Ganymede

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Definition

Ganymede (pronounced GAH-nuh-meed) is a youth in Greek mythology who is abducted by Zeus because of his great beauty and brought to Mount Olympus to serve as cupbearer. The story first appears in Homer’s Iliad without any suggestion of a sexual connection, but Ganymede later became associated with male same-sex relationships and homoerotic passion.

More about: Ganymede

Timeline

  • c. 762 BCE
    Probable date of composition of Homer's Iliad which first mentions the myth of Ganymede.
  • c. 600 BCE - c. 400 BCE
    The myth of Ganymede is developed by Greek writers as an expression of the archetype of male same sex relationships.
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