The Story of Phobetor
Phobetor was the god of nightmares and a son of Hypnos, the god of sleep. His brothers were Morpheus and Phantasos, and together they shaped the dreams of sleeping mortals. He is known mainly from the Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Phobetor visited sleepers in the form of beasts, birds and serpents, filling their dreams with frightening animal shapes. His name means the frightener. Ovid says that the gods called him Icelus, while mortals called him Phobetor.
There was no worship of Phobetor, and no other myths about him survive. He gave the Greeks and Romans a way to explain the terrifying creatures that appear in bad dreams. Today he is remembered as the god behind every nightmare that comes in the shape of a wild animal.
Phobetor's Family Tree
Parents of Phobetor
Partners of Phobetor
Children of Phobetor
Frequently Asked Questions About Phobetor
Who is Phobetor in Greek mythology?
Phobetor is the god of nightmares who appears in dreams as animals, serpents and frightening beasts.
What does the name Phobetor mean?
Phobetor means the frightener. Ovid says that the gods called him Icelus, while mortals called him Phobetor.
Who are Phobetor's brothers?
Phobetor is a son of Hypnos, and his brothers include Morpheus and Phantasos.
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