Hermaphroditus

Hermaphroditus was a figure in Greek mythology born to the gods Aphrodite and Hermes. According to Ovid's account, Hermaphroditus was born as a strikingly beautiful boy. The etymology of his name reflects his parentage, being a combination of his father Hermes and mother Aphrodite.

As a descendant of Atlas through his father Hermes (whose mother Maia was Atlas's daughter), Hermaphroditus was occasionally referred to as Atlantiades.

The Myth of Transformation

Ovid tells that Hermaphroditus was raised by naiads in Mount Ida's caves in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey). At fifteen, seeking adventure beyond his familiar surroundings, he journeyed to Lycia and Caria.

In the woods near Halicarnassus (now Bodrum, Turkey), he encountered the nymph Salmacis by her pool. Captivated by his beauty, she attempted to seduce him but was rejected. Later, believing himself alone, Hermaphroditus undressed and entered the pool. Salmacis emerged from hiding and jumped in after him, embracing him against his will and praying to the gods that they never be separated.

The gods granted her wish, merging their bodies into "a creature of both sexes." Afterwards, Hermaphroditus prayed to his parents that anyone else bathing in the pool would undergo the same transformation, and this wish was also granted.

Alternative Accounts

The Hungarian classical philologist Károly Kerényi considered this version of the story relatively recent, connecting it to Greek myths about male youths (ephebes) like Narcissus, Hyacinth, and Hymen, who had associated hero-cults.

Diodorus Siculus in his "Library of History" mentions alternative views: some considered Hermaphroditus a god who occasionally appeared among humans, while others viewed beings of two sexes as rare anomalies that could foretell the future.

A wall inscription discovered in Halicarnassus presents a different narrative, with Aphrodite entrusting the infant Hermaphroditus to Salmacis for nurturing and care, contrasting significantly with Ovid's account.

Lucian of Samosata suggests that Hermaphroditus was born with dual characteristics rather than being transformed later, attributing this to his father Hermes' nature.