ECHIDNA (mother of monsters)
Monster · ancient Greek mythological monster, the mother of monsters
- Parents
- Tartarus, Phorcys, Chrysaor, Peiras, Ceto, Styx, Callirhoe, Gaia
- Consorts
- Typhon
- Children
- Hydra, Scylla, sphinx, Cerberus, Colchian Dragon, Ladon, Nemean lion, chimera, Aethon, Crommyonian Sow, Orthrus, Gelonus and 3 more
- Symbols and gear
- Nessus
- In the sources
- 15 ancient passages
Echidna was a monster unlike any mortal or immortal god, born of Tartarus and Earth, though some accounts name Styx and Peiras as her parents.1,2,3 She appeared as half a nymph with glancing eyes and fair cheeks, and half a huge snake that was great and awful with speckled skin.2 This being never died or grew old, remaining a nymph in eternal youth.2
The gods appointed her a glorious house to dwell in, a deep cave under a hollow rock far from both gods and mortal men.2 She kept guard in Arima beneath the earth, where she ate raw flesh beneath the secret parts of the holy earth.2 Known for carrying off passers-by, she was a threat to those who wandered too close to her domain.1
Echidna mated with Typhon, who joined in love with her, and together they produced the watchdog Orthus.4,5 Among their children were the watchdog Orthus, the fire-breathing Chimera, and the Nemean lion.6,5 She also gave birth to the three-headed dog that guards the underworld, and to the fifty-headed hound Cerberus, as well as the evil-minded Hydra of Lerna.7,5 Other offspring included the hundred-headed dragon that guards the golden apples, the razor-toothed dog Zeus retrieved from Hades, and the eagle that devoured Prometheus's liver.8,9
Her venom was potent, serving as an ingredient in a poison mixture prepared by Tisiphone.10 The venom of the Lernæan Echidna was contained within the garment dyed in Nessus's blood.11 Serpents sprang from each wound on her body.12
Ultimately, Argus killed her while she was caught asleep, while other accounts say the hero Heracles subdued and killed the creature.12,1 Though her body perished, her legacy endured through the monstrous progeny that haunted the edges of the world.2
The codex facts behind this entry
Echidna is identified as the daughter of Tartarus and Earth. Apollodorus 2.1.2 Echidna is a monster unlike any mortal or immortal god. The Theogony ll. 295-305
Powers
It multiplied its heads whenever one was cut off. Ovid Met. 9.1-100 (5) Its neck became stronger after losing a head. Ovid Met. 9.1-100 (5)
In the myths
Heracles subdued and killed the creature. Ovid Met. 9.1-100 (5) She eats raw flesh beneath the holy earth. The Theogony ll. 295-305 She was known for carrying off passers-by. Apollodorus 2.1.2
Fate
Argus killed her while she was caught asleep. Apollodorus 2.1.2 It was slain after being subdued by the hero. Ovid Met. 9.1-100 (5) She is a nymph who never dies or grows old. The Theogony ll. 295-305
