Aphrodite The Greek Love Goddess

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. She was the most beautiful of the goddesses but was married to the ugliest of the gods, the limp smithy Hephaestus. Aphrodite had many affairs with men, both human and divine, resulting in many children, including Eros, Anteros, Hymenaios, and Aeneas. Aglaea (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer), known collectively as The Graces, followed in the retinue of Aphrodite.

The Birth of Aphrodite

In one story of her birth, Aphrodite is said to have sprung from the foam that resulted from the severed testicles of Uranus. In another version of her birth, Aphrodite is said to be the daughter of Zeus and Dione.

Cyprus and Cythera are claimed as her birthplace.

The Origin of Aphrodite

It is thought that the fertility goddess of the Near East was imported to Cyprus during the Mycenaean Era. Aphrodite's main cult centers in Greece were in Cythera and Corinth.

Aphrodite in the Trojan War

Aphrodite is perhaps best known for her role in the Trojan War, especially, an event preceding it: the Judgment of Paris.

Arrayed with the Trojans, during the Trojan War, as described in The Iliad, she received a wound, talked with Helen, and helped protect her favorite warriors.

Aphrodite in Rome

The Roman goddess Venus is thought of as the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite.

Gods and Goddesses Index

Pronunciation: \ˌa-frə-ˈdī-tē\

Also Known As: Venus