Page 5 - EuropeFlipBook1to14

the Greeks mythology was a sort of collective memory, a repository of stories which

embodied psychological, supernatural and historical truths and experiences. They
taught the Greek lessons about their relationships with each other and with their
gods. These lessons were sometimes self-evident; for example when humans were
punished for offending the gods with their excessive pride and arrogance. But often
their meanings are obscure or ambiguous. The myth of Europa seems to fall into this
category. Any significance “Europa” may have for “Europe” has to be read into it by
ourselves. But then this was one of the functions of myth. Poetry has its own truth.

Below are Ovid’s poem about Europa and some background information about the
myth.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT EUROPA

1 The Birth of Europe – Map of the Roman Empire

2 The Rape of Europa by Ovid (From "Metamorphoses," Book II, 846-875)
“Majesty is incompatible truly with love; they cohabit
Nowhere together. The father and chief of the gods, whose right hand is
Armed with the triple-forked lightning, who shakes the whole world with a nod, laid
Dignity down with his sceptre, adopting the guise of a bull that
Mixed with the cattle and lowed as he ambled around the fresh fields, a beautiful animal, colored
like snow that no footprint has trodden
And which no watery south wind has melted. His muscular neck bulged,
Dewlaps hung down from his chin; his curved horns you might think had been hand carved,
Perfect, more purely translucent than pearl. His unthreatening brow and
Far from formidable eyes made his face appear tranquil. Agenor's
Daughter was truly amazed that this beautiful bull did not seem to
Manifest any hostility. Though he was gentle she trembled at first to
Touch him, but soon she approached him, adorning his muzzle with flowers.