Europa (mythology)

"From Zeus, the bull Europa kissed. He offered a javelin that never missed."

―A note mentioning Europa's story.

The Rape of Europa by Titian

Europa was the sister of Kadmos, the legendary founder of the polis of Thebes in Boeotia, Greece.

Biography

When the god Zeus saw Europa, he stole her away in the form of a bull. Her brother Kadmos chased after them. Afterwards, she was said to have given birth to the man who would become King Minos.

Legacy and influence

During the Peloponnesian War, the story of Europa was used by an Athenian spy to seek the help of mercenaries.

Trivia

• In the Greek mythology, Europa was a Phoenician princess. At the request of Zeus, the god Hephaistos built a giant bronze automaton named Talos to protect Europa from pirates and raiders. In some variants of the myth, Europa was also given a spear or a "javelin that never missed", which later ended up in the hands of Kephalos.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed II (Glyphs only)
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)