CLA204H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Potnia Theron, Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C., Myrrh
Document Summary
Paphos son, cinyras, has a daughter myrrha. Myrrha becomes a myrrh tree from which adonis is born. Adonis becomes aphrodite s lover, is castrated and dies in a boar hunt the short-lived flower anemone springs from his blood. A similar myth in the phrygian (asia minor) tradition cybele and attis. Also similar are the assyrian/babylonian myth of ishtar/inanna and her lover tammuz. Adonis festival may have originated from the near east: controversial festival. All greek myth = about athenian monogamy, + misunderstanding of weddings, marriages, + failed marriages. According to plato only hetaerae ( prostitutes ) participate in the adonia: festival didn"t have a good reputation, esp. in athens (although it was relatively accepted) Like plato, they believe that adonia = associated with mistresses = prostitutes. The gardens of adonis ephemeral and sterile: garden refers to ephemeral plants on rooftop gardens. Beat your breasts, maidens, and rend your garments .