kaylee-abernethy
Understanding the term "Ganymede" in the early modern context.
Pages 248 and 249 of Reconceiving the Renaissance: A Critical Reader
By Ewan Fernie, Ramona Wray, Mark Thornton Burnett, Clare McManus, illustrates that the term "ganymede" was indicative of male homo eroticism. The irony is ever present in As You Like it because of the nature of the relationship between "Ganymede" and Orlando.
According to Greek mythology, Ganymede was an unusually attractive boy and was supposedly kidnapped by Zeus disguised as an eagle, an made to be his cup-bearer. In early myths, there was no sign of homosexuality, but the story later developed the idea that Ganymede's kidnapper had sexual passion for him (Encyclopedia Britannica).
[Ganymedes] was the loveliest born of the race of mortals, and therefore
the gods caught him away to themselves, to be Zeus' wine-pourer,
for the sake of his beauty, so he might be among the immortals.
— Homer, Iliad, Book XX, lines 233-235
Greek Mythology: Zeus and Ganymede: The Cup-Bearer of the Gods Voice: Aaron Sinn
To appease Ganymede's mother after stealing him away, Zeus made Ganymede into the constellation, Aquarius. Here is a visual representation of Ganymede within the constellation.
"To dally with Idalian Ganimed,
And for his love Europa bellowing loud,
And tumbling with the rainbow in a cloud;
Blood-quaffing Mars heaving the iron net,
Which limping Vulcan and his Cyclops set;
Love kindling fire, to burn such towns as Troy,
Sylvanus weeping for the lovely boy" (Christopher Marlowe)
Early depiction of Zeus pursuing Ganymede - painted on krater.
