In Greek mythology, Amaracus (Ancient Greek: Ἀμάρακος, romanized: Amarakos, lit. 'marjoram') is a young Cypriot boy who transformed into a marjoram plant, an aromatic herb that was one of Aphrodite's most commonly associated plants.[1]
The ancient Greek word for marjoram (origanum majorana) is ἀμάρακον, amarakon.[2] Due to the possible β/μ variation (if related to Ancient Macedonian ἀβαρύ, abaru, meaning oregano or marjoram) is probably of pre-Greek origin according to Robert Beekes.[3] He also claims that any connection to Sanskrit maruva(ka) meaning the same is false.[3]
On the island of Cyprus, Amaracus was the royal perfumer in the court of King Cinyras, his father.[4][a] One day Amaracus fell by chance while carrying the ointments, thus creating a greater odor from the confusion of said ointments. Afterwards, he was turned into the amarakon herb (the marjoram), which was also said to be sweet, a plant sacred to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.[6][7][8] As the son of Cinyras, this would make Amaracus the brother of Smyrna, another mortal turned into an aromatic plant with connections to Aphrodite.[9]
The ancient Greeks associated the marjoram with Aphrodite, as they believed she had created it.[10][unreliable source?] In antiquity, the island of Cyprus, where the myth takes place and also a major cult center for Aphrodite, was noted for its large marjoram production; to this day, Cyprus still produces aromatic and therapeutic oils of marjoram.[9] Marjoram was also utilised as a strong aphrodisiac, while it was also believed to cure snakebites, and both ancient Greeks and Romans adorned bridal wreaths with this herb.[11]
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