Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology, is said to fear Nyx, the primordial goddess of the night.
While Zeus is generally portrayed as all-powerful, there are certain entities and concepts that hold sway even over him. Nyx's power stems from her primordial nature and her association with the fundamental force of Night itself.
Nyx: The Goddess of Night
Nyx is not simply the night; she is the personification of the primal force of darkness and night. She is considered one of the first beings to emerge from Chaos, and her children include powerful entities like Thanatos (Death), Hypnos (Sleep), and the Moirai (Fates).
- Primordial Power: Nyx's ancient and fundamental existence gives her immense power that predates the Olympian gods.
- Universal Influence: Night affects all beings, gods and mortals alike, making Nyx a force that even Zeus cannot completely control.
Evidence in Mythology
The most cited evidence of Zeus fearing Nyx comes from Homer's Iliad, Book XIV. While the Iliad doesn't explicitly state that Zeus fears Nyx directly, it implies a level of respect and unwillingness to cross her. Hera manipulates Hypnos (Sleep, son of Nyx) into putting Zeus to sleep. When Zeus awakens and is furious, Hypnos flees to Nyx for protection. Zeus, despite his rage and power, chooses not to pursue Hypnos into Nyx's realm, implying he doesn't want to provoke her.
Interpretation
It's important to note that the concept of "fear" in mythology can be nuanced. It's not necessarily about being afraid in the literal sense. In Zeus's case, it's more about recognizing and respecting Nyx's power and the potential consequences of interfering with her. He understands the natural order and the limitations of his own authority in the face of such primordial forces. It's more accurate to say he gives her domain respect.
