Story Summary
Discover Deucalion's Flood, the Greek myth where Zeus cleanses the world. Follow Deucalion and Pyrrha as they survive the deluge to rebuild humanity with stones.
In the ancient days of the Bronze Age, Zeus grew weary of the wickedness and hubris of mankind. To cleanse the earth, he unleashed a torrential deluge that submerged the mountains and drowned the valleys. Only two souls were spared: Deucalion, the son of Prometheus, and his wife Pyrrha. Warned by the foresight of Prometheus, they had built a sturdy chest and stocked it with provisions. For nine days and nights, they tossed upon the dark waves until the chest came to rest on the peaks of Mount Parnassus. As the waters receded, they found a world silent and empty. Desperate, they prayed at the temple of Themis, asking how to restore the human race. The goddess gave a cryptic command: 'Depart from my temple and throw behind you the bones of your great mother.' At first horrified by the thought of desecrating graves, Deucalion realized the 'great mother' was Gaia, the Earth, and her 'bones' were the stones of the ground. As they walked, the stones Deucalion threw became men, and those Pyrrha threw became women, creating a new, resilient generation from the very bedrock of the world.
The Moral
Piety, resourcefulness, and a deep respect for the natural world can bring hope and renewal even after the greatest catastrophes.
“Depart from my temple and throw behind you the bones of your great mother.”
Fun Fact
This myth explains why the Greek word for 'people' (laos) is etymologically similar to the word for 'stone' (laas).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Deucalion's Flood?
The moral is that survival and rebirth are possible through piety and obedience to divine wisdom. It also suggests that humanity is fundamentally connected to the earth itself.
Who warned Deucalion about the flood?
Deucalion was warned by his father, the Titan Prometheus. Prometheus possessed the gift of foresight and instructed his son to build a chest to survive Zeus's wrath.
How did Deucalion and Pyrrha repopulate the Earth?
They followed the instructions of the goddess Themis by throwing stones over their shoulders. The stones thrown by Deucalion became men, and those thrown by Pyrrha became women.
How does Deucalion's Flood compare to Noah's Ark?
Both stories involve a divine decision to punish humanity with water, a warned survivor building a vessel, and the landing on a mountain peak. However, the method of repopulation differs significantly.
Why did Zeus decide to flood the world?
Zeus was disgusted by the cruelty and lack of piety shown by the people of the Bronze Age. He intended to wipe out the corrupt race to make room for a better one.
What mountain did Deucalion land on?
Most versions of the myth state that Deucalion and Pyrrha landed on Mount Parnassus, though some traditions suggest Mount Etna or Mount Othrys.