Greek Mythology

The Classical Gods of Ancient Greece

AMALTHEA

Greek Mother Spirit

Also known as Amaltheia

The foster mother of Zeus

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 worshipers 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.

Amalthea Facts and Figures

Name: Amalthea
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Amaltheia

Gender: Female
Type: Spirit
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Motherhood
Area of expertise: Mother

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 5967

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Article last revised on November 21, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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