STARS PRESENTATION

Constellations

aLina Ponomaryov

07

Libra

06

Index

Virgo

05

Leo

08

Scorpio

This presentation mainly covers the Zodiac, but also includes some other constellations. (Stars are clickable)

01

Aries

04

09

Cancer

Saggitarius

03

Gemini

02

Taurus

10

Capricorn

11

Aquarius

14

Honorable Mentions

12

Disclaimer

Pisces

15

Sources

13

Lightning Round

The Zodiac and Other Constellations

The Basics

In ancient times, each constellation was related to some myth, hero, or beast.

"The Zodiac" were 12 constellations which followed the arc of the sun. Each zodiac had a month where it was particularly visible in the sky, and the signs followed one another in sequence of Aries -> Pisces.

The Greeks used the North Pole Star to orient themselves in the night sky, it was the heavenly axis around which the constellations moved. The few constellations closest to the polar star (Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco) would be visible year-round circling this axis. The rest would fade in and out throughout the year.

T h e Z o d i a c

Aries

Cancer

Gemini

Taurus

Scorpio

Leo

Libra

Virgo

Sagittarius

Pisces

Aquarius

Capricorn

The Golden Fleeced Ram features in two myths, before it is sacrificed and featured in other myths only as it's fleece: The myth of its creation, and the myth of Phrixus & Helle. While it was alive, the ram was sent by the cloud nymph Nephele to save the lives of her children Phrixus and Helle, who were about to be sacrificed to the gods by the local farmers. Nephele's ex-husband's new wife, Ino, had wanted to get rid of the twins- and so roasted the towns crop seeds and bribed the oracle to tell the farmers that they needed to make the sacrifice to appease the gods. The twins were instructed to not look down while flying the golden ram, but Helle failed to do this and fell down. The sea in which she drowned was named the "Hellespontos" (nowadays known as the Strait of Gallipoli). Phrixus survived the flight to Colchis, where he was then instructed by the ram to sacrifice it to the gods and lay it's fleece at the grove of Ares. Colchis is the same place where Jason and the Argonauts go to try and retrieve the golden fleece and meet Medea.

Aries / Krios Khrysomallos

Also known as the Golden-Fleeced Ram, born of Poseidon and Theophane while they were taking the forms of sheep.

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The "Cretan bull" was a bull sent by Poseidon from the sea by the request of King Minos, with the intention that the bull will be sacrificed to the god. But upon seeing the handsome animal, Minos decides to keep it and sacrifice a different bull instead. This action angers Poseidon, who then makes the bull rage and wreck havok on the island. Additionally, he arranged Pasiphae, Minos' wife, to develop a lust for the bull. Pasiphae, with the help of Daedalus, disguises as a cow and eventually gives birth to the minotaur, Asterios. Who is then hidden away in the lybirinth. Some connect this bull to the bull Hercules was tasked in retrieving during his 7th labour. Afterwhich it was released, and it roamed across Greece, eventually stopping at the city of Marathon where it harrased the locals. The bull was eventually slain by Theseus in Marathon.

Taurus / Tauros Kretaios

Also known as the Cretan Bull, spawned from the sea by Poseidon, and father of the Minotaur.

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During their lifetime, the twins were involved in the voyage of the Argonauts and the Calydonian Boar Hunt. They died and were granted immortality before the events of the Trojan war, where their sister, Hellen, was kidnapped by Paris (and so they did not participate). In some versions both twins are mortal, while in others Polydeuses is immortal. When Zeus offers apotheosis, he does so only to Polydeuses- but Polydueces asks Zeus to make his brother immortal as well. Zeus does so, but in return, the twins spend half a year in the underworld and half a year in the sky (which explains why the constellation dissapears from the sky for half a year). The twins were considered gods of horsemanship, protectors of guests, patron gods of the olympic games, and protectors of sailors. They were also associated with a phenomena called "St.Elmo's fire", which is explained in the following video:

Gemini / Dioskouroi

Originally born as princes to Queen Leda, King Tyndareus, and Zeus- named Polydeuces & Castor. Due to their kindness in live, they were turned into gods by Zeus.

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Karkinos was a giant crab which helped the Lernaean Hydra during her fight with Hercules. Despite being slain, it was placed among the stars by Hera in honour or its service to her.

Cancer / Karkinos

A giant crab.

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See: The crab, nipping at Hercules' leg.

The Nemean Lion is mentioned in the first labour of Hercules, where he is tasked with retrieving its hide. The Lion was said to be a beast trained and put in Nemea by Hera, to terrorize the populus there. None of the locals dared challenge it, since weapons had no effect on it. Hercules, after realizing his arrows and club were useless, wrestled the beast and chocked it to death. Afterwards, the lions pelt was stripped and turned into a cape. Some writers considered the lion a "King of Beasts", which made it worthy to be put among the stars- and not just because it was slain by Hercules during his labours. In one version of the myth, Hercules loses a finger when fighting the lion. Which seems like a comically small loss when fighting a lion, but is also impressive on the lions part (considering Hercules has the power to crush skulls and choke beasts to death with his bare hands).

Leo / Leon Nemeios

The Nemean Lion, which was impervious to weapons. Sometimes considered an offspring of Thyphon, and in other versions an offspring of Selene.

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Astrea was a goddess of justice, said to dwell among mankind during the Golden Age. She was driven away during the Bronze Age, and so to commemorate her, Zeus placed her among the stars as the constellation Virgo. It's possible the goddess was connected with the figure of "Astrape" (lightning), one of Zeus' shield-bearers (alongside "Bronte", thunder). Since the lightning bolt was associated with the deliverance of justice, and her appearance seems to fit that of a star goddess (it's similar to the depictions of the star-god Eosphoros): wings, bright halo, flaming tourch. In Nunnus' "Dionysiaca": He calls the goddess "nurse of the whole universe", and depicts Dike taking care of Aphrodite's daughter Beroe (goddess of a city which was well-known for its courts). Dike takes the star "Spica" (the brightest star of constellation Virgo), and makes it into a necklace for Beroe to wear. In the same text by Nonnus, Aphrodite mentions being sent by Dike to be the enforcer of marriage laws. She also instructs her daughter Harmonia to take care for justice (Dike), and keep harmony in the world.

Virgo / Astrea

Closely identified with the goddesses Dike and Nemesis, Astraia was the virgin goddess of justice during the Golden Age. Daughter of either Zeus & Themis, or Astraios & Eos.

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Astrea can be associated with both constellation Virgo and constellation Libra. The scales associated with Libra were possibly based on the goddess Themis' scales, who was also a goddess of justice (and mother of Astrea). Although there are several constellations associated with objects, the scales is the only such constellation which is included in the zodiac. Nowadays, the scales are still closely associated with the image of "Lady Justice", meaning this object has been used as a symbol for justice for over +2000 years. Virgo/Libra are the constellations situated in the middle of the 12 zodiac, which seems to coincide with the theme of balance.

Libra / Astrea

Closely associated with the goddesses Dike and Nemesis, Astraia was the virgin goddess of justice during the Golden Age of humanitry. Daughter of either Zeus & Themis, or Astraios & Eos.

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The giant scorpion is said to have been sent by Gaia to kill the hunter Orion. Orion was a great hunter, who spent his time hunting in Crete with the goddesses Artemis and Leto. He was confident he'd be able to best any beast sent to him, so Gaia produced a creature that would be able to slay him. When Orion died, this upset Artemis very much, and so to appease her Zeus placed Orion among the stars. In Ovid's version of the myth, the scorpion meant to try and stab Artemis, which Orion blocked (and died). And it was Leto who placed Orion among the stars, for protecting her daughter. The giant scorpion was also placed among the stars, and initially the Libra constellation represented the scorpion's claws. It is said that due to their rivalry the two constellations (scorpio & Orion) are never seen in the same sky. As if Orion is fleeing the creature that managed to best him; when Scorpion rises, Orion sets.

Scorpio / Skorpios

A giant scorpin, offspring of Gaia.

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Chiron was regarded as wisest and most just out of the Centaurs, he became the mentor for many mythological heroes. Including: Jason, Peleus, Asclepius, Aristaios, and Achilles. The spear which Achilles uses during the Illiad, he had recieved from his father (Peleus), who in turn recieved it from Chiron as wedding gift when marrying the nymph Thetis. According to myth, Chiron was the grandfather of Peleus, and great-grandfather of Achilles (from his daughter Endeis). It's said Chiron got his instruction from Apollo & Artemis, so he was skilled in hunting, medicine, music, gymnastics, and prophesy. According to Ovid and Hyginus, Hercules was also a friend of Chiron, despite accidentally killing him: When Hercules was fighting with the Erymanthian Boar, he became involved in a struggle with the centaurs (who fled to Chiron). Hercules shot an arrow at them, which was coated in Hydra-venom, and accidentally struck Chiron. The wound was incurrable and caused the centaur unbearable pain, so he decided to give up his immortality (giving it to Prometheus) and die. After this, Zeus had placed Chiron among the stars as the constellation Saggitarius.

Saggitarius / Chiron

A centaur who, unlike other centaurs (who were spawned by Nephele), was son of Kronos and Philyra.

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It's not entirely clear who Aegipan was, as in some accounts he is considered simply a Pan (who had changed shape into a half-fish entity) while others regard him as a distinct entity. During the war with Thyphon, It's said Aegipan transformed into a half-goat half-fish to hide away. Later, Aegipan (alongside Hermes) helped steal Zeus' missing sinews from the drakaina, and return them to Zeus unnoticed. For this service during the war against the Titans, Zeus placed Aegipan among the stars as the constellation Capricorn. In one version of the myth regarding the war against the titans, it is mentioned that Aegipan threw shellfish at the enemy (instead of stones). In the Oppian version of the myth, Aegipan was instead the son of Hermes. And during the war against Thyphon, helped lure him our with the promise of a fish banquet- whereupon coming to shore, Thyphon was struck down by Zeus' lightning.

Capricorn / Aigipan

The fish-tailed goat. Possibly son of Zeus and Aix.

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In one version of the myth, Ganymede was a phyrigian prince who was regarded as the most beautiful of all the mortals. Zeus noticed him, and sent a giant eagle to bring Ganymede to Olympus, where he was turned immortal and appointed as cup-bearer. When Ganymede was made immortal by Zeus, he was turned into the constellation known as Aquarius. Often associated with the constellations Aquilla (The Eagle, who had stolen him) and Crater (The cup). In a Homeric hymn: It is mentioned that as recompense for stealing away Ganymede from his father (Tros), Zeus gave him fast horses as a gift. And Hermes told Tros that his son would become an immortal among the gods. After hearing this, Tros ceased his mourning and rode his horses in joy. (These horses would later be mentioned as gift given to Hercules by King Laomedon) Ganymede is sometimes portrayed as the god of homosexual love, and so is sometimes depicted as a playmate of the gods Eros (desire) and Hymenaios (marriage).

Aquarius / Ganymede

Once a handsome Trojan prince, who was stolen away by Zeus to become cup-bearer in Olympus.

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In one myth, it is suggested that the fish likely depict Aphros and Bythos, the fish-tailed Ikhthyokentauroi (sea centaurs) who brought the just-born Aphrodite to shore. They were the brothers of Chiron, and also regarded as wise teachers. In another myth, it is suggested the fish depict Aphrodite and Eros; during the fight with Thyphon, he struck fear into the hearts of the gods, which made them transform into various animals in order to hide- Aphrodite, turned into a fish. Due to this, in the area in which the myth circulated (Syria) the locals would forego eating fish. In the same region there was also a version of the myth which depicted Aphrodite and Eros being rescued by fish while trying to escape Thyphon, acting mounts to the gods. Which acted as the explanation on why the locals didn't want to eat fish. The fish are often identified with the fish from the Asyrian myth regarding the birth of Ashtarte-Aphrodite, where they rolled the egg which contained the goddess onto shore, where it could be tended to and hatched by doves. Which due to this, the Syrians didn't eat fish nor doves. Due to their tending to Aphrodite, Zeus honoured the fish by placing them among the stars as constellation Pisces.

Pisces / Ikhthyes

The two fish, who tended to the goddess Aphrodite.

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Lightning Round

Constellations outside the Zodiac

This is a bonus section of the presentation, so it might not include all of the additional constellations. The constellations not expanded on in the lightning round will make a cameo at the end of the presentation. (Notice: Some pictures will be clickable)

Either the Altar of Zeus, at which the gods gathered before their war against the titans. Or, The Altar of Pholus- A centaur which was skilled augury (where he can be seen pouring libations in the form of the 3 constellations: The Cup, The Altar, The Centaur).

Ara / The Altar

Aphrodite & Zeus: In one myth, when Zeus wishes to seduce Nemesis, he transforms himself into a swan and Aphrodite transforms into an eagle to aid him. Due to this Aquilla and Cygnus are often associated with each other. Prometheus: In one version of the myth, Aquilla is the eagle which Zeus sent to peck at Prometheus' liver. After Prometheus is freed by Hercules, he kills the eagle with an arrow (constellation Sagitta). Zeus: It's also associated with: The eagle which Zeus sent to kidnap Ganymede (Aquarius). The eagle which gave Zeus a good omen when sacrifices were being made on the altar (Ara) before the titan war. And the eagle Zeus sent to snatch Aphrodite's sandal for Hermes, so he could have a chance to barter with her.

Aquilla / The Eagle

The ship of the Argonauts, built by Argus and Athena. After the voyage to retreive the Golden Fleece, the ship was placed among the stars as constellation "Argo".

Argo / The Silver Ship

Canis Major is sometimes identified with Laelaps, a magical dog that was destined to never give up on a chase. It was brough along to hunt the Teumessian fox, a fox which was destined to never get caught. To resolve the fate of the two animals, they were placed among the stars (the Fox sometimes being identified with Canis Minor). When identified as the dog of Orion, Canis Major is chasing the Hare (constellation Lepus).

Canis Major & Canis Minor / The Dog & Little Dog

Corvus is sometimes associated with Coronis, who bore a son with Apollo (Asclepius), but was killed by Artemis for being unfaithful to Apollo. It's also associated with the crow of Apollo, who tarried in its task to bring water for libations, and got placed in the stars as a punishment (to be thirsty forever). Ophiuchus (The snake holder) is sometimes associated with Asclepius, the physician and son of Apollo. When he dared bring people back from the dead, Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt. Afterwhich he was placed as the constellation Ophiuchus, with the snake coiled around his staff. Saggita is sometimes associated with the arrow of Apollo, which he used to strike down the cyclops (Who's forge was used to craft the thunderbolt used to kill Asclepius), and avenge his son.

Corvus - Ophiuchus - Saggita / The Crow - Asclepius - The Arrow

Constellation Heracles is most often associated with the ancient hero, who defeated many beasts in his labours. He is imagined as kneeling, raising up his club, ready to strike the Hesperian Dragon. The constellation is sometimes attributed to other mythical figures, such as Orpheus, Theseus, Ixion, Prometheus, etc. Constellation Draco is associated with the Hesperian Dragon, who used to guard the golden apples. After it was slain by Hercules, Hera placed it among the stars. It is also sometimes associated with the dragon of Athena, which was sent to attack her during the titan war, but she caught it with her hands and placed it among the stars. Constellation Hydra is often associated with the Lernaean Hydra, which was slain by Hercules along with it's ally, the Giant Crab (Constellation Cancer). It is also sometimes associated with Apollos Serpent, who guards the bowl (Crater) from the Crow (Corvus) so it can't drink from it.

Hydra - Hercules - Draco

Often associated with the Lyre of Hermes, which he crafted from tortoise shell, and later traded for the Cadeuceus staff of Apollo. It is also associated with the Lyre of Orpheus, which was placed among the stars after Orpheus' death. Or as the Lyre of Theseus, when the constellation Heracles is attributed to him. Or as the Lyre of Thamyris, a bard who was blinded by the muses, when Heracles is attributed to him.

Lyra / The Lyre

Click Me

Perseus - Andromeda - Cassiopea - Cepheus - Cetus

Honourable Mentions

A (very) brief overview of the rest

Corona / Crown

Triangulum / Triangle

Ursa - The Bears

Auriga / Charioteer

In honour of the invention of the chariot

Either the crown of Ariadne, Dionysus, or Theseus

Bears which nursed the infant Zeus with the milk of the goat Amaltheia

Divides the sky between the three sons of Cronos: Zeus, Poseidon, Hades

Honourable Mentions

Crater / Cup

Cygnus / Swan

Delphinus / Dolphin

Bootes / Wagon Driver

Son of Demeter, inventror of the wagon/plough

A cup, which Crovus is not allowed to ever drink from

Possibly pirates transformed by Dionysus

Related to the time Zeus turned into a swan and seduced Leda

Honourable Mentions

Lepus / Hare

Pegasus / Horse

Milky Way

Eridanus / River

The river from the mythical land of Hyperborea

A hare which plays chase with Canis (Orion's Dog) for eternity

The milk of a goddess (Hera, or Rhea)

The flying horse, son of Gorgon Medusa

Thank You

Sources

Theoi.com

See:

Star Myths

ToposText

See:

Hyginus (Fabulae, Astronomica) Aratus (Phenomena)