**Greek Mythology – Selene**
Selene was known as a Lesser or Minor Titan, and the Goddess of the Moon. She was depicted as a woman riding sidesaddle on a horse or driving a chariot drawn by a pair of winged steeds. Her lunar sphere or crescent was either a crown set upon her head or the fold of a raised, shining cloak. She was sometimes said to drive a team of oxen and her lunar crescent was similar to a pair of bull’s horns.
Selene’s one great love was the shepherd prince, Endymion. This beautiful prince was granted eternal youth and immortality by Zeus and placed in a state of eternal slumber. Held in a cave near the peak of Lydian Mount Latmos (Latmus), it was said that his heavenly bride Selene consorted with him there during each night. The unusual relationship between Endymion and Selene would bring forth offspring, with the Greek goddess of the Moon, giving birth to the Menai, the 50 goddesses of the lunar months. There were 50 Menai, because there were 50 lunar months between Olympic Games. In typical Greek fashion, Endymion was not Selene’s only lover. The Goddess of the Moon would have other children and some writers in antiquity told tales of the four Horai, or the four seasons, being born to Selene after a relationship with Helios (her brother). It was also said that with Zeus, she might be mother to Pandeia, the beautiful Goddess of the Full Moon. As well as, Ersa, the Goddess of Morning Dew, and Nemea, the nymph of a Nemean spring. Selene may also have given birth to a mortal son, although no father is named, this son was Mousaios. Mousaios is the legendary poet often connected with Orpheus.
A number of other goddesses were also associated with the moon, however, only Selene was thought to represent as the Moon incarnate. Some other Greek Moon Goddesses include Hekate (Hecate), Artemis, Bendis, and Hera (who sometimes doubled for Selene in the Endymion myth). Plus many more!
Article by Amie Clark
Sources:
**greeklegendsandmyths.com**
**theoi.com**
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