Saturday, February 26, 2005

Aphrodite

Greek Mythology
Goddess

Name: Aphrodite
Domain: goddess of Love, Beauty and Fertility

History:

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beausty and fertility. She also protected sailors. According to Homer, Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus and Dione. According to the poet Hesoid, she was born of sea foam.

The Trojan Prince Paris was asked to judge who was the most beautiful goddess. Hera and Athena attempted to bribe him with power and vitory in battle, but Aphrodite bribed him with the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. She gave him the love of Helen of Sparta, who after Paris and Helen eloped became Helen of Troy. This caused the Trojan War. Aphrodite involved herself with the affairs of mortal man on several other occasions. She helped Jason retrieve the golden fleece from the King of Colchis by having the King's daughter fall in love with Jason.

Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, but she was unfaithful to him with Ares the Greek god of war.