Aphrodite

Aphrodite in the orchard.

Aphrodite, also known as Venus, was a member of the First Civilization, who would later be revered as the Greek and Roman goddess of love, beauty and femininity. She appeared to Kyros of Zarax during the 6th century BCE, and was displayed in a painting given to Elizabeth Jane Weston by her uncle, John Dee.

Kyros of Zarax

Despite knowing the consequences of failure, Kyros of Zarax wished to challenge the princess of Arcadia, Atalanta, to a race, in an attempt to win her hand in marriage. However, on knowing that he was no longer the champion he was in his youth, Kyros traveled to his mentor Pythagoras for help. Pythagoras directed him to an abandoned temple that was dedicated to Aphrodite, and told him that he would find what he needed there.

On his advice, Kyros traveled to the temple but was struck by a fierce blizzard, causing him to pass out at its entrance. During his unconscious state, Kyros was shown a surreal vision of an orchard, where he witnessed a young woman pluck three apples and take them to the temple of Aphrodite. Despite his attempts, the young woman could not hear or see him, leaving Kyros confused.

When Kyros came to, he was covered in snow and without any feeling in his limbs, though he managed to make his way into the temple. Following this, he looked at the spot where Aphrodite had left the three apples, but could only see a single golden apple.

Kyros then took the Apple and used it to defeat Atalanta in a race, through using its power to occasionally interrupt her as she raced. As such, this led to his victory, much to Atalanta's relief, as she did not wish Kyros to have been killed on her father's orders if he had lost.

Elizabeth Jane Weston

Following her marriage to her husband, Johannes Leo, Elizabeth was gifted a painting by her uncle, John Dee. While Johannes picked out Minerva, Juno and Venus, Elizabeth referred to the trio of "goddesses" by their Roman namesakes, and spotted a golden orb that Queen Elizabeth I of England held.

Following this, Elizabeth opened a letter to her that came with the portrait, in which her uncle confirmed that the orb, its powers and the "goddesses" were real.

Gallery

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  The temple of Aphrodite.