Running Head: THE IMPORTANCE AND LASTING LEGACY OF APHRODITE 1

The Importance and Lasting Legacy of Aphrodite

Brisa Torres

e3 Civic High
THE IMPORTANCE AND LASTING LEGACY OF APHRODITE 2

Abstract

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. She was important to the ancient greeks

because she brought love and happiness to relationships. In todays world, we still see evidence

of Aphrodite in areas like in books and in art.

Keywords: Aphrodite, Greek mythology, goddess of love, and beauty

THE IMPORTANCE AND LASTING LEGACY OF APHRODITE 3

The Importance and Lasting Legacy of Aphrodite

Greek mythology can be defined as something that is connected to religion in the greek world

and explained the origin and lives of the gods, according to Mark Cartwright. Greek mythology

may have originated because in the past people may have started making rumours about ancient

greeks and they may have believed in it. Many scholars have written about the influences of

Greek mythology, including sports like in the olympic games, and fashion. Greeks relied upon

their gods and goddesses for help and support. One influential goddess in ancient Greece was

Aphrodite because of her ability to affect emotions and fertility. Aphrodite also had power over

men and is known as the goddess of love.

Body

Identity 3

Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, and love. Aphrodite Is also known as Venus in Roman

Mythology. She is well known for being beautiful and mischievous. Aphrodite is also admired

and loved by everyone, especially men. This shows that Aphrodite is often successful at being
attractive to men and bringing couples together. However, one mistake that Aphrodite makes

often is making sure someones life isnt the best or she makes the choice of killing them if

she/he is more attractive than her. This shows that she struggles with having one person be more

better good looking than her. So while Aphrodite is famous for being beautiful and mischievous,

she also has a problem with people who are better looking than her.

Importance

THE IMPORTANCE AND LASTING LEGACY OF APHRODITE 4

Aphrodite is important to Greek Mythology because she would bring love to a situation. Like for

example, she would make a relationship work. One interesting myth associated with Aphrodite is

the story that says that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, the other that when Cronus cut off

Uranus genitals, he threw them to the sea, and after some time, the genitals started to create foam

and Aphrodite was born from this foam, floating on a scallop shell. This story shows that

Aphrodite is special in a way that she was unexpected. Therefore, she is important to Greek

Mythology because she is special and has the ability to do many things that involve both good
things and bad things referring to love and death. Further, she is related to many other gods and

goddess. For example, her mother is Dione and her father is Cronus. Aphrodite also has siblings

including step brother and sister named Ares, Athena, Apollo, Artemis Dionysus, Hebe, Hermes,

Heracles, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Perseus, Minos and the Muses.These relationships also

make Aphrodite important to Greek Mythology because they all are children of Zeus who also is

important in greek mythology since he was god of the sky and the ruler of olympian gods

Modern Relevancy

Aphrodite sometimes exists in our modern day world. She influences love and beauty in the real

world because she represents that in greek mythology. Further, she can also be read in a book.

For example, the book called Legendele Olimpului makes an allusion to Aphrodite. In the

book the author talks about Aphrodite, her story, and about many other greek gods. These

modern references to Aphrodite show that characters in Greek Mythology still influence our

world today in love, beauty and in many representations like in a book.

THE IMPORTANCE AND LASTING LEGACY OF APHRODITE 5

Conclusion

Though the influences of Greek mythology are present in only symbolic ways, it is clear that

Aphrodite has made a lasting impact on modern culture. Without Aphrodite, ancient Greece

would have never experienced good relationships or have a happy life. Likewise, our modern

society would lack love and beauty. The symbolic meaning of the life of Aphrodite is significant

still today because "she inspired love and lust among the gods and mortals and also all the

creatures that live on land or in the sea" according to Nicos Stylianou. While modern man may

not hold the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks, it is evident that ancient and modern worlds

come together when we consider the myth of Aphrodite.

 References

-"Aphrodite Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Aphrodite." Greek Gods & Goddesses.
N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

-"The Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology." The Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

-"Greek Goddess Aphrodite." Goddess Names. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.