Selene is the Greek goddess of the Moon. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman riding a chariot drawn by white horses across the night sky.
Selene's Role in Greek Mythology
Selene plays a significant role in Greek mythology, appearing in various myths and stories:
- Daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Thea: She is often described as the sister of the sun god Helios and the dawn goddess Eos.
- Lover of the shepherd Endymion: Their love story is a popular theme in art and literature, with Selene granting Endymion eternal youth and sleep.
- Mother of several children: Her children include the fifty daughters known as the Hesperides, who guarded the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides.
Selene's Symbolism
Selene represents the beauty and mystery of the night, the power of the moon, and the cyclical nature of life. She is often associated with:
- Femininity and motherhood: As the goddess of the moon, she embodies the nurturing and protective aspects of womanhood.
- Night and dreams: The moon shines brightly in the darkness, illuminating the night and inspiring dreams.
- Cycles and change: The phases of the moon reflect the cyclical nature of life, from birth to death and rebirth.
Selene's Influence on Modern Culture
Selene's influence can be seen in modern culture through:
- Art and literature: She is a popular subject in art and literature, appearing in paintings, sculptures, poems, and plays.
- Names and places: The name Selene is still popular today, and many places are named after her, such as the Selene Crater on the Moon.
- Astrology and spirituality: Selene plays a significant role in astrology and spirituality, representing intuition, emotions, and the subconscious mind.
Selene, the goddess of the Moon, continues to inspire and fascinate people today, embodying the eternal beauty and mystery of the night sky.
