Language/Modern-greek-1453/Culture/The-Rapture-of-Europe
The timelessness of a myth impresses in many regions of the European and Mediterranean area with the variety in the genre in the form of representations: in mosaics, on ancient vases, on coins, on doors, in classical paintings, in modern features, in sculptures etc..
The myth of the Rapture of Europe has a special meaning, because it symbolizes the mythological roots of Europe in relation to Greek culture and on the other hand the creative adventure that is the unification of Europe. The myth states that Zeus saw Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Phenicia (today's Lebanon) and sister of Cadmus, (king of Thebes) playing with her friends on the shores.
Enchanted by her beauty, he transformed into a pale and beautiful bull and approached her calmly, while his breath smelled of roses.
With horns like a crescent each, he lay at the girl's feet. His gentleness fooled Europe and her fear was succeeded by the girl's desire to sit on his back. Quick as lightning, the bull rose and rushed into the sea so that Europe could not descend but neither and no one intervenes.
The couple accompanied a procession (dolphins, Nereids, Tritons, Poseidon) to Crete. Hooked on the horns, Europe descended from the back of the animal to Gortyna -city of the island Crete -, where the Hores prepared the bridal bed in the Diktaeon antron, the birthplace of Zeus.
From their union were born Minos, Rhodamanthys and Sarpedon.
The myth of the Rapture of Europe expresses the common heritage of Europeans: free and restless spirit, mobility and emotions, meeting of cultures.
The myth preoccupies researchers of anthropology and semiology but also inspires artists. His rich expression and interpretation express exactly the multiculturalism of Europeans and the common foundations of their culture.
The Greek 2 euro coin depicts the rapture of Europe by Taurus-Jupiter.
