Atys

or Attys, or Attis, in Phrygian mythology, a beautiful youth beloved by the goddess Cybele. Cybele's father Maeon caused his death. According to another account, he was faithless to Cybele and was about to marry another, when the angry goddess appeared and dispersed the wedding guests, driving Atys into the mountains, where he committed suicide. In either case, he was supposed to have met death by a pine tree which received his spirit, while from his blood sprang violets. Cybele was famed to have made long and frantic search for him. Atys was made memorable in the spring worship of Cybele. A pine tree garlanded with violets was brought to Cybele's shrine, then a three days, search was made among the mountains, the worshipers giving expression to frantic grief, accompanied with the wildest music of drums, fifes, and cymbals. On the third day Atys was found, and then extravagant rejoicing succeeded the mourning. The finding of Atys is supposed to symbolize the revival of nature in spring. The legend has its counterpart in the Greek story of Aphrodite and Adonis. See Cybele