Who is Aphrodite?

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, desire and fertility. She embodies seduction and the power of human emotions, influencing gods and mortals alike. Her Roman equivalent is Venus, who plays a similar role in Latin mythology.

According to the most widespread tradition, recounted by Hesiod in the Theogony, Aphrodite was born from the foam of the sea after the titan Cronos had cut off the genitals of her father Ouranos and thrown them into the ocean. From this fusion of water and celestial power arose a woman of unparalleled beauty, who emerged from the waves near the island of Cyprus, earning her the nickname Aphrodite Ourania (the celestial).

Another version, reported by Homer, presents her as the daughter of Zeus and Dioné, a minor goddess. This version presents her as a divinity closer to the other gods of Olympus, although her power of seduction exceeds that of all the others.

Aphrodite is more than just a goddess of beauty. She wields immense power over the world, influencing passions, unions and even conflicts. Her ability to inspire love and desire is sometimes the cause of war and tragedy.

Her role in the Trojan War is emblematic. She promises Paris, prince of Troy, the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, in exchange for his choice of her as the most beautiful of the goddesses. This pact triggers war between the Greeks and the Trojans.

Despite her beauty and influence, Aphrodite is married to Hephaestus, the god of fire and forging, chosen by Zeus for his loyalty and skill. This marriage was far from happy, as the goddess had numerous extramarital affairs.

One of the most famous is her affair with Ares, the god of war, who embodies the violent and passionate side of love. Their union produced several children, including Eros (Cupid), god of love, Phobos and Deimos, who accompanied their father on the battlefield, and Harmonie, symbolizing the union of opposites.

She also maintains a relationship with Hermes, who gives birth to Hermaphrodite, a figure symbolizing the fusion of the sexes, and with Dionysus, with whom she begets Priape, god of fertility.

Aphrodite is often depicted naked or clothed in a thin veil, emphasizing her divine beauty. She is associated with several powerful symbols:

• The dove, emblem of pure, tender love;
• The swan, representing elegance and seduction;
• The mirror, symbol of beauty and vanity;
• The rose and myrtle, sacred flowers associated with love and passion;
• The magic belt, which makes the wearer irresistible.

The cult of Aphrodite was particularly important in ancient Greece, notably in Cyprus, where she was venerated as the primordial goddess of love and fertility. Her influence has endured over the centuries, inspiring countless works of art, such as the famous Venus de Milo, an iconic sculpture of antiquity.

In modern culture, Aphrodite continues to be a central figure in literature, art and popular culture, embodying love, charm and femininity in all its forms.

Aphrodite is much more than a goddess of beauty. She embodies love in all its facets, from the sweetest passions to the most ardent desires. Her influence extends far beyond Greek mythology, leaving a lasting imprint on history and culture, where she remains an eternal figure of seduction and the power of emotions.

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