Nyx | Night Goddess, Primordial Deity, Greek Goddess (2024)

Greek mythology

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Nyx, in Greek mythology, female personification of night but also a great cosmogonical figure, feared even by Zeus, the king of the gods, as related in Homer’s Iliad, Book XIV.

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, she was the daughter of Chaos and the mother of numerous primordial powers, including Sleep, Death, the Fates, Nemesis, and Old Age. The Orphic Rhapsodies made her the daughter and successor of Phanes, a creator god; she continued to advise her own successors (Uranus, her son by Phanes; Cronus, youngest son of Uranus; and Zeus) by means of her oracular gifts. Aristotle, in Metaphysics, Book XII, asserted that some “theologians” derive all things from night. This idea fits the theogony of Aristophanes’ Birds. Throughout antiquity Nyx caught the imagination of poets and artists, but she was seldom worshipped.

Nyx | Night Goddess, Primordial Deity, Greek Goddess (1)

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Nyx | Night Goddess, Primordial Deity, Greek Goddess (2024)

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Nyx | Night Goddess, Primordial Deity, Greek Goddess? ›

Nyx

Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx (/nɪks/ NIX; Ancient Greek: Νύξ Nýx, [nýks], "Night") is the goddess and personification of the night. In Hesiod's Theogony, she is the offspring of Chaos, and the mother of Aether and Hemera (Day) by Erebus (Darkness).
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Nyx
was the primordial Greek
primordial Greek
In Orphic cosmogony Phanes /ˈfeɪˌniːz/ (Ancient Greek: Φάνης, romanized: Phánēs, genitive Φάνητος) or Protogonos /proʊˈtɒɡənəs/ (Ancient Greek: Πρωτογόνος, romanized: Prōtogónos, lit. 'Firstborn') is a primeval deity who was born from the cosmic egg at the beginning of creation.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Phanes
goddess of the night and a consort to Erebus, the god of darkness
. According to the writings of the ancient Greeks, she was one of the first goddesses. Connected with her consort Erebus, some held that she hatched an egg that created the Earth, sky, and sea.

What are some facts about Nyx the Greek goddess? ›

Nyx married Erebus, the God of darkness. Nyx and Erebus produced Hemera (Day) and Aether (Light). Hemera is Nyx's opposite. Nyx brought the dark veil over the night, while Hemera chased the dark mists away each morning.

Who is Nyx to Zeus? ›

In Greek mythology, the goddess Nyx (Night) was feared by Zeus for several reasons: 1. Nyx represents primordial chaos and darkness. Before the Olympian gods came to power, the world was ruled by the Titans and chaotic forces like Nyx.

What was Nyx famous line? ›

Mother Nyx' best quote is: "Then, go and ask them, child. Steady your resolve, and find her there, again. And use well what brief time you have with one another, whilst you can. As mortals do." Next up we have our mentor and coach, Achilles.

Is Nyx goddess good or bad? ›

Funnily enough, however, Nyx is not exactly the personification of evil in greek mythology. She's never spoken of having done anything more 'evil' than Zeus himself does in any mythology. Yet, because of her mysterious and dark nature, many see her as more of a villain figure than she ever appears to be.

What are 3 interesting facts about Nyx? ›

Connected with her consort Erebus, some held that she hatched an egg that created the Earth, sky, and sea. She also had many other children, including Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Thanatos, the god of death. While Nyx was not worshipped widely, some cults held her in esteem, and she was the subject of art.

What is Nyx powers? ›

As an Olympian deity, Nyx possesses supernatural attributes, such as immense strength, durability, speed, and reflexes. She has the ability to fly. Being a night goddess, she can wield the darkness and shadows in lots of physical ways, including blinding someone or turning into one herself.

Who is stronger Zeus or Nyx? ›

In Greek mythology, the goddess Nyx was one of the oldest deities in the universe, born in the first moments of creation from the yawning abyss of Chaos. Nyx was the personification of night and was so ancient and powerful that even mighty Zeus was afraid to cross her.

Did Nyx like Hades? ›

They mostly tolerate and begrudgingly respect each other, even if they fight at times- Zagreus comments upon this aspect of their relationship, and Nyx admits that she and Hades sometimes convince themselves they are husband and wife, because of how they are obligated to cooperate.

Who was Nyx lover? ›

From Khaos (Chaos) [Air] came forth Erebos (Erebus, Darkness) and black Nyx (Night); but of Nyx (Night) were born (Aether, Bright Upper Air) and Hemera (Day), whom she conceived and bore from union in love with Erebos.

Why was Nyx so powerful? ›

Furthermore, Nyx was a Chaos goddess who was older than Uranus, Cronos, or Zeus and may even have predated Gaia. She was capable of independent fecundity and could produce children without the seed of any God. By this power, she produced Nemesis, Thanatos, Hypnos, and many other gods.

Was the goddess Nyx beautiful? ›

one of the most beautiful women. She bears some. powerful and unique features that distinguish her.

Why is Nyx feared? ›

It is safe to say that half of Zeus' fear stems from Nyx being an ancient being, while the other half comes from her wielding immense power. That is to say, Nyx is one powerful goddess. A primordial entity of any mythology generally held gargantuan power over any other gods within the pantheon.

Who could beat Nyx? ›

However, being made of darkness, Nyx is somewhat vulnerable to those with powers over light, such as Will Solace, who was able to burn her with photokinesis. Nyx's own children, working together, can temporarily restrain her.

What did Nyx look like? ›

In the works of poets and playwrights, she lives at the ends of the Earth, and is often described as a black-robed goddess who drives through the sky in a chariot pulled by horses. In the Iliad, Homer relates that even Zeus fears to displease her. Nyx is shown driving to the left in a chariot pulled by two horses.

Who is the most feared Greek God? ›

Because he represented death, Hades was the most feared of the Ancient Greek gods – some people even refused to say his name!

How powerful is Nyx? ›

Nigh-Omnipotence: While not as great as Khaos or God, she does have near supreme and absolute power over Creation. She was described as both nigh-omnipotent and near-unbeatable by those aware of her existence. Despite being limited, She still possess unimaginable level of power fully at her will.

Is Nyx the most powerful God? ›

Nyx is probably in the Top Three strongest of Greek Mythology. However, she isn't a God or Goddess - she is a Primordial. I would say the three strongest in Greek Mythology are Chaos, Nyx, and Achlys. Chaos and Nyx are switched as The Creators of Everything depending on Myth.

How powerful is Nyx Greek? ›

Nyx had prophetic powers, and gave oracles from her home at the edge of the cosmos. She was older and more powerful than Zeus, who deferred to her wishes. For some that experience pain in the day, night and Nyx are a welcome relief. They welcome her into their lives and their arms.

Why is Zeus scared of Nyx? ›

In Greek mythology, the goddess Nyx was one of the oldest deities in the universe, born in the first moments of creation from the yawning abyss of Chaos. Nyx was the personification of night and was so ancient and powerful that even mighty Zeus was afraid to cross her.

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