Pygmalion, a respected sculptor of ivory, was most well known for his open loathing of all women. He found nothing to like about them, and felt they were not worthy of his time. He detested their qualities to such a degree that he vowed to never marry one.
For one of his creations, Pygmalion crafted an ivory statue of a woman. This statue, physically perfect in every way, represented the most ideal woman in his own mind. It was so striking that no living woman came close, and the statue was perfect for Pygmalion because it did for him what no other living woman could - it was quiet, it did not argue or cause a stir, and it fit perfectly into Pygmalion's life. That is, until he fell deeply in love with his creation that he had named Galatea.
Pygmalion spent his days gazing longingly upon Galatea and her perfect but inaminate curves. He looked into her eyes, and he talked to her. He dressed and adorned her with beautiful clothing and jewels. He would lie her down on a couch covered with sumptuous pillows, spoiling her as if she was not made of ivory, but as if she were living and breathing, silently accepting his love.
Pygmalion went to the annual festival for Aphrodite, which was held in Cyprus. After making his customary offerings at the altar, he politely asked the goddess to give him a wife like his creation. Aphrodite heard his heartfelt plea and offered a sign to him. The flames of the altar rose in the air before him, indicating that she might have heard the artist's request.
Pygmalion returned home after the festival, and performed his usual routine with Galatea. He went to Galatea, comfortably resting on her couch, and planted a kiss on her ivory lips. But unlike the times before, her lips were not cold and hard, but felt warm and soft to the touch. He touched her arm, and it was not rigid, but supple. Amazed, he backed away, and he realized that Aphrodite had granted him his greatest wish. Galatea, his own ideal creation, had come to life. Pygmalion and Galatea's eyes met, and they both knew instant love.
Pygmalion, having obviously reformed his opinion of the opposite sex, married Galatea, with Aphrodite's blessing. They had one son, named Paphos. A city, sacred to Aphrodite, was named in honor of him.
Sources:
"Bullfinch's Mythology". Retrieved 31 January, 2008.
Bonnefoy, Y. Greek and Egyptian Mythologies. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1991.
Graves, R. The Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. Barnes and Noble Books, 1994.
Robin Fowler - I am a freelance writer and a mom, and enjoy both jobs immensely. I have been obsessed with all things Greek, Roman, and Egyptian since ...
