In classical mythology, there are many stories of handsome young men who capture the hearts of gods, goddesses, and mortals alike. These stories have been passed down through the ages and continue to fascinate us today. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous and beloved handsome youth of classical mythology.

Adonis

Adonis was a hunter who was so beautiful that even the goddess Aphrodite fell in love with him. He was killed by a wild boar, but Aphrodite begged Zeus to bring him back to life. Adonis was then forced to spend half of each year in the underworld with Persephone, and the other half with Aphrodite. He is often depicted in art as a handsome young man with a bow and arrow.

Apollo

Apollo was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He was also known for his good looks, and many stories tell of his conquests of both men and women. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with long hair and a lyre.

Dionysus

Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and theater. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with long hair and a wreath of ivy on his head. He was known for his wild parties and his ability to inspire ecstasy in his followers.

Ganymede

Ganymede was a mortal youth who was so beautiful that Zeus fell in love with him and took him to Mount Olympus to serve as his cupbearer. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man holding a cup.

Hermes

Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. He was also known for his good looks and his ability to charm both men and women. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with a winged cap and sandals.

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus was a young man who was beloved by the god Apollo. He was accidentally killed by a discus thrown by Apollo, who then created a flower in his memory. Hyacinthus was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with a flower in his hand.

Narcissus

Narcissus was a young man who was so beautiful that he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He pined away and was turned into a flower by the gods. Narcissus was often depicted in art as a handsome young man gazing into a pool of water.

Orpheus

Orpheus was a musician who was so skilled that he could charm even the gods with his music. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with a lyre.

Pan

Pan was the god of shepherds and flocks. He was often depicted in art as a handsome young man with horns and the legs of a goat. He was known for his love of music and his ability to inspire fear in those who crossed him.

Conclusion

The handsome youth of classical mythology have captured our imagination for centuries. These stories continue to inspire us today, and we can still see their influence in art, literature, and popular culture. Whether we are drawn to their beauty, their charm, or their tragic fates, these figures remain an important part of our cultural heritage.

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