The
Legend of Aries In Greek mythology, Aries was believed to be the first sign of the zodiac. It is associated with the Ram, a powerful and brave creature known for its leadership and determination. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, known for its fiery energy and ambition. Here are some of the stories and legends surrounding this dynamic sign. The Golden Fleece One of the most famous stories involving Aries is the legend of the Golden Fleece. According to the myth, King Athamas of Boeotia had two children with his first wife, Nephele: Phrixus and Helle. When Athamas married Ino, she grew jealous of the children and plotted to have them killed. However, before she could carry out her plan, Nephele sent a magical ram with golden fleece to rescue her children. Phrixus and Helle rode on the ram's back as it flew over the sea, but Helle fell off and drowned in the water below. The ram brought Phrixus safely to Colchis, where he was welcomed by King Aeetes and his daughter Medea. To thank the ram for his heroic act, Phrixus sacrificed it to the gods and hung its golden fleece in the sacred grove of Ares. This golden fleece became the object of desire for many heroes, including Jason and his Argonauts, who embarked on a perilous journey to retrieve it. The Courageous Ram Another legend associated with Aries is the story of the courageous ram who helped Atalanta and Meleager defeat the Calydonian Boar. The boar was a fierce creature that had been sent by the gods to punish King Oeneus for neglecting to honor them with his sacrifices. Atalanta, a skilled huntress, was one of the few who dared to face the boar head-on. Meleager, a brave warrior, also joined the fray and led the charge against the beast. However, they soon found themselves in a desperate situation, as the boar attacked them relentlessly. In their moment of desperation, a brave ram appeared and charged at the boar, distracting it long enough for Atalanta and Meleager to strike the fatal blows. The ram's courage and sacrifice were honored by the gods, who placed it among the stars as the constellation Aries. The Birth of the Ram In yet another version of the Aries myth, the ram is not a rescuer or a warrior, but rather the result of a strange love affair between Hermes and Aphrodite. The two gods had a secret romance, which angered Hephaestus, the husband of Aphrodite. In revenge, Hephaestus created a ram with wings and a golden fleece and sent it to ram into Hermes and Aphrodite as they lay sleeping together. The force of the ram's charge made them fly apart and wake up, but they were delighted by the sight of the beautiful creature. They decided to keep the ram as a symbol of their love and placed it among the stars as the constellation Aries. From then on, they were even more determined to keep their love a secret, fearing the wrath and jealousy of the other gods. Conclusion The stories and legends surrounding Aries are as varied and dynamic as the sign itself. Whether it's the heroic sacrifice of the Golden Ram, the courage of the Calydonian Ram, or the strange romance of the Winged Ram, each story speaks to the qualities of bravery, determination, and ambition that are associated with Aries. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries sets the tone for the entire astrological year, inspiring us all to lead with courage and confidence.