The Story of Ganymede
Ganymede was a prince of Troy, usually called the son of King Tros, the founder of the city, though some accounts name Laomedon instead. Homer calls him the most beautiful of mortal men. His beauty was so great that it caught the eye of the gods.
One day, while Ganymede was tending his father's flocks near Troy, Zeus took him away to Olympus. In the most famous version, Zeus sent his eagle, or became an eagle himself, to swoop down and carry the boy into the sky. On Olympus, Ganymede was granted eternal youth and immortality.
Ganymede became the cupbearer of the gods, pouring nectar at their feasts. In some tellings he took over this job from Hebe, the goddess of youth. Hera was said to resent him, adding to her long list of complaints against her husband.
To console the grieving Tros, Zeus sent him a team of divine horses as swift as the wind. Hermes also assured the king that his son would live forever among the gods. Those horses became famous treasures of Troy, and when King Laomedon later refused to hand them over to Heracles as a promised reward, the hero sacked the city.
Zeus honored Ganymede by placing him in the sky as the constellation Aquarius, the water bearer, with Zeus's eagle nearby as the constellation Aquila. The story of the eagle carrying off Ganymede was a favorite of painters and sculptors for centuries. Today the largest moon of Jupiter, the Roman Zeus, is named Ganymede.
Famous Myths About Ganymede
Carried Off by the Eagle
Ganymede was a Trojan prince of extraordinary beauty. Zeus sent his eagle, or in some versions became an eagle himself, to snatch the boy from the fields near Troy and carry him to Olympus.
Compensation for Tros
To console Ganymede's grieving father, King Tros, Zeus sent him a team of divine horses as swift as the wind. Hermes also assured the king that his son would live forever as cupbearer to the gods.
Among the Stars
Zeus later honored Ganymede by placing him in the sky as the constellation Aquarius, the water bearer. Zeus's eagle became the nearby constellation Aquila.
Ganymede's Family Tree
Parents of Ganymede
Partners of Ganymede
Children of Ganymede
Frequently Asked Questions About Ganymede
Who is Ganymede in Greek mythology?
Ganymede was a Trojan prince, said to be the most beautiful of mortals, who became the cupbearer of the gods on Mount Olympus.
Who are Ganymede's parents?
Ganymede is usually called the son of King Tros, the founder of Troy, though some accounts name Laomedon instead.
How did Ganymede come to Olympus?
Zeus fell in love with Ganymede and, in the most famous version, took the form of an eagle and carried him off to Olympus, where he was made immortal.
Is Ganymede a constellation?
Yes. Ganymede was placed in the sky as the constellation Aquarius, the water bearer, and the largest moon of Jupiter is also named after him.
