Oceanus & Tethys, Titan Gods of the oceans and rivers

In Greek Mythology Oceanus, or Okeanos was the eldest of the twelve Titans, children of Uranus (Ouranos) and Gaia. The Titans were a race of powerful gods who ruled ancient Greece throughout the golden age. The Titans preceeded the twelve Olympians who, led by Zeus, eventually overthrew them.

Oceanus was associated with the river Okeanos, which the ancient greeks believed completely encircled the flat earth. From this great river all other streams and springs were formed. Oceanus was also believed to regulate the rising and setting of the sun, moon and stars.

Oceanus was depicted as having the upperbody of a man, with a beard and bull horns, and the tail of a serpentine fish. Later he was shown with crab claw horns. His attributes were a serpent, an oar and school of fish.

Oceanus was said to be a mild god, when the Titans revolted against their father, Oceanus was the only one who did not attack his father. This uprising by the Titans led to their father, Uranus, having his testicles cut off and thrown into the ocean. This event was said to have triggered the birth of Venus.

Uranus and Gaia also had a daughter, the beautiful Tethys. Her name was derived from the Greek word tethe, meaning 'nurse' or 'grandmother'. She was the mother of all rivers, the goddess of fertile water, and extremely fertile she was too. Tethys and Oceanus married, yes - it was ok for brothers and sisters to do that in those days. Together they produced 3000 children. These children were known as Oceanids. Each one represented one of the 3000 rivers, springs, lakes and wells that sprang from the great river Okeanos.

Little else is known about Tethys. In some art she is pictured with no attributes, but in others Tethys is shown with dove wings protruding from her brow, these are thought to signify her role as the mother of rain clouds.

The Goddess Hera mentions Oceanus and Tethys in the Iliad book xiv when speaking of an intended journey...

to the ends of the generous earth on a visit to Okeanos, whence the gods have risen, and Tethys our mother who brought me up kindly in their own house.

It is said that Tethys nursed and protected Hera at the time of the war between the Titans and Olympians.

If you enjoyed finding out about Oceanus and Tethys, you may also enjoy reading about the Oceanids