Ancient Transgender History: Hermaphroditus

Mythology. The ancient stories of our ancestors. These stories remind us where we came from and who we once were. Like all stories, the art of the storytelling within these myths imitated the life of the ancients. They are filled with elements that reminded our ancestors of the reality that surrounded them, and these stories gave an explanation to the experiences one might encounter within their life in ancient times. And for the same reason, these myths still hold cultural significance today.




Hermaphroditus was a minor deity in Greek mythology. And is the basis for the word hermaphrodite, (an outdated term to describe someone who is intersexed.) S/he was born the son of Aphrodite and Hermes and was the patron god of unions, androgyny, sexuality, and fertility. One account of the tale suggests that Hermaphroditus was also linked to the institution of marriage. The account explains that because they embodied the physical sexual qualities of both men and women, they represented the bond between the sexes through a sacred union. Hermes and Aphrodite also played the role of protecting and blessing brides. The earliest mention of Hermaphroditus is by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus(3rd Century BC)... take that Christianity.

The tale states that one day Hermaphroditus was walking in a patch of woods in Caria near Halicarnassus (Modern day Bodrum, Turkey) when he came upon the water nymph Salmacis in her pool. She became lustful of the boy and made several attempts to seduce him, but he rejected her. After he thought she was gone, he undressed and entered the pool. When he was deep within, Salmacis revealed herself and wrapped herself around the boy, forcibly kissing him. As the two struggled, Salmacis prayed to the gods that the two should never part. Her wish was granted and their bodies were fused into "a creature of both sexes". Hermaphroditus then prayed to Hermes and Aphrodite and requested that anyone else who bathed in the pool would be similarly transformed .


Hermaphroditus is commonly found in art, literature, and music throughout history. From stories by a variety of philosophers and poets to the song "The Fountain of Salmacis" by the band Genesis. The deity is depicted in many artworks that were created throughout the centuries and there are a variety of sculptures that also represent the deity. One such sculpture was placed in a public bath in ancient Greece, symbolizing that the bath was meant for all genders. (Even the ancient Greeks opposed bathroom discrimination.) The most famous depiction of Hermaphroditus is the statue Borghese Hermaphroditus (Sleeping Hermaphroditus) an ancient, life-sized piece of the deity laying on a blanket. In 1620, artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini sculpted a mattress which the original piece now lies. It is on display at The Louvre in Paris, France and is pictured below. Isn't she beautiful?!