Europa may be among the daughters of Tethys and Oceanus. She evoked Zeus’ lust when he saw her picking flowers near the Phoenician seashore. He approached her in the form of a beautiful, fragrant tri-colored bull. Europa sat on his back and let him carry her out to sea. Zeus brought her to Crete, which became their love nest. His wedding gift to her was a gold necklace crafted by Hephaestus and a spear that never missed its target. Various magical creatures were sent to serve as her guardians, including a brass dog and Talos, the brazen robot. Beneath the myth may lurk a primordial moon goddess; possibly a Minoan sacred cow.
ORIGIN:
Greece
MANIFESTATION:
A radiantly beautiful woman, possibly winged
ATTRIBUTES:
Fish, flowers, vines laden with grapes
PLANET:
Moon
Constellation:
Zeus allegedly placed Taurus in the sky to honor Europa.
SEE ALSO:
- Hephaestus
- Oceanus
- Tethys
- Zeus
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.