Tethys (mythology) facts for kids
Tethys is an important figure in Greek mythology. She is one of the powerful beings known as Titans. Tethys is known as the goddess of fresh water, which includes rivers, springs, and fountains.
Contents
Who is Tethys?
Tethys is one of the original twelve Titans. These were the children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). She was a very ancient goddess, representing the life-giving power of fresh water.
Tethys's Family and Children
Tethys married her brother, Okeanos, who was the Titan of the great ocean river that was believed to circle the world. Together, Tethys and Okeanos had many children. They were the parents of:
- All the river gods, who ruled over the rivers of the world.
- Thousands of nymphs called the Okeanids. These nymphs were spirits of springs, fountains, and streams. They were often seen as beautiful young women.
Tethys's Role in Mythology
Tethys played a nurturing role in Greek myths. She and Okeanos did not take part in the great war between the Titans and the Olympian gods, known as the Titanomachy. Instead, they stayed neutral. During this war, Tethys and Okeanos even looked after some of the younger Olympian gods. For example, they raised Hera, who later became the queen of the gods, and her brother Poseidon, the god of the sea. This shows their peaceful and caring nature.
Images for kids
-
Detail of Tethys attending the wedding of Peleus and Thetis on an Attic black-figure dinos by Sophilos, c. 600–550 BC, British Museum 971.11–1.1.
-
Mosaic (detail) of Tethys and Oceanus, excavated from the House of Menander, Daphne (modern Harbiye, Turkey), third century AD, Hatay Archaeology Museum 1013.
See also
In Spanish: Tetis (titánide) para niños
