STYX IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Styx in Greek Mythology
Styx in Greek mythology was an Oceanid nymph, but her importance outstripped many of her sisters, for Styx represented a River of the Underworld, and her water’s were used in a sacred oath.
The Oceanid Styx
Styx is most commonly called an Oceanid nymph, one of the 3000 daughters of Oceanus and Tethys. The Oceanid nymphs were nymphs of freshwater sources in Greek mythology.
The Family of Styx
Predating the rule of the Olympians, Styx would marry Pallas, the son of Crius and Eurybia. Subsequently, Styx would give birth to four children, Nike (Victory), Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Cratus, Strength) and Bia (Power).
Less commonly, some writers in antiquity also named Persephone as a daughter of Styx, though she was more commonly called a daughter of Demeter. Additionally some say that the monstrous Echidna was a child of Styx, though against Echidna was more commonly named as a daughter of Phorcys and Ceto.
Less commonly, some writers in antiquity also named Persephone as a daughter of Styx, though she was more commonly called a daughter of Demeter. Additionally some say that the monstrous Echidna was a child of Styx, though against Echidna was more commonly named as a daughter of Phorcys and Ceto.
Styx and the Titanomachy
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The time of the Olympians would come though, when Zeus and his siblings rose up against Cronus and the Titans. Before battle commenced, Zeus sought allies, and the god proclaimed that all who joined his cause would be given position and privilege if they had held none before.
Advised by her father, Oceanus, to do so, Styx was the first to ally herself to Zeus’ cause, bringing with her her children. In recognition, Zeus would honour Styx by making her the oath of the gods, whilst her children would reside in the palace of Zeus thereafter. So, during the Titanomachy, Styx and her children would fight on the side of the Olympians, whilst Styx’s husband, Pallas, would fight with the Titans. The River StyxOceanid nymphs more normally associated with springs, fountains and lakes, but Styx is associated with the River Styx; rivers were normally associated with a god, a Potamoi, rather than goddesses.
The River Styx was one of the five Rivers of the Greek Underworld, named as the River of Hate, it was a river were punishment was said to be meted out. |
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Today, the Styx is the most famous of the Underworld’s rivers, and whilst some say it was the river on which Charon ferried the souls of the deceased, in antiquity, this was actually the River Acheron.
The Oceanid Styx was said to reside in a grotto at the edge of Hades where the Styx flowed forth.
The Oceanid Styx was said to reside in a grotto at the edge of Hades where the Styx flowed forth.
The Waters of Styx
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The waters of Styx were important, for the gods would use the water to make sacred oaths. Iris would gather up a golden pitcher of water, and when gods and goddess poured this water and made an oath they were bound to keep it.
In tales of Greek mythology, examples of gods taking the oath include Helios promising his son Phaethon anything he desired, and also Zeus doing similarly to Semele, both ending in disaster, when neither god would break their oath. Those gods and goddesses who did break their oath would be punished. For a year they would lie unmoving, unable to breath, or partake of ambrosia and nectar. After a year had elapsed the oath-breaker would be exiled from the council of the gods, forbidden from taking in any gatherings or festivities. |
Iris - Guy Head (1760-1800_ PD-art-100
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The waters of Styx also appear in the one version of the tale of Achilles, where Achilles’ mother dips him into the Styx to make him invulnerable to weapons, although, by holding him by the heal, Thetis leaves one are of vulnerability. This though, was a later version of the myth, for earlier Achilles was anointed in ambrosia and nectar before it was burnt away.
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Colin Quartermain - Styx - 25th February 2020