Aphrodite: The Origins and History of the Greek Goddess of Love

by Charles River Editors

The fact that she was seen as possibly being the catalyst of all creation not only adds to her character, but also paints a more beautiful image of universal creation than exists in most modern cultures today. If love, not “obligation”, “necessity”, or “fancy”, was the driving force behind the religious idea of creation, then love becomes a powerfully divine act in and of itself. Creating the universe for no more reason than to receive worship is the act of a selfish god, whereas Aphrodite’s role in the creation myth of the ancient Greeks was one of curiosity and generosity. Furthermore, since she was an androgynous goddess, the domain of love and seduction is not reserved for just one half of the sexes. Hers is as much a universal role, as it was a role in creating the universe.