Ganymede

Ganymede was the cup-bearer of Zeus.

Residence: Mount Olympus
Symbol: Pitcher and a hoop
Parents: Tros and Callirhoe
Siblings: Ilus, Assaracus, Cleopatra and Cleomestra

Ganymede pouring Zeus a libation. Attic red-figure calyx krater by the Eucharides Painter, c. 490–480 BC. (c) David L. Moran

He was a handsome Trojan prince who was carried off to heaven by Zeus in the shape of an eagle where he was appointed as cup-bearer of the gods and made immortal. Ganymede was also placed amongst the stars as the constellation Aquarius, his ambrosial mixing cup as Crater, and the eagle as Aquila. Ganymede was often portrayed as the god of homosexual love and as such appears as a playmate of the love-gods Eros (Love) and Hymenaeus (Marital Love).

Roman-era relief depicting the eagle of Zeus abducting Ganymede, his Phrygian cap denoting an eastern origin, and a river god. (c) Sailko
Roman mosaic of Ganymede and Zeus’ Eagle, 3rd c. AD. Sousse Archaeological Museum. (c) theoi.com
Greek gold earring, c. 330-300 BC, depicting the abduction of Ganymede. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Roman Mosaic of Zeus and Ganymede, 2nd c. AD,
On loan from a private collection, Belgium. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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