The Story of Geras
Geras was the god of old age. Hesiod names him as one of the children of Nyx, the goddess of night, alongside Death, Sleep and Strife. His name means old age in Greek and gives us words such as geriatric.
Greek vase painters showed Geras as a small, shriveled old man leaning on a staff. A few of these paintings show him confronting Heracles, who raises his club against him. The scene was a way of saying that even old age could not get the better of the mighty hero, who was destined to become immortal and marry Hebe, the goddess of youth.
The Greeks had mixed feelings about Geras. Old age brought honor and wisdom, and living long enough to grow old was a sign of a full life. Yet poets also mourned the loss of strength and beauty, and Geras stood as the opposite of Hebe, the youth every mortal eventually loses.
Famous Myths About Geras
Heracles and Old Age
Greek vase paintings show Heracles confronting Geras, a small, wrinkled old man. The scene was a way of showing that even old age could not get the better of the mighty hero, who was destined to become immortal.
Geras's Family Tree
Parents of Geras
Partners of Geras
Children of Geras
Frequently Asked Questions About Geras
Who is Geras in Greek mythology?
Geras is the god of old age and a son of Nyx.
What does Geras look like?
Greek vase paintings show Geras as a small, shriveled old man leaning on a staff, sometimes in a struggle with Heracles.
Who is the opposite of Geras?
The opposite of Geras is Hebe, the goddess of youth.
