Europa, the daughter of the King of Sidon, gained geographical fame, just like Io, because Zeus fell in love with her. But whereas the wretched Io had to pay dearly for the distinction, Europa was exceedingly fortunate.
Europa had waked early, troubled just as Io had been, by a dream, only this time not of a god who loved her, but by two Continents, who each in the shape of a woman tried to possess her, Asia saying that she had given her birth and therefore owned her; and the other, as yet nameless, declaring that Zeus would give the maiden to her.
Troubled by her dream, Europa decided to meet her friends, girls her age and of noble birth, at their favorite place, a blooming meadow near the sea. The scene was carefully watched not only by Zeus, but also by the Goddess of Love and her mischievous son Cupid, who shot an arrow into Zeus’ heart, and that very instant he fell madly in love with Europa.
With his wife, Hera, away, he needn’t worry, but nevertheless, he changed himself into a beautiful bull before appearing in front of Europa. He arrived and presented himself so gentle as well as so lovely that the girls were not frightened. And as he laid down before Europa’s feet, he seemed to show his broad back; and she cried to the others to come with her to mount him. She sat down on his back, but as the others tried to follow her, the bull leaped up, and at full speed rushed to the seashore and then over the wide water. Europa realized that this was no ordinary bull and that he must be a god, so she begged him not to leave her alone in some strange place. He spoke back and revealed that he was Zeus, the greatest of gods and that all he was doing was out of love for her. He was taking her to Crete, his own island, where his mother had hidden him from Cronos when he was born, and that she would bear him glorious sons.
Everything happened, of course, as Zeus had said. They arrived in Crete and the Seasons; the gatekeepers of Olympus, arrayed her for her bridal. Her sons were famous men, not only in this world but in the next; but her own name remains the best known of all.
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