Beroe (Beirut nymph)

In Greek mythology, Beroe was a nymph associated with the city of Beirut (ancient Berytus). She was the daughter of Aphrodite and Adonis, giving her a divine lineage connected to love and beauty.

Beroe’s most significant appearance in mythology is in the Dionysiaca of Nonnus. In this epic poem, both Poseidon and Dionysus compete for her hand in marriage. Poseidon, the god of the sea, sends an earthquake as part of his courtship. Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, uses his persuasive powers and the charm associated with his domain. The details of who ultimately wins her hand, or if she chooses either god, are not explicitly stated and vary across interpretations.

Beroe symbolizes the beauty and importance of the city of Beirut. Her divine parentage and the attention of major gods underscore the city's perceived desirability and significance in the ancient world. Her story highlights themes of divine competition, the beauty of nymphs, and the personification of cities in classical mythology.