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The mortal consorts of Zeus
In addition to the seven immortal wives of Zeus, he was also allied to a number of mortal maidens whom he visited under various disguises, as it was supposed that if he revealed himself in his true form as king of heaven the splendour of his glory would cause instant destruction to mortals. The mortal consorts of Zeus have been such a favourite theme with poets, painters, and sculptors, that it is necessary to give some account of their individual history. Those best known are Antiope, Leda, Europa, Callisto, Alcmene, Semele, Io, and Danae.
Europa
EUROPA was the beautiful daughter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia. She was one day gathering flowers with her companions in a meadow near the sea-shore, when Zeus, charmed with her great beauty, and wishing to win her love, transformed himself into a beautiful white bull, and trotted quietly up to the princess, so as not to alarm her. Surprised at the gentleness of the animal, and admiring its beauty, as it lay placidly on the grass, she caressed it, crowned it with flowers, and, at last, playfully seated herself on its back. Hardly had she done so than the disguised god bounded away with his lovely burden, and swam across the sea with her to the island of Crete.
Europa was the mother of Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthus. Minos, who became king of Crete, was celebrated for his justice and moderation, and after death he was created one of the judges of the lower world, which office he held in conjunction with his brothers. {35}
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After the abduction of his daughter Europa by Zeus, Agenor, king of Phoenicia, unable to reconcile himself to her loss, despatched his son Cadmus in search of her, desiring him not to return without his sister. For many years Cadmus pursued his search through various countries, but without success. Not daring to return home without her, he consulted the oracle of Apollo at Delphi; and the reply was that he must desist from his task, and take upon himself a new duty, _i.e._ that of founding a city, the site of which would be indicated to him by a heifer which had never borne the yoke, and which would lie down on the spot whereon the city was to be built.
From: Berens, E.M. The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome. New York: Maynard, Merril, & Co., 1880. Text in the public domain.
The love story between Zeus and Europa is unusual on many account from Zeus’ other affairs. Europa is not only spared Hera’s jealous wrath, she also gains geographic fame through this story.
Europa was troubled by a dream which two continents in the guise of women—one Asia, and the other yet nameless—were fighting to possess Europa. She tried to busy herself with flower gathering the next day, and Zeus saw this pretty spectacle and fell in love with Europa. As a cautionary measure, Zeus assumed the shape of a bull to approach Europa. He was not a bull one would see grazing in a field, but a bull with a light chestnut color, a swelling neck, and massive shoulders.
A mark in the shape of a crescent moon graced Zeus’ forehead, and he seemed so gentle as well that Europa and the other maidens flower gathering were not startled by the bull’s approach. Europa was not hesitant to climb on the bull’s back, and as soon as she did Zeus took off at an alarming speed. To Europa’s shock, Zeus then began to cross the ocean to reach the island of Crete. There Europa remained, and bore Zeus two famous men: Minos and Rhadamanthus, who were rewarded for their justice upon the earth by being made judges of the dead.
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