Aphrodite

Aphrodite, also known as Venus, is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She is also a protectress of sailors. According to Hesoid, she was born from sea-foam. However, according to Homer, she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione.



Stories:
 * Believed no man was good enough for her, so Zeus married her to Hephaestos (lame and ugly god)
 * When Trojan prince, Paris, was asked which goddess was the most beautiful, he picked Aphrodite (over Hera and Athena)
 * Hera and Athena bribed him with power and victory, but Aphrodite offered the love of the most beautiful woman in the world (Helen of Sparta/ Troy)
 * Paris eloped with Helen of Troy
 * Hera and Athena were enemies with them
 * Aphrodite stayed loyal

Children:
 * with Ares: Phobos, Deimos, Hamonia
 * with Hermes: Hermaphroditus
 * with Anchises: Aeneas

Famous Artwork: The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli Year: 1486 Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch Year: between 130 - 100 BCE

Symbols:
 * swan
 * dove
 * scallop shell
 * dolphin
 * lovebirds
 * golden apples
 * pomegranates
 * roses