The Wrath of Aphrodite

Before Helen of Troy, there was Callisto of Athens. Callisto was a mortal woman of immense beauty. She was known to be as beautiful as a moonlit beach with the waves silently caressing the sand. She had eyes the color of sapphire blue. Her hair was as black as the night sky, and as soft as baby’s breath. Her skin was white and fair, and her lips were as red as Aphrodite’s rose. At first, Aphrodite admired her beauty. After all, not all beauty was found in golden-haired, blue-eyed beasts of flirtatious nature. No, Callisto was much different. Although Callisto was aware and proud of her beauty, she did not believe in throwing herself at any man willing to have her. Yes, all was well with Aphrodite and Callisto, until the god, Ares, saw her.

To Ares, Callisto’s beauty surpassed Aphrodite’s by a mile. Ares believed there was no creature lovelier than her. He watched and laughed as men tried in vain to take her hand in marriage. He knew she would choose no one. But soon, Ares became lonely knowing he didn’t have her. He finally decided to take her as his bride. Zeus approved of the idea, thinking that this would finally stop Aphrodite’s love affair with Ares, and granted Callisto immortality, eternal youth and beauty. Ares then flew down to Callisto and begged for her hand. Surprisingly, Callisto declined his offer and turned him away, thinking he was just another man, and believed that with her immortality, she could have better. Ares was overwhelmed with despair and flew back to Mount Olympus to wallow in grief. Once Aphrodite learned of Ares’ wishes and Callisto’s declination, she suddenly appeared to Callisto and took her to the Island of Loneliness and Despair. Callisto was doomed to wander aimlessly on the island with no one to love or admire her beauty for a hundred years. Now, no one will ever forsake the wrath of Aphrodite.

Disclaimer: I do not own Aphrodite, Zeus, or Ares. Please, give me some feedback.