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Aphrodite (Ἀφρόδιτη) is the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, procreation, and fertility. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with golden hair and a figure that is the epitome of feminine beauty. Aphrodite is one of the most popular and well-known goddesses in Greek mythology, and her stories have been told and retold for centuries.
A Goddess of Many Facets
Aphrodite's domain extends far beyond simple romance. She embodies the power of attraction in all its forms, influencing everything from physical beauty and desire to charisma and charm. Her presence inspires feelings of love, passion, and longing, but also jealousy, rivalry, and heartbreak.
- Love and Desire: She is the ultimate embodiment of romantic and love, inspiring both divine and mortal passions.
- Beauty and Grace: Her own beauty is legendary, considered unparalleled among both gods and mortals. She is often depicted as a stunning woman, radiating allure and grace.
- Marriage and Fertility: While not solely a goddess of marriage, she played a role in its rituals and blessings, and she was associated with fertility and procreation.
- Symbols: Her symbols include the dove, swan, myrtle, rose, scallop shell, and mirror, all representing her beauty, grace, and connection to the sea.
Marriage to Hephaestus
Aphrodite was unhappily married to Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking. She was attracted to Ares, the god of war, and when Hephaestus found out about them, he was furious. He made a golden net that trapped Aphrodite and Ares together, then invited the other gods to come and laugh at them. Aphrodite was eventually released from the net, but she continued to see other gods and mortals.
Children
Aphrodite mothered many children, including Eros, the god of love, who was a mischievous child, often playing tricks on other gods and mortals. Ares, the god of war, Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, and Hermaphroditus, a man-woman hybrid, where also her offspring.
Temples and Sanctuaries
Temples and sanctuaries dedicated to Aphrodite were often built near ports and can be found in Corinth, Rhodes, Aphrodisias, Acrocorinth, on Cyprus, and other locations.