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Brizo/ˈbraɪzoʊ/ (Greek: Βριζώ) is an ancientGreek goddess who was known as the protector of mariners, sailors, and fishermen.[1][2][3] Brizo was also known as an oracular goddess specializing inoneiromancy.[4][3]
One of the epithets that was used in ancient Greece for the seers who specialized at the interpretation of dreams was brizomantis (βριζόμαντις).[5][6]
Brizo, in ancient greek Βριζώ /Brizṓ, derives from the verb βρίζω signifiant « to slumber ».[3]
According to the hellenistic author Semus ofDelos, Brizo was worshipped by the women of Delos, who set out food offerings in small boats. Brizo would accept anything but fish. Prayers were addressed to her to grant everything that was good, but especially to safeguard ships.[7] Along with the offerings, Lillian Lawler has suggested that a dance done by sailors at Delos was in honour of Brizo.[8] Brizo also granted oracular dreams.[7] The people of Delos maybeslept in the oracular sanctuary (manteion) mentioned in a delian inscription[9] to receive prophetic dreams from the goddess,[3] or perhaps they had those dreams in their own homes.[10][11] Given the maritime nature of Brizo's cult, it is highly likely that the Delians who experienced oracular dreams were people about to set sail and women whose husbands were lost at sea.[11]
