Aphrodite

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APHRODITE

~Greek Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Sexuality~

She's the daughter of either Zeus and Dione or Uranus through some more unusual means. Wife of Hephaestus and lover of the likes of Ares and Adonis.

She was the patron Goddess of everything from lovers to prostitutes and appeared frequently in myths due to how much a driving force love and jealousy is in all types of stories. She was a very jealous Goddess, and many myths also involve people being compared to her and the anger that causes her.

For Aphrodite there are a couple stories that really show just how much she enjoyed her duty as Goddess of Love. One is the story of Hippomenes and Atalanta.

Atalanta was super badass. She was a princess and skilled huntress who was raised in the forest by a bear and then by some hunters. She traveled the lands doing various heroics, and by all accounts was stronger and faster than any man she met. As she grew up she was reunited with her father, the King, who wanted her to be married. She agreed on one condition, her suitors would have to race her. If she won she'd behead them, but if they won she agreed to marry them.

Many men tried and failed, until one day Hippomenes arrived. He was kind and gentle, and Atalanta really liked him. She tried to persuade him not to try, as she knew he was not faster than her, and she really didn't want him to lose and die. But, no matter how much she tried to convince him he assured her he could win.

What nobody else knew was that Hippomenes had asked Aphrodite for help in winning Atalanta's love, and Aphrodite had given him three golden apples that were irresistible. When the time for the race came he lined up with her and as they started running he rolled one of the golden apples in front of her which caused her to stop and chase it, giving him time to take the lead. She quickly began to catch up to him in no time, so he once again rolled an apple in front of her and she turned to follow it instead. Then right as they were nearing the finish line and she was taking the lead again he rolled the last apple in front of her, distracting her long enough for him to win the race.

Atalanta was actually pleased with this, and some tellings say she actually loved him and had hoped he would win.

Later, either for angering Zeus or possibly Aphrodite herself, the two were turned into lions. The belief at the time was that Lions could only mate with Leopards, not other Lions, so they thought that by turning them both into Lions they could never be together again...so, in the end, they still got the last laugh on that one.



I have other stories about Aphrodite I like more, but they will have to wait as her stories often feature other Gods and Goddesses in conflict with her. She is a Goddess that really highlights why I love Greek mythology so much though. I've always loved how the Gods were so human compared to other Gods or religions. They had flaws and made mistakes just like anyone, and those mistakes led to more interesting stories.

I think Aphrodite is a great way to start the month of Valentine's Day considering who she is. I'm hoping someday I too can enjoy that gift of love, but for now, I'll just have to settle for spending time with those I love even though it is unrequited. I hope you all are enjoying a very love-filled Valentine's month, whether that love is from someone else or just you showing yourself the love and affection you all deserve. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful weekend.

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FLICKR

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AVATAR CREDITS

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Head: Lilly Bento Head (Catwa)
Body: Lara Body (Maitreya)
Skin: Kyla Catwa Applier - Albina (Boataom)
Body Blush: Shawty so Kawaii (Caise)

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CLOTHING CREDITS

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Hair: Mia - Candy (Doe)
Eyes: Cotton Candy Eyes (89Hz)
Eyeshadow: Obsession Shadows - Pastel Puff (#Adored)
Glitter: Sparkle Blush (#oohlala)
Lipstick: Wednesday Lips - Frosting Edition (#Adored)
Jacket: Fur Coat - White (Love)
Lingerie: Heart Bra & Panties - Pink (Love)
Stockings: Heart Thigh Highs (Luxuria)
Heels: June Pumps - Rose (Garbbagio)
Headband: Metalic Rose Headband - Pink (Pr!tty)
Glasses: Rizzo Glasses (Fetch)
Necklace: Heart Choker (Altair)