Flora Unveiled

The “Plantheon” j 207

207 207

In general, then, we can say that the Greeks held two views about hermaphrodism.

Hermaphrodism in gods was not only acceptable, it also symbolized fertility because it

combined male and female sexual powers into one being. Such attributes in a human, how-

ever, were regarded with horror and as an affront to the gods. This dual attitude toward

hermaphrodism comes into play when we discuss Aristotle’s and Theophrastus’s views on

sex in plants in the next chapter.

Notes

1. Dickinson, O.  T. P.  K. (2006), The Aegean from Bronze Age to Iron Age:  Continuity and
   Change Between the Twelfth and Eighth Centuries b.c. Routledge.


2. Burkert, W. (1985), Greek Religion, trans. John Raffan. Harvard University Press.

(d)

Figure 7.8 Continued