Galatea (1) (Milk White) The most famous Galatea in Greek mythology was a Nereid, or sea Nymph, daughter of Nereus and Doris.

Galatea (1) (Milk White) The most famous Galatea in Greek mythology was a Nereid, or sea Nymph, daughter of Nereus and Doris. This Galatea was a prominent character in the stories of Sicily, the huge island off the tip of the "boot" of Italy, which was home to early Greek colonies. The one-eyed giant sea monster, Polyphemus, fell in love with this fair creature, but she did not return his love, for she loved Acis, son of the god Pan. One day, Polyphemus discovered Galatea and Acis as they lay together on the banks of a river. In a fit of jealousy, the giant hurled a boulder at them. To protect Acis, Galatea turned him into a river. This story was told by the first-century Roman poet Ovid and has been retold by poets and musicians. The English composer George Frederick Handel based his musical masque Acis and Galatea on this love story. Gala tea (2) Greek In a story from Crete, a young woman named Galatea was married to a good man from a poor family. When she became pregnant, he told her he wanted only a son, and if a daughter should be born, Galatea was to leave her out in the wilds to die. While her husband was away on a trip, Galatea gave birth to a girl, but the mother could not expose her daughter. Instead, Galatea sought the help of soothsayer, who told her to dress the girl as a boy. This trick worked until the daughter reached early womanhood. In great fear, Galatea prayed for help from Leto, a kind, gentle Titan goddess who took pity on Galatea and changed her daughter into a son.