Step into the world of myths and legends with this article on 10 flowers that represent gods from myths.
From the mysterious lotus flower of ancient Egypt to the bold and striking iris of Greek mythology, these flowers have been associated with powerful deities throughout history.
Join us on this journey as we explore the symbolism behind these divine blooms.
Narcissus
In Greek mythology, Narcissus is a figure known for his extreme beauty and pride. He was so beautiful that he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and eventually turned into a flower that bears his name.
The Narcissus flower, also known as the daffodil, has long been associated with the story of Narcissus and is often considered a symbol of self-love, vanity, and rebirth.
In addition, in the mythology of the ancient Greeks, the god Persephone was picking daffodils when she was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld.
As such, the Narcissus flower is also associated with the cycle of life and death, and with the idea of rebirth and renewal.
Iris
Iris is a flower that is associated with the Greek goddess Iris, who was the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow.
According to mythology, Iris was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and humans, and was often depicted with wings on her shoulders and a caduceus in her hand.
The iris flower was named after the goddess Iris due to the wide range of colors that it comes in, much like the colors of the rainbow. In Greek mythology, the iris was also said to have the power to bring rainbows down to earth, linking it further to the goddess Iris.
Iris flowers are often used as a symbol of communication, creativity, and inspiration, which are all qualities that the goddess Iris embodies. The flower is also associated with the French monarchy and is used as a symbol of royalty and nobility.
In addition to its association with Iris, the iris flower is also mentioned in other myths and legends. In Egyptian mythology, the iris was associated with the goddess Isis, who was known as the mother of all gods and goddesses.
In Japanese culture, the iris is associated with courage and is often given as a gift to inspire confidence in the recipient.
Lotus
The lotus flower holds great significance in many ancient cultures, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hindu mythology, the lotus is believed to be associated with the god Vishnu, one of the three principal deities in Hinduism, who is often depicted holding a lotus flower in one of his hands. The lotus is considered a symbol of creation, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.
In Buddhist tradition, the lotus flower is also highly revered and is believed to be a symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
The lotus is often depicted in Buddhist art and is said to represent the process of spiritual awakening, in which one transcends the muck and mire of material existence to reach a state of spiritual purity and perfection.
The lotus flower also has a practical significance, as it is used for medicinal purposes and is considered to have healing properties.
In addition, the lotus is a source of food and provides nourishment to both humans and animals. Overall, the lotus flower represents the power of transformation, growth, and resilience, making it a fitting symbol for the gods and their myths.
Daphne
In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was pursued by the god Apollo. To avoid Apollo’s advances, Daphne prayed to the gods for help and was transformed into a laurel tree.
As a result, the laurel tree became a symbol of Daphne and her resistance to Apollo’s unwanted attention.
The daphne flower, also known as the winter daphne, is a fragrant and delicate blossom that comes in shades of pink, white, and purple.
The flower is often associated with transformation, as it is believed to represent the metamorphosis of Daphne from a nymph to a tree. It is also seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, as the flower blooms in the winter when other plants are dormant.
In addition to its mythological associations, the daphne flower has practical uses as well. Its fragrant blooms are often used in perfumes and cosmetics, and the plant itself is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Hyacinth
In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a handsome Spartan prince loved by the god Apollo. According to the myth, Hyacinth was accidentally killed by Apollo’s discus during a friendly competition.
The god was so devastated by Hyacinth’s death that he turned the young man’s spilled blood into a flower. This flower was named the hyacinth after the prince.
The hyacinth flower has come to represent the god Apollo, as well as youth, beauty, and rebirth. In some cultures, the flower is associated with sports and athleticism, as the myth of Hyacinth centers around a sporting event.
The hyacinth is also often used in springtime celebrations, representing the renewal of life and the return of warmer weather.
The hyacinth flower comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue. Its distinctive fragrance has made it a popular choice for perfumes and other scented products.
Hellebore
Hellebore, also known as the Christmas Rose or the Lenten Rose, is a flower that has been associated with several Greek myths. One of the most well-known stories is that of Hellebore’s association with the god of medicine, Asclepius.
According to legend, Asclepius was given a root of hellebore by the god Apollo, which had the power to bring the dead back to life. Asclepius used this powerful herb to bring back several people from the dead, including Glaucus, a man who had been killed by a snake.
However, when Hades, the god of the underworld, saw that Asclepius was bringing people back from the dead, he grew angry and asked Zeus to put an end to it. Zeus responded by killing Asclepius with a thunderbolt, and Hellebore was said to have grown where his blood had spilled.
In addition to its association with Asclepius, hellebore was also thought to be a sacred flower of the goddess Hecate.
In ancient Greece, the plant was often used in rituals associated with this goddess, who was believed to have the power to bestow wealth and good fortune upon her followers.
Overall, hellebore’s association with the powerful gods and goddesses of Greek mythology makes it a flower that represents divine power and magic. Its ability to bring the dead back to life, as well as its use in ancient rituals, adds to its mystical and otherworldly qualities.
Poppy
In Greek mythology, the poppy flower is associated with the god of sleep, Hypnos. Hypnos was often depicted as a young man with wings on his back, holding a poppy in his hand.
The poppy was believed to have the power to induce sleep and dreams, which made it a symbol of relaxation and peace.
According to the myth, Hypnos was able to use the power of the poppy to put even the most powerful gods to sleep. In one story, Zeus, the king of gods, was so taken by the scent of the poppy that he fell into a deep sleep and had to be awakened by his wife, Hera.
In addition to its association with Hypnos, the poppy has also been associated with other gods and goddesses. In Roman mythology, the poppy was associated with Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, as well as Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Overall, the poppy flower represents the power of sleep and dreams, which were believed to be connected to the divine realm. It is also a symbol of peace, relaxation, and the power of nature over even the most powerful beings.
Primrose
In Greek mythology, the primrose was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. According to the myth, Aphrodite created the primrose to honor her son, Eros, who was also known as Cupid. Eros was playing with his bow and arrows and accidentally shot himself with one of his arrows, falling in love with the nymph named Daphne.
However, Daphne was not interested in him, so she prayed to the gods for help. The gods turned her into a laurel tree to protect her from Eros’ advances.
Aphrodite, feeling sorry for her son, decided to create a flower to remind him of his love for Daphne.
She created the primrose, which was said to have been colored like the blush on Daphne’s cheeks and to have grown where she had walked. The primrose became a symbol of young love and was often given as a gift to express romantic feelings.
In addition to its association with love and fertility, the primrose was also believed to have healing powers in ancient times. It was used to treat various ailments, including headaches, insomnia, and nervous disorders.
The plant contains salicylic acid, which is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.
Overall, the primrose is a beautiful flower that represents love, fertility, and healing, making it a fitting symbol for the goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology.
Acanthus
Acanthus is a flower that is known for its symbolism in ancient Greek mythology. The plant is named after the Greek word “akantha” which means “thorn,” as its leaves have sharp, spiny edges.
The acanthus plant was considered a sacred plant and was associated with the goddess Hera. According to the myth, the acanthus plant grew around the temple of Hera in Argos as a symbol of her protection and authority.
The acanthus flower is often depicted in ancient Greek architecture and art. It is commonly seen in the capitals of columns in Greek temples, where its distinctive leaves and flowers are used as a decorative motif.
The acanthus leaf was also used in the design of Corinthian columns, which were considered the most ornate and luxurious of all the ancient Greek column styles.
In addition to its association with Hera, the acanthus flower was also associated with Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. It was believed that Apollo used the acanthus plant to create a wreath for the nymph Daphne, whom he had pursued until she was turned into a laurel tree.
Today, the acanthus flower is still a popular motif in architecture and design, and is often used as a symbol of beauty, creativity, and inspiration. Its intricate and ornate leaves and flowers continue to inspire artists and designers around the world.
Bluebell
In Greek mythology, the bluebell is associated with the god Apollo. According to the myth, Apollo fell in love with a beautiful water nymph named Hyacinthus.
While playing a game of discus, Apollo accidentally hit Hyacinthus with the discus and he died in Apollo’s arms. From the blood that spilled onto the ground, Apollo created a beautiful flower that he named after Hyacinthus. The bluebell is believed to be the flower that represents this myth.
The bluebell is a delicate flower that is often used in gardens and as a decorative plant. Its bell-shaped flowers are usually blue, but they can also be pink or white. The bluebell is known for its sweet scent and is often used in perfumes and other fragrances.
In addition to its association with Apollo and the myth of Hyacinthus, the bluebell is also associated with humility and gratitude.
It is said that the bluebell’s delicate beauty is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating every moment. In some cultures, the bluebell is also associated with fairies and is believed to have magical powers.
Overall, the bluebell is a beautiful and meaningful flower that has a rich history in mythology and culture. Its association with the god Apollo and the myth of Hyacinthus make it a fascinating symbol of love, loss, and the power of nature.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
