Adonis

Adonis

In Greek mythology Adonis was the son of Myrrha and her father Cinyras. Myrrha turned into Myrrh-tree by Gods. As Myrrh-tree, Myrrha gave birth to Adonis. Aphrodite happens by the Myrrh-tree and seeing him, take pity on the infant.

Birth of Adonis

Aphrodite fell in love with the beautiful youth possible because she had been wounded by Eros' arrow. Aphrodite sheltered Adonis as new born baby and took him down into underworld so Persephone can care of him. Adonis grows into a strikingly handsome young man and Persephone had made him her lover. Aphrodite later demanded Adonis for herself, but Persephone refused to gave him back. The dispute between the two goddesses was settle by Zeus or Calliope on Zeus behalf. The decision was that, Adonis would spend a one-third of the year with Aphrodite, a one-third of the year with Persephone, and a one-third of the year with whom he wishes to spend with (Adonis choose Aphrodite). 

Aphrodite and Adonis

Adonis begins his year on the earth with Aphrodite. Adonis had great passions of hunting, although Aphrodite was not naturally a hunter, she takes up the sport just so she can be with Adonis. They spend every waking hour with one another, Aphrodite anxiety begins to grow over her neglected duties and she was forced to leave him for a short time. Before leaving, she gave Adonis warning that do not attack an animal which shows no fear. Adonis agreed to her advice, but secretly doubted her skills as a huntress. After Aphrodite leaves, Adonis comes across a wild boar, much larger than any he had ever seen. Wild boar attacked Adonis, castrated him and Adonis dies from a loss of blood. 

Aphrodite mourning on Adonis death

Adonis died in Aphrodite's arms, who came to him when she heard his groans. Wherever Adonis' blood falls, Aphrodite caused amenones (flowering plants) to grow in his memory. Aphrodite vowed that on the anniversary of his death every year there would be a festival held in his honor. It is said that, the wild boar by which Adonis was killed, was sent by Ares, who was jealous of Aphrodite's love for Adonis or by Apollo, to punish Aphrodite for blinding his son Erymanthus. Or by Artemis, to punish Aphrodite for instigating the death of Hippolytus, a favorite of the huntress goddess or by jealous of Adonis hunting skill.  On his death, Adonis goes back to underworld, and Persephone was delighted to see him again. Aphrodite realized that Adonis was in underworld and rushed to retrieve him. Persephone refused to allow Adonis to return from the underworld. 

Aphrodite and Adonis

In answer to Aphrodite's pleas, Zeus allowed Adonis to spend half the year (summer) above on earth with Aphrodite and the other half (winter) in the underworld with Persephone. Mythically, Adonis represents the cycle of death and resurrection in winter and spring. Adonis was also represented in Greek mythology, as god of beauty and desire.

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