Amalthea (mythology)

Amalthea was a mythical creature from ancient Greek mythology who was thought to be a goat or a nymph. She was famous for being a foster mother to the god Zeus when he was a baby.

According to the story, Zeus was in danger from his father Cronus, who had heard a prophecy that one of his children would grow up and overthrow him. To protect Zeus, his mother Rhea gave him to Amalthea to raise in a secret place.

Amalthea was very kind and caring to baby Zeus, and she nourished him with milk from her own goat horns. She also played with him and kept him safe from harm. In some versions of the story, Amalthea's magical horns provided an endless supply of food and drink, which helped to keep Zeus strong and healthy.

As Zeus grew older and became more powerful, he eventually overthrew Cronus and became the king of the gods. He never forgot what Amalthea had done for him, and he put her among the stars as a constellation, along with her goat horns. Today, we still remember Amalthea as a symbol of love and generosity, and she is often depicted in art and literature.