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Chloris (nymph)

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The wedding of Zephyrus and Chloris. Antique fresco in Pompeii

In Greek mythology, Chloris (/ˈklɔːrɪs/; Greek Χλωρίς Chlōrís, from χλωρός chlōrós, meaning "greenish-yellow", "pale green", "pale", "pallid", or "fresh") was a nymph/goddess who was associated with spring, flowers and new growth, believed to have dwelt in the Elysian Fields.

Mythology

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Chloris was abducted by Zephyrus, the god of the west wind (which, as Ovid himself points out, was a parallel to the story of his brother Boreas and Orithyia), who transformed her into a deity known as Flora after they were married. Together, they have a son, named Karpos. She was also thought to have been responsible for the transformations of Adonis, Attis, Crocus, Hyacinthus and Narcissus into flowers.[1]

In Ovid's Fasti V, she was partially responsible for the conception of Ares, who was born as revenge for Athena's birth. Hera came to her for rest, and upon discovering that Chloris could help her, insisted on it and swore not to tell Zeus. Using a flower, Chloris made Hera pregnant with Ares. Later, she was given a place in Rome for her involvement in Ares' birth.

Depictions

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See also

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Citations

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  1. ^ Ovid, Fasti, 5. 195 ff

General references

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