DIONE (mother of Aphrodite)
Titan · Greek goddess, mother of Aphrodite
- Parents
- Oceanus, Aether, Uranus, Tethys, Gaia
- Consorts
- Zeus
- Children
- Dionysus, Aphrodite, Niobe, Pandemos
- In the sources
- 16 ancient passages
Dione, a lovely and fair figure, is identified as one of the Titanides, the daughters of Earth, while other accounts list her among the daughters born to Ocean and Tethys.1,2,3 She was a sister to the male Titans, including Ocean and Cronus, and the accounts differ on whether her parents were Ocean and Tethys, Earth, or Aether.1 In later times, she shared a common temple with Zeus, and she dwelled in a steep home described as golden.4,5
Dione was the mother of Aphrodite, also known as Kypris, who won the prize of beauty at the cost of Helen's marriage.6,7 She was present with Leto during her prolonged labor pains.8
When Aphrodite arrived at the divine dwelling, Dione threw her arms about her and caressed her.9 Dione inquired which heavenly being had mistreated her daughter and advised her child to endure the current suffering.9,10 She noted that the gods also inflict suffering upon one another and stated that Olympian dwellers must accept suffering inflicted by humans.10
Dione recounted that Ares was imprisoned for thirteen months by Otus and Ephialtes, and that Hermes rescued him from his bronze vessel.10 She mentioned that Hera was wounded in the breast by the son of Amphitryon, and that Hades was injured by an arrow at the gates of hell.10 Paeeon healed Hades by spreading soothing herbs on his wound.10
Dione warned that Athena encouraged the son of Tydeus to fight against her child, and predicted that Aegialeia would wail for the loss of her husband Diomed.10 She predicted the son of Tydeus would face a stronger opponent than her child and warned that no man fighting gods will live long or see his children.10 Thus, Dione stood as a maternal figure on Olympus, tending to the wounds and woes of the divine family.11,9,6,7
The codex facts behind this entry
Dione is identified as one of the Titanides, the daughters of Earth. Apollodorus 1.1.3 Dione is listed among the daughters born to Ocean and Tethys. The Theogony ll. 346-370
In the myths
Dione was present with Leto during her prolonged labor pains. Hymn III to Delian Apollo ll. 89-101 Dione recounted that Ares was imprisoned for thirteen months by Otus and Ephialtes. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione explained that Hermes rescued Ares from his bronze vessel imprisonment. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione mentioned that Hera was wounded in the breast by the son of Amphitryon. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione stated that Hades was injured by an arrow at the gates of hell. Iliad 5 ¶34 Paeeon healed Hades by spreading soothing herbs on his wound. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione warned that Athena encouraged the son of Tydeus to fight against her child. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione predicted Aegialeia would wail for the loss of her husband Diomed. Iliad 5 ¶34 Dione embraced and caressed her daughter Aphrodite after she arrived at the divine dwelling. Iliad 5 ¶32 Dione inquired which heavenly being had mistreated her daughter Aphrodite. Iliad 5 ¶32
Fate
Dione warned that no man fighting gods will live long or see his children. Iliad 5 ¶34
