Story Summary
Explore the Greek myth of The Flood of Deucalion, where two survivors repopulate the earth with stones after Zeus cleanses the world of human wickedness.
When the Bronze Age of man became consumed by wickedness and impiety, Zeus grew weary of their cruelty and decided to cleanse the earth with a great deluge. Prometheus, the Titan who loved humanity, warned his son Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha of the coming doom. Deucalion constructed a sturdy wooden chest, provisioning it for the trial ahead. For nine days and nights, the heavens opened and the world was submerged until only the highest peaks remained. When the waters finally receded, the couple’s vessel came to rest on Mount Parnassus. Distraught at being the last of their kind, they sought the temple of the goddess Themis and prayed for guidance. The goddess provided a cryptic command: 'Depart from my temple and cast behind you the bones of your mother.' Realizing that the Earth is the great mother of all, Deucalion and Pyrrha began throwing stones over their shoulders. The stones thrown by Deucalion became men, and those thrown by Pyrrha became women, thus birthing a new, hardier generation of humanity.
The Moral
True piety, wisdom, and obedience to divine guidance can lead humanity through catastrophe toward a path of renewal.
“Cast behind you the bones of your mother, and let the earth be born anew.”
Fun Fact
This myth was used by ancient Greeks to explain the etymological link between the word 'laos' (people) and 'laas' (stone).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Flood of Deucalion?
The story teaches that piety and respect for the divine are essential for survival and renewal. It highlights how righteousness and intelligence can help humanity overcome even the most overwhelming disasters.
Who were Deucalion and Pyrrha?
Deucalion was the son of the Titan Prometheus, and Pyrrha was the daughter of Epimetheus and Pandora. They were chosen to survive the flood because they were the most virtuous and pious couple on earth.
Why did Zeus decide to flood the Earth?
Zeus was disgusted by the cruelty and impiety of the Bronze Age of men, specifically the crimes of King Lycaon. He intended to wipe out the corrupt race of humans and allow for a fresh start.
How did they repopulate the world?
Following the advice of the goddess Themis, they threw 'the bones of their mother'—meaning stones from the Earth—behind them. These stones miraculously transformed into a new race of human beings.
Is the Flood of Deucalion similar to Noah’s Ark?
Yes, it shares many parallels with the Biblical story, including a divine warning, a vessel used for survival, a mountain landing, and the eventual rebirth of the human race after a cleansing rain.
How long did the flood last in Greek mythology?
According to the myth, the torrential rains lasted for nine days and nine nights. The floodwaters covered nearly all the land, sparing only the highest mountain peaks like Mount Parnassus.
