Aries: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Aries: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign

Aries the Ram and the Greek myth behind it.

291
Aries: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign
Jackie Montalvo

March 21 - April 19

The myth behind the constellation of Aries the Ram is often confused with the story of Ares (god of war), the brother of Athena (goddess of war).

Aries the Ram is a story about Jason and the Argonauts who went on a quest to find the golden fleece of Aries and prove his worthiness in order to claim the throne of Thessaly.

The mythology begins with Nephele gifting the golden ram to her husband, the King of Athamus, Boetia. When he takes a second wife, Ino, she was extremely jealous of his existing children, especially his son Phrixus, and she wanted them killed.

In order to keep her kids safe, Nephele sent them away on the back of the magical ram, who whisked them away to the east. Helle fell off into Hellespont between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara and Phrixus safely made it to the shore of the Black Sea. To give thanks for his safe return, Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus and gave its golden fleece to King Aeetes. He eventually married the King's daughter and remained in exile for the rest of his life.

The fleece was eventually stolen by Jason and he took the throne because the King had accepted his offer, thinking that he would die in pursuit of the fleece.

The constellation of Aries represents this magical ram in the night sky and it is considered the first of the 12 signs.


Check out the stories behind the other astrological signs:

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47235
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29948
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954064
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

169160
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments