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Seafoam's Kiss ~ Handmade Candle inspired by Aphrodite (Venus)
‘Seafoam's Kiss’: A Homemade Artisanal Candle Inspired by Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, Beauty, Pleasure, Desire, & Procreation
She who rises with the tide and awakens longing with a glance
Seafoam’s Kiss is the whisper of waves against bare skin, the radiant shimmer of dawn upon the water, and the irresistible pull of Aphrodite’s divine embrace. It opens with the top breath of the sea, marine air infused with the delicate sweetness of honeydew melon and the crisp bite of apple, evoking the moment when the goddess first rose from the foam, laughter curling like mist upon the tide. At its heart, lily of the valley and jasmine bloom like soft petals carried upon ocean currents, their fragrance innocent and intoxicating, as fleeting as a stolen glance yet as eternal as love itself. Beneath it all, the base notes of sandalwood and musk linger like sun-warmed skin kissed by salt and desire, grounding the scent in a sensual warmth that is both ethereal and deeply, beautifully human.
Seafoam’s Kiss is a hymn to love in all its forms: playful, passionate, and as boundless as the sea.
Curious about how the layers of scent unfold? Learn more about scent profiles ~ top, heart, and base notes at this blog post: Scent Profiles, Top, Heart, and Base Notes.
Our candles are lovingly handcrafted in our home studio, Nimue’s Lair, nestled in Walnut Creek, CA. Each one begins with a luxurious blend of coconut-apricot wax, carefully infused with premium fragrance oils. Poured by hand into elegant glass vessels and amber jars, they’re finished with hand-cut labels and enchanted final touches. Every candle is a small ritual, infused with magick, intention, and the quiet glow of story.
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Scent Notes:
Top: Marine, Honeydew Melon, Apple
Heart: Lily of the Valley, Jasmine
Base: Sandalwood, Musk
Seasonal Resonance: Summer’s Tide 🌊☀️
A fragrance as refreshing as a sunlit wave, where ocean breezes meet ripe summer fruit, filling the air with vibrancy and light. Crisp, aquatic, and subtly sweet, this scent embodies the carefree essence of long summer days by the water.
🌊 Primary Category: Marine & Ozonic
A fresh marine note anchors the fragrance, capturing the invigorating rush of ocean mist and cool coastal air.
🍈 Secondary Category: Citrus & Fruity
Honeydew melon and apple lend a juicy, sun-ripened sweetness, balancing the aquatic freshness with a touch of summer’s lush abundance.
A scent that mirrors summer’s rhythm: bright, breezy, and endlessly refreshing. ☀️✨
Please visit this blog post for more information on Scent Profiles, Top, Heart, and Base Notes.
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12 oz Deluxe – Amber Aura Glass · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 60+ hours
Bold and enduring, this candle fills your space with myth and memory. Crafted for spacious sanctuaries, this candle shines in wide-open living rooms, high-ceilinged studios, and sacred hearths ~ places where scent is free to roam and the flame becomes a luminous companion to stillness and story.8 oz Classic – Amber Jar · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 50–60 hours
A perfect size for quiet corners and thoughtful pauses. Let it warm your reading nook, home office, or bedside altar, where its flame flickers like a whisper of intention.4 oz Petite – Amber Jar · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 20–25 hours
Small in size, rich in presence. This candle is ideal for travel, gifting, or sanctifying intimate spaces - guest rooms, personal altars, or quiet corners where scent and flame are invited to linger with intention. -
For detailed information about our waxes, wicks, fragrance blends, and vessels, please see our Ingredients & Materials Guide.
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For guidance on how to tend your flame with care, ensuring the cleanest, safest, and most enchanting burn, please visit our Candle Care Guide.
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Please visit the Shipping and Returns Information page for details.
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All photographs, images, and written content on this website are original works of Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC (doing business as Hekate’s Flame Apothecary) and are protected by copyright. They may not be used, altered, shared, or reposted on any platform without explicit written consent. All label designs, photos, images, and content are the exclusive property of Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC.
For inquiries regarding the use of our content, please contact: care@hekatesflame.com
© 2025 Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC. All rights reserved.
Content Warning:
This post explores ancient myths that include themes of violence, including assault and warfare, which may be sensitive for some readers. Please proceed with care and be mindful of your well-being while engaging with these stories.
Aphrodite: Exploring the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Desire in Greek Mythology
When we think of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire, her name evokes images of feminine allure, passion, and romance. She is often idealized as the ultimate figure of physical beauty and charm, immortalized in art like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and ancient statues that capture her radiant presence. However, Aphrodite, as with many figures in Greek mythology, is far more complex than these depictions suggest.
The Dual Nature of Aphrodite: Love and Control
Beneath her beautiful exterior lies a goddess intertwined with the intricacies of power, control, and fear. Aphrodite was revered for her beauty and influence over gods and mortals, mainly through the power of desire. Her myths reveal a dual nature that reflects both the wonders of love and the dangers of unbridled passion.
She embodies two distinct aspects: Aphrodite Urania, who represents sacred, heavenly love, and Aphrodite Pandemos, the goddess of physical love and earthly desire. These dual forms demonstrate the complexities of her influence, from the loftiest forms of spiritual connection to the passionate bonds of mortal relationships.
Aphrodite's Magical Girdle: Symbol of Irresistible Power
One of the most potent symbols of her dominion over desire is her magical girdle.
This belt made anyone who wore it irresistible. More than just a symbol of beauty, the girdle embodies Aphrodite's unparalleled ability to manipulate the hearts and minds of gods and mortals alike. Its power transcends mere attraction as it grants the wearer the ability to charm and bend others to their will. Even Hera, queen of the gods, sought out this girdle to rekindle Zeus's affections, demonstrating Aphrodite's unique hold over relationships at the highest levels of the divine hierarchy. This girdle's influence serves as a reminder that while Aphrodite's beauty is often idealized, it is her control over desire that renders her truly formidable.
Beyond its divine applications, the girdle's symbolic reach extends to mortals. It highlights how love and attraction can be forces of manipulation and control, influencing not just personal relationships but entire social dynamics. The girdle is more than a tool; it represents the often perilous intersection between love, power, and control, reminding us that desire can lead to chaos when unchecked.
Aphrodite's Mythological Origins: From Sea Foam to Goddess of Love
Aphrodite's mythological origins vary, but they all speak to her profound connection with the natural and supernatural worlds. In Homer's Iliad, she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, born from the union of two Olympian deities and representing love and attraction. Yet, the more famous version of her birth comes from Hesiod's Theogony, where Aphrodite emerges from the foam of the sea, her body formed when Uranus' severed genitals were cast into the ocean by his son, Kronos. This imagery of Aphrodite rising from the sea speaks to her connection to creation and the life-giving forces of nature. Her association with water, a symbol of fertility and regeneration, places her firmly in the domain of both love and life.
This duality in her origins reflects the broader complexity of her character. Born from an act of violence yet embodying love and desire, Aphrodite is a figure who encompasses both harmony and chaos. She represents the creation of life and the potential for disruption that love and desire can bring to the social order.
Aphrodite's Sacred Sites and Symbols
Her sacred sites, such as Cyprus, Cythera, and Corinth, were centers of devotion, further emphasizing her influence.
The temple at Paphos housed one of her most revered statues: a conical stone symbolizing the eternal aspect of her beauty and love. Additionally, Aphrodite was sometimes venerated as a black statue, a practice that echoed later reverence for Black Madonnas, showcasing her deep connection to ancient fertility traditions and primal forces.
Aphrodite's Cultural Origins and Foreign Influences
Aphrodite's introduction into Greek mythology is a testament to her role as the goddess of love and desire and reflects a rich tapestry of cultural exchange between Greece and its Near Eastern neighbors. Scholars have noted striking similarities between Aphrodite and older goddesses such as Ishtar from Mesopotamia and Astarte from the Levant, both of whom represent love, beauty, fertility, and war. These goddesses were venerated long before Aphrodite's emergence in Greek mythology, suggesting that these powerful deities may have influenced her image as she was assimilated into the Greek pantheon.
The Influence of Ishtar and Astarte on Aphrodite
Ishtar, one of the most significant goddesses in ancient Mesopotamia, shared many attributes with Aphrodite. She was the goddess of love, fertility, and sex but was also known as a fierce warrior. This combination of love and war is a characteristic that Aphrodite would later inherit, as evidenced by her close association with Ares, the god of war. Ishtar's dual role as a nurturer and a destroyer is echoed in Aphrodite's dual nature—she is a goddess of harmonious, romantic love and a deity capable of inspiring obsession, jealousy, and destruction.
Similarly, Astarte, a goddess worshipped in the Eastern Mediterranean, also influenced the Greek conception of Aphrodite. Like Ishtar, Astarte was a goddess of love, fertility, and war. Her worship spread throughout the ancient world, particularly in Cyprus, one of Aphrodite's most significant cult centers. As Aphrodite's mythology developed, these Near Eastern influences were woven into her character, shaping her role as not only a goddess of love but also a potent symbol of fertility and the forces of nature.
However, what differentiates Aphrodite from her Near Eastern counterparts is how she was adapted and integrated into the broader framework of Greek religion. While Ishtar and Astarte were often depicted as autonomous and formidable forces, Aphrodite's power was frequently contextualized within the relationships and dynamics of the Olympian gods. In contrast to Ishtar, who commanded armies and engaged directly in battles, Aphrodite's influence in Greek mythology was often indirect, working through her ability to manipulate desire and relationships.
Her worship in Cyprus, Cythera, and Corinth also reflects the blending of Greek and Near Eastern traditions. In Cyprus, where Astarte's cult was strong, Aphrodite was revered as a goddess tied to fertility and nature, further highlighting the cultural syncretism that shaped her mythology. This blending of traditions enriched Aphrodite's character, making her a more complex figure whose attributes transcended the boundaries of both Greek and Near Eastern religious practices.
Thus, while Aphrodite may have originated from these foreign influences, she evolved into a distinctly Greek deity, embodying the cultural values and anxieties of the society that worshipped her. Her assimilation into Greek mythology highlights the exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations and underscores her adaptability as a symbol of love, power, and beauty across cultures.
Aphrodite as a Goddess of Beauty, Power, and Desire
Aphrodite's association with beauty is central to her myth. From ancient statues like the Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles to modern depictions, she has long been portrayed as the embodiment of feminine beauty. Praxiteles' statue, one of the earliest famous nudes, was so lifelike that Aphrodite herself was said to have humorously asked, "When did Praxiteles see me naked?" as a playful acknowledgment of her iconic form. Her nudity, often a key feature of these depictions, highlights the power her physical appearance holds over both gods and mortals. In her most renowned portrayals, she is shown emerging from the sea or bathing as symbols of purification and renewal but also of vulnerability and sensuality. These images underscore not just her beauty but the influence and control it affords her in the mythological realm.
The Role of Beauty in Aphrodite's Power
Yet, Aphrodite's beauty is not just an aesthetic quality but a source of power. In a patriarchal society like ancient Greece, beauty and sexuality were seen as tools that could be used to manipulate and control. Aphrodite's ability to inspire desire made her one of the most influential figures in Greek mythology. Her power extended beyond personal relationships and into the broader social order. In a society that sought to regulate women's roles and bodies, Aphrodite's beauty was admired and feared for the potential chaos it could unleash.
The Trojan War: How Aphrodite's Influence Sparked Conflict
The story of the Trojan War is a prime example of how Aphrodite's influence could lead to disaster. When Paris, the prince of Troy, was asked to judge a contest of beauty between Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena, Aphrodite promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. This promise set off a chain of events that led to the Trojan War, illustrating the destructive power of desire when it is unchecked. Aphrodite's role in this myth shows how love and beauty, wielded without restraint, can lead to conflict and devastation.
Aphrodite's Dual Nature: Love, Revenge, and Power
While Aphrodite is often associated with romantic love, her myths reveal a darker, vengeful side.
Her domain concerns not only mutual affection and harmonious relationships but also obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. This duality in her character is seen in several myths, particularly the story of Hippolytus, the son of Theseus.
Hippolytus, a devout follower of Artemis, rejects Aphrodite's realm of love and sexuality, choosing instead to dedicate himself to chastity and the hunt. In doing so, he defies the traditional gender roles that governed Greek society, where marriage, love, and procreation were central to both men's and women's lives. Aphrodite, angered by his rejection, takes revenge by causing his stepmother, Phaedra, to fall in love with him. Phaedra's unrequited love eventually leads her to falsely accuse Hippolytus of impropriety, and he is condemned by his father, Theseus.
Hippolytus, a devout follower of Artemis, rejects Aphrodite's realm of love and sexuality, choosing instead to dedicate himself to chastity and the hunt. In doing so, he defies the traditional gender roles that governed Greek society, where marriage, love, and procreation were central to both men's and women's lives. Aphrodite, angered by his rejection, takes revenge by causing his stepmother, Phaedra, to fall in love with him. Phaedra's unrequited love eventually leads her to falsely accuse Hippolytus of impropriety, and he is condemned by his father, Theseus.
Aphrodite's Wrath: The Tale of Eos and Tithonus
Aphrodite's wrath is also evident in the tale of Eos and Tithonus. When Eos, the goddess of dawn, had an affair with Ares, Aphrodite punished her by making Eos fall in love with the mortal Tithonus. As Tithonus aged endlessly without dying, this cruel fate showed how Aphrodite could wield love as a weapon of retribution.
Aphrodite's power over desire extends far beyond human relationships. In the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, she walks through Mount Ida, and her beauty causes the wild animals to fawn over her joyfully. Pleased by their adoration, she sparks their desire, leading them to pair off. This moment demonstrates how her influence can spread across nature and creatures, highlighting her dominion over the forces of attraction and love in all forms.
Aphrodite's Children: Eros, Anteros, and Hermaphroditus
Her influence is also represented in her children, particularly with Ares, the god of war. Their son, Anteros, symbolizes the complexities of mutual love and shared tenderness. Often depicted in art wrestling with Eros, the god of desire, Anteros personifies the tension between different forms of love: unrequited and mutual, physical and emotional. This dynamic highlights Aphrodite's nuanced grasp over love, both as a force that binds and a force that can lead to conflict.
With Hermes, Aphrodite gave birth to Eros (Cupid), the god of passion and desire, who would later play a central role in inspiring love in both gods and mortals. Another child, Hermaphroditus, embodies male and female aspects after merging with a nymph, symbolizing Aphrodite's connection to love's unifying and transformative powers.
Sappho and Aphrodite: The Goddess's Role in Human Love
Her active role in human love is also captured in the works of the poet Sappho, who prays to Aphrodite for help in matters of the heart. According to the myth, the goddess swiftly answers Sappho's call, descending in a chariot pulled by sparrows to assure her that the object of her affection will soon reciprocate. This demonstrates Aphrodite's responsiveness to mortal pleas, emphasizing her control over desire and relationships.
Love and Chaos: Aphrodite's Influence in the Myth of Phaedra
In this myth (mentioned above) and others, Aphrodite embodies the patriarchal fear of female sexuality and its potential to disrupt the social order. Her manipulation of Phaedra's desire is a reminder of how women's emotions were often seen as dangerous and destabilizing forces that needed to be controlled. Aphrodite's actions in this myth also highlight the consequences of rejecting societal norms as Hippolytus' refusal to engage in love and sexuality ultimately leads to his death.
The Power of Love and Its Consequences
Aphrodite and Adonis: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Rebirth
Aphrodite's relationships with gods and mortals further illustrate the complexities of love and desire. Her affair with Adonis, a mortal of extraordinary beauty, is one of the most famous examples of her vulnerability to love. In this myth, Aphrodite falls deeply in love with Adonis, but their relationship is marked by tragedy. Adonis is killed by a boar while hunting, and Aphrodite's grief is a poignant reminder of the fragility of beauty and desire.
Adonis' tale becomes even more intricate due to the involvement of Persephone, the queen of the underworld. According to myth, Adonis was shared between Aphrodite and Persephone, spending part of the year with each goddess. This arrangement symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, reinforcing Aphrodite's connection to love and the inevitability of loss.
Aphrodite's grief over Adonis further emphasizes her dual role as a goddess of life and death. She transforms him into an anemone flower, a symbol of the very cycle central to her mythology. This link to nature highlights her power as a fertility goddess, whose influence extends beyond human relationships to encompass the forces that govern life itself.
Aphrodite's Influence Over Mortals: The Story of Anchises
Another significant lover of Aphrodite is Anchises, a Trojan prince. In a moment of divine intervention, Aphrodite disguises herself as a mortal maiden to seduce him. After they sleep together, Aphrodite reveals her true identity, leaving Anchises terrified of Zeus's potential wrath. She warns him never to disclose their affair lest Zeus strike him with a thunderbolt. Despite her warnings, Anchises eventually reveals their secret, and true to her prophecy, Zeus punishes him for it. This story demonstrates the dangerous and overwhelming force of love and desire under Aphrodite's influence, even when directed at mortals.
Aphrodite and Ares: The Intersection of Love and War
Aphrodite's affair with Ares, the god of war, presents yet another dimension of her influence over love and violence. Their relationship, though passionate, is fraught with complications. In the Odyssey, Aphrodite's husband, Hephaestus, catches the lovers in a golden net and traps them for the other gods to see. The gods laugh at the scene, amused by their entanglement and Ares' humiliation.
Yet, Aphrodite remains undeterred. After the gods' ridicule, she retreats to Paphos, where she bathes, is anointed with oils, and is dressed by the Graces. This moment of renewal emphasizes Aphrodite's resilience. No matter how much one tries to shame or crush her, she emerges more beautiful and desirable than ever. This is the essence of Aphrodite's power: her allure is unstoppable, strengthening her influence over gods and mortals. In the Radio 4 podcast, Natalie Haynes captures this beautifully: "This is Aphrodite's secret - no matter how much one tries to crush her, she will rise again, making people want her even more."
Pygmalion and Aphrodite: Love Brought to Life
Aphrodite's influence also extended to human creations. In the myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue of his own making, Aphrodite's power is shown in a different light. Moved by his devotion, she brings the statue to life, transforming his art into reality and allowing him to experience the love he desired. This story illustrates Aphrodite's unique ability to animate desire, blurring the line between the real and the imagined and demonstrating her control over the very essence of love, even when directed at inanimate objects.
The Intersection of Aphrodite's Myths and Patriarchal Control
Aphrodite's myths are filled with examples of how ancient Greek society sought to regulate and control female sexuality, reflecting broader societal anxieties about women's autonomy. In a culture where women's roles were defined primarily by their relationships to men, whether as wives, daughters, or mothers, Aphrodite stood out as a powerful figure whose influence transcended these boundaries. As the goddess of love and desire, she embodied forces that were revered and feared. Her ability to inspire passion, disrupt social order, and challenge the conventions of marriage made her a figure of immense influence, but also one that patriarchal society sought to control.
The Story of Phaedra: A Cautionary Tale of Female Desire
The story of Phaedra and Hippolytus, for instance, highlights the patriarchal fear of women's emotions and sexuality. Phaedra's forbidden desire for her stepson Hippolytus leads to chaos, demonstrating the dangers of unchecked female desire in a society that prizes sexual restraint, particularly for women. This myth reinforces the belief that women's emotions, especially their desires, needed to be contained and governed by male authority figures, lest they unravel the moral fabric of society.
Similarly, Aphrodite's ability to manipulate others through desire, as seen in her intervention in the Trojan War or in her magical girdle, both subverts and reinforces patriarchal values. On the one hand, her power over love and attraction subverts traditional gender norms, placing a woman in control of one of the most influential forces in both the mortal and divine realms.
On the other hand, her mythological role often reduces her to an object of control herself. Despite her power, male gods frequently attempt to limit or shame her influence, as seen when Hephaestus traps her in a net with Ares, exposing her affair to the ridicule of the other gods. This scene illustrates how even the most influential female figures could be subjected to male control and public humiliation in a patriarchal society.
Aphrodite's Power and Resilience in a Male-Dominated World
Yet, Aphrodite also defies these attempts to control her. After being caught in Hephaestus' trap, she retreats to Paphos, where she bathes and is anointed with oils, emerging more beautiful and desirable than ever. Her resilience in the face of humiliation reflects her unbreakable connection to beauty, love, and renewal, forces that societal norms cannot contain. This scene symbolizes her enduring power; no matter how much one tries to shame or diminish her, she rises again, more alluring and influential than before. In this way, Aphrodite's myths both uphold patriarchal fears of female sexuality and subvert them by showing her as a figure whose allure and influence transcend attempts at control.
This tension between reverence and regulation is central to understanding Aphrodite's role in ancient Greek culture. Her myths offer a nuanced reflection of how women's power, particularly in the realms of love, sexuality, and beauty, was both celebrated and feared. While Aphrodite represents the ideal of feminine beauty and the power of love, she also embodies the dangers of uncontained desire, illustrating how patriarchal society sought to control and regulate the very forces that she wielded with such mastery.
Aphrodite's Role in Nature and Renewal
Aphrodite's Sacred Animals and Plants: Symbols of Love and Fertility
Aphrodite is deeply entwined with the natural world and its cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Her sacred creatures, such as goats, dolphins, swans, doves, and sparrows, embody the harmonious forces of love, beauty, and fertility. These animals, revered in her mythology, further highlight her dominion over the natural world and the essential energies that drive creation.
Sacred plants also hold a significant place in Aphrodite's lore. Apples, roses, and pomegranates symbolize love, beauty, and fertility, reinforcing her association with life's generative forces. The rose, in particular, holds a special connection to Aphrodite. According to myth, the flower grew from the tears she shed for Adonis, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of loss. This duality of life and death, creation and destruction, permeates her myths, illustrating the depth of her influence over all forms of love, whether human, divine, or natural.
Water and Copper: The Elemental Power of Aphrodite
Moreover, her elemental associations with water and copper root her even more deeply in the forces of nature.
Water, the source from which she emerged, symbolizes fertility and regeneration. At the same time, copper, known for its malleability and beauty, reflects Aphrodite's transformative power. Together, these natural elements highlight her capacity to inspire desire and attraction, renew life, and maintain the delicate balance between love and destruction in the natural world.
Aphrodite's Lasting Influence on Love and Power
Aphrodite's myths continue to captivate modern audiences, offering a nuanced exploration of love, beauty, and power. Her dual nature, both a nurturing force of creation and a destructive agent of desire, reflects the complexities of human relationships and the societal norms that seek to regulate them.
Examining Aphrodite through the lens of ancient Greek culture reveals a goddess who embodies both the allure and the danger of female power. Her stories, shaped by the patriarchal values of the time, offer insight into how society sought to control and contain women's influence, particularly when it came to love and sexuality. Yet, despite these efforts, Aphrodite remains a figure of immense power, a reminder that love, in all its forms, cannot be easily controlled or confined.
References:
BBC. (2024, July 22). Natalie Haynes stands up for the classics: Aphrodite. BBC Radio 4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021b11
Hamilton, E. (2017). Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition): Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. Hachette UK.
Haynes, N. (2023). Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth. Pan Macmillan.
Illes, J. (2010). Encyclopedia of spirits: The ultimate guide to the magic of fairies, genies, demons, ghosts, gods & goddesses. Harper Collins.
Littleton, C. S. (2002). Mythology: the illustrated anthology of world myth & storytelling. Duncan Baird.
Monaghan, P. (2014). Encyclopedia of goddesses and heroines. New World Library.
“I will sing of stately Aphrodite, gold-crowned and beautiful, whose dominion is the walled cities of all sea-set Kypros (Cyprus). There the moist breath of Zephyros the western wind wafted her over the waves of the loud-moaning sea in soft foam, ad there the gold-filleted Horai (Horae, Seasons) welcomed her joyously. […] Hail, sweetly-winning, coy-eyed goddess! Grant that I may gain the victory in this contest, and order you my song. And now I will remember you and another song also.”
