Since the relationships of the Olympian gods can be somewhat confusing, it helps to have a family tree of Aphrodite nearby as you study Greek mythology. The goddess of love and beauty had many consorts, so this type of diagram can really help you understand the family relationships.
Aphrodite's Family Tree
It can be difficult to establish a timeline for Aphrodite's liaisons. However, according to Theoi.com, Aphrodite was already involved with Ares at the time she married Hephaestus. She continued to be Ares' lover throughout her marriage, and they are the parents of Eros. She was also married to Hephaestus during her affair with Poseidon.
Click on the name of any god or goddess to see a little more information about that individual.
Aphrodite's Parents and Birth
Like many ancient gods and goddesses, the myth of Aphrodite's creation has several versions. In one story, which is somewhat graphic and bloody, Aphrodite was born when Cronus, one of the Titans, cut off the genitals of Ouranos, the Greek god of the sky. Cronus threw the genitals into the sea, and Aphrodite was born in the sea foam. She floated to shore on a scallop shell, which is why she is frequently depicted with seashells and other ocean images.
Another legend describes Aphrodite as being the daughter of Zeus and Dione, the original female goddess. Yet another story has her being born as an adult woman pregnant with twins. In this legend, she is the daughter of Ouranos.
Clearing Things Up
You can use Aphrodite's family tree and other mythology resources to clear up some of the confusion about Aphrodite's many relationships. These are just a few of the mysteries you can solve.
What Was Aphrodite's Relationship to Poseidon?
Aphrodite had an affair with Poseidon, but it can be difficult to determine how the two are related in the family tree. If Aphrodite is the daughter of Ouranos, as some sources suggest, then she and Poseidon is her nephew. If she is the daughter of Zeus, as other myths indicated, then Poseidon is her uncle.
Are Aphrodite and Zeus Related?
Aphrodite and Zeus are definitely related to each other, but how they are related depends on Aphrodite's origin story. If she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, then Zeus is her father. However, if she is the child of Ouranos, then Zeus would be her nephew. Zeus' father was Cronos, the son of Ouranos.
Did Hephaestus and Aphrodite Have a Child?
Although Hephaestus and Aphrodite each had children with other partners, they did not have children together. Their marriage was not happy, and Aphrodite had been forced into the marriage.
Who Are the Brothers and Sisters of Aphrodite?
The siblings of Aphrodite vary depending on the story of Aphrodite's parentage. If she was the daughter of Ouranos, her siblings include the Titans, such as Cronus, Rhea, Hyperion, and others. If she was the daughter of Zeus, her brothers and sisters include Ares, Hephaestus, Apollo, Artemis, and other Olympian gods and goddesses.
Make Sense of Mythology
As the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite figures heavily in Greek mythology. You'll find varying stories about her birth and parentage, but one thing is certain: She was the mother of many children by many different fathers. Understanding this complex genealogy will help you make sense of your mythology studies.
