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.

526
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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181423
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8333
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453272
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23781
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments