Hyacinth (mythology)

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Hyacinth () or Hyacinthus (/hy.á.kin.tʰos/ or /iˈa.cin.θos/; Ancient Greek: Ὑάκινθος, romanized: Huákinthos) is a deified hero and a lover of Apollo in Greek mythology. His cult at Amyclae southwest of Sparta dates from the Mycenaean era. The hero is mythically linked to local cults and identified with Apollo. In the Classical period, a temenos (sanctuary) grew up around what was alleged to be his burial mound, which was located at the feet of a statue of Apollo. He is described as a Spartan prince who was also admired by Zephyrus, Boreas, and Thamyris. Scholars suggest he was originally a pre-Hellenic vegetation deity representing the natural cycle of decay and renewal. He is variously said to be the son of Clio, one of the Muses, by Pierus, Oebalus, or Amyclas.

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