The Story of Melinoe
Melinoe was an eerie goddess of ghosts and nightmares, known mainly from a hymn in the Orphic Hymns. According to that hymn, she was born to Persephone beside the river Cocytus in the underworld. Zeus was said to be her father, having come to Persephone disguised as Hades.
The hymn describes her leading a host of restless spirits through the night air, appearing to mortals in strange and changing shapes. Sometimes she showed herself clearly and sometimes she hid in the darkness, filling people with terror. Her limbs were said to be partly black and partly white, a sign of her ties to both the underworld and the world above.
Those who prayed to Melinoe did not ask for her company. The hymn asks her instead to drive away madness and night terrors from the soul. She belonged to the mystical Orphic tradition rather than to the main myths, so very little else is known about her.
Famous Myths About Melinoe
A Dark Birth
According to an Orphic hymn, Melinoe was born to Persephone after Zeus took the form of Hades to deceive her. She was said to roam the night with a host of ghosts, appearing to mortals in strange and frightening forms.
Melinoe's Family Tree
Partners of Melinoe
Children of Melinoe
Frequently Asked Questions About Melinoe
Who is Melinoe in Greek mythology?
Melinoe is the goddess of ghosts and nightmares, who wanders the night with a train of spirits. She is known mainly from an Orphic hymn.
Who are Melinoe's parents?
According to the Orphic hymn, Melinoe is the daughter of Persephone and Zeus, who came to Persephone in the form of Hades.
What does Melinoe look like?
The Orphic hymn says her limbs are partly black and partly white, a sign of her ties to both the underworld and the heavens.
