Cephissus
River god of the Cephissus, the principal river of Attica and Boeotia.
The Myth of Cephissus
Cephissus was one of the most important river gods of central Greece, his sacred waters flowing through the plain near Delphi and past Athens itself. By the nymph Liriope, he fathered Narcissus — the beautiful youth who spurned all lovers, including the nymph Echo, until Aphrodite or Artemis cursed him to fall in love with his own reflection. Narcissus wasted away staring into a pool and was transformed into the flower bearing his name. Cephissus was also connected to the great sanctuary at Delphi, where Apollo's oracle drew pilgrims from across the Greek world. His river was considered holy, and offerings were cast into its waters before consulting the Pythia.
Parents
Oceanus, Tethys
Children
Narcissus
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Cephissus still flows through modern Athens, though much of it now runs underground beneath the city's streets.
Explore Further
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