In one Greek creation myth, Oceanus, not Gaia, is the source of life, the origin of everything. Even in the more familiar myth with Gaia, Oceanus is the source of all waters, salt and sweet: in ancient Greek cosmologies, Earth’s fresh water flowed from Oceanus’ horn. When Zeus assumed command, he did not banish Oceanus with the rest of the Titans. Oceanus flows around the outermost edge of Earth; he is the boundary and threshold between our world and whatever is beyond.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Okeanos
ORIGIN:
Greece
CLASSIFICATION:
Titan
MANIFESTATION:
Oceanus is the ocean but also appears in the form of an old man with shaggy white hair and a beard. He has bull’s horns, and may have a lobster claw for a hand.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Oceanus often resembles the Green Man but with a seaweed beard rather than leaves.
Consort:
Tethys
ATTRIBUTE:
Horn
Creature:
Dolphin
SEE ALSO:
- Amphitrite
- Green Man
- Oceanids
- Tethys
- Titans
- Zeus
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.