| Taurus actually refers to a star constellation that | | | | was relaxing in the garden with her attendants. |
| has been identified as having the appearance of a | | | | When she saw the bull she was delighted, and she |
| bull, by a variety of civilizations at different times | | | | immediately ran over to pet its back. Enjoying the |
| in history. This has led to the rise of a wide | | | | animal so much, she even hopped up on the bulls |
| assortment of bull myths and religious tales in | | | | back for a ride. This is when Zeus seized his |
| different areas throughout the world. | | | | opportunity, speeding off with her in tow, leaping |
| The actual myth associated with Taurus is tied | | | | into the ocean, and swimming all of the way to |
| into a series of stories that originated in and | | | | the island of Crete. |
| around the region of the Greek peninsula. The | | | | On Crete, Zeus revealed his true identity, and |
| specific name Taurus is a reference to a snow | | | | gave her a variety of magical gifts. This was too |
| white bull form that was taken on by Zeus. | | | | much for the princess, and she was overwhelmed |
| Zeus had fallen in love, or lust, with Europa, a | | | | by his passionate desires. She later went on to |
| famously beautiful princess of Phoenicia. When he | | | | become the first queen of Crete. |
| approached her however, with his amorous | | | | This bull has also been associated with the myth |
| intentions, he was rejected by the princess and | | | | of the Minoan Bull, and the Minotaur, probably |
| sent away. Not one to be denied his pleasures, | | | | because they all take place around the island of |
| Zeus took on the form of a gorgeous snow | | | | Crete. |
| white bull, and came to the princess while she | | | | |