The Story of Pygmalion and Galatea :: Cyprus Mythology

The Story of Pygmalion and GalateaIf you gods can pass by all things, may I have as my wife, I ask one like the ivory maiden. PygmalionPygmalion, the mythical king of Cyprus, had many problems when geological dating women. He always seemed to accept dates from the wrong women. Some were rude, others were selfish he was revolted by the faults nature had placed in these women. It left him feeling in truth depressed. He eventually came to despise the female gender so much(prenominal) that he decided he would never marry any maiden. For simplicity and solace, he turned to the arts, finding his talent in sculpture. Using charming skills, he carved a statute out of ivory that was so resplendent and delicate no maiden could compare with its beauty. This statute was the gross(a) resemblance of a living maiden. Pygmalion fell in love with his basis and often laid his had upon the ivory statute as if to reassure himself it was non living. He named the ivory maiden Galatea and adorned her lovely figure with womens robes and placed rings on her fingers and jewels about her neck.At the festival of Aphrodite, which was keep with great relish throughout all of Cyprus, lonely Pygmalion lamented his situation. When the time came for him to dissemble his part in the processional, Pygmalion stood by the altar and humbly prayed If you gods can divide all things, may I have as my wife, I pray he did not dare say the ivory maiden that instead said one like the ivory maiden. Aphrodite, who also attend the festival, heard his plea and she also knew of the thought he had wanted to utter. display her favor, she caused the altars flame to flare up three times, shaft a long flame of fire into the still air.After the daytimes festivities, Pygmalion returned home and kissed Galatea as was his custom. At the warmth of her kiss, he started as if stung by a hornet. The arms thatwere ivory now matte soft to his touch and when he softly pressed her neck the veins throbbed with life.