Greek Mythology Notes

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Pothos

god

Πόθος

God of longing and yearning

Pothos was the god of yearning, longing, and desire for the absent — one of the Erotes (love spirits) who accompanied Aphrodite.

The Myth

Pothos personified the specific ache of desire for someone who is not there — not the heat of erotic desire (Eros) or love of friends (Philia) but the painful longing for the absent beloved. He was part of Aphrodite's retinue along with Eros (desire), Himeros (unrequited desire), and Anteros (reciprocal love). Pothos was depicted as a winged youth carrying a vine, symbolising intoxicating longing.

Parents

Aphrodite (or Iris and Zephyrus)

Symbols

vinewingsyearning gazeabsence

Fun Fact

The genus Pothos (tropical plants including the common pothos houseplant) was named after this god of yearning.

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