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RHODES MYTHOLOGY

According to Greek Mythology, Rhode was the elder of the Oceanids, one of the daughters of Oceanos (Ocean) and Tythis. Later on, it was thought that she was a daughter of Poseidon (Neptunus) and Alia, or of Poseidon and Amphitritae. She was married to the god Helios (Sun) and gave her name to the island of Rhodes, whose she and her husband were patron gods and where it was situated the center of her cult. It is thought that the name Rhode is owed to the pink hibiscus which was native to the island and was similar to a rose, which is also etymologically related to her name (“rodon” in Greek is the rose). The Telchines, the first inhabitants of the island came to settle here when Helios created the island of Rhodes and had seven sons and one daughter with Rhode. The girl, called Electryo, died a virgin, whereas the sons reigned on the island and became famous rulers and astronomers. Rhode was worshipped on the island not only by her own name but also as Halia and Leucothea.

The birth of the island of Rhodes

The island of Rhodes is related to several myths, some of them stated in the ancient writers and others surviving in the local tradition. Most of them present a version of the creation of the island. One of the most popular myths in antiquity has been preserved thanks to the poet Pindarus. According to this myth, when Zeus and the rest Olympian gods came best of their fight with the Titans and Giants, decided to divide the world. When everybody had already taken one’s part, they realized that they had forgotten the god Helios (Sun), who was absent during the division. Thus, Zeus, the king of gods decided to offer him the first land that would emerge from the waters. At this very moment the island of Rhodes, green and beautiful, emerged from the blue sea of the Aegean. Helios, impressed by the breathtaking beauty of the island, sent to its light and heat and ever since became the protector god of the island. As the myth states, it is due to this protection and help that Rhodes achieved to become the famous island we know during the Classical and Hellenistic periods.

Another myth attributes the beginnings of Rhodes to the love of Helios for the nymph Rhodes, the daughter of the god of the sea, Poseidon. When Helios saw Rhodes, so the myth goes, he was so taken by her astounding beauty that he made her his wife. They had seven sons and one daughter, Alectrona, who died young. Kerkaphos, one of the sons of Helios and Rhodes, had three children: Kamiros, Ialysos and Lindos. They built a city each in Rhodes and divided the island among themselves.

Some say that the famed island derives its name from the nymph Rhodes. Others maintain that Rhodes was named after the rose, and this either because the island was abundant in these beautiful flowers or because the ancient inhabitants likened its beauty to that of a rose.

However, Rhodes was known in ancient times by several other names, among them, Ophioussa, for the many snakes that lived there; Elaphousa, because the Rhodians brought dears to kill the snakes that were there (the dears killed the snakes by running over them) Asteria, for its clear blue and starry sky Makaria, for its arresting beauty Telchinia, because its first inhabitants were said to be the Telchines and Attavyria, after its highest mountain, Attavyros.

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Tamari W
Tamari W
7 May 2023
Amazing Day in Rhodes! What an amazing day we had with Aga for our private tour of the island of Rhodes! We saw all of the highlights of the island in an unhurried itinerary. Aga knew we love photography and took us to some amazing spots to capture great photos! Thanks to Aga we learned so much about the island of Rhodes and it’s diverse history. Lastly we had the best meal of our trip at a seaside taverna. Delish!! Thanks to Aga, Ellie and the entire Rhodes Taxi Tours team for a great day. Highly recommend!!
LMM979
LMM979
2 May 2023
Absolutely Fantastic We had a tour today with Nicholas and it was wonderful. We learnt so much local knowledge about the island of Rhodes. We felt like we’d known him forever and would highly recommend his guidance for your visit to Rhodes.
Adam J
Adam J
22 March 2023
Great island tour My wife, girls, and I had a wonderful day with Nicolas seeing the beautiful island of Rhodes. Nicolas treated us like family by not only showing us the highlights, but also sharing with us the wonderful Greek culture and hospitality. We visited a local pottery maker, an olive oil/wine merchant, and as a highlight, had a delicious seafood lunch on the water near Nicolas’s village. Thank you for treating us so well!
Peter T
Peter T
2 November 2022
MEMORABLE SHORE EXCURSION From start to finish we were impressed with the efficiency and responsiveness of Rhodes Taxi Tours.An especial 'thank you ' to Ellie who arranged the booking and to our knowledgable and friendly driver , Nicholas.
mark h
mark h
10 September 2022
10 STAR Experience! BEST TOUR IN RHODES - Great experince from the very start when our private driver met us at the port. We enter the luxury and fully air-conditioned car and started our trip to see all the beauty of this gorgeous island. We also had a stop at a fab tavern on the sea edge. Easy to put 10 stars raiting if it was possible!!! Great way to experience Rhodes - book a private tour!
joan s
joan s
6 September 2022
Amazing rhodes! Mike our tour guide, teacher, driver and now dear friend was amazing! We had the best day learning all about rhodes and seeing all the historical sights Mike went over and beyond to make our experience a memorable one! I highly recommend rhodesleisure while on your holiday Thank you Mike
lucie v
lucie v
4 September 2022
Memorable Private Tour in Rhodes Rhodes Private Tour with excellent guide! Our group of 7 was acommodated excellent and we had great tour in Rhodes! What an amazing island and friendly people. We include also a lunch to our program and we didn't wanted this day to end. Memorable private tour away from the crowds of the big cruise shore excursions. Highly recommended!
Karen R
Karen R
17 July 2022
BEST TOURS IN RHODES RHODES PRIVATE TOUR - Best day of our cruise. Highly appreciate the warm welcoming and company of our kind driver Nicholas. He immediately make us feel like we were visiting a friend. I highly recommend also visiting a local seaside tavern. We get a table right next to the sea. Amazing experience!Best Tour in Rhodes - Book this and you won't regret it
josesanchez2017
josesanchez2017
14 July 2022
Estupendo. Nuestro guía fantástico. Nos esperó a la bajada del barco con antelación. Nos explico todo perfectamente bien. Todo G Nuestro guía fantástico. Inmejorable trato. Sin duda alguna lo recomendamos al cien por cien. Nos explico todo de mara
Leigh H
Leigh H
1 June 2022
Full Day Private Tour of Rhodes Nicholas was an incredible guide of Rhodes. He drove us all around the island, making sure we saw all the sights that the island is known for, as well as local destinations and businesses, including lunch at a beautiful tavern. He was so engaging, funny, and gave us a real understanding of life on the island. Not to mention, he so generously gifted my family olive oil, made by his own family. Thanks for a great day, Nicholas!
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