The notion that “Zeus feared Nyx” is a common reference, yet its origin is seldom cited directly. This concept can be traced back to a passage in the Iliad, which states:
“…Zeus, stirred by anger, searched through his dwelling, seeking above all for me [Hypnos], and would have cast me into the abyss of the ocean from the sky, had not Night, who commands both gods and mortals, saved me. In my flight, I reached her, and Zeus, though enraged, restrained himself, mindful of swift Night’s might.”
—The Iliad 14, 256–261
This excerpt offers the primary basis for the idea.
Many interpret the information handed down through generations, assuming that Nyx possesses formidable “powers” to withstand Zeus in confrontation. In actuality, the idea that gods possess distinct “powers” is largely a misunderstanding. Unlike the superheroes of modern fantasy, gods are not bound by explicit powers or rules. Instead, they embody domains—elements of existence with which they are intrinsically linked.
Nyx signifies the night itself. She transcends being merely the goddess of night; she embodies night. When darkness descends, it is a manifestation of Nyx’s essence. This isn’t a superpower; rather, it is her inherent nature. The Protogonoi, or primordial deities, are often overstated among contemporary enthusiasts of mythology. Most only exist to be what they are without engaging in actions or feats. Nyx’s appearances in mythology are scant, making her exceptional references noteworthy.
So, what accounts for Zeus’s hesitance to provoke her? The text does not clarify. Attempting to gauge the power dynamics among deities is inherently flawed, as mythology lacks consistent metrics for ranking them. The closest metric available lies in the political hierarchy among the gods. Zeus occupies the top position in this structure, yet he remains cautious about the realms of other gods, particularly when disturbing them could jeopardize his dominion or disrupt the balance of nature. It is likely that Zeus honors Nyx due to her status as an ancient deity, who—according to some accounts—was the ruler of the universe before he rose to power. This dynamic resembles a grandmotherly figure, casting a discerning glance at him, implying, “I existed long before your time.” Therefore, it is wise to tread carefully around her.
