Cynosura

In Greek mythology, Cynosura (/sɪnəˈʃʊərə, saɪnəˈsjʊərə/; Ancient Greek: Κυνοσούρα) was a nymph (an Oread) on Mount Ida, Crete. Cynosura (together with Helike) nursed Zeus when he was being hidden from his father, Cronus. In gratitude, Zeus placed her in the heavens as the constellation Ursa Minor; according to folk etymology and the myth, Kynosoura is from κυνὸς οὐρά "dog's tail".

Cynosura is also another name for the constellation Ursa Minor or its brightest star, Polaris.

References

• Cynosura Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology
• Aratus, Phaenomena, 35; Hyginus Astronomica, 2. 2; Servius on Virgilius. Georgics 1. 246 (Myth Index - Cynosura)