of Babylon.