In Greek mythology, Dyssebeia (pronounced [dyˈsːebeːa]; Ancient Greek: Δυσσέβεια) was the spirit and personification of impiety and ungodliness, as opposed to Eusebeia. Her Roman equivalent was Impietas.

Dyssebeia
Personification of Impiety
AbodeErebus
OffspringHybris
Equivalents
Roman equivalentImpietas

Family edit

According to Aeschylus, Dyssebeia was the mother of Hybris.[1]

"I have a timely word of advice: arrogance (hybris) is truly the child of impiety (dyssebia), but from health of soul comes happiness, dear to all, much prayed for."[2]

Mythology edit

Dyssebeia (Impietas) was called upon by Hera when the goddess was angry towards Heracles, Zeus's illegitimate son.[3]

"One in deep darkness buried, far down below the place of banishment of guilty souls, will I call up – the goddess Discordia/ Eris (Discord), whom a huge cavern, barred by a mountain, guards; I will bring her forth, and drag out from the deepest realm of Dis/ Hades whatever thou hast left; hateful Scelus (Crime) shall come and reckless Impietas/ Dyssebeia (Impiety), stained with kindred blood, Error/ Ate, and Furor/ Lyssa (Madness), armed ever against itself – this, this be the minister of my smarting wrath!"[4]

Notes edit

  1. ^ Aeschylus, Eumenides 533.
  2. ^ Aeschylus, Eumenides 532–534.
  3. ^ Seneca, Hercules Furens 96
  4. ^ Seneca, Hercules Furens 90–99

References edit