[PDF] Hommage à Endymion

Was Endymion a handsome man?

Endymion was an especially handsome man and, paying such close attention to the moon that he learned to chart its cycles, Selene took notice. The moon goddess fell deeply in love with the handsome young man who she saw beneath her. Not only was Endymion a handsome man, but a few ancient sources claimed some sort of natural magic drew Selene to him.

Why was Endymion put into an eternal sleep?

There are other reasons given as to why Endymion was put into an eternal sleep; one reason being Zeus himself offered Endymion anything he desired, and it was Endymion who chose eternal, ageless sleep for himself. Or perhaps it was a punishment after Endymion made advances to Hera, in a similar way to the indiscretions of Ixion.

Who gave Endymion a chariot?

The radiant goddess [Luna-Selene the Moon] of the darksome sky burned with love [for Endymion] and, forsaking the night, gave her gleaming chariot to her brother [Helios the sun] to guide in fashion other than his own.

What is the story of Endymion based on?

The more famous story of Endymion is set in Caria, with particular association with Mount Latmos. To reconcile the myths of Endymion, some tell of Endymion departing from Elis, having left the throne to Epeus, and travelled to Caria to become a shepherd. Endymion would live in a cave upon Mount Latmos, and there he would tend to his flocks.