Acacallis, The Myth of a Cretan Princess
Acacallis (or Akakallìs in ancient Greek) is a lesser-known yet intriguing figure in Greek mythology. Her name, associated with the narcissus flower, also hints at other symbolic meanings, such as resilience and natural beauty of the plant Acacallè (“Egyptian tamarisk”). It is a symbol of survival and strength, able to thrive in tough conditions like saline soils and harsh winds.
This character is introduced in Bibliotheca by Apollodorus, an ancient collection of Greek myths and heroic tales, as Acalle.
Etymologically, the name Acacallis holds a special meaning, translating to "without walls." This detail has been interpreted as a reference to the ancient Cretan city of Tarra ( a village on Crete, near Agia Roumeli today), which, according to legend, lacked defensive walls and was captured by the Greeks. Another theory suggests that this story could allude to the flight of the people from Tarra to Libya, where they later established rule over the Garamantes, a historical nomadic tribe.
Palace of Knossos, Crete
Acacallis was a Cretan princess, the daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë, which made her a member of one of Greek mythology's most famous royal families. Her siblings included notable figures such as Ariadne, Androgeos, and Phaedra. Like many women in Greek myth, her life was intertwined with the gods: both Hermes and Apollo loved her.
With Hermes, Acacallis bore a son named Cydon, who became the namesake of the ancient city of Cydonia on Crete. Her relationship with Apollo was even more impactful, resulting in three sons: Naxos, Miletus, and Amphithemis (also known as Garamantes).
The archaeological site of Tarra is located near the village of Agia Roumeli (island of Crete), where remains of the ancient city and necropolis are visible. In the area, there once stood a fortified sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Tarreus, and after the Dorian conquest of the island, the ancient settlement became an important cult center for the god Apollo. However, it was during the Roman era that the city saw its greatest development. Artifacts and excavations, however, show that the area was inhabited as far back as the Late Minoan period. Near the church dedicated to the Madonna, it is believed that there was once an ancient temple devoted to the goddess Artemis, parts of which were repurposed in the construction of the church.
One legend describes how Acacallis met Apollo during a visit he made to Tarra. There, Apollo and his sister Artemis sought purification, and Acacallis became involved with Apollo. When her father Minos learned of this affair, he was enraged and exiled her to Libya. She went to Libya while pregnant with Amphithemis, also called Garamantes, who would become the forefather of the nomadic Garamantian people.
Island of Crete
Acacallis’s love for Apollo led to another son, Miletus. Fearful of her father’s wrath, Acacallis fled from the Cretan palace to the woods when she was about to give birth to Miletus. She gave birth to him but, unable to care for the child herself, left him at the base of a tree. The god Apollo intervened, and wolves, under his divine command, nursed the infant until local shepherds found and raised him.
Miletus grew up to be a strong and independent young man who later left Crete, avoiding his grandfather. He eventually founded the city of Miletus in Asia Minor, a place that would become historically significant in the ancient Greek world.
Last update: November 2, 2024
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