Greek Mythology >> Greek Gods >> Daemones (Spirits) >> Palioxis

PALIOXIS

Greek Name

Παλιωξις

Transliteration

Paliôxis

Latin Spelling

Palioxis

Translation

Backrush, Retreat

PALIOXIS was the personified spirit (daimona) of backrush, flight and retreat in battle. She and her sister Proioxis (Onrush) presided over the surge of battle. She was probably numbered amongst the Makhai (Machae), daimones of the battlefield.

PARENTS

Perhaps a daughter of ERIS, though nowhere stated

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Hesiod, Shield of Heracles 139 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) :
"[Depicted on the shield of Herakles :] In his hands he [Herakles] took his shield, all glittering: no one ever broke it with a blow or crushed it. And a wonder it was to see . . . In the centre was Phobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable, staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow hovered frightful Eris (Battle-Strife) who arrays the throng of men: pitiless she, for she took away the mind and senses of poor wretches who made war against the son of Zeus . . . Upon the shield Proioxis (Onrush) and Palioxis (Backrush) were wrought, and Homados (Tumult), and Phobos (Panic), and Androktasia (Slaughter). Eris (Battle-Strife) also, and Kydoimos (Confusion) were hurrying about, and deadly Ker (Fate) was there holding one man newly wounded."