Cannabaceae

Detail of an earring showing a figure of Eros holding an iynx toy. Created in Northern Greece, c. 330–300 BC[1]

In Greek mythology, Iynx (Greek: Ἴϋγξ, translit. Íÿnx) was an Arcadian Oread nymph; a daughter of the god Pan and Echo. In popular myth, she used an enchantment to cast a spell on Zeus, which caused him to fall in love with Io. In consequence of this, Hera metamorphosed her into the bird called iynx (Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla).[2]

Mythology[edit]

Iynx was an Arcadian nymph and the daughter of Pan and Echo, or Peitho.[3] She was the creator of a magical love-charm known as the iynx—a spinning wheel with a wryneck bird attached. Iynx used her enchantments to make Zeus fall in love with her or with the nymph Io. Hera was enraged and transformed her into a wryneck bird.[4]

According to another story, she was a daughter of Pierus, and as she and her sisters had presumed to enter into a musical contest with the Muses, she was changed into the bird iynx.[5] This bird, the symbol of passionate and restless love, was given by Aphrodite to Jason, who, by turning it round and pronouncing certain magic words, excited the love of Medea.[6]

Magic wheel[edit]

Iynx (bird wheel), a magic love charm. From Sterea Hellas Evoia, late 8th or early 7th century BC

Iynx toys were small metal or wooden discs rotated by pulling attached strings, in a manner similar to more modern button whirligig toys.[7]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "Пара серег" (in Russian). Retrieved 2021-07-26.
  2. ^ Scholia on Theocritus, 2.17, on Pindar, Pythian Ode 4.380, Nemean Ode 4.56; Tzetzes on Lycophron, 310. (cited in Smith)
  3. ^ Tzetzes on Lycophron, 310
  4. ^ "II. Epistula IIb ad Serapionem und Epistula III ad Serapionem", Athanasius Werke Band 1, Teil 1: Epistulae I-IV ad Serapionem, Berlin, New York: De Gruyter, pp. 418–424, 2010, doi:10.1515/9783110227710.32, ISBN 978-3-11-022771-0, retrieved 2021-02-09
  5. ^ Antoninus Liberalis, 9 (cited in Smith) with reference to Nicander, Metamorphoses Book 4
  6. ^ Pindar, Pythian Ode 4. 380, &c.; Tzetzes on Lycophron, 310 (cited in Smith)
  7. ^ Hoorn, Gerard van (1951). Choes and Anthesteria. Brill Archive. Retrieved 22 August 2022.

References[edit]

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One thought on “Cannabaceae

  1. Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
    View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction

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