What is caeneus?

Caeneus

Caeneus was a figure in Greek mythology, originally a woman named Caenis, who was transformed into an invulnerable man. The transformation and subsequent adventures vary depending on the source, but certain core elements remain consistent.

• Original Sex and Transformation: Caenis was a beautiful woman, often described as a daughter of Elatus. She was raped by the god Poseidon. Afterward, Poseidon, granting her a wish to compensate for the assault, transformed her into an invulnerable man named Caeneus. The specific wish is sometimes framed as a request never to suffer such violation again. This relates to the subjects of "rape" and "sexual%20assault" in history.

• Invulnerability: A defining characteristic of Caeneus is his invulnerability. He could not be wounded by weapons. This ties into the concept of "immortality" and "superhuman%20abilities" in mythology.

• The Centauromachy: Caeneus is a prominent figure in the Centauromachy, the battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs at the wedding feast of Pirithous. His invulnerability made him a formidable opponent.

• Death: Despite his invulnerability, Caeneus' death is a significant part of his story. Since weapons couldn't harm him, the Centaurs overwhelmed him by burying him alive under piles of trees and rocks. Some accounts say that his soul transitioned into a bird. This is related to the concepts of "death" and "rebirth" in mythology.

• Gender and Identity: The story of Caeneus raises questions about gender identity and transformation. His tale is sometimes interpreted through the lens of "gender" studies and the exploration of non-binary or transgender identities.