Pygmalion

Pygmalion is a figure from Greek mythology, most famously recounted in Ovid's *Metamorphoses*. He was a king of Cyprus and a sculptor who fell in love with a statue of a woman he carved, named Galatea. He prayed to Aphrodite, who brought the statue to life. The story has been a popular subject in art, literature, and music, symbolizing the power of art and ideal love.

The etymology of the name 'Pygmalion' is debated. Some theories suggest it derives from a Greek word meaning 'fist-hammer' or 'he who pounds with the fist,' possibly referring to his craft as a sculptor. Others link it to Phoenician origins, given his association with Cyprus, which had strong Phoenician ties. Regardless of its precise linguistic root, the name is inextricably linked to this specific mythological narrative.