In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Hermaphroditus (/hərˌmæfrəˈdaɪtəs/ ⓘ; Ancient Greek: Ἑρμαφρόδιτος, [hermapʰródi:tos]), is a child of Aphrodite and Hermes. According to Ovid, he was born a remarkably beautiful boy whom the naiad Salmacis attempted to rape and prayed to be united with forever. A god, in answer to her prayer, merged their two forms into one and transformed him into what is known today as someone who is intersex. His name is compounded of his parents' names, Hermes and Aphrodite,[1] and is the origin of the term hermaphrodite.

Dionysus, known for his transformative nature and association with ecstatic rituals, is sometimes described as effeminate and has been dubbed a "patron god of hermaphrodites and transvestites". Hermaphroditus, the mythological figure with both male and female characteristics, embodies the concept of androgyny and is closely linked to the Dionysian realm.

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Pub: 03 May 2025 00:02 UTC

Edit: 21 Oct 2025 17:52 UTC

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