Originally, she was a woman famed for her beauty, considered to be one of the most beautiful maidens in Thessaly. While she turned down many suitors, she one day found herself the object of Poseidon's desire...and so lost her chastity. Pleased with himself, the sea god promised to grant any wish she might have, to which Caenis replied: "Please take from me my womanhood, so that I may never be made to endure this again." And so, according to legend, Caenis was transformed into an invincible man.