Greek Mythology: Aphrodite

Since the first moment I saw Hercules as a child, I have been fascinated by Greek Mythology. Especially the Goddess of love, Aphrodite.

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Mother of Cupid, daughter of Zeus. The goddess of Love and beauty was said to have been born when a star fell into the sea (actual legend is that Cronus cut off Uranus's genitals and threw them into the sea). She arose from the sea foam.

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Her beauty was said to be so great that the gods feared a war would break out over her, so Zeus married her to Hephaestus. The god of blacksmiths, craftsmen etc. The ugliest of all the gods because of his deformities and was seen as no threat.

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Although she was married, Aphrodite continued having multiple affairs with gods and humans alike and was said to have many children. Best known of them was Eros aka Cupid.

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Everyone knows of the story of Troy. What only a few people who enjoy Greek Mythology knows is that it started with a golden apple. The Golden Apple of Discord (engraved on the apple were the words "ΤΗΙ ΚΑΛΛΙΣΤΗΙ" which means for the fair or to the fairest. Created by Eris as revenge for not being invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, she decided to throw it among the goddesses and it ends up with Hera, Aphrodite and Athena.

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The goddesses argued over who should have the golden apple. So Zeus chose a mortal to choose. Paris was the one chosen. Hera offered him power, Athena offered him wisdom but Aphrodite offered him the love of Helen from Troy, the most beautiful woman in the world. As Aphrodite was the goddess of love and desire, she caused Paris to desire Helen on first sight.

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Paris offers her the apple. Helen however was already married to King Menelaus of Sparta. Hera and Athena were outraged about this. Through Paris abducted Helen, they brought about the Trojan war. We all know how that ended.

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What is your favorite Greek god or goddess?

xoxo
@thegoldencookie