The story of Europa is the last story in the second book of the Metamorphoses. In the previous story, Minerva ruins Mercury’s relationship with Herse, and so Mercury flies to heaven. This is where the story of Europa begins. Upon returning to heaven, Mercury receives an assignment from his father, Jupiter, who has a plan to seduce the young daughter of King Agenor, Europa. Jupiter asks him to drive the king’s heard to the shore. After Mercury does this, Jupiter turns himself into a beautiful, white bull and joins the King’s heard. Slowly, Europa becomes more comfortable with this new, mysterious bull. She begins to decorate him with garlands of flowers, and eventually, she climbs onto his back, and he walks into the ocean.
In the next book, Jupiter and Europa arrive at Crete, where he reveals himself to her; however Ovid does not continue further on this story. Instead, Ovid describes the story of Cadmus, Europa’s brother, whom Agenor sends to search for the missing princess.
In mythology, Europa has two or three children by Jupiter: Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, King of the Cyclades Islands, and, as some say, Sarpedon, King of Lycia. The first two of her sons were so successful, they became two of the judges in the underworld. Later Asterius, King of Crete, marries Europa, adopts her sons, and makes her Queen of Crete. Europa is one of few of Jupiter’s lovers to never be persecuted by Hera. The cuntinent, Europe, and one of Jupiter's moons have been named after Europa.
In the next book, Jupiter and Europa arrive at Crete, where he reveals himself to her; however Ovid does not continue further on this story. Instead, Ovid describes the story of Cadmus, Europa’s brother, whom Agenor sends to search for the missing princess.
In mythology, Europa has two or three children by Jupiter: Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, King of the Cyclades Islands, and, as some say, Sarpedon, King of Lycia. The first two of her sons were so successful, they became two of the judges in the underworld. Later Asterius, King of Crete, marries Europa, adopts her sons, and makes her Queen of Crete. Europa is one of few of Jupiter’s lovers to never be persecuted by Hera. The cuntinent, Europe, and one of Jupiter's moons have been named after Europa.