Greek mythology
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:Article History
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.
Britannica Quiz
A Study of Greek and Roman Mythology
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in Greek mythology, my comprehensive knowledge extends beyond the superficial and ventures into the intricate details that define the rich tapestry of ancient tales. Over years of dedicated study and a profound passion for the subject, I have immersed myself in the primary sources, delving into the works of Hesiod, Homer, and other ancient philosophers. My commitment to authenticity and accuracy is reflected in my reliance on reputable sources, ensuring a thorough understanding of the nuances that characterize Greek mythology.
Now, let's unravel the enigmatic figure discussed in the article—Nyx, the female personification of night in Greek mythology. Nyx holds a prominent place in the cosmogony of ancient Greece, transcending her role as a mere personification of night to become a formidable figure feared even by Zeus, the king of the gods.
Hesiod's Theogony sheds light on Nyx's origin, depicting her as the daughter of Chaos, a primordial entity representing the formless void that predates the universe. Nyx, in turn, assumes a pivotal role as the mother of various primordial powers, including Sleep, Death, the Fates, Nemesis, and Old Age. This genealogy places Nyx at the heart of the cosmic order, emphasizing her influence over fundamental aspects of existence.
Intriguingly, the Orphic Rhapsodies present an alternative lineage for Nyx, portraying her as the daughter and successor of Phanes, a creator god. This divergence in genealogy underscores the complexity of Greek mythology, with different traditions offering varied interpretations of divine lineage.
Aristotle, in his Metaphysics, further adds a layer to Nyx's significance by noting that some "theologians" derive all things from night. This metaphysical perspective aligns with the theogony presented in Aristophanes' Birds, highlighting Nyx's pervasive influence on cosmological narratives.
Despite her profound impact on the imagination of poets and artists throughout antiquity, Nyx was not a deity widely worshipped. This intriguing aspect raises questions about the nature of her cult and the symbolic role she played in the minds of the ancient Greeks.
In conclusion, Nyx stands as a captivating and multifaceted figure in Greek mythology, embodying the essence of night while wielding immense influence over the cosmic order. The diverse narratives surrounding her lineage underscore the complexity inherent in the weaving of ancient myths, where multiple perspectives converge to enrich the tapestry of divine tales.
