Nyx, Goddess of the Night.
Nyx is my patron Goddess, but suprisingly, there is nearly nothing on her. Even the ancient Greeks, such as Hesiod, or in the Theogony (spelling?) do not mention much about her.

Nyx is the first-born Goddess. She was the first to form out of endless chaos. Some say that she is the daughter of Phanes, but I personally don't think so. Once formed, she gave birth to the world egg. The egg split into two pieces, the upper became the celestial realm, and the lower became Gaia. (The reason I don't believe Phanes was the father of Nyx is because he was born from the world-egg, and if Nyx birthed the world-egg, how could this be?)

Nyx resides in a dark cloud-covered palace in Tartaros, with her sons and her dark spirits and servants. She also is the mother of Hypnos (God of Sleep) and the tribes of Oneiroi (dreams). She is the Goddess who gives rest to the weary (through sleep), Queen of Illusions, and the One who dispells all fears borne in the darkness/night. She is also the mother of Hecate. She also rules phantoms and shadows. Known as the Ocular One, she sees all and is able to aid in Divination. She is one that even Zeus fears, called a slayer of Gods and men.

To me, I always saw her with black feathery wings. One of her symbols is a dark orb with two black feathery wings on each side. The owl is sacred to her, along with the poppy.

“To Nyx (Night), Fumigation with Torches. Nyx, parent goddess, source of sweet repose from whom at first both Gods and men arose. Hear, blessed Kypris [Aphrodite], decked with starry light, in sleep’s deep silence dwelling ebon night! Dreams (oneiroi) and soft ease attend thy dusky train, pleased with the lengthened gloom and feastful strain, dissolving anxious care, the friend of mirth, with darkling coursers riding round the earth. Goddess of phantoms and of shadowy play, whose drowsy power divides the natural day; by fate’s decree you constant send the light to deepest hell, remote from mortal sight; for dire necessity (ananke), which nought withstands, invests the world with adamantine bands. Be present, Goddess, to thy suppliant’s prayer, desired by all, whom all alike revere, blessed, benevolent, with friendly aid dispel the fears of twilight’s dreadful shade.” –Orphic Hymn 3 to Nyx

This post has been edited by blackstaff: Sep 14 2005, 10:37 PM