Who was Europa in Greek mythology and what was her father's name?
Europa was a young woman from Tyre whose father was Agenor, the king of Phoenicia. She became the consort of Zeus after he transformed into a white bull to carry her away.
Questions about Europa (consort of Zeus)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened when Zeus took Europa to Crete and who were their children?
Zeus revealed his true identity as king of gods upon arriving at Crete where they had three sons named Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon. These children were all fathered by Zeus during their time together on the island.
Where did ancient people worship Europa and how was she connected to Astarte?
Priests in Phoenician Sidon dedicated a large temple to Europa while identifying the goddess Astarte with the moon under Europa's name. Coins minted in Sidon depicted Europa sitting upon a bull representing Zeus and archaeological evidence supports this connection.
How has Europa influenced modern European symbols and currency since 1956?
Postage stamps celebrating the Council of Europe appeared starting in 1956 bearing her likeness and the second series of euro banknotes includes her watermark and hologram. The European Union uses her image on its web portal and the Greek two euro coin to represent pan-European identity.
Why is Jupiter's moon Europa named after the mythological figure and what celestial body represents her abduction?
Astronomers named Jupiter's smallest Galilean moon Europa following traditional naming conventions for his lovers and Zeus recreated the white bull in the stars forming Taurus. Scientists discovered europium in 1901 and named it after the continent derived from her name.