Pasiphae is a mythological figure from Greek mythology known for her association with the Minotaur. The spelling of her name, /pəˈsɪfəi/, can be traced to its original Greek form, Πασιφάη. The IPA transcription reveals that the stress falls on the second syllable and that the letter combination "ph" represents the sound /f/. This spelling convention is common in Greek words, where the letter "phi" is pronounced as /f/. The word "Pasiphae" has been adopted in various fields, including astronomy, where a moon of Jupiter bears her name.
Pasiphae is a figure in Greek mythology, specifically in the ancient Cretan version of the myth, known primarily for her role as the wife of King Minos and the mother of the Minotaur. According to legend, Pasiphae was the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and Perse, an Oceanid nymph. She married Minos, the famed king of Crete, who was also renowned for his wisdom and dominion. However, Pasiphae's fate took a tragic turn when she incurred the wrath of the gods.
The defining moment in Pasiphae's tale revolves around her peculiar desire and subsequent union with a bull. This bizarre attraction was a divine punishment inflicted upon her by Poseidon, the god of the sea, as revenge against her husband. As a result of this union, Pasiphae became the mother of the Minotaur, a half-human, half-bull monster.
Pasiphae's name is often associated with themes of passion, forbidden desires, and the consequences thereof. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the gods and the inevitable fallout that can occur when boundaries are crossed. Pasiphae represents the dark side of human nature, the unstoppable force of desire, and the destructive consequences that can arise from succumbing to one's impulses. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the potential consequences of giving in to unchecked desires.
The word "Pasiphae" has its origin in Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek name Πασιφάη (Pasipháē), which is a compound word consisting of two elements: "Pasipha" (Πασιφά) and "e" (η), denoting the possessive feminine form.
In Greek mythology, Pasiphae was the daughter of Helios (the sun god) and Perse (an Oceanid nymph). She became the wife of King Minos of Crete and the mother of several mythological figures, including the Minotaur.
Pasiphae is renowned for her unusual love affair with a white bull, which was a result of a curse by Poseidon. This union led to the birth of the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull.