Story Summary
Discover the tragic romance of Selene and Endymion. Follow the Titan moon goddess as she chooses eternal sleep for her lover to preserve his beauty forever.
Every night, the Titan goddess Selene drove her silver chariot across the sky, casting her cool light upon the sleeping world. One evening, as she passed over Mount Latmus, her gaze fell upon Endymion, a mortal shepherd of such breathtaking beauty that the goddess halted her celestial path. Overwhelmed by a love she had never known, she descended to the earth to kiss the sleeping youth. However, the tragedy of mortality weighed heavily on her heart; she knew that time and death would eventually steal his perfection. Selene entreated Zeus to grant Endymion a unique fate. Zeus obliged, casting the shepherd into a state of eternal sleep and perpetual youth. Now, while the world changes and ages, Endymion remains forever young in his mountain cave, where Selene visits him every night, loving a man who can never wake to love her back.
The Moral
The desire to preserve beauty through stagnation creates a hollow existence; true love requires the growth and presence of both individuals.
“In the silver glow of the moon, love found its eternal, silent rest.”
Fun Fact
The name 'Endymion' is derived from a Greek word meaning 'to dive into' or 'to enter,' likely referring to his descent into eternal sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Selene and Endymion?
The story warns that trying to preserve perfection through stagnation leads to a hollow love. True intimacy requires the presence and growth of both individuals, rather than one person controlling the other's state of being.
Who was Endymion in Greek mythology?
Endymion was a mortal man, often described as either a handsome shepherd or the King of Elis. His extraordinary beauty was so great that it captured the heart of the moon goddess Selene.
Why did Zeus put Endymion to sleep forever?
Selene was a Titan goddess and therefore immortal, but she knew Endymion would eventually age and die. She asked Zeus to grant him eternal sleep so his youthful beauty would be preserved for all time.
Did Selene and Endymion have children?
Despite Endymion's eternal slumber, Greek mythology states that Selene and Endymion had fifty daughters together. These daughters were known as the Menae, representing the lunar months between each Olympiad.
What is the significance of Mount Latmus?
Mount Latmus is the legendary site in Caria where Selene first spotted Endymion. It became a sacred place associated with their eternal, moonlit romance and serves as his final resting place.
Is Endymion considered a god?
No, Endymion remained a mortal, but his gift of eternal sleep and agelessness placed him in a state between life and death. He is a fixture of mythological romance rather than a deity.
