What does the name Nephele mean in Greek mythology?
Nephele means cloud in Greek; her Latin equivalent is nebula. She appears in two separate myths, both connected to clouds, but involving entirely different figures and stories.
Questions about Nephele
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Zeus create Nephele from a cloud?
Zeus created Nephele from clouds in the exact form of Hera to test the mortal Ixion. Ixion had violated the sacred law of hospitality, Xenia, by attempting to force himself on Hera. When placed before Ixion, the cloud goddess was assaulted, confirming his guilt, and Zeus punished him.
Who were the children of Nephele and Athamas in Greek mythology?
Nephele and Athamas had two children: a son named Phrixus and a daughter named Helle. Both children were later threatened by Ino, Athamas's second wife and daughter of Cadmus, who conspired to have Phrixus sacrificed.
Why is the Hellespont named after Helle in the myth of Nephele?
Helle fell from the back of a flying golden ram while crossing the sea with her brother Phrixus and drowned in the waters below. The strait was named the Hellespont in her memory, meaning the Sea of Helle.
What is the connection between Nephele and the Golden Fleece?
Nephele received a flying golden ram from Hermes and used it to rescue her children Phrixus and Helle. Phrixus survived to Colchis, where he gave the ram's fleece to King Aeetes as a gift. Aeetes hung it in a tree in his kingdom, where it became the Golden Fleece later sought by Jason and the Argonauts.
How did Ino plot against Nephele's children Phrixus and Helle?
Ino, the second wife of Athamas, secretly roasted the region's crop seeds before planting season to cause a famine. She then bribed the men sent to consult a nearby oracle, telling them to falsely report that Phrixus must be sacrificed to end the suffering.