Adonis
heroAdonis was a youth of such extraordinary beauty that Aphrodite herself fell in love with him — his death and annual rebirth became a metaphor for the cycle of seasons.
The Myth
Born from the incestuous union of Myrrha and her father Cinyras (Myrrha was transformed into a myrrh tree), Adonis was so beautiful that both Aphrodite and Persephone claimed him. Zeus decreed he would spend four months with each and four as he chose. Adonis chose Aphrodite. He was killed by a wild boar (sent by Ares or Artemis). From his blood sprang the anemone flower. The Adonia festival, celebrated by women with gardens of fast-growing, fast-dying plants, mourned his death annually.
Parents
Cinyras and Myrrha
Symbols
Fun Fact
An "Adonis" in English means a supremely handsome young man — the myth gave us the ultimate compliment for male beauty.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
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