CHARICLO IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Chariclo of Thebes
Chariclo was the name of several distinct nymphs found in the tales of Greek mythology. One such nymph was a nymph of Thebes.
Chariclo Daughter of Apollo
The Theban Chariclo was most commonly said to have been a daughter of the god Apollo, by a woman unnamed.
Chariclo would marry a shepherd named Eueres, and the nymph would become mother to a son, Tiresias. Chariclo was an attendant of the goddess Athena, and often to be found in the goddess’ company, and was of closest attendants. |
|
Chariclo Mother of Tiresias
When still a youth, Tiresias was passing the fountain of Helicon, where upon he happened to spy the goddess Athena naked. No mortal should gaze upon a goddess in such a state, and so either Athena blinded the son of Chariclo, or else the ancient laws of Cronus caused Tiresias to go blind as he gazed upon the goddess.
Chariclo would beg Athena to restore her son’s sight.
Athena though, claimed it was not in her power to take back what had been done, but the goddess did the best she could for Chariclo’s son. The goddess would cleanse the ears of Tiresias, allowing him to understand the bird songs of all birds., but also the cleansing of the ears bestowed upon him the gift of prophecy.
Additionally, Athena gave Chariclo’s son a staff made of cornel-wood, which allowed Tiresias to move over any ground, as well as anyone who could see.
A final gift offered up by the goddess, was that Tiresias would live a long life.
Chariclo would beg Athena to restore her son’s sight.
Athena though, claimed it was not in her power to take back what had been done, but the goddess did the best she could for Chariclo’s son. The goddess would cleanse the ears of Tiresias, allowing him to understand the bird songs of all birds., but also the cleansing of the ears bestowed upon him the gift of prophecy.
Additionally, Athena gave Chariclo’s son a staff made of cornel-wood, which allowed Tiresias to move over any ground, as well as anyone who could see.
A final gift offered up by the goddess, was that Tiresias would live a long life.
|
Colin Quartermain - Chariclo - 10th February 2024