LGBT themes in classical mythology
Greco-Roman mythology features male same-sex love in many of the constituent myths. These myths have been described as being crucially influential on Western LGBT literature, with the original myths being constantly re-published and re-written, and the relationships and characters serving as icons.[1] In comparison, lesbianism is rarely found in classical myths.[2]
The patron god of hermaphrodites and transvestites is Dionysus, a god gestated in the thigh of his father Zeus, after his mother died from being overwhelmed by Zeus's true form.[3] Other gods are sometimes considered patrons of homosexual love between males, such as the love goddess Aphrodite and gods in her retinue, such as the Erotes: Eros, Himeros and Pothos.[4][5] Eros is also part of a trinity of gods that played roles in homoerotic relationships, along with Heracles and Hermes, who bestowed qualities of Beauty (and Loyalty), strength, and eloquence, respectively, onto male lovers.[6] In the poetry of Sappho, Aphrodite is identified as the patron of lesbians.[4] Aphroditus was an androgynous Aphrodite from Cyprus, in later mythology became known as Hermaphroditus the son of Hermes and Aphrodite.
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References
- Specific
- ^ a b Pequigney (2002), p. 1
- ^ Compton, p. 97, "Rome and Greece: Lesbianism"
- ^ ">> arts >> Subjects in the Visual Arts: Dionysus". glbtq. 2002-09-19. http://www.glbtq.com/arts/subjects_dionysus.html. Retrieved 2009-07-16.
- ^ a b Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 64, "Aphrodite"
- ^ Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 133, "Erotes"
- ^ Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 132, "Eros"
- ^ a b Pequigney (2002), p.5
- ^ Penczak (2003), p. 17
- ^ Conon, 33
- ^ a b c Pequigney (2002), p.2
- ^ Virgil, Aeneid, 391-394
- ^ a b c d Pequigney (2002), p.4
- ^ a b c Pequigney (2002), p.3
- ^ The seduction of the Mediterranean: writing, art, and homosexual fantasy - Page 231 by Robert Aldrich
- ^ Madness unchained By Lee Fratantuono; p.139
- ^ Classical mythology By Helen Morales; p.93
- ^ Aelian, On Animals, 14. 28
- ^ Sotades By Herbert Hoffmann, p.16
- ^ The Vatican Mythographers By Ronald E. Pepin; p.17
- ^ Downing, p.198
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