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- Dictionarychthonic/ˈ(k)θɒnɪk/
adjective
- 1. relating to or inhabiting the underworld: "a chthonic deity"
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relating to or living in the underworld (= the place in ancient stories where the spirits of the dead go): In older Greek and Hellenistic cults, the snake was worshipped as a symbol of the chthonic deity. Fewer examples. In the Odyssey, gulls are associated with Calypso and are chthonic birds.
Chthonic might seem a lofty and learned word, but it's actually pretty down-to-earth in its origin and meaning. It comes from chthōn , which means "earth" in Greek, and it is associated with things that dwell in or under the earth.
In Greek, chthonic is a descriptive word for things relating to the underworld and can be used in the context of chthonic gods, chthonic rituals, chthonic cults, and more. This is as compared to the more commonly referred-to Olympic gods and their associated rites and cults.
relating to or living in the underworld (= the place in ancient stories where the spirits of the dead go): In older Greek and Hellenistic cults, the snake was worshiped as a symbol of the chthonic deity. Fewer examples. In the Odyssey, gulls are associated with Calypso and are chthonic birds.
Something chthonic dwells beneath the earth. This word usually refers to mythological creatures, but you could also refer to your creepy basement as chthonic. Ever heard about the mole men who live underneath the ground in tunnels? Or the mutants who live in the sewers? Or even the Fraggles?
Jun 6, 2024 · chthonic, of or relating to earth, particularly the Underworld. Chthonic figures in Greek mythology included Hades and Persephone, the rulers of the Underworld, and the various heroes venerated after death; even Zeus, the king of the sky, had earthly associations and was venerated as Zeus Chthonius.
Jun 2, 2024 · Dwelling within or under the earth. [from late 18th c.] The young pantheon had remanded their elders to the role of smouldering, chthonic gods; to inhabiting dark, deep places, hidden from mortal eyes and influence.
Dark, primitive, and mysterious. Dwelling within or under the earth. The young pantheon had remanded their elders to the role of smouldering, chthonic gods; to inhabiting dark, deep places, hidden from mortal eyes and influence.
Define chthonic. chthonic synonyms, chthonic pronunciation, chthonic translation, English dictionary definition of chthonic. also chtho·ni·an adj. Greek Mythology Of or relating to the underworld. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
The earliest known use of the adjective chthonic is in the 1880s. OED's earliest evidence for chthonic is from 1882, in the writing of Charles Francis Keary, numismatist and writer. chthonic is a borrowing from Greek, combined with an English element.
