sourced by JMJF
The word HERMAPHRODITE is used to describe a human being with both male and female organs. It is not clear whether, in today’s modern world of surgically enhanced or reduced body parts, artificial organs are included in this description.
The word has its origins in Greek mythology. Hermaphroditos was the son of two Greek gods: Hermes and Aphrodite, the goddess of love. As the offspring of two famous gods, his gene pool was suitably enhanced, and he possessed both the beauty and combined names of his parents. According to mythology, a nymph named Salmacis became enamored with the handsome Hermaphroditos when she chanced upon him bathing in her pool. She fell in love with him but he rejected her overtures. The rejected nymph then prayed the gods to grant them an indissoluble union. The quirky gods answered her prayers and her body was fused permanently with his, growing united as one body.
Thus, the reference these days to hermaphrodites as bisexual beings.
Comment Preview