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Amalthea

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(Ἀμάλθεια ), in Greek mythology. As to this name, the poets differ in their interpretations, some holding it to be the name of a goat that nursed Jupiter, others affirming it to be a nymph who weaned the child Jupiter with the milk of a goat. The nymph was a daughter either of Oceanus or of the god of the sun, of Melissus or Hsemonius, or of Olenus, a son of Vulcan. The goat whose milk she used in weaning Jupiter broke off one of its horns on a tree. The nymph filled this with green herbs and fruits, and brought it to Jupiter, who placed it among the stars. Mercury gave this horn to Hercules when he went out to capture the cattle of Geryon. It is also in the possession of the god of the river Achelous. Another story runs as follows: The Libyan king Ammon married an exceedingly beautiful maiden, Amalthea, and gave her a tract of land which had the appearance of a horn. This tract of land was subsequently called the Horn of Amalthea. This horn is made use of in Grecian works of art, and is found especially in the representations of the: goddess of fortune, as a symbol of her abundance.