Aphrodite

​​

Aphrodite- Goddess of Love
By: Britt Poteet

Greek Name: Aphrodite Roman Name: Venus Symbols: Dove, Sparrow, Seagull, Rose, Myrtle Shrub



Patron of: Love and Beauty

Meaning of Patronage: Aphrodite was born from the foam in the ocean, and was blown onto the shore of Cythera. When she stepped onto the land, she was immediatly greeted by the Goddesses of Season, and they clothed her in golden robes and swept her up to Olympus. It's said that she could make anyone fall in love, and was the most beautiful being that had ever exsisted, therefore she is the goddess of love and beauty.

Veiws on Love and Beauty in Ancient Greece: People in Ancient Greece believed that love came from the Gods. A person didn't fall in love, the Gods chose for that person to fall in love. Beauty was very important, especially in art. They tried to make everyone look perfect in their sculptures, and believed a beautiful mortal was created by the Gods.

Family of Aphrodite: Father- Zeus (King of Gods) Mother- Dione (Titan Goddess) Offspring- Eros, Anteros, Aeneas, and many other children from many different affairs. Spouse- As punishment for rejecting so many suitors, Zeus forced Aphrodite to marry Hephaestus, the ugly God of Fire. But Aphrodite didn't like this, and had many affairs with other Gods such as Ares, Dionysus, and Hermes, along with some mortals.

Role In Greek Life- Aphrodite would cause the Greeks to fall in love with each other. She also caused many problems with this power, such as the Trojan War. Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena all were fighting over who was the fairest, and asked Paris (the Prince of Troy) what he thought. Aphrodite bribed him with the most beautiful woman on Earth, Helen (the King of Sparta's wife). Paris chose Aphrodite, and a war broke out between Sparta and Troy over Helen. On the other hand, Aphrodite would also help her followers with her powers. She had her son Eros strike Medea with an arrow so that she would fall in love with Jason of Argonauts, which caused his overcoming her father Aeetes and gaining the Golden Fleece. She also used her powers to destroy people that tried to come between the natural workings of love.

Association with Other Cultures- To the Egyptians see was known as Isis and to Phoenicians Astrate.

Ritual's for Aphrodite- There is a festival called Aphrodisia which was in honor of her. It is celebrated mostly in Cyprus. They would sacrifice a dove and dance. There is another festival called Adonia, which is a festival celebrating Aphrodite and Adonis. Aphrodite loved Adonis, and this is a festival dedicated to their love.

Connection to Modern Day- Aphrodite is still regarded as a symbol of femininity, love, and desire. Venus de Milo is a famous statue representing her. It remains one of the world's most popular statues today. Replicas of this piece of art are found all over the world. Aphrodite is relevent in today's music as well. Refrences to Aphrodite/Venus can be found in various types of modern music.



Strengths- Dazzling Beauty and the power to make men fall in love with her

Weakness- She was vain, bad tempered, jealous and unfaithful

Secret Weapon- She wore a magic girdle that made her completely irresistable.

Bibliography- [] [] [] [] ​