Irlandos at 10:39, September 29, 2006

2006-09-29T10:39:06Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Thanatos''' (θάνατος, "death") was the personification of death (Roman equivalent: Mors), and a minor figure in Greek mythology. Thanatos was a son of [[Nyx]] (Night) and [[Erebus]] and twin of [[Hypnos]] (Sleep). In early mythological accounts, Thanatos was perceived as a powerful figure armed with a sword, with a shaggy beard and a fierce face. His coming was marked by pain and grief. In later eras, as the transition from life to death in [[Elysium]] became a more attractive option, Thanatos came to be seen as a beautiful young man. Many Roman sarcophagi depict him as a winged boy, much like [[Eros|Cupid]].

According to mythology, Thanatos could occasionally be outwitted, a feat that [[Sisyphus]] twice accomplished. When it came time for Sisyphus to die, he succeeded in chaining Thanatos up with his own shackles, thereby prohibiting the death of any mortal. Eventually [[Ares]] released Thanatos and handed Sisyphus over to him, though Sisyphus would trick Thanatos again by convincing Zeus to allow him to return to his wife.

Thanatos is sometimes depicted as a young man carrying a butterfly, wreath or inverted torch in his hands. He has also been depicted as having two wings and a sword attached to his belt.

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[[Category:Greek gods]]

Thanatos - Revision history

Irlandos at 10:39, September 29, 2006