Who is Hyperion in Greek mythology?
Hyperion is a Titan who stands among the first generation of gods and serves as the father of celestial bodies. He is the son of Uranus and Gaia according to Hesiod's Theogony at line 134.
Questions about Hyperion (mythology)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What are the children of Hyperion called?
His wife and sister Theia produces three powerful children named Helios, Selene, and Eos. Helios becomes the sun that lights the day while Selene takes charge of the moon that guides the night and Eos rules the dawn that breaks before sunrise.
When does Hyperion appear in ancient texts?
Hesiod writes about this Titan in his foundational poem called Theogony which lists him as the son of Uranus and Gaia at line 134. Apollodorus records conflicting accounts of both Hyperions in his Library text without clarifying why he uses the same name for such distinct characters.
Where does the Trojan prince Hyperion die?
This man is a son of King Priam during the great war against Greece who dies during the conflict without naming his killer specifically. His life ends in the chaos of battle while defending his home city Troy.
Why do scholars distinguish between two Hyperions?
A second character shares this same name within the stories of Troy and remains distinct from the solar deity despite sharing his name. Scholars must distinguish between the divine Titan and the mortal warrior in every text because one is a god and the other is a mortal son of King Priam.