#Thinking Of Getting Into Diety Work And Have Much Respect For Thanatos

#Thinking of getting into Diety work and have much respect for Thanatos

Thanatos Deity Guide

Who is Thanatos?

Thanatos is the personification or the spirit of death. In this way, Thanatos is considered a daimon in the original meaning, a spirit.

Thanatos was often depicted as a young male with wings, but occasionally he was depicted as an older man with a beard. He as well as his twin brother, Hypnos, are seen in ancient art holding torches turned upside down.

His role in mythology is a psychopomp—a being who carries the souls of the dead to the underworld. Though he was often referred to in myths, he rarely appeared physically.

Parents and Siblings

Nyx (mother)

Erebos (father in some myths)

with his being mother, Nyx, has many siblings. Most notibly:

Hypnos (twin brother)

The Keres (sisters)

Geras (brother)

Eris (sister)

Nemesis (sister)

The Moirai (sisters)

Apate (sister)

Charon (brother)

Lovers or Partners

Makaria according to some

Children

None

Epithets

Mors (Roman)

Letum (Roman)

Paian (Healer or Striker)

Acherontis (Woeful)

Leukokhrotos (White-Skin)

Notes

Though there are no ancient cults known to be dedicated to Thanatos, there have been traces of sacrifices left to him as well as a temple in Sparta.

In one myth, Zeus commands Hypnos and Thanatos to carry the dead body of the warrior Sarpedon off of the battlefield and to the country of Lykia so that he could be given a proper burial.

Other popular stories involving Thanatos are the story of Sisyphus and the story of Hercules wrestling Thanatos.

Thanatos has been depicted in art as a youth holding a butterfly or an inverted torch. The former represents a soul (the greek word for butterfly can also mean life or soul), and the ladder represents a life having been extinguished. He is also seen with a wreath of poppies or a sword.

In art and literature, Thanatos is also depicted as a cloud or mist that hangs above a person’s head who is soon to die.

He lives in the Underworld with his twin brother.

In some myths he is considered cruel, in others, he is considered sweet, as he is peaceful death. The descriptors chosen would likely depend on the writer’s outlook on death.

Modern Deity Work

Since there is very little record of historical record, this list has been compiled based on Thanatos' myths as well as what is known about him historically. In this list I have also compiled items from modern witches' posts about Thanatos, these posts will be in the References and Further Reading section.

Rocks/Stone/Crystals

Porphyry

Onyx

Obsidian

Iron

Bronze

Herbs/Plants

Poppy

Cypress

Animals

Butterfly

Snakes

Vultures

Crows

Symbols

Upside down torch

Sword

Butterfly

Wreath of poppies

Offerings

Any of the items or depictions of the items listed above.

Dead things that died naturally or peacefully. Or dead things that were ethically sourced.

It was common for Greeks to offer honey, olive oil, freshwater, and milk to their deities.

An altar or corner of your personal altar dedicated to him.

Jewelry dedicated to him.

Bones

Acts of Devotion

Learn about him, his brother, and his mother.

Learn about thanatology (study of death and dying)

Take care of those in hospice.

Show respect and appreciation for hospice workers.

References and Further Reading

Britannica

Theoi Project

Greek Mythology

World History

Mythus

The Underworld Oracle

Amino - Thana

Devotee of Thanatos - Tumblr

If you or anyone you know works with Thanatos and you welcome questions about him please feel free to reach out to me so that I can add you to this post!