TELETHUSA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Telethusa was a Cretan woman in Greek mythology, famed for disobeying her husband at the behest of the gods.
Telethusa, Wife of Lidgus
Telethusa was a woman of Crete, married to a man named Lidgus. The couple would live in Phaestus. Lidgus wished for a son, partially as Lidgus realised that they could not afford the dowry, if they become parents to a daughter. Thus, Lidgus told his wife, that if she fell pregnant, and gave birth to a girl, then the girl would be put to death.
Telethusa fell pregnant, and just before she was due to give birth, the goddess Isis, along with a host of other gods came to Telethusa in a dream. Isis told Telethusa to ignore her husband’s demands. |
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Telethusa Gives Birth
Telethusa would give birth to a daughter, but wishing to hide the fact from her husband. Telethusa proclaimed the birth of a son for Lidgus, and named the child Iphis. Iphis was dressed as a boy, and would grow up as such.
In time though, Iphis fell in love with a beautiful maiden named Ianthe. A marriage was arranged, but of course Iphis could not go through with it, no matter how much they loved Ianthe. Telethusa though, would take Iphis to the temple of Isis, and the pair prayed to the goddess for a solution. Isis heard their prayers, and so the goddess transformed Iphis into a man. Iphis was then free to marry Ianthe.
In time though, Iphis fell in love with a beautiful maiden named Ianthe. A marriage was arranged, but of course Iphis could not go through with it, no matter how much they loved Ianthe. Telethusa though, would take Iphis to the temple of Isis, and the pair prayed to the goddess for a solution. Isis heard their prayers, and so the goddess transformed Iphis into a man. Iphis was then free to marry Ianthe.
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Colin Quartermain - Telethusa- 4th November 2023