Who is Adonis?

There are many historical and mythical information about the Phoenician/Greek figure, Adonis. Instead, this is our chance to have a personal idea about him as a regular person. We may attempt to answer questions about who he was as a man, and understand Adonis’ attributes and personality. Someone who was living during an age forged by iron and steel. Here was this young shepherd from the old days. Aside from war, life could have been simple for someone out on the farm, but it was still hard physical labor. A routine day provided some order in his life. His adoptive mother, who produced vegetation, may have taught him agriculture. All year long he herded livestock like goats, cows, and bulls, then during the spring and summer he cropped the fields for grain. We can probably bet that he was quite fit too. There was not much else for the average Joe of that period.

All along, there was something different about Adonis. Despite that the Underworld Queen Persephone and Underworld God, Hades (Pluto in Roman mythology) took him in, he had other plans than to reside in the underworld. Adonis had the virtues of beauty and desire. Yeah, what a heartthrob. When daddy is the ultimate bad boy, and mommy is a top producer, what kind of life would we expect for this young man? If Adonis were not working, he would get a bit on the wild side. He enjoyed a good hunt. How could he not get caught up, sometime? No wonder his most prolonged lover Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty could not slow him down. Yup, she had dibs on the ole boy but could not keep him away from the games. That would lead him to his final match against a wild boar — not the type of pigging out one had expected. Not only are wild boars quick on their feet, but those wild beasts also have sharp tusks. Once the boar fatally wounded him in the chest, he finally poured out his heart. Soon, Venus mourned over his lifeless body. The grief took the worst tole on her. After a while, her love and tears inspired a flower to grow where her lover lay to rest.

Now, let us imagine for a moment of an alternate or contemporary reincarnation of this young man. Money and “that other thing” make the world go around. It is all about the cash with this one because he knows that money can be a call to action, and that prestige can influence people to walk the line. At times, some people dislike this guy, yet he seems like he could be the life of the party. Even though his reputation is quite familiar, his taste can be quite particular. To “Mr. steal your girl,” this is all a game when there is no more competition. Unlike the modern-day ‘F’ boy, Adonis still has some redeemable qualities. He is courageous and ready to “knuck if you buck.” When others need his strong presence, he shows up to defend or support. Somehow, his hamartia continues to be his love for the game. As his lady, Venus knows deep down he could be a good guy. Still, it is not the first time she has to wait.

As we advance to a vibrant weeknight downtown, there is something special about the clicking from stiletto heels that are going to allure a daring guy. There may be some sweaty palms and colognes galore. Of course, Adonis has succeeded many nights before. So there is a small possibility that he will retire a sore loser, tonight. This guy thrives to always be a champion of the game, except this time is different. He breaks the rules when he does not guard his heart. How can he not get caught up, sometimes? Between his on and off relationship with Venus and his short escapades into the night, it must be difficult to please or balance both lifestyles. Since Adonis and his new fling continues to play this dangerous game, someone is bound to get hurt, and Adonis’ split focus sets him at a disadvantage. He opens his heart to someone he should not. It is only a matter of time before the undisputed player gets deeply wounded. To no surprise, he does get fatally hurt. After Adonis feels broken, it seems inevitable that he would leave Venus. Although love may inspire new growth, only he can save himself.

In retrospect, Adonis’ archetype would likely be consistent throughout both circumstances. In more ways than one, people change with the times. That is why in a complex modern world, Adonis would most likely have more layers and be less rigid in the way that he lives out his life. For a long time, he had his way until everything began to catch up with him. Since Adonis has a motive behind his main flaw and virtues, his impulses and probabilities from each circumstance are comparable. No matter what, buddy could not shake off his old habits. All of this might make us wonder about the kind of person we might be if we lived two millennia from now.