A-Z: General definitions: Europa

Definition

Usually considered to be the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre or Sidon and son of Poseidon. Zeus saw Europa gathering flowers with her friends near the sea shore and desired her. He changed himself into a tame white bull, allowing her to feed him and to hang garlands on his horns. He lay down and she climbed on his back. He then rushed into the sea with her. He took her to Crete. They had three sons: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon. Europa married Asterius, King of Crete. 'Europe' is derived from her name.

Related Topics

Minos; Minotaur; Asterius; Rhadamanthys; Sarpedon

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