PSAMATHE IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Psamathe was one of the 50 Nereid nymphs of Greek mythology. Psamathe is arguably most renowned for her relationship with King Aeacus.
The Nereid Psamathe
Psamathe was a daughter of Nereus and Doris, and hence was one of the 50 Nereids; Psamathe was thus sister to the likes of Amphitrite and Galatea. The name Psamathe, is normally translated as “Sand-goddess”.
Psamathe and Aeacus
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All of the Nereids were extremely beautiful and were commonly seen having fun amongst the waves of the Mediterranean, or sunbathing on rocky outcrops. The beauty of Psamathe in particular caught the attention of King Aeacus, a son of Zeus who was married to Endeis, but now sought Psamathe to be his new wife.
Psamathe would initial reject the attentions of Aeacus, and in order to avoid him, she would transform herself into a seal. |
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Eventually though, Aeacus would make Psamathe his wife, and from this relationship a son was born, for Psamathe became mother to Phocus.
The Vengeance of Psamathe
When Phocus had grown into a handsome youth, the jealousy of his stepbrothers, Telamon and Peleus overcame them, and Phocus was killed. It is most commonly said that Telamon inflicted the deadly wound with a thrown quoit or discus.
Peleus and Telamon were exiled, but later on Psamathe sought vengeance against Peleus. Peleus was thriving, and his herds grew in number. Psamathe though sent a wolf to ravage his animals, and many were killed. Peleus recognised the reason for his losses, and so offered up prayers and sacrifices to Psamathe, although the Nereid was initially unmoved.
Peleus though, by this time was married to Thetis, a sister of Psamathe, who pleaded on her husband’s behalf. For the sake of her sister, Psamathe relented, and after Thetis had turned the wolf to stone, Peleus was thereafter free from persecution.
Peleus and Telamon were exiled, but later on Psamathe sought vengeance against Peleus. Peleus was thriving, and his herds grew in number. Psamathe though sent a wolf to ravage his animals, and many were killed. Peleus recognised the reason for his losses, and so offered up prayers and sacrifices to Psamathe, although the Nereid was initially unmoved.
Peleus though, by this time was married to Thetis, a sister of Psamathe, who pleaded on her husband’s behalf. For the sake of her sister, Psamathe relented, and after Thetis had turned the wolf to stone, Peleus was thereafter free from persecution.
More Children for Psamathe
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Later, Psamathe became the wife of Proteus, the sea-god son of Poseidon.
Psamathe would subsequently become mother to a son called Theoclymenus and a daughter called Eidothea (also known Edio and Theonoe). Eidothea was a prophetic sea-nymph who assisted Menelaus after the Trojan War, whilst Theoclymenus was a king of Egypt, at least according to Euripides’ play, Helen. |
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Psamathe in the Dionysiaca
Psamathe also appears in the Dionysiaca, the epic poem written by Nonnus. At the time when the forces of Poseidon and Dionysus were fighting, for both gods in love with Beroe. Psamathe fearing for the future of the sea deities who sided with Poseidon, prayed to to Zeus for an end to the fighting. Zeus heard Psamathe’s words, and ended the battle.
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Colin Quartermain - Psamathe -30th August 2025