Nyx was one of the ancient Protogenoi, the first-born elemental gods. In Greek mythology, she was the goddess of night, and according to the cosmogony of Hesiod, she was the daughter to Chaos (Air), and mother to many Deities. Together, with Erebos (Darkness) she gave birth to Hermera (Day) and Aether (Upper Air). She is today’s topic on #ImmortalMonday.
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~She was a figure of exceptional strength and beauty~
It has been said the goddess ruled the night on a chariot pulled by four horses, surrounded by a dark mist. Although, some versions have her painted as having black wings. The goddess of Night lives with the goddess of Day, Hemera, at and above the gate of Tartarus, said to be the source and ends of the heavens, earth, and sea. Tartarus was both a place and her brother. Although the two goddesses lived together they would only greet each other in passing at the threshold where Atlas holds up heavens. Some renditions record Hemera as a sister to Nyx, rather than a daughter.
~Older and more powerful than Zeus~
Nyx may be one of the few, if not the only god Zeus would defer to, especially after a little show of her power. During the Trojan War, Hera managed to talk Hypnos into lulling Zeus to sleep. He hid in a tree in the form of a bird while Hera seduced Zeus and worked his magic, putting the great god into a slumber. Hera used that time to work with Poseidon in turning the tide of the war. When Zeus awoke he realized what had happened. Having lost a son in the war and been deceived, he was angry and looked to take it out on Nyx’s beloved son. She protected her child and sent the furies on Zeus.
~ Nyx is Night~
Those looking to create mischief were appreciative of Nyx, as did thieves and fugitives, for under of darkness is the best time for such acts, treachery and for snares to be cast. Night is the best time for crimes because it was the time for Deceit, Sleep, Doom, Madness, and Death – the children of Nyx. Lovers also enjoy Nyx because night opens up the arms of her child Love. That’s why many budding romances chose to meet when the stars are out. Nyx has her hands in everything.
~Nyx the Mother~
It is written in Hesiod’s Theogony 211, that Nyx lay with none to spawn many of her remaining children (Deities and spirits), of which there were many. They are listed here, in no particular order.
**Eleos (Mercy)
**Eros (Procreation)
**Hybris (Insolence)
Hypnos (Sleep)
**Eris (Strife)
Ker (Fate, Destruction, Death)
Moros (Doom, Destiny)
Thanatos (Non-Violent Death)
Apate (Deceit)
Oizys (Woe, Pain, Distress)
*Dolos (Trickery)
Momos (Ridicule)
Nemesis (Indignation, Retribution)
Geras (Old Age)
Philotes (Friendship)
Sophrosyne (Moderation)
Epiphroh (Prudence)
***Epiales (Nightmares)
The Moirai (The Fates)
*The Erinyes (The Furies)
The Keres (female death-spirits)
*The Oneirio (Spirits of Dreams)
*Hesperides (Goddesses of Evenings)
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That’s a lot of children to keep track of. It takes a well-organized woman to handle that. Especially considering this particular lot.
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*Other renditions with different possible parentage.
** Fathered by Erebus
*** Most likely mothered by Nyx
Some myths and stories have Nyx and Uranus as the parents for several of the deities, although, Hesiod’s Theogony lists Nyx as mothering them alone.
Some love Nyx. Some fear her. In a YA series, I read she was cast as the villain throughout the entire story. What do you think? Is she just doing her job, on top of being a mom? Or is all that darkness bound to bring a little bit of bad?
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I’ve had less available time these past few weeks to keep up on the comments or get to other blogs, I apologize. Family always comes first and that’s where my focus has been. This morning I’ll be visiting with the children’s Psychologist when I would normally be getting in my daily Twitter and Facebook time. As we head into summer, free time will be harder to come by, creating more of a challenge for me and my writing. In addition, I’ve decided to take on two workshops this month, and that will also impact my social visibility. Bare with me. I see summer as a time to organize this site and slow it down. After all, shouldn’t we all be out enjoying the sun?
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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate your support. Until next time, au revoir.
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Another informative post, Debra! I had heard of Nyx, but I didn’t know much about her. She sounds like she makes a great villain for a story.
Indeed she does. I think she would make a very interesting heroine, as well. She’ complicated, dark and mysterious. You’re left wondering which side of good and evil she falls on. Thanks, Diana.
You know, I saw Nyx and thought of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. I love Nuckin’ Futz Nix, there, though it’s not the same Nyx you’re talking about. I kind of wonder, though, based on some of her characteristics, if she didn’t use this Nyx as a prototype for that character. 🙂 Great post! I enjoyed it thoroughly. One question, though. I thought Eros was the son of Aphrodite?
I’ll have to check Kersley Cole’s series out. We discussed Eros on this blog a while back. Feel free to check it out. He is one of the gods with a confused history. Some believe he was the son of Aphrodite, while others myths make him one of the few primordial gods. Personally, I like the idea that he came at the beginning. We need love established right from the get go if you as me. Thank, Kitt! Greatly appreciate your kind words.
I saw that you did a post on Eros. I’m going to have to go back and read it. Actually, I googled his origins as well. I know it makes sense for him to have been around in the beginning, but I also like to think he’s the good balance to Aphrodite’s vanity. LOL!
Very cool post. Nice to find your blog! I was familiar with Nyx, but didn’t realize she had so many children to keep track of. Mythology is always so interesting to explore!
I love playing “Skyrim”. It is a Nord-based fantasy and has many gods in it. They are immortal; however, they also have individual personalities and you can choose to interact with them and take on quests. I enjoy this. The goddess of the night is Skyrim has a different name and I can’t recall it right now, but she is certainly not to be trifled with.
Scott
I’d heard of Nyx, but that’s about it. Seems like I read a book once where she was one of the good guys – night can certainly be either! Thanks for another cool lesson in mythology!
Oh, I love Nyx. I like the part of lovers needing her to nurture their relationships. And how boring would things be if we didn’t have a little bit of bad in us? I have a little bit of Nyx in me I think. Perhaps I’m an ugly forgotten step-child?
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Nyx sounds like a totally cool goddess. I think if you’re the goddess of night, you’re bound to be a little bit naughty!
Love this! You’ve just given me a wonderful idea for the story I’m working on. Thanks Debra! I think Nyx is awesome, in the truest sense of the word. 😀
I am doing a report in World Cultures on Greek Mythology. I am doing the goddess Nyx and this help me out greatly! Thank you!
I’m so glad, Madison. You’re most welcome. Best of luck with your report.
is this real information or not
Who wrote this article? first and last plz
I’m working on a school project and my character is Nyx. If anyone could tell me a story, like an actual story, not a summary over her, that would be great!
Fascinating information. I love to create Goddess art. If you’re a fan of Goddess art, I hope you’ll check some of my work out. Here’s a piece I did just recently of the Rainbow Goddess Iris: https://awakeningvisions.com/art/iris-goddess/
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Nice article about goddess thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it keep it up.
Ashish Lavania recently posted…300+ Best And Killer Skyrim Nord Names For You
Nice thanks again for sharing the knowledge with us. my wishes with you.
thanks for sharing!
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