Fairest of the Cretan girls, betrothed to Iphis when Ligdus thought he was giving his son a bride — she loved Iphis with equal flame, not knowing both seemed maidens until Isis changed Iphis into a man on their wedding eve.1
When Iphis reached marriageable age, Ligdus betrothed the hidden girl to Ianthe, daughter of Telestes, a maiden of surpassing beauty whom every suitor desired. Ianthe burned with love for Iphis, and Iphis for her — yet to the world both were girls, and Iphis despaired that nature forbade what custom seemed to allow.2
Telethusa, fearing the wedding, delayed with feigned illness and omens until Isis answered their prayer in the goddess' temple. When Iphis left changed into a man, Ianthe received him as bridegroom, and Hymenaeus blessed the union.3
The atlas keeps this mortal Ianthe of Crete distinct from `ianthe-oceanid`, the Oceanid daughter of Tethys counted among Apollo's companions in Hesiod's catalogue.4
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the spine ignites as you read · hover a bond on the card — every mention of them lights in the story