The myth of Hymenaeus, the Greek god of marriage

The myth of Hymenaeus is one of the most romantic in Greek mythology and, unlike others, it does not narrate the plot of a tragedy, but rather speaks of the determined struggle of lovers to consecrate their love.

The myth of Hymenaeus is closely related to marriage. It is not clear if the word “hymen”, which corresponds to the membrane present in the vaginal opening of virgin women, comes from the name of this god or if the name of the god was created based on that word. Most likely, the latter occurred.

As is often the case in Greek mythology, there are several versions of the myth of Hymenaeus. One of them points out that this minor god was the son of Dionysus, god of wine and fertility, and Aphrodite, goddess of sex and beauty. Another version states that he was the son of Apollo, god of beauty and music, and one of the muses, probably Calliope, muse of epic poetry and eloquence.

There is a third version about the origin of the myth of Hymenaeus. In this our character is not a god, at least in principle, but a mortal son of Magnes. In all three versions it is said that he was a young man of extraordinary beauty. However, in this particular case it is pointed out that he was so good-looking that Apollo fell in love with him and never left the house where the boy lived.

“Marriage is the principal cause of divorce”.

-Groucho Marx-

The myth of Hymenaeus

The central legend of the myth of Hymenaeus is based on the idea that he was a mortal. In fact, he was a young man of extraordinary beauty, but of very low birth. He had the misfortune of falling in love with the daughter of one of the richest men in Athens and this meant an impossible love.since his humble background ruled out any possibility of a marriage with the girl.

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His enchantment led him to follow the girl everywhere, without her noticing. Wherever she went, there he was, admiring her. Since he was always close to her, he could also hear her conversations. He well he found out that she, along with other women was going to make a procession to Eleusis, to offer a sacrifice to DemeterGreek goddess of agriculture.

The myth of Hymeneo tells that the young man saw there an opportunity to get closer to the young woman. He then decided to dress up as a woman and join the procession. since the presence of men was not accepted there.. Hymeneo’s beauty was such that he was easily mistaken for another woman and embarked without problem.

An opportunity that he took advantage of

The ship left with the procession, but shortly after they were intercepted by some pirates . They took possession of the boat and the women who were going there. They directed the ship to a deserted place on the coast. When they arrived, they were tired and that’s why they decided to go to bed and sleep. Hymenaeus was attentive and saw this as an opportunity.

The young man discovered his identity in front of the girls who accompanied him and organized them. Together they attacked the pirates and managed to reduce them and then kill them all.. By then, the woman she loved had also fallen in love with him.

Hymeneo steered the boat and left the girls in a safe place. Then he went to Athens and told what had happened. He announced that he would only return all the women if in exchange they gave him marriage to the woman he loved.. The Athenians accepted his request willingly and, as agreed, the preparations for the marriage began.

Cupid blowing the torch of Hymenaeus, sculpture by George Rennie

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A myth that became tradition

The myth of Hymeneo tells that the wedding was prepared with the greatest care. Both he and the woman were deeply in love by then and all the Athenians celebrated that this was so. On the day of the wedding, once the ceremony was over, Hymenaeus suddenly fell to the floor. He was dead.

Immediately, both the dead man and the woman began to utter heartfelt lamentations. Both denied their fate and prayed to the gods not to take away their happiness. One of the guests at the wedding was Asclepius, god of medicine and healing. Moved by the couple’s crying, he decided to intervene and managed to resurrect Hymeneo.

Since then, He was given the task of attending all weddings. If he did not do so, this was considered an omen of misfortune for the couple who married.. That is why the Greeks, every time a wedding was celebrated, shouted “Hymenaeus! Hymenaeus!” It was a way to make him present and thus fill the union with good luck.