Brizo /ˈbraɪzoʊ/ (Greek: Βριζώ; derived from Ancient Greek word βρίζω meaning "to slumber") is an ancient Greek goddess who was known as the protector of mariners, sailors, and fishermen.[1][2][3] Brizo was also known as a prophet specializing in the interpretation of dreams[4] and she would interpret the dreams of humans as a prophecy.[5]
Worship[edit]
She was worshipped primarily by the women of Delos, who set out food offerings in small boats. Brizo would accept anything but fish.[6] The offerings would grant everything good and she might grant ships safe passage.[7] Along with the offerings, the sailors would do dances meant for Brizo as the dances were not from festivals and only suited her. There were two or three separate dances, not just one specific dance.[8]
Brizo was associated with four cults, those of Apollo, Dionysus, Demeter, and Hecate. The cult of Apollo saw her as the mother of the Sibyls. The cult of Dionysus saw her as the mother of Maenads. The cult of Demeter saw her as the mother of the Melissae. The cult of Hecate saw her as the mother of the Fates. All these cults saw her as the mother of the gods’ prophetic priestesses or their own oracles.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ "Dictionary of Classical Antiquities". Archived from the original on 2011-06-05.
- ^ "Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898), Brizo". Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Talks, Religious (2017-09-29). "Brizo greek goddess - the protector of mariners". Religious Talks. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Greek Divination". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
- ^ "Brizo - Greek Goddess of the Sea and Dreams • Facts and Information on the Goddess Brizo - Greek Goddess of the Sea and Dreams". Greek Gods & Goddesses. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Brizo".
- ^ "Harry".
- ^ Lawler, Lillian B. (1944). "The Dance of the Ancient Mariners". Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association. 75: 20–33. doi:10.2307/283307. ISSN 0065-9711. JSTOR 283307.
- ^ "Brizo greek goddess - the protector of mariners".