Spring is the start of the plant cycle once again when flowers and plants burst into bloom for a season (or more) before naturally dying. Consequently, many flowers have become associated with symbolism and have various meanings in different cultures. However, Greek mythology probably has some of the greatest myths and legends associated with flowers and plants.
The Greek Goddess of Flowers – Chloris
In Greek mythology, the Greek goddess of flowers is Chloris; there is more written about the Roman goddess of flowers, Flora, than Chloris but it is believed that the two were closely related. However, one of the most common Greek myths about Chloris is that she became the wife of Zephyrus, the god of the west wind. Chloris was associated with spring, the beginning of new life in the plant world.
The Iris Flower in Greek Mythology
Iris is an ancient spring flower that is represented in Greek mythology by two common myths. The most common Greek myth is that the iris flower is named after a goddess of the rainbow who was a messenger of the Gods. However, an alternative Greek myth tells of the goddess Persephone. Persephone was a spring goddess who, legend tells, was gathering crocus, violet, iris, lily, larkspur and rose flowers when the God of the underworld, Haides, captured her to be his bride.
The Crocus Flower in Greek Mythology
The crocus flower is a spring/summer/fall flower, depending on species and growing location. There are several Greek myths associated with crocus, known in the Greek language as Krokus. One myth associated with crocus is the same myth associated with the iris flower which tells of the abduction of the goddess Persephone.
Another Greek myth about crocus is the tale of the Greek god Zeus who transformed himself into a bull and produced a crocus in his mouth in an attempt to seduce and spirit away the Phoenician princess Europa who was collecting flowers close by. Yet another Greek myth describes the metamorphosis of the young man, Krokus, into a crocus flower after the death of his beloved.
Larkspur in Greek Mythology
The larkspur, or delphinium, is a tall spring/summer flower, commonly associated with cottage gardens. In Greek mythology, the larkspur was sacred to Apollo. The larkspur, like many spring flowers, has several Greek myths attached to it. One common Greek myth is the same myth about the goddess Persephone which tells of the iris and crocus flower too.
Other tales about the larkspur in Greek mythology include the metamorphosis of Hyakinthos, a spartan prince, by Zephyrus into the larkspur flower, after an act of jealous anger by Zephyrus, which caused the death of Hyakinthos.
Narcissus in Greek Mythology
Narcissus, sometimes referred to as daffodil, is a spring flower which, once again, has several Greek myths associated with it. Narcissus, known in Greek as Narkissos, is associated with a variation of the Persephone myth, detailed above. In this version of the Greek myth, the goddess Persephone, whilst collecting spring time flowers was distracted by narcissus flowers, planted by Gaia the Earth; she was subsequently captured by Hades when she attempted to pick them.
Another familiar Greek myth associated with narcissus tells of the metamorphosis of Narkissos, a vain youth who was tricked into falling in love with his own reflection by the goddess Nemesis. Narkissos became obsessed with his own reflection, to the exclusion of everything else, and slowly transformed into the narcissus flower.
Plants and Flowers in Greek Mythology
There are many, many other flowers and plants in Greek mythology; these include:
- mint
- myrrh
- myrtle
- rose
- violet
- anemone
- laurel
- lily.
However, spring is traditionally the start of the new plant cycle and myths about spring flowers in Greek mythology are abundant. Like many historical tales, myths vary from storyteller to storyteller but it is interesting to note the different variations of Greek myths told about common spring time flowers.
References:
- Theoi Greek Mythology web site, accessed April 13, 2010
- Myths Encyclopedia web site , Flowers in Mythology, accessed April 13, 2010
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
