The Messed Up Mythology™ of Hypnos, God of Sleep | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo
Jon Solo・14 minutes read
Hypnos, the god of sleep, plays a significant role in Greek and Roman mythology, assisting Hera in manipulating events and influencing various tales and legends. Despite angering Zeus, Hypnos evades punishment by seeking shelter with his mother, Nyx, and later aids Hera in the Trojan War, ultimately helping the Greeks secure victory with Poseidon's assistance.
Insights
- Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, plays a crucial role in various myths by assisting deities like Hera in manipulating events through inducing sleep in powerful figures like Zeus, showcasing his significant influence in Greek and Roman mythology.
- Despite facing potential punishment from Zeus for interfering with his plans, Hypnos cleverly evades consequences by seeking refuge with his mother Nyx, highlighting the intricate family dynamics and power structures within the mythological realm, where familial ties often dictate divine actions and outcomes.
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Recent questions
Who is Hypnos in Greek mythology?
Hypnos is the Greek god of sleep, known for providing rest and relaxation to mortals. He is part of a powerful family, with Nyx as his mother and siblings like Thanatos and Charon.
What are the dream spirits associated with Hypnos?
The dream spirits associated with Hypnos are called Oneiroi. They visit mortals at night, passing through gates made of horn for prophetic dreams and ivory for random dreams. Specific spirits like Phobetor, Phantasos, and Morpheus serve unique purposes.
Where is Hypnos' home located according to Roman poet Ovid?
According to Roman poet Ovid, Hypnos' home is located near the Cimmerian land in a cave filled with darkness and sleep-inducing herbs. He has attendants guarding his home, embodying traits like quiet, forgetfulness, and sloth.
How did Hypnos assist Hera in Greek mythology?
Hypnos once helped Hera by putting Zeus to sleep, allowing her to manipulate events. This led to a storm endangering Heracles, but Zeus eventually discovered Hera's actions and punished several Olympians, including Hypnos.
How did Hypnos aid the Greeks in the Trojan War?
In the form of a bird, Hypnos put Zeus to sleep while Hera seduced him, ensuring his slumber was undisturbed. With Poseidon's help, Hypnos aided the Greeks in winning the war, shifting the tide of battle in their favor.
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Summary
00:00
"Hypnos: God of Sleep and Dreams"
- The episode is sponsored by Helix, offering premium mattresses and bedding customized to individual needs.
- Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, is discussed, credited for the satisfying feelings of rest and relaxation.
- Hypnos is part of a powerful family, with Nyx, the goddess of night, as his mother, and a range of siblings including Thanatos, Aether, and Charon.
- Hypnos' wife, Pasithea, personifies relaxation, and together they have children, the dream spirits called Oneiroi, who visit mortals at night.
- The Oneiroi pass through gates made of horn for prophetic dreams and ivory for random dreams, with specific spirits like Phobetor, Phantasos, and Morpheus serving unique purposes.
- Hypnos' home is described in detail by the Roman poet Ovid, located near the Cimmerian land in a cave of darkness and sleep-inducing herbs.
- Hypnos has attendance guarding his home, embodying traits like quiet, forgetfulness, and sloth, connected to the concept of sleep.
- Hypnos is invoked in various myths, like in Seneca's tragedy where Somnus is called upon to calm Hercules' rampage.
- Hypnos once helped Hera by putting Zeus to sleep, leading to a near punishment in Tartarus for interfering with Zeus' plans.
- Hypnos is a significant figure in both Greek and Roman mythology, embodying the essence of sleep and relaxation, with his influence seen in various tales and legends.
11:12
"Hypnos' Betrayal and Alliance in Mythology"
- Hypnos, the god of sleep, unknowingly assists Hera in putting Zeus to sleep, allowing her to manipulate events. Hera causes a storm that endangers Heracles, but Zeus is eventually alerted to her actions and punishes several Olympians, including Hypnos.
- Despite Zeus' anger towards Hypnos, the god of sleep escapes punishment by seeking refuge with his powerful mother, Nyx. Hypnos later agrees to help Hera again in the Trojan War after she promises to set him up with Pasithea, making her swear an unbreakable vow on the River Styx.
- Hypnos, in the form of a bird, puts Zeus to sleep while Hera seduces him, ensuring his slumber is undisturbed. With Poseidon's help, Hypnos aids the Greeks in winning the war, ultimately shifting the tide of battle.
