Adonis and Aphrodite (1)

Text
pseudo-Nonnus, Invective 2.38 (Scholia):
Myrrha was the daughter of a man called Kinyras. She slept with her father and had a child by him. Being afraid and not enduring the shame, she exposed the child that had been born on a mountain. The so-called nymphs, who are called oreiades, took him and brought him up. He was fair to look at. Aphrodite, as she is called, a dissolute lady, fell in love with him, (but) her rival lover Ares, being jealous of him, took the form of a wild boar and killed him. Aphrodite mourned him and was seized by uncontrollable grief. Not being able to bear (her) love, she descends to Sheol to seek for her beloved. She besought Pluton to honour her with him, but his wife Persephone hindered this request, being much taken by Adonis. But, Aphrodite persisting in her request, it was settled that between the two of them the share of him should be divided, and with the one he should be above on earth, but with the other in Sheol. Having done this, therefore, Aphrodite sent to her worshippers (saying) ‘Adonis is alive’, so that, ceasing from mourning and weeping, they should perform festivities.

Source (list of abbreviations)
pseudo-Nonnus, Invective 2.38 (Scholia)

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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