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Crete TOURnet: Home Путеводитель Mythology of Crete Zeus and Europe

Zeus and Europe

In the land of Canaan, Agenor and Telepfassa had five sons and one daughter, who was named Europa. Zeus fell in love with Europa and disguised himself as a snow-white bull. Awed by his beauty, Europa climbed up onto his shoulders, allowed him to take her into the sea, and looked back in terror as he swam away. Zeus swam to Crete where Europa bore him three sons: Minos, Radamanthis and Sarpedon. When Zeus left Europa she married Aserius, who adopted these sons.
These myths probably signify actual expeditions from Crete to other parts of the eastern Mediterranean.