Elaea (mythology)
In today's article we will explore the fascinating world of Elaea (mythology) and discover its many facets and meanings. Elaea (mythology) is a topic that has captivated humanity since time immemorial, its aspects and characteristics have been the object of study, debate and reflection throughout history. Through this article, we will delve into the different approaches and perspectives that have been given to Elaea (mythology), from its impact on society to its relevance on a personal level. Get ready to immerse yourself in a journey of discovery and learning about Elaea (mythology), a topic that undoubtedly invites us to reflect and question our own reality.
In Greek mythology, Elaea (Ancient Greek: Ἐλαία, romanized: Elaia, lit. 'olive') is an Attic girl whose impressive athletic achievements and beauty won the favour of Athena as well as the envy of the other Atticans. Her story shares many elements with that of Myrsine. Her brief tale survives in the works of Nicolaus Sophista, a Greek sophist and rhetor who lived during the fifth century AD.
Mythology
Elaea was an extremely athletic girl who outdid all girls in beauty and all boys in strength, winning the favour of Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom and patron goddess of Attica.[1] Elaea beat all her opponents in both the ring and the race; many of her fellow athletes grew resentful and murdered her out of envy.[2] Athena took pity on Elaea, and for Athena's sake Gaia, the goddess of the earth, metamorphosed the dead girl into an olive tree, which was the most sacred tree associated with Athens and Athena.[3][4]
A similar, almost word-for-word, story was also told about another maiden, Myrsine, who was changed into a myrtle shrub.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Westermann 1843, p. 369.
- ^ Nicolaus Sophista, Progymnasmata 2.3
- ^ a b Forbes Irving 1990, p. 278.
- ^ M. R. Wright. "A Dictionary of Classical Mythology: Summary of Transformations". mythandreligion.upatras.gr. University of Patras. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
Bibliography
- Forbes Irving, Paul M. C. (1990). Metamorphosis in Greek Myths. Clarendon Press. ISBN 0-19-814730-9.
- Westermann, Anton (1843). Μυθογραφοι. Scriptores poeticæ historiæ Græci. Edidit A. W. Gr.
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