After examining the functions of nudity in the ancient myths of Greece and Rome last week, we now want to focus on specific examples in which shame about nudity was thematized. Here, too, the universal themes of humanity are evident in the ancient myths. By reading and analyzing such stories, we as authors of erotic literature can learn to write timeless narratives.
Daphne and Apollo
One myth that deals with the issue of women’s shame over their nudity is the story of Daphne and Apollo. In this story, Apollo becomes intoxicated by Daphne’s beauty and begins to pursue her relentlessly. In a desperate attempt to escape his advances, Daphne asks her father, the river god Peneus, to turn her into a laurel tree. This striking image captures the fear and shame that can accompany unwanted attention, but also the deep desire for autonomy over one’s own body.
The Birth of Venus
In this myth, the goddess Venus (Aphrodite) is born fully grown from the sea foam after being castrated by Uranus. When she emerges from the water, she is naked and modestly covers herself with her hands. In some versions of the story, she is also helped by the winds and sea nymphs to cover herself with a cloak or veil. This myth underlines the idea that even a divine being like Venus can feel shame about her nakedness.
The myth of Venus rising from the sea foam also offers insight into the ideas of femininity and nudity in ancient mythology. When Venus emerges from the waves in full form and radiant, she embodies purity and sensuality in equal measure. This image suggests that female beauty is not only desirable but also divine, transcending the limits of mortality. By exploring this myth, authors can address themes of transformation, rebirth and self-discovery through nudity.
Narcissus and Echo
In this myth, the nymph Echo falls in love with the handsome youth Narcissus, but he does not reciprocate her advances. When he finally rejects her, she fades with grief until only her voice remains. Meanwhile, Narcissus is obsessed with his own reflection in a pool of water, not realizing that it is only an image of himself. In some versions of the story, Echo watches Narcissus from a distance and is ashamed of her own nakedness as she cannot approach him.
The judgment of Paris
In this myth, the goddess Eris (Discord) throws a golden apple labeled “for the fairest” among the gods, triggering a quarrel between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Paris, a mortal prince, is asked to judge which goddess is the most beautiful and is bribed by each of them. In some versions of the story, the goddesses appear naked before Paris to influence his decision and they are ashamed of their nakedness, knowing that they will only be judged on their looks.
The Rape of Europa
In this myth, the god Zeus disguises himself as a white bull, abducts the princess Europa and takes her to Crete. In some versions of the story, Europa is initially attracted to the bull and even climbs onto its back, but when she realizes that it is Zeus in disguise, she feels shame and fear because of her nakedness, as she is now in the power of a divine being.
The Abduction of Persephone
In this myth, the god Hades abducts the goddess Persephone and takes her to the underworld to become his wife. When Persephone’s mother Demeter learns of her daughter’s abduction, she searches for her all over the earth and disguises herself as an old woman. In some versions of the story, Demeter encounters several naked nymphs and asks them if they have seen her daughter. The nymphs are ashamed of their nakedness and refuse to speak to Demeter, illustrating that nakedness can be a source of shame and vulnerability.
The Nymph Callisto
In this myth, the nymph Callisto is a follower of the goddess Artemis and has taken a vow of chastity. However, she is seduced by the god Zeus, who disguises himself as Artemis. When Callisto becomes pregnant, she is expelled from the group of Artemis’ followers and later turned into a bear by Zeus’ jealous wife Hera. Callisto’s shame over her pregnancy and her nakedness is a central theme of the myth.
The Seduction of Danae
In this myth, the princess Danae is locked in a tower by her father Acrisius to prevent a prophecy from coming true. However, Zeus seduces her in the form of a shower of gold and she becomes pregnant with the hero Perseus. When Acrisius learns of Danae’s pregnancy, he is furious and sets her and her child adrift at sea in a chest. Danae’s shame about her pregnancy and her nakedness is emphasized in the myth. In art, she is often depicted naked or half-naked.
Poseidon and Cassiopeia
In this myth, Queen Cassiopeia boasts that she is more beautiful than the sea nymphs, which angers the god Poseidon. As punishment, he sends a sea monster to devastate her kingdom. To appease Poseidon, Cassiopeia’s daughter Andromeda is chained to a rock and sacrificed to the monster. In some versions of the myth, Cassiopeia is also punished by being placed in the sky as a constellation, where she is depicted half-naked and upside down. Cassiopeia’s shame at her hubris and nakedness is a central theme of the myth.
Eros and Psyche
In this myth, the mortal princess Psyche is so beautiful that people worship her like a goddess. This angers the goddess Aphrodite, who orders her son Eros (Cupid) to make Psyche fall in love with a monster. But Eros accidentally stabs himself with his own arrow and falls in love with Psyche instead. Psyche is eventually reunited with Eros, but only after enduring several tests imposed by Aphrodite, including being stripped naked and humiliated in front of a group of women. Psyche’s shame at her nakedness and humiliation is a central theme of the myth.
In this story, Psyche is forbidden to see the true form of her lover Cupid, but she gives in to her curiosity and looks at him while he sleeps. Cupid then leaves her, leading Psyche on a journey of trials and tribulations until she is finally reunited with her lover. This story shows the consequences of violating the boundaries of intimacy and privacy and illustrates the delicate balance between desire and respect.
Hippomenes and Atalanta
In this myth, the huntress Atalanta is so skillful that she can defeat any man in a race. However, her father wants to marry her off and organizes a race in which he promises his hand in marriage to the man who defeats her. If a man loses, he is sentenced to death. Several men try and fail until Hippomenes asks the goddess Aphrodite for help. She gives him three golden apples, which he uses to distract Atalanta during the race and win the race. In some versions of the myth, Atalanta is depicted naked or half-naked during the race, and her shame at her nakedness is emphasized when Hippomenes sees her and is struck by her beauty.
The story of Atalanta, a fierce huntress who challenges suitors to a race for her hand, is an example of female strength and independence. Refusing to be objectified or controlled by others, Atalanta asserts her autonomy through physical strength. This myth reminds us that nudity can be a symbol not only of vulnerability, but also of strength and defiance.
The Greek and Roman mythology myths are a treasure trove of inspiration for authors who want to explore the themes of femininity, nudity, desire, shame and self-determination in their works. By engaging with these ancient stories in a sensitive and nuanced way, authors can add layers of meaning to their erotic fiction that speak to readers deeply emotionally. Whether exploring stories of shame like Daphne’s transformation or celebrating the power of Atalanta, these myths offer endless opportunities to write compelling stories that transcend time and culture.
