Ganymede (mythology) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ganymede |
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| Cupbearer to the gods | |
Roman marble bust depicting Ganymede, dating to the 2nd century, now at the Louvre
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| Abode | Mount Olympus |
| Parents | Tros and Callirhoe or Acallaris |
In Greek mythology, Ganymede was a very handsome young man. He was known as the most beautiful person among all mortals. Ganymede was a prince from the city of Troy. His father was King Tros, and his mother was Queen Callirrhoe.
Ganymede's Story
The powerful god Zeus saw Ganymede and was very impressed by his beauty. Zeus changed himself into a giant eagle. He then flew down to Earth and carried Ganymede up to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods.
Once on Mount Olympus, Ganymede was made immortal. This means he would live forever. He was given an important job: to be the cup-bearer for the gods. This meant he would serve them drinks, especially nectar and ambrosia, which were the food and drink of the gods.
Ganymede in the Sky
Over time, Ganymede was placed in the sky as a constellation. This constellation is called Aquarius, which means "the water-carrier" or "cup-carrier." It is located next to another constellation called Aquila, which represents the Eagle.
Because of this ancient myth, the largest moon orbiting the planet Jupiter was named Ganymede. Jupiter is the Roman name for the god Zeus. The German astronomer Simon Marius gave the moon this name.
Images for kids
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Zeus carrying away Ganymede (Late Archaic terracotta, 480-470 BC)
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The Induction of Ganymede in Olympus (1768) by van Loo
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See also
In Spanish: Ganimedes (mitología) para niños
