In Greek mythology, love is a force that is capable of flourishing and creating a happy ending. Many stories and tales are often written in history that have been a foundation of blessing and curse in mythology. These tales are often represented by mythological creatures, whose stories reveal the beauty of love.
We’ll encounter the top ten romantic tales and affairs of Greek gods and goddesses according to Greek mythology:
10) Atlanta & Hippomenes:
Source: Wikipedia
Atalanta was a skillful and graceful goddess, who was under pressure from her father to marry. She was not ready to get married so she made a deal with her father. The deal was that, if a man could beat her in a race then she would marry him. But, if a man lost her in a race then he would die.
Hippomenes was in love with Atalanta and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. So, he took part in a race and won the race with the help of goddess Aphrodite. She gave Hippomenes three golden apples that distracted Atalanta during the race and hence, gave a chance to Hippomenes to marry her. They got married but unfortunately, Hippomenes forgot to thank the goddess Aphrodite for her help. This led to a divine punishment upon them as the couple was transformed into lions for sinning, by Greek mythology.
9) Apollo & Hyacinthus:
Source: Wikipedia
This beautiful tale of love starts with a boy named Hyacinthus. He was so charming that even Greek Gods fell in love with him. One of the Gods, Apollo, was in love with him and spent a lot of time with Hyacinthus. However, another God Zephyrus, the God of Wind was also in love with the Hyacinthus.
Zephyrus was jealous of Apollo’s closeness to Hyacinthus. So, Zephyrus interrupted Apollo and Hyacinthus during the game where they threw the discs at each other. Zephyrus with his power, changed the direction of the disc which hit Hyacinthus and he instantly died. Apollo was devastated by Hyacinthus’ loss as he loved him so much. So, with his power he grew beautiful flowers from Hyacinthus blood, to keep his memory alive. In this memory even today, we remember Hyacinthus through the hyacinth flowers that bloom every spring. These flowers are a symbol of the power of love and prosperity.
8) Odysseus & Penelope:
Source: Wikipedia
In Greek mythology, The story of Odysseus and Penelope teaches loyalty and unconditional love even at a distance. Odysseus was a brave warrior who married Penelope, a beautiful woman from Sparta. Their marriage was met with many compromises and sacrifices. Odysseus had to leave Penelope alone for the Trojan War just after their marriage. During this period, many suitors tried to impress Penelope and win her heart but she only remained loyal to Odysseus.
One day, Penelope planned that she would tell the suitors she would only accept the proposals after weaving the burial shroud for her father-in-law. Every day, she would work on the shroud weaving it and then undoing it every night so it would never be completed. Years passed by, but she only remained loyal to her husband. Penelope’s test was her patience and loyalty to her husband, who returned after years of reuniting the lovers together. He was furious when he came to know about suitors proposing to her wife, so he defeated them all. The couple lived happily ever after!
7) Eros & Psyche:
Source: Wikipedia
Psyche was a young and beautiful woman who captured the hearts of everyone around her. Many people even started worshipping her as a goddess. When Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty, came across this news she was furious as she felt jealous of Psyche. She commanded her son Eros, The God of Love, to cast a spell on Psyche, making her the ugliest woman alive.
As Eros went to cast the spell, he saw Psyche and was struck by her beauty. He couldn’t fulfill his mother’s wish and instead met her at night disguised. As Psyche got to know about Eros’ identity, Eros left her but Psyche was in love with him. She searched for him everywhere and finally arrived at the kingdom of Aphrodite. Aphrodite put her through a lot of challenges as she was jealous of her but due to Psyche’s love for Eros, she welcomed all the atrocities. In the end, Psyche’s love and affection paid off as she was welcomed by Aphrodite, who finally accepted her as daughter-in-law for Eros. This marked an eternal story of love and affection.
6) Halcyone & Ceyx:
Source: Wikipedia
King Ceyx and his wife Halcyone were deeply in love with each other. The testament of their love can be found by referring to each other with the names of powerful gods Zeus and Hera to show devotion and affection towards each other. However, when Zeus learned about it he got furious and wanted to teach them a lesson.
One day, Ceyx and Halcyone were set to sail on a voyage when Zeus unleashed a powerful storm. This storm swept the ship, perishing Ceyx while Halcyone was washed up on the shore. Halcyone called for Ceyx and waited for Ceyx to appear but sadly, he never did. Halcyone, consumed by grief, decided to jump into the sea drowning herself. This tragic story moved the Gods who transformed the souls of Ceyx and Halcyone into birds. The birds are known today as kingfishers and halcyons.
5) Pygmalion & Galatea:
Source: Wikipedia
Pygmalion was a skilled sculptor desperate to find love. Despite his talent, he didn’t find anyone to love. So, he decided to make a sculpture of a woman from ivory and started caressing and loving her. During a festival to honor Aphrodite, Pygmalion prayed to her to bring the sculpture to life. Aphrodite was moved by this story of love and devotion and granted Pygmalion’s wish. When he returned, he was astounded to find the statue was transformed into a living woman. Pygmalion named her Galatea and thanked Aphrodite for this blessing. They deeply fell in love with each other and lived happily ever after
4) Aphrodite & Adonis:
Source: Wikipedia
Adonis was a young man with extraordinary charm that captivated the hearts of many including Aphrodite and Persephone. This resulted in a dispute which was later settled by Zeus. He decided that Adonis would spend four months with Aphrodite in Olympus and four months with Persephone in the underworld. However, Adonis loved Aphrodite more and spent more time with her. This love story between Adonis and Aphrodite moved the gods and is still alive as a story of powerful love in Greek mythology.
3) Iphis & Ianthe:
Source: Isiopolis
Iphis was born to a family as a girl who always wanted a son. So, her mother prayed to God to make her a boy and grant them a son. After many years, Iphis grew up thinking of a boy and fell in love with a girl named Ianthe. When Ianthe’s parents came to know about this, they arranged a marriage between them. Iphis was heartbroken as if she married Ianthe, her identity would be revealed. So, Iphis prayed to God Isis to help her. Isis heard her prayer and granted her help transforming her into a man. This way they got married and lived happily ever after.
2) Pyramus & Thisbe:
Source: Wikipedia
Thisbe and Pyramus were deeply in love with each other. Unfortunately, their parents never approved of their relationship. Despite the obstacles, they continued to see each other and love each other. One day, they decided to meet each other near a tomb. Thisbe arrived first but her plans were met with an unexpected coincidence as she got scared of a lioness attacking an ox and ran away. She left a piece of clothing that had animal blood on it.
When Pyramus found it, he was overwhelmed with grief thinking something bad happened to Thisbe. So, unable to withhold the absence of Thisbe, he gave his own life. When Thisbe saw Pyramus’ lifeless body, she ended her life too. This tragic end of lovers made everyone feel sorry for them.
1) Orpheus & Eurydice:
Source: Wikipedia
Orpheus was a gifted musician who deeply fell in love with Eurydice, a beautiful nymph. They got married but unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. Eurydice died from a snake bite and went to the underworld. Orpheus was heartbroken and full of grief. He started sharing grief through his music and songs that were so powerful that even Gods and Goddesses were moved by it. This story shows that sometimes love can be fragile and painful for faithful lovers.
