AMALTHEAAlso known as AMALTHEIA
The Foster Mother of [ZEUS] — or possibly her goat.
One of the NYMPHS, she was called in to suckle the infant ZEUS amidst much secrecy and intrigue. At all costs CRONUS must not know of his son's existence, so she hid him in a cave on Mount Aigaion.It probably wasn't much fun hiding baby ZEUS in such a spot. Particularly as she'd employed a team of CYBELE worshippers to dance and drum and make incredibly loud noises outside the cave to ensure no-one heard baby ZEUS wailing.
Other versions of the legend claim that AMALTHEA was not so much a Nymph as a Goat. Okay, so Mount Aigaion means 'Mountain of the Goat', but that's hardly convincing proof.
In these versions, poor baby ZEUS is left to create his own entertainment as AMALTHEA the Goat would not, we imagine, be very talkative. Strictly a suckling and warmth cuddles deal there.
Goat or Nymph? Let the reader decide. Perhaps AMALTHEA the Nymph kept a goat. The answer may lie in the stars where you'll find her leading a quiet and secretive life in the constellation of Capricorn the goat.
Authors: Peter J Allen and Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.
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Godchecker's article on Amalthea is based on material from ancient texts, original references and our own research. We strive for accuracy and update regularly with new information. If you spot a mistake please contact us and we'll try to fix it.
Location : Ancient Greece
Gender : Female
Type : Spiritual Being
Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : AMALTHEIA
Popularity index : 697
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