Ancient mythology has stated that Patmos once rested at the depths of the oceans. Patmos would only be visible when the moon goddess Selene would shine over it. Many legends have been told about the origin of this magnificent island. Below is the most common and generally accepted myth about the Island.
Patmos was originally called Letoisse, and it belonged to Diana, Leto’s daughter, whom the island was named. Selene, the moon goddess, was in love with the King Endymion, who was granted by Zeus immortality whenever he slept. So he slept in Diana’s temple at Karia. Whenever he was asleep, Selene would visit him at the temple, she lit the island underwater, creating a picture of utmost beauty. Selene asked Diana to life the island above water, which was made possible by Zeus, through the help asked by Diana’s brother, Apollo. As the island has emerged, the sun’s warmth greeted its soil, giving life. Diana encouraged humans to inhabit the island.
Another legend suggests that the name of the Island came from Neptune when first stepped on it (step: patima). It was first called Patnos, and later on, Patmos.
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