Libya (daughter of Epaphus)

For the present-day North African nation, see Libya.

For other uses, see Libya (Greek myth).

For other uses, see Lybie.

Libya (Ancient Greek: Λιβύη, romanized: Libýē) is the daughter of Epaphus, King of Egypt, in both Greek and Roman mythology. She personified the land of Ancient Libya in North Africa, and was considered by the Greeks to be the origin of the name of what is now Libya.

Modern representation of the geography in Herodotus's Histories, showing the area of Libya in north Africa, circa 450 BC

Mythology

As with much of Africa, the region of Libya was viewed in the lens of Greek mythology as a distant place. While Greeks are known to have been in contact with Africa since at least the Bronze Age,^[1] trade was largely centered on exchange with Egypt, from which it is likely that the term Libya actually originates (specifically in reference to the tribe of Libu).

Personified as an individual, Libya was the daughter of Epaphus, the mythological king of Egypt and alleged founder of the city of Memphis. The mother of Libya is disputed, with some texts declaring her mother to be Memphis, daughter of the river-god Nilus.^[2] In Hyginus' Fabulae^[3] as well as Isidore of Seville's Etymologies,^[4] her mother was called Cassiopeia.

Libya was ravished by the god Poseidon to whom she bore twin sons, Belus^[5] and Agenor.^[6] Some sources name a third son, named Lelex.^[7] According to late accounts, Lybee (Libya) consorted instead with Zeus and became the mother of Belus.^[8]

Libya is also the mother of Calliste by Triton.^[9]

Argive genealogy in Greek mythology

Argive genealogy in Greek mythology

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Inachus Melia Zeus Io Phoroneus Epaphus Memphis Libya Poseidon Belus Achiroë Agenor Telephassa Danaus Elephantis Aegyptus Cadmus Cilix Europa Phoenix Mantineus Hypermnestra Lynceus Harmonia Zeus Polydorus Sparta Lacedaemon Ocalea Abas Agave Sarpedon Rhadamanthus Autonoë Eurydice Acrisius Ino Minos Zeus Danaë Semele Zeus Perseus Dionysus

Colour key:   Male   Female   Deity