Dyssebeia

Dyssebeia
Personification of Impiety
AbodeErebus
OffspringHybris
Equivalents
Roman equivalentImpietas

In Greek mythology, Dyssebeia (pronounced [dyˈsːebeːa]; Ancient Greek: Δυσσέβεια) was the spirit and personification of impiety and ungodliness, as opposed to Eusebeia. Her Roman equivalent was Impietas.

Family[edit]

According to Aeschylus, Dyssebeia was the mother of Hybris.[1]

"I have a timely word of advice: arrogance (hybris) is truly the child of impiety (dyssebia), but from health of soul comes happiness, dear to all, much prayed for."[2]

Mythology[edit]

Dyssebeia (Impietas) was called upon by Hera when the goddess was angry towards Heracles, Zeus's illegitimate son.[3]

"One in deep darkness buried, far down below the place of banishment of guilty souls, will I call up – the goddess Discordia/ Eris (Discord), whom a huge cavern, barred by a mountain, guards; I will bring her forth, and drag out from the deepest realm of Dis/ Hades whatever thou hast left; hateful Scelus (Crime) shall come and reckless Impietas/ Dyssebeia (Impiety), stained with kindred blood, Error/ Ate, and Furor/ Lyssa (Madness), armed ever against itself – this, this be the minister of my smarting wrath!"[4]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Aeschylus, Eumenides 533.
  2. ^ Aeschylus, Eumenides 532–534.
  3. ^ Seneca, Hercules Furens 96
  4. ^ Seneca, Hercules Furens 90–99

References[edit]