Othrys
Othrys is a mountain located in eastern Thessaly, Greece, and is part of the Pindus mountain range, situated north of the Malian Gulf. The mountain holds significant cultural and mythological importance in Greek tradition, particularly relating to the tale of the Flood. According to mythology, Deucalion, the king of Achaea Phthiotis, landed on Othrys when the floodwaters receded. He performed a sacrifice at a sanctuary dedicated to Themis, following instructions from Zeus, which involved throwing stones behind him to create a new race of humans. This new race is said to have originated from the stones, and Deucalion's son (or brother), Hellen, is credited with being the namesake of the Hellenic people. Othrys thus serves as a significant landmark in Greek mythology and identity, reflecting themes of rebirth and human origins. Visitors and scholars interested in Greek mythology may find Othrys to be a compelling aspect of the region's rich cultural heritage.
Subject Terms
Othrys
Mount, in eastern Thessaly (northeastern Greece)
An offshoot of the Pindus range, north of the Malian gulf. According to the Greek tale of the Flood, it was on Othrys that Deucalion, king of the adjoining region of Achaea Phthiotis, landed his ship when the waters receded; though other mythologists name Mounts Parnassus, Acte or Aetna instead. Deucalion then offered sacrifice at a sanctuary of Themis, throwing stones behind his back—according to the instructions of Zeus—from which a new race of human beings was born. The son (or brother) of Deucalion was Hellen, after whom the Hellenic (Greek) people were said to have been named.