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Re: Meaning/Origin of Cyrene
in reply to a message by Ava
In classical legend, Cyrene was a nymph and virgin huntress, with similarities to the goddess Artemis. The god Apollo became enamored of her, and by him she had two sons -- Aristaeus and Idimon. When Apollo carried her off, he brought her to Libya where he made her a queen. Today, the city of Cyrene in Libya derives its name from this legend.Cyrene's son Aristaeus is said to have grown up to become a patron deity of olive plantations and shepherds, and he is said to have instructed mankind in the art of bee-keeping.Cyrene's son Idimon is said to have been one of the soothsayers who accompanied the Argonauts.As for the meaning of the name "Cyrene" -- I'll leave that to our resident Greek etymologist, Pavlos. :)-- Nanaea
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Wonderful account of Kyrene! Btw, there was also another gal called Kyrene -- an unvirgin huntress in this case -- who was a famous Corinthian hetaera :)
As for the etymology I am a bit stumped, and can only make wild guesses. The name may be ether related to:
- Kyrebazo :To butt with the horns, like goats or rams do, or
- Kyrema: Windfall
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Thanks!Thank you Nanaea! :) This name should be added to the database after we get more particulars from Pavlos!Ava :)
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