April 17: Spring Month

The nymph Theophane was the granddaughter of sun god Helios, so no wonder her beauty was beyond compare. Now, ocean god Poseidon was looking for a bride at the time, and she would fit the bill perfectly. But Theophane was hesitant to dive into the unknown, and besides, there were dozens of suitors in the running. Poseidon didn’t take no for an answer, and took his trophy to a remote island. To maximise the peace and quiet, he turned the inhabitants into cattle. The competition got wind of their hideaway though, and soon, suitors flooded their beauty spot, set up camp and started hunting the enchanted flock. An annoyed Poseidon changed them into what they were, a bunch of hungry wolves. As for himself and his nymph, he chose a ram and a ewe as disguise. And after a few months, Theophane gave birth to a cute little lamb, with brilliantly golden curls. It would grow up to become the “chrysomallus”, or “ram with the golden fleece”, still visible at thenight sky, as the Zodac sign Aries.

The Rape of Theophane, print, François Perrier, British Museum, London, UK

The Transformation of Theophane, Kingston Lacy (National Trust), Dorset, UK