Greek god gay

However, the love story between Achilles and Patroclus is different, with Patroclus only being slightly older, with the couple growing up together. These myths offer a lens through which to explore timeless themes of love, identity, and societal values. In response, Dionysus honored him by transforming him into the first-ever hyacinth flower. Quite the opposite, in fact. 

The word originates from the Greek God Hermaphroditus, who was the fully male son of Hermes – the messenger of the gods – and Aphrodite, mentioned earlier on this list.

However, it is interesting to note that the retelling of their relationship followed the conventions of the typical ancient Greek homoerotic affair, with a more powerful protector figure (Poseidon in this case), becoming romantically involved with a younger figure (Pelops). Definitely a tale of loss and drama worthy of Shakespeare, and although the moral standing of a lot of his story divides opinions, the fact history still remembers Antinous’ name is undoubtedly remarkable.

#5) Apollo

Seen as the most handsome and spectacular god of all, Apollo is the patron of music, archery, truth, and healing, representing all of the most famed strengths and powers of the ancient Greeks.

The emperor Hadian responded to his death by having the young man considered a martyr, a hero, and a god, and held a ceremony to facilitate his ascension to divinity. Like we said above – Zeus really had some issues when it came to choosing his partners. 

He was known for often transforming between forms, genders, and even species to further his affairs with men and alike.

Ganymede was the son Dardania’s Tros, from whom the name of the city Troy supposedly comes, but the names of the rest of his family vary depending on the historian consulted. In a world striving for inclusivity, the acceptance of diverse relationships in ancient Greek culture serves as a reminder of humanity’s capacity to embrace love in all its forms.

Conclusion

Homosexuality in Greek mythology is a testament to the complexity and richness of ancient Greek culture.

Famous for featuring in a range of classically inspired movies and having given a story behind the saying ‘Achilles’ Heel’, this great soldier isn’t exactly a deity himself, but his recorded deeds in life gave him a god-like status and a devoted following both in legend and real life. 

One of the less-told parts of Achilles’ story, however, is the fundamental fraction including his close relationship with fellow Greek warrior Patroclus.

Not only that, but their form was seen as a symbol of unity between men and women, and was used as a patron of weddings and other such ceremonies between dedicated couples. Even the name of Ganymede’s father differs from legend and account, although most agree upon the fact that it was indeed Tros.

With his parentage and familial status laid aside, however, the most famous part of Ganymede’s story lies in his abduction and subsequent anointment as the cupbearer of the gods.

After this point, Dionysus was nearly always accompanied by Satyrs – creatures notorious for having unstable carnal appetites – and shared relationships with his disciples with seemingly little regard for gender, while also engaging with all genders casually.

#3) Aphrodite

Perhaps the second or third most famous deity out of all of those on this list, coming just shortly after Zeus and Achilles, Aphrodite’s character in mythology certainly lives up to the reputation that her name has in modern culture. 

Her origins are deeply entwined with the island nation of Cyprus, where she is said to have emerged from the ‘aphrós.

You could argue same sex attraction was so normalised that in these ancient tales there was no need for clarification or emphasis on queerness, because for that audience there did not need to be. In neighbouring Sparta, the Sacred Band of Thebes is a well-known army of a hundred and fifty pairs of male lovers who fought in fourth century BC. This army is partially a product of the close connections formed by men in the military, with service being compulsory until you were considered an elder.  

Despite some homosexual practices being accepted, like in the military and brief affairs to boost status, queer love was still restricted, with only certain privileged groups being able to indulge.

While many tales of Poseidon stem from the embellished accounts of philosophers rather than the ‘original’ myths that were an integral part of ancient mythology, these stories still clearly showcase the sea god’s vengeful disposition. Well – thanks to both classical legend and the works of famous Greek poet Sappho, Aphrodite is known as the patron goddess of lesbians, and is said to have taken on many female lovers herself, following after the rest of her kin in maintaining a largely bisexual approach to intimacy.

Despite the fact that her image was strongly forbidden by the church of the Middle Ages, Aphrodite remains perhaps one of the most influential figures in Greek legend, with many aspects of culture stemming from her personage and name, including several other gods in other religions or systems of mythology than ancient Greece’s own. 

4#) Antinous

While Antinous joins the rank of figures on this list that were not strictly gods – or at least were not born gods, and later adopted into divinity in respect for the merit of their deeds in mortal life – Antinous’ story is incredibly influential in Greek legend, given the sheer scale of mourning and theatre surrounding his death and his annotation as part of the gods.

Antinous was a Greek youth taken under the wing of the Roman emperor Hadian as a court favorite and lover after being introduced to the ruler several years earlier.

The Greek god Zeus is a prime example; Zeus is most famous for being the King of Gods, overthrowing his father Cronus and exploiting his thunderbolt weapon. Ancient Greek society was known to be more fluid, driven by lust and status, and not restricted to the binary notions of sexuality with which we are familiar. In fact, many societal issues that we have today were not present in old times, especially when it came to gender and gay relationships. 

While the wear of time has naturally eroded away most of what was back then, a thousand or even many thousands of years ago, our modern technology and dedicated research has allowed us to form well-educated opinions and theories about what life was like, and what the people who came before us achieved.

Achilles and Patroclus therefore defy stereotypical ancient Greek labels of dominant and submissive male lovers, going against contemporary societal norms and standing as anomalies in the chronicles of ancient Greek mythology.  

As well as the abundance of same sex male relations evident in Greek mythology, there are also Gods who are presented as genderfluid, intersex and/or androgynous.

However, the ancient world, including its narratives of gay Greek gods, presents a significantly different reality than many might expect. There is an overemphasis on Poseidon’s sexual relationships with women, simply because most of his lovers were female.