PYGMY (tiny people at war with the cranes)
People and soldiers · tribe of diminutive humans in Greek mythology
- Haunts and cult places
- Caria, Nile, Prasii
- In the sources
- 16 ancient passages
Deimachus and Megasthenes asserted that this feeble tribe of humans stood only three spans, or twenty-seven inches, tall.1,2,3 These small people were described as offspring of Zeus, though some accounts claimed they sprang from Epaphus.1 In the genealogical lists, they appeared alongside Libyans and Aethiopians as descendants of Epaphus.1 During their expeditions, they rode on the backs of rams and goats.3
The Pygmies inhabited a region with a healthy atmosphere and perpetual spring weather, sheltered from cold northern winds by mountains.3 Accounts varied regarding their dwellings, with some claiming they built cabins of mud, feathers, and eggshells, while Aristotle asserted they lived in caves.3 Ancient belief placed them in the southern coastal region, the marshes where the Nile begins, the mountains of the Prasii, and beyond the Trispithami.4,5,6,3 Some writers even claimed a nation of Pygmies formerly lived in the region of Caria.7
Every spring, the Pygmies traveled to the sea-shore to destroy crane eggs and young in an annual campaign lasting three months.3 During these seasonal hunts, they carried arrows as weapons against their enemies.3 Cranes were considered enemies of the Pygmies, flying to slaughter them.8,9 It was believed that the Pygmies were slaughtered by migrating cranes.4
The Pygmies honored the woman Gerana as a god before her transformation, living in a region where she was revered.10 After Gerana's transformation, however, the Pygmies came to hate her.10 Hesiod mentioned the Pygmies among other strange tales, while Homer recounted fables about them, as poets fabricated such stories to give pleasure and enjoyment.11,12,13 Strabo argued that writers included these marvels in histories to amuse readers.11
No credible person ever claimed to have personally seen the Pygmies.14 The existence of this race was presented as a reported claim rather than a certainty, likely originating from the small size of Ethiopians.14,6 Some writers classified the Erembi as a tribe of the Pygmies.11 Currently, the Pygmies enjoyed a respite from conflict due to the cranes' departure.9
The codex facts behind this entry
The Pygmies are described as a feeble tribe of humans. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae ll. 8-35
In the myths
The Pygmies were believed to be slaughtered by migrating cranes. Strabo 1.2.28 Every spring, the Pygmies travel to the sea-shore to destroy crane eggs and young in an annual campaign that lasts for three months. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.2 ¶12 The Pygmies honored the woman Gerana as a god before her transformation. Athenaeus 9.49 They ride on the backs of rams and goats during their expeditions. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.2 ¶12 They build their cabins using mud mixed with feathers and eggshells. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.2 ¶12 Aristotle claims they dwell in caves instead of mud cabins. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.2 ¶12
Fate
No credible person has ever claimed to have personally seen the Pygmies. Strabo 17.2.1 The Pygmies currently enjoy a respite from conflict due to the cranes' departure. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 10.30 ¶1 After Gerana's transformation, the Pygmies came to hate her. Athenaeus 9.49
