In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was the Olympian goddess of love and beauty.
Aphrodite’s origins vary among ancient sources. Hesiod’s Theogony says she arose from sea foam after the severed genitals of Uranus fell into the sea, while Homer presents her as the daughter of Zeus and Dione. These different traditions show that Greek mythology did not always provide one uniform genealogy.
Aphrodite’s influence extended beyond romantic love to sexual desire, fertility, and the power of attraction. She was married to Hephaestus in many myths but was also associated with a relationship with Ares. Her role in the Judgment of Paris helped set the events of the Trojan War in motion.
Aphrodite is often confused with Hera, who governs marriage, and Artemis, who is associated with chastity and the hunt. Aphrodite’s Roman counterpart was Venus.