Selene: The Moon Goddess of Greek Mythology

Selene, known in Greek mythology as the Titan goddess of the moon, is a captivating figure often depicted gracefully riding sidesaddle on a horse or controlling a chariot pulled by two winged horses. Her head often features a radiant crown that embodies her lunar essence or a crescent shape symbolizing her dominion over the night sky. On occasion, she is described as steering a team of oxen, with her crescent likened to a pair of bull’s horns.

Selene’s romantic tale involves her deep affection for Endymion, a handsome shepherd prince. According to mythology, the mighty Zeus bestowed eternal youth and immortality upon Endymion, placing him in an everlasting slumber in a cave on Lydian Mount Latmos. Each night, Selene would descend from the heavens to be with her beloved, sharing intimate moments in the solitude of the darkened cave.

While several other deities are associated with the moon in Greek lore—such as Pasiphae, Eileithyia, Artemis, and Hekate—only Selene was portrayed by ancient Greek poets as the literal embodiment of the moon. As the moon goddess, she distinctively represented its divine aspects unlike any of her counterparts.

Selene’s Family Tree

Parents:
– Hyperion and Theia (cited in Hesiod’s Theogony)
– Alternatively, Hyperion and Euryphaessa (referenced in Homeric hymn 31)

Siblings:
– Helios (the Sun) and Eos (the Dawn)

Children:
– Pandeia, Ersa, and Nemea, all attributed to Zeus.
– Fifty daughters known as the Menai, birthed by Selene and Endymion.

Selene also appears in classical literature where her parentage and lineage are expounded further. Hesiod outlines her as the offspring of Hyperion and Theia, while other sources mention different maternal figures, further showcasing the complexities within her mythos.

The Many Facets of Selene

In classical art, Selene is often portrayed as a stunning goddess adorned with golden diadems and delicate winged forms. Her journeys across the heavens are depicted in various forms, whether riding a horse or moving across the sky in her grand chariot symbolizing her role as a celestial guide. Various ancient historians and poets like Aeschylus and Euripides describe her as an all-seeing figure in the skies, embodying tranquility and beauty amid the chaos of the night.

Significantly, during Roman times, Selene evolved into Luna, with many aspects of her worship and depictions continuing in the ensuing cultural practices. Temples were established in her honor, particularly on the Aventine Hill in Rome, solidifying her role in both Greek and Roman religious practices.

Lunar Associations and Symbols

Selene was intricately tied to the passage of time, particularly the months, which were broken down into phases determined by the moon’s cycles. Her connection to fertility and agriculture was reflected in numerous rituals, with the belief that she played a vital role in nurturing crops through her nourishing dew. This association extended to her role as a moon goddess representing childbirth, validating the cycles it brought to nature.

Poets across eras, including Sappho and Ovid, have depicted the moon supervising the birth processes, reinforcing her sacred position among women and the cycles of life.

Selene in Folklore and Ritual

Throughout ancient traditions, Selene was often associated with various phenomena, including lunar eclipses, which were sometimes attributed to magical correspondences, as with the practices of Thessalian witches who were believed to draw her down from the heavens with their spells.

The Greek months were deeply intertwined with Selene’s cycles, marking significant events in agricultural calendars and guiding festivities. She became a representation of the rhythm of life, embodying the cycles that governed both nature and human endeavors.

Closing Thoughts on Selene

In summary, Selene transcends her depiction merely as a moon goddess to become a multi-faceted archetype within Greek mythology. Her romance with Endymion, her role in various cosmic phenomena, and her representations in art and literature position her as a powerful deity, combining beauty, love, and influence over time and nature’s cycles.

The story of Selene endures, reflecting the timeless fascination with celestial bodies and their perceived roles in human life and mythology.