The Legend of Cassiopeia
The Greek mythology is always very interesting to explore. Welcome back to our website. Today we will discuss about a popular constellation and how it came to be. Cassiopeia became an important constellation in the northern sky. So get ready to explore the legend of a constellation. This further proves that the ancient civilizations were great cosmologists. Enjoy reading!!
History: Cassiopeia of the Greek mythology was the queen of Atheopia and the spouse of Cepheus. She met a tragic downfall due to her vain and arrogant characteristics. In Greek her name is Kassiopeia. According to some versions, she is the daughter of Coronus and Zeuxo. However, Nonnus, the great epic poet of Greece calls her a nymph. On the other hand, in terms of Stephenus, the composer of the Greek dictionary, She is the daughter of Aeolus. The city of Jaffa near Tel Aviv derives its name from him. Previously it was known as Joppa.
Mythology: According to Greek legends, Cassiopeia always boasted of the beauty of her own and her daughter Andromeda. She even insulted the Nereids, the nymph-daughters of the sea god Nereus. Cassiopeia proclaimed that she and her daughter Andromeda were more beautiful than them. Enraged by such remarks the sea god thought of punishing both of them. This also brought the wrath of Poseidon who was then the ruling God of the sea. He ruled the kingdom of Ethiopia. According to some accounts, Poseidon decided to flood the whole country while in some other versions, he sent the sea monster Cetus to destroy it. Whatever may be the matter, both Cassiopeia and Andromenda were sacred and wanted to save their kingdom. In the process they consulted a wise Oracle. He in turn told them that only the sacrifice of Andromenda can pacify the sea god’s and save their kingdom from destruction. With no option in hand, Andromenda was chained to a rock at the edge of the sea. She was left there to be devoured by the sea monster. However, Perseus, the great warrior was passing by the side. He saw Armanda and fell in love with her. Then he defeated and killed the sea monster Cetus by his magical sword. He married Armanda and took her to his kingdom to reign as his queen. Poseidon enraged by this decided that Cassiopeia should not escape punishment. So to punish her, he placed her in heaven chained to a throne. The position of the throne referenced Andromeda’s ordeal. The constellation of Cassiopeia represents a chair which was an instrument of torcher originally. Many folklore drawings portray Cassiopeia. She is not always represented tied in a chair. However in some versions of drawing, she is shown with a mirror symbolic of her vanity. She reflects her own true vain self. In some versions, she holds a palm frond. Do you know that this Legend has a huge Cosmic science behind it. Lets find out the cosmological phenomenon attached to it.
The cosmic science behind this: The Greek civilization was indeed greatly advanced in terms of space science. The idea of naming constellations sometimes can leave you dazed. The constellation of Cassiopeia is near the Pole star and can be found at latitudes of 35 degree north during the whole year. In the countries of North to the Tropic of Capricorn, this constellation can also be seen during late spring season. However, the surprising element remains that these people knew about the constellations in the galaxy and named it based on their characteristics. Legend also has it that Big Dipper’s handle and Cassiopeia shine on opposite sides of Polaris, believing that Cassiopeia is safe away from Poseidon. So we must appreciate the extent of cosmic science during those ages.
Hence, this was the myth of Cassiopeia who is the mother of Perseus’s wife Andromeda. Perseus was the son of Jupiter and Danae. A deeper look into ancient mythologies can always stun you. Keep following us for more. We will be back with new articles for you. Till then stay safe and keep browsing.