Aphrodite
	"Birth of Venus," by Sandra Botticelli, c. 1482

Aphrodite is the Goddess of sexual love and intense passion. She is said to have been an Asian Goddess imported by sea traders. In fact, one of Aphrodite's first temples is said to have been in Syria. There is a suggested connection to the Phoenician Goddess Astarte. Nevertheless, Aphrodite has become an important Greek deity.

The most commonly accepted legend about the birth of Aphrodite comes from the battle between the titan Cronus and his father Uranus. Uranus refused to allow his children to be born. At the urging of his mother Gaia, Cronus castrated Uranus, allowing his testicles to fall into the sea. A foam arose around the severed member, and it from this foam that Aphrodite was born. She emerged into the form of a beautiful woman at the island of Cyprus. Her name actually means "foam-risen."

Aphrodite possesses a magical girdle which compels anyone she wishes to desire her. She is married to the smith God Hephaestus, but only by Hera's arrangement. Her true love is Ares, the God of war. In one legend, Hephaestus catches Aphrodite in bed with Ares, catches them both in a net of gold, and displays them to all Olympus. Her many other lovers include Hermes, Dionysos and Adonis.

Aphrodite was also one of the catalysts of the Trojan War. She promised Helen of Troy, the wife of Melenaus, to the Trojan prince Paris. This provoked the battles which would eventually lead to the Trojans' defeat. Aphrodite was a protector of the Trojans throughout the entire war, and managed to preserve the Trojan royal dynasty. She helped Aenas, Anchises and Ascanius to escape to exile in Italy. There Aenas, who is also the son of Aphrodite by Anchises, founded the city of Rome. Aphrodite is therefore also considered to be a protector of this city.

In Roman mythology, Aphrodite is referred to as Venus.

Genealogy: Aphrodite is the daughter of the Titan Uranus. She is therefore a half-sister to Cronus, the father of Zeus. Her children include Deimos, Harmonia and Phobos by Ares; Aenas by Anchises; Hermaphroditus by Hermes; Hymen and Priapus by Dionysus. Some legends say that Eros is also her son by Zeus.