EURYNOME (oceanid of Greek mythology)

Zeus, the father of the Graces, made her the mother of the three Charites, Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and Thalia.^2,6 Some accounts also name her as the mother of the river god Asopus.⁷ Furthermore, she is listed as a possible mother of Ancaeus, Epochus, Amphidamas, and Iasus.⁸

Her cave, located near the roaring waters of Oceanus, sheltered Hephaestus for nine years after he was rejected by his mother.^9,10 She took him to her bosom and cared for him during this time.⁹ Only she and Thetis knew of the god’s presence in the cave.⁹

In her own house, she washed and anointed Odysseus and gave him a shirt and a cloak.¹¹ She immediately brought a seat and placed a fleece on it for him.¹² Taking torches, she prepared the bed with soft coverlets and guided Odysseus and Penelope to their bed by torchlight.¹³

Her sanctuary, a holy spot that has existed from ancient times, stands where the Lymax river meets the Neda river, about twelve stades above the town of Phigalia.¹⁴ Many cypress trees grow closely together around the site, which is difficult to reach due to the roughness of the surrounding ground.¹⁴ The sanctuary is opened only on one specific day each year, and opening it on any other day is considered a transgression.¹⁰ Sacrifices are offered to her by the state and by private individuals.¹⁵ Some Phigalians consider her to be an alternative name for the goddess Artemis.¹⁰ If she is an Oceanid, she lives in the deep sea alongside Thetis.¹⁵