Who Were Aphrodite's Other Lovers Beyond Ares in Greek Mythology?

In the vast and complex world of Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite is often depicted primarily as the counterpart of Ares, the god of war. However, mythology is rich with stories, and there are instances where Aphrodite is mentioned as having many other lovers beyond Ares. This article delves into the fascinating tales and explores some of these other admirers and lovers of the goddess of love.

Adonis: The Most Notable Figure Among Aphrodite's Lovers

One of Aphrodite's most famous and beloved lovers is Adonis. Adonis was briefly mentioned by Aeschylus in his work, but it is the account by Sappho and the much later writer Antoninus Liberalis that provided the extensive details.

Adonis is described as a strikingly handsome young man, the son of Myrrha and King Cinyras of Cyprus. Myrrha’s love for her father led to a series of transformations by the gods, resulting in her taking the form of a myrrh tree, which her father then embraced and impregnated. From the tree, Adonis was born.

Aphrodite's Bonds with Adonis

When Adonis was born, Aphrodite arrived on the scene and took the young man under her protection. She placed him under the care of a great hunter named Merops, who raised Adonis until he reached late adolescence.

Aphrodite regarded Adonis as her devoted lover, and she took great joy in his company. However, as Adonis grew older, he desired to become a full-fledged hunter. He sought the advice of his mentor, who suggested he apply for a position as a hunter in the service of King Attalus, the ruler of Paphos. Adonis eagerly accepted the invitation.

Unbeknownst to Aphrodite, who wanted to keep Adonis safe, any male who ventured into the forest of Ayperia was destined to die. Despite this warning, Adonis ventured into the forest, where he was unfortunately gored by a wild boar and died. The story varies as to who sent the wild boar, but his mother Myrrha, originally condemned to transform into a myrrh tree, was most likely the culprit.

Aphrodite was grief-stricken when she discovered Adonis' death. She held the unfortunate hunter Orion responsible for failing to protect his charge and killed him. In grief, Aphrodite created the crocus flower from Adonis' blood and named it "Adonis" in his honor. From that moment on, the flower's color is said to change with the seasons, reflecting the love and sorrow of Aphrodite.

Additional Lovers of Aphrodite

Besides Adonis, there were other gods and mortals who captivated the affections of Aphrodite, adding to the tapestry of her mythological history.

Hephaestus: The Metalworking God's Desire

Aphrodite and Hephaestus, the god of metalworking and fire, had a tumultuous relationship. Despite her marriage to Hephaestus, Aphrodite found herself enthralled by the beauty of the god of desire, Eros (Cupid).

According to myth, when Hephaestus discovered that Aphrodite and Eros were involved in an affair, he crafted an ingenious trap using an invisible net. When Eros and Aphrodite approached, Hephaestus revealed himself and displayed the couple with the net. Zeus, the king of the gods, was also amused by the entrapment and formed a bond with Hephaestus, making him his protégé.

Zeus and Aphrodite's Complicated Relationship

There are also tales that suggest Zeus, the king of the gods, had a connection with Aphrodite. One such story describes how Zeus desired to beget mortal children through Aphrodite. He disguised himself as a mortal and sought her in the form of a shepherd. This affair produced several notable creatures and beings, such as:

Felaes, a black ram with golden horns Palis, a giant eagle Aphoton, a young man with golden hands, who is said to have been the first to tame oxen and invent plowing and yokes.

While these supposed children of Zeus and Aphrodite were not directly referred to as divine lovers, their existence highlights the complex and sometimes ambiguous nature of Aphrodite's relationships in Greek mythology.

Conclusion

Aphrodite's other lovers, beyond Ares, add depth and intrigue to her character in Greek mythology. From Adonis, the most famous romantic interest, to the more complex relationships with Hephaestus and Zeus, the tales surrounding Aphrodite mirror the multifaceted nature of love in ancient myths.

Keywords

Aphrodite Greek mythology Lovers