A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Εὐρώπη), according to the Iliad (14.321), 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. 3.1.1; Mosch. 2.7; Hdt. 1.173; Paus. 7.4.1, 9.19.1; Ov. Met. 2.839, &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; Hdt. 4.45.) There are two other mythical personages of this name (lies. Theog. 357; Pind. P. 4.46), which occurs also as a surname of Demeter. (Paus. 9.39.4.)

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