Overview
This lecture covers Lamia, a figure from Greek mythology known as a child-eating monster, tracing her origins, transformation, serpentine connections, folkloric uses, and cultural impact through history and modern times.
Lamia in Greek Mythology
- Lamia was originally a beautiful Libyan queen who became a monster after Hera killed or kidnapped her children.
- Driven insane by grief, Lamia began devouring other people's children.
- Lamia was cursed with insomnia by Hera; Zeus gave her the ability to remove her eyes and granted her prophecy.
- Lamia is often depicted with serpentine features, sometimes as half-woman, half-snake.
- Over time, Lamia became a type of night spirit or daimon that haunted and harmed children.
Lamia in Classical and Hellenistic Traditions
- Aristotle and others described Lamia as a monster that killed pregnant women and unborn children.
- In some rationalized accounts, Lamia's savage behavior and blindness were symbolic or metaphorical.
- Lamia was sometimes considered the queen of the man-eating Laestrygonians.
- Aristophanes mentioned “Lamia’s testicles,” creating ambiguity in Lamia’s gender.
- Lamia became a generic term for a class of child-devouring monsters, synonymous with Mormo, Gello, and Empusa.
Folklore and Later Traditions
- Lamia was used as a bogeyman in Greek folklore to scare children into obedience.
- Later, Lamia was depicted as a seductress that preyed on young men, leading to their death.
- In Philostratus’ story, Apollonius of Tyana exposed a Lamia/Empusa for luring men for their blood.
- The Lamia myth influenced John Keats’ poem "Lamia" and later artworks.
Identification and Characteristics
- Lamia is closely associated with serpentine, vampiric, or dragon-like aspects.
- Some myths describe Lamia as having a woman's torso and a snake’s lower body.
- Lamia is often likened to Medusa and other mythological monsters with removable eyes and serpentine features.
- In medieval and Renaissance literature, Lamia was linked to witches and hypocrisy.
Modern Influence and Popular Culture
- Lamia appears in various literature, art, movies, and video games as a child-eating monster, witch, or vampiric seductress.
- Modern Greek folklore retains Lamia as a dirty, gluttonous, and foolish monster that causes sudden death in children.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Lamia — A child-eating monster from Greek mythology, later seen as a night-haunting spirit.
- Daimon — Supernatural being or spirit in Greek mythology.
- Empusa — Shape-shifting demoness, sometimes synonymous with Lamia.
- Bogeyman — Legendary creature used to frighten children.
- Anguipedal — Having a serpent's body for the lower half.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review “Lamia” by John Keats for literary interpretation.
- Compare Lamia’s traits with other mythical monsters (Medusa, Empusa, Mormo).
- Consider Lamia's depiction in modern media for ongoing cultural impact.