Symposium (Plato)
conceptPlato's Symposium was a philosophical dialogue set at a drinking party where guests give speeches about Eros — including Aristophanes' myth that humans were once doubled beings split in two.
The Myth
At Agathon's symposium, each guest gave a speech about love. Aristophanes told the myth that humans were originally four-legged, four-armed beings with two faces. Zeus split them in half; ever since, each person seeks their missing other half. Socrates recounted the teaching of Diotima: love ascends from desire for a beautiful body to desire for beauty itself — the "Ladder of Love." Alcibiades burst in drunk and gave a passionate speech about his love for Socrates. The dialogue shaped Western ideas about love for over two thousand years.
Symbols
Fun Fact
Aristophanes' myth of split humans — seeking your "other half" — became one of the most influential metaphors for romantic love in Western culture.
Explore Further
Zeus
godSupreme ruler of the Olympian gods and lord of the sky. Zeus overthrew his father Kronos and...
Aegis
conceptThe aegis was a divine shield or breastplate belonging to Zeus and wielded by Athena, fringed with...
Aidos
conceptAidos was the Greek concept of shame, reverence, and the inner sense of propriety that restrained...
Ajax (Shield)
conceptAjax's shield was a massive tower shield of seven ox-hides layered with bronze — the largest...
Amazonomachy
conceptThe Amazonomachy was the legendary battle between the Athenians and the Amazons who invaded Athens...
Ambrosia
conceptAmbrosia was the food of the Olympian gods — anyone who consumed it became immortal, but mortals...