Ancient Greece

Greek Mythology and Celestial Patterns

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Greek Mythology and Celestial Patterns

Each constellation in ancient Greek mythology was linked to a specific story involving gods, heroes, or mythical beings. These tales were deeply ingrained in Greek culture, influencing their religious beliefs, ethical principles, and societal standards. The constellations visually represented these myths, immortalizing the characters and their actions in the stars forever. They not only served as navigational aids but also as sources of motivation and creativity. When Greeks gazed at the night sky, they saw their gods, heroes, and moral lessons depicted among the stars.

Andromeda, Cassiopeia & Cepheus

Perseus and Andromeda, by Charles André van Loo, 1735-40, via the National Gallery of Art, Washington
Perseus and Andromeda, by Charles André van Loo, 1735-40, via the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Andromeda’s tragic narrative originates from her mother Cassiopeia’s hubris, who boasted about her daughter’s beauty, claiming she surpassed the sea nymphs, the Nereids. This arrogance offended the sea god Poseidon, who dispatched a monstrous sea serpent, Cetus, to wreak havoc on their kingdom. Seeking guidance from an oracle, King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia decided to sacrifice Andromeda to the sea creature to appease Poseidon.

Consequently, Andromeda was chained to a rock, awaiting her doom. Perseus, returning from his conquest of the Gorgons, was enchanted by her loveliness and agreed to vanquish the monster in exchange for marrying Andromeda. The gods honored Andromeda, her parents, and Perseus by placing them in the sky as constellations.

Perseus 

The constellation of Perseus symbolizes the heroic feats of the legendary figure. Perseus, born from the union of Zeus and the mortal Danaë, was destined for greatness. Despite being cast out to sea by King Acrisius, he survived and grew up on the island of Seriphos.

Perseus Beheading Medusa, by Francesco Maffei, 1650, via Gallerie Accademia Venezia
Perseus Beheading Medusa, by Francesco Maffei, 1650, via Gallerie Accademia Venezia

One of Perseus’ most famous exploits was defeating the fearsome Gorgon, Medusa, known for turning people into stone with just a glance. With the help of the gods, Perseus managed to behead Medusa by using his shield to avoid her gaze.

On his journey back home, Perseus continued to showcase his bravery by rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster. By using Medusa’s head to petrify the creature, he saved Andromeda and eventually married her. Unfortunately, in fulfilling a prophecy, Perseus unintentionally caused the death of his grandfather, King Acrisius.

In honor of his extraordinary achievements, the gods immortalized Perseus as a constellation in the sky. The Perseus constellation can be found in the northern hemisphere, next to other constellations like Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and Pegasus.

Ursa Major & Minor

“Ursa Major” in Urania’s Mirror, by Sidney Hall, 1825, via Wikimedia Commons
“Ursa Major” in Urania’s Mirror, by Sidney Hall, 1825, via Wikimedia Commons

The mythological origins of the Ursa Major and Minor constellations are rooted in the story of Callisto, a nymph who was devoted to Artemis. Zeus, enchanted by Callisto, disguised himself as Artemis and seduced her, resulting in her pregnancy with his child, Arcas. When Artemis discovered Callisto’s pregnancy, she expelled her from her group in anger. Zeus’ wife, Hera, transformed Callisto into a bear out of jealousy.

Years later, Arcas, now a skilled hunter, encountered the bear that was once his mother. To prevent a tragedy, Zeus transformed both Arcas and Callisto into bears and placed them in the sky as the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor constellations, symbolizing their eternal unity in the heavens.

Orion, Scorpius, & The Pleiades

The Orion constellation is another well-known constellation in the night sky. Orion, a powerful hunter of immense size and skill, was born from the union of the Gorgon Euryale and Poseidon, the god of the sea. One legend about Orion involves his arrogant claim of being able to defeat any creature on Earth, which angered Gaia.

Orion Constellation, by Johann Bayer, 1661, via Wikimedia Commons
Orion Constellation, by Johann Bayer, 1661, via Wikimedia Commons

In retaliation, Gaia sent a scorpion to punish Orion, leading to a fierce battle that resulted in the demise of both. In honor of their epic struggle, Zeus immortalized them as constellations in the night sky. Orion became a prominent constellation, while the scorpion became Scorpius, positioned on the opposite side of the night sky.

One myth surrounding Orion involves his pursuit of the Pleiades, seven sisters who were daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Orion relentlessly chased the Pleiades across the sky, but the sisters sought divine protection and were transformed into doves. They were then placed among the stars as the Pleiades star cluster.

Heracles

The Apotheosis of Hercules, by Giandomenico Tiepolo, 1731-1736, via Thyseen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional
The Apotheosis of Hercules, by Giandomenico Tiepolo, 1731-1736, via Thyseen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional

The Heracles constellation, named after the Greek hero, depicts a figure kneeling with a club in hand. Heracles was born out of Zeus’ infidelity, as he disguised himself as Alcmene’s husband to be with her. Despite his divine lineage granting him extraordinary abilities, it also brought him many challenges. In a moment of madness induced by Hera, Heracles tragically killed his own wife and children.

As punishment for this act, Heracles was tasked with completing the Twelve Labours. These labours included defeating formidable foes like the Nemean Lion, the Hydra, and the Stymphalian birds. He also had to capture creatures such as the hind of Artemis, the Erymanthian boar, and the Cretan bull. Additionally, he cleaned the Augean stables, stole the mares of Diomedes, the girdle of Hippolyta, the cattle of Geryon, and the apples of Hesperides. His final task was to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the underworld. Through these challenges, Heracles proved his ability to overcome impossible odds, redeem himself, and earn his place among the stars.

Leo (The Lion)

Hercules and the Leon of Nemea, by Peter Paul Rubens, 16-early 17th century, via Wikimedia Commons
Hercules and the Leon of Nemea, by Peter Paul Rubens, 16-early 17th century, via Wikimedia Commons

The Leo constellation is linked to the Nemean Lion, a fierce creature that was defeated by the hero Hercules. Sent by the gods to sow fear in Nemea, the lion had a golden hide that made it impervious to regular weapons. Hercules’ initial labor was to kill the Nemean Lion and retrieve its hide. Realizing his weapons were ineffective against the lion, Hercules strangled it with his bare hands, emerging victorious.

He then used the lion’s impenetrable skin as a protective covering, symbolizing his triumph. The constellation portrays a majestic lion figure, easily recognizable by its distinctive shape resembling a backward question mark representing the lion’s head.

The Hydra 

Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, by Gustave Moreau, 1875-1876, via Useum.org
Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, by Gustave Moreau, 1875-1876, via Useum.org

The Hydra constellation, the largest of the 88 modern constellations, is inspired by the myth of a monstrous serpent with multiple heads. This creature had the ability to regenerate heads, making it a formidable foe for if one head was severed, two more would grow in its place. Its toxic breath and venomous bites added to its lethal nature.

Heracles was tasked with slaying the Hydra as part of his Twelve Labours. With the assistance of his nephew Iolaus, Heracles devised a plan to defeat the creature. While Heracles cut off the Hydra’s heads, Iolaus used a burning torch to cauterize the wounds, preventing new heads from sprouting.

Aquarius (The Water Bearer)

Ganymede, by Gabriel Ferrier, 1874, via Wikimedia Commons
Ganymede, by Gabriel Ferrier, 1874, via Wikimedia Commons

The Aquarius constellation is associated with the myth of Ganymede, a young man whose beauty captivated Zeus. Zeus, disguised as an eagle, abducted Ganymede from Mount Olympus and brought him to the realm of the gods. There, Ganymede became the divine cupbearer, responsible for serving ambrosia to the gods. The image of a figure pouring liquid from a vessel can be seen in the Aquarius constellation.

Gemini (The Twins)

A Statue of Aphrodite and Eros, 100-160 BCE, via the British Museum

The Gemini constellation is linked to the story of Castor and Pollux, twin brothers born to different fathers. Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndareus of Sparta, while Pollux was the divine son of Zeus, who had transformed into a swan to seduce their mother, Leda.

Known for their bravery and skills in combat, the twins engaged in heroic adventures. When Castor died tragically, Pollux implored Zeus to reunite them. Touched by Pollux’s sorrow, Zeus immortalized the twins as the Gemini constellation.

Greek Mythology and Pisces (The Fish)

A Statue of Aphrodite and Eros, 100-160 BCE, via the British Museum
A Statue of Aphrodite and Eros, 100-160 BCE, via the British Museum

The Pisces constellation is connected to the escape of Aphrodite and Eros from the monstrous Typhon. Typhon, a creature with a hundred dragon heads sent by Gaia to attack the gods, prompted Aphrodite and Eros to transform into fish to evade danger. The constellation depicts two fish swimming in opposite directions and is visible during autumn in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere.

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