Overview
The Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite recounts how the goddess of love, usually able to sway all gods and mortals, is made by Zeus to fall in love with the mortal Anchises, resulting in the birth of Aeneas and exploring themes of divinity, mortality, and the power of desire.
Aphrodite's Power and its Limits
- Aphrodite incites desire in gods, mortals, birds, and beasts.
- Three goddesses—Athena, Artemis, and Hestia—are immune to Aphrodite’s influence.
- Athena values warfare and craftsmanship, Artemis prefers hunting and chastity, and Hestia remains ever-virgin by choice.
Zeus' Plan and Aphrodite's Desire
- Zeus, having been manipulated by Aphrodite before, makes her fall in love with a mortal man.
- Anchises, a prince of Troy, becomes the object of her passion.
Aphrodite's Seduction of Anchises
- Aphrodite disguises herself as a mortal maiden and approaches Anchises.
- She claims to be a Phrygian princess abducted by Hermes and destined to be Anchises’ wife.
- Aphrodite stirs desire in Anchises, and they sleep together.
Revelation and Consequences
- After the encounter, Aphrodite reveals her true divine identity to Anchises.
- Anchises fears the consequences of sleeping with a goddess, recalling myths where mortals suffered for such unions.
- Aphrodite reassures him and foretells the birth of their son, Aeneas, who will become a great leader.
The Fate of Mortal-Lover Myths
- Aphrodite recounts the stories of Ganymede and Tithonus, mortals loved by gods but facing ambiguous fates.
- Tithonus gains immortality but not eternal youth, illustrating the dangers of mismatched divine gifts.
Instructions and Caution
- Aphrodite commands Anchises to keep her identity secret to avoid Zeus’ wrath.
- She arranges for their son to be raised by mountain Nymphs and will present Aeneas to Anchises when grown.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Aphrodite — Greek goddess of love and sexual desire.
- Phrenes — Mind or spirit; seat of thought and emotion.
- Thumos — Heart, spirit, or emotional core.
- Anchises — Mortal trojan prince loved by Aphrodite.
- Aeneas — Son of Aphrodite and Anchises; future hero.
- Kharites (Graces) — Goddesses of beauty and charm.
- Philotes — Sexual love or intimacy.
- Moira — Fate or destiny.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review mythological backgrounds of Aphrodite, Anchises, Aeneas, Ganymede, and Tithonus.
- Study how the hymn contrasts divine and mortal relationships.
- Prepare to discuss the consequences of divine-mortal unions in Greek myth.