Overview
The lecture covers the origin, characteristics, myths, and cultural impact of Lamia, a female monster from Greek mythology known for devouring children and seducing young men.
Origins and Etymology
- Lamia is a female monster from Greek mythology, possibly inspired by the Mesopotamian demon Lamashtu.
- The name may derive from the Greek word for "jaw," referencing her method of devouring victims.
Attributes and Appearance
- Lamia is usually depicted as an ugly female monster with detachable eyes and a terrible stench.
- She often preys upon children, snatching them from their mothers for consumption.
- In later stories, Lamia can shape-shift into a beautiful woman to seduce and destroy young men.
- Some accounts describe Lamia as part-serpent below the waist, with snake-like features and sharp claws.
- Few artistic depictions exist, but some vase paintings may show Lamia as a hairy female monster.
Locales and Family
- Lamia is sometimes linked to Libya, North Africa, or central Italy, with several places named after her.
- Her possible parents include Poseidon, Belus, or Libya; her consort is Zeus, and her children include Scylla and the Libyan Sibyl.
Mythology and Stories
- Lamia's myth varies, including being a Libyan queen loved by Zeus and punished by Hera, leading her to become a child-eating spirit.
- In some versions, Hera kills Lamia’s children or drives her mad, and Zeus allows Lamia to remove her eyes for relief.
- Lamia or similar monsters appear in hero myths, such as Coroebus of Argos and Eurybatus of Crissa, where heroes defeat her to end her terror.
- Lamia became associated with witchcraft and merged with other child-snatching spirits like Mormo and Gello in later folklore.
Lamia in Pop Culture
- Lamia persists in Greek folklore and has influenced vampire and succubus legends.
- Modern adaptations include poems, novels, operas, and films, such as Rick Riordan’s The Demigod Diaries and the 2009 film Drag Me to Hell.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Lamia — A female monster or spirit in Greek mythology who preyed on children and, later, young men.
- Shape-shift — The ability to change physical form, often used by Lamia to seduce victims.
- Lamashtu — A Mesopotamian demon similar to Lamia, known for killing children.
- Succubus — A female demon or spirit that seduces men, often associated with Lamia in later tales.
- Mormo/Gello — Other child-eating spirits in Greek mythology, sometimes conflated with Lamia.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review myths involving Argos and Crissa for heroic encounters with Lamia.
- Compare Lamia’s origin to Lamashtu for similarities in mythological archetypes.
- Read up on Lamia’s influence in modern literature and film.