MEMPHIS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Memphis was one of the most important cities of Ancient Egypt,  and for periods of time was the capital during the Old Kingdom. There is a link with Greek mythology though, for ancient sources tell of a nymph called Memphis, after whom the city received its name. 

The Naiad Nymph Memphis

​Memphis was a Naiad nymph, being the daughter of the Potamoi, the River god, Nilus, the Nile. Some tell of Memphis being the Naiad nymph of the well of the city of Memphis, though her connection with the city normally comes about later.

For it was said that Memphis became the wife of King Epaphus, the son of Zeus and Io; Epaphus being born by the banks of the Nile, only after Io had wondered the earth in the form of a heifer. 

​Having married Memphis, Epaphus set about building a new city, and once built the king named it Memphis in honour of his wife.

Libya Daughter of Memphis

​Memphis and Epaphus had one daughter, Libya, who later would give birth to Belus and Agenor, thus the descendants of Memphis include the likes of Minos, Perseus and Lacedaemon.

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Colin Quartermain - Memphis - 20th November 2019