Selene & Endymion
The moon who kisses a sleeping shepherd
The moon goddess Selene falls in love with the beautiful shepherd Endymion and arranges for him to sleep eternally young, so she may visit him each night and kiss him untouched by time.
01Why it matters
It is the myth of love that prefers an unmoving eternity; it inspired Keats's poem "Endymion."
02The conflict
The distance between the divine and the mortal.
03The iconic moment
Selene descending each night upon the sleeping Endymion.
04What survived
Keats's poem "Endymion"; centuries of painting.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Selene & Endymion famous?
It is the myth of love that prefers an unmoving eternity; it inspired Keats's poem "Endymion."
How does the story of Selene & Endymion end?
Selene descending each night upon the sleeping Endymion. Keats's poem "Endymion"; centuries of painting.
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