Definition

Proper noun 1. The primordial sky god in Greek mythology: Ouranos (also spelled Uranus) is the personification of the sky and heavens. He is one of the primordial deities, born from Chaos, and is the son and husband of Gaea (Earth). He is the father of the Titans, the Cyclopes, and the Hecatoncheires.

Usage Notes

• "Ouranos" is the original Greek name for the deity. The Latinized version, "Uranus," is more commonly used in English, especially in astronomical contexts (e.g., the planet Uranus).
• In mythological texts, "Ouranos" is used to refer specifically to the Greek god, distinguishing him from other sky gods in different pantheons.
• It is typically used with a capital 'O' as it is a proper noun.

Examples

• In Hesiod's , Ouranos is described as covering the earth completely.
• The myth tells that Ouranos feared his children and imprisoned them within Gaea, causing her great pain.
• Ouranos was overthrown by his son, the Titan Cronus.

Advanced Usage

• "The castration of Ouranos": A pivotal event in Greek mythology where Cronus, aided by Gaea, castrates Ouranos. This act separates the sky (Ouranos) from the earth (Gaea) and leads to the birth of Aphrodite and other beings from his blood and semen.
  • The castration of Ouranos is a fundamental myth explaining the separation of heaven and earth.

Variants and Related Words

• Uranus: The Latinized/Romanized name for Ouranos. Commonly used in astronomy.
• Uranian (adj): Pertaining to the heavens or to the planet Uranus. In some contexts, it can relate to Ouranos.
  • The Uranian cycle refers to the orbit of the planet.

Synonyms

• Sky Father: A general term for a supreme sky god in various mythologies (e.g., Zeus, Jupiter, Dyaus Pitar).
• Caelus: The Roman god of the sky, often equated with Ouranos/Uranus.

Related Concepts and Phrases

• Primordial deities: The first gods to emerge from Chaos, including Ouranos, Gaea, Tartarus, Eros, and Nyx.
• The Ouranides: A name sometimes used for the children of Ouranos, particularly the Titans.
• Heaven and Earth: A common mythological pairing representing the union and subsequent separation of Ouranos (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth).

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) god of the heavens; son and husband of Gaea and father of the Titans in ancient mythology