Cyprus Myths and Wonders: A Journey Through the Ancient History, Culture, and Mythology of the Island
Cyprus Myths and Wonders. The birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. A small island with ancient history, culture, and mythology. Cyprus is also a place where history and culture are intertwined, with influences from various civilizations that have ruled or visited the island over the centuries. Cyprus is a place where you can live your myth, by exploring its ancient sites, learning its stories, and experiencing its charm.
The Birth of Aphrodite: The Myth of Love and Beauty
One of the most famous myths associated with Cyprus is the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. According to the legend, Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam near the coast of Cyprus, after the severed genitals of Uranus, the sky god, were thrown into the water by his son Cronus, the titan. Aphrodite was carried by the waves to the shore, where she was greeted by the Horae, the goddesses of the seasons, who adorned her with flowers and jewels. Aphrodite then became the patron goddess of Cyprus, and inspired many lovers and artists with her grace and allure.
The spot where Aphrodite rose from the sea is known as Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cyprus. It is a large rock formation that stands out from the turquoise water, and it is said that anyone who swims around it three times will be blessed with eternal youth and beauty. The rock is also a romantic place to watch the sunset, as the legend says that Aphrodite and her lover Adonis used to meet there.
Another place related to Aphrodite is the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool surrounded by greenery and flowers, where the goddess used to bathe and relax. The pool is located in the Akamas peninsula, a protected area of natural beauty and biodiversity, where you can also find many hiking trails, cycling routes, and birdwatching spots. The pool is also said to have magical properties, as anyone who dips their hand in the water will fall in love with the next person they see.
The Adventures of Pygmalion and Galatea: The Myth of Art and Passion
Another myth that involves Aphrodite and Cyprus is the story of Pygmalion and Galatea, the myth of art and passion. Pygmalion was a sculptor from Cyprus, who was disillusioned with women and decided to create his own ideal woman out of ivory. He carved a beautiful statue of a woman, and named her Galatea. He was so enchanted by his creation that he fell in love with her, and wished that she would come to life. Aphrodite, who was impressed by his skill and devotion, granted his wish and turned the statue into a living woman. Pygmalion and Galatea then married and lived happily ever after.
The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea is a symbol of the power of art and imagination, and the connection between the artist and his work. It is also a testament to the influence of Cyprus on the arts, as the island has a long and rich tradition of artistic expression, from ancient mosaics and pottery, to medieval frescoes and icons, to modern paintings and sculptures. Cyprus has also been a source of inspiration for many famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who visited the island and painted the portrait of Caterina Cornaro, the Queen of Cyprus, and William Shakespeare, who set his play Othello in Cyprus.
The Labors of Hercules: The Myth of Strength and Courage
Another myth that connects Cyprus with the ancient world is the story of Hercules, the hero of strength and courage. Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. He was hated by Hera, the wife of Zeus, who tried to make his life miserable. One of her plots was to drive him mad, and make him kill his wife and children. To atone for his crime, Hercules had to perform twelve impossible tasks, known as the Labors of Hercules, under the service of King Eurystheus.
One of the Labors of Hercules was to capture the Cretan Bull, a fearsome beast that was terrorizing the island of Crete. Hercules managed to subdue the bull, and brought it back to Eurystheus, who was so scared that he let it go. The bull then wandered to the island of Cyprus, where it continued to cause havoc. Hercules followed the bull to Cyprus, and captured it again, with the help of the locals. He then sacrificed the bull to Zeus, and founded the city of Kourion, where he built a temple in honor of the god.
The myth of Hercules and the Cretan Bull is a reflection of the bravery and heroism of the Cypriot people, who have faced many challenges and enemies throughout their history. It is also a reminder of the close ties between Cyprus and Crete, two islands that share a common culture and history. The city of Kourion, where Hercules founded his temple, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus, with ruins of a theater, a stadium, a basilica, and several villas with exquisite mosaics.
The Legend of Adonis and Aphrodite: The Myth of Life and Death
Another myth that features Aphrodite and Cyprus is the legend of Adonis and Aphrodite, the myth of life and death. Adonis was a handsome young man, who was loved by both Aphrodite and Persephone, the goddess of the underworld. The two goddesses fought over him, and Zeus, the father of the gods, decided to settle the dispute by dividing the year into three parts: one part for Aphrodite, one part for Persephone, and one part for Adonis himself. Adonis chose to spend his time with Aphrodite, and they became lovers.
Adonis was also fond of hunting, and one day he went to hunt a wild boar in the mountains of Cyprus. The boar, however, was sent by Ares, the god of war, who was jealous of Aphrodite’s love for Adonis. The boar attacked Adonis, and wounded him fatally. Aphrodite heard his cries, and rushed to his side. She tried to save him, but it was too late. She mourned over his body, and sprinkled his blood with nectar. From his blood, a flower sprang up, the anemone, which is red like blood and fragile like life.
The legend of Adonis and Aphrodite is a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and the contrast between love and loss. It is also a celebration of the beauty and fertility of nature, as Adonis was associated with the vegetation and the seasons. Every year, in the spring, the Cypriots used to hold a festival in honor of Adonis and Aphrodite, called the Adonia, where they planted gardens of flowers, sang songs, and performed rituals. The festival was a way of expressing their joy for the rebirth of nature, and their sorrow for the death of their beloved.
The Tale of Pyramus and Thisbe: The Myth of Forbidden Love
Another myth that has a connection with Cyprus is the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe, the myth of forbidden love. Pyramus and Thisbe were two young lovers, who lived in the city of Babylon. Their families were enemies, and did not allow them to see each other. They communicated through a crack in the wall that separated their houses, and planned to elope. They agreed to meet at the tomb of Ninus, the founder of Babylon, near a mulberry tree with white berries.
Thisbe arrived first at the meeting place, but she saw a lioness with blood on her mouth, coming from a nearby spring. She was frightened, and ran away, dropping her veil. The lioness found the veil, and tore it with her teeth. Pyramus arrived later, and saw the veil and the lioness’ tracks. He thought that Thisbe had been killed by the beast, and he was overcome with grief. He took his sword, and stabbed himself in the chest. His blood stained the white berries of the mulberry tree, turning them red. Thisbe came back, and saw Pyramus lying dead under the tree. She realized what had happened, and she was filled with despair. She took his sword, and killed herself as well. Their blood mingled on the ground, and their souls flew to the sky.
The tale of Pyramus and Thisbe is a tragic story of love and fate, and the origin of the red color of the mulberry fruit. It is also a story that has a link with Cyprus, as the tomb of Ninus, where the lovers met, was located in the city of Salamis, on the east coast of the island. Salamis was an ancient city that was founded by Teucer, the son of King Telamon of Salamis in Greece, and the brother of Ajax, the hero of the Trojan War. Teucer was banished by his father, because he did not avenge his brother’s death. He sailed to Cyprus, and built a new city, which he named after his homeland. Salamis became one of the most important and prosperous cities of Cyprus, and the seat of many kings and bishops
The Voyage of Odysseus: The Myth of Adventure and Wisdom
Another myth that has a connection with Cyprus is the voyage of Odysseus, the myth of adventure and wisdom. Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and one of the heroes of the Trojan War. After the war, he faced many trials and dangers on his way back home, which lasted for ten years. He encountered many mythical creatures and characters, such as the Cyclops, the Sirens, the Lotus-eaters, and Circe, the witch.
One of the places that Odysseus visited during his journey was Cyprus, where he met the Phaeacians, a friendly and hospitable people, who lived in the city of Scheria. The Phaeacians welcomed Odysseus, and listened to his stories. They also offered him gifts and a ship to take him home. The king of the Phaeacians was Alcinous, and his daughter was Nausicaa, a beautiful and noble princess. Nausicaa was the one who found Odysseus on the shore, after he was shipwrecked by Poseidon, the god of the sea, who was angry with him. Nausicaa helped Odysseus, and gave him clothes and food. She also guided him to the palace of her father, where he was treated with honor and respect.
The myth of Odysseus and the Phaeacians is a story of friendship and hospitality, and the value of storytelling and listening. It is also a story that shows the importance of Cyprus as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations, as the island has been visited by many travelers and explorers, from ancient times to modern days. The city of Scheria, where the Phaeacians lived, is identified with the city of Paphos, on the west coast of the island. Paphos is one of the oldest and most cultural cities of Cyprus, with many archaeological sites, such as the Tombs of the Kings, the House of Dionysus, and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. Paphos is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the European Capital of Culture for 2023.
The Story of Digenis Akritas: The Myth of Heroism and Romance
Another story that is related to Cyprus is the story of Digenis Akritas, the myth of heroism and romance. Digenis Akritas was a legendary hero, who lived in the Byzantine era, around the 10th century. He was the son of a Byzantine nobleman and an Arab princess, and he was a warrior and a poet. He defended the borders of the Byzantine Empire from the raids of the Arabs, and he performed many feats of strength and courage. He also fell in love with a beautiful maiden, who was the daughter of a river god. He wooed her with his songs and his deeds, and he married her.
The story of Digenis Akritas is a symbol of the multicultural and multilingual identity of Cyprus, as the hero was a blend of Greek and Arab cultures, and he spoke both languages. It is also a symbol of the love and respect for nature, as the hero was connected with the rivers, the mountains, and the forests. The story of Digenis Akritas is preserved in many oral and written versions, and it is considered one of the most important epics of the Byzantine and medieval literature. The story of Digenis Akritas is also linked with the Troodos mountains, the highest and most picturesque mountains of Cyprus, where the hero lived and fought. The Troodos mountains are a place of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with many monasteries, churches, and villages, that showcase the Byzantine art and architecture.
Cyprus Myths and Wonders: Conclusion
The mythological fabric of Cyprus is an intricate tapestry interwoven with tales of gods, heroes, and love. From the birth of Aphrodite to the Labors of Hercules, each story echoes through the island’s landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Cyprus stands as a living testament to the power of myth, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a realm where ancient legends breathe life into its history, culture, and enchanting landscapes. Cyprus Myths and Wonders offers a timeless journey where the past merges seamlessly with the present, creating a land where one can truly live their myth.
