Libya (mythology)

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In Greek mythology, Libya, like Ethiopia or Scythia was one of the mythic outlands that encircled the familiar Greek world of the Hellenes and their "foreign" neighbors.

Personified as an individual, Libya was the daughter of Epaphus — a son of Zeus and King of Egypt — and Memphis. Libya was ravished by the god Poseidon to whom she bore twin sons, Belus and Agenor. Some sources name a third son, named Lelex. Such genealogies, when applied to a personification of a land, were suggestive to Greek audiences, but need some explication for ordinary modern readers. (also some cautious explanation of the cultural / legendary meaning of this Argive genealogy is needed )

In Roman mythology, Libya was the daughter of Epaphus, King of Egypt, and his wife Cassiopeia. She married Neptune, a foreigner of much power who's real name is unknown. Libya and Neptune had a son called Busiris, whom became a brutal tyrant of Upper Egypt.

The territory that she ruled of Ancient Libya and the country of modern day Libya are named after her.

Ancient map from Herodotus showing the area of Libya in north Africa, circa 450 BC.

Notes

References

• Isidore, Etymologiae xiv.4.1, 5.1
• Augustine, De civitate dei xviii.12
• Lactantius Placidus, Commentarii in Sattii Thebaida iv.737

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