Ancient Greek Mythology Tales of the Zodiac: The Story of Taurus
The Story of Taurus
Taurus, the Bull, is the second sign of the Zodiac, and if you were born between April 20 and May 20, it is your zodiac sign. This zodiac sign has a rich tapestry of stories associated with it, each unique and captivating. Among them are The Minotaur, The Cretan Bull, and The Marathomian Bull. However, the most renowned and enigmatic tale is The Abduction of Europa by Ovid. In this narrative, Zeus, the god of thunder and lightning, assumes the form of a white bull to allure the exquisite Europa. Another rendition of the tale by Acusilaus proposes that the Bull was not Zeus but the same Bull linked with Poseidon and the Cretan Bull. This version suggests that the Bull was already on the island of Crete, and it was the Bull that abducted Europa. This amalgamation of both versions of the story provides a more comprehensive understanding of the mythological significance of Taurus, the Bull.
Europa’s Dreams
Europa's night was fraught with restlessness and unease. She was consumed by vivid and perplexing dreams that left her feeling disoriented and bewildered. In one of these dreams, she witnessed a fierce dispute between two women, both claiming to be her mother. These women took the form of continents, with one asserting that she was Europa's mother from her homeland, while the other insisted that Zeus had promised Europa to her.
When Europa woke up, she still saw the two women in her mind's eye. She sat silently, trying to convince herself that it was a dream. However, the experience was so intense that it made her question her sanity. Suddenly, she let out a scream, and her heart was racing with fear and anxiety. She wondered who of the People of Heaven could have sent her such phantoms and what the strange dreams meant.
Europa was perplexed by the outlandish woman she had seen in her sleep. She wondered why she desired her so much and why the woman welcomed her into her arms and treated her as her child. She prayed that the Blessed may send her a dream to turn out well and clarify the matter.
Europa's Seduction
On a serene and peaceful spring morning, Europa found herself unable to sleep and decided to take a leisurely walk to relish in the fresh morning air. She invited her noble friends to join her, and they went to their favourite meadow by the seafront. Each carried baskets filled with beautiful flowers, adding to the charm of the idyllic morning.
The meadow was a riot of colours and scents, with narcissus, violets, and crimson wild roses carpeting the ground. The gentle sound of the waves caressing the shore added to the sense of tranquillity, making it the perfect setting to bask in nature's beauty.
As Zeus was watching the Earth below, his eyes were suddenly drawn towards Europa and her glamorous companions, who seemed lost in the beauty of their surroundings. Instantly smitten by Europa's beauty, he was also aware of the potential consequences of his actions, so he enlisted the help of his brother Poseidon.
Together, they sent a pure white bull to the meadow, adorned with silver circles on its brows and crescent moon-like horns. As the Bull approached Europa and her friends, the air was filled with divine fragrance, drawing her towards it. Mesmerised, she began to caress the Bull, eventually climbing upon its back, and decorated it with the flowers she had brought along.
Her friends soon followed suit, and together, they enjoyed the beauty of the spring morning, surrounded by the sweet scent of the flowers and the calming sound of the sea. Europa called out to her friends with a sense of joy and excitement. Eupora beckoned them to join her on the Bull's back, saying
“Come away, dear my fellows and my feres; let’s ride for a merry sport upon this Bull. For sure he looks and mild, so kind and so gentle, nothing resembling other bulls; moreover, an understanding moveth over him meet as a man’s, and all he lacks is speech.”
Europa’s Abduction
Suddenly, the Bull with Europa jumped into the sea and carried Europa away, leaving her feeling frightened and powerless.
Europa's cries for help were swallowed by the vastness of the sea. She clung desperately to the Bull's horns, her homeland disappearing from her sight. The realisation of her isolation and the enormity of her situation washed over her, leaving her feeling small and powerless. She pleaded with the Gods for mercy, for a glimmer of hope in this foreign and frightening land.
To her surprise, the Bull spoke to her, revealing that he was Zeus, the mightiest of all Gods. Zeus had fallen in love with her and promised to take her to his island of Crete, where they would be married and have children who would become kings among men. Although hesitant and missing her loved ones, Europa had no option but to accept.
Upon arriving on the island, Seasons, the gatekeepers of Olympus, welcomed her and prepared her for her wedding with Zeus. The Bull returned to the sea until Poseidon summoned him later. Europa was amazed at the beauty and grandeur of the island, and she was showered with lavish gifts and attention. She realised that her life had taken a drastic turn, and she was now a queen among the Gods.
Europa, despite the circumstances of her arrival, embraced her new role as a queen among the Gods. She and Zeus had three sons, who would go on to become great leaders and judges of the Underworld. Europa's life on the island of Crete was long and prosperous, filled with the love of her family and the blessings of the Gods. Her story is a testament to her strength and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Click here for the entire poem by Moschus.
Story Behind The Artwork 'Europa's Seduction'
For my artwork, I wanted to depict the scene where Europa, the Phoenician princess, calls her friends for help just before the great Bull leaps into the water. I aimed to capture the moment's intensity when Europa realises the danger and feels a sense of panic, confusion, and fear. In my vision, she reaches out to her companions, hoping for a swift rescue from the scary situation. I tried to vividly portray these emotions in my artwork, ensuring that the viewers could feel the tension and urgency of the scene.
Phoenicia and Crete
Phoenicia
The Phoenician civilisation was a collection of several independent cities that spanned the Mediterranean coast, with some territories even extending into modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel. One of the most notable cities was Tyre, meaning "Rock." This city was famous for being the birthplace of Europa, a mythological figure, and for producing purple dye extracted from Murex shellfish. The dye was highly prized and associated with royalty during ancient times. As a result, the Greeks referred to the Phoenicians as "purple people" due to the dye's tendency to stain their skin. Moschus even mentioned in his poem that Europa wore a purple dress.
Moreover, it is believed that many ancient Greek gods originated from Phoenicia. Stories about Phoenician gods such as Baal and Yamm are similar to those of the Greek gods Zeus and Poseidon. The Phoenician gods were deeply rooted in nature and often associated with natural phenomena like the sea or the sky. The Greeks eventually adopted these gods and incorporated them into their mythology. This cultural exchange highlights the interconnectedness of different civilisations and their impact on one another.
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The Island of Crete
The idyllic Greek island of Crete, situated in the eastern Mediterranean, is steeped in rich mythology and history. According to legend, Rhea, the mother of Zeus, concealed the infant god from his tyrannical father, Cronus, on this island. Over the centuries, Crete has been the setting for many other famous myths, including the tale of Europa's abduction by Zeus, which led to the creation of the constellation Taurus. Another well-known myth is the story of King Minos and the Cretan Bull, which was captured by Heracles and brought to the Peloponnese. The island was also the site of the legendary labyrinth of King Minos, which housed the ferocious Minotaur, a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Theseus, the Athenian hero, famously battled the Minotaur on Crete, while the tragic figure of Icarus, a prisoner of King Minos, fashioned wings made of feathers and wax in a desperate bid for freedom. With its storied past and enduring myths, it's no wonder that Crete continues to captivate visitors worldwide, making it one of Greece's most famous and enchanting islands.
The Bull
The Bull, known for its strength and ferocity, had a storied history filled with epic adventures before its untimely demise at the hands of Theseus. Despite its reputation as a fearsome creature, reading the stories about the White Bull helped me see another side to this magnificent animal. Its pure white coat and majestic appearance made it a symbol of divine power and grace, deserving of a place among the stars in the heavens. The more I learned about the White Bull, the more I came to admire and appreciate its significance in mythology and culture.
The Birth of the Minotaur
The Bull
Upon the death of Asterius, the King of Cretans's absence of an heir to the throne led to a power struggle among his people. Various factions emerged, each vying for control of the kingdom. Amid all this chaos, Minos, the son of Europa and Zeus, claimed his father's throne rightfully. However, some members of the court still doubted his legitimacy.
To prove his claim to the throne, Minos prayed to the God Poseidon, beseeching him to summon a Bull from the sea depths, which he would sacrifice in honour of the deity. Poseidon answered Minos's prayer and sent the same Bull that had taken Europa to Crete. The appearance of the Bull before Minos solidified his claim to the throne, and he became the King of Crete.
“To prove I am the rightful heir and that Crete was given to me by the Gods, I will summon a Bull to sacrifice to the God Poseidon.”
Despite his victory, Minos struggled with the decision to sacrifice the magnificent creature. Instead, it offered up another bull in its place. Unfortunately, this angered Poseidon, who cursed the Bull, making it savage. The curse would cause Minos and his family great suffering in the future.
As fate would have it, Mino's wife, Pasiphae, fell in love with the cursed Bull. Desperate to fulfil her desires, she enlisted the help of Daedalus, an exiled architect, to build a wooden cow on wheels. She climbed inside the structure and waited for the Bull to couple with her, resulting in the Minotaur's birth nine months later.
The curse of Poseidon would continue to haunt Minos and his family for years to come as they struggled to contain the monstrous offspring of Pasiphae and the cursed Bull. - Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3.1.3
Hercules - The Seventh Labour
In the ancient land of Crete, the Bull was a formidable and fearsome creature that caused mayhem and destruction wherever it went. Mino, the ruler of Crete, had promised to sacrifice the Bull but failed to do so, and now he regrets his decision. In desperation, he turned to King Eurystheus for assistance, who sent the renowned Hercules to bring the Bull back to him as part of his seventh labour.
Upon reaching Crete, Mino explained the dire situation to Hercules, who immediately set out to locate the Bull. However, in his search, Hercules became distracted by a divine aroma that reminded him of his beloved wife, Megara, who had tragically passed away. Unbeknownst to him, the Bull was charging towards him, ready to attack.
With lightning-fast reflexes and incredible agility, Hercules dodged the Bull's initial attack and quickly sprang into action. Using his impressive strength, he lassoed the Bull and engaged in a fierce struggle with the mighty beast. The Bull was a formidable foe, and their battle lasted for hours as they wrestled and fought, each trying to gain the upper hand.
Finally, after a gruelling battle, Hercules emerged victorious, defeating and capturing the Bull. He rode the Bull back to Eurystheus, fulfilling his labour, but the king was not satisfied and ordered Hercules to set the Bull free. Unfortunately, the Bull went on to cause chaos in Marathon Attica and terrorised the residents. It had wandered through Sparta and Arcadia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Despite Hercules' best efforts to contain the Bull, it had become a menace to all those around it, and it seemed that no one could stop it.
- Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2.57
Theseus and the Marathonian Bull
The story of the Marathonian Bull, previously known as the Crete Bull, is an intriguing tale of mythology and legend passed down through the ages. According to ancient Greek lore, the Bull was a menacing force that caused chaos and devastation in the fields and hills of Marathon, a small town located northeast of Athens.
The Bull was believed to have been cursed by the mighty Poseidon, which made it a fierce and destructive force that attacked anyone who crossed its path. Its reign of terror was relentless, and the people of Marathon lived in constant fear of its unpredictable and violent attacks.
During this tumultuous time, Theseus, the son of King Aegeus, arrived in Marathon disguised as Aethra, unbeknownst to his father. Medea, the king's wife, recognised Theseus and saw him as a threat to her own son's claim to the throne. In an attempt to eliminate him, she instructed Theseus to confront and defeat the Bull.
Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Theseus displayed extraordinary bravery and determination as he faced the Bull head-on. He used his wits and strength to outmanoeuvre the Bull and eventually subdue it. Everyone was surprised by his remarkable feat, as no one had ever been able to tame the Bull before.
After successfully wrestling the Bull to the ground, Theseus returned to Athens, where he sacrificed the Bull to the God Apollo, immortalising it as the constellation Taurus. The legend of Theseus and the Marathonian Bull has endured over time, symbolising bravery and heroism in the face of adversity.
This timeless tale serves as a reminder of the power of determination and courage and the ability of individuals to overcome even the most formidable challenges. It also highlights the importance of being vigilant and standing up to bullies and tyrants, no matter how intimidating they may appear.
Europa
Europa reaching out
In the ancient tale of Europa, she is portrayed as a helpless victim of abduction. She was the daughter of King Agenor and Telephassa of Phoenicia. Some historians and scholars even speculate that she might have been the mother of Europe, the continent. After being abandoned by Zeus, Europa married Asterius, the prince of Cretan, and together they raised their children. Eventually, Europa became the first queen of Cretan. However, there is very little information available about her life after the incident of her kidnapping. After her disappearance, Agenor, her father, dispatched her brothers to search for her. But, despite their best efforts, they eventually gave up and moved on. According to Lucian of Samosata, the temple of Astarte, located within Phoenician Sidon's territory, was considered sacred to Europa. This temple was dedicated to Astarte, a goddess associated with fertility, love, and war. Europa is believed to visit this temple to offer her prayers and seek solace.
“There is likewise in Phœnicia a temple of great size owned by the Sidonians. They call it the temple of Astarte. I hold this Astarte to be no other than the moon-goddess. But according to the story of one of the priests, this temple is sacred to Europa, the sister of Cadmus. She was the daughter of Agenor, and on her disappearance from Earth, the Phœnicians honoured her with a temple and told a sacred legend about her; how that Zeus was enamoured of her for her beauty, and changing his form into that of a bull carried her off into Crete. This legend I heard from other Phœnicians as well, and the coinage current among the Sidonians bears upon it the effigy of Europa sitting upon a bull, none other than Zeus. Thus they do not agree that the temple in question is sacred to Europa”
In Greek mythology, Europa is a figure whose story has been retold in various versions. According to some accounts, she was abducted by the Cretans and taken to Crete rather than being taken by Zeus. Her abduction was supposedly done as an act of retaliation for the kidnapping of Io, another character in Greek mythology who is connected to the Taurus constellation. Despite the different versions of the story, the myth of Europa has endured. It is often associated with the creation of the Taurus constellation. The tale of Europa ultimately ends on a positive note, with her living happily ever after.
Constellation Taurus
Birds in form of Constellation
Taurus The Bull is a prominent constellation that can be seen facing the sunrise. It comprises seven bright stars, each with its unique position forming the Bull's forehead and face. One star is located on each horn, eye, and the middle of its forehead, while one is at the base of its horns. The Bull's front half is visible, with its knees appearing to sink into the Earth. The area between the Bull's body and its tail is home to a group of seven stars known as the Pleiades, also called the Hyades. According to Greek mythology, these stars were the seven nurses of Dionysos, who were once nymphs of Dodona. Zeus is said to have placed them in the stars to care for Ino, a daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia. The Pleiades are one of the most famous open star clusters in the sky and are a popular target for stargazers.
The Glyph
The Symbol of Taurus
I created the Glyph as a necklace to represent the connection between Taurus and the Bull. The Glyph consists of the Bull and its horns, which serve as antennas to enhance Taurus's five senses. The Bull was designed to appeal to all the senses, which is why the Glyph was made this way.
Touch - "Just then, Europa had a strange desire to want to touch and toy with The Bull, wiping away the foam from his mouth."
Sight - "Noticing the magnificent bull from afar, the maidens stood amazed, watching The Bull edging closer."
Hearing - "Suddenly, The Bull softly kneeled at Europa's feet, with every movement sounding like the sweet sounds of the flute of Mygdony."
Smell - Upon The Bulls' approach, the maidens, intoxicated with the divine fragrance, stood in awe until The Bull stopped and stood before Europa."
Taste - "Hang an arrangement of flowers around The Bulls' neck and even a kiss from the maidens."
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