ABSTRACT
The Phrygian myth of Cybele, however, is as follows. When Zeus was lying on the ground asleep on Mount Dindymus in Phrygia, his seed fell on the earth. A strange being grew from the spot, with both male and female organs: the gods were alarmed at the potentialities of such a divinity and castrated the creature. It grew into the goddess Cybele. The severed male genitals, however, had fallen on the ground and grown into an almond tree, from which an almond one day fell into the lap of Nana, daughter of the river-god Sangarius. The fruit entered her womb and she conceived a son, Attis, whom she exposed on the mountain. A he-goat miraculously suckled the baby, which grew into a beautiful youth with whom Cybele fell in love. But Attis was neglectful or unaware of Cybele’s passion for him, and instead made preparations to marry a daughter of the king of Pessinus. Cybele, wildly jealous, drove both Attis and his father-in-law mad, so that in their frenzy they castrated themselves. Attis’ injury was so bad that he died. Cybele then repented of her cruelty, and obtained of Zeus a promise that Attis’ body should never decay. He was buried at Pessinus in Galatia (where Cybele was known as Agdistis), but his little finger continued to move and his hair to grow. Another tradition asserts that he was changed into a pine; and this tree was made sacred to him.
