In Ancient Greek religion, Cronus, son of Uranus (the Sky) and Gaea (the Earth), and husband to Rea had a really nasty habit; he used to swallow his children as soon as they were born, by fear that one of them might overthrow him.

Modern Greece harbors a similar habit, chasing away or making disappear its most valuable talents, whether they are artists or scientists.
Who would have known Maria Callas, Nana Mouskouri or Costa Gavras had they stayed in Greece? Or indeed Dr. Papanikolaou of the “PAP” test that saves the lives of millions of women.

I was surprised to see a couple of weeks ago the cover of a Greek magazine, featuring the pop singer Kalomoira. A few years ago she had won a TV contest and became a favorite of young Greeks, particularly teens who were mesmerized by her fresh, innocent image. Kalomoira landed third last summer in the Eurovision song contest, a very good place for a country that, apart from sister Cyprus, has not any particular allies to talk about,unlike the former Soviet Republics who vote for each other.

One would think that her successful appearance would land Kalomoira, the daughter of Greek-Americans, a bright future in the Greek and probably European pop scene. Not so. A few weeks later she disappeared without leaving a trace, without even saying good bye which left quite a few broken hearted people, and many others wondering where she went and how long would that well deserved vacation last.

As it turned out Kalomoira went back to her parents’ taverna in Long Island, New York. She now feels secure and welcome, away from the people who were chopping her talent and innocence to make space for their own plans and ambitions.

It is, apparently, the fate of every talented Greek to find fulfillment away from the land of his or her dreams.

How then did Cronus lose his power, you might ask, bearing in mind the succession of his son, Zeus, the mighty god of thunder. Pity and destiny are the key words. When Rhea gave birth to her son, Zeus, she gave hungry Cronus a stone wrapped up in baby clothes, while his mother the Earth took it upon herself to hide the new born boy, up in the Cretan mountains, until he would grow up and overthrown his own father.
That might well be the answer to modern time Greece’s gluttony problem.