Greek Mythology >> Nymphs >> Oreads >> Anthracia (Anthrakia)

ANTHRAKIA

Greek Name

Ανθρακια

Transliteration

Anthrakia

Latin Spelling

Anthracia

Translation

Burning Charcoal, Embers (anthrakia)

ANTHRAKIA (Anthracia) was a nymph of Mount Lykaios (Lycaeus) in Arkadia (southern Greece). She was one of the Arkadian nurses of the infant god Zeus. Her attribute was a burning-torch which suggests she was an Oread or Dryad tree-nymph.

PARENTS

Nowhere stated

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 47. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :
"[In the temple of Athene in Tegea, Arkadia :] Represented on the altar are Rhea and the nymphe Oinoe holding the baby Zeus. On either side are four figures : on one, Glauke (Glauce), Neda, Theisoa and Anthrakia (Anthracia); on the other Ide (Ida), Hagno, Alkinoe (Alcinoe) and Phrixa."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 31. 4 :
"[In the sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone in Megalopolis, Arkadia :] The table also has a representation of Nymphai (Nymphs), Neda carrying the infant Zeus and another Arkadian Nymphe Anthrakia (Anthracia) holding a torch, and Hagno with a water-jar in one hand and a drinking cup in the other; Ankhiroe (Anchiroe) and Myrtoessa are carrying water-jars and in fact water is pouring down from them."