Cybele

Greek A Phrygian (Asiatic) goddess of fertility who found favor in Greece (in the fourth or fifth century b.c.) and Rome (in the third century b.c.). She was sometimes associated with Rhea, the ancient Titan, as she, too, personified the Earth in its primitive state. Cybele was sometimes known as Agdistis, who had some of the attributes of both a male and a female. Her attendant god was Attis; her priests were the galli. The cult of Cybele had a strong appeal for women. With Gordius, king of Phrygia (Asia Minor), Cybele bore a son, Midas. Cybele and Attis Attis was a lesser god with whom the great goddess Cybele fell in love. He is represented as a young, handsome shepherd. Cybele chose Attis as her priest and imposed upon him a vow of chastity. Attis broke his vow and in a fit of rage, Cybele changed him into a pine tree, or an almond tree. The death of Attis and his rebirth as a tree were celebrated every year in ancient Greece, and later, in Rome. This myth of Attis obviously has its origins in ancient fertility rites, based on the belief that Cybele or Agdistis, as a personification of the Earth, kills and then resurrects vegetation. Cybele and Midas The goddess Cybele mated with Gordius, king of Phrygia, with whom she bore a son, Midas. Midas inherited his father's throne. By the god Dionysus, Midas was granted the wish that everything he touched should turn to gold.