Europa was a Phoenician princess. Her story begins with a dream. In Europa's dream, the continent Asia argued that since Europa had been born in Asia she belonged to Asia. The other continent, which had no name, said that where Europa was born was not important, and that Jupiter would give Europa to the nameless continent. 

In the morning, Europa went off with her companions--a group of young ladies--to gather flowers by the sea. Jupiter noticed the lovely group. He was especially taken by Europa, who was the prettiest of the maidens. 

Jupiter's ideas on how to court a young lady seem a trifle unusual--he approached the group disguised as a white bull. The bull was beautiful, gentle, smelled of flowers, and had a lovely musical moo. Of course, all the maidens rushed to stroke and pet it. 

The bull laid down in front of Europa. She slid on to its back, perhaps expecting a gentle ride. Instead, the bull charged off, plunged into the sea, and swam away from the shore. This scene is the subject of a painting by 16th century Italian renaissance painter Titian, "The Rape of Europa." They were soon joined by a procession of gods, making Europa realize that the white bull must also be a god. She pleaded with the bull for pity. Jupiter told Europa that he loved her, and that he was taking her to Crete. Upon arriving in Crete, Jupiter returned to his usual shape, throwing the bull's shape into the heavens where it became the constellation Taurus. Juno was distracted with other matters during this period, so she never punished Europa for having an affair with Jupiter. 

Jupiter promised Europa that she would bear him many famous sons. Europa bore
Jupiter 3 sons, including Minos, legendary ancestor of the Minoan civilization, the first
European civilization. Eventually, Charlemagne named the continent which he had conquered Europe--giving a name to that nameless continent.