Selene

Clipeus Selene Terme

Sarcophagus Selene Endymion Met 47.100.4ab n03

Statua di Selene

Figure of Selene from, "Flora, seu florum...", Ferrari 1646 Wellcome L0007609

Diana-selene, da originale ellenistico, da porta s. sebastiano 02

Wall painting - Selene and Endymion - Pompeii (VI 9 6-7) - Napoli MAN 9240

Selene is the goddess of the moon in ancient Greek mythology. She is known for her enduring symbolism of the moon and the night, and her myths are rich with themes of light, beauty, and romantic longing. Selene is often depicted as a beautiful woman riding a silver chariot pulled by two horses, but she can also be represented riding an ox or a bull, showcasing her connection to various aspects of lunar symbolism.

Mythology

Selene is a daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, making her a sister to Helios, the god of the sun, and Eos, the goddess of the dawn. This divine lineage establishes her as a significant deity in the Greek pantheon, embodying the celestial balance between night and day. Selene's most famous myth involves her love for the mortal Endymion. According to the legend, Selene fell deeply in love with the beautiful shepherd and asked Zeus to grant him eternal sleep so she could visit him every night without disturbing his peace, a tale that highlights themes of eternal love and beauty.

Worship and Cult

The worship of Selene was not as widespread as that of some other Greek deities, but she was nonetheless an important figure in ancient Greek religion and culture. Her cult was closely associated with that of her brother Helios, and her influence was often merged with that of Artemis, another lunar deity who represented the hunt and virginity. Selene's presence was invoked during certain lunar festivals and she was honored in art and literature for her beauty and her gentle, nurturing night light.

Iconography

In ancient Greek art, Selene is commonly depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead, signifying her dominion over the night sky. She may also be shown with a torch, symbolizing the light she brings to the night, and wearing a billowing cloak that represents the sky. The imagery surrounding Selene is rich with lunar symbolism, including the phases of the moon and its effect on the earth, particularly in relation to women, fertility, and agriculture.

Legacy

Selene's legacy extends beyond ancient mythology into modern times, where she continues to be a symbol of the moon's beauty and mystery. Her name has been used in literature and popular culture to represent femininity, mystery, and the night. The scientific term "selenography," used to describe the study of the moon's surface, derives from Selene, further cementing her association with the moon in the contemporary imagination.

See Also

• Lunar deity
• Greek mythology
• Mythology of the moon