Poseidon and Caeneus: a case of pubertal gender inversion in Greek mythology.

ABSTRACT

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are very frequently encountered in ancient Greek mythology. One of the most striking types of DSD described in many myths is gender transformation wherein a female becomes a male or vice versa. Herein, we present via the marvelous myth of Poseidon and Caeneus a case of pubertal gender inversion. A medical interpretation of the myth whereby we attempt to form a diagnosis of this case of DSD is also presented.