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In greek mythology Europa was the noble daughter of Agenor king of Phoenicia. When one day Zeus, the ruler of the Olympian gods, glimpses the young woman he is in love and wants to have her. But he has to be careful because of his jealous wife Hera. He thinks of a plan and transforms into a golden bull and swims to the shore on which Europa and her female companions are playing. The bull is gentle and handsome so that the maidens all start to stroke him. In time, Europa feels comfortable enough with the bull to climb upon his back for a little ride. As soon as she is safely seated, the bull moves toward the sea, carrying her with him. They cross the water and land on the island of Crete. Then Zeus transforms back and shows Europa his true identity, makes her his lover and queen of Crete. But she is sad, because she is separated from her family and far from home. Then the goddess Aphrodite appears and tells her not to be sad. She would be immortal now, because the continent she landed on would now and forever have her name, Europa. pencil on paper 12x15 inches 2002 |
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All pictures included in this page are copyright Trixi Leistner,
1996-2002.
Do not use them without permission of the artist!
