Queer Mythology: 7 Legends from Ancient Times

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16 Jan 2024

Queer Mythology: 7 Legends from Ancient Times

Some people believe that being queer is a recently emerged "trend." However, being queer is neither a trend nor a new phenomenon. Throughout ancient times, queer individuals appeared in various cultures, as evident in myths and epics, dispelling the notion that queerness is a recent trend.

In this month's mythology file, we have compiled seven legends from different mythologies, each featuring queer figures. Enjoy your reading!
Note: The listed legends represent just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more that couldn't be included in this list. I wanted to mention this as a small note before delving into the main content.

1. Achilles and Patroclus

Thanks to their significant roles in the Iliad, Achilles and Patroclus are among the most well-known heroes in Greek mythology. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is often described as close in all versions of the Trojan War. Their connection has been generally regarded as romantic since ancient times, despite some stubborn individuals in the Middle Ages insisting on interpreting it as friendship. So, what is their story?

Achilles and Patroclus fought together in the Trojan War. Achilles showed considerable kindness to Patroclus, even altering some of his decisions solely for him. This is particularly noteworthy given Achilles' stubborn character, highlighting the importance he placed on Patroclus. In the legend, after Patroclus' death, Achilles is devastated. He mourns so intensely that the sea goddess and his mother, Thetis, hears him and comes to his side. Learning that Hector killed Patroclus, Achilles, despite knowing that his own death would follow, goes to avenge Patroclus. He succeeds but becomes consumed by such anger and grief that even soldiers on his side try to stop him. After Patroclus' death, all Achilles desires is to join him. In death, he wants their ashes to be buried together. Even in death, he longs to be with Patroclus, to be one with him.

2. Ianthe and Iphis

The next legend is the story of Ianthe and Iphis from Greek mythology. Iphis' father wishes for a son, going so far as to threaten to kill the child if it's a girl. Despite his fervent desire for a son, his wife gives birth to a girl. In an effort to protect the child, Iphis' mother hides the gender and raises her as a boy.

As Iphis grows, she encounters Ianthe. They fall in love at first sight and decide to marry. However, Iphis has reservations about how her secret gender will affect their marriage. On the evening before the wedding, Iphis goes to the temple of Isis and prays. Isis accepts her prayers, transforming Iphis into a man. Thus, Ianthe and Iphis marry and live happily ever after. Unlike many tragic endings commonly found in mythology, Ianthe and Iphis find a beautiful resolution.

3. Apollo and Hyacinth

In Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of the sun, poetry, music, and more, is renowned for having numerous lovers. Among the most famous lovers is Hyacinth. Hyacinth, depicted as noble in some myths and common in others, chooses Apollo over many famous suitors like the wind gods Zephyrus and Boreas. Apollo takes Hyacinth on his chariot, teaching him archery, poetry, lyre playing, and prophecy. Apollo loves him so much that he even abandons his temple in Delphi to live with Hyacinth. Up to this point, everything is going well for the lovers.
One day, Apollo wants to demonstrate the game of discus to Hyacinth. They decide to take turns throwing the discus. However, Apollo throws the discus with divine force. The subsequent part of the story is narrated in two different ways. In the first version, the discus hits the ground, rebounds, and injures Hyacinth, who is chasing after it. In the second version, Zephyrus, out of jealousy, changes the direction of the wind, causing the discus to strike Hyacinth. In both versions, Hyacinth dies in Apollo's arms. Apollo creates the hyacinth flower from his spilled blood. Unfortunately, like many myths, this one also concludes with a tragic ending.

4. Zeus and Ganymede

Ganymede, described by Homer as the most beautiful human, catches Zeus' attention while herding sheep. As one would expect from Zeus, he cannot resist Ganymede's beauty. Transforming into an eagle, Zeus abducts Ganymede and takes him to Mount Olympus. Zeus immortalizes Ganymede and assigns him the task of serving nectar to the gods. Interestingly, Ganymede becomes Zeus' only lover to receive immortality. This fact might be considered evidence of Zeus' exceptional love for Ganymede, given Zeus' numerous lovers.

5. Loki and Svadilfari

In Norse mythology, Loki is the god of cunning and mischief, always causing chaos. He is also known for his ability to shape-shift, including changing genders. In one myth where Loki transforms into a female horse, Loki's connection to queerness becomes apparent.

In the early days of Asgard, a craftsman makes a deal with the gods. He agrees to build a wall around Asgard within three seasons in exchange for the moon, the sun, and Freya as his bride. However, the gods are dissatisfied with this arrangement. After some debate and negotiation, they agree to reduce the time frame to one season and add the condition that the craftsman can only use the help of his stallion, Svadilfari. The craftsman starts building the wall on the first day of winter.

As the end of winter approaches, the craftsman is close to completing the wall. The gods become upset, blaming Loki, the one who accepted the deal, for the situation. They demand Loki find a solution or accept the consequences. Using his cunning, Loki transforms into a female horse and distracts Svadilfari. Consequently, the craftsman cannot finish the wall on time, and the gods are saved from fulfilling their part of the bargain. However, Loki becomes pregnant from this encounter. This results in the birth of Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse, considered the most magnificent among all horses, later claimed by Odin.

6. Wu Tien Bao

Now, let's explore Chinese mythology with the tale of Wu Tien Bao. Wu Tien Bao is a god in Chinese mythology, characterized by having the body of a rabbit. He is often associated with homosexuality. This connection arises from the story of how he transformed into a god. Before becoming a god, Wu Tien Bao was a regular person. One day, he sees an exceptionally handsome man and falls in love with him. He begins to follow the man, and eventually, the man notices Wu Tien Bao.

Unfortunately, Wu Tien Bao's love doesn't end well. Once the man realizes he is being followed, he brutally beats Wu Tien Bao. Because Wu Tien Bao followed him out of love, he is transformed into a rabbit god. Temples dedicated to the rabbit god were once places where gay couples prayed in ancient China. However, most of Wu Tien Bao's temples have been destroyed, and the remaining ones are found only in Taiwan today.

7. Gilgamesh and Enkidu

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the most famous epic of Sumerian mythology, portraying the life of Gilgamesh. Within this epic, we encounter Enkidu, created to be a worthy opponent for the self-centered Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh and Enkidu wrestle upon their first meeting, and the match ends in a draw. Impressed by Enkidu's strength, Gilgamesh quickly forms a deep friendship with him. In fact, according to the Epic of Gilgamesh, one could almost say they were lovers. The epic contains passages describing their kisses, Gilgamesh addressing Enkidu as "my love," and similar expressions. Additionally, Gilgamesh compares his feelings for Enkidu to those he might have for a woman. However, the joyous days of the pair are not everlasting.

When Gilgamesh rejects the marriage proposal of the goddess Ishtar, she sends a bull to kill him. Gilgamesh and Enkidu manage to slay the bull together. Soon after, Enkidu has a dream where he learns that the gods have decided he must die in exchange for the bull's death. Shortly after falling ill, Enkidu calls Gilgamesh to his side. He shares his dream, weeping as he tells Gilgamesh that the gods will separate them. As his illness worsens, Enkidu, with tears in his eyes, foretells the gods' decision to part them. Eventually, he succumbs to death. After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh cannot accept it for a while. He stays by Enkidu's side, mourning for seven days and nights. Even after accepting Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh continues to feel his absence every day.

Thank you for reading.

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