In Greek mythology, Amaracus (Ancient Greek: Ἀμάρακος, romanizedAmarakos, lit.'marjoram') was a young Cypriot boy who transformed into a marjoram plant, an aromatic herb that was one of Aphrodite's most commonly associated plants.[1]

Origanum majorana in a pot

Etymology

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The ancient Greek word for marjoram (Origanum majorana) is ἀμάρακον, amarakon.[2] Due to the possible β/μ variation (if related to Ancient Macedonian ἀβαρύ, abaru, meaning oregano or marjoram) is probably of pre-Greek origin according to Robert Beekes.[3] He also claims that any connection to Sanskrit maruva(ka) meaning the same is false.[3]

Mythology

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On the island of Cyprus, Amaracus was the royal perfumer in the court of King Cinyras, his father.[4][a] One day Amaracus fell by chance while carrying the ointments, thus creating a greater odor from the confusion of said ointments. Afterwards, he was turned into the amarakon herb (the marjoram), which was also said to be sweet, a plant sacred to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.[6][7][8] As the son of Cinyras, this would make Amaracus the brother of Smyrna, another mortal turned into an aromatic plant with connections to Aphrodite.[9]

Culture

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The ancient Greeks associated the marjoram with Aphrodite, as they believed she had created it.[10][unreliable source?] In antiquity, the island of Cyprus, where the myth takes place and also a major cult center for Aphrodite, was noted for its large marjoram production; to this day, Cyprus still produces aromatic and therapeutic oils of marjoram.[9] Marjoram was also utilised as a strong aphrodisiac, while it was also believed to cure snakebites, and both ancient Greeks and Romans adorned bridal wreaths with this herb.[11]

See also

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ Alcman attests to the connection between Cypriot perfume and Cinyras.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Rosemary M. Wright. "A Dictionary of Classical Mythology: Summary of Transformations". mythandreligion.upatras.gr. University of Patras. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  2. ^ Liddell & Scott 1940, s.v. ἀμάρακον.
  3. ^ a b Beekes 2009, p. 82.
  4. ^ Forbes Irving 1990, p. 278.
  5. ^ Alcman frag 3.71
  6. ^ Servius, Commentary on Virgil's Aeneid 1.693
  7. ^ Caruso 2013, p. 116.
  8. ^ Bell 1790, p. 52.
  9. ^ a b Bradley 2015, p. 84.
  10. ^ Adams, Sue. "Herb Folklore" (PDF). Adams Farms. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-12-23. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
  11. ^ Kintzios 2002, p. 217.

Bibliography

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