Classical Mythology: Origins of Words and Phrases

Classical Mythology: Words and Their Ancient Roots

Chaos in Mythology

According to classical mythology, the beginning of the world was chaos. There was no order, and the elements of nature were mixed without any discernible way.

Medusa and Her Serpent Hair

Medusa was said to be the most terrible of the Gorgons. She was characterized by having snakes instead of hair, which continuously writhed.

Atlas: Titan and Cartography

Atlas was the brother of Prometheus, punished to bear the heavens and the earth upon his shoulders. The name 'atlas' also refers to a collection of geographic maps in one volume. Legend says that Perseus, the hero who brought the head of Medusa, saw Atlas, who was immensely tired, and turned him into stone, thus creating the Atlas mountain range in North Africa.

Prometheus: Fire-Bringer and Rebel

Prometheus was the son of a Titan who dared to steal fire from the gods to bestow it upon humanity, enabling their progress. This action also represents the excesses and imprudence of disobeying the supreme gods, which resulted in his severe punishment.

Harpies: Winged Monsters

Harpies were monsters, half-woman and half-raptor bird. They were accused of very cruel and wicked acts.

Chimeras: Mythical Beasts

A chimera is an imaginary creation that takes on a semblance of reality. Legend says that some chimeras were fabulous monsters, a mix of lion, goat, and snake, spitting fire.

Panic: From the God Pan

The word 'panic' is derived from the name of Pan, a Satyr who lived in the forests and had such a repulsive appearance that he terrified anyone who saw him.

Echo and Narcissus: A Tragic Love

Echo was a nymph who fell deeply in love with Narcissus. However, he wanted nothing to do with her. Each day, she grew sadder until she retreated into a cave, where she wasted away, leaving only her voice, which could merely repeat what others said. Narcissus, however, was punished. One day, he fell in love with his own reflection in a water source, consumed by an unrequited love, and eventually transformed into a flower, the Narcissus.

Morpheus: God of Dreams

Morpheus was a winged god who could appear to mortals in their dreams. He was associated with sleep and the world of dreams.

Nymphaeum: Nymphs' Sanctuary

In antiquity, a Nymphaeum was a cave or grotto, often with a spring, consecrated to the nymphs and considered their sanctuary for worship.

Mercury: The Alchemist's Metal

Mercury is the name given by alchemists to the liquid metal, also known as quicksilver, due to its constant movement.

The Muses: Goddesses of Arts

The Muses were the goddesses of the arts, daughters of Zeus. They were considered the inspirers of poets and artists.

The Apple of Discord: A Catalyst for War

The Apple of Discord, offered by Paris to Venus in exchange for Helen, caused the great war between the Greeks and Trojans.

Achilles' Heel: A Fatal Weakness

An Achilles' heel is a vulnerability. In the Trojan War, Achilles was killed by Paris (guided by Apollo) who shot an arrow into his heel, which was the only mortal part of his body.

Between Scylla and Charybdis: A Dire Choice

To be 'between Scylla and Charybdis' means to be caught between two equally dangerous alternatives, often implying a choice from bad to worse.

The Trojan Horse: Deception and Infiltration

The 'Trojan Horse' refers to a deceptive gift or strategy that allows an enemy to infiltrate a stronghold, often implying a hidden danger or traitor.

Penelope's Mantle: A Clever Ruse

The 'Mantle of Penelope' refers to the clever ruse employed by Penelope, wife of Odysseus and Queen of Ithaca. While awaiting Odysseus's return from the Trojan War, she wove a burial shroud by day, only to unravel it each night, thus delaying her persistent suitors.

Song of the Sirens: Irresistible Temptation

The 'Song of the Sirens' represents an irresistible temptation or a deceptive allure that leads to danger.

Procrustes' Bed: Forced Conformity

Procrustes' Bed refers to the infamous bandit Procrustes, who forced his guests to lie on a bed of a specific size. If they were too tall, he would cut off their feet; if too short, he would stretch them to fit. This phrase now signifies arbitrarily enforcing conformity or violently adjusting things to fit a predetermined standard, often for one's own benefit.

Sisyphean Task: Endless Futility

A 'Sisyphean task' or 'Sisyphus' work' describes a hard, endless, and useless effort. Sisyphus, the king of Corinth, having deceived the gods, was condemned in the Underworld to eternally push a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down each time it neared the top.

Liquor of Bacchus: The God's Wine

The 'Liquor of Bacchus' refers to wine, Bacchus being the Roman god of wine, revelry, and ecstasy. It implies a special or potent wine.

Sword of Damocles: Peril of Power

The 'Sword of Damocles' refers to the story of Damocles, who envied the apparent happiness of Dionysius II, the tyrant of Syracuse. Dionysius offered Damocles his throne for a day, but hung a sword by a single horsehair above it, symbolizing the constant danger and tension inherent in power.

Tantalus' Nightmare: Unattainable Desires

A 'Tantalus' nightmare' or 'tantalizing' situation comes from the mythological character Tantalus, who was condemned in the Underworld to suffer eternal thirst and hunger. He stood in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, but whenever he reached for the water or fruit, they receded beyond his grasp.

Ariadne's Thread: A Way Out of the Labyrinth

Ariadne's Thread refers to the skein of yarn given by Ariadne to Theseus. Theseus intended to kill the Minotaur, who was imprisoned in the Labyrinth. Ariadne fell in love with him and provided the thread so he could find his way back out of the maze.