| Geras | |
|---|---|
Personification of Old age | |
 Geras, detail of an Attic red-figure pelike, c. 480–470 BC, Louvre | |
| Abode | Erebus |
| Parents | Nyx aloneor Erebus and Nyx |
InGreek mythology,Geras (Ancient Greek:Γῆρας,romanized: Gêras,lit. 'old age') is the god ofold age. He was typically depicted as a tiny, shriveled old man. Gēras's opposite wasHebe, the goddess of youth. In Latin, he is referred to as Senectus.[1] He is known primarily from vase depictions that show him with the heroHeracles; the mythic story that inspired these depictions has been lost. Otherwise, Geras has a very limited role in both religion and mythology.
The Greek word γῆρας (gĕras) means "old age" or in some other literature "dead skin" or "slough of a snake"; this word is the root of English words such as "geriatric" and "progeria".[2]
According toHesiod, Geras is one of the many sons and daughters that the night goddessNyx produced on her own parthenogenetically.[3] However, later authorsHyginus andCicero both addErebus, Nyx's consort, as the father.[4][5]
In the myth ofTithonus, the mortal prince received immortality, but not agelessness, from the gods so when old age came to him he kept aging and shrinking but never dying. In the end his divine loverEos turned Tithonus into a cicada.[6] In several ancient Greek vases Geras is depicted fightingHeracles, although no relevant written myth survives. Geras is presented as an old, wrinkled bald man begging for mercy.[7]
Philostratus claimed that the people ofGadeira set up altars to Geras andThanatos.[8]
Geras as embodied in humans represented a virtue: the moregēras a man acquired, the morekleos (fame) andarete (excellence and courage) he was considered to have. Inancient Greek literature, the related wordgéras (γέρας) can also carry the meaning of influence, authority or power; especially that derived from fame, good looks and strength claimed through success in battle or contest. Such uses of this meaning can be found inHomer'sOdyssey, throughout which there is an evident concern from the various kings about thegéras they will pass to their sons through their names.[9] The concern is significant because kings at this time (such as Odysseus) are believed to have ruled by common assent in recognition of their powerful influence, rather thanhereditarily.[10][11]
Geras could refer to the treasure that was awarded during battles in Ancient Greece. After a battle, the victorious power would collect the captured gold, treasure, and other valuable artefacts. It would then be divided between the victors according to their timê or honour; the greater the honour, the greater the level of Geras that would be gained.
In Homer's Iliad, Agamemnon and Achilles fall out over a dispute of the return Chryses' daughter and taking Briseis in exchange (Book 1); Achilles sees Agamemnon taking his Gera as an affront to his pride and honour. Similarly, in many Hellenic cultures, it is customary to take the armour of a defeated enemy, a form of Gera, such as in Book 16 with Hector and Patroclus fighting over the body of Cebriones, son of Priam - King of Troy.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Media related toGeras at Wikimedia Commons