Following my interview with brand founder Jean-David Jacoby and my review of the first two creations from Hellenist Paris — Les Bras de Morphée and Le Chant d’Achille —today I’m sharing my post on the three fragrances Les Dieux aux Bains, La Nuit des 300, and À L’Ombre d’Artémis. Of course, today’s post is also all about Greece, its history, and its mythology. We’ll step into a divine bath, pay tribute to a special elite unit from antiquity, and splash around with the goddess of the hunt in a forest spring.
Les Dieux aux Bains – Baths of the Gods
Perfumer Pierre-Constantin Guéros was responsible for the olfactory interpretation of *Les Dieux aux Bains*. Exactly which gods’ baths are being referred to remains unclear. There are several possible locations that could have served as inspiration. Personally, Aphrodite’s bath appeals to me the most, though it is located on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and not in Greece.
The Greek island of Euboea is known for its hot springs, which are located primarily in the northern part of the island. It is said that the demigod Heracles, a hero of Greek mythology, found rest and relaxation here after exhausting battles. The Sacred Springs of the Muses at the foot of Mount Olympus also enchant visitors with their numerous waterfalls and natural pools; they are said to have offered refreshment not only to nymphs and muses, but also to Zeus, the father of the gods, himself.
Top notes: juniper berries, lemon, eucalyptus
Middle notes: aquatic notes, floral notes, rosemary
Base notes: patchouli, vetiver, ambroxan
In the opening notes of the Eau de Parfum, zesty citrus fruits meet woody, tingling juniper berries and the cool freshness of eucalyptus. Soon, bright aquatic notes flow into the composition, accompanied by salty rosemary. Like a cool stream, the fragrance ripples across my skin—carefree, summery, and wonderfully airy. This transparency and lightness are due in part to ambroxan, which emerges as the scent unfolds. In the dry down, patchouli and vetiver provide slightly darker, woody-earthy moments.
A summery, fresh, and invigorating blend of citrus fruits, eucalyptus, and woody notes, accented by light aquatic undertones that evoke a gentle sea breeze. Perfect for hot days and anyone who prefers light, citrusy fragrances with moderate sillage and longevity. A clean, straightforward, and uncomplicated scent that’s perfect for any occasion during the warmer months.
La Nuit des 300 – The Night of the 300
For our second fragrance of the day—La Nuit des 300 by Hellenist Paris—we turn our attention to the military of the Greek city-state of Thebes, or more specifically, to the elite unit known as the Sacred Band. It comprised 300 men and consisted entirely of male lovers. This specific selection was made for a particular reason. It was hoped that this would foster a strong bond among the unit members, thereby making them better fighters. The renowned perfumer Maurice Roucel took on this extraordinary theme, seeking to create “both a remembrance of the battle and a hymn to desire.”
Top notes: Ambrette, musk, wormwood, bergamot
; Middle notes: Ambroxan, musk, tonka bean, lavender
; Base notes: Musk, patchouli, sandalwood
Soft, velvety skin notes open La Nuit des 300 by Hellenist Paris. Ambrette and musk reveal their most seductive side. Subtle citrus accents provide a delicate freshness, while lavender and tonka bean lend the fragrance herbaceous, hay-like notes. A hint of creamy patchouli and amber-tinged sandalwood joins the composition as it unfolds, still nestled on a cloud-soft, gentle bed of musk reminiscent of warm skin.
La Nuit des 300 is a beautiful, bright, and airy skin scent that feels enveloping and comforting. Very light, airy, and lucid, sensual and seductive. A pleasant and memorable musk fragrance that’s very modern, minimalist, and molecular. Whether in summer or winter, this Eau de Parfum is always a good fit for me and can be worn for any occasion. Truly lovely!
À l’Ombre d’Artémis – In the Shadow of Artemis
Artemis is the inspiration for our third fragrance of the day. She is the goddess of the hunt, and she, too, enjoys bathing. According to legend, Artemis was watching a young hunter while taking a refreshing bath in a forest spring, whereupon she—as is customary among the gods—instantly turned him into a stag. The fragrance À l’Ombre d’Artémis isn’t directly about this event, but rather about the setting of the mysterious-seeming forest spring, which perfumer Suzy Le Helley wanted to translate “into an olfactory experience.”
Top notes: Black currant, bergamot, lily of the valley
Middle notes: Rose, fig, ambrette
Base notes: Oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver
Tart black currant and zesty bergamot open this Eau de Parfum from Hellenist Paris, accompanied from the very start by light, creamy lily of the valley and the dew-kissed freshness of the rose. Fig introduces greenish-woody accents to the fragrance, while mossy, earthy notes gradually emerge in the composition, beautifully evoking the atmosphere of a spring in the forest.
À l’Ombre d’Artémis is a cool, fruity, and woody blend of dark, tart fruits, green fig, airy blossoms, and earthy, woody notes. The Eau de Parfum is both lively and sparkling, yet pleasantly classic. A summery and carefree fragrance for anyone who loves green, woody creations with fruits and flowers.
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