Scylla (Origin)
nymphScylla was originally a beautiful sea nymph who was transformed into a six-headed monster by the jealous Circe or Amphitrite.
The Myth
Glaucus, a sea god, fell in love with Scylla and asked Circe for a love potion. Circe, who desired Glaucus herself, instead poisoned the pool where Scylla bathed. When Scylla entered the water, six monstrous dogs sprouted from her waist. Horrified, she threw herself into the strait between Italy and Sicily and became the cliff-dwelling monster that devoured sailors.
Parents
Phorcys and Crataiis
Symbols
Fun Fact
Scylla's origin as a beautiful nymph transformed by jealousy mirrors many Greek myths — beauty attracting divine attention and jealous destruction.
Explore Further
Circe
godA powerful sorceress who lived on the island of Aeaea. Circe transformed Odysseus's men into swine...
Scylla
creatureA terrifying sea monster with six heads on long necks, each with three rows of teeth. She lived in...
Alcyone
nymphAlcyone and her husband Ceyx called themselves Zeus and Hera; as punishment, both were transformed...
Amphitrite
nymphAmphitrite was the Nereid who became queen of the sea as Poseidon's wife.
Arethusa
nymphArethusa was a nymph of Artemis who was pursued by the river god Alpheus and transformed into a...
Calliope
nymphCalliope was the chief of the nine Muses, presiding over epic poetry — she inspired Homer and was...