Final answer:
Apollo and Cyrene's son is Aristaeus, a minor deity associated with agriculture and animal husbandry in Greek mythology.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Greek mythology, Aristaeus is celebrated as the son of Apollo, the god of music, prophecy, and healing, and Cyrene, a nymph. Aristaeus, often associated with the pastoral and agricultural domains, held a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, making him a deity of shepherds, cheese-making, bee-keeping, honey, honey-mead, olives, and medicinal herbs. His expertise extended to the rustic arts, and he was credited with significant contributions to various aspects of human life.
Aristaeus is notably recognized for his role in the discovery of beekeeping and the cultivation of olives. As the god of bee-keeping, he was attributed with introducing the practice of caring for and harvesting honey from bees, a crucial skill in ancient agriculture. Similarly, his association with olives reflects his influence in the cultivation and extraction of olive oil, an essential component of ancient Greek life.
Despite his positive contributions to agriculture and human prosperity, Aristaeus is entwined in a tragic mythological narrative involving the death of Eurydice, the wife of the famed poet and musician Orpheus. In the myth, Aristaeus inadvertently chases Eurydice, leading her to step on a venomous serpent, causing her untimely demise. This event, while unintended, casts a shadow on Aristaeus's legacy, illustrating the complexities and tragic outcomes often woven into Greek mythology.
Despite being less renowned than some of his mythological counterparts, Aristaeus occupies a significant niche in ancient Greek lore. His diverse portfolio of responsibilities underscores his importance in the agricultural and pastoral realms, and his unintended role in the Eurydice myth adds layers of complexity to his character within the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.