Assignment # 2: Attributes Part 2

Hello, it's Aphrodite again. Most of the other gods and goddesses have a long list of responsibilities. However, I only have one duty that is very important. My job is to bring love into the world. Although I have many personality flaws, I am very friendly and loving. I make a point to encourage this behavior. I am the queen of all the beasts. Although I love all wildlife, the bear, bee, deer, dolphin, goat, leopard, lion, rabbit, toad, turtle, and wolf are most sacred to me. Some plants that I share a connection with are apples, pomegranates, poppies, linden trees, myrtle, and Star of Bethlehem.  I love roses, especially rock roses and dog roses which grew from the tears I wept for Adonis. There are two main versions of the story of my birth. In one, I was born from the sea foam. In another, I am the natural-born child of Zeus and Dione and was born on the island of Cyprus near Paphos. In both versions, I consider Zeus my father. I am a common image in the Greek culture. The common theme of my worship is sexual union. As mentioned earlier, I am vain, ill-tempered, unfaithful, and jealous. I am also easily offended and selfish. Despite these flaws, many people consider me a friendly and kind person. No one can deny my charm. I do my best to carry out all my actions with love. I am very popular and am loved by many, but have only few true friends. These include my son, Eros, as well as Dionysus. I have few enemies except for those immune to my charm including Hestia, Athena, and Artemis. I also consider the whole Greek army and my daughter-in-law Psyche my enemies. Signs and symbols used to represent me include the scallop shell and other seashells, a mirror, golden apples, the Evening Star, the number 5, the ocean, and the triangle.