Amalthea’s Connections

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Relationships & Genealogy(9 connections)

About Amalthea

Guards
  • The divine goat Amalthea nursed the infant Zeus in secret on Crete, sustaining the hidden child with her milk until he was strong enough to challenge Kronos.

Associated with
  • Amalthea, Adrasteia, and Ida together nursed the infant Zeus in his Cretan cave. Amalthea provided milk while the two nymphs, daughters of Melisseus, tended to the child according to Apollodorus.

  • After Amalthea's death, Zeus fashioned her hide into the aegis, the fearsome goatskin shield that became one of his primary divine attributes. Ancient etymologists connected aigis to aix (goat).

  • The young Zeus broke off one of Amalthea's horns while playing, which became the Cornucopia, the horn of plenty that overflowed with whatever its possessor desired.

  • While Amalthea nursed the infant Zeus in the Cretan cave, the Curetes clashed their shields and weapons outside to drown out the baby's cries and prevent Kronos from discovering him.

  • Amalthea nursed the infant Zeus in secret on Crete as part of Rhea's plan to prevent Kronos from swallowing the child as he had devoured his other offspring.

  • Rhea arranged for the divine goat Amalthea to nurse the infant Zeus in the Dictaean Cave on Crete, sustaining the hidden child who would overthrow Kronos.

  • After Amalthea's death, Zeus honored his divine nurse by placing her among the stars as Capella in the constellation Auriga, according to Hyginus and other astronomical mythographers.

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