Capricorn: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Capricorn: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign

Capricorn the sea-goat and the Greek myth behind it.

528
Capricorn: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

The Greek myth behind the Capricorn constellation goes back to the birth of Zeus. When his mother, Rhea, the mother of the Olympian gods and goddesses, was about to give birth, she traveled to the Greek island of Crete. There, they were met by his grandmother Gaia, the great mother of all, the primal Greek Mother Goddess, who helped Rhea give birth and make sure that Zeus was safe before returning to Mt. Olympus.

Zeus was taken to Crete so that his father, Cronus, the god of time, would not eat him. Cronus had eaten the children that Rhea had before Zeus out of fear that, one day, his children would be stronger than him and they would take his place ruling over the gods. When Rhea returned to Cronus, she held a rock swaddled in a blanket. Without even examining it, he took the rock and swallowed it whole, thinking that he'd gotten rid of the baby who threatened him.

As time passed, Zeus was nursed and raised by the ash nymphs Adrasteia and Io and the goat nymph Amaltheia. He grew to be the strong, invincible, and swift ruler of the gods that we all know today. Eventually, Zeus came and defeated the Titans, banishing Cronus to the underworld for all time, the same way that Cronus had done to his father.

Remembering the nurturing that he received on Crete, he created the constellation of the Capricorn, a sea-goat, after the nymphs Adrasteia, Io, and Amaltheia to show his gratitude. He took the horn of Amaltheia and created the cornucopia, or "horn of plenty." It did not matter how much people took from the horn, it never ran out of food or drink. This was another representation of the nurturing of the nymphs.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

1947
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

883
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety
Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash

"The Stranger" by Albert Campus touches upon many heavy elements... but not in the way you expect. Although it touches upon the aspects of death and love, it also deals with a hidden philosophy similar to that of nihilism.

The story follows the short life events of Meursault, a Frenchman whose carelessness for his actions eventually ends him in jail and dependent on a jury of people to judge the ethicality of his decision and the punishment that he deserves. He eventually gets the death penalty and all throughout he is nonchalant and almost apathetic towards his situation. He finally snaps when the prison sends a priest to him to absolve him of his sins and to cajole him in confessing to the lord.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments