Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Europa

by Various Authors

EURO′PA (Εὐρώπη), according to the Iliad (xiv. 321), a daughter of Phoenix, but according to the common tradition a daughter of Agenor, was carried off by Zeus, who had metamorphosed himself into a bull, from Phoenicia to Crete. (Apollod. iii. 1. § 1; Mosch. ii. 7; Herod, i. 173; Paus. vii. 4. § 1, ix. 19. § 1; Ov. Met. ii. 839, &c.; Comp. Agenor.) Europe, as a part of the world, was believed to have received its name from this fabulous Phoenician princess. (Hom. Hymn. in Apoll. 251; Herod, iv. 45.) There are two other mythical personages of this name (Hes. Theog. 357; Pind. Pyth. iv. 46.), which occurs also as a surname of Demeter. (Pans. ix. 39. § 4.) [L. S.]